LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 3: chapter 3 - Thrust Into Chaos
Chapter 1: Thrust Into Chaos
The surrounding forest was alive in a way that didn't feel natural. The air smelled of damp earth, mingled with something sharp and metallic that made my stomach twist. Leaves shimmered faintly, glowing as if lit from within. The sound of the crowd filled my ears—a mix of anxious whispers, loud exclamations, and the occasional nervous laugh.
I stood still, my hand clenched into a fist at my side, trying to process everything.
This isn't a dream.
The realization struck me harder than I thought it would. The weight of the dagger at my side was too real. The smell of the forest was too sharp. And the people around me… they were far too loud.
"Is it really happening? Am I going to save the world? I'll be a hero!" someone yelled, their voice high-pitched with excitement.
"Yeah, right! You? A hero? You'll be the first one to die," someone else shot back.
"I'm betting on an SS-ranked talent. Maybe even better than Hunter Alex!"
"Idiot, there's no rank better than SS!"
Their voices grated against my already fraying nerves. They acted like this was some sort of game, but it wasn't. None of it was.
Rishitha's Thoughts
I closed my eyes for a moment, willing the noise to fade. The last thing I remembered was the car accident. The screams. The crunch of metal. My family's terrified faces. And then… nothing.
What had I done to deserve this?
I wasn't special. I wasn't even that invested in this novel, Adventure of the Regressor. It wasn't my favorite—I just read it because everyone else did. It was a distraction during bad times. A world to escape to when my own life felt unbearable.
I had even left a few comments on the story, sure. But I never cursed the author or wished for something like this. So why was I here?
Why me?
Before I could spiral further, a robotic voice rang out.
[Players, you have been invited to this world. You are chosen warriors meant to save it from destruction.]
The crowd erupted into a frenzy.
"Yes! I knew it! I'm chosen!"
"Chosen for what? To die first?"
"Shut up! I'll awaken something amazing. Just watch."
Someone snorted. "You? Amazing? Keep dreaming."
I opened my eyes, scanning the crowd. A mix of faces—some shining with excitement, others pale with fear—stared back at me. They weren't all strangers. I recognized a few people from my college, even a girl from my neighborhood. But that didn't make this situation feel any more real—or any less terrifying.
The voice cut through the chaos again, its tone sharper this time.
[Please stop acting like this is a dream. It's not. Your planet has been invited into this scenario numerous times. Do not embarrass me further.]
The forest seemed to quiet, as if even the trees were holding their breath.
[Ahead, you'll find a small cabin filled with essential items—food, water, weapons, and potions. Use them wisely. Your first mission will be revealed soon.]
The tension in the air thickened. Some people whispered excitedly. Others exchanged nervous glances. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Focus, Rishitha. You're not here to panic.
The Cabin
We moved as a group, following the faint glow of the trees to a clearing where the cabin stood. It looked out of place, like something pulled from a different world entirely. The wooden walls were weathered, the door slightly ajar, inviting yet foreboding.
Inside, shelves lined the walls, stocked with everything we'd need.
Weapons gleamed under the faint light—swords, daggers, bows, and even a few guns. Another shelf held food—sealed packages of bread, dried meat, and water bottles. Brightly colored potions in glass bottles sparkled like jewels, their contents mysterious and unmarked.
The moment we entered, chaos broke loose again.
"Look at this sword! It's massive!"
"Don't grab the biggest thing, idiot. Pick something you can actually use!"
"Who cares? I'll take the bow. Always wanted to be an archer."
"Food! Grab the food first! We don't know how long we'll be out there!"
I hung back, watching them scramble like desperate scavengers. My heart was racing, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. Panicking wouldn't help me survive.
My eyes landed on a simple dagger. It wasn't flashy, but it looked sharp and light. Something I could manage. I picked it up, the weight familiar and strange all at once.
The hilt felt cool against my palm, almost comforting. For a moment, I let myself hope that maybe, just maybe, I could survive this.
Reality Sets In
As the others stuffed their bags with supplies and brandished their weapons, I stepped outside, needing a moment of quiet. The forest stretched endlessly in every direction, the faint glow of the leaves casting strange shadows.
This wasn't a dream. It wasn't some elaborate prank.
This was real.
And if I didn't adapt fast, I wouldn't last long.
The atmosphere was heavy with tension, the kind that seeped into your bones and made your chest feel tight. The weapons in the cabin were battered and old, with chipped edges and worn grips, but they looked sharp enough to cut through reality itself. And that was the moment it hit me—this wasn't fake. None of it was.
The robotic voice returned, emotionless yet commanding:
[With these weapons, you will protect yourselves. For your information, the mission goals are survival, completion, and saving the world. Be warned: the residents of this world are also your enemies. They may fight you. Monsters will target you. Your fight is against all odds.]
