"Huh? A notification?"
I asked, a mixture of surprise and confusion flickering across my face. My eyes snapped toward the small pop-up icon shimmering in the corner of the screen. Its faint glow cut through the dimness of the room, catching on the edge of my messy desk and reflecting briefly in my tired eyes.
I hesitated for a moment, fingers hovering above the touchpad.
What now? Another system thing?
The thought made a shiver run down my spine, half anticipation, half irritation.
Carefully, I tapped it.
The tiny rectangular box labeled [Notification] disappeared instantly, replaced by a larger, vibrant blue rectangle with borders that blinked like they were alive. My eyes widened. The sudden intensity of it made my heart skip a beat.
——Mission——
Title: The Monster Raid
Clear the waves: 0/3
Defeat the boss: 0/1 (Locked)
Reward: System's prize
——————
I stared at it, blinking, trying to make sense of the words as if the letters themselves might rearrange to explain the meaning.
A… mission? For me? That's new… What the hell is this?
I slowly pushed myself up from the bed.
The mattress dipped unevenly beneath me as I shifted my weight. The old springs let out a faint metallic creak before settling. My feet lowered cautiously until my toes touched the floor.
The wooden planks were cold, rough, and small splinters brushed against my skin. One loose board shifted slightly under my heel with a soft knock. I paused, holding my breath, waiting to see if the sound would echo louder than it should.
Moonlight slipped through the window, laying pale stripes across the floor and the far wall. Dust floated lazily in the air, turning slowly in the faint light. The room smelled faintly of old wood and dry fabric.
I stood there for a second, steadying myself.
Then I took a step.
The board beneath me groaned—long and drawn-out. I winced instantly, shoulders tightening. I adjusted where I stepped next, aiming closer to the wall where the wood felt firmer.
I moved toward the door of my room and eased it open slowly. The hallway beyond was darker. The air felt heavier out there, less touched by moonlight.
The staircase waited at the end of the hall.
I approached it carefully, placing my hand on the railing. The wood was smooth in some spots, worn down by years of use. In others, it was rough and chipped.
The sound traveled downward, stretching into the quiet house. I swallowed and shifted my weight more slowly onto the next step.
Each stair had its own voice—one short and sharp, another long and complaining. I tried to memorize which ones sounded worse, stepping over the loudest spots when I could.
Halfway down, I glanced toward the front door.
A faint silver outline traced its edges. Light from outside slipped through tiny gaps in the frame.
By the time I reached the bottom, my heart was beating faster—not from fear exactly, but from how quiet everything was.
I stood in front of the door.
Up close, it looked solid. Thick wood. Scratches near the handle. A small dent near the bottom where something must've hit it years ago. The metal handle had darkened with age, edges slightly rough with rust.
I reached out and wrapped my fingers around it.
The cold sinks into your skin and stays for a moment.
The wind outside pressed faintly against the door. I could hear it now—soft, steady movement. Leaves brushing together. Branches shifting somewhere beyond the house.
I swallowed.
"Alright… I can do this."
I turned the handle.
It resisted.
I twisted harder. The latch shifted with a stiff internal click. The sound felt loud in the quiet.
I pulled.
The bottom edge scraped faintly against the floor as the door began to open. The hinges let out a slow, uneven groan—metal grinding lightly against metal.
A thin line of night air slipped through the gap first, touching my face before the rest followed.
Cool air poured in gradually as I opened it wider.
The porch came into view—wooden planks slightly warped, faint moisture darkening parts of the surface. A nail near the edge caught the moonlight.
Beyond the porch, the yard stretched out unevenly. The grass looked darker than usual. And farther ahead, the forest stood still and dense, trees packed tightly together like a wall.
I pushed the door open fully.
The wind hit properly now—not violent, but firm. It slid under my sleeves, across my neck, through my hair. I inhaled sharply.
"Agh—so cold…"
I muttered, hugging myself tightly in an attempt to ward off the biting cold that seemed to seep into my bones.
The air smelled like damp soil and leaves. Fresh. Raw. Real.
"Goddammit, why is it so cold outside?"
My voice felt smaller out here.
"Ugh… this must be that system fault. I blame it."
I muttered softly into the night, my voice almost swallowed by the wind.
The wind moved through the trees again, low and constant.
It seemed the 'System' had taken notice of my sarcastic remark.
«It's not my fault.»
The 'System' responded with a tone of dry, unamused resolve.
I rolled my shoulders slightly.
"Then… can you help me?"
I hesitated, my voice trembling slightly as I spoke.
