The sky fractured with light. Not the comforting glow of the sun or the silver sheen of the moon, but a cold, sharp brilliance that sliced through the clouds like a blade. Benji Wren paused mid-swing, his axe lodged in the stubborn wood of a half-chopped log. He blinked up at the sky, sweat dripping into his eyes.


    “What in the…” he muttered, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. Around him, the small clearing seemed unnaturally still, as if the birds and bugs had collectively decided to hold their breath.


    Then it happened.


    A ding reverberated through the air, soft but undeniable, like the chime of a faraway bell. Benji staggered as something—someone?—spoke directly into his mind.


    [System Initialization: Welcome to the System.]


    The words weren’t spoken aloud. They resonated inside his skull, cool and clinical, as if read from a script. His vision blurred, and for a terrifying moment, he thought he might pass out. But instead of darkness, something else appeared.


    A translucent screen materialized in front of him, glowing faintly. Words scrawled across it in neat lines:


    Name: Benjamin Wren


    Age: 15


    Race: Human


    Class: Unassigned


    Level: 0


    Strength: 6


    Dexterity: 4


    Endurance: 5


    Intelligence: 3


    Charisma: 2


    Luck: 3


    Benji stumbled back, nearly tripping over the uneven ground.


    “What…what is this?” His voice cracked, but no one was there to hear him. His father was back in the house, probably napping after their long morning of chopping wood. The small village of Greenhollow was as quiet as ever, nestled deep in the forest and far from any semblance of excitement.


    Until now.


    The screen flickered, and a new message appeared:


    [Explanation of Stats: Stats reflect inherent and trained attributes. Average adult humans fall between 4-6 in most categories. Exceptional individuals may reach 7-8. Starting values are influenced by life experiences, genetics, and latent potential.]If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Benji’s eyes scanned the list again, his gaze lingering on Strength. He supposed that made sense. Years of chopping wood, carrying logs, and hauling water had toughened his arms, even if his scrawny frame didn’t show it.


    Dexterity? That must be from his quick reflexes. He was pretty good at catching things before they hit the ground.


    Intelligence? He frowned. Three didn’t seem very high, but then, he’d never been much for books or clever ideas. His life was simple, and he’d never needed anything more.


    Luck made him snort. Three sounded about right. If there was a hole to step in or a bee to swat, he’d always find it.


    The screen shifted again:


    [Select your initial Class.]


    [Options: Warrior, Archer, Healer, Commoner.]


    “Class?” Benji repeated, his voice trembling. He’d heard stories of the System from wandering traders and old soldiers who passed through Greenhollow. Fantastical tales of knights with impossible strength, mages who could summon fire with a snap of their fingers, rogues who could vanish into thin air. But those were just that—stories.


    Weren’t they?


    [Time Remaining to Choose: 01:00]


    A timer appeared in the corner of the screen, ticking down second by second. Benji’s heart raced. “Wait! I don’t know what to—”


    The ground beneath him trembled, a faint rumble that grew stronger with each passing moment. From the direction of the village came faint cries, shouts of confusion and fear. Whatever this was, it wasn’t just happening to him.


    “Warrior? Commoner?” He glanced at the axe still buried in the log. His fingers itched to choose something familiar, something safe. Then his eyes landed on the first option: Warrior.


    Warrior. The name sounded practical and strong. It suited him—a life of physical work and hard labor had prepared him for a straightforward path. Unlike the fanciful magic users or mysterious healers, this class felt real. Solid. Achievable.


    [00:30]


    “Alright,” Benji muttered, gripping the axe handle tighter. “Let’s do this.” He reached out and tapped Warrior just as the timer dipped below ten seconds.


    The screen blinked, and a new message appeared:


    [Class Selected: Warrior. Initial skill acquired: Power Strike. Passive ability unlocked: Physical Fortitude.]


    Before he could process what that meant, a sharp pain lanced through his body. He cried out, dropping to his knees as heat surged through him, pooling in his chest and then spreading outward. It was as if something inside him had been unlocked, a reservoir of power that had lain dormant his entire life.


    When the pain subsided, he gasped for air, his vision swimming. The screen returned, but the words were different this time:


    [Quest Alert: First Steps.]


    Objective: Survive the Integration.


    Reward: 100 XP, Basic Weapon Training Manual.]


    “Survive?” Benji echoed, pushing himself to his feet. The tremors beneath the ground were stronger now, and the cries from the village were growing louder. He turned toward Greenhollow, a sick feeling settling in his gut.


    Whatever this “Integration” was, it wasn’t going to be gentle.


    Clutching his axe in one hand, Benji took off running, the translucent screen hovering at the edge of his vision. The System had come, and his quiet life was over.