SWNOVELXO Chapter 1: Struck by Fate
The forest roared with chaos, its towering trees swaying violently in the wind as rain poured down in unrelenting sheets. Thunder crashed like the drumbeat of an angry god, and lightning split the sky into jagged fragments of white and blue. Beneath the tumultuous heavens, a lone figure moved with purpose, fists and feet flying with rhythmic ferocity.
"791!" the young man shouted, his voice cutting through the storm.
Tyler Walker, a 21-year-old with jet-black hair plastered to his face and burning red eyes that mirrored the lightning above, stepped back from a battered oak tree. His breathing was heavy, each exhale visible in the cold air, but his determination remained unwavering. Clad in soaked athletic gear, his knuckles were raw and bleeding, evidence of hours of relentless training.
"Let's keep it going. One more time!" he roared, his voice shaking with equal parts exhaustion and defiance. His muscles trembled, but he planted his feet firmly into the mud, drawing strength from deep within.
He clenched his fist tightly, every ounce of his energy coiling into the strike. Lightning lit up the forest again, casting his shadow grotesquely long against the trees. Tyler yelled, his battle cry reverberating even through the thunder.
"RAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
The punch connected with a deafening crack, the force sending vibrations through the tree. But at that precise moment, a blinding flash of light illuminated the scene, and lightning struck him squarely, coursing through his body with unimaginable power.
Tyler's scream was swallowed by the storm, his body collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
Tyler's eyes fluttered open. The storm was gone. So was the forest.
He blinked, sitting up slowly, only to realize he was surrounded by an endless, colorless void, like being inside a swirling, cloudy sky. He rubbed his head, still reeling from what had just happened.
"Where... am I? What the hell?" he muttered, his voice echoing faintly. He turned his head to take in the strange surroundings, his senses still disoriented.
"Welcome, Tyler Walker, to my domain," a deep, commanding voice boomed from behind him.
Tyler whipped around, his red eyes locking onto an imposing figure. An old man with long white hair and a flowing beard stood there, holding a gnarled wooden staff. His expression was calm, though there was a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
"Who are you, old man?" Tyler asked, his tone sharp despite the confusion.
The old man smiled faintly. "I am God. And the reason you are here is because you died... and, well, it's kind of my fault."
Tyler froze, his breath catching in his throat. His mind raced as he tried to process what he'd just heard.
"I... died?" he stammered. His red eyes grew hollow, a void of shock and disbelief. "You said I died… and it's your fault? How is it your fault?"
God glanced away awkwardly, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. A nervous laugh escaped him, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"Well, you see," he began, his voice rising an octave, "there was a bit of a… miscalculation during that hurricane. My lightning bolt struck you down. So, uh… my bad! Hehehe!"
Tyler's jaw dropped. "Lightning?" he repeated numbly, his knees giving out beneath him. He sank to the floor, clutching his head. "I had a future! I had plans! I had a life!"
Tears welled in his eyes as the realization hit him. His body trembled, but God's awkward laughter only made things worse.
"Stop laughing at my pain!" Tyler snapped, glaring up at the deity. "If you messed up, then why am I here?"
God cleared his throat and straightened his posture. "I brought you here to correct my mistake," he said, his voice now carrying a divine weight. "I am offering you a second chance—a new life in a different world. A world of magic and swords."
Tyler's expression shifted instantly. He froze, his neck creaking like a rusty door as he turned to look at God. His once void-like eyes sparkled with newfound excitement, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Are you serious?" he asked, his voice quivering with barely contained joy.
God blinked, taken aback by the sudden change. "Y-yes," he stuttered.
Tyler leaped to his feet, his fists clenched in excitement. "Okay! Let's do it! Right now!"
God chuckled, raising his hand to calm the young man. "Very well. But before you go, I will grant you a unique power, one that will help you thrive in this new world."
"Unique power, huh?" Tyler said, smirking. "Make it good, old man."
God laughed. "Oh, it will be. Good luck, Tyler Walker." With a wave of his hand, the swirling void consumed Tyler, and everything went black.
When Tyler's vision returned, he found himself standing in a dark alleyway between two towering buildings. The smell of damp stone and faint cooking aromas filled the air. He stepped out of the alley, drawn by the bustling noise of a crowd.
The sight before him took his breath away. The streets were alive with activity, and people of all shapes and sizes moved about. There were humans, elves, dwarves, and beastfolk with tails and ears. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, children played in the streets, and adventurers with shining armor and weapons strode confidently through the crowd.
"This... is awesome!" Tyler exclaimed, his eyes darting from one fantastical sight to another. "Elves, beastfolk, dwarves—this place has everything!"
As he marveled at the scene, a glowing violet screen suddenly appeared before his face. It was translucent but vivid, and text scrolled down in neat columns.
"Whoa! What the hell is this?" he said, instinctively reaching out to touch it.
Tyler Walker Status Screen
Name: Tyler Walker
Age: 21
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Level: 1
Class: Melee Mage
Occupation: None
Nicknames: None
Health Points (HP): 150/150
Magic Points (MP): 120/120
Stamina: 200/200
Attributes
Strength: 25 (Increases physical attack power and allows for stronger strikes.)
