After a week of planning, I finally decided to travel.
For my first journey, I hoped fate would be kind enough not to send me to a world far beyond my strength, where even my spirit would be powerless. After packing a bag full of dried meat to last a week, I prepared myself and took my first step into another realm.
Spirit power surged through my body as I summoned the Door of Worlds. The ancient gate appeared before me, its surface covered in mysterious runes that shimmered with silver light. Taking a deep breath, I pushed it open with all my strength and leaped inside.
The moment I crossed the threshold, my senses were overwhelmed.
Black and white streams of light rushed past me as I traveled through a seemingly endless tunnel. Space twisted and folded around me, making it impossible to tell how much time had passed. Minutes, hours, or perhaps only seconds—it all felt the same within the void between worlds.
Suddenly, the rushing sensation stopped.
My feet touched soft grass, and I stumbled forward before regaining my balance.
Looking up, I found myself standing in a vast plain illuminated by a brilliant moon. Countless stars glittered across the night sky like scattered diamonds. A cool breeze swept through the sea of grass, carrying an unfamiliar scent.
I immediately became alert.
The first rule of traveling to another world was simple: understand where you are before doing anything else.
I carefully examined my surroundings. The plains stretched endlessly in every direction, but after climbing a small hill, I spotted faint lights flickering in the distance. Judging from their arrangement, they likely belonged to a village or small town.
"Good," I muttered.
The presence of civilization meant I could gather information.
Before heading toward the lights, I released a thread of spirit power and scanned the area. To my relief, I didn't sense any overwhelmingly powerful creatures nearby. The strongest lifeforms within my range seemed no stronger than ordinary spirit beasts from my own world.
At least I hadn't landed in some terrifying high-level realm.
With my guard still up, I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and began walking toward the distant settlement. As I moved through the moonlit grasslands, I couldn't shake the feeling that this world was strangely familiar.
Little did I know that tonight's arrival would mark the beginning of a journey that would change himself.