When Kai opened his eyes again, the world was unrecognizable. The crimson light had receded, replaced by an unnatural twilight. Smoke filled the air, acrid and choking. The familiar sounds of the city had been replaced by a cacophony of roars, shrieks, and the distant wail of sirens that died abruptly.
He scrambled to his feet, a wave of dizziness washing over him. The room was tilted, debris scattered everywhere. Through the gaping hole in the roof, he saw the sky – a bruised purple, streaked with the last remnants of crimson. But it was the ground below that truly sent a jolt of terror through him.
The once familiar street was unrecognizable. Buildings were on fire, spewing thick black smoke. Bodies lay strewn on the ground, some still, some twitching grotesquely. In place of human forms, monstrous creatures lumbered amidst the wreckage, some vaguely humanoid, others bearing a horrifying resemblance to mythical beasts he'd only seen in books.
The world he knew was gone.
Abruptly, a mechanical voice echoed through the air.
[The Quest System has been activated.]
In an instant, a vivid message materialized on the periphery of his sight.
It was unmistakably the 'Main Quest.'
[Main Quest] "A Fresh Start: Endure until the finale and build your Kingdom!"
[Sub-Mission] Check your Karma.
Kai comprehended the essence of the Main Quest- the ultimate objective, while the sub- missions served as incremental tasks leading to the ultimate goal.
Despite the unsettling circumstances, Kai remained composed. He was known for his calm demeanor and level-headedness, perhaps a result of growing up independently in the slums since the age of eleven. Now, at the age of twenty, Kai's character had been shaped by his experiences.
"I may not be familiar with Karma or how to measure it, but maybe all I need to do is simply wish to know, just like in games or novels when you think of opening the status window," Kai mused. Being an avid reader of a fantasy novels and a gaming enthusiast, he was no stranger to the concept.
Kai longed to uncover his karma count, and suddenly a tiny window materialized, displaying: 3000 Karmas. This represented his current karma score. Eager to gain a deeper understanding of karma, he instantaneously received a comprehensive download of information directly into his consciousness.
[Karma: A fundamental attribute possessed by all living beings. Depletion of Karma will lead to death. Additionally, Karma can be utilized to enhance various attributes. A more detailed explanation will be provided upon completion of the first mission.]
This was the extent of the information Kai received, but he grasped the general concept. Karma was inherent in everyone, although he wasn't certain if others possessed the same quantity as him.
However, the amount was less important to him than understanding how to utilize it. Kai was even more fascinated by the potential for enhancing his attributes. If it functioned similarly to games or novels, it would undoubtedly be enjoyable. Unfortunately, he lacked access to his attribute panel, or what he referred to as the status window.
Shaking his head to stay focused, Kai recollected the final piece of information. The attribute panel would become available after completing the first mission, implying that a mission would commence soon. Kai's body tensed, but he managed to maintain a composed demeanor. Regardless of the nature of the mission, his priority was to survive and strategize moving forward, just as he had always done.
[First Mission: Kill the monster that is about to appear.
Rewards: Access to the attribute panel and an additional 3000 Karmas offered!]
"Finally," Kai whispered, his words barely audible amidst the chaos of screams and crashing wreckage outside. A throbbing pain pulsed in his head, a relentless reminder of the impending headache.
In that moment, the world shifted once again, accompanied by a deafening boom that reverberated through the building. Dust and debris descended from above as the dilapidated front door shattered, revealing a nightmare straight out of a dark fairy tale.
A towering goblin loomed in the doorway, its frame outlined against the fading light. Unlike the mischievous and slender creatures of folklore, this monstrosity was a grotesque display of muscle and sinew, its crimson skin shimmering under the eerie twilight. A primal growl erupted from its throat, a raw and feral sound.
A surge of primal fear gripped Kai momentarily, causing a cold sweat to coat his skin. Yet, amidst the creature's green eyes, a glimmer of recognition flickered, a trace of the humanity it had lost. But that brief moment of connection was swiftly replaced by a ravenous hunger fixated on him.
With surprising agility for its size, the goblin lunged forward. Kai's instincts, sharpened by years of surviving on the streets, took control. He flung himself to the side in a desperate roll, narrowly evading the creature's slashing claws. As he landed on his back, the stale air filled his lungs, his heart pounding against his ribs in a frenzied rhythm.
This was not a mere scuffle on a playground. It was a battle for survival. Scrambling to his feet, Kai reached for his worn leather satchel, his fingers brushing against its surface. He lacked conventional weapons, but the streets had taught him unconventional methods of fighting dirty, of enduring.
A steely determination settled over him. Morals were a luxury he could not afford. This abomination, this distorted mockery of its former self, posed a threat. And in this new world, survival surpassed all else.
Locking eyes with the goblin, its hunger mirrored in his own gaze, Kai hardened his resolve. This would be his first fight in this brutal reality, and he would not succumb without a struggle. It was more than mere survival; it was an act of defiance. He refused to become another victim in this twisted game.
Tonight, the young man with purple eyes would teach this monster the true meaning of resistance.