It was just another Monday morning.
Adrian woke up at 6 a.m. sharp, prepared his morning coffee, sifted through his closet full of the same mundane black and white outfits, drank his morning coffee, took a shower, got dressed, and exited his apartment at 6:30 a.m. It was a routine he was used to, and it was a routine he wasn’t going to be breaking any time soon.
Having worked for the same boss in the same company for the better part of a decade, he had no intention of changing things. He would take the same 6:40 a.m. train that always came five minutes late, take an electric scooter from the train station to his office, arrive at the desk at 7:30 a.m., work his eight hour shift, go out for dinner with his colleagues, drink and get buzzed, then return back home by 7 p.m. just in time to watch some sports or play some video games, before he passed out for the night.
This repeated for five days of the week until the weekend came. During the weekend, he would hit the gym, call his single mother, and watch whatever shows were airing on the plethora of streaming services he maintained a subscription towards.
It was not a fulfilling life. But he never understood the concept of living a fulfilling life in the first place.
When he was still in college over ten years ago, he had been acquainted with plenty of people who were miserable unless they spent their time partying all night. And there were others who only looked forward to the holidays so they could travel to other countries. But Adrian couldn’t ever understand them.
Even if he never felt so-called ‘fulfilled’, he never felt miserable with his day-to-day life either, and he couldn’t possibly understand how doing such mundane activities made things any better. It sounded just as tiresome as going to work for the day.
But he never bothered to condemn their lifestyles, because he believed there was no point in voicing out his opinion when it would only create discord. That was why his boss called him a good worker. Because unlike some of the other employees at the company, Adrian never caused any trouble.
Unfortunately, today was going to be different. While it wasn’t his fault, he was going to cause some trouble by missing work. And it wasn’t because of any ordinary reason he could explain like getting into an accident or falling ill. Instead, when he stepped out of his apartment door—
Adrian found himself alone in the middle of a forest.
***
“This is…” Adrian trailed off as he swept his gaze over his surroundings.
He could hardly even comprehend what just happened. One moment, he was stepping out into the dingy hallway of his apartment building, and the next, he found himself surrounded by trees, a gentle breeze, and the scent of animal feces.
Wrinkling his nose, he removed his glasses from his face. “This isn’t a dream, right?”
Adrian rubbed his eyes, only for his vision to focus at a blue box that was glowing before him. His eyes narrowed as he took a step back.
Status:
Adrian Zenith
Rank: G
Class: None
Titles: None
Skills: None
Essences:
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Dexterity: 4
Magic: 0
Vitality: 5
Unused Essence Points: 0
“This is my Status? Like in a video game?” Adrian frowned. “Just what is going on?”
He couldn’t believe his eyes. And yet, it was real. He was still trying to process what he was seeing, when he heard a rustling noise come from behind him. Spinning around, Adrian watched as a furry little creature hopped out of the nearby bush.
At first, it looked like an ordinary rabbit, with its white hair and pointed ears. But then Adrian saw its beady-red eyes. He caught a glimpse of the horn sticking out of its head like a knife. And he backed up warily as the realization finally settled into his mind.
“This place… I’m not on Earth any longer, am I?”
It was a statement of fact. Adrian’s mind whirled as he processed it. Reaching for his pockets, he pulled out his phone and saw the ‘no connection’ symbol flashing at the top right of the screen. That further confirmed the fact that he wasn’t on Earth.
Even if there were a multitude of places that existed back on Earth where connection was hard to come across, there was absolutely none where a rabbit with a horn existed.
Adrian pursed his lips as he took on his surroundings. At the very least, he had charged his phone overnight, so if the need somehow arose, he could still use it—
And he glanced back down as he heard the rabbit squeak.
Its eyes flashed, and a small streak of electricity shot out of its horn and towards him. He stumbled back as the attack struck his hands, making him recoil and drop his phone from the shock.
“Fuck—” he cursed as he looked back towards the horned rabbit.
And it leapt at him, aiming its horn for his head. His eyes went wide, and he moved through sheer instinct, grabbing it before it could reach him. It thrashed in his hands, its eyes flashing again. Adrian knew that meant another electric shock was coming, so he hurled it to the ground, before stomping on it repeatedly.
