The air smelled like fresh rain, laced with the scent of something unfamiliar—something that hinted at magic. A soft breeze rustled through tall grass and luminous blue flowers that glowed faintly beneath the early morning light. The forest was eerily quiet, yet not dead. It hummed with life in ways that whispered, not shouted. Trees taller than buildings loomed above, their silver-bladed leaves glittering like morning frost. Bioluminescent vines snaked up the trunks, pulsing softly like slow heartbeats. The forest floor, blanketed in soft moss, gave slightly beneath him as he stirred.
Ikarion stirred, his eyes fluttering open. For a moment, confusion paralyzed him. The first sensation was the softness of moss under his back and the warmth of the sun dappling across his skin. He blinked rapidly, letting his eyes adjust to the dazzling color palette that surrounded him. Sky-blue dragonflies hovered lazily in the air, their wings casting shimmering rainbows when they caught the light. Birds with golden feathers darted between branches, singing unfamiliar but melodious songs.
He sat up slowly, his breathing uneven. Around him, moss-covered rocks sat like sentinels, some shaped in smooth, unnatural curves that looked as if they had been sculpted by time or something ancient. The colors were too vivid, too saturated. Tiny golden motes danced in the air like fireflies, flickering in and out of existence.
He touched the moss, then his face, his chest. He felt no blood. No broken bones. No pain.
Then it hit him.
The memory of the accident came rushing back like a crashing wave: the scream of tires, the twist of metal, the crushing pressure, and then—nothing. Cold darkness. Silence.
He should be dead.
Before he could process more, a soft chime rang in his ears.
Ding!
A glowing translucent screen shimmered into existence before him, hovering inches above the ground. Ikarion recoiled instinctively, heart pounding.
He was thinking all in his mind.then suddenly the system screen appears
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
Welcome, Ikarion.
You have been chosen by the Salvation Core.
Initializing interface...
--------------------------------
His eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
Another line of text appeared, this one more direct:
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
[NOTICE]
This is not a dream.
You have been reborn in a new world.
You carry the core of Salvation.
Adapt, evolve, survive—or be eliminated.
--------------------------------
"Be eliminated, what you mean"
He was confused.
System screen appears.
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
If you die in this world, you will be eliminated
So, you have to survive
--------------------------------
He realised that this system is like a video game if he dies and then he cannot be respawn or reborn again.so he has to survive
A chill ran down his spine. His hands trembled as he reached out. The screen reacted to his motion, shifting like water. A new window replaced it.
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
Player: Ikarion
Race: Human
Rank: F
Class: Unassigned
Level: 1
Soul Points: 0
Skills: Locked
Quests: None Active
--------------------------------
Ikarion looked down at his hands. The same hands. His body looked the same, but everything else was different. The world felt charged with energy. Unreal. But too real to be a dream.
He whispered, "Unlock skills."
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[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
[NOTICE]
Locked. To unlock:
— Complete daily side quests
— Collect Soul Points
--------------------------------
He sighed. "Nothing's free. Figures."
Taking a breath, he rose to his feet. The air tasted clean, like a breeze after lightning. A strange peace hung in the forest, but also an invisible pressure—like the world was watching him. In the distance, beyond a veil of shimmering trees, he spotted rooftops and towers. Civilization. Or something like it.
He started walking.
---
The walk to town took longer than expected. The terrain subtly changed with every hundred steps. Where he began in luminous forest, the trees thinned out and gave way to sloping meadows with strange purple grass that shimmered in the wind. Each step crunched softly over dew-slicked blades, and wild creatures—small, round, and bouncing—peeked from burrows with big blinking eyes. One had feathers instead of fur. Another had three legs and floated just a few inches above the ground.
A shallow stream crossed his path, its water glowing like melted sapphire. Koi swam beneath the surface, their bodies trailing sparkles like miniature comets. He leaned over and stared at his reflection. His eyes were blue like ocean—. But his hair… it shimmered faintly, moon-silver with a soft ethereal glow.his face was now changed, white skin, sharp jawline,
"I have completely changed" he said
He moved on. The terrain became less wild. Stone fences lined the sides of a worn path. A weathered sign pointed toward a settlement, its letters glowing faintly with embedded magic.
