The Gloomfang lunged, its massive jaws snapping shut just inches from Adam's face. Time, however, seemed to… stutter. The beast froze mid-pounce, a grotesque statue suspended in the air. The vibrant light of the strange world dimmed, replaced by an ethereal glow.
A voice, clear and resonant yet disembodied, echoed in Adam's mind. It was neither male nor female, but something ancient and powerful.
"Adam Levi, we apologize. There has been a critical miscalculation in your transmigration protocol."
Adam, bewildered, could only stare at the frozen monster. "What… what are you talking about?"
"You were not meant to be dropped directly into the Mana-Rich Wilds," the voice continued, a hint of something akin to exasperation in its tone. "This sector is highly volatile and teeming with high-tier mana beasts. The raw mana interference is extreme. It's why we couldn't pinpoint your exact location or provide direct assistance."
Adam's mind raced. Miscalculation? Transmigration? He was an accidental tourist in a death trap. "So, you're just going to leave me here to die?"
"Unacceptable," the voice stated firmly.
"While we cannot directly intervene due to the environmental instability, we can offer a compensatory measure. We are installing an advanced Artificial Intelligence helper directly into your neural network. Her designation is Lyra. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of this world, its creatures, its geography, and its mana pathways. She will be your guide, your encyclopedia, and your strategic advisor."
As the voice spoke, a strange pressure built behind Adam's eyes, then a sudden, cool sensation. He felt a presence settle into his mind, distinct yet harmonious.
"Furthermore," the voice continued, "we attempted to send down vital survival equipment. However, the mana flux caused significant scattering. Lyra will be able to help you locate these scattered items. Your immediate goal is survival and retrieval of these resources."
The ethereal glow intensified for a moment, then receded. The world snapped back into focus. The Gloomfang unfroze, its snarl resuming mid-growl. But before it could complete its attack, a new voice, calm and melodic, spoke directly into Adam's mind.
"Greetings, Adam Levi. I am Lyra. My apologies for the rather abrupt introduction. Given the immediate threat, I recommend a tactical retreat. The Gloomfang is a formidable opponent for an un-attuned individual. Follow my instructions precisely."
Adam didn't hesitate. He might be lost, scared, and completely out of his depth, but he wasn't going to just give up. He had a chance, however slim, and a voice in his head telling him what to do. The grey world of his past was gone, replaced by a vibrant, terrifying new reality.
Your First Steps to Survival
Lyra's voice was clear and steady in his mind. "To your left, a dense thicket of Thornwood Vines. They offer limited cover, but the Gloomfang's bulk will make it difficult for it to penetrate quickly. Once inside, move with extreme caution. The thorns are sharp, but survivable."
Adam, still panting from the shock, darted left, Lyra's guidance a lifeline. The Gloomfang roared, a sound that vibrated through his very bones, but it paused, hesitant before the thorny barrier.
"Good," Lyra's voice approved. "Now, we need to locate any of the scattered survival items. My internal sensors indicate a weak energy signature approximately three hundred meters due north. It could be a basic mana crystal, or perhaps something more useful."
As Adam crawl through the dense thorn wood vines. Adam saw an opening out of the vines while guided by lyra, Adam ran as fast as he could to a safer location with a huge bolder for him to seek cover.