I swallowed hard, my grip tightening around the simple dagger I'd chosen. My heart pounded in my chest, not from fear, but from the overwhelming weight of my predicament.
This is a fantasy novel.
One of the loudest boys in the group raised his hand with a cocky grin. "Can I record my trial?"
The voice hesitated for a beat before responding.
[...Huh. Ah, live broadcasting! That's right. This is also an audition. Your trial will be broadcast to every planet linked to the system, including your own. Your family members might be watching right now. But don't worry, privacy settings are in place.]
The group erupted into chaos again.
"What? Really? That's great!"
"Yeah, right…"
"My mom will actually kill me if I don't awaken something amazing!"
"Same here… she's going to ground me for eternity."
The voice interrupted, sharper this time:
[Now, now, everyone. Relax and take your seats. From now on, I will tell you something very important.]
My chest felt tight, as if the pressure of the situation was squeezing the air from my lungs. Around me, people scrambled to make sense of the chaos.
"Quickly, grab the equipment!"
"Who's going to be the captain? We need a leader!"
"What are they doing, running around like headless chickens?"
"My mom is definitely going to disown me if I fail this…"
The panic was contagious, but I forced myself to stay still. I didn't want to be involved in this madness. Yet, I knew better than to think I could stay on the sidelines. If I didn't step up, no one would.
They wouldn't listen to me—not to a nobody, a mob character in this twisted reality. But I could guide them, nudge them in the right direction. That was the least I could do.
"Rishitha, it's dangerous. Stay with me," Mo Tong said, her voice unusually soft.
I glanced at her, surprised. The sharp edge she usually had was gone, replaced by something almost childlike.
"Mo Tong… Are you scared?"
She shook her head quickly, as if to deny it. "No. I'm fine."
Her words didn't convince me. Maybe she was more human than I thought. Or maybe, like me, she was just trying to survive.
The Voice Returns
[Haha, you are really loud. I told you to be quiet and listen.]
The voice boomed, and a gust of air swept through the clearing. People screamed as they were thrown off their feet, landing hard against the ground. The chaos stopped instantly, replaced by groans and cries of pain.
No one was dead, but many were injured—twisted limbs, bloody gashes, bruised faces.
[Stop whining and use your potions.]
My stomach churned as I saw blood pooling on the forest floor. It was surreal—people dragging themselves toward the cabin, fumbling with the shimmering bottles of potions. The system may have labeled the injuries as minor, but for us, it was a bloodbath.
Blood.
The sight of it, the metallic tang in the air, made my stomach twist. My hands trembled as I clutched my dagger tighter. This wasn't just some game. This was survival.
Reality Sets In
I forced myself to look away from the injured and back to Mo Tong. She stood still, her face pale but determined.
"This is real," I whispered, more to myself than to her.
Her eyes flicked to mine, and she nodded slowly. "Yeah. It is."
The robotic voice returned, calm and detached as ever, ignoring the carnage it had caused.
[Now that you are all paying attention, let us continue. Prepare yourselves, players. Your survival depends on your ability to adapt.]
The air around us felt heavier, the weight of its words pressing down on us. This wasn't just about saving a world. This was about saving ourselves. And the clock had already started ticking.
The system's voice boomed across the forest, echoing in every corner of my mind and setting the stage for the grim reality ahead:
[Channel 47239845 is open.]
[The gods are watching. Demons have entered. Old players are watching. Citizens are watching. The entire system population has tuned in.]
I felt a chill run down my spine. Not only were we being broadcast, but we were also being judged—by beings far beyond human comprehension and players with years of experience. My life was now entertainment for countless eyes.
The Main Mission
[Main Mission - 1: Survival in the Forest]
Category: Level 1
Difficulty: Rank 0, F, Level 5
Clear Condition: Survive
Time Limit: 10 days
Reward: World Basics Knowledge, General Map, Token of Mercenary, 100 Coins
Failure: Death
A wave of whispers spread through the crowd. Some were excited, some nervous, but most were downright terrified.
"Ten days?! How are we supposed to survive in this place?"
"Rank 0 difficulty… That doesn't sound too bad."
"Don't be stupid! Difficulty F still means we can die!"
I swallowed hard, the weight of the mission pressing on me like a physical force. The stakes couldn't be clearer: survival or death.
Status Window
Amid the chaos, someone in the crowd shouted, "Hehe, I opened my status window! Check this out—my stats are great. They're all 10!"
Another voice chimed in, smug, "Mine are 15 each. Looks like I'm ahead of the curve."
A pang of curiosity hit me. I couldn't resist any longer.
"Status window," I muttered softly.
