章 2: Chapter 1: New beginnings
A/N: Best to write the notes here tbh. Now I'm not a writer or anything. I'm just some kid tryna write a story I had once planned years ago but never got around to write.
Now what's so interesting abt this fic? Nothing really, not interesting not original idea nothing. Infact there are better novels than this but I hope you give it a try ig.
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It was cold. Colder than usual, at least.
I tried to pry my eyes open. Nothing.
Sleep paralysis? Probably. Except this time, not even my eyes wanted to play along.
Fantastic.
Maybe this is karma.
Sarah always said I'd get payback for laughing at her. She'd go on about shadow people and creepy shit when she couldn't move at night. I told her she was being dramatic. Guess the universe decided I needed needed to learn why Karma's called a bitch.
Still, this isn't so bad. No spooky figures. No monsters. Just me, stuck here in... whatever this is. Honestly, I'd take demons over this any day. At least that would be interesting.
But nah, instead, here I am. No demons. No excitement. Just endless cold and nothingness.
Honestly? Pretty fitting. What's left for me anyway? My degree in computer science?
Useless. My job? Non-existent. My so-called potential? Right. Let's pretend that was ever real.
Even Potential Man did more with his life than me. At least he had something going for him, what did I ever have? A cheap flat, a CV nobody cared about, and a pile of rejection emails. The big three, really.
I guess this is it, then. Stuck in limbo. Left to rot.
Fine. If I'm going to be here for a while, I might as well make it official. Been practicing this for ages. Time to shine:
My name is Ren *****. I'm 25 years old. I lived in a tiny flat in %$%%$^"^$&^^%. I worked as a software developer. Or I wanted to, at least. Most days started with instant coffee and ended with whatever garbage I could afford. No smoking, but I drank. A lot. Way more than I should've.
Most nights, I'd be up till 1 AM scrolling through job boards, looking for anything that might get me out of my rut. Spoiler alert: it never worked.
I didn't want much. A steady paycheck. A little respect. Maybe just a break from feeling like I was constantly drowning. But life doesn't care about what you want. My degree, my effort, my so-called potential? None of it mattered. Just rejection after rejection until it felt easier to stop trying.
I wasn't happy, but I wasn't miserable, either. I just existed. A background character in my own story. And that was fine. I didn't need glory or power. I just wanted a quiet life. Even that was too much to ask, wasn't it?
Sigh. That speech made me even more depressed.
You know, sometimes I'd wish for something. Just... something. Anything to shake things up.
Not that it mattered. All I could do was sit here and monologue to myself like some third-rate villain.
Heh.
"Domain Expansion: Malevolent Yap." Fitting.
Ding!
What the hell?
The sound was sharp, loud enough to cut through the nothingness around me. It echoed in my head, leaving this weird buzzing sensation behind.
For a second, I thought I tapped out, become insane. Maybe the cold was finally messing with my brain.
Ding!
I froze, or, well, I stayed frozen. But something felt different. The weight of the void around me shifted. The air, or whatever passed for air here-was buzzing now, almost like it was alive.
Nah who am I kidding probably still drunk in my sleep or something
And then, it appeared.
No, not it.
Text.
Floating. Glowing. Right in front of me.
|Welcome, User.
Initializing...
Syncing Data...|
The hell?
Was this some kind of fever dream? Did my brain finally snap and start throwing tutorial pop-ups at me?
Before I could think too much about it, more words blinked into view.
|System Integration Complete.
Welcome to the World of Avatar.|
Avatar? Wait, what kind of Avatar? Are we talking Avatar: The Last Airbender? Or are we talking about the world of giant blue people who love trees?
The glowing text flickered before more words replaced it.
|Generating User Profile...|
Oh great. A progress bar. How exciting.
The buzzing around me got louder as another line appeared.
| Error: User Data Not Found.
Retrieving Alternative Data Sources... |
Wait, what? Error? What the hell does that mean? Am I some kind of cosmic glitch now?
