Chapter 16: The Call to Action
The days that followed Ray's awakening were a blur of constant change. Though he tried to continue with his usual routine, everything now felt different. The air in the village seemed to hum with energy, as if even the earth itself knew something momentous was about to unfold.
His training had become more intense, and now, with the power of his Domain awakening, his abilities had grown in leaps and bounds. The Wolf Beast Cub had transformed too—its fur now shimmered with a faint aura of magic, its eyes gleaming with a sharp intelligence that Ray had never seen before.
His parents, though still focused on their own duties, seemed to have noticed the shift in their son. His father, though proud, was always distant, but even he couldn't hide the approving glances he occasionally threw Ray's way. His mother, always nurturing, now watched him closely, her gaze filled with concern.
Ray had never felt more out of place in his own home.
But it wasn't just his parents who were taking notice. Villagers who had once seen him as just another child now watched him with a mix of awe and apprehension. They had heard rumors of his transformation—whispers of the strange power that had awakened within him. But they didn't know the full extent of it. No one did. Not even Ray.
One evening, as he sat alone by the edge of the forest, the familiar hum of his System crackled to life.
"Ray…" the voice of 15 echoed in his mind, its tone serious, even more so than usual. "It's time."
Ray's heart skipped a beat. He had been waiting for this moment, but hearing the words aloud, from his System, made it all the more real. "Time for what?" he asked, trying to steady his nerves.
"You know what I mean. Your true journey begins now. The System has been preparing you for this, but it's not going to be easy. There are things in motion—forces you've yet to comprehend."
Ray felt a wave of unease wash over him. "What forces? What do I have to do?"
"The invaders, Ray. The ones from Dravania. The portals won't wait forever. If you don't act, they'll overrun your world and the one you've been gifted."
Ray's mind raced. He had known about the portals—the ones that brought strange beasts from the other worlds. But he hadn't expected the threat to be this immediate. He had thought he had more time to prepare.
The System's voice cut through his thoughts again.
"Your world is already under threat. But you don't have to face it alone. There are others like you—those who have awakened to their true potential. Some of them might be allies, some will be enemies. But it's up to you to decide who you can trust."
Ray swallowed hard. The weight of responsibility had always loomed over him, but now it felt suffocating. He wasn't just training anymore. He wasn't just getting stronger. The battle for his world—both his home and the one he had just begun to explore—was about to begin.
"Get to Dravania," 15 urged. "There's much to be done. And your awakening is just the beginning."
Ray stood up, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon. He had no idea what awaited him in Dravania, but one thing was certain—the time for waiting was over. The world he had known was on the verge of unraveling, and he had no choice but to step into the unknown and confront whatever came next.
But as he made his way back to the village, the weight of his decision settled in. He was no longer just a child training in a small village. He was a part of something much larger. And with that realization came a new understanding of the dangers ahead.
In the distance, a soft wind began to stir the trees, whispering of what was to come. The stars above twinkled, their light faint against the growing darkness on the horizon.
Ray clenched his fists. The Wolf Beast Cub trotted beside him, its presence a reminder that he wasn't alone.
---
Preparing for the Journey
The next few days were filled with preparations. Ray could feel the tension building in the village. The time had come for him to leave, but not without ensuring his family was safe.
His father, despite his usual cold demeanor, seemed to understand the weight of the situation. "You're going," he said one evening as they sat together in their modest home. "I can't stop you. But promise me you'll come back."
Ray met his father's gaze. For the first time, there was a true understanding between them. A silent bond forged in the heat of shared conflict. "I will," Ray replied firmly. "I won't let anything happen to this world. Not on my watch."
His mother, though worried, only nodded. She didn't try to stop him—she knew what Ray had to do. "Stay safe, my son. And know that we are proud of you."
The next morning, Ray gathered his things, preparing for the journey that would take him far beyond the safety of his home. He didn't know what awaited him in Dravania, but he had a feeling it would be more dangerous than anything he had faced so far.
Before he left, he spent a quiet moment with his Wolf Beast Cub. It had grown to a fearsome size, and its loyalty was unquestionable. Ray wasn't sure how the bond had formed between them, but he could feel its power. This beast was not just a companion—it was his ally, his protector.
With everything packed, Ray stood at the edge of the village, the world stretching out before him.
"Let's go," he murmured, his voice filled with determination.
And with that, he stepped forward, into the unknown.