Agility: 22 (Boosts movement speed and reaction time, useful for dodging attacks.)
Attack: 30 (Determines base damage output for physical skills.)
Speed: 24 (Affects both combat speed and sprinting ability.)
Luck: 18 (Improves chances of critical hits, item drops, and avoiding traps.)
Intelligence: 20 (Enhances magic damage, mana efficiency, and skill learning rate.)
Normal Skills
Kickboxing: A close-combat fighting style that focuses on powerful kicks and punches.
Basic Strike: A simple, reliable attack using fists or legs, low stamina cost.
Dodge: A quick evasive maneuver to avoid enemy attacks.
Parry: A defensive technique that deflects melee strikes, leaving opponents open to counterattacks.
Counter Strike: After successfully dodging or parrying, deliver an immediate counterattack.
Focus Strike: Channel energy into a single punch or kick for increased impact.
Flurry Combo: A rapid series of punches and kicks, overwhelming the opponent.
Iron Stance: Temporarily increases resistance to knockback and stagger effects.
Sweeping Kick: A low, spinning kick that trips multiple enemies in range.
Aerial Kick: A leaping kick that gains power from momentum.
Climb Mastery: Grants enhanced ability to climb vertical surfaces quickly and efficiently.
Stealth Step: Move silently to avoid detection by enemies.
Survival Instinct: Increases awareness of hidden dangers and improves resource gathering.
Quick Repair: Temporarily mend damaged gear or weapons in the field.
Tracking: Identify and follow tracks left by enemies or animals.
Cooking: Prepare meals that can provide buffs and restore health or stamina.
First Aid: Basic healing skill to treat minor injuries and restore some HP.
Enhanced Perception: Sharpened senses allow you to detect hidden objects or faint sounds.
Haggling: Increase the chances of negotiating better prices with merchants.
Throwing Weapon Proficiency: Improves accuracy and damage when using thrown weapons.
Swimming Mastery: Move through water effortlessly without losing stamina quickly.
Magic Skills
Mana Blast: A condensed burst of pure magical energy that explodes on impact.
Flame Kick: Enhances kicks with fire magic, causing additional burn damage.
Elemental Barrier: Summons a protective shield imbued with elemental energy to block incoming attacks.
Lightning Jab: Infuses punches with electricity, shocking enemies on contact.
Frost Sweep: A chilling spin kick that freezes the ground and enemies around you.
Arcane Leap: Teleport a short distance to evade or close in on a target.
Shadow Strike: Harness dark energy to launch a powerful strike from an unexpected angle.
Healing Pulse: Expends mana to restore a portion of your HP.
Gravity Crush: Temporarily increases the weight of enemies or objects, immobilizing them.
Energy Wave: Releases a shockwave of raw mana, pushing back foes and dealing damage.
Ability Skills
Adrenaline Rush: Temporarily boosts speed and strength when HP drops below 50%.
Battle Hardened: Reduces incoming damage and increases resistance to status effects.
Weapon Mastery: Gain a proficiency bonus with any weapon you pick up.
Eagle Eye: Temporarily enhances vision, improving ranged attack accuracy and perception.
Momentum Surge: Gain a speed and power boost when chaining attacks successfully.
Endurance Runner: Reduces stamina usage during prolonged movement or combat.
Unyielding Will: Increases resistance to mental effects such as fear or confusion.
Adaptive Combatant: Learn and counter enemy patterns during battle to gain an advantage.
Battle Cry: Release a shout that boosts allies' morale and stats temporarily.
Tactical Retreat: Increases agility and defensive stats while retreating.
Unique Skills
Berserker: Activates an enraged state, drastically boosting strength, speed, and attack power for a limited time, but reduces defense and drains stamina rapidly.
Soul Resonance: Temporarily synchronize with another ally's soul to enhance coordination and share energy.
Mana Overdrive: Unlocks a reserve of hidden mana, allowing you to cast spells without cost for a brief period.
Phoenix Rebirth: Once per battle, revive automatically upon fatal damage, restoring partial HP and MP.
Ethereal Stride: Allows temporary invisibility and increased speed, ideal for sneaking or evasion.
Limit Breaker: Remove all physical and magical restrictions for one overwhelming attack. The user collapses from exhaustion afterward.
Bloodbound Fury: The lower your HP, the higher your attack power and speed.
Worldbreaker Kick: A devastating, earth-shattering kick that creates a massive shockwave, dealing widespread damage.
Chrono Reflex: Grants the ability to slow time briefly, allowing precise evasion or counterattacks.
Inventory Items: None
Weapons: None
Equipment: None
Tyler looked at the screen with wide eyes, his excitement growing with every line he read.
"I have all these skills?! This is insane! Berserker mode and Melee Mage combined? This world doesn't stand a chance!"
