The evening sky began to darken, and Rio stood still, reflecting on the strange new world around him. His body, though familiar in its shape, felt different—stronger, more alive. He marveled at the magic flowing within him, sensing that this was no ordinary world. Magic was real, and he had control over it.
Liora, who had been watching him with curiosity, spoke up. "So, you said you were a 'traveler.' That's an interesting way to put it. Are you sure you're just a wanderer?"
Rio turned his gaze back to her, unsure of how to explain his situation. "I don't really know how I got here. I died in my old world… and woke up here. I can only assume that's why everything feels so unfamiliar."
Liora studied him for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "You don't look like someone who just got here. You seem… different. Not just in appearance, but in the way you carry yourself."
Rio chuckled nervously. "I guess I've been through a lot in my past life. Gaming, mostly. I had to figure things out quickly. And it seems like the same will apply here."
Liora raised an eyebrow. "A gamer, huh? Interesting. I've met people with strange skills before, but you're on a whole new level."
Rio smiled faintly, feeling the weight of his own abilities. He wasn't just any ordinary traveler in this world; he was something else entirely. His mastery over all the elements, the system interface that granted him abilities, and his "Merge" ability gave him the edge in ways that others could only dream of. But there was no need to boast about it. He needed to blend in first.
Liora continued, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "Well, you're going to need all the help you can get if you want to survive in this world. Things aren't always as simple as they seem."
Before Rio could respond, she gestured toward a small path leading deeper into the woods. "We should head to the village nearby. We'll need supplies before we can move forward."
Rio nodded, his instincts telling him that this was just the beginning of something far more significant. But for now, he would follow Liora's lead. After all, he was new to this world. Who knew what dangers lay ahead?