Ahmed's hands trembled as he gripped the dagger. It was lightweight, balanced perfectly, with a blade that gleamed under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The forest around him was alive—birds chirped melodies he'd never heard, leaves rustled with unseen creatures, and a faint hum of magic permeated the air. He took a deep breath, the cool, fresh oxygen invigorating his lungs, a stark contrast to the arid dust of Kot Addu.
"Okay, think, Ahmed," he muttered to himself in Saraiki, but the words echoed back in his mind in perfect English—or was it the common tongue of this world? The Language Comprehension skill had kicked in seamlessly. He examined the map: a crude drawing showing the glade he was in, a path leading to a village called Willowbrook, and warnings of "Goblin Territory" to the east.
The Sign-In System prompted again:
Daily Sign-In Available. Location: Ancient Forest Glade (Repeat Sign-In Possible with Diminished Rewards).
Sign In? Yes/No.
Curious, he mentally selected "Yes."
Reward: Minor Health Potion x1, Experience Points: 50.
A small vial appeared in his palm, glowing red. His level bar filled slightly: Level 1 (50/100 XP).
"This is like those mobile games," he thought, recalling hours spent on RPG apps back home. But this was real. No respawns, no in-app purchases. One wrong move, and it could be game over.
As a High Human, he felt enhanced. His vision was sharper, spotting details like dew on leaves from afar. His muscles rippled with newfound strength—he tested it by lifting a fallen log effortlessly. High Humans, from what the system briefly explained, were evolved humans with affinity for magic, longer lifespans, and resistance to diseases. In Elandria, humans were common, but High Humans were rare, often seen as nobles or heroes.
Hunger gnawed at him. He drank from the flask—endless water, apparently—and set off toward Willowbrook. The path was overgrown, roots snaking across the dirt. Memories of Kot Addu flooded his mind: cycling to college, helping his father in the fields, attending cultural festivals where folk music filled the air. Pathanay Khan's songs about love and Sufi mysticism seemed worlds away now—literally.
After an hour's walk, he heard voices. Peeking through bushes, he saw a group of travelers: an elf with pointed ears and silver hair, a stout dwarf with a braided beard, and a human merchant. Myriad races, just as the synopsis promised.
The elf spotted him first. "Halt! Who goes there?"
Ahmed stepped out, hands raised. "I'm… new here. From another world. Name's Ahmed."
The dwarf chuckled. "Another isekai'd soul? Elandria's full of 'em these days. I'm Borin, this is Lirael the elf, and that's Merchant Tomas."
They explained the basics over a shared meal. Elandria had levels: kill monsters, complete quests, gain XP to level up. Skills unlocked at milestones, magic at level 5 for most. Races coexisted in kingdoms, but tensions brewed with orcs and dark forces.
Ahmed signed in at the campsite:
Location: Traveler's Rest Spot.
Reward: Camping Tent, Skill: Basic Firestarting (Magic).
A tent materialized, and he instinctively sparked a flame with his fingers—his first magic!
The group invited him to Willowbrook. On the way, they encountered goblins—small, green-skinned creatures ambushing them.
"Battle!" Borin roared, swinging his axe.
Ahmed's heart pounded. He dodged a spear, countering with his dagger. A goblin lunged; he slashed, feeling the system ding:
Enemy Defeated: Goblin Scout. XP +20.
Adrenaline surged. He leveled up mid-fight: Level 2. Stat Points +5. New Skill: Enhanced Agility.
The battle ended victoriously. In Willowbrook, a quaint village of thatched roofs and cobblestone streets, Ahmed explored. Elves sold enchanted bows, dwarves forged weapons, and humans bartered goods.
He signed in at the village square:
Location: Willowbrook Village Square.
Reward: Common Armor Set, Gold Coins x50, Skill: Bargaining.
Equipped now, he accepted his first quest: clear a nearby cave of wolves for the mayor.
Venturing in, he fought packs, leveling to 3. Rewards piled up—potions, a sword upgrade.
But thoughts of home lingered. In quiet moments, he prayed, facing what he guessed was Mecca's direction. His Pakistani heritage—hospitality, resilience—helped him befriend locals.