He heard the horned rabbit squealing. But he didn’t let up. He continued to crush it under his feet for what seemed like an eternity, until it stopped moving.
Until it was no longer even twitching.
And Adrian drew back, panting as he stared at its bloodied corpse.
“What… the… fuck…” he mustered out.
Never in his entire life, did he ever imagine a rabbit would ever try to attack him, let alone conjure electricity out of thin air. Looking down at himself, he saw the burn marks on his trembling fingers. It was only a first degree burn— maybe a second degree burn at its absolute worst. But the fact that he had been burned so badly by a glancing strike, before almost being skewered…
It left him shaking where he stood, his adrenaline rushing through his veins. Adrian slowly raised his gaze and spotted something lying on the grass next to the dead rabbit. It was his phone. It lay cracked, its screen completely black.
Picking it up with his still-trembling fingers, he couldn’t turn it on no matter what he tried to do. Adrian sighed and pocketed it, hoping he could find a way to repair it later. Not that it would even be useful to him even if it could be fixed.
His idle thoughts were immediately interrupted by a loud ringing, and the blue screen from before flashed before his eyes.
*Ding!*
You have killed a [Horned Rabbit - Level 3] — You have earned experience for killing an enemy!
“I have gained experience?” Adrian asked with a raised brow. “Does that mean I can level up?”
And to answer his question, he heard the same ringing once again, before the screen changed.
*Ding!*
For killing an enemy, you can now choose one of the following four Classes!
“Interesting.” Adrian’s eyes flickered at that. He placed a hand on his chin, accepting what it said instead of wasting time questioning it. “Show me what you’ve got…”
[Warrior] - A [Warrior] is a basic combat Class that specializes in physical close quarters combat, whether it be fistfighting, or wielding a weapon like a sword or a hammer.
Essence Points Gained:
+3 to Strength
+2 to Vitality
+1 to Agility
+1 to Dexterity
+1 to Magic
[Mage] - A [Mage] is a basic combat Class that specializes in magical combat, typically wielding a staff or a wand to cast spells, although it is also possible to cast spells without a physical medium.
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Essence Points Gained:
+3 to Magic
+2 to Dexterity
+1 to Strength
+1 to Agility
+1 to Vitality
Adrian paused when he saw the second option. He had already known magic existed in this world when he caught a glimpse of the Magic Essence in his Status earlier. But now, he was able to let the fact sink in.
“So that’s how that horned rabbit could shoot electricity, huh?” he muttered under his breath.
For a moment, he imagined himself being able to conjure up fireballs as a [Mage] and hurling them at other monsters like the horned rabbit. But then he thought about becoming strong enough to cut down trees with a single punch as a [Warrior].
And he shook his head.
“Let’s see the remaining options first…”
[Archer] - An [Archer] is a basic combat Class that specializes in long-ranged battle, and while they always use a bow or a crossbow in battle, they often use magic or additional equipment to supplement their combat too.
+3 to Dexterity
+2 to Magic
+1 to Strength
+1 to Agility
+1 to Vitality
[Rogue] - A [Rogue] is a basic combat Class that specializes in high-speed combat, and while most wield a short blade or a dagger, some are capable of fighting with their hands too.
+3 to Agility
+2 to Dexterity
+1 to Strength
+1 to Magic
+1 to Vitality
“I see.”
While Adrian rarely ever played role playing games, these Classes seemed relatively standard. There was nothing about each of them that stood out. And while a part of him was tempted to choose the [Mage] Class, specifically because he thought it would be quite cool to be able to cast magic— something that didn’t exist back on Earth— he managed to steel himself.
He took in his surroundings. He considered his predicament. Right now, he was lost in the middle of a forest that was probably filled with monsters like the horned rabbit or worse in an unfamiliar world. He could be eaten alive by a dragon for all he knew.
So he couldn’t let his emotions decide his Class for him. Instead, he had to choose a Class based on what would help him survive as of right now.
Adrian raised his head as he heard a rustling coming from a nearby bush. He adjusted his glasses as he eyed the trembling bush, before he focused on the blue screens before him.
And he made his choice.
“Right now, my most logical option for survival is…”
A dozen horned rabbits emerged from the bush, their red eyes flashing his way. And Adrian spun around as he made a break for it.
