Beyond the Boundaries

Ryan was trying to digest the news Mark had given him. Many thoughts were swirling around in his mind, overlapping and disconnected.

'So, I have to get out of the forest and head toward the Holy City. There's a system shop there too. And most importantly... I am not alone in this world. There are human kingdoms?'

He let out a nervous sigh as he thought: First, I was brought to this strange world, and now I'm here in the Hunter's World. Is this a game world, a reality, or pure fantasy?

He was silent for a moment and then shouted angrily in his mind: What is the purpose of bringing me here? Who are you, System, and what do you want?

A transparent text appeared in front of him, glowing coldly:

[Do you want to use a hint?]

He thought quickly and then answered, 'Yes.'

[Reach level 10 to unlock new information.]

He read the text twice, as if his mind refused to accept it. 'That's it?'

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, then looked at Mark, who was busy eating the rabbit meat Ryan had cooked earlier.

'So, Mark, how are we going to get to the city?' Ryan asked, trying to maintain his composure.

Mark replied with a tired smile: 'Normally, we use the Return Codex, but unfortunately, it got lost with my stuff. So, we have to go back through the Forest of Silence.'

Ryan felt a little anxious and asked: 'The Forest of Silence?'

Mark reassured him: 'Don't worry, I know a shortcut. It will be quicker than you think.'

At that moment, a new notification appeared:

[You will be returned in 60 seconds. Please stand by.]

Ryan hit his forehead with his palm and said, 'Shit! I forgot the time.'

An Hour Earlier

The walls of the Holy City were in chaos. Soldiers were shouting everywhere, while commanders were making desperate decisions.

General Kylos (a three-star swordsman) stood next to Regent Vargas (a four-star wizard), exchanging a tense conversation.

Looking at the battlefield, Vargas said: 'At this rate, we will lose the battle. Kylos, it would be best for you to flee to one of the kingdoms and seek asylum. With your strength, you will become an honored guest in any unclassified kingdom.'

Kylos smiled bitterly and replied, 'Forget it, Vargas. We will fight to the end. As for the king, I have a plan to smuggle him out. Perhaps in the future, he will reclaim his kingdom, as his ancestors did before him.'

Kylos laughed sarcastically: 'I didn't know you had a penchant for jokes, Vargas. Who would have thought that the Kingdom of Astraea, ruled by a power on the level of a king, would come to this? It is even stranger that those who are attacking us now were once our vassals 150 years ago.'

Kylos continued in a sad tone: 'Times have changed.'

Vargas said: 'Goodbye, my friend. I will join the soldiers.'

Orders were coming in for the soldiers:

'Come on! Defend! Where are the archers? Target the 100-meter range!'

'Infantry, get ready at the gate. The breakthrough is coming soon!'

'Pour oil on the stairs and light the fire!'

In the city, sadness and fear reigned supreme. Women hugged their children, and old people prayed for a miracle to save them from this nightmare. Years of peace had made them forget that war could one day return.

[The return will take place in 3 seconds.]

Time suddenly stopped, and Ryan felt like he was being swallowed up in a vortex of darkness.

In the next moment, he found himself standing in his room inside the palace, new notifications pouring in:

[Status updated to match Legacy World.]

[Name: Ryan]

Level: 3 (one star)

Class: Swordsman (Common)

Strength: 12

Speed: 8

Intelligence: 13

Health: 150/150

Magical Energy: 0/0

Current Points (XP): 1000/20

Free points: 3

[Skills: Light Sprint (Amateur) / Sword (Amateur) / Stealth (Amateur)]

A new option appeared on the screen:

[Add Free Points.]

Ryan immediately decided to allocate the points to boost his speed.

[3 points added to Speed.]

[Speed: 11]

Ryan sat on the bed, trying to digest the rapid shifts in his life. He whispered to himself: 'Every step brings me closer to the answer... But am I really ready for all of this?'