The wind outside was sharp and cold.
Seo Joon stepped out of the hut and almost fell. His new body was too weak. His legs trembled, and every step felt like walking through mud.
The small hut stood on the edge of a poor village. Broken fences, muddy roads, and thin smoke rising from weak fires told the story of hunger and struggle.
Children with hollow cheeks ran barefoot in the mud. Old men coughed in corners. Even the women's eyes looked tired.
It was not a rich place. It was survival.
Seo Joon touched his stomach. The pain of hunger twisted deeper, stabbing him over and over. His throat was dry. His hands shook.
> [Quest: Survive the First Day.]
[Condition: Endure hunger and pain without collapsing.]
He groaned. "So this is it… I just have to live through this?"
But it wasn't easy. His body was too thin. His head felt heavy. Each breath burned.
He tried walking toward the village square. His knees gave out, and he fell into the mud. Villagers looked at him but didn't help. They just shook their heads.
"Another starving boy," someone whispered.
"He won't last the winter," another muttered.
Seo Joon clenched his fists. His pride burned. He had once been a king. Men had knelt before him. And now? Now he was a starving beggar in a weak body.
But deep inside, his fire did not die.
He forced himself up. Mud stuck to his face, but he kept moving. His stomach growled louder. His vision blurred.
He stumbled near a well. The water was dirty, filled with brown dust, but it was all he had. He scooped it up with his hands and drank.
It was bitter. It tasted of rust. But as the water slid down his throat, he sighed in relief.
Then the system voice returned.
> [You endured thirst.]
[Reward: +1 Willpower.]
Seo Joon froze. "…Even this counts?"
His lips curved into a smile. For the first time since his death, he felt hope.
"If every pain gives me strength… then I will endure it all."
____
The day dragged on. Hunger grew worse. His stomach screamed. His body shook. But Seo Joon refused to fall.
He sat under a dead tree, hugging his knees, forcing himself not to faint. His lips cracked. His hands trembled.
> [You endured hunger for 3 hours.]
[Reward: +1 Endurance.]
Another line appeared.
> [You endured hunger for 6 hours.]
[Reward: +1 Vitality.]
Sweat ran down his face. His body was weak, but he smiled bitterly. "So this is how the Forsaken System works. Pain in exchange for strength."
He laughed softly, even though his voice was hoarse. "If suffering is the price, then I will pay more than anyone else."
____
By night, the world grew colder. The wind cut through his thin clothes. His teeth chattered. His body curled in on itself.
But he didn't move back into the hut.
"No… I will suffer more. I need to grow faster," Seo Joon whispered, hugging himself under the tree.
The night felt endless. Each breath was sharp, painful. Each shiver tore at his body. But he stayed awake, forcing himself to endure.
> [You endured cold and weakness.]
[Reward: +1 Strength.]
Seo Joon exhaled, a weak smile forming. He was still alive. Still enduring.
____
Morning light broke through the clouds. The village stirred awake. People walked past him, some shaking their heads, others ignoring him.
But Seo Joon slowly stood. His body still felt weak, but… stronger than yesterday. He could feel it. His legs held him steadier. His chest didn't burn as much.
The system voice appeared again.
> [Quest Complete: Survive the First Day.]
[Reward: +1 Stat Point.]
A screen floated in front of him.
Name: Seo Joon
Race: Human
Level: 1
HP: 30/30
Stats:
Strength: 3
Endurance: 4
Vitality: 4
Willpower: 3
Agility: 2
Intelligence: 3
Free Stat Points: 1
Seo Joon's heart pounded. This was it. The start of his new power.
He touched the glowing point. "Where should I put it…?"
His body was weak. His hunger still burned. He decided.
"Vitality."
> [Stat Point allocated: Vitality +1]
Vitality: 5
Warmth spread through him. His body felt a little less empty. His chest felt stronger.
Seo Joon clenched his fists. "Good. This is just the beginning."
But then, the bushes near the edge of the forest shook. A low growl echoed.
Seo Joon froze. His body stiffened.
From the shadows, glowing yellow eyes stared at him. A beast stepped out, its fur bristling, its fangs dripping with saliva. A starving wolf, its ribs sharp under its skin.
It was hungry.
And Seo Joon… was weaker than prey.
The system flashed again.
> [New Trial Detected.]
[Survive the wolf encounter.]
[Failure: Death.]
Seo Joon's breath quickened. His fists clenched. His heart thundered in his chest.
The wolf lowered its body, ready to pounce.
Seo Joon grinned. His lips were dry and cracked, but his eyes burned.
"So this is my next suffering…" he whispered.
The wolf leaped.
And Seo Joon's second trial began.
To be continued...