The First Quest

Isagi's chest heaved as he stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding the boar's tusks. The creature's grunt reverberated in the air as it charged again, its massive frame thundering across the forest floor. The sword in his hands felt heavier now, its once-exciting weight suddenly a burden. He could feel his pulse in his temples, his grip tight around the hilt. This was no longer just a game. This was real.

The boar's tusks gleamed in the moonlight, sharp and deadly. Isagi's legs trembled as he steadied himself, trying to force the terror from his mind. He hadn't even known where he was before the beast attacked. Was this the world of Tenria? Was he stuck in some twisted simulation?

He barely had time to think before the boar charged once more. With no time to waste, Isagi reacted on instinct, stepping to the side just as the creature came barreling toward him. His sword, now familiar in his grip, slashed through the air.

[Skill Unlocked: Sword Slash]

[Attack Power: 5]

A sharp hiss as the sword connected with the boar's side sent a jolt through Isagi's body, a strange surge of power flooding his senses. The boar squealed in pain and veered off course, stumbling slightly before righting itself, clearly enraged.

Isagi could feel it the system, the magic, the quest. It was all real, and he had a choice: survive or be trampled. He wasn't about to go down without a fight.

"Okay, let's do this," Isagi muttered to himself, focusing. He had a sword, and it had already proven useful. Now, he had to use it to its full potential.

The boar charged again, its tusks aimed for his chest. Isagi's heart raced as he braced himself, his mind racing through what he knew about combat in games like this. Timing was everything. He had to find the right opening.

At the last second, he stepped to the side again, this time using the momentum of the boar's attack against it. With a swift motion, he swung the sword from the side, using the full length of the blade to strike at the boar's flank.

The boar squealed loudly, and Isagi's strike landed true. Blood sprayed from the wound as the creature faltered, letting out a sharp cry before collapsing onto the ground with a heavy thud.

[Quest Complete: Defeat the Wild Boar]

[Experience Gained: 50 XP]

[Item Obtained: Wild Boar Tusks x2]

[Level Up: 1 → 2]

Isagi stared at the boar's lifeless body, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The message floated before his eyes, the glowing letters of the system interface a constant reminder that he was no longer in his world. No longer in his comfortable apartment. This was Tenria. A world with real danger.

A part of him was relieved that the fight was over. But another part of him felt… exhilarated. He had just killed a creature far stronger than anything he'd faced in any game. He had used his real-world knowledge of RPG mechanics, and it had worked. His hand, still gripping the sword, trembled slightly as he looked around.

The forest was eerily silent now, the only sounds coming from the occasional rustle of the leaves in the wind. For a brief moment, it felt like time had frozen. Isagi exhaled, shaking his head.

"Okay, Isagi. Focus," he whispered to himself. "You're in Tenria now. You've got a quest to finish."

He had completed the first task defeat the wild boar. But what came next? Was he just supposed to wander around, killing monsters? Was there something more to this world? Was there a way to escape?

As if answering his questions, the ethereal voice from before echoed again.

[New Quest Available: Investigate the Forest Ruins]

Objective: Explore the nearby ruins and discover their secrets.

Reward: Experience, Items, New Skills.

Isagi blinked in surprise. Forest ruins? He hadn't noticed any ruins nearby. Then again, he wasn't exactly familiar with this world. The message shimmered before his eyes, and he glanced at the boar's carcass. Two tusks. Maybe he could sell them, or they could be used for crafting. He needed to figure out more about how this world worked.

Taking a deep breath, Isagi adjusted his sword, scanning the area. The quest was his next step. The Forest Ruins... it sounded like the kind of place adventurers would go, maybe even a dungeon or an old temple. He had no idea what to expect, but he didn't have much of a choice. The system had already given him his next goal.

"Alright, Tenria," Isagi muttered, feeling the strange rush of anticipation flood through him again. "Let's see what you've got."

He turned and began to walk deeper into the forest, heading toward the ruins the system had mentioned. Whatever secrets they held, he was about to find out. But first, he had to stay alive.

And somehow, despite everything, Isagi couldn't shake the feeling that his journey in Tenria was just beginning.

Isagi wiped the sweat from his brow and sheathed his sword. His breathing had steadied, but his hands still trembled from the thrill of battle. He had fought in countless games before, but this was different. This was reality.