Fantastic. Even in whatever this is, I can't catch a break.
The text shifted again, this time faster, like it was scrambling to fix itself.
|Alternative Data Found. Synchronizing Memories...|
I didn't have time to question it before it hit me. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through my skull, like someone had decided to play darts with my brain. Images, memories, none of them mine, slammed into me all at once.
There was a giant wall. Cities carved into cliffs. People hurling fireballs and rocks like it was just another Tuesday. The ground shook. The skies burned. Someone screamed, and for a second, I swore it was me.
The chaos ended as quickly as it started, leaving me in a daze.
|Synchronization Complete.|
I blinked, or at least, I think I did. The text hovered in front of me, calm and smug, like it hadn't just shoved a history lesson directly into my cerebrum.
|User Profile Generated. Welcome, Ren.|
Great. Thanks, I guess. And now what?
The buzzing shifted, almost like it was laughing at me, before more text materialized:
|Beginning Tutorial.|
Oh, sure. Let's go. What's next? Press X to doubt?
The letters rearranged themselves, glowing brighter as the void around me twisted and warped. Shapes began forming in the darkness, bending and stretching into something almost recognizable.
Before I could make sense of it, more words appeared:
|Quest Received: Survive.|
Survive? That's it? No step-by-step guide? No handy tips? Not even a "good luck, you'll need it"?
The ground beneath me (which I hadn't even realized existed) shifted, then vanished altogether.
I dropped.
The fall ended with a thud. Pain shot through my side as I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air out of my lungs.
Before I could even groan, the world around me exploded into chaos.
Flames roared past, close enough to singe the air. Screams tore through the noise of clashing metal, and the unmistakable thud of rock meeting flesh echoed all around.
I pushed myself up, my head spinning. This wasn't just chaos. It was war.
|Tutorial Objective: Survive.|
No shit, Sherlock!
I ducked instinctively as a fireball tore through the space where my head had been a second ago. It hit the ground nearby, sending up a shower of dirt and debris.
My heart raced, pounding so hard I could feel it in my ears. The landscape around me was pure carnage, soldiers in green and brown clashing with others clad in red. Earth ripped apart the ground as boulders hurtled through the air, countered by streams of fire cutting through the chaos.
Oh, great. Fire Nation soldiers. Because that's exactly what I needed today.
Another explosion shook the ground, throwing me forward. My hands hit the dirt, gritty and damp, blood. Definitely blood.
I scrambled to my feet, instincts screaming at me to move. A soldier, Earth Kingdom, judging by the uniform ran past me, only to be struck by a burst of flame. He crumpled to the ground, unmoving.
Holy shit. Holy shit. HOLY SHIT!
|New Sub-Objective: Find Cover.|
The glowing text was clear, even through the smoke and dust. I didn't need to be told twice. Spotting a jagged piece of rock jutting out from the ground, I bolted toward it, ducking low to avoid the chaos raging around me.
The air burned my throat, thick with smoke and ash. I crouched behind the rock, chest heaving, trying to process what was happening.
Okay. Okay. Think. You're in the middle of a war zone. No weapons. No plan. And absolutely no clue how to fight.
Another explosion rocked the battlefield, the heat from the blast washing over me even from a distance.
The text flickered into view again.
|Sub-Objective Updated: Survive the Next 10 Minutes.|
Ten minutes? TEN MINUTES? You want me to survive this for ten whole minutes?
A shadow passed overhead. I glanced up just in time to see an enormous boulder flying through the air, glowing red-hot as it hurtled toward the Fire Nation lines.
Great. They've got heavy artillery.
The ground trembled as the boulder landed, shaking loose the rock I was hiding behind. Dust and debris rained down, forcing me to move before my hiding spot became my tomb.
I stumbled forward, narrowly dodging a soldier who barrelled past, his sword swinging wildly as he engaged an enemy.
