[ARIA]

LEVEL: [1]

EXPERIENCE: [4/100]

CLASS: [NONE]

RACE: [HUMAN]

HEALTH: [76]/[100]

MANA: [10]/[10]

STRENGTH: [1]

DEXTERITY: [1]

INTELLIGENCE: [1]

ENDURANCE: [1]

SKILLS: NONE

INVENTORY: EMPTY

As I looked at the displayed information, I felt strange. If this world is a game world, how am I still able to use my status? Or is this not a real world, but a game? However, the game was very simple, not even a virtual game. I only played games on the computer, and now all my senses are working very clearly.

For a while, as I stared at my status, I stopped thinking. The only solution is that, no matter what, this is now my reality, and I want to save this world. Or at least ensure that the world will be saved. This panel will make me stronger faster than without it.

After checking the functionality of my inventory and confirming that it was working, I put pieces of leftover meat and other small items inside. It was more like a bag than an inventory in the game, as there was no sorting. My steps were firmer than before as I straightened my exhausted body and headed towards the distant mountains.

Walking along a slightly beaten path, I gradually approached the forest. Unlike the open space behind me, it was already darker ahead due to the tall, aging trees. They blocked the sun, allowing only a beam of light to pass through. Looking at this scene, the initial feeling was fear. Even if I thought I wasn't scared, an instinctive and primal fear still lingered within me. It was a fear from the depths of my soul, but it didn't last long.

Memories came to my mind, information I had obtained while playing the game. Soon after the war, these places were occupied by lizardmen. According to the game's stories, they were relatively peaceful. However, constant warfare in their territory and one-sided destruction made them very hostile towards humans.

I could have taken a detour around this territory, but I also decided to pass through because there was one thing that could help me become slightly stronger. Checking my equipment, if I could even call it that, I found items after inspecting a few abandoned houses.

A rusty knife was buried under one of the thick parts of a house, and fortunately, it became lighter after the fire, so I managed to pull it out. The downside was that half of the blade was missing, but because it was broken, leaving a sharp edge, I could still use it. Another item I found was a rope, quite thick but short, only about 3-4 meters.

And the third item was a steel plate that could be attached to the leg. But when I tried, I realized I couldn't do anything with it. Holding it in one hand, I held the broken sword as if it were a small rectangular shield. Looking ahead, I prepared myself and before moving forward, I glanced back at the burned village.

Why was I in such a hurry? I could have waited and treated my wounds. Yes, I could have, but then I might not be able to seize some things in the future. Even if I delayed by a few days, perhaps I wouldn't be able to become stronger.

Taking a step forward, I felt my heart rate suddenly accelerate, causing me to pause. The heartbeat was so strong that I felt dizzy. I had to take several deep breaths to regain my composure. Clenching my teeth, I stepped forward into an atmosphere that was quieter and slightly eerie.

As I stepped forward, the road seemed to gradually disappear. It was replaced by twisting roots of large trees, covered in greenery. To cross them, I had to place one foot on a tree and step over it. But I lost my balance and fell forward, feeling a dull impact. I exerted effort with my arms and managed to get up.

Standing up, I felt a slight dampness and sticky mud on my clothes. After some thought, I glanced around and used my knife to tear the fabric on myself. The unique shape of the clothing made it challenging to navigate through such a path. Sensing lightness around my feet, I discarded the torn pieces of clothing and continued on my way.

While some spots were illuminated by sunlight, the tree vines and vegetation made it difficult to pass through. Passing yet another tree root, I felt a slight fatigue. But as I looked around, I realized that although it was green, the ground was damp, making it uncomfortable to sit on.

Sitting on the tree trunk, I continued to survey my surroundings. Opening my inventory, I took out the remaining crow meat and began to eat. As I did this, something caught my attention and made me pause. It was a sound, but not an ordinary one. It was familiar to me, a sound emitted by the mouths of lizardmen when they spoke. It was akin to a hiss but with tones and intonations.

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Quickly stuffing the piece of meat back, I put on the metal plate on my arm and then grasped the sword in my hands. If something were to happen, I could block attacks with the metal plate.

While I sat in the corner of the tree, the sound gradually grew louder. It was a sign that the source was approaching from the other side. Carefully poking my head out, I looked towards the direction of the sound. The sound was coming from the right side of the forest, the path I was heading towards.