“Running for my life.”
You have chosen the [Rogue] Class!
+3 to Agility
+2 to Dexterity
+1 to Strength
+1 to Magic
+1 to Vitality
You have gained the Skills:
[Passive - Nimble Legs]
[Active - Double Stab]
[Active - Long Jump]
You have gained 1 Essence Points!
You have ranked up to Rank F!
And Adrian distributed his brand new Essence Point into his Agility as he ran as fast as he could from the swarming horned rabbits.
Status:
Adrian Zenith
Rank: F
Class: [Rogue - Level 1]
Titles: None
Skills: [Passive - Nimble Legs], [Active - Double Stab], [Active - Double Stab], [Active - Long Jump]
Essences:
Strength: 7
Agility: 10
Dexterity: 6
Magic: 1
Vitality: 6
Essence Points: 0
***
Running. It was the coward’s way out. But when Adrian didn’t know what creatures lurked within the forest around him, it was the only logical choice to make.
It would be foolish for him to engage with every monster he saw, hoping that they were weak enough for him to kill so that he could level up. But of course, it would be just as foolish to run from every monster he saw, even when he knew he could take them on.
So after an hour of running, most of the horned rabbits chasing him gave up, and he finally turned around and faced those that remained.
There were only three of them now, and every single one of them was capable of casting magic from their horns. From what he had observed while running, one of them shot out a small streak of flames, while the other two fired large pebbles that moved as fast as any baseball.
Adrian immediately closed the distance to them with a [Long Jump]. He had used it earlier while fleeing from the horned rabbits, and he knew it allowed him to leap ten feet in an instant. So he targeted the horned rabbit that shot fire before it could attack him. Scooping it up as its horns flickered with sparks of embers, he aimed it at the other two rabbits.
The first horned rabbit unleashed its flames, and he wielded it like a flamethrower. Except the fire only extended a few feet in length. But it was enough to distract the other two horned rabbits, sending them hopping back and away from the flames.
The first horned rabbit tried to twist its neck to face Adrian. He felt its heat burning the tip of his fingers. But perhaps it was because of the boost in his so-called Essences he received from his Class, or maybe it was because his fingers had already been burned earlier so they were numb, but he managed to hold onto the monster and stop it from aiming directly at him.
And putting all his strength into a sudden jerking movement, he twisted the monster’s neck, killing it in an instant.
Panting, he looked up towards the other two horned rabbits, not dropping the dead horned rabbit. But he was immediately met by a large pebble striking his shoulder. He recoiled in pain from the strike, his shirt being ripped open, and his skin tearing and bleeding from the impact.
Adrian clutched at his shoulder as he jumped back. A second pebble narrowly whizzed by him, crashing into a tree. He tightened his grip around the dead horned rabbit as he saw the two remaining ones standing next to each other.
They began conjuring their pebbles again, and he took that opportunity to charge at them. Earlier, when he had been running from the swarm of horned rabbits, he was able to make use of the forest’s environment to avoid most of the projectiles hurled his way. But now, as he ran straight at the two horned rabbits, it was difficult to dodge their attacks, especially considering their speed.
So he decided against dodging. He forced himself to tank their attacks as he raised the dead horned rabbit. And when he reached the two horned rabbits, he thrust forward, using the dead rabbit’s horn as a weapon.
[Double Stab].
It was a pair of decisive strikes. Adrian hadn’t used the Skill before, but its name made it intuitive enough. And he alternated between the two horned rabbits as he struck out, impaling them through the heart with a precision he never had before.
“I… did it…” he whispered with a triumphant smile he didn’t even realize he was wearing on his face.
Adrian dropped to the ground as he clutched at his side. The pebbles had struck him on the stomach and the hip. His shirt was practically shredded at this point, and he was bleeding all over. But as he knelt there, feeling the burning pain overwhelm his body, his attention was drawn by a cacophony of ringing sounds, followed by a flurry of flashing blue screens.
*Ding!*
You have killed a [Horned Rabbit - Level 2] — You have earned experience for killing an enemy!
*Ding!*
You have killed a [Horned Rabbit - Level 4] — You have earned experience for killing an enemy!
*Ding!*
You have killed a [Horned Rabbit - Level 2] — You have earned experience for killing an enemy!
