Into the Depths of the Unknown
Chapter 2: Into the Depths of the Unknown
Near the lake, in the middle of a massive crater...
Hassam opened his eyes, his face covered in dust, his expression filled with confusion and unease. He looked around and realized he was lying in a crater that could easily be 100 meters deep. Sweat dripped down his face as he thought about how he had survived such a fall and how this strange crater had formed. Muttering to himself, he said:
"How... how am I still alive, for heaven's sake?! And where did this massive crater come from? Wait!"
After thinking for a moment, Hassam realized that he was the one who had created this terrifying crater. He stood up and began making his way out, trembling at the thought of surviving such an unimaginable height—a feat impossible for an ordinary human.
Upon reaching the edge of the crater, Hassam looked around and discovered he was in the middle of a vast forest that surrounded him from every direction. The silence in the forest was eerie, like that of an abandoned house, broken only by the sound of bats, the rustling of snakes, and the whistling wind. Chills ran down his spine as he muttered:
"Damn it! This forest is scarier than the cemetery where my grandfather was buried!"
He added, "Tsk... How did I even end up here? And what's with that crater I fell into?"
While Hassam was bombarding himself with questions, a strange sound emerged from an unknown direction.
[Ding!]
He jumped in fear, shouting, "W-Who's there? Huh?! Show yourself! Come out if you're a man!"
The sound repeated again.
[Host has arrived safely!]
Hassam kept shouting, but no one responded. He began to think the sounds were hallucinations until a floating screen appeared in front of him. It shimmered like the starry night sky, its beauty captivating anyone who gazed at it. As Hassam stared in awe, he snapped back to his senses and said:
"Huh? What is this? Am I dreaming?"
He raised his hand and slapped himself hard, thinking he might wake up from this bizarre dream.
"Ouch!"
Holding his now sore cheek, he muttered, "Damn, this pain feels way too real!"
"Wait! Could this actually be real?"
He raised his hand and passed it through the strange screen, but it came out from the other side. Perplexed, he asked, "Who are you?"
[I am the Evolution System!]
"The Evolution System? What is that?" Hassam asked, scratching his chin in confusion.
[Apologies, the host is too weak to receive an answer to that question!]
"Weak?! Seriously?!"
"Fine! Why did you bring me here?"
[Since the host is a fanatic of fantasy and animation, you have been chosen to enter this world. You possess all the qualifications the system requires!]
Looking upward, Hassam asked, "Qualifications? And what are those qualifications?"
[Stupidity, madness, and a vivid imagination!]
Hassam's mouth dropped open in shock. He grabbed the floating screen, yelling angrily:
"Stupid?! Who's stupid?! Your mother's the stupid one, you damned system!"
Taking a deep breath, Hassam released the screen slowly, regaining his composure. Known for being the calmest member of his family, he prided himself on controlling his emotions, whether sad, happy, or angry.
Placing his hands on his hips, he asked, "Can you explain yourself properly to me?"
[...]
[First, I identify as the Evolution System.]
The voice from the system fell silent after finishing its sentence. Hassam asked, "That's it? Do you mean evolution like in games, where you collect experience to level up?"
[No. The Evolution System isn't just about the host's growth; it's also about the system's evolution.]
Shocked, Hassam asked, "What do you mean by the system's evolution only?"
[...The host is still too weak...]
"?"
Placing a hand on his face, Hassam sighed, "How strong do I need to be to get an answer?"
[You need to reach at least planet-level destructive power...]
"?"
Hassam froze, stunned by the system's reply. Muttering to himself, he said, "Planet-level destructive power? What the hell is that? How long will it take me to reach such a level?!"
Running a hand through his hair, he felt sweat dripping from every pore. Reaching planet-level power seemed almost impossible, even in the most fantastical worlds. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the system and said:
"Alright... don't you have any starter gifts to activate the system or survive in this world?"
[No.]
"!?"
Clasping his hands together, Hassam started rubbing them like a beggar, praising the system in hopes of receiving something:
"Oh, mighty system... No, my lord... Please, don't be stingy! Have mercy, I beg you... Please, please..."
[...]
[Ding! You have received: Medium-grade Spiritual Pills and a Low-tier Skill Book (Iron Fist Arts)]
Taking a deep breath, Hassam looked at the notification with excitement. His shameless tactics had worked, melting the system's cold, stony heart.
Exhaling in relief, he calmly asked, "System, do you have any features available right now?"
[There is only one feature: viewing the host's personal status!]
"Hmm... Alright! Then show it to me."
[^_^: Understood.]
**[Status:
Strength: 15
Speed: 10
Agility: 10
Dexterity: 11
Endurance: 13
Talent: None
]**
"Impressive!"
---
To be continued...