Chapter 2: The First Kill

The Scaled Scorpion Lizard's massive form lay still, the ground around it soaked with its dark, foul blood. Lucas stood over it, panting heavily. His hands were trembling—not from fear, but from the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He could hardly believe what had just happened. He had fought—and killed—a monster. A real one. Not some virtual enemy or NPC in a game, but a creature straight out of a nightmare. Yet, here he was, standing victorious in a world that shouldn't even exist.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Loot Acquired: [Scaled Scorpion Lizard Claw]

[Poison Gland]

[Scaled Hide]

Experience gained: 100

Level Up!

New Level: 2

You have gained the following stats:

Strength +2

Agility +1

Luck +1

Skill gained: [Poison Resistance]

Lucas stared at the glowing notifications. It was real. All of it. His heart was pounding in his chest as his gaze fell on the loot. The items hovered in front of him, suspended by the same ethereal force that had summoned the sword.

Loot. Just like a game.

He reached out and grabbed the claw and poison gland, feeling their strange weight in his hand. The scaled hide hovered just out of reach, but when he willed it, it floated toward him as well.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have obtained: [Scaled Scorpion Lizard Claw]

[Poison Gland]

[Scaled Hide]

You may use these items for crafting or upgrading equipment.

Crafting. That was another thing from RPGs, but this was real. Lucas's mind raced as the weight of his new reality set in. He wasn't just some random person who'd been transported into a game world. He was now a player, and every action he took here could shape his future.

I need to get stronger. I can't be caught off-guard like that again.

The thought of fighting again made his legs feel like jelly, but he knew he had no choice. His initial victory had proven one thing: the system worked. But there was also no time to waste. He had a quest to complete, and if he wanted to survive in this world, he had to level up, fast.

Before he could think too much more about it, another notification appeared.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

A new objective has been assigned:

Defeat the Guardian of Eternum.

Reward: Unlock Class: Warrior, Mage, or Rogue.

Time Remaining: 23:45:30

The Guardian of Eternum.

The name alone was enough to make Lucas's stomach drop. But he wasn't one to back down. He'd come this far, and there was no way he was going to die without a fight.

With a deep breath, Lucas began walking through the ruins. The path ahead was shrouded in mist, but he could hear the faint sound of something large moving in the distance. Each step he took echoed through the crumbling halls, adding to the eerie atmosphere.