Prologue

Prologue: A New World

What makes someone the protagonist? Is it fate? Power? A system? Or just luck? I don't know, and honestly, I don't care. After all, I am not someone special, and to be frank, I don't care whether I'm the protagonist or not.

But one thing is certain—I'm in big trouble.

I find myself in an unfamiliar place. The humid air clings to my skin, the scent of damp earth and leaves fills my nose. Towering trees surround me, standing like giants watching my every move. A forest? Probably. But the real question is—how did I get here?

I try to remember, but nothing comes to mind. Is this an isekai? It's possible. But for now, the most important thing is to start moving. I need to find someone—or at least something—that can help me understand this situation. And most importantly—I must avoid danger. I am weak.

One Hour Later

After walking north for an hour, I haven't found anything useful. No signs of civilization, just trees and the occasional sound of nature sending chills down my spine. Hunger begins to gnaw at me, and just then, I spot a large tree filled with fruit.

Without hesitation, I climb the tree and start picking the fruit. One of them looks different from the others—its shape and color are unique. It feels familiar somehow, but my hunger-addled brain doesn't care much.

Without thinking, I take a bite.

"Ugh… This is disgusting!" I nearly spit it out. A mix of bitterness and astringency overwhelms my senses—like something that shouldn't be eaten by humans. But then, a realization strikes me like lightning.

"This fruit… It's a Devil Fruit!"

I freeze. A Devil Fruit from One Piece? If this is real, then I really am in another world! But before I can celebrate this discovery, another bitter truth follows—I can no longer swim. Damn it.

But I have no other choice. Now, I need to figure out what kind of power I've gained.

I try focusing my thoughts, searching for any changes within me. But no matter how hard I concentrate, nothing happens. Disappointed, I decide to keep moving, hoping that I will eventually find a way to use my newfound power.

As I walk, a faint sound begins to reach my ears. It grows louder—a roar. My instincts scream at me to be cautious.

I keep walking, trying to ignore the creeping fear along my spine. But the sound gets closer.

Thud… Thud… Thud…

Heavy footsteps echo through the trees. Carefully, I crouch behind some bushes, peering toward the source of the sound. And when my eyes finally land on it, my heart nearly stops.

A tiger. Massive. Wild. And clearly hungry.

Cold sweat drips down my temple. Slowly, I step backward, trying not to draw attention. But then—

Crack!

I step on a dry branch.

The tiger's eyes snap to me, its pupils narrowing. Without warning—

It lunges.

I turn and run as fast as I can. My breath is ragged, my heart pounding like a drum. The predator's footsteps thunder behind me, closing in.

"Damn! Damn! Damn!"

I keep running, but my stamina is running out. And when I glance back, the tiger is right behind me.

I don't see the tree root ahead of me.

I trip and crash hard onto the ground. I try to get up, but it's too late. The tiger is already mid-leap, its claws aiming straight for my head.

"Damn it… I'm going to die!"

I shut my eyes, bracing for the inevitable pain.

But it never comes.

I open my eyes—only to see something strange. The tiger has stopped, its expression wary and confused. My body? No wounds. No blood. I'm still alive.

And then it hits me.

"The Devil Fruit…!"

I replay the moment in my mind. When the tiger attacked, I didn't feel anything. Then I notice something—a thin mist clinging to my body.

"So this is my power?"

I stand up and attempt to strike the tiger, but every punch I throw is easily dodged. I need a strategy. I have to use my Devil Fruit ability properly.

I recall how my body turned into mist before. Focusing my thoughts, I try to replicate the sensation. Slowly, my hand starts to fade—transforming into mist.

"It worked!"

I control the mist, guiding it toward the tiger. I try to make it seep into its body through its nose. It's difficult at first, but eventually, it works.

The tiger starts to panic. It shakes its head, claws at the ground, rolls over—desperately trying to get rid of something invisible. But it's useless.

I condense the mist inside its body.

The tiger lets out a strangled cry. Its breathing becomes ragged, its body trembles, and within minutes, it collapses—motionless.

I stand there, panting. I just killed a living creature with my own hands.

I slump to the ground, exhaustion washing over me. Staring at the sky, now tinged with hues of orange, I raise one hand and make a vow:

"I will survive in this world… no matter what."

"Even if I become a villain."

"Even if the world hates me."

"I will keep living."