He stepped into the bustling street, his heart pounding with excitement for the battles ahead. The sights around him were mesmerizing, like stepping into a scene straight out of his favorite manga or anime. Elves with pointed ears and shimmering hair, beastfolk with animalistic traits, and towering orcs clad in heavy armor moved through the streets with ease. He couldn't take his eyes off them.
"This place is incredible," he muttered to himself, smiling at every new sight. The buildings were intricately designed, some with glowing runes etched into their walls, and the streets buzzed with magical energy. Vendors shouted, trying to sell enchanted trinkets, and children played with small familiars that floated or scampered around them.
As he looked up, he froze for a moment, taking in the sight of two brilliant suns hanging high in the azure sky. "Interesting," he mused. "Having two suns in this world... I can definitely get used to this." He felt the presence of mana all around him, its invisible energy flowing through the air like an unseen current. It made his skin tingle.
Tyler paused to think. "What should I do first?" he asked himself, tapping his chin thoughtfully. Then his face lit up. "Oh, I know! How about I find the adventurers' guild? Starting off my new life there sounds like a blast."
With renewed purpose, he began walking through the streets, stopping occasionally to marvel at street performers conjuring small illusions or to ask locals for directions. Hours passed as he navigated the sprawling city, his excitement never wavering. Finally, he stood before an imposing building with a large, ornately carved sign that read: [Insert Guild Name] Adventurers' Guild.
Taking a deep breath, Tyler pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The guild hall was bustling with activity. Adventurers of all kinds filled the space—a towering lizardman laughing boisterously, a group of cloaked mages huddled in conversation, and armored warriors polishing their weapons. The room quieted briefly as heads turned to observe the newcomer.
"Who's the new kid?" someone muttered.
"He looks fresh out of the fields."
"Maybe he's got potential," another voice said, curious.
Ignoring the murmurs, Tyler walked confidently to the reception desk. Behind it stood a striking woman with silver hair and piercing gray eyes. Her cat-like ears twitched slightly, and her tail swayed lazily behind her. She observed him with a neutral but inquisitive expression.
"Hi," Tyler said, offering a friendly smile. "My name's Tyler Walker."
The catkin receptionist nodded. "Welcome to the guild, Tyler. I'm Aelira. How can I assist you today?"
"I'd like to join the guild," Tyler replied eagerly. "Today, if possible."
Aelira's lips curled into a faint smile. "Of course. Joining is straightforward, but there are rules and guidelines every member must follow. Let me explain how it works."
She pulled out a scroll and began speaking in a clear, confident tone. "First, as a guild member, you will have access to quests posted on the main board. Quests are divided by rank, and you are only permitted to take quests within your current rank or lower. Attempting higher-ranked quests without permission is grounds for suspension."
Tyler nodded, absorbing the information.
"Second," she continued, "the guild operates on a ranking system: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Mythril. New members start as Copper-ranked adventurers. By completing quests and earning merits, you can take a promotion exam to advance."
"Sounds fair," Tyler said, his excitement growing.
"Third, the guild provides resources and services, such as gear rentals, training rooms, and magical support. However, these come at a cost, so it's wise to manage your earnings carefully."
She glanced at him, gauging his understanding before continuing. "Lastly, respect among guild members is paramount. Any acts of theft, dishonesty, or unnecessary violence within the guild will result in penalties, including potential expulsion."
Tyler raised a hand. "What about splitting rewards in group quests?"
Aelira nodded approvingly. "Good question. Rewards are typically divided evenly among party members unless otherwise agreed upon beforehand. Always establish terms before taking on a quest with others."
She set the scroll down and folded her hands. "That's the gist of it. Do you have any questions?"
Tyler shook his head. "Nope, I'm good."
Aelira smiled faintly. "All right, then. Let's get you registered. One last thing before we finalize your membership: new recruits are required to test their skills with one of our instructors. It's standard procedure to ensure you're ready to take on the challenges ahead."
"A skills test? Sounds fun!" Tyler said, his excitement rekindled.
Aelira motioned for him to follow. "This way, please." She led him through the guild hall and down a corridor that opened into a large training arena. Various adventurers were sparring, practicing magic, or honing their techniques with weapons. In the center stood a burly man with arms like tree trunks, his scarred face locked in a stern expression. He carried a massive axe on his back but seemed just as capable of breaking someone with his bare hands.
"This is Instructor Darnan," Aelira said. "He'll be evaluating your abilities."
Darnan crossed his arms and eyed Tyler critically. "You're the new recruit?"
Tyler nodded confidently. "That's me."
Darnan snorted, his tone gruff. "We'll see what you're made of soon enough. Don't get cocky, kid."
Tyler smirked, undeterred by the instructor's tough demeanor. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Darnan raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing. "We'll begin shortly. For now, stretch out and prepare yourself."
As Tyler moved to one side of the arena to warm up, Aelira addressed Darnan quietly. "He seems eager. Do you think he'll manage?"
Darnan chuckled. "We'll find out soon enough."
Tyler couldn't help but grin as he stretched, feeling the mana in the air and the weight of anticipation growing. To be continued...