"I can't die yet, not like this." The young man, covered in blood and filth, gasping for air, musters all the strength he has to crawl away from his pursuer.
Behind him, a tiny, green figure cackles maniacally as it lifts up its club and swings down. "Crunch". That's the sound of a skull getting split open. The man's body stops moving, as his brain matter splatters all over the floor. How did things get to this point?
50 Years ago in 2030, clear, crystal-like asteroids started falling from the skies onto earth. Wherever they fell, the area around them would terraform into strange domains like those from rpg games. Ranging from forests filled with tiny slime creatures to even castles ruled by giant demons. Human lives were threatened as modern weapons seemed to have zero effect on them. One could launch a nuclear warhead and these creatures would come out of the rubble completely unharmed. They were by nature hostile towards human beings, wanting to spread their territory. Just as the government was running out of options, "players" appeared. It turns out that these crystals radiated a kind of energy now called mana that upon contact, had a chance to mutate humans. These "players" gained a status window with levels, skills, and stats that made them much stronger than regular people. They could also receive rewards like weapons, armor, artifacts, and skill crystals from slain monsters. However, not everyone is lucky enough to become a player. Those who are allergic to mana developed blue, scale-like crusts on their skin and often became comatose. Alan's mother, father, and little brother, all developed mana sickness. And he, who only awakened as an F-rank player with lackluster stats, little to no potential, and without any unique skills, could barely support his family by working as a porter, carrying supplies and loot for real adventurers much stronger than he is.
Today, as he is visiting his family in the hospital, he hears footsteps behind.
"Alan, I don't know how to tell you this, but the medication needed to stabilize your family's condition is running out. I'm sorry, you will need to pay 400 dollars extra starting next month." Dr Han sighs and rubs his eyes.
"Dr Han, you know my situation, how am I supposed to make that money? I'm barely scraping by as it is." Alan swallows his saliva nervously.
"I'm really sorry. Look, Alan, I can lend you some money for next month, but other than that, I can't do anything for you."
Alan bolts out of the door, tears running down his face. Life hasn't been easy for the young lad, ever since his family contracted mana sickness 2 years ago, and now life is going to be even harder. What is he supposed to do? Maybe there's one more thing to try.
He pulls out his phone, calling the one person he can rely on.
"Hey Barbera, I really need money, can I be your party's porter for your next raid please?"
"Alan, I'm sorry but you just aren't strong enough. Last time you almost fainted trying to keep up with us."
"Please, I really need a job, you know you are the only one I can turn to." Alan pleads.
"... fine, but if you can't bear it, just quit."