A transparent blue screen appeared in front of me, startling me momentarily. It displayed everything about me—my strengths, weaknesses, and limitations, laid bare for me to see.
[Name]: Matta Rishitha
[Title]: None
[Age]: 10
[Tendency]: Self-Doubt, Giving, Empathetic, Adaptive
[Job]: None
[Level]: 0
[Status]
Strength: 5 Agility: 6 Stamina: 8 Intelligence: 34 Endurance: 12 Luck: 45 Magic: 13 Charisma: 23
[Skills]: 0
[Inventory]: 0
[System Features]
Personal Shop: Closed Market: Closed Auction House: Closed Live Broadcast: On Followers: 0 Ranking: Not Opened Factions: Not Opened Guild: Not Opened Missions: Active
I stared at the numbers on the screen, my mind racing. My stats weren't balanced—they were a strange mix of high intelligence, luck, and charisma, paired with mediocre physical stats.
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling under the surface. Self-doubt. The system had even pointed out my personality flaws. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it wasn't entirely wrong.
"Great," I muttered to myself, "I'm smart and lucky but physically useless."
The crowd around me continued to buzz with conversation.
"Hey, what do these stats even mean? Is 15 good?"
"It depends on the system's scaling. But I bet higher numbers mean we're stronger."
"Don't get cocky. You could have 20 Strength and still die if you don't know how to use it."
I glanced over at Mo Tong, who was frowning at her own status screen. "What's wrong?" I asked.
She sighed, "My stats aren't great either. But at least we're alive… for now."
Her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of what lay ahead.
The Forest Beckons
The robotic voice returned, cutting through the noise:
[Now, players, make your way to the cabin. Inside, you will find essential supplies: water, food, weapons, and potions. Use them wisely. Your mission begins now.]
The crowd moved as one, a nervous but determined mass heading toward the small wooden cabin nestled in the trees.
Inside, the cabin was filled with an assortment of items: swords, daggers, bows, arrows, shields, and potions of various colors. Most of the weapons looked old and worn, but their edges gleamed with deadly intent.
I picked up a simple dagger. It felt cold and unfamiliar in my hand, but it was better than nothing.
Mo Tong selected a short sword, her expression grim. "We need to stick together," she said firmly.
I nodded, gripping my dagger tighter. This wasn't a dream. This wasn't a game.
This was survival. And the clock was ticking.
The system's robotic voice chimed in, disrupting my scattered thoughts.
[Host, your mission has arrived.]
I instinctively tensed. "What is it this time?"
[Mission: Ensure Mo Tang wins the hidden mission prize.]
Clear Condition: Make Mo Tang fall into a cave and survive in it for 3 days.
Time Limit: 3 hours, 2 minutes.
Compensation: 100 Points.
Failure: Death.
"Wait, what the f—" I bit my lip, stopping myself mid-sentence. My mind raced. How was I supposed to push Mo Tang into a cave? And more importantly, how could I guarantee her survival afterward?
The system interrupted again, its tone as impassive as ever.
[Think about it like we're in a game.]
"A game…" I muttered.
[Yes, it is simple.]
"Simple, my ass," I grumbled under my breath. My pulse was pounding, and a wave of panic threatened to engulf me. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Focus, Rishitha. You need to figure this out.
The Reality of the Novel
The system's words lingered in my mind.
[This novel is not your world.]
It was the truth I had been avoiding. The words that existed only in fiction were now unfolding right in front of me. My surroundings, the people, the missions—it wasn't some elaborate hallucination.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to center myself. When I opened them again, I was greeted by the sight of Mo Tang and a bulky kid attempting to organize the group.
Group Survival Rules
Mo Tang's voice carried above the growing chatter.
"Come on, everyone! Gather around. We all learned the basics of survival in school, but for safety's sake, I'll go over them again."
She listed them methodically:
Stay Together: Stick with the group, designate a leader, and establish a buddy system. Shelter: Find or build a safe place to rest and hide. Water Source: Secure and purify water. Food: Forage, trap, or fish, and cook everything thoroughly. Fire: Build and maintain one for warmth, cooking, and defense. Stay Calm: Positivity and communication are key. First Aid: Be prepared to treat injuries. Signal for Help: Use fires, symbols, or reflective surfaces. Respect the Environment: Don't destroy resources unnecessarily.
"Everyone knows this, right?" she concluded.
There were a few mutters of agreement, though some faces were pale with fear.
The Burden of the Mission
I watched Mo Tang closely. Her determination shone through, even in this chaotic situation. She wasn't a villain yet, just a strong-willed girl trying to survive.
"Rishitha, it's dangerous. Stay close to me," she said firmly.
I blinked in surprise but nodded. For all her strength, she still cared.
