Episode 1: A New Beginning
Night had fallen. The city’s streets were bathed in a dim yellow glow. A few stragglers made their way home, and among them was Kuro Jin, an ordinary office worker. His shoulders were slumped, his steps heavy with exhaustion. He glanced at his wristwatch—11:47 PM.
"Late again..." he sighed, gripping his bag strap tightly.
Like every other day, his life revolved around files, reports, and his boss’s relentless scolding. It was an endless cycle—one without respite.
As he walked along the quiet road, a sudden sharp pain struck his chest.
Kuro stopped in his tracks. His vision blurred, his heartbeat pounded violently, and breathing became difficult.
"What... is happening?"
He clutched a nearby wall for support, but the pain only worsened. Darkness crept into his sight.
"No... Not now..." He pressed his chest desperately, but his body was betraying him.
In mere seconds, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the cold pavement.
Fear gripped his soul. He had spent his life working tirelessly, never truly living for himself. Just responsibilities, endless duties, and a colorless existence.
"If... If I had another chance... I would forge my own destiny..."
The last thing he saw was the starry sky above before everything turned black.
Slowly, consciousness returned.
A cool breeze brushed against his face. He opened his eyes to find himself in an unfamiliar room with stone walls. The ceiling was wooden, and the room sparsely furnished—a table, a few books, and an old mirror.
Kuro tried to sit up, but his body felt weak. Turning toward the mirror, his eyes widened in shock.
He looked frail. His hair was a lighter shade of brown, and his clothes were different—no office suit, just a simple white tunic and loose trousers.
"No, no... This is a dream. I was in my office... Then I was going home and..."
A sudden realization struck him.
Goosebumps rose on his skin.
"No, this can’t be real. It must be a dream..."
Just then, a glowing blue screen materialized before his eyes.
Congratulations, User! You are now connected to the Divine System.
Kuro’s heart pounded furiously. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⟡𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
"A system? This feels like a game..."
Text continued to appear on the screen—
[SYSTEM SCAN: USER STATUS]
Strength: 3 (Avg. Human: 10)
"Seriously?! This is worse than a beginner’s stats!"
Suddenly, a scraping sound echoed from behind the door.
[DANGER APPROACHING!]
A red warning flashed on the screen.
"Damn it! I don’t even have a weapon!"
He scanned the room. On the table lay an old, dust-covered knife. He grabbed it without hesitation.
The door burst open. A goblin with glowing red eyes stormed in, wielding a rusted dagger.
"What the hell?! This really is a game-like world!"
The goblin growled and lunged.
Kuro raised his knife just in time.
The goblin’s strike collided with his blade, sending a painful shock through his arm.
"Sh... Shit! This is real! If I die here, I might actually die for good!"
A new message flashed—
[MISSION: WIN YOUR FIRST FIGHT]
Reward: Beginner Weapon – Steel Dagger
"So I have to defeat this thing?!"
With sheer desperation, Kuro slashed at the goblin’s neck.
The goblin collapsed, twitching, then went still.
Reward: Steel Dagger Acquired!
[ITEM DETAILS: STEEL DAGGER]
Type: Weapon (Short Blade)
Description: A simple but sturdy dagger for beginners.
A second notification appeared—
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: SHADOW STRIKE]
Effect: Shadow-infused attack that stuns enemies.
(Damage: 10 + Strength)
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: QUICK STEP]
Effect: Increases agility by 50% for 3 sec
Kuro examined the abilities.
"Shadow Strike... Quick Step... And a steel dagger... Not bad."
His lips curled into a smirk.
the beginning. With this system, even I can become strong. Just watch me."