«No, I won't help you.»
"You little—ugh."
I clenched my fists, then forced them to relax. Getting mad wouldn't change the temperature. Wouldn't cancel the mission.
The door behind me creaked softly as the wind nudged it.
I turned, grabbed the edge, and pulled it shut.
The wood met the frame with a dull thud. The latch clicked into place.
Now I was fully outside.
The silence felt wider out here. The forest wasn't truly quiet—there were constant small noises—but none of them were close.
I stepped off the porch.
The ground dipped slightly under my weight. Dirt shifted. Small rocks rolled under my shoes. I adjusted quickly to keep balance.
I hesitated only a second, and I ran.
My shoes hit the ground unevenly, dirt kicking up behind me. The air rushed past my ears as I moved, breath coming faster. The cold bit harder against my lungs with each inhale.
Branches brushed against my sleeves as I veered toward the path. The forest sounds grew louder the farther I went—leaves snapping underfoot, insects scattering, twigs breaking.
My heartbeat thudded in my ears.
My foot caught on a root. I stumbled forward, barely managing to steady myself before falling. I didn't stop.
The wind roared louder now as I pushed deeper between the trees.
I just kept running.
Meanwhile, at the kingdom's gate—arched high and supported by towering stone pillars etched with ancient sigils—the area was alive with movement and sound.
Clusters of guild members and adventurers gathered beneath rows of flickering torches, their light spilling across armor, cloaks, and polished weapons. The massive oak gates remained sealed, iron reinforcements catching the firelight as banners bearing the royal crest swayed overhead in the cool night wind.
Voices overlapped in constant chatter. Laughter rose and fell in bursts. Boots scraped against stone. Metal shifted and clinked as warriors adjusted their gear. The air carried the low hum of preparation rather than fear.
There were members of the Azure Magus guild standing in loose groups, water magic coiling around their hands in fluid ribbons. Streams spiraled upward like controlled currents, splitting and reforming with precise gestures. Droplets shimmered midair, reflecting torchlight like fragments of moving glass before evaporating into fine mist. The air around them felt faintly damp, cool against the skin.
Not far from them, the Frostveil guild's mages worked their craft with visible intensity. Thin layers of frost spread across the stone beneath their boots, branching outward in delicate crystalline patterns before fading. Glistening shards of ice hovered at shoulder height, slowly rotating as their shapes were refined—edges sharpened, surfaces polished to mirror brightness. Cold air rolled outward in subtle waves, occasionally brushing against nearby adventurers and drawing small reactions.
There are also the WolfCrest maintained disciplined formations. Heavy shields rested upright, spears grounded in practiced alignment. Their armor bore scratches from past battles, darkened steel that absorbed torchlight rather than reflected it. Though structured, they were not rigid—heads turned as they spoke among themselves, hands adjusted straps and grips, and subtle nods passed between them as final checks were made.
At infront of everyone, the Holy Knights stood surrounded by a faint, steady radiance. Light magic pulsed gently from runes engraved into their armor, a warm golden glow that contrasted against the cooler tones of frost and water magic nearby. Their swords remained planted against the stone, hands resting over pommels while soft waves of holy energy rippled outward in controlled intervals. The glow brightened and dimmed subtly, synchronized with their breathing.
When Alice and Arthur arrived, the crowd shifted slightly, many guild leaders and adventurers stepping forward with warm smiles and respectful nods. A woman hurried toward Alice, enveloping her in a bright, lively hug.
"It's been a long time, Alice."
Her voice was cheerful, filled with energy and affection. The speaker was Vaelira Corvayne, energetic leader of Azure Magus. Her light blue hair fluttered in the night breeze as she tilted her head playfully, a mischievous spark dancing in her eyes. Despite being shorter than Alice, her confident stance and lively demeanor made her presence commanding. She wore a shimmering tunic embroidered with intricate silver runes, flowing sleeves catching the faint torchlight, complemented by a short silver-trimmed cloak fluttering behind her. Dark leggings and knee-high boots completed her agile, formidable look.
"Vaeli… It's been too long."
Alice hugged her warmly, a soft laugh escaping her as she ruffled the blue strands of Vaelira's hair like an affectionate sister.
Another figure approached, her footsteps measured and graceful.
"Alice… look at you. I've been away on a mission, and I could hardly wait to see you again."