Before my eyes, I saw six lizardmen, varying in height. They had humanoid facial features, but from their cheeks, forehead, and throat, bright green scales spread out. Unlike humans, they had sharp teeth, as well as hands with three thick fingers and feet with two toes. Their gait resembled that of a human, but slightly unnatural.

At that moment, they were walking to the left of me, with two of them dragging something in a mesh while the rest stood guard. This was evident from the fact that all four of them carried clubs, spears, and bows. Their clothing consisted of animal skins, with some pieces having metal parts. Hanging from their necks were huge teeth from some unknown animals.

Observing their pointed ears pointing upward, I recalled information from the game. These lizardmen, who were mainly not hunters or involved in warfare, were very friendly, just like humans. This was true for most races in this world, as intellect mostly prevailed, but they were not devoid of desires, similar to humans or even elves.

A distinctive feature of lizardmen compared to humans was their extremely sharp hearing, thanks to their ears, while their sense of smell was similar to that of a human. Physically, they were stronger than the average human. However, they possessed animal-like characteristics and scales that enhanced their protection.

Moreover, they were better adapted and fought in their natural habitat, and this forest was the best place for that. That's why they lived in such areas and not in open spaces like humans, even though they possessed intellect.

As I watched them, I remained very quiet, simply observing to ensure that they would leave. For now, I didn't want to encounter them, as my body was too weak. And if there happened to be a druid or someone else among them, apart from warriors and archers, I would be killed within seconds.

So without taking any action, I continued watching until the sounds finally subsided after about 10 minutes. But to be safe, I stayed still for a few more minutes.

After that time had passed, I looked up and noticed the position of the sun. It had already started tilting slightly towards the sunset. Shifting my gaze forward, I pondered whether to continue walking or wait until the next day. It would be better to reach the destination before evening, but if not, finding a simple shelter would be more prudent.

Based on the game, I should have already reached my destination, but I confirmed it again in the village. The scale of the world is clearly different from the game; it's much larger.

Looking at the sun again, I estimated that it was somewhere between 2 PM and 4 PM. Deciding to stop hiding, I resumed moving forward, but this time a bit faster.

Passing through another tree, I suddenly felt a gaze upon me. I had never experienced such a feeling before, and subconsciously, I looked in the direction of the gaze and saw a green snake.

My heart grew cold, and I quickly assumed a stance that would allow me to block the snake's strike with a metal plate. I had encountered similar snakes in the game, but they were larger. It seemed these were snake offspring of the same species, but much smaller in size.

As I observed the snake, which had a triangular-shaped head and was starting to flick its tongue while gradually slithering towards me, I instinctively took a step back in response to its actions. It was on the ground, blending almost seamlessly with the green grass around it.

I was fortunate to have noticed it; if the other side was venomous, which was highly likely due to the shape of its head, I could have been struck without even realizing it. As it crawled towards me, I quickly turned my head and carefully examined the green grass, searching for more snakes of the same kind.

Confirming there were no others, I swiftly refocused my attention on the snake in front of me. However, I immediately grew wary as the snake raised its head and arched its body. It seemed ready to attack, which I hadn't noticed due to my exploration of the surroundings.

Subconsciously, I tightened my grip on the sword and increased the tension in the hand wearing the metal plate. It seemed that my actions triggered the snake's aggression, as it leaped towards me fiercely.

Observing its trajectory, I managed to block its strike. But when I swung the knife, I hit it with the blunt side. As a result, it flew off to the side but didn't break apart.

Considering the impact was strong enough, the snake fell to the ground and started writhing. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly approached and swung at it again.

Receiving the blow, bright blood started flowing from its partially severed body. Without taking any risks, I stepped back and waited for it to die.

Its rapid, convulsive movements gradually weakened, just like my heartbeat. My legs began to tremble slightly, and I sat down on the ground. Breathing quickly in and out, I kept my eyes on the snake and then surveyed the surrounding area.

Making sure it was dead, I severed the snake's head. Then, carefully cutting its neck, I extracted the venom. Soon, a clear liquid started flowing. Bringing it close to the broken sword, I began smearing the liquid on the sharp edge.

Setting the remaining part of the snake aside, I put it in my inventory. It was larger than a crow, so I wouldn't go hungry, even though eating a snake would be a first for me.