The forest around him seemed to press in, the trees standing like silent sentinels beneath the moonlit sky. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh blood. The defeated boar's carcass lay motionless on the ground, and Isagi felt a mix of excitement and wariness.

The system's interface still hovered before his eyes, displaying his updated stats.

[Status Update]

Name: Isagi Khol

Level: 2

HP: 120/120

MP: 50/50

Strength: 12 (+2)

Agility: 10 (+1)

Vitality: 11 (+2)

Skills: [Sword Slash] (Basic)

Leveling up had restored his health, and he felt a newfound energy coursing through his body. He clenched his fists, marveling at the sensation. It wasn't just a stat increase—his body actually felt stronger, more capable.

"Alright, time to get moving." He glanced around, scanning the area for any signs of the so-called Forest Ruins. If the system was leading him there, it had to be important.

He crouched beside the boar's corpse and inspected it. The two tusks he had obtained were now in his inventory, stored within the system's magical space. Convenient. He didn't have a backpack, but the interface took care of that.

After a moment of hesitation, he touched the boar's body again.

[Would you like to dismantle the corpse?]

[Yes] / [No]

Isagi blinked. He had played survival games where dismantling monsters yielded materials for crafting. If this world worked similarly, he might be able to collect useful resources.

"Might as well try." He tapped [Yes], and the system did the work for him. The boar's body shimmered, vanishing into particles of light, leaving behind a few items.

[Items Obtained]

Wild Boar Meat x3 (Restores 30 HP when cooked)

Leather Hide x1 (Can be used for crafting)

"Nice," Isagi muttered. The system was efficient, but he couldn't shake the eerie feeling of watching a corpse disappear like that.

Now that he had supplies, his next objective was clear. He turned toward the dense foliage ahead and started moving.

The Journey to the Ruins

The deeper he ventured into the forest, the darker it became. The towering trees blocked out most of the moonlight, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Strange noises echoed in the distance rustling leaves, the hoot of an owl-like creature, and the occasional distant growl.

Isagi kept his hand on his sword, alert for any danger. He wasn't about to let his guard down.

After about twenty minutes of walking, the trees thinned, and he found himself at the edge of a rocky clearing. In the center stood a massive stone structure, partially hidden by vines and overgrown vegetation. The ruins.

[Quest Updated: Investigate the Forest Ruins]

Objective: Enter the ruins and uncover their secrets.

Reward: ???

Isagi stepped forward cautiously, his eyes scanning the area. The entrance was a crumbling stone archway, and beyond it, a set of stairs descended into darkness. Faint carvings lined the walls, their symbols unfamiliar.

"Alright… let's see what's inside."

He drew his sword and stepped through the archway, descending into the unknown.

Inside the Ruins

The air inside was damp and musty, the scent of decay lingering in the dimly lit corridors. Faint blue crystals embedded in the walls provided the only illumination, casting eerie shadows. The silence was suffocating.

As Isagi moved forward, he noticed something strange the walls weren't just old, they were pulsing. Almost as if they were alive.

A shiver ran down his spine. This place isn't normal.

Then, without warning, a notification appeared before him.

[Dungeon Discovered: Forgotten Catacombs]

Difficulty: E-Rank

Threat Level: Low

Recommended Level: 3+

First Clear Bonus: 100 XP, Unknown Item

"A dungeon?" Isagi muttered. He had played countless RPGs, and dungeons were usually full of treasure—and danger.

Just then, a low growl echoed from deeper within the ruins.

He gripped his sword tightly.

Whatever was waiting for him inside, he was ready.

Isagi took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. The Forgotten Catacombs—even the name sent a chill down his spine. The eerie glow of the blue crystals barely illuminated the passage ahead, and the low growl from the darkness confirmed what he already suspected.

He wasn't alone.

"Alright… stay calm." He whispered to himself, taking careful steps forward. His heartbeat was steady, but his body remained tense, ready to react.

The stone floor beneath his boots was cracked and uneven, worn down by time. The walls bore ancient carvings, some depicting warriors locked in battle, others showing ominous symbols he didn't recognize.

His instincts screamed at him to be cautious. If this was a dungeon, then there were likely monsters lurking in the shadows. And sure enough.

Shuffle. Scratch. Growl.

A pair of glowing yellow eyes flickered in the darkness ahead. Then another. And another.

