The first fight
The wolf-like creature circled Nasuke, its glowing red eyes never leaving him, its growl low and menacing. The sounds of the forest—the rustling leaves, the faint chirping of birds—felt distant, drowned out by the dangerous presence of the beast. Nasuke gripped the rusty sword tightly, the cold steel vibrating slightly in his hands as his pulse quickened.
Okay, okay, he thought, trying to calm his nerves. I've fought wolves in games before. Just gotta treat this like a tutorial boss… except this time, it can actually kill me.
The wolf lunged, claws slashing through the air. Nasuke barely managed to dodge, stumbling back as the creature snarled, preparing for another strike.
"Seriously?!" Nasuke panted, his mind racing. "No health potions, no spells—just me and this piece of junk sword?"
He steadied himself, adjusting his stance. The beast growled again, its red eyes narrowing.
Alright. Think. It's a game, but it's real. Look for a pattern, wait for an opening… and don't die.
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The Fight
The beast lunged again, jaws snapping. Nasuke sidestepped, slashing at its flank. The rusty blade barely scratched the creature's tough hide, but the wolf howled in rage, swiping with its claws and catching Nasuke in the side.
A sharp pain shot through him as he tumbled to the ground. A red health bar appeared in the corner of his vision, a chunk of it missing.
Great. One hit, and I'm already dying. Perfect start, Nasuke.
The wolf loomed over him, baring its fangs. Nasuke scrambled to his feet, his breath ragged, his side bleeding into his armor.
The wolf lunged again, but this time, Nasuke rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws. He swung his sword in a wide arc, striking at its leg. The blade dug in deeper, and the wolf yelped in pain, staggering back. A portion of its health bar disappeared.
Gotcha! Nasuke thought, his confidence rising despite the situation. Not so tough now, are you?
The beast snarled and lunged again. Nasuke was ready this time. He dodged left and swung upward, catching the creature under its jaw. Blood sprayed as the blade sank deeper. The wolf howled in agony, its movements slowing.
Okay, I can do this. Just stay calm… don't mess up now.
The beast, weakened but furious, made one last desperate charge. Nasuke planted his feet, gripping the sword tightly. At the last moment, he ducked under the wolf's leap, driving the blade upward into its chest.
The wolf let out a final, pained growl before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
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The Aftermath
Nasuke stood over the beast, chest heaving. Sweat dripped down his face, his hands shaking as the pain from his side throbbed. But he was alive. The health bar in the corner of his vision blinked, a sliver of red still remaining.
That was way too close. If this is just the first fight, I'm screwed.
A system notification appeared in front of him.
System Notification:
"Victory! Enemy defeated: Lesser Shadow Wolf. +50 XP. Plus 10 gold coins
Nasuke slumped to the ground, leaning on his sword for support.
Five fights?! You've gotta be kidding me.
He groaned and pressed his hand to his side. A faint green aura enveloped him, and his health bar refilled slightly. The wound on his side stopped bleeding.
Guess the game isn't completely unfair… but still, surviving five encounters like this? I need better gear. Fast.
As he stood, another notification appeared.
System Notification:
"Loot Drop: Lesser Shadow Wolf Pelt x1, Cracked Fang x1"
A faint glow emanated from the wolf's corpse. Nasuke reached out, and the items materialized in his inventory.
Gold, huh? At least I can buy something with this… if there's even a shop around here.
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The Journey Forward
Nasuke wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind racing. The forest seemed even darker now, the mist thicker. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, made his heart race.
I've gotta move. Staying here is just asking to get ambushed again.
He trudged forward, gripping his sword tightly. Thoughts whirled in his mind.
Why didn't I get my Avatar? I built that thing perfectly—strong, handsome, the opposite of me. Instead, I'm stuck here looking like… well, me. What kind of sick game is this?
A flicker of light caught his eye through the trees. He pushed forward, breaking through the dense foliage into a small clearing. In the center, a glowing stone pedestal stood, faint runes carved into its surface.
System Notification:
"Checkpoint Discovered: Traveler's Shrine."
The pedestal pulsed with light as Nasuke approached. He placed his hand on it, and warmth spread through his body.
System Notification:
"Checkpoint Activated. Health Restored. Progress Saved."
Nasuke sighed with relief. Finally, some good news.
He sat beside the shrine, catching his breath. The adrenaline from the fight was wearing off, replaced by the ache of exhaustion.
This isn't just a game. It's something else. Something… bigger. And if I want to survive, I can't keep thinking like a player.
The image of his ideal Avatar flashed in his mind—strong, confident, everything he wasn't. But now, that vision was different.
If I want to become that, he thought, clenching his fist, I'll do whatever it takes. Quests, fights… whatever this game throws at me, I'll handle it.
He stood, gripping his sword, ready for whatever lay ahead. The forest around him loomed dark and oppressive, but Nasuke didn't hesitate.
"Alright, Invernia," he said, his voice low but firm, "Let's see what else you've got." his determination burning brighter than before.
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