Seraphine Everain, leader of Frostveil, radiated calm authority. Her long, pure white hair shimmered in the moonlight, and her elegant navy robes, embroidered with silver threads, marked her as someone accustomed to command. Her long cloak billowed lightly behind her, and her simple silver rings and hairpin added refined touches. Yet there was warmth in her gaze, a subtle playfulness in the curve of her smile, a reminder of the long-standing camaraderie she shared with Alice.
"Hi, Sera. How was your mission?"
Alice waved happily.
"It was straightforward, but thank you for asking."
Seraphine replied with a gentle smile, pausing briefly, as if choosing her words carefully.
"By the way, I hear there's a new kid from another world staying at your house."
Vaelira interjected with a teasing grin, her eyes glinting mischievously.
"Oh yeah, I want to be friends with him."
Alice, cheeks tinged pink, visibly fidgeted, trying to shift the topic away.
"Oh… He… I…"
Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by a shift in the atmosphere. The surrounding crowd parted abruptly, revealing the King—Aurelius Valerius—clad in shining, intricately decorated golden armor that reflected the moonlight. His stern but regal face commanded respect, and a hush fell over the gathered adventurers.
"YOUR MAJESTY?!"
Voices rang out in surprise, awe, and a touch of fear at his sudden appearance.
The King raised a hand, and his commanding voice cut through the murmurs.
"Greetings, my warriors. I, King Aurelius Valerius, am here to stand with you for the monster raid."
Some members of the crowd exchanged nervous glances. Whispers rippled through the torch-lit gathering, unsure whether the King's presence was a blessing or an omen.
A figure stepped forward—Kael Draven, leader of WolfCrest—bowing slightly, his expression a mix of respect and concern.
"Your Majesty… forgive my boldness, but this battle isn't meant for you. If anything happens to you, the kingdom will fall."
The King regarded him with a slight smile, eyes sharp but calm.
"Don't worry. If it becomes too dangerous, I'll retreat inside the kingdom. But I want to fight side by side with you all."
Kael nodded firmly.
"I understand, Your Majesty, but please stay behind us when the raid begins."
"I'll stay behind you, don't worry."
The King assured him, his tone steady and confident, though a flicker of concern crossed his eyes.
Meanwhile, I was still running, my breath ragged, eyes fixed on the faint glow of the kingdom's gates. They seemed brighter than before, almost as if the entire fortress sensed the coming battle. I was struck by how ready they looked, the organized ranks, the shimmering magical auras of the guilds, and the flashing steel of armor.
Are they preparing? They're going to die…
Panic clawed at me, urging me faster toward the forest near the kingdom's entrance. My legs burned, my lungs screamed for air, but I ignored the exhaustion. Blue rectangles flickered briefly around me, notifications I barely noticed, my mind too focused on the swirling chaos of thoughts.
< AGI: 1 —> 2 >
< STA: 1 —> 2 >
I ran, frantic and desperate, thinking of every possible way to prevent disaster.
Dammit… if only I could show them I see the future. Maybe… maybe they'd survive, but that damn [Access Denied] screen… I'm going to embarrass myself in front of everyone. What should I do? Think, Zin. THINK!
Frustration and fear collided inside me. My introverted nature made me want to hide, to turn away—but I couldn't. Not now.
At the kingdom's gates, Arthur, the Holy Knight guild leader, approached the King cautiously.
"Are you sure this will be okay, Your Majesty?"
The King's voice was steady, almost lighthearted.
"Haha, I'll be fine. I believe we'll win this raid… I won't let any of us die."
A subtle shadow of worry crossed his eyes, betraying the tension beneath his calm exterior.
A loud commotion cut through the moment. An adventurer rushed forward, panting and wide-eyed.
"Your Majesty, something is coming our way. We don't know what yet!"
The King's eyes widened.
"Could it be… those monsters?"
"No way they can get here that fast."
Arthur replied quickly, scanning the horizon.
Sora Sinclair, a member of the Holy Knights, stepped forward, her expression serious and focused.
"Your Majesty… I think it's a person coming toward us."
The King stroked his beard thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes.
"A person? Who could it be…"
Meanwhile, I barreled forward, heart pounding, when my foot caught a loose rock. I tumbled forward, landing hard right in front of the King's horse.
The King's eyes widened in surprise, and then he chuckled softly as he dismounted and knelt beside me.
"Are you okay, young man?"
The crowd went silent, all eyes turning to us. My face flushed crimson.
This is so embarrassing... I have to talk to the King again, whom I was rude to and disrespected earlier...
My introverted self wanted to crawl under the earth.
I opened my mouth, but words caught in my throat. Finally, I gasped, voice barely steady.
"I… I'm fine."