Soon, cobbled stones emerged from the dirt, forming a wide path lined with lanterns that lit up as he passed. The road led toward an enormous wooden gate set into tall stone walls that seemed half-grown, half-built. Nature and craft fused seamlessly here. Moss clung to the walls, not as decay, but like embellishment.
Above the archway was a large carving: Brightvale.
Two guards flanked the entrance. One was a tall feline humanoid with sleek white fur and a curved blade strapped across his back. His blue eyes glowed in the daylight. The other was shorter, a horned woman with bronze skin that shimmered like molten metal, and arcane runes etched across her bare arms.
They exchanged a look as he approached but said nothing.
A bearded gnome on a beetle the size of a pony passed by. Behind him came a cloaked elf leading a cart pulled by fox-goats—furry creatures with long tails and intelligent eyes.
The second Ikarion stepped inside Brightvale, it was like stepping into a whirlwind of color and magic.
---
Brightvale was a mosaic of architectural wonders. Buildings twisted like spiral shells or stood tall like mushrooms turned into towers. Some homes hovered off the ground, suspended by shimmering crystals that hummed faintly. Trees had windows carved into them and flower boxes blooming with animated vines that waved as he passed.
Stone roads twisted into spirals and switchbacks, forming terraces that interconnected like an artist's sketch come to life. Floating bridges crossed open air where streams ran like waterfalls through the sky.
To his left, a creature with rabbit ears hawked glittering stones to a centipede-man with golden carapace armor. Nearby, a bakery released clouds of steam that smelled like cinnamon, honey, and something spiced. A little girl with butterfly wings darted after a floating orb of light that laughed and spun just out of reach.
Musicians sat on marble benches, strumming harp-like instruments that summoned illusions—tiny fairies dancing above fire pits, dragons made of smoke curling through hoops in the air. One flute player made the shadows swirl around her in rhythm.
He was surprised to seeing all of that.it was like a Fantasy movie but in real life.
Creatures of every kind mingled. A dwarf with a crystalline prosthetic arm argued about gem prices with a blue-skinned troll. A slime hopped by, turning green, then red, then pink as it waved at a passing elf. Jellyfish-like beings floated gently in the air, humming melodies that vibrated in the bones.
In the town center, a massive glass tank hovered above the square. Inside swam air whales—graceful creatures with glowing fins that soared through the suspended aquarium. Children pressed their hands against the base, squealing with wonder.
Despite the cacophony of life, one thing stood out: everyone was staring at him.
More specifically, at his shimmering hair.
He reached up and touched it. The silver strands shimmered under his fingers.
"Why does this make me feel like a target?"
He was bit confused but he ignored them.
He tried to shake off the feeling and kept walking.
---
He passed a potion shop where vials bubbled and popped in rows like rainbow candy. One bottle floated and sang when a customer lifted it. Another released a puff of fog in the shape of a cat.
A weaponsmith slammed a molten blade into an anvil. With every strike, the blade hissed and glowed brighter. Next to her, a rack held weapons labeled in glowing script: "Flame-tongue Dagger," "Windpiercer Bow," and "Soulbound: Choose Wisely."
A scroll vendor had parchments that unrolled themselves midair and chanted softly. One summoned a spectral hand that waved at Ikarion.
Further down, a cloaked merchant whispered from the shadows, "Cursed items. No refunds. Want a blade that whispers to you in battle?"
He hurried past.
A fruit stand sold glowing apples, swirling mangoes, and a fruit that changed color depending on the buyer's mood.
An alchemist argued with a customer over a vial labeled "Essence of Bottled scillyflowers." The customer accused it of being moonlight from the wrong scillyflowers.
Ikarion chuckled under his breath.
Then his stomach growled loud enough to turn a few heads.
