The dawn broke slowly, painting the horizon with hues of gold and crimson. Arin opened his eyes to the sound of birds calling from the trees. For a moment, he forgot everything like the strange beast, the mysterious system, even the double moons in the sky. He felt only the warmth of sunlight on his face and the coolness of grass beneath him.
But reality returned swiftly.
He sat up, brushing dew from his clothes, and looked around the clearing. The small stream sparkled as morning light danced across its surface. His reflection stared back at him from the water he looks messy hair, tired eyes, clothes from another world.
It wasn't a dream. He was still here.
Arin cupped his hands, drank another mouthful of water, then leaned back against a rock. His body still tingled faintly with energy. The system's presence hadn't vanished; it lingered quietly, like an unseen companion watching his every move.
"System," he said aloud, feeling slightly foolish, "are you… still there?"
The reply came at once, calm and clear inside his mind.
[Acknowledged. The All-Round Development System is active.]
He exhaled in relief. Somehow, hearing the voice steadied him.
"Then tell me,"He continued, "what am I supposed to do now? I don't know where I am. I don't know what this world is."
[You are in an unfamiliar land filled with paths of power. To survive and grow, you must learn. Your journey begins with observation, adaptation, and steady development.]
Arin frowned. "That sounds… pretty vague."
[Knowledge will unfold step by step. The All-Round Path is not about rushing. It is about balance and growth in every direction.]
The words made sense, though they offered little comfort. Still, Arin realized he had two choices: sit here helplessly or take his first step into the unknown.
He stood, stretched his limbs, and glanced toward the rising sun. If he was to survive, he needed food, shelter, and understanding of this world.
The forest stretched endlessly, but faint trails cut through the undergrowth. Choosing one at random, he began walking. His senses felt sharper than ever. Every rustle of leaves, every shimmer of energy in the air drew his attention. It was overwhelming, yet fascinating.
Hours has passed. He discovered strange plants—roots glowing faintly, berries releasing fragrant mist, flowers that closed tightly when touched. Some seemed edible, others look dangerous. He dared not taste them yet.
As midday approached, hunger gnawed at him. His stomach growled loudly. He sighed. "I can't last long without food."
The system stirred.
[Knowledge archive accessible. Would you like to identify resources?]
"Yes."
[Scanning surroundings… identified: river fish, edible berries, medicinal herbs.]
A faint map lit up in his mind, marking directions. Astonished by response, Arin followed the guidance until he reached a wider stream where silver-scaled fish darted beneath the surface. He fashioned a crude spear from a branch, sharpening its tip with a rock.
It took several clumsy tries, but at last, he skewered one. He whooped with victory, though the sound echoed too loudly in the quiet woods. Quickly, he gathered dry branches, struck sparks with stones, and built a small fire. The roasted fish was simple, but to him, it was a feast.
The taste filled him with both warmth and confidence.
As he ate, the system spoke again.
[First survival task complete. All-Round Path reward: enhanced adaptability.]
A rush of warmth spread through him. His limbs felt stronger, his movements more fluid. It wasn't dramatic like magic in movies, but subtle like his body had been tuned to a higher level.
Arin clenched his fists. He had never been athletic back in his old life, yet here, he felt change happening already.
He resumed his journey after the meal, following the faint trail through the forest. Eventually, the trees began to thin, and distant smoke rose on the horizon. His heart leaped.
"People…"
Quickening his pace, he emerged onto a dirt road that wound through grassy fields. Far ahead, stone walls and wooden rooftops marked a settlement. A village, maybe even a small town.
Excitement surged but so did fear. What if they didn't understand him? What if they treated him as an outsider? Still, he couldn't stay in the forest forever.
Step by cautious step, he approached the gates.
Two guards stood watch, dressed in rough armor, swords at their sides. Their posture was relaxed, but their eyes sharpened as Arin drew near.
"Halt!" one barked. "State your business."
Arin froze, mind racing. What should he say? He couldn't tell them he had fallen from another world. He needed something simple.
"I… was lost in the forest," he said slowly. "I've been wandering for days."
The guards exchanged a look. The second one narrowed his eyes, scanning Arin's torn modern clothes. "Strange garments you wear, traveler. Where do you hail from?"
Arin forced a weary smile. "Far away."
It wasn't a lie.
For a tense moment, silence hung in the air. Then the first guard sighed. "Very well. You look half-dead. Go on in. But don't cause trouble."
Relief washed over Arin as the gates creaked open. He stepped into the village, his senses immediately overwhelmed by the sight.
Stalls lined the streets, selling fruits, grains, and shining trinkets. Children ran barefoot, chasing each other. Merchants shouted prices, haggling with customers. But more than anything, Arin noticed the energy qi, mana, aura—whatever it was, it flowed openly among the people. Farmers carried tools that glowed faintly with runes. A healer waved her hands over a patient, light gathering at her fingertips. A blacksmith hammered molten metal, sparks flying unnaturally bright.
This wasn't simply a medieval town. It was alive with power.
Arin's breath caught. For the first time, he saw a glimpse of how vast this world truly was.
The system whispered in his mind.
[FIRST Observe then, Learn and after research Integrate.]
He walked slowly, absorbing everything. His modern mind analyzed the structures, the tools, the flow of energy. Ideas bloomed instantly—how their farming could improve, how their forging could be refined, how medicine could be advanced.
And yet, he kept silent. He was just a stranger here. He could not reveal too much too soon.
Still, fate had its own plans.
Near the town square, a commotion broke out. A young boy had collapsed, his skin pale, his breathing shallow. His mother cried for help. "Please! Someone, anyone, save him!"
People gathered, murmuring. The healer knelt beside the boy, channeling light into his chest. But the glow flickered weakly. Her expression darkened. "His energy channels are blocked. I cannot reach him."
The mother sobbed louder.
Arin felt his heart tighten. He couldn't stand by. The knowledge within him stirred, both medical science and mystical theory intertwining in his mind. He knew what to do.
Before he realized it, his feet carried him forward. "Let me try."
The crowd turned, eyes skeptical. The healer frowned. "Who are you? You look like a beggar off the road."
Arin ignored the insult. He knelt beside the boy, placing a hand gently on his chest. Closing his eyes, he guided his breath, remembering the balance he had chosen earlier. His system responded, aligning his energy with precision.
Modern anatomy blended with mystical pathways in his mind. He pressed certain points along the boy's body, stimulating blocked channels while pushing a steady flow of warmth from his own energy. Slowly, the boy's breathing steadied. His color returned.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The mother clutched her son, tears streaming. "You… you saved him!"
Arin pulled back, sweat dripping down his face. He wasn't used to channeling energy yet, but the relief in the mother's eyes made it worth it.
The healer stared at him, stunned. "Who… are you?"
Arin rose to his feet, meeting her gaze calmly. For a moment, he considered telling the truth. But instead, he simply said, "Just a traveler."
The whispers in the crowd grew louder. Words like sage, healer, stranger with power passed from mouth to mouth. Arin knew this was only the beginning.
As the sun set, painting the sky with fire, he realized one thing clearly.
His path in this world had already begun to affect others.
And though he tried to remain small, destiny was already pushing him toward something far greater.