Chapter 5: The Reflection and the Barrier

Ethan trudged along the riverbank, the hunger gnawing at his stomach with every step. The peaceful surroundings didn't help the emptiness he felt inside. The System had mentioned fruit-bearing plants near the riverbank, and he was hoping to find something that could satisfy his hunger.

His thoughts drifted as he scanned the area, eyes scanning for any sign of the luminous flowers the System had mentioned. His fingers brushed the damp leaves as he crouched low, half-expecting some kind of magical fruit to appear.

A glimmer of color caught his attention.

He turned toward a cluster of delicate, glowing flowers near the river's edge. As he moved closer, he spotted clusters of small, round fruits growing among the flowers—fruits that seemed to shimmer with a faint blue light. The sight of them made his mouth water, and without hesitation, he reached out and picked one.

He took a cautious bite, the fruit's sweetness exploding on his tongue. It wasn't like anything he had ever tasted before—rich, refreshing, and almost... revitalizing. He let out a satisfied sigh, immediately feeling his strength return with each bite.After finishing the fruit, he stood up, feeling a bit better but still lost in thought. His mind wandered as he gazed at the river. The reflection of the sky shimmered on its surface, and that was when he noticed something... strange.

The image staring back at him wasn't the same as the one he remembered. Instead of the frail, worn-down man he had been in his previous life, he saw a young man, perhaps in his early twenties, with sharp features and bright blue eyes that stood out like jewels against his dark hair. His face was handsome—youthful, strong, and full of life, a stark contrast to the old, sickly version of himself he had left behind.

"What the…?" Ethan whispered to himself, staring at the reflection with disbelief. He reached up to touch his face, half-expecting to feel the signs of age or weariness, but instead, he felt smooth, unmarked skin. The body staring back at him was strong, healthy—like a new person entirely.

He stood there, stunned for a moment, still trying to process it all. His new body... Was this part of the whole reincarnation thing? He wasn't just in a new world—he had been reborn.

"Guess I look pretty good for someone who just died," he muttered, taking in the youthful face. He shook his head, trying to focus. There were more pressing questions now.

"I'm alive again, in a new world… but I still don't understand what's going on," he said aloud, as if expecting an answer.

As if on cue, the words began to appear in front of him, the familiar screen flickering to life once again.

What can I assist you with?

Ethan blinked, shaking himself out of his daze. "Right, I almost forgot you were there." He paused for a moment, then asked, "So, I'm in this forest looking for food, and I found these glowing fruits. But what exactly is this place? It's not just any forest, is it?"

The screen flickered again, and the words slowly formed.

You are in the Death Forest, a dangerous and treacherous region known for its hostile creatures. It is one of the most perilous places in this world, filled with wild beasts, magical creatures, and many dangers. Most who enter this forest do not survive.

Ethan's eyes widened. "Death Forest? That doesn't sound promising."

But as he looked around at the serene beauty of the forest, the peaceful rustling of the trees, and the calm flow of the river, he couldn't help but feel that something was off. It was too quiet, too tranquil for a place that was supposedly so dangerous.

"But it doesn't feel that bad here," he said, rubbing his chin. "Everything seems peaceful."

You are currently inside a protective barrier, the screen responded. The Death Forest is a place of immense danger, but you are within an area shielded from the monsters by a powerful magical barrier. This barrier prevents hostile creatures from entering and keeps you safe.

Ethan frowned as he processed the information. "So, I'm in some kind of safe zone? Inside the Death Forest? That's a relief, but it doesn't explain why I feel so… vulnerable."

The barrier is a construct designed by ancient protectors to ensure safe habitation within this forest. Outside the barrier, however, the forest is full of peril. Monsters roam freely, and only the strongest are able to survive its dangers.

"Right," Ethan muttered, crossing his arms. "Sounds like I'm safe for now, but once I leave this barrier, it's a whole different ball game."

Indeed. Once you step beyond the barrier, you will be exposed to the many dangers of the Death Forest. The creatures here are formidable and not to be taken lightly.

Ethan's mind raced, a knot tightening in his stomach as he thought about what lay beyond the barrier. Dire wolves, venomous serpents, giant spiders… creatures of shadow and flame. It was all a little too much to process, but one thing was clear—he had to be careful.

"Alright," he said, taking a deep breath. "I get it. Dangerous creatures, monsters, and all that. But… if I'm going to survive, I need to know more. What exactly am I supposed to do here? How do I prepare for all of that?"

The screen flickered once more, the words appearing slowly.

You must develop your skills, gain experience, and increase your strength. Completing tasks, gathering resources, and improving your environment will help you grow stronger. Your journey will require preparation, training, and knowledge to survive in this world.

Ethan nodded, determination setting in. "So, farming, crafting, and maybe a little bit of adventuring when I'm ready. Got it. I'll work with that."

He looked back at the river, the peaceful water reflecting the bright blue sky above. Despite everything, he felt a surge of hope. He wasn't stuck in a death trap—he had a chance to grow, to learn, and maybe even to thrive.

Alright," he said to himself, smiling despite the uncertainty. "Let's see what this world has to offer. But first, I'll get stronger. I'll start with this barrier, this fruit, and see where I can take it from here."

He turned and headed off deeper into the forest, still processing the enormity of what lay ahead. Whatever monsters and challenges awaited him, he had a chance—more than he ever had before.