Aarav's eyes snapped open.
His chest rose sharply as he gasped for air.
"I'm… alive?"
The pain was gone. The cold rain, the blood, the betrayal—everything had vanished like a distant nightmare.
Instead, a strange ceiling made of rough wood stared back at him.
"Where is this place…?"
He slowly sat up, his head spinning. His body felt lighter… weaker.
This wasn't his body.
Before he could react—
[System Initializing…]
The same cold voice echoed again.
Aarav froze.
"System…?"
[Initialization Complete]
[Welcome, Host Aarav]
A glowing blue screen suddenly appeared in front of his eyes.
Name: Aarav
Level: 1
Strength: 5
Speed: 4
Intelligence: 6
Skills: None
"What… is this?"
Aarav reached out, but his hand passed right through the screen.
It wasn't real.
Or maybe… it was too real.
[Host has been granted a beginner reward]
"Reward?"
His heartbeat sped up.
[Opening Beginner Pack…]
A bright flash exploded in front of him.
[You have received: Basic Sword Skill]
[You have received: +10 Strength]
Aarav's body suddenly burned with energy.
He clenched his fists.
Power surged through his veins.
This feeling… it was addictive.
"So this is my second chance…"
His eyes darkened.
"This time… I won't be weak."
Outside, footsteps approached the door.
Aarav turned his head slowly.
Something was coming.
And this time…
He was ready.