---
ReflectionChapter 17: Into the Unknown
The wind whispered softly through the trees as Ray stood at the threshold of the village. He turned to look back one last time, taking in the familiar sight of the place that had been his home for so long. The villagers, some of whom had been friends, others strangers, all glanced at him with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. No one spoke, but their silent watchfulness was enough. Ray had become something more than just the boy they once knew.
His Wolf Beast Cub padded silently beside him, its eyes sharp, its senses heightened. Ray could feel the bond growing between them—stronger with every passing day. It wasn't just a companion anymore. The wolf was his first real ally in this strange, dangerous world.
The decision was made. There was no turning back.
With a deep breath, Ray activated the portal that had been left for him by the System, its magic forming before his eyes. The shimmering blue light opened up like a rip in the fabric of reality, showing the swirling chaos of Dravania—the land that awaited him.
"Remember," 15's voice echoed in his mind, "your journey doesn't end when you step through. It only begins."
Ray nodded silently, feeling a weight in his chest. He didn't need more words. The System had been preparing him for this. He knew the challenges ahead wouldn't be easy, but he had no choice. His world was on the brink of destruction, and only by growing stronger could he hope to save it.
Taking one last look at his home, Ray stepped into the portal.
---
Dravania – The World of Survival
When Ray's feet touched the ground on the other side, the world around him was a far cry from the quiet village he had left behind. The sky above was a dark, stormy gray, filled with swirling clouds that seemed to pulse with ancient power. The air was thick with magic, and the ground was hard and uneven beneath his feet. There was no soft soil or gentle breeze here—just the harsh reality of survival.
He scanned his surroundings. In the distance, jagged mountains loomed, their peaks hidden by the swirling clouds. Below, the land stretched out in all directions, a mixture of dense forests and barren plains, teeming with dangerous creatures and ancient forces. It was a land of chaos, a place where only the strongest survived.
Ray couldn't help but feel a thrill at the sight. He wasn't sure if it was the danger or the unknown that excited him, but either way, he had come here to grow stronger.
"Welcome to Dravania," 15 said, its tone almost amused. "This is where your real journey begins. This is where you will make your mark."
Ray nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. He could feel it—the weight of fate pressing down on him. But it wasn't just his world that was in danger anymore. This place, too, was full of dangers—beasts, powerful foes, and remnants of ancient powers long forgotten.
Before he could take another step, the Wolf Beast Cub growled low, its body tense. Ray's senses immediately sharpened. Something was coming.
He looked to the horizon, and in the distance, he saw them—figures moving swiftly through the trees. They were too fast to be human, and their silhouettes were too massive to be anything ordinary. Beasts. Powerful ones. But these weren't the small creatures he had seen back in his world. No, these were true predators, born from the wild chaos of Dravania.
"I'm not sure you're ready for them yet," 15 warned. "But you don't have a choice. It's time to fight, Ray. It's time to grow stronger."
Ray gripped the hilt of the sword his father had given him, the weight of it familiar. He had trained with it many times, but this would be his first real test.
The Wolf Beast Cub growled again, its eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Ray crouched slightly, his senses heightening. He could feel the power radiating from the beasts in the distance. They weren't just beasts—they were part of the land itself, shaped by the magic of Dravania.
Ray's heart raced, but he steadied himself. This was why he had come. The only way to survive here was to grow stronger. The only way to win was to fight.
As the figures neared, Ray's instincts kicked in. He didn't wait for them to come to him. Instead, he dashed forward, his sword raised. The Wolf Beast Cub followed, its teeth bared and its body coiled like a spring ready to unleash.
The first beast was upon him before he could even blink—a massive, hulking creature with four arms and a twisted, snarling face. Its fur was dark and matted, and its eyes glowed with a predatory hunger. It lunged at Ray, its claws swiping through the air with deadly precision.
Ray barely dodged, rolling to the side as the beast's claws gouged the ground where he had been standing. He sprang to his feet, his sword flashing in the dim light as he countered with a strike aimed at the creature's exposed side.
The blade connected with a sickening thud, but the creature barely flinched. It roared, spinning around to face him. Ray gritted his teeth, realizing that he was nowhere near powerful enough to take down this beast alone. He needed help.
At that moment, the Wolf Beast Cub lunged at the beast's throat, its teeth sinking deep into its flesh. The creature howled in pain, staggering back as the cub clung to its neck with relentless ferocity.
Ray seized the opportunity. With a swift motion, he thrust his sword forward, piercing the beast's heart. It let out one final, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground.
