Episode 1: The Final Trial

Darkness enveloped Eryndis Veyra as he gasped for air, his hands trembling, his mind clouded by confusion. Moments ago, he had been walking home after another mundane day, the rain soaking his coat. Now, he was weightless, his senses adrift in an unfamiliar void.

A voice echoed from the emptiness, smooth and calculated, yet carrying an edge of malice:

"Welcome to your final trial, Eryndis Veyra. Prove yourself, or perish as nothing."

Eryndis tried to respond, but his voice caught in his throat. Before he could process what was happening, light pierced through the void, and he found himself lying on a cold, damp forest floor. The chirping of unseen creatures filled the air, mingling with the rustling of leaves in the wind.

“What the…?” he muttered, sitting up and rubbing his aching head.

A translucent screen materialized before his eyes, faintly glowing. Words and symbols unfamiliar yet oddly intuitive filled the display:

[SYSTEM INITIALIZED]

Welcome, Player.

Quest 1: Survive for 24 Hours.

Reward: Basic Equipment Pack

“What is this? A… game?” Eryndis frowned. His hands instinctively reached out, and as if responding to his intent, the interface shifted, showing his current status:

Name: Eryndis Veyra

Level: 1

Health: 100/100

Mana: 50/50

Skills: [None]

Inventory: [Empty]

Eryndis exhaled sharply. He wasn’t a gamer, but the layout was reminiscent of RPGs he’d seen his friends play. Yet, the damp forest air and the sharp pain in his side felt too real to be a game.

Before he could contemplate further, a low growl broke through the ambience. Eryndis froze, his heart pounding. From the shadows, a pair of glowing eyes emerged, followed by a lean, predatory figure.

“A wolf?” he whispered, his voice shaking.

The creature bared its teeth, saliva dripping as it prepared to pounce. Instinct took over. Eryndis scrambled to his feet, backing away. He searched the ground desperately for a weapon, a rock, anything.

[Combat Engaged]

The notification only added to his panic. The wolf lunged, and Eryndis barely dodged, the beast’s claws grazing his arm. Pain flared, and he stumbled.

“This can’t be happening!” he shouted, adrenaline fueling his movements. He grabbed a broken branch nearby, gripping it tightly.

The wolf snarled and charged again. This time, Eryndis swung with all his might. The branch struck the wolf’s side, eliciting a yelp. But it wasn’t enough. The wolf recovered quickly, circling him with predatory intent.

Health: 85/100

The system’s notification only added to his dread. Was this some twisted reality? If he died here, would he die for real?

Summoning courage, Eryndis adjusted his grip on the branch. “If this is a game, then I have to play to win,” he muttered.

The wolf leapt again, and Eryndis sidestepped, driving the branch into its exposed flank. The creature howled in pain, collapsing to the ground. Eryndis didn’t hesitate. He struck again and again until the wolf stopped moving.

[Enemy Defeated: Forest Wolf]

Reward: +10 XP

Level Up!

Breathing heavily, Eryndis dropped the bloodied branch. The sight of the lifeless wolf sickened him, but relief flooded his body.

[Inventory Unlocked]

Acquired: Wolf Pelt x1, Sharp Fang x2

The system screen expanded, showcasing his newfound items. Eryndis stared at it, a mix of awe and disbelief washing over him. Was this a blessing or a curse?

He sat down against a tree, exhaustion setting in. The interface showed that his health had recovered slightly, but his body still ached.

“Twenty-four hours,” he whispered. “That’s all I need to survive. Then I’ll figure out what the hell is going on.”

As the forest grew darker, the sounds of distant howls filled the air. Eryndis gripped the branch tighter, his resolve hardening. If this was a trial, he would endure it.

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