*Ding!*
Your Class [Rogue] has reached Level 2! — You have gained +1 to all Essences, and you have gained 1 Essence Points!
*Ding!*
Your Class [Rogue] has reached Level 3! — You have gained +1 to all Essences, and you have gained 1 Essence Points!
As he saw the flickering screens flash past him, he felt a warm feeling wash over his body. The worst of his wounds began to heal, even if he remained mostly injured. He wondered why this was the case. Was it because of his level ups? Or maybe it was because of his increase in his Vitality Essence?
It was all still surreal to him. But he didn’t waste time questioning it. He was in another world now, and he needed to survive.
Frowning, he looked up and saw the orange glare of the sunset at the horizon. The trees surrounding him cast long, eerie shadows that seemed to hide an innumerable number of creatures within.
Adrian saw their blue leaves. He took in their black barks. He placed a hand on the damp soil. And even though this forest looked like it could have existed back on Earth, it also felt more alien than ever at this moment.
So he picked up the dead rabbits and moved. He knew he needed to find shelter before night fully came, otherwise he would be, to put it bluntly, completely fucked.
And as he scoured the forest for a place to hide for the night, he distributed his two brand new Essence Points into his Agility once again. After all, his best chance of survival as of right now was running until he found civilization.
…that was if there was even civilization in this strange world.
Status:
Adrian Zenith
Rank: F
Class: [Rogue - Level 3]
Titles: None
Skills: [Passive - Nimble Legs], [Active - Double Stab], [Active - Long Jump]
Essences:
Strength: 9
Agility: 14
Dexterity: 8
Magic: 3
Vitality: 8
Essence Points: 0
***
Eventually, Adrian found a small cave to shelter in. He gathered some drywood to start a fire with, and he began cooking the dead horned rabbits. But that was not before he harvested their horns, since he could fashion them as makeshift daggers if needed in a fight.
He sat before the fireplace, keeping himself warm as the night grew long and cold. His wounds still stung, but they weren’t bleeding any longer. He would have dozed off as he leant against the rock wall if he hadn’t heard a monstrous roar, followed by a human scream echoing from further within the forest.
His eyes shot open and he looked up. For a moment, he thought he imagined it— that it was an auditory hallucination that came from having been about to pass out. After all, he heard nothing around him but the buzzing of insects and the chirping of crickets. But then he heard a crunching noise.
And peering into the darkness, in the direction of the sound, he made out something strange. Something that hadn’t been there before. It was a dim light— one that was coming from behind a thicket of trees a few hundred feet away from him.
Blinking, he looked up towards the night sky and saw no moon orbiting above. All he saw were the scintillating stars. Again, another sign that he was in another world.
And when he looked back down, he saw the light was still there, deep within the forest and glowing faintly in the dark. It didn’t move. It didn’t go away.
While Adrian wanted to investigate it, he knew that it was too dangerous to go out right now. He looked around the cave entrance, and he saw the rustling of leaves from the cold wind breeze. Even if there were no signs of any monsters or animals nearby, who knew what was lurking in the darkness. Especially considering that roar he heard just earlier.
Especially when he considered the scream.
So he didn’t investigate. He didn’t let his curiosity get the better of him. He just waited as the night drew on. He faded in and out of consciousness a few times, taking a few short half an hour naps, until the sun peeked out over the horizon.
When it was finally dawn, and the strange light remained, he finally ventured out into the forest again, carrying his horns as weapons, moving quietly as he stalked between the trees. He was never able to move as nimbly as he did back on Earth. So he knew that this was probably a result of his Skill [Passive - Nimble Legs], coupled with his increased Agility Essence.
He stealthily made his way through the trees until he found a clearing just up ahead. And there, he saw the crimson ink of blood staining the fallen leaves carpeting the forest floor. He made out the large footsteps from some beast digging into the ground. But at the very center of the clearing, he saw the shredded clothes covering the source of light.
Adrian trudged up to it, before sweeping the torn fabric to the side with his hands. And he paused when he saw what the object was that was shining the light. It was a familiar rectangular item, very much similar to what he had in his pocket.
It was a smartphone.
From Earth.
“But… how?” Adrian stared at the object with wide eyes.