I didn't have time to think. I just ran.
My legs burned as I weaved between soldiers locked in brutal combat. Fireballs streaked past, lighting up the battlefield in flashes of orange and red. Every step felt heavier, the weight of the carnage around me pressing down like a physical force.
A scream pierced through the chaos, a soldier, not ten feet away, engulfed in flames. He dropped to the ground, rolling desperately, but the fire didn't let go. My stomach turned, but I forced myself to look away.
Focus. Just keep moving.
The text appeared again, floating mockingly in front of me:
|Tip: Utilize the environment to survive.|
Oh, sure. Thanks for the ground-breaking advice, system. Truly life-changing.
Another fireball exploded nearby, sending me sprawling. My hands hit the ground, scraping against jagged rocks. I scrambled back up, heart pounding in my chest, only to come face-to-face with a Fire Nation soldier.
He wasn't much older than me, barely a man, really. His armour gleamed in the firelight, and his face twisted into a snarl as he raised a spear.
Oh, shit.
Instinct kicked in before I could think. I grabbed the nearest thing, a chunk of broken rock, and hurled it at him. It hit his face, not enough to stop him but enough to throw him off balance.
I didn't wait to see his reaction. I turned and bolted, ducking as another burst of fire scorched the air above me.
|Tip: Use a weapon.|
I stopped dead.
What weapon?
Glancing around, I spotted it, a battered Fire nation soldier's sword half-buried in the dirt.
It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.
I darted toward it, grabbing the hilt just as another explosion rocked the ground. The blade was heavier than I expected, its weight unfamiliar in my hands.
Okay. Now what?
The answer came in the form of another Fire Nation soldier charging straight at me. His blade glinted dangerously, and I barely had time to raise my stolen sword before he was on me.
The impact jarred my arms, nearly knocking the weapon from my grip. He swung again, and I stumbled back, barely managing to deflect the blow.
I'm so dead. I am so fucking dead.
The soldier pressed forward, his movements sharp and deliberate. I swung wildly, more out of desperation than skill, and by some miracle, my blade caught his side.
He grunted, stepping back just enough for me to tuck my non-existent tail and run.
The system chimed again, smug as ever.
|Combat Experience Gained. Skill: Basic Swordsmanship Acquired.|
Basic? No shit. I've got all the grace of a drunk chicken and the arm power of a rabbit.
The battlefield roared around me, an endless stream of screams, fire, and the clash of metal.
Somewhere nearby, a voice bellowed, "Hold the line! Don't let them break through!"
Another followed, sharp and panicked, "They're flanking us, watch the left!"
I ducked behind a shattered boulder, my chest heaving, the stolen sword trembling in my grip.
Okay. Okay. Deep breaths. You're not dead yet. That's something.
The system wasn't done with me, though. The text flickered back into view, glowing annoyingly bright against the smoke and chaos.
|Sub-Objective Updated: Survive for 5 More Minutes.|
Five minutes? Are you kidding me? Do you know how long that is when everything is literally on fire? No think positive I already survived for 5, it's just another 5 more.
The air smelled of smoke and blood, thick and suffocating. A scream cut through the din, a soldier falling to the ground, clutching at a burning wound on his chest. Behind me, someone shouted, "Fall back! FALL BACK!"
I peeked out from behind the rock. The Fire Nation soldier I'd wounded earlier was down, clutching his side and groaning, but that didn't mean the rest of his friends had forgotten about me.
A boulder the size of a cart smashed into the ground nearby, sending shockwaves rippling through the dirt. My knees buckled, and I clung to the rock like it was my last lifeline.
Move. You need to move.
Another explosion lit up the battlefield, and I forced myself to crawl out of cover. My hands scraped against the rough ground, but I didn't stop. The sounds of battle grew louder, too loud.
"Hold them back!" someone yelled, their voice raw with desperation. "If they take the hill, we're finished!"