From the shadows, three creatures emerged Lesser Ghouls. Their bodies were thin and skeletal, their skin stretched tightly over their bones, and their fingers ended in razor-sharp claws. Their hollow, sunken eyes locked onto him, their mouths twisting into eerie grins as they let out guttural hisses.

[Enemy Identified: Lesser Ghouls]

Level: 3

HP: 80

Abilities: Claw Strike, Bite

Threat Level: Moderate

Isagi's grip on his sword tightened. Three enemies at once his first real challenge. He wasn't sure how strong they were, but he had leveled up from the boar fight.

No time to hesitate.

The first ghoul lunged forward with inhuman speed, its claws swiping toward his chest. Isagi barely had time to react, stepping back and raising his sword. The impact sent a shock through his arms, but he managed to deflect the attack.

The second ghoul followed immediately, slashing at his side. Isagi twisted his body just in time, feeling the air ripple as the claws missed him by inches. The third ghoul was already circling around him, trying to flank him.

They're fast. Too fast to fight recklessly.

"Time to test my skill."

He pivoted on his heel, swinging his sword in a wide arc.

[Skill Activated: Sword Slash]

[Damage Dealt: 25]

The blade cut through the first ghoul's torso, sending it staggering back with a shriek. Black ichor oozed from the wound, but it wasn't enough to kill it.

The second ghoul lunged again, this time aiming for his legs. Isagi jumped back, but not fast enough.

SLASH!

[You have taken 12 damage.]

[HP: 108/120]

A sharp pain shot through his calf as the ghoul's claws grazed him. It wasn't deep, but the sting reminded him that this was real.

He gritted his teeth. No more playing defense.

He dashed forward, feinting toward the wounded ghoul before pivoting at the last second. The second ghoul had left itself open after its attack, and Isagi took full advantage.

With a swift motion, he thrust his sword forward.

[Critical Hit!]

[Damage Dealt: 50]

The ghoul let out a screech before collapsing into a pile of dust.

One down. Two to go.

The remaining ghouls hissed in fury and rushed him simultaneously. Isagi sidestepped the first, raising his sword in time to parry the second's strike. Sparks flew as steel met claw.

But he wasn't done. He focused, feeling energy build up inside him. He didn't know how, but he knew he could do more.

[New Skill Unlocked: Power Strike]

[Effect: A powerful overhead slash that deals increased damage.]

"Perfect timing!"

He raised his sword high and brought it down with full force.

[Skill Activated: Power Strike]

[Damage Dealt: 40]

His sword cleaved through the second ghoul's chest, splitting it open before it crumbled into dust.

Two down. One left.

The last ghoul hesitated for the first time, its glowing eyes narrowing as it seemed to reconsider its attack. But Isagi didn't give it the chance.

With a burst of speed, he closed the distance and slashed across its throat. The ghoul let out a strangled cry before disintegrating into nothingness.

[Battle Complete]

[Experience Gained: 120 XP]

[Level Up: 2 → 3]

Isagi exhaled heavily, lowering his sword. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he processed what had just happened.

His first real battle in Tenria. He had won.

But the rush of victory didn't last long.

As the dust settled, he noticed something a faint glow in the darkness, deeper within the ruins.

He narrowed his eyes. That wasn't there before.

The system chimed again.

[Quest Update: Investigate the Ruins]

New Objective: Follow the mysterious glow.

Isagi took a deep breath, tightening his grip on his sword. He wasn't sure what was waiting for him ahead, but one thing was clear his journey in this world was only beginning.

And whatever lay beyond that glow... would bring him one step closer to understanding why he was here.

Isagi wiped the sweat from his brow as he cautiously stepped deeper into the Forgotten Catacombs. The eerie blue glow pulsed like a heartbeat, casting shifting shadows across the crumbling stone walls. Every step echoed eerily, reminding him that even though he had defeated the Lesser Ghouls, danger was far from over.

The quest log flickered in his vision.

[Quest Progress: Investigate the Ruins]

Objective: Follow the mysterious glow.

He inhaled deeply, trying to steady his nerves. The thrill of leveling up still pulsed through him, his body feeling stronger, more responsive. He pulled up his status screen, eager to see what had changed.

[Status Screen]

Name: Isagi Khol

Level: 3

HP: 120/120

Strength: 14 (+2)

Agility: 13 (+1)

Endurance: 12 (+2)

Mana: 5

New Skills Unlocked: Power Strike

He frowned. Mana? He hadn't noticed that stat before. He scrolled through his menu and found a new entry under Abilities.

