Journey Begins


    Jim wanted nothing more than to sit down, catch his breath, and learn more about the system. His heart still pounded from the fight, his muscles thrumming with residual tension. But there was no time. The forest was not safe, and now, he knew he was being hunted.


    With a deep breath, he pushed himself up from the ground, scanning his surroundings. The forest stretched around him, dense and unfamiliar, every rustling leaf a potential threat. He needed to move.


    He picked a direction at random and started walking, keeping his steps light, his body tense with awareness. His eyes darted from tree to tree, searching for movement. He had no idea where he was going, but staying still would be a death sentence.


    Two hundred meters into his cautious retreat, a long, mournful howl pierced the air behind him. His blood ran cold.


    The wolf hadn’t been alone.


    Another howl joined the first, then another, their echoes weaving into the wind. Jim clenched his jaw. He was being hunted.


    He quickened his pace, moving as silently as he could through the undergrowth. Panic threatened to rise, but he forced it down. Think, Jim. Use what you know.


    The knowledge from the system was still fresh in his mind. He focused, sorting through the flood of information, looking for something—anything—that could help him. His mind latched onto an interesting solution.


    Ding.


    New skill suggestion: Camouflage Instinct (Passive).


    Would you like to attempt activation?


    Jim barely hesitated. "Yes!" he whispered urgently.


    A strange sensation crawled over his skin, a shifting feeling, like the air around him bending. He pressed himself against a thick tree trunk, holding his breath. The moment he did, a ripple of energy passed over his body, and suddenly, he felt… less visible. His clothes, his skin—they took on the hues of his surroundings, blending into the bark and shadows.


    His heart thudded as he remained still, listening.


    The howls were closer now. Heavy paws crunched through the undergrowth, snuffling noises filling the air as the pack searched for him. He could see their glowing silver eyes moving between the trees, dark shapes gliding through the misty forest.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Jim forced himself to stay perfectly still. The wolves prowled closer, their noses twitching, their ears flicking. One passed so near he could see the rise and fall of its ribs, the sharp glint of its fangs. It paused, sniffing the air right next to him.


    He held his breath.


    The wolf let out a low growl but didn’t attack. Instead, it flicked its tail and moved on, its pack following. Jim waited until their footsteps faded before releasing a slow, shaky exhale.


    Ding.


    Skill unlocked: Camouflage Instinct (Passive).


    Jim’s legs nearly gave out in relief. He had survived. But this was only the beginning. He needed to find shelter, food, and most importantly—answers.


    With renewed determination, he slipped deeper into the forest, leaving the clearing behind for good.


    After another half-hour of cautious travel, Jim spotted a large tree with sprawling branches. The wolves were still out there, and he needed a place to rest without being on the ground. Deciding it was his best option, he approached the tree, testing its bark. It was rough and sturdy, perfect for climbing.


    With slow, deliberate movements, he pulled himself up onto a thick branch, settling against the trunk. His limbs ached, but the elevation made him feel safer. He took a deep breath, allowing himself a few moments of respite.


    The Camouflage Instinct skill had worn off. He could feel it, as if a thin veil had been lifted from his body. It seemed he could only maintain it for about twenty minutes at a time. He would have to keep that in mind for the future.


    Now that he had a moment, he turned his attention back to the system.


    Ding.


    Status Updated.


    A new screen appeared before him, far more detailed than before.


    Name: Jim


    Level: 3


    Experience: 0/300


    Talents: Dragon Rider


    Achievements: The Last Dragon Rider


    Attributes:


    Strength: 8 → 10


    Agility: 9 → 11


    Endurance: 7 → 9


    Vitality: 6 → 8


    Magic Affinity: 5 → 7


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Camouflage Instinct (Passive) – Allows temporary blending into surroundings.


    </li>


    <li>


    Instinctive Evasion (Passive) – Enhances reaction time in combat.


    </li>


    <li>


    Improvised Weapon Mastery (Basic) – Increases efficiency when using non-traditional weapons.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Jim’s eyebrows lifted. He had accumulated enough experience to level up twice. His attributes had improved, and his body already felt stronger, lighter, and more responsive. A strange warmth coursed through him, a kind of energy that made his exhaustion fade.


    The moment he accepted the level-ups, he felt a rush of vitality surge through his veins. His vision sharpened, his muscles relaxed yet felt denser, and a newfound clarity settled over his mind. It was as if his very essence had been refined.


    He clenched and unclenched his fists, testing his strength. He felt good.


    Jim exhaled, settling against the tree trunk. He had no idea what lay ahead, but now, he was more prepared than before.


    For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt something close to hope.