Chapter 3: The World Beyond

As the fire crackled in front of him, Daisuke felt a growing sense of unease mixed with curiosity. The flickering flames seemed to cast dancing shadows around the camp, and the quiet murmurs of the people gathered nearby created an atmosphere that was both peaceful and tense. Despite their warm greetings, Daisuke could sense the underlying wariness in the air. He was still an outsider, and in this world, trust wasn't something easily given.

Eren sat across from him, leaning back against a log, his arms crossed. The others had returned to their own conversations, but Daisuke could feel their eyes occasionally glancing in his direction. His mind raced with questions, and his system hummed softly in the background, almost as if it were waiting for him to make a decision.

The campfire's warmth didn't seem to alleviate the chill in his bones, and it wasn't just the forest night air. There was something about this world that felt different, something that made Daisuke aware of his vulnerability. He wasn't the same person he had been in his past life, but that didn't mean he was equipped to survive here. He had no idea what kinds of dangers lurked in the forest or beyond.

Eren, sensing his unease, leaned forward slightly, his voice low. "You seem unsettled. It's a lot to take in, I know. This world isn't kind to newcomers. But the sooner you accept that, the better. You'll have to learn to adapt, and fast."

Daisuke nodded, his fingers twitching slightly as the weight of the situation settled on him. "I've already realized that much. But where do I even begin?"

Eren gave him a pointed look. "You begin by learning about the world. Survival comes first. Then, you can worry about mastering your system." He leaned in closer, his tone becoming more serious. "The system you're talking about—it's not just a tool for leveling up. In this world, there are many who have systems, and many more who don't. The ones who don't are at the mercy of the ones who do."

Daisuke's heart skipped a beat at Eren's words. Mercy of the ones who do? He had a sinking feeling that the systems in this world were much more than a means to gain power—they were a means to survive.

"Why?" Daisuke asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Why does it matter if you have a system?"

Eren's eyes narrowed, and he glanced over his shoulder at the other travelers, ensuring that no one was listening too closely. When he spoke again, his voice was low and urgent.

"Because this world is one of constant struggle," he said. "People with systems are the ones who control their own destinies. They grow stronger, faster, and more capable as time goes on. But those without systems are left to fend for themselves. Monsters, bandits, other system users—everything in this world can be a threat. If you don't have power, you're at the mercy of those who do."

Daisuke swallowed hard, the weight of Eren's words sinking in. He had thought that his system would be a blessing, a gift that would make him powerful. But now it seemed as though it was something he'd have to use carefully, or risk becoming just another pawn in a game he didn't understand.

"So, what does that mean for me?" Daisuke asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, I've got this system, but I'm still… I'm still not sure what it even does or how to use it."

Eren let out a soft sigh. "It means you've got a leg up, at least. But it's not enough to rely on it alone. You'll need to train, adapt, and learn how to wield it to your advantage. The system may give you power, but without the knowledge of how to use it, you'll be just as helpless as anyone else."

Before Daisuke could respond, the screen in his vision flickered again, bringing his attention to it. The system's voice, now strangely comforting, echoed in his mind.

"New Quest: Survival Training

Objective: Learn the basics of survival in this world. Train in combat, magic, and resource gathering. Completion rewards: System upgrades, new skills, and experience points."*

Another quest. Daisuke frowned. It seemed like every time he asked a question, the system was ready with a response—almost as if it was guiding him, pushing him in a specific direction. There was no real freedom in his decisions, at least not yet.

"Looks like the system's already set the course for me," Daisuke muttered under his breath.

Eren glanced at him, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "I see your system is already giving you orders. Don't expect that to stop. The more you level up, the more you'll be pulled into this world's struggles. But that's not all bad. Power can be a blessing—or a curse, depending on how you use it."

Daisuke didn't reply. Instead, he focused on the quest log that had appeared in his system's interface. Survival Training. Combat, magic, resource gathering. It seemed simple enough, but Daisuke had no idea where to start. This world was unfamiliar, and the knowledge he had gained from books and videos in his previous life didn't help him here.

Eren, noticing his hesitation, stood up and stretched. "Come on. It's late, but we can start training tomorrow. You'll need to be able to defend yourself before anything else."

Daisuke followed suit, standing slowly and looking around at the travelers who had gathered near the campfire. They weren't speaking now, but their eyes lingered on him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"How do I start?" Daisuke asked, trying to sound confident despite the overwhelming uncertainty swirling in his mind.

Eren gave him a brief, almost playful grin. "Simple. You start by doing. No one ever learned anything just by talking about it. Let's get you some rest for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll see how well you can handle yourself in combat."

As Daisuke settled into one of the nearby tents, the weight of the world—both literally and figuratively—pressed on him. His body felt strange and new, but in a way, it was a kind of power. He was no longer the weak, average man he had been. Now, he had a chance to reshape his fate, and he wasn't going to waste it.

As he lay on the hard ground, staring up at the dimming sky through the opening of the tent, he reflected on Eren's words. Power… He would need it, wouldn't he? In this world, power was the only currency that mattered. And now, with the system guiding him, he had a chance to gain that power.

But he also realized one thing. This world was dangerous. It wouldn't be kind to him just because he had a system. The real test was how he would use it to survive—and whether he could hold on to his humanity in the process.