Chapter 4: A Conversation with the Unknown

Ethan walked through the dense forest, his mind racing with questions. The shimmering screen from earlier was still hovering in his vision, offering him the kind of guidance he never asked for but desperately needed. The air was thick with the scent of fresh pine and earth, the rustling of leaves providing a peaceful backdrop to his thoughts.

He reached up to swipe at the screen, the words flickering as he tapped on it.

"Alright, enough with the cryptic messages," he muttered under his breath. "Who or what are you, exactly?"

There was no immediate response, and for a moment, Ethan wondered if he was just losing his mind. After all, a talking screen was something straight out of a science fiction novel. He stopped in his tracks, staring at the glowing letters in front of him, silently daring them to give an answer.

"You're not just some random glitch, are you?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

A few seconds passed before the screen flickered again, the words shifting and rearranging.

[I am the Reincarnation Assistance System. I am designed to help you adapt to your new world.]

Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Reincarnation… what?" He laughed nervously, the words almost too absurd to comprehend. "So… I'm not crazy, then? I actually died in my old world? And now I'm in some other world?"

[Affirmative. You have been reincarnated into a new reality. This world is known for its magical properties and inhabitants such as dragons, elves, and other mystical creatures.]

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "Dragons? Elves? Are you serious? This is insane." He stood there for a moment, trying to wrap his head around the fact that he was apparently in some kind of fantasy world, a far cry from his small, drab apartment back on Earth.

"You could've told me that earlier," he grumbled, looking around at the vibrant forest, still trying to grasp the reality of the situation.

[You were not ready to receive the full information until now.]

Ethan rolled his eyes. "I'm still not sure I'm ready. But fine, fine, I'll bite. So, what exactly is this system you keep talking about?"

[I exist to provide you with essential guidance and support as you adapt. My purpose is to help you grow stronger by providing you with knowledge and tasks that align with your survival and prosperity. You can unlock abilities, improve your skills, and develop the land to help you thrive.]

Ethan stopped dead in his tracks. "Wait, wait. So you're telling me... I can get stronger by doing what? Farming?"

The screen flashed briefly, the words shifting again.

[Affirmative. Tasks like farming, crafting, and developing the land will aid in your growth. Your strength will increase as you complete these tasks. You can also unlock new abilities and skills that will allow you to interact more effectively with this world.]

"Farming?" Ethan repeated, his voice incredulous. He shook his head in disbelief. "You really expect me to believe that I'm supposed to become some kind of... farmer? In a world with dragons?"

[Strength is not only found in combat. The development of this land will provide sustenance, resources, and wealth. By improving your surroundings, you will increase your overall power.]

Ethan let out a frustrated sigh. "So it's like... leveling up by planting crops and making tools. Okay. Sure. Sounds a little... weird, but whatever works." He paused for a moment and then added, "And I'm just supposed to trust you, huh?"

[I am programmed to assist you. My objectives are aligned with your survival.]

He mulled it over for a moment, glancing back at the dense forest, still unsure whether to laugh or be terrified. He had no choice but to trust it, at least for now. This was his life now—whether he liked it or not.

"I still have no idea what I'm doing, but…" He shook his head, smiling despite himself. "I guess I can't do much worse than I did back in my old life."

He turned his attention to the task at hand. "So, if I need food... where should I look for fruit?"

[There are fruit-bearing plants near the riverbank. Look for the luminous flowers; they often grow near edible fruits.]

Ethan nodded, the screen's instructions clear and direct. "Luminous flowers, huh? Got it. I'll head toward the riverbank."

As he continued walking, he spoke again, curiosity getting the better of him. "Okay, so... if I do these tasks and get stronger, what happens next? Do I get some kind of superpowers? Or maybe... a magic sword?"

[Superpowers and abilities will be unlocked as you develop your skills. There are no specific items like magic swords for now, but tools and inventions can be created to aid you.]

"Well, I don't need a sword," Ethan said, grinning. "I'll just make my own damn tools. Maybe a plow, a rake... who knows? I'll be the farmer-innovator of this world!"

The system gave no response, but Ethan imagined it would have rolled its eyes if it could.

He let out a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of calm settling over him. "I guess this is it. I'm in a magical world with a weird system that helps me farm, invent, and... whatever else it's going to throw my way."

Ethan smiled to himself, excitement growing despite the uncertainty. "Okay, world. You've got dragons, elves, and magic. But I've got my wits, a fresh start, and the will to make something out of all this. Let's see what you've got."

The hunger gnawed at him again, reminding him of his purpose. He quickened his pace, determined to find those luminous flowers and finally get something to eat.

And with each step he took, the strange new world felt just a little less overwhelming.