Something was coming.
I turned just in time to see a Fire Nation soldier lunging at me, his spear aimed right for my chest. My body moved before my brain caught up, the sword in my hand snapping up to block.
The clash sent vibrations up my arms, and I gritted my teeth, trying not to lose my grip. The soldier snarled, pushing harder, and I could feel my strength giving out.
This is it. I'm done.
But then, out of nowhere, a massive chunk of rock slammed into the soldier, knocking him off his feet. I blinked, stunned, as an Earth Kingdom soldier appeared, his arms raised and glowing with the faint shimmer of bending.
"Get up!" he barked, his voice cutting through the noise like a whip. "If you want to live, keep moving!"
I didn't need to be told twice.
My legs felt like lead, but adrenaline kept me upright. I stumbled forward, half-running, half-tripping, as the soldier who'd just saved me bent the ground with a shout, sharp rocks flying at the advancing Fire Nation troops.
Screams erupted from the impact, but I didn't look back. Survival didn't have time for second glances.
"Hold the front!"
"Boulders, now!"
"Push them back!"
The shouts were everywhere, overlapping with the roar of explosions and the sickening clash of metal on metal.
I dove behind what remained of a broken cart, sucking in shallow breaths. My hand tightened around the sword hilt, its weight a harsh reminder that I still had no idea what I was doing.
Okay. Think. You can't just run forever. You need a plan.
Movement caught my eye, a Fire Nation soldier breaking through the haze. His blade glinted in the firelight, and his steps were steady, deliberate. His gaze locked on me, his face set with grim purpose.
Shit.
I gripped the sword tighter, its cold metal grounding me. Then, an idea hit me. It wasn't great, but it was better than nothing.
Sliding the sword under my sleeve, I kept my arm low, hiding the weapon as best I could.
The fabric barely covered the blade, but it was enough to make it look like I was unarmed.
The soldier closed in, his confidence obvious in the way he moved. He thought I was just another desperate idiot, scrambling to survive.
Good.
I stumbled out from behind the cart, holding my free hand up like I was about to plead for mercy.
"Don't," I gasped, playing up the fear. My heart hammered against my ribs, but I forced my voice to shake. "Please—"
The soldier smirked, lowering his blade slightly. He took a step closer, his guard slipping.
That's when I struck.
The sword shot out from my sleeve, the motion sharp and fast. His eyes widened in shock, but he was too close to react. The blade sank into the gap between his armour plates, right under his ribs.
He let out a choked gasp, stumbling back as blood spilled over the dirt. I yanked the sword free, and he crumpled, his weapon clattering to the ground beside him.
Though he wasn't completely down yet as he still stood and tried aiming for a right hook.
But I had the sword. And I aimed for the head.
The system chimed again, calm and detached:
|Sub-Objective Complete: Weapon Acquired.
Inventory Unlocked.
Weapon Equip Feature Unlocked.|
I wiped the blood on my sleeve, glancing at the corpse with the sword stabbed into his head.
The battlefield stretched out around me, relentless and alive with chaos.
The soldier collapsed at my feet, his blood pooling in the dirt. I stared for a moment, my chest heaving. The sword felt heavier now, its hilt slick with sweat and blood.
No time. Keep moving.
I yanked the sword back, wiping it clean on the soldier's cloak. The battlefield still roared around me, shouts, explosions, the clash of bending and steel. Every instinct screamed at me to run, to find somewhere, anywhere, I could breathe without a blade aimed at my throat.
The cart I'd used for cover was useless now, splintered beyond recognition by the fight raging nearby. My eyes darted around, scanning for anything better.
There!
It was a cluster of jagged rocks, half-hidden by a rise in the ground. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing.
Keeping low, I darted toward it, slipping between fighters and debris. A fireball exploded behind me, the heat licking at my back, but I didn't stop.
The rocks loomed closer, offering a sliver of protection. I scrambled behind