[New Ability Unlocked: Basic Magic Affinity]

You have awakened an innate connection to magic. Though weak now, your ability will grow with time.

Current Spells: None

Isagi's heart pounded with excitement. Magic. That changed everything.

His mind raced with possibilities. Could he cast fireballs? Summon lightning? Reinforce his body like an RPG monk? But for now, he had no spells just potential.

I'll figure this out later. Right now, he had a quest to complete.

He pressed forward, the glow growing stronger. Soon, he entered a massive chamber. The ceiling arched high above him, lined with floating blue glyphs that pulsed softly. At the center of the room stood an ancient stone pedestal, cracked with age. Resting atop it was a small, floating crystal, its radiance bathing the room in ethereal light.

The system chimed.

[Quest Update: Mysterious Artifact Found]

New Objective: Retrieve the glowing crystal.

Isagi approached cautiously, eyes scanning for traps. The whole scene screamed obvious danger glowing artifact, ancient ruins, and a random pedestal? Classic boss fight setup.

But what choice did he have? He reached out and grasped the crystal.

The moment his fingers touched it, the entire room trembled.

[Warning! You Have Triggered a Guardian's Awakening!]

The pedestal shattered into dust, and the walls trembled violently. From the far end of the chamber, an ominous rumble grew louder something was coming.

Isagi's grip on his sword tightened.

From the shadows, a towering armored figure emerged a Ruined Guardian. Standing at least ten feet tall, its rusted armor groaned with each movement, and its empty helmet glowed with eerie blue flames. In one massive hand, it held a colossal sword as long as Isagi was tall.

The system flashed red.

[Boss Encounter: Ruined Guardian]

Level: 5

HP: 300

Abilities: Heavy Slash, Shockwave Stomp, Magic Resistance.

Threat Level: High

Isagi cursed under his breath.

"Of course! A mini-boss! Why wouldn't there be one?!"

The Ruined Guardian raised its greatsword and slammed it down.

BOOM!

Stone shattered where Isagi had been standing a second ago, dust and debris flying into the air. He rolled to the side, gripping his sword as he desperately tried to come up with a plan.

He was faster, but this thing was a tank. He'd need to play smart.

Time to put my skills to the test.

He lunged forward, swinging his blade.

[Power Strike Activated!]

His sword slammed against the Guardian's leg only for the metal to barely scratch.

[Damage Dealt: 10]

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."

The Guardian swung its sword horizontally. Isagi barely ducked in time, feeling the wind from the massive blade rush past him.

He couldn't fight this thing head-on. He needed a weak spot.

Think, think, think!

Then he saw it the glowing blue core in its chest.

There!

Isagi sprinted, dodging another massive swing. The Guardian was slow, but one hit would flatten him. He needed a window of opportunity.

Then, an idea struck him.

Let's test this magic thing.

He focused, willing whatever mana he had to respond. A strange warmth built inside him. His system reacted.

[New Skill Unlocked: Mana Reinforcement]

Temporarily enhances strength or speed using mana.

"Perfect."

The Ruined Guardian lifted its sword, preparing a devastating downward smash.

Isagi activated Mana Reinforcement, flooding his body with energy.

[Mana Reinforcement: Speed Activated]

Agility +5 (Temporary)

Mana Consumed: 5

His body felt lighter faster.

As the Guardian's sword crashed down, Isagi vanished from sight.

Reappearing behind it in a blur, he leaped high, sword raised.

[Critical Strike!]

His blade sank into the Guardian's glowing core.

The Ruined Guardian let out a deep, metallic roar, its blue flames flaring wildly. Then

With a final, echoing groan, it collapsed into a heap of rusted metal.

[Boss Defeated!]

[Experience Gained: 300 XP]

[Level Up: 3 → 5]

Isagi landed, breathing hard. His entire body was thrumming with energy.

He had won.

As the dust settled, the crystal in his hand pulsed.

[Quest Complete: Investigate the Ruins]

New Reward: Unknown Artifact (Sealed)]

New Skill Unlocked: Mana Flow

Isagi collapsed onto a nearby rock, laughing breathlessly.

"Man… this world is insane."

He looked at the glowing artifact in his hand. He had no idea what it was… but something told him this was only the beginning.