As soon as I opened my eyes, I was met with a very unpleasant surprise. I was lying on a slightly wet stone floor, surrounded by stone walls. In fact, it was a rather long corridor.
The walls were slightly green and emitted a strange light.
"What's going on? Was I kidnapped or something?"
I stood up, but as soon as I was on my feet, I felt a bit dizzy and leaned against the wall. However, when I did, my hand slipped and I almost fell.
Oops!
I laughed at my own stupidity and looked to both sides.
"Hello? Is anyone here?"
I decided to shout, hoping someone would appear, but no one did. So I started walking in search of an exit. As I moved forward, however, I realized it wouldn't be that easy.
There were many paths.
"Is this place a labyrinth?"
I began to come across dead-end rooms that were quite intimidating. They looked like perfect arenas for a "BOSS" fight. I really didn't want to fight a monster or anything like that.
'Honestly, I don't even know if I'm really in a fantasy world.'
How unpleasant.
I kept walking for several long minutes while trying to get someone's attention.
After more than an hour of walking, I grew tired and sat down on the floor, crossing my legs.
When I leaned against the wall, I felt my back get wet, but I didn't care. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh, beginning to think about my current situation.
I had been at home watching anime when I fell asleep, and after that, I ended up in this place. Did someone break into my house and kidnap me? But why bring me here? This is insane.
Could they be watching me right now?
I waved my hands, trying to draw the attention of some hidden camera.
However, when I looked at the ceiling, I couldn't find anything.
Step!
Step!
Step!
That was when I started hearing footsteps coming from my right. It sounded like more than one person. The footsteps weren't heavy; they sounded like those of a child or a very small animal.
Kiiiikkk!
Kiiikk!
Small monsters appeared. Creatures smaller than a child, holding weapons. Their appearance was horrifying.
"What the hell!?" I exclaimed in shock as I quickly stood up and ran.
However, when I got to my feet and started running, I realized I was slower than I had expected.
The two small creatures were easily keeping up with me.
"Damn it! Leave me alone!"
Judging by their characteristics, I had no doubt they were goblins. I had read enough fantasy stories to be certain these idiots were goblins!
What am I supposed to do to deal with them?
I have no combat experience. I've never taken any fighting classes in my life.
On top of that, I don't have any weapons with me.
"Won't you give up already?"
I kept running, but I was starting to get tired. After turning through several corridors, I somehow ended up cornered. The two small monsters stared at me with bloodthirsty eyes.
They were even licking their lips, as if saying, "What a tasty and easy prey we've found."
I looked at them seriously and clicked my tongue.
'Did I really end up in a fantasy world without any abilities? I can't use magic or anything like that?'
Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to test spells.
The goblins were ready to attack!
But fortunately—or perhaps strangely—the goblins suddenly began to move in slow motion. Not just them—even I started moving in slow motion.
'What the hell is going on?'
My eyes widened.
Then, a translucent window appeared in front of me.
[ Welcome to the Clone System! ]
Name: Zane
Level: 1 (EXP: 0 / 1,000)
Clones: 0 / 1
Strength: 10
Endurance: 10
Agility: 10
Dexterity: 10
Magic: 10
Points: 50
Skills:
• Clones EX
'Huh? What is this? What is this?'
Seeing that translucent window—just like the ones from the games I used to play—my heart started racing, and my lips instinctively curved into a smile.
I even forgot that I was in a life-or-death situation.
Damn it, I need to deal with this quickly.
So these are my stats. They're really low, aren't they? I feel like this is probably the base status for anyone in this world.
'I'm extremely weak. Fortunately, I have 50 points to distribute.'
What is this? Some kind of bonus?
I smiled in satisfaction and put 20 points into Strength and 20 points into Agility.
[ Strength +20 ]
[ Strength 10 → 30 ]
[ Agility +20 ]
[ Agility 10 → 30 ]
I didn't feel any immediate change in my body, but I was sure I was much stronger now.
'Wait, I also need to use my skill called Clones EX. This system calls itself the Clone System, so its main purpose must be giving me clones. I can only create one clone, right?'
How do I do that?
Do I just wish for it in my mind?
Yes—it was that easy. The moment I thought about it, a clone identical to me appeared. Blond hair and equally golden eyes. A very striking appearance.
I hadn't even noticed that my appearance had changed and that I had been given such good looks.
It was especially eye-catching because of my height and my toned, above-average physique.
'Why am I analyzing my own body like a creep? I need to focus.'
Then, time returned to its normal flow, and the translucent window in front of me disappeared completely.
The goblins closed in on me instantly and tried to strike, but my clone acted instinctively and stepped in front of me, blocking their attacks with its own body.
I heard the sound of flesh being pierced and saw blood drip onto the floor.
I also heard the sound of a bone breaking after it was struck by a goblin's club.
Even though it was just a clone, I began to feel guilty for letting it get hurt so badly.
But the clone, which didn't seem to feel pain, ignored its injuries and grabbed the goblin's knife-wielding hand. Then it threw a punch with all its strength straight at the goblin's head.
Because my Strength had increased so much, the punch was enough to blow the goblin's head into pieces.
The clone turned to me, its golden eyes shining with a sinister light.
"Leave it to me."