But my mission… It was the first domino that would push her toward the path the system wanted. And I was supposed to be the one to tip it.
The system's monotone voice snapped me back to reality.
[If you do not complete this mission, the novel world will collapse. It has no destination without your guidance.]
The weight of the situation crushed down on me. The stakes weren't just my life or Mo Tang's. It was the entire existence of this world.
Forming a Plan
I needed a way to fulfill the mission without outright betraying her trust. There was no guarantee she'd survive if I did this recklessly.
As the group moved toward the cabin to gather supplies, my eyes scanned the surroundings. The forest was dense, the ground uneven with hidden pitfalls. It wouldn't be hard to find a cave, but how could I lead Mo Tang there naturally?
"Rishitha, are you okay?" Mo Tang's voice jolted me.
I forced a smile. "Yeah, just trying to process everything."
Her expression softened. "Don't worry. We'll get through this together."
Guilt stabbed at me. I returned her smile, my mind racing. Together… but only if I can make you survive this cave ordeal first.
The Weight of Survival
The system chimed again.
[Time remaining: 2 hours, 45 minutes.]
The clock was ticking. I clenched my fists, determination hardening in my chest.
If I'm going to do this, I need to be smart. Mo Tang, I'm sorry, but I'll do whatever it takes to keep you alive and this world intact.
Into the Depths
I finally found it—a cave concealed behind dense overgrowth and jagged rocks. Its entrance was wide but sloped steeply downward, the darkness beyond thick and impenetrable. I could feel the system's presence looming over me, even without its voice.
Was this the cave where Mo Tang would find treasure?
[Yes.]
The system's curt confirmation made my stomach churn. This was it. I had to make her fall into this cave, survive, and somehow keep her alive for three days. The pressure weighed heavily on my chest.
A Calculated Move
"Mo Tang," I called, trying to sound casual. "Can you come with me? I need to... uh... find a spot to, you know, use the washroom."
She blinked at me, her face blank. "What? Why are you asking me?"
"I'd feel safer if someone came with me," I lied. "You're strong, and I don't want to get lost or something."
She gave me a skeptical look, but after a moment, she sighed. "Fine, but don't take too long. We can't waste time."
As we made our way closer to the cave's edge, I struggled with the weight of my plan. Mo Tang wasn't just some character in a novel anymore. She was real—a flesh-and-blood person who trusted me. How could I betray that trust?
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sharp scream cutting through the air.
I froze. The sound of someone—or something—falling echoed from nearby, followed by a low, gut-wrenching thud. My heart leaped into my throat as I whipped around.
"Mo Tang?" I shouted, panic seizing me.
No response.
"MO TANG!" I screamed again, sprinting toward the source of the sound.
A Desperate Descent
When I reached the edge of the hole, I looked down and felt my blood run cold. There she was, lying motionless at the bottom of the cave. The dim light filtering through the opening highlighted her small figure sprawled across the rocky ground.
For a moment, the world went silent. Then I heard it—a faint, broken whimper. She was alive. Relief washed over me, but it was quickly replaced by dread.
Without a second thought, I grabbed a vine hanging near the entrance and began my descent. My hands burned as I slid down, and my feet scraped against the rough rock. The moment I hit the ground, I rushed to her side.
Treating Her Injuries
"Mo Tang, can you hear me?" I asked, shaking her gently.
She groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open. "Rishitha…? What… happened?"
"You fell," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Don't worry. I'm here."
Examining her injuries, I found a nasty gash on her arm and several scrapes along her legs. Her ankle looked swollen, likely twisted from the fall. I grabbed the first aid kit from my bag and began cleaning her wounds, my hands trembling slightly.
"It's going to hurt a little," I warned.
She winced but didn't complain, biting her lip as I disinfected and bandaged her arm. I used a splint from the kit to support her ankle.
Once I finished treating her, I stood up and glanced at the entrance. It was impossibly high, the jagged walls offering no clear way to climb back up.
I tried pulling Mo Tang to her feet, but she was too weak to stand, and her weight made it impossible for me to carry her up the vertical incline.
"Mo Tang, we can't go back the way we came," I said, trying to sound calm.
She nodded weakly, her face pale but resolute. "Then… we find another way out."
Her determination sparked something in me. Even injured, she wasn't giving up.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. "Okay, let's look for another exit. Stay here for a moment while I scout ahead."
"Be careful," she whispered.
The Mission Looms
As I moved deeper into the cave, the system's voice echoed in my mind.
[Clear Condition: Ensure Mo Tang survives for three days.]
The clock was ticking, and I knew the real challenges were yet to come. This was no longer just about fulfilling a mission. Mo Tang's life—and possibly the fate of this world—depended on what I did next.