Ash stepped out from the clearing where he had respawned and into the heart of the village. Cobblestone streets wound between low, timber-framed cottages, smoke curling lazily from chimneys. Market stalls, most abandoned, lined the central plaza, and a faint smell of bread and herbs drifted through the air.
The village wasn't large — perhaps a few dozen buildings — but it was well-maintained. Wooden bridges arched over a shallow stream that cut through the plaza. Fountains trickled water, catching the afternoon light and scattering it in tiny prisms. Though the village looked serene, Ash couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He flexed his glowing fingers, letting the faint pulses of energy run across his translucent skin.
He pulled up his map. Nothing. The usual mini-map overlay failed to appear. He tapped commands, tried the full-screen view, and even scrolled through menus — still blank. Just empty fields.
Great. So I don't even know where I am, he muttered.
He opened his Stats for reassurance:
Name: Ash
Race: ???
Class: Classless
Level: 1
HP: 50/50
Experience: 0%
Stats:
Strength: 5
Vitality: 6
Agility: 5
Intelligence : 7
Charisma: 4
Abilities:
Strike – Basic melee attack
Dodge – Simple evasive movement
Block – Reduces incoming damage
Focus – Concentrates energy to enhance next action
Minor Heal – Recovers a small amount of vitality
Moving down the street, he passed a lizardfolk blacksmith hammering at a forge. Scales glinted under the sun, eyes focused. Sparks flew with each strike, sizzling on the stone floor. A birdfolk merchant perched atop a crate nearby, feathers ruffling as he counted coins. A few guards passed by, swords at their sides, eyes alert.
Ash lingered. The villagers treated him with casual indifference, though a few glanced curiously at his translucent glow. Guess they don't see people like me often.
A merchant squawked a greeting as Ash approached.
"Fresh supplies! Herbs, potions, traps — best prices in the village!"
Ash raised an eyebrow. "I suppose I'll take a look."
A trade interface popped up automatically. Coins, potions, and basic equipment filled the screen. He bought a few minor healing potions and an empty satchel. Nothing flashy, but practical. He tested a potion with a quick tap — instant restoration of vitality. Everything functioned smoothly.
As he walked further, he passed a group of children — a mix of beastkin and elves — playing near the fountain. One dropped a ball, and a guard bent down to return it. Ash paused, watching the simple interaction. For a moment, he almost forgot the danger that lurked beyond the village edges. Almost.
He moved toward a notice board. Faded parchments fluttered in the breeze: requests for hunting wolf packs, clearing caves, and minor village tasks. One note caught his eye: "Cave near the forest edge — unusually aggressive beasts. Exercise caution." He smiled faintly. Well that sounds interesting.
The sun was dipping low as Ash explored alleyways, examining carts, loose tiles, and small details. Habit from years of gaming — always checking for hidden items or traps. Occasionally, he paused to open his Stats, confirming everything was intact: HP full, XP zero, Corruption zero, Abilities unchanged.
In a small alley, a stray cat padded by, tail high. Ash crouched, peering at a shadowed corner. Nothing. He straightened and continued, noting the village's layout mentally. Streets wound predictably between buildings. Bridges crossed the stream. The plaza lay central. Inns and shops clustered together. Without a map, he'd have to rely on memory and observation — not impossible, but inconvenient.
He passed a dwarf guard stationed near the northern gate. Arms crossed, expression stern.
"You're new here," the guard said, voice low. "A little adivce, stick to the main parts of town, don't start any funny business and you won't get hurt. If you leave the village stick to the main road and you might survive."
Ash nodded. "Thanks for the advice."
The guard grunted but did not say anything further, walking back to his post. Ash noticed the slight hesitation in the guard's gaze when it lingered on his glow, but he didn't dwell on it. More pressing was figuring out what lay beyond the village and how to handle the monsters that roamed the hills.
Ash wandered into the market district. Some stalls had scraps of food, herbs, and simple tools. He examined each briefly, noting which could be useful for crafting or minor buffs. Though the interface provided stats and prices automatically, he preferred to assess them manually — old habits die hard.
Near the fountain, a human-like NPC, older and with a lined face, mended nets for fishing. "The stream's calm today, but the forest is never quiet," he muttered aloud, though not to Ash.
Ash crouched at the bridge over the stream, peering at the water. It shimmered faintly, catching the last light of the sun. He touched it with a finger. No reaction, no interface prompt — just the slight ripple spreading across the surface. The world was detailed, vivid, alive in ways he hadn't experienced in VR before.
As evening fell, lanterns flickered to life along the streets, casting warm glows against the timbered walls. Shadows stretched long across the cobblestones. Ash paused at the plaza center, looking toward the hills where he had seen the high-level monsters before. Question marks hovered in his memory, unbroken by stats or map.
He thought about his Classless state, basic abilities, and even-handed stats. This isn't a typical newbie zone. But the challenge was exactly what he had been searching for.
Ash leaned against a wall, watching a guard complete his rounds and a merchant lock up his stall. The village felt structured, safe enough for the night, yet fragile — a buffer between him and the dangerous lands beyond. For the first time in years, he had the sense that he was truly in a world he couldn't predict.
He ran through the abilities again in his mind: Strike, Dodge, Block, Focus, Minor Heal. Each functioned as expected. No surprises. Yet, he had the distinct impression that mastering them here would require more than just button-mashing — observation, strategy, and patience.
Ash glanced up at the sky. Stars were starting to pierce the deepening blue, distant planets faintly visible. The night would bring cooler temperatures, fewer NPCs, and the occasional nocturnal predator. His heart quickened with anticipation.
For now, the village was safe. Mapless, uncharted, filled with NPCs going about their routines, but alive in detail and unpredictability. Ash stretched, letting the thrill of exploration wash over him.