When morning came, I decided to do some exercises—100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and a 10-lap run around the cave. I need to stay fit and strong; I can't afford to get complacent, especially in this kind of era. I've even tried various methods to summon a "system," but alas, nothing happened. Looks like I don't have one. I honestly envy those protagonists who get one after reincarnating… though I guess I transmigrated, not reincarnated. Still, who decided that stupid rule anyway?!
Lately, my language skills have gotten worse and worse. Well, can't blame me—I've got no one to talk to. The others always look at me like I'm some kind of circus monkey whenever I do something "weird." But seriously, it's not my fault you're all primitive! You wouldn't even understand me if I tried to explain.
One of the kids, who looked about my age, just tilted his head at me in confusion. "Arghhh," I groaned. "I'm gonna go crazy at this rate." With that, I left the kid alone and headed back into the cave.
As I was about to head toward my usual spot inside the cave, I noticed everyone had suddenly stopped what they were doing and stared toward the entrance. "Huh? What are they looking at?" I thought, confused.
Then I turned to look as well—
And froze.
My heart sank, and a cold wave of fear crept through me. W-What is that…? I thought, sweat dripping down my face like a waterfall. My body trembled as an invisible pressure pressed down on me.
Without even realizing it, everyone around me dropped to their knees and bowed.
Including me.
It wasn't something I chose to do—it just happened. Like my body was forced to submit to whatever that being was.
The figure standing at the cave entrance wore luxurious, spotless clothing that looked completely out of place in this primitive world. His presence alone radiated power. And that mask—just looking at it made my mind go blank. I couldn't even describe it. It was as if it held a profound force that could crush me at any moment.
"What's happening right now…?" I muttered in panic. My thoughts were spinning, my heart pounding as if trying to escape my chest.
The being raised a hand and gestured for us to follow. Naturally, no one disobeyed—including me. Curiosity mixed with fear as I wondered, What is he? What species could possibly be that powerful?
He led us outside, near a massive tree, where he picked up some vines, stones, and a branch. My confusion deepened—until I saw what he was making.
"Wait… that—that's a spear!" I realized.
The being finished his creation, then turned his gaze toward the distance. Suddenly, a colossal elephant emerged from the forest. Before I could even react, the being hurled the spear with incredible force—piercing the creature's head cleanly and dropping it in an instant.
"He's… teaching us?" I thought, my heart racing. "And that strength—it's beyond human!"
Then the being turned toward a young man about my age. His voice echoed with power as he declared:
"You will be called Thorn, henceforth the first leader of mankind."
The young man's body shimmered with radiant light, blessed by the being's power. Everyone around me erupted in cheers, chanting:
"Thorn! Thorn! Thorn!"
My mind went numb, struggling to process what I was witnessing. "Wait… isn't this—this is from that novel I read before…?"
The being then materialized another weapon—a glowing spear—and handed it to Thorn, who accepted it with awe and reverence.
Just before disappearing, the being turned his masked face toward me.
And spoke.
"This will be yours."
A sword materialized in front of me, hovering in the air.
Then, in an instant—he vanished.
Or rather… the Main Character vanished.