[Your extraordinary 'Life Transmigration Simulator' is loading, currently 99% complete, please wait patiently]
[Loading process 99.01%]
[Loading process 99.02%]
"…"
In a dimly lit room, sunlight slipped through the gaps in thick velvet drapes, casting specks of light across the wooden furniture, a glass of water, and James Carter's figure.
James gently closed the book in his hands, waiting patiently for the simulator to finish loading.
Soon—
The progress hit 99.99%, then a prompt signaled 100% completion.
James exhaled in relief.
Thankfully, this simulator wasn't like some frustrating app that would stall at 99.9900001% just to toy with him.
"But seriously, who'd have thought an ordinary guy like me would get a golden ticket like this?" he murmured.
The young man, striking but bound to a wheelchair, glanced at the book in his lap. His mind wandered to the past, and he sighed softly.
Five years ago, the once-ordinary Earth had changed inexplicably.
Some called it a surge of mystic energy, others the return of legends, or the dawn of a new age for humanity.
In short, supernatural powers emerged out of nowhere. Systems of Eastern mysticism and Western sorcery—once mere fantasy—became reality.
This upheaval brought chaos, claiming countless lives.
James had narrowly escaped death.
But a hospital visit confirmed his worst fear: he'd spend his life in a wheelchair.
Was this five-year confinement finally nearing its end?
James chuckled quietly and summoned the simulator panel in his mind.
"Is this a trick or some grand scheme?" he muttered.
"This mysterious golden ticket seems suspicious, but what choice do I have?"
In an era where monsters roamed and battles erupted without warning, someone like James, disabled and vulnerable, could easily become another nameless casualty on the nightly news.
To escape that fate, James resolved to embrace the simulator, risks and all.
"Alright, simulator, let's see what you've got!"
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for activating the wondrous Life Transmigration Simulator. This system will fully support the host in experiencing various transmigration lives.]
[Once the simulation begins, the host's consciousness will project into the simulated world.]
[At the end of each simulation, rewards will be granted based on the thrill level of the host's simulated life.]
[Current simulation attempts: 1]
"So, what's the catch?"
Staring at the glowing interface only he could see, James cautiously asked.
The simulator didn't answer. The words "Start Simulation" pulsed on the screen, urging him forward.
James hesitated, then pressed the button carefully.
What other option was there? This was his only shot.
[Simulation starting…]
[World line being deduced…]
[Locking the traversable world, identified as the world of arcane sorcery.]
[Entries being generated…]
[Entries generated. Please select three entries as character talents for your first simulation.]
[Entry levels: white, green, blue, purple, gold, red.]
Wealth (Green): Born into a prosperous family, you enjoy good fortune and live better than most.
Raw Power (White): Your physical strength is slightly above average, nothing more.
Celestial Affinity (Gold): You possess an extraordinary magical aptitude, coveted even by elite arcane academies.
Insight (Purple): You occasionally sense things with uncanny precision.
Great Compassion (Blue): You are deeply empathetic, always striving to save those in need, even at great personal cost.
Mastery of the Arcane Arts (Blue): You are skilled in essential magical disciplines, such as potion-making, enchantments, and runes.
James scanned the six options and chose: Celestial Affinity (Gold), Insight (Purple), and Mastery of the Arcane Arts (Blue).
[Entry selection complete. Begin simulation?]
"Yes," James confirmed.
A brilliant white light enveloped him, and his consciousness detached from reality, drifting toward an unknown, mystical realm.
[Simulation No. 01 officially begins.]
[The sun is bright, the weather clear, and you suddenly feel the urge to step outside while at home.]
[You struggled to wheel yourself out of your familiar home, but as you reached the street, a massive delivery truck collided with you.]
[To your surprise, you didn't die. Instead, you transmigrated to a new world, reborn at age 7, your legs fully restored.]
[You're overjoyed, feeling this is a reward for a decade of reading authentic fantasy novels online.]
[You're brimming with confidence, ready to unleash your talents in this world of arcane sorcery, but before you can explore, a sudden famine engulfs you mercilessly.]
Powerless.
Suffocating.
Despair.
Starved bodies littered the cracked fields.
Under the blazing sun, a flood of refugees trudged across the barren land. Their empty eyes stared ahead, minds and reason nearly gone.
Each footprint was erased by the next person's step.
James was among them.
He hadn't expected the simulation to feel so painfully real. Hunger burned like fire in his gut, sapping his strength and spreading weakness through his body.
"Child, take some water," a kind woman said, unable to bear the sight of James's frail, young form. She offered him a small flask.
Water couldn't quell hunger, but in this dire moment, it gave a fleeting sense of relief and eased his weakness.
"Thank you, Miss Clara," James said politely, taking a deep drink.
The cool water soothed his cracked lips and slid down his throat, briefly calming his gnawing stomach.
After returning the flask, James pressed on.
"I heard there's a town nearby. They might have a relief station. I need to get there fast," he thought, leaning on a wooden stick for support.
He refused to let his first simulation end in starvation.
After another half-hour of walking, James paused.
Not because he'd reached the town. He heard the faint, intermittent cries of a baby.