Robert stumbled through the portal, emerging not in a dank dungeon but a quaint village. Dirt roads wound between simple homes, and a verdant forest stretched beyond the village’s edge. As he ventured deeper, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air.

A horrific scene unfolded before him: a family was under attack by skeletal warriors, commanded by a grotesque goblin shaman. Without hesitation, Robert unleashed a burst of radiant energy, decimating the attacking skeleton. A flurry of spells followed, swiftly neutralizing the remaining threats.

Turning to the terrified family, Robert offered aid. "Are you alright?" he asked

"Xal'thak, n'zarth, k'thr'lak, y'thr'lth." the man replied.

"Hal, I cannot understand them," Robert said

They are speaking System Common. Normally, you would learn the language beforehand, but due to the early deployment, you were not granted it. One moment and I'll seek to correct that.

System Override Requested!

Override Approved!

Basic System Language Pack Granted!

New Skills Learned!

Suddenly, he could understand their words. "Are you okay, stranger?" the woman inquired. "Yes, I’m fine. I apologize for the language barrier," Robert replied. "But we’re speaking Common, everyone knows Common," the man exclaimed, perplexed.

"I’m new to the System, my Universe is still integrating. I haven’t been granted the language yet," Robert explained. "You’re a Forerunner," the man realized, awe in his voice. "A Forerunner. I’ve never met one before."

Forerunning is the system label given to identify people like you who are the first system users for a universe. While not common, it's a known event.

"What’s happening here?" Robert asked. "Are you injured? I can heal you."

“We’re fine, thank goodness,” the man replied. “Monsters started attacking the village. We were just heading inside when they found us.”

“I should continue on to see if there are others I can help. Will you be okay?” Robert asked, his voice filled with worry. "by the way, my name is Robert, Robert Williams."

“We’ll be fine. This is our home. We’ll head inside. Just be careful,” the man warned. “The village elder and the guard should be at the town center. You might want to check there.”

"Also it is nice to meet you, Robert, my name is Kael, and this is my wife Elara, and our daughter Lyra. We are going to head in, please be careful."

With that, the family retreated into their home, the sound of furniture being moved to barricade the door echoing through the air. Robert, after securing the area and gathering the loot from the bodies, headed towards the town center, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Headed toward the center of the village, he came across two other families, all of which were dead, he spotted the attacking forces nearby and engaged, taking them all out.

"Hal, is this real, are these poor people really dead?" Robert asked Hal with sadness in his voice.

I'm afraid so Robert, this is a real System World and these are real people.

"But how, I'm only level 12 and these things are no match for me, these people should be more powerful by far." Robert asked with confusion.

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You have a powerful mage class, good gear, and high skills, that first family you found, the man was a farmer, the woman a seamstress, and the child was a child. I can tell you that the man was level 26 and the woman level 21, but they have no combat skills. Like in your world, these people depend on others to protect them. In your case it's the police, here it's the guard.

Robert forced a sad smile. "It makes sense," he mumbled, quickening his steps. At the next intersection, dread washed over him. Another family. The man, felled by a skeletal warrior. The woman, a scream torn from her throat.

Fury surged through Robert. Ignoring the woman's panicked shouts, he unleashed a torrent of profanities as he unleashed a barrage of bolt spells at the skeletons. As the skeletal horde faltered, Robert charged forward, his sword a blur of motion. He ignored the skeletal swipes as he focused on the grotesque goblin. Steel met bone, a symphony of violence until the goblin lay still. Then, back to the remaining skeletons, spells flying until silence fell.

Rushing to the fallen man, Robert channeled his most potent healing spell. But nothing happened. A chilling voice echoed in his mind,

I'm sorry, Robert, but you currently lack the power to bring back the dead.

Despair crushed him. He sank to his knees, tears welling up. Looking at the woman, he choked out, "I'm so sorry. If I'd only moved faster..."

"Stranger, stop!" the woman's voice, though shaken, held a surprising strength. "This was not your fault. You saved me and my children. That's all that matters." She took her husband's hand, her grip tight with grief.

Taking a deep breath, Robert asked, a flicker of hope returning, "Is there somewhere you can hide? Somewhere safe?"

"Yes," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Our home is nearby. I'll take the children and wait there until this madness ends. Thank you, stranger. Thank you for everything." With a final sob, she let go of her husband's hand, scooped up her children, and disappeared into the maze of houses.

Robert stood alone, the weight of responsibility and grief settling on him. He had saved some, but not all. It was a heavy burden to carry, but he knew he had to keep moving. He had to help whoever else he could. With renewed determination, he turned towards the town center, the heart of the battle yet to be fought.

Robert pressed on, urgency propelling him forward. Looting was a luxury he couldn’t afford. As he rounded the last house, the village center came into view. A small, two-story building, likely the village hall, stood at the heart, flanked by an inn and a general store. A fierce battle raged before the hall. Five defenders, outnumbered by a horde of skeletal warriors and goblin shamans, fought valiantly.

A goblin shaman unleashed a dark bolt, striking down one of the defenders. Seizing the opportunity, Robert charged, his sword a blur. He dispatched the nearest goblin swiftly, catching the remaining goblins off guard. This brief respite allowed the defenders to retreat and tend to their wounded comrade.

Now the focus of the goblin shamans’ attention, Robert dodged their spells, his protective magic barely holding. Desperate, he began to channel a powerful nature spell, but reinforcements arrived, doubling the goblin horde.

Just as hope dwindled, an old man emerged from the village hall. With a shattered glass orb, he summoned a blinding light.

Blessing of the Orb of Sacrifice received. All stats +10, Health +200, Mana recharged, Greater shield of Protection granted. 30 seconds remaining

A divine blessing enveloped Robert, granting him incredible power. With renewed vigor, he cut through the goblin horde, a whirlwind of steel and magic. The remaining skeletons, overwhelmed by the defenders, fell one by one. The battle was over.

As quickly as it had come, the blessing faded. Robert stumbled, his strength waning. A kind defender rushed to his aid. “Careful, stranger. You pushed yourself beyond your limits. You’ll need time to recover.” Robert nodded weakly, sheathing his sword. With grateful thanks, he allowed the defender to guide him into the village hall.

Level Up!

With an incredible show of Willpower, Will Power +1