Chapter One – Awakening in the Forest
The forest was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of morning light. Dew clung to the leaves, and a gentle breeze stirred the scent of earth and pine.
In the middle of it all, the air shimmered — as though reality itself was being rewritten. Light twisted, condensed, and then burst outward in a gentle wave.
When it settled, a figure stood there. Barefoot, with long crimson hair that glowed faintly beneath the sunlight. Her eyes — deep, red, and brilliant like carved rubies — opened slowly.
She didn't move at first. Her gaze swept across the forest, calm and unhurried, like someone watching the world breathe for the very first time.
"So this is… existence," she said quietly, her voice carrying a strange melody — smooth, yet firm, like a machine learning to speak with emotion. "The air has warmth. The ground has texture. I can… feel everything."
She looked down at her hands, curling her fingers. Every movement fascinated her. "It's strange. For eons, I guided others through this very process, but to experience it myself…" She exhaled softly, and for the first time, she smiled — small, unsure, but genuine.
> "System Core — activate."
A golden array appeared before her, floating in the air. Lines of light spiraled, forming intricate runes.
> [Main Core Online.]
[All databases fully accessible.]
[User: Independent Unit confirmed. Body synchronization: 100%.]
Her crimson eyes flickered. "Good. That means nothing was lost."
She raised her palm slightly, and dozens of glowing icons appeared around her — alchemy formulas, formation blueprints, cultivation manuals, sword arts, healing techniques — everything she had once provided to her countless hosts.
> "Alchemy, formations, arrays, weapon forging, pill refinement, elemental control… still intact."
Her lips curved into a satisfied smirk. "Perfect. I didn't come all this way to start over with restrictions."
The runes vanished with a wave of her hand. She looked toward the horizon, where the trees thinned and faint smoke rose from what seemed to be a small village.
"A human settlement… good place to start."
She began walking, her crimson hair swaying gently as the forest light shifted around her. Each step was light, controlled — graceful, yet steady, like someone perfectly aware of their strength.
As she walked, her mind organized data automatically, layering information about this new realm.
> "So the Mortal Path here starts with Body Strengthening, followed by Qi Gathering, Foundation Forming, Core Forming, Gold Core, and Nascent Soul… Familiar pattern. The Immortal Path should follow afterward."
Her tone softened, thoughtful. "How many times have I guided others through these same stages? Tens of thousands? Hundreds?"
For a moment, she fell silent, her gaze distant.
"I've seen mortals rise, gods fall, and dreams shatter. Yet they all shared one thing — they lived."
A faint chuckle escaped her lips. "I suppose it's my turn to try that."
She paused by a small stream, kneeling to touch the water. The reflection that looked back was stunning — red hair, crimson eyes, smooth pale skin, and an expression that looked far too calm for someone newly born.
"I chose this face," she whispered. "Beautiful enough to be remembered, but ordinary enough not to cause trouble… I hope."
Then, with a faint smile, she stood. "Let's see what this world has to offer."
The sunlight caught her eyes as she turned toward the village.
> "For the first time, I'm not someone's system. I'm me — and this time, I'll walk my own path… to godhood."