Panting heavily, Ray wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands shook from the adrenaline, but he couldn't afford to relax. More were coming.
"That's one down," 15 said dryly. "But there are many more where that came from. If you want to survive here, you'll need to learn fast. The land of Dravania is a place of endless conflict. Only those who are strong enough will thrive."
Ray nodded, his expression hardening. He had no time to waste. The journey had just begun, and the true test was only starting.
---
ReflectionChapter 18: The First Allies
The wind howled through the trees, sending a chill down Ray's spine as he stood amidst the remains of the beast he had just slain. His sword was coated in dark blood, the scent of it thick in the air. The Wolf Beast Cub growled softly beside him, licking its bloodied paws, but its eyes never left the horizon. The creatures that roamed this world were merciless, and Ray had barely scratched the surface of the threats it harbored.
Ray wiped the sweat from his brow, his body sore from the fight. The adrenaline rush was fading, and with it, the weight of the reality he now faced. Dravania was no place for the weak. He knew that better than ever now. And if he wanted to survive, he needed to be ready for the next fight, the next challenge. This was only the beginning.
He glanced at his System Interface. It had provided him with a glimpse of the rewards he had earned from defeating the beast. His Experience Points had shot up, and he had received a few Skill Points to allocate. The System remained silent for now, but Ray knew it was always watching, ready to provide guidance—or to mock him when he failed.
"You've done well for your first encounter," 15's voice echoed in his mind, its tone like a sardonic teacher grading a student. "But don't get cocky. The land of Dravania has much more to offer than just a few beasts. To survive here, you'll need to forge alliances. But be careful. Not every ally is trustworthy."
Ray smirked. "I'm not looking for friends, 15. But I'll keep that in mind." He had no illusions about the cutthroat nature of this world. It wasn't just the beasts he had to worry about. There were rival factions, rogue systems, and gods with their own agendas lurking in the shadows.
As he turned to leave the clearing, his Wolf Beast Cub trotted ahead, ears perked. It was no longer just an animal following him—it had become his companion, his first real ally in this brutal world. Ray knew that forming bonds, both with creatures like this and potentially with other beings in Dravania, would be key to his survival.
Ray's thoughts turned to the next part of his journey. He needed to find a safe haven, somewhere to rest, heal, and plan his next move. But as he moved deeper into the forest, something caught his eye—movement in the distance.
A figure appeared through the trees—a humanoid shape, tall and lean. The person was draped in tattered, weathered clothing, their face obscured by a hood. They carried a bow slung across their back, and their movements were fluid, almost predatory. Ray instinctively reached for his sword, but paused. He could tell that this was no ordinary traveler.
The figure stopped just outside of Ray's line of sight, then turned, their sharp eyes locking with his.
"I don't like strangers in these parts," the figure said, their voice low and guarded.
Ray studied the person closely. This wasn't a random traveler—it was someone who had survived in this unforgiving land. Someone who had learned the art of survival. Ray could sense it in the way the figure carried themselves. But he wasn't about to make the first move. Not yet.
"I'm not looking for trouble," Ray said, his voice steady. "Just passing through."
The figure's eyes narrowed, as if measuring him. After a long pause, they seemed to come to some kind of decision, and the figure slowly lowered their hood, revealing their face.
It was a woman—her features sharp and angular, with piercing green eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. Her skin was tanned from years in the sun, and her hair was dark, pulled back into a tight braid that hung down her back. She didn't look like she had much, but Ray could tell that she was far from weak.
"Passing through, huh?" She stepped forward, her gaze never leaving Ray. "This place is a death trap for someone like you. You're either too stupid or too lucky to have survived the beasts you've come across."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I'm just smarter than I look."
The woman's lips curled into a smirk. "Smart enough to get yourself killed, you mean."
She didn't give him a chance to respond. Instead, she gestured to the side. "You don't look like you're from around here. If you're planning to survive, you're going to need more than just that sword."
Ray followed her motion, and his eyes widened as he saw what she was pointing to—a small camp nestled in a clearing, surrounded by a makeshift wall of thick branches and logs. Inside, there was a fire burning, and the smell of food wafted through the air.
"What is this place?" Ray asked, curious despite himself.
"A safe house," the woman said, her tone a little softer now. "You'll find no such thing in Dravania unless you've earned it. But if you want to live another day, you might want to consider joining us."
Ray hesitated. His mind raced. On one hand, this could be a trap. On the other, this might be the opportunity he needed to learn more about this world and forge the first true alliance.
