The First Death
The notification appeared before everyone's eyes, like thunder breaking the silence:
[Congratulations, Unknown, for being the first human from Earth to leave the Safe Zone.]
[Reward: Treasure Chest – Common Quality.]
[Title Acquired: The One Who Dares.]
The world froze for a few seconds. Everyone looked around, confused. Murmurs began to spread.
— What does that even mean?! — a woman shouted in panic.
— "Treasure chest"? "Title"? — another questioned nervously.
Danilo, though shocked, managed to keep his voice steady before his sisters:
— This is a reward. In every novel I've read, treasure chests always contain something useful. Could be a weapon, a special item… but it's definitely better than those rusty junk swords the system is selling.
His sisters widened their eyes. Tension gave way to a flicker of hope.
— So… if someone just steps outside, they might get something valuable? — asked Viviane.
— Yes, but… leaving also means risking death. — Danilo answered seriously. — Don't fool yourselves, this isn't a game.
After long minutes of discussion and wild theories, everyone turned their focus back to the essentials: weapons.
— Each of us gets one for free. — Danilo reminded, drawing their attention.
Immediately, they all looked at the rusty staff on the list.
— That one looks nice! — said Fátima.
— It's for a mage, right? I want it! — Viviana added.
Danilo sighed, shaking his head.
— No. A staff is for mages or priests. None of you has any skills yet, so it's nothing but a long iron stick. A sword or a dagger will be far more useful now.
The sisters muttered complaints, but agreed to listen. Then Danilo suggested:
— There are also shields. One of you could take it, stand in front, protect the others.
They exchanged glances and… in perfect sync, turned their eyes toward him.
Danilo blinked, incredulous.
— Wait… you want me to take the shield?!
Viviana gave a mischievous smile.
— Do you see any of us with a face that says "shield-bearer"?
Fátima crossed her arms and added theatrically:
— The shield belongs to the protector. The protector is the man. The man of the house. Between us, Danilo… who's the man of the house?
They all burst into laughter.
Danilo turned red, outraged.
— Aren't you ashamed? My talent is linked to the sword! It's way more advantageous for me to wield one!
— Sure, sure… "the sword"… — Viviana said, still laughing.
But deep down, he knew. If it came to one of them taking a blow, he wouldn't be able to bear it. He took a deep breath, swallowed his pride, and selected the rusty shield.
The sisters, excited, each chose a sword.
— Then it's settled. — Danilo said, raising the heavy shield. — We're leaving.
As they took their first steps toward the exit of the Safe Zone, another notification roared in the air — even more shocking than the first:
[Congratulations, Unknown, for being the first human from Earth to slay a creature from the Divine Domain.]
[Reward: Treasure Chest – Bronze.]
[Permanent Attributes: +10 Support.]
[Title Granted: The First Death.]
Silence fell like a blade. Everyone held their breath.
A cold shiver ran down Danilo's spine.
— Wh… what was that? — he muttered.
His sisters stared at him, stunned. If simply leaving brought rewards… then killing a monster seemed to open the gates to something far greater.