Chapter Two: The Wild Beginning

Shion opened his eyes to find himself in an unfamiliar place. Towering trees with thick, emerald leaves stretched toward the sky, their canopies blocking most of the sunlight. The air was thick, filled with the sounds of distant growls, chirps, and rustling leaves.

He had stepped into a world unlike any he had known—a jungle teeming with life... and danger.

His instincts sharpened instantly, and he summoned his newfound strength, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The blue square, his guide, reappeared before him:

"Welcome to World One: The Forest of Predators. Survive, adapt, and grow stronger. Your first mission: Save the girl."

Shion furrowed his brows. Save the girl? He looked around, confused. Who was the girl? Where was she? Before he could ask more, the blue square vanished, leaving him alone.

A deafening roar erupted from deep within the jungle. Without thinking, Shion dashed toward the sound, weaving through the dense trees with speed that astonished even him.

---

The Encounter

He emerged into a small clearing, where he saw her. A girl, no older than him, with long, tangled hair and terrified eyes, was cornered by a pack of snarling wolf-like beasts. Her clothes were torn, and she clutched a broken branch as her only weapon.

The beasts were closing in, their fangs glinting under the dim light. Shion didn't hesitate. He leapt into action, slamming his fist into the ground as he landed between the girl and the wolves. The shockwave sent dirt and debris flying, startling the creatures.

The girl's eyes widened. "Who... who are you?" she stammered.

"Stay behind me," Shion said firmly, his gaze fixed on the predators.

The wolves, recovering quickly, snarled and lunged at him. But Shion was ready. With a single motion, he touched a nearby rock, doubling its size, and hurled it at the leading beast. It hit its mark, sending the creature flying into the trees.

The rest hesitated, sensing that this prey was unlike any they had encountered before.

---

A New Ally

Within moments, the remaining wolves scattered, disappearing into the shadows of the jungle. Shion turned to the girl, who was still clutching her branch, trembling.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his tone softening.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you... You saved me."

"What's your name?"

"Leina," she replied.

"Leina, stick with me," Shion said, extending his hand. "This place isn't safe. We need to find shelter."

She hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. Together, they ventured deeper into the forest, Shion's mind racing with questions. Why was she here? Who or what brought her to this world?

As they walked, the blue square reappeared:

"Mission complete. Rewards granted: Enhanced senses. Prepare for your next challenge."

Shion clenched his fists, feeling a surge of new power coursing through him. He glanced at Leina, who seemed unaware of the system's presence.

This is just the beginning, he thought.

Little did they know, the true test was yet to come—the roar of a massive creature echoed in the distance, shaking the very ground beneath their feet