A voice echoed through the void, calm yet firm.
"You will be transported to a new world filled with magic. You will be given powers."
The words struck like lightning. A young man, Nate Williams, felt his mind spin in confusion.
"Wait, what?" he stammered, trying to make sense of it all.
The voice ignored his question, continuing as if time was running out.
"Go forth and live a new life, young boy…"
Before he could respond, a blinding light engulfed him, and his body was pulled into the unknown.
When Nate's eyes snapped open, he found himself lying on cold, damp ground. The scent of earth and moss filled his nose, and the hum of distant wildlife surrounded him. He pushed himself up slowly, taking in his surroundings.
Towering trees stretched high above, their leaves glowing faintly in the dim light. Strange animals circled him—lions, cheetahs, wolves, and even birds perched in the branches above. Their eyes locked onto him, but none made a move to attack. It was as if they were waiting for something.
"Where… am I?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
Before he could think further, a glowing screen materialized before him, hovering in the air with a faint golden shimmer.
System
Name:
Last Name:
Age:
Gender:
Nate stared at the floating text, baffled. Was this a dream? A game? The words blinked expectantly, waiting for input.
After a moment's hesitation, he spoke. "Nate Williams. Age 18. Male."
The system responded immediately, his words appearing as text before him. Then, new options flashed on the screen.
System
"Confirm Info"
Yes / No
Instinctively, he nodded, unsure if the system could read his movements. The screen blinked, and a strange sensation washed over him. His body felt weightless, as if gravity had loosened its grip. Slowly, he began to float a few inches above the ground.
Golden light wrapped around his arms and legs, dissolving his clothes into glowing ash. In their place, a new outfit formed—sleek, lightweight leather armor that fit him perfectly, as if tailored just for him.
"What's happening to me?" he muttered, staring at his transformed appearance.
The animals around him suddenly lowered themselves to the ground, bowing. Even the birds dipped their heads, as though acknowledging a king.
Nate's vision flickered, the world briefly shifting into negative colors before returning to normal. When it was over, he landed softly on the ground.
Curious, he reached for a lock of his hair, pulling it into view. It was no longer the bright blue he remembered. Now, it shone silver under the faint light. His skin had also changed, taking on a paler, almost ethereal tone.
The system reappeared, offering an explanation.
System
"You have gained a hero class: Beast Change. (Level 1)"
"Beast Change?" Nate repeated, trying to make sense of it.
The system's text continued, explaining that he could transform into beasts he had defeated or forged contracts with. Each transformation would last for 30 seconds, followed by a two-minute cooldown.
He glanced at the animals around him, but their numbers had dwindled. Hadn't there been more before?
The system answered his unspoken question.
System
"95% of the beasts were used to complete your update."
Nate's eyes widened. "Update?" He looked down at his armor, realization dawning on him. "So… they became this?"
A new window appeared, revealing his inventory.
Inventory
Eagle's Crest Helmet
Wolf's Fang Gauntlets
Alligator's Blade
Each item looked fierce, designed for a warrior attuned to nature's beasts. Despite their rugged appearance, the armor felt surprisingly light, as if made for both agility and strength.
Then, another system message flashed before him.
System
"Title Unlocked: King of the Jungle."
Nate chuckled, though the name felt surreal. "King of the Jungle, huh?"
According to the title's description, he now had the ability to command the remaining beasts. More than that, he would gain 50% of the experience they earned in battle.
Another notification popped up.
System
"Would you like to see the names and levels of your beasts?"
Yes / No
"Yes," he answered, curious.
Above the animals' heads, glowing nameplates appeared.
Flame Lion (Level 2)
Lightning Cheetah (Level 2)
Shadow Panther (Level 2)
Cursed Crow (Level 4)
"They're all below Level 5," Nate mused. "Not bad, though. A small team to start with. I can work with this."
This world was already shaping up to be an adventure.
Emily – Age 19
Deep within the same forest, Emily cautiously led her team of adventurers through the underbrush. Their mission was simple—an E-rank task to hunt down five goblins. It was their first goblin hunt, and everything had seemed straightforward.
Yet, something felt off.
"So far, we haven't seen a single goblin," the armored knight muttered, scanning the area.
"You're right. It's strange to walk this far without being attacked," the archer agreed, her bow resting on her shoulder.
"Do you think it's a trap?" the mage asked, gripping his staff tightly.
"Possibly," the knight replied. "What do you think, Emily?"
Emily hesitated, tightening her grip on her staff. "Maybe… we just don't know what to expect yet. This is our first E-rank mission, after all."
Her team nodded, though uncertainty still lingered in their eyes. They pressed forward, unaware of the danger lurking ahead.
Nate
For the past thirty minutes, Nate had been training with his beasts. He and his team had already taken down several goblins, leaving him covered in dirt and sweat. Resting beneath the shade of a tree, he checked his progress.
His beasts had all reached Level 9, except for the Cursed Crow, which had soared to Level 13. Meanwhile, Nate himself had climbed to Level 12, and his Beast Change ability had improved—now lasting 30 minutes with only a 3-second cooldown.
As he reviewed his stats, a desperate voice rang through the forest.
"Help!"
Nate froze. Was he imagining things?
"Help!" the voice came again, louder this time.
He let out a sigh, pushing himself to his feet. Someone needed help. And ignoring them wasn't an option.
Emily
This was a nightmare.
Her team was surrounded—an army of goblins closing in from every side. There were at least a hundred, their crude weapons glinting in the dim light.
At the back of the horde, a massive goblin general loomed, its sharp teeth curled into a wicked grin.
Emily and her team fought desperately, but they were losing ground fast. She lifted her staff, preparing to cast a healing spell—when a goblin lunged at her, blade raised.
She barely had time to react.
The attack was too fast.
At that moment, one terrifying thought crossed her mind.
This is how I die.