Universal change

[October 22, 2025] [in France]

Mark, an ordinary high school student, was bored at the back of his classroom, his gaze lost through the window. The sky was clear, everything seemed normal.

Then suddenly, a deep, resonating sound filled the air, so intense that it made everyone's teeth clench. An invisible wave swept through the room, causing an indescribable sense of unease.

Two minutes later, silence fell.

[[Congratulations, Universe 340711]]

[[A species in this universe has achieved the qualifications to integrate into the "D.M.U."]]

[[All intelligent life will be teleported individually in 20 seconds.]]

A heavy silence settled over the classroom. Everyone looked at each other, confusion written on their faces. Then, a blinding light devoured the world.

...

Mark opened his eyes. He was lying on a black floor, surrounded by an abyssal void. No more classroom, no more classmates, nothing.

He pulled out his phone, hoping for an explanation. No signal. No light.

[Citizen Mark.]

"W-who's talking?!"

[It is time for explanations.]

[You have been teleported into the tutorial of the D.M.U., or "Dungeon Multiple Universes." If you've ever played video games, this concept should be familiar, right?]

Mark frowned, trying to steady his breath. His hands were trembling.

"A-a little... but what the hell is this?! Where is everyone?!"

[Every living being has been transported individually. You must now learn to survive.]

"S-survive?! Why us?!"

[Your species was not chosen. Another species earned the right to integrate into the D.M.U. You are merely secondary participants.]

Mark's heart sank. This wasn't an opportunity—it was a trap.

He stepped back, his legs shaking. The black ground beneath his feet seemed infinite. The space around him was so vast that he couldn't perceive its limits.

"So... we were just thrown here like pawns?"

[Exactly. But you have a chance to survive and evolve. The choice is yours.]

Mark closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm his breath. Panic twisted his stomach, but he realized one thing: panicking would accomplish nothing.

He took a deep breath. "Alright… Tell me what I need to do."

[You have several tools at your disposal:

Status Inventory Shop]

[[A beginner's kit has been assigned to you.]]

"Beginner's kit... ?"

[Open your inventory.]

Mark hesitated for a moment but followed the instructions.

"...Inventory."

An interface appeared before him. Inside were gloves and two red crystals.

[[Beginner's Gloves]]

Rarity: Rank 1

+2 Strength

+1 Agility

Skill: Quick Punch (50% faster than a normal punch)

[[Physical Crystal]]

+1 Physical Stat Point

Mark scrutinized these items, his brain struggling to comprehend.

"T-this can't be real... it can't be..."

[Citizen, calm down.]

"I must be dreaming, this is impossible!"

[Panic will not help you. You must move forward.]

He stared at the gloves, then slowly put them on. To his surprise, they fit perfectly. A gentle warmth spread through his arms, as if the fabric was channeling subtle energy.

"If all this is real, then I have no other choice."

Mark used the crystals, feeling a shiver run down his spine as his muscles slightly strengthened. He checked his status.

[[Mark's Status]]

Species: Human Humanoid

Age: 17 years old

Physical Condition: Good

[Physical Stats]

Strength: 8 → 10

Agility: 9 → 10

Constitution: 8 → 10

Charisma: 2

[Mental Stats]

Intelligence: 9

Perception: 3

Luck: 4

"Ten, that's the human limit, right?"

[Correct. You have reached the maximum capacity of an ordinary human. But this is only the beginning.]

Mark clenched his fists. The anxiety was still there, but he was regaining control. He had always been good at adapting quickly. He leaned forward, determined.

"Okay. I'm ready. What do I do next?"

[Tutorial begins in 10 seconds. Prepare yourself.]

"Wait, what?!"

The ground beneath his feet began to vibrate. A red light illuminated the area around him. Mark instinctively stepped back, but there was nowhere to run.

[[Tutorial Start.]]

[[Objective: Survive for 5 minutes.]]

Shadows emerged from the darkness. At first, he could only make out indistinct shapes. Then his eyes widened in horror.

Rats. But not ordinary rats. They were huge, the size of large dogs, their fangs gleaming with black drool. Their red eyes glowed with pure malice.

The confidence Mark had built up vanished instantly.

"No… no no no! This has to be a joke!"