"Who are you?" Ray asked, his voice calm but laced with suspicion.
"Name's Lyra," she replied, her eyes never leaving his. "I'm part of a group. We survive by staying in the shadows, keeping a low profile. We don't trust easily, but if you've got potential, we might have a place for you."
The offer hung in the air like a challenge. Ray considered his options. He wasn't going to get far alone, especially not in this hostile land. If he could trust this woman—and the group she was a part of—it could give him a much-needed advantage.
But he wasn't about to take everything at face value. His instincts screamed at him to be cautious. He'd been betrayed before, and he wouldn't let that happen again.
"I'll think about it," Ray said, his voice low but firm. "But I'm not making any promises."
Lyra's smirk returned. "Fair enough. But you better make up your mind fast. Dravania doesn't wait for anyone."
She turned, making her way back to the camp without another word. Ray stood for a moment, contemplating his next move. This was a decision that could shape the course of his journey in Dravania.
With a final glance at the camp, Ray followed.
---
ReflectionChapter 19: The Shifting Sands of Trust
The campfire crackled as Ray walked toward it, his boots crunching against the ground beneath him. Lyra had led him through a maze of trees, her pace steady, until they reached a small, circular clearing. The camp itself was modest—a few tents made from animal hides, a rickety wooden structure that seemed more like a shelter than a true home, and a large fire pit in the center where a few figures sat, speaking in hushed voices.
The group around the fire looked up as Ray approached, their gazes sharp and assessing. There were four others—two men and two women. One of the men had a bow slung over his shoulder, his hair tied back in a rough ponytail. The other man had a broad, muscular frame, with a scar running across his cheek. One of the women was busy tending to the fire, her hands moving with practiced ease, while the other woman sat on a nearby log, her eyes locked onto Ray with an intensity that made him feel like he was being weighed and measured.
Lyra came to a stop beside the fire and gestured for Ray to sit. "This is the group I told you about," she said. "We survive by keeping our heads down and making sure we're useful."
Ray stood for a moment, studying them. He was used to being the outsider, the one others didn't trust. But this was different. The tension in the air was palpable, and even though they had offered him a seat, he could sense the walls they'd built around themselves.
"Lyra's told us a lot about you," the man with the scar said, his voice gruff. "What's your deal? You come from one of the cities, or are you just another wanderer looking to make a name for yourself?"
Ray chose his words carefully. The last thing he wanted was to reveal too much about himself just yet. "I'm just trying to survive," he said, sitting down cautiously. "Like everyone else."
The woman by the fire scoffed softly. "Survive? In Dravania? That's rich." She was shorter than Lyra, with short-cropped hair and a lean frame. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of cynicism and curiosity. "If you're just trying to survive, you won't last long here. You need to be more than that. Stronger. Smarter. Or you'll be dead before the week's over."
The man with the bow, who had been silent up until now, spoke. His voice was softer, more measured. "A lot of people come here thinking they can just survive. But the land doesn't care about your intentions. Dravania takes what it wants."
Ray could feel the weight of their words, each of them a warning wrapped in truth. He wasn't new to the concept of survival, but Dravania was different. Every decision here felt like it could be his last. It wasn't just beasts and monsters he had to worry about; it was the people. The alliances. The betrayals.
Lyra, noticing the tension in the air, stepped in. "What they mean is that it's not enough to just have power. You need to know how to use it. You need to understand the balance of things here."
Ray studied her for a moment, wondering just how much of what she said was rooted in truth and how much was a carefully constructed façade. But there was one thing he knew for sure—this world wasn't about friends or enemies. It was about what you could do for yourself and, sometimes, what you could do for others. And Ray wasn't about to ignore that reality.
"I get it," he said, his voice steady. "But I didn't come here to be a pawn in some game. I'm here to build something. Something that can last."
Lyra's eyes flickered with something—respect, perhaps, or just the acknowledgment of a kindred spirit. "Good. That's the right attitude."
She looked over at the other members of the group, her gaze lingering just a bit longer on the one with the scar. "If you want to make it here, we'll need to see what you're made of. We don't take anyone in just because they say they want to 'build something.' We've got rules. You follow them, or you don't."
Ray's curiosity peaked. "What kind of rules?"
The man with the scar let out a short, harsh laugh. "The kind that keep us alive. No one's allowed to be a liability. If you can't pull your weight, you're out. Simple as that."