---
The smell of stew, grilled meat, and baked goods pulled him down a side street. He found a crooked stall with a wooden sign swaying in the wind: Rikka's Roadside Delight – Food for Every Kind.
Behind the counter stood a woman with a beautiful red hair. Ikarion realised that she was a human too.She was a whirlwind of motion—chopping vegetables fastly like she's has powers, stirring a massive pot with a third, and wiping sweat from her brow with a cloth. The scent rising from her cauldron was mouthwatering.
"You hungry, mister?" she asked, not glancing up.
"yeahh I m really hungry," he said.
"Sit. I'll make you something special."
He hesitated. "How much is it?"
She turned and raised an eyebrow. "First-timer, huh? What are you paying with?"
He realised he has no money.suddenly screen appears.
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
Credits: 10000 gold coins
--------------------------------
He chooses 100 coins and the coins appeared in his hand secretly.
He gave it to the girl.
"That's 100 gold coins! with this i can buy new food items and more things for my shop, who are you.you are not from here" she whispered
"Is that too much?"he said
People turned. A few stared at the coin. Others stared at his silver hair.
"Silver hair and gold coins?" someone whispered.
"Either royalty or dangerous," another murmured.
He asked "what are they talking about and why are they staring at me"
She replied "silver hairs human are rare to see, they are bileved to be cursed or choosen one by fate"
"So what you think I m a cursed one"he asked.
"I don't think so, you look like kind hearted"
The food came quickly: dark stew with tender vegetables, grilled meat that melted on his tongue, and flatbread brushed with butter and exotic spices. He ate slowly, savoring every bite. It was richer than anything he'd had on Earth.
He was halfway through when the woman leaned in.
"Watch your back, mister. This world doesn't take kindly to people who stand out."
"Thank you for giving me such a delicious food,now I m leaving"he said
"Mention not, take care mister"
Suddenly she asked "what's your name mister"
"Ikarion"he replied.
And then he leaves the shop and started roaming in the town
---
He wandered deeper into the town, but something felt off. The crowd thinned. Then—a scream.
He sprinted toward it.
Down a narrow alley, six men had cornered a girl. Her robes were torn. Her hood had fallen, revealing pointed ears. Elven. Her eyes brimmed with fear.
"Come on, pretty girl," one thug leered. "Let's see what makes you special."
Everyone was staring at them, no one was trying to saving them.evryone was sacred, there eyes were showing fear.
Ikarion stepped forward. "Stop."
They turned. Their leader laughed. "Not your business, silver-head."
Suddenly system screen appears
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
[SIDE QUEST: RESCUE THE INNOCENT]
Defeat attackers.[0/6]
Reward: 300 SP, +1 Level, Unlock Skill Slot.
Accept
[Yes/No]
--------------------------------
"Yes," he whispered.
He charged. One punch dropped the first thug. Another slashed with a knife—he dodged, elbowed him, and sent him flying. A third grabbed him from behind. Ikarion spun, slamming the man into the wall.
Blood spurted as a blade cut his arm.
Pain flared.
His hand glowed.
Energy Pulse – Lv. 1
A force wave burst from his palm, blasting all three remaining attackers off their feet.
=================================
[SYSTEM INTERFACE ACTIVE]
=================================
[QUEST COMPLETE]
Attackers defeated [6/6]
[You obtained]
+300 SP
LEVEL UP!
Skill Acquired: Energy Pulse
[Note]
You can exchange the soul points to get things
--------------------------------
The girl looked at him, breathless. "You… how did you do that?"
He helped her up. "I think I was meant to."
She holds his hand "thankyou so much"she said
She slipped away into the crowd.
---
He was hungry after the fight and discovering new things about him and the system
He goes to Rikka's shop
at Rikka's shop, he ordered another bowl. This time, no words. She just handed it to him, warm and heavy.
He sat alone.
He stared into the broth, letting the silence wash over him.
"What is this place?" he whispered. "Why me?"
The system gave no reply.
Only a soft glow.
A new icon blinked in the corner of his vision.
He focused on it.
And then he whispered,
"I guess this is only the beginning."