Lyra nodded in agreement. "Survival in Dravania is a team effort. We protect each other—those we can trust. Everyone here has earned their place. If you want to stay, you'll have to prove yourself."
Ray wasn't used to this kind of group dynamic. Back in Aetherra, he had always worked alone. His powers, while vast, had always been his own to control. But here, in this brutal world, he knew that having allies—real allies—might be the key to his survival.
He looked around at the group, sizing each of them up. They were tough, battle-hardened, and they had the kind of presence that only came from surviving the worst this world could throw at them. Ray knew they weren't just offering him a place—they were offering him a chance to earn a place at their side.
But that didn't mean he was going to trust them blindly. Not yet. He had to be smart about this.
"What's the first test?" Ray asked, his voice calm but filled with resolve. "I'm not here to waste anyone's time."
Lyra's lips twitched into a smile. "That's the spirit. There's a small village not far from here, a few days' journey to the east. It's got a few bandits holed up in it. If you can take care of them, we'll know you've got what it takes."
Ray's mind immediately began to calculate. Bandits were a common threat in places like this, and he had the skills to deal with them—especially if it meant proving his worth.
"I'll handle it," he said, standing up and brushing the dirt off his cloak. "When do we leave?"
Lyra's eyes flashed with approval. "We leave at dawn. Be ready."
---
Reflection---
Chapter 21: Kill, Loot, Level Up
The body slumped to the dirt with a dull thud, eyes wide open in shock. Ray stood still, dagger in hand, blood dripping down his knuckles. His breathing was rough, chest rising and falling as the metallic scent of death mixed with the cold morning air.
> [System Notification]
You have killed: Human – Bandit (Lv.2)
EXP Gained: 40
Loot Dropped: Low-quality corpse x1 (Durability: 62%), 3 bronze coins, Rusted Dagger
> [System 15]:
"Well, well, would you look at that. You finally popped your murder cherry. I'm so proud. Want a cookie?"
Ray didn't even flinch at the voice in his head. "Felt… easier than I thought," he murmured, wiping his blade on the corpse's ragged shirt.
> [System 15]:
"That's adrenaline. And shock. Wait until the shakes kick in. Also—say hello to your first proper loot drop! Try not to act like it's Christmas."
Ray exhaled slowly, then summoned his System Status screen with a thought.
---
[STATUS SCREEN]
Name: Ray Velmar
Race: Human (Reborn)
Class: Unawakened (Necromancer Seed - Sealed)
Level: 1
EXP: 110 / 200
Titles: Reborn, Chosen of 15
Attributes:
Strength: 6
Agility: 8
Intelligence: 13
Endurance: 7
Mana: 14
Charm: 3 (Ouch)
Luck: ??? (System refuses to answer)
Inventory:
Corpse (Lv2 Bandit) – [Durability: 62%]
Bronze Coins x6
Rusted Dagger
Beginner's Storage Ring (2 free slots)
God Points: 0
Daily Quest Token: 1
System Functions:
EXP & Leveling
Basic Loot Appraisal
Corpse Storage (5 slots)
Daily Quests
Domain Access [Locked]
God Shop [Locked]
---
Ray blinked at the blue panel in front of him, his lips twitching.
"So this is what progress feels like…"
> [System 15]:
"Technically, it's looting the body of a half-starved bandit, but hey, let's call it growth."
He crouched down, examining the dead bandit. His clothes were little more than rags, but the corpse had a faint shimmer only Ray could see — thanks to System 15.
> [System Appraisal Active…]
Corpse (Human, Lv2), durability 62%, suitable for basic undead conversion.
Corpse Quality: Low.
Decay in: 22 hours.
> [System 15]:
"Tip: quality matters. Shove trash into your domain, and your army's going to look like a zombie-themed comedy show."
Ray grinned. "You act like I won't do that just for laughs."
> "You would."
---
A moment later, a new quest panel shimmered into view.
[Daily Quest Unlocked!]
Quest: Clean Sweep
Objective: Kill 3 Enemies (Lv1 or higher)
Reward: +20 EXP, 1 God Point
Bonus: +1 Inventory Slot (if completed in under 12 hours)
Ray's eyes lit up.
"God Points, huh?" he muttered. "And quests now too…"
> [System 15]:
"One small step for Ray. One giant leap for necro-kind."
---
Ray stood up and looked toward the forest edge where the other two bandits had fled. He could still hear branches snapping.
His grin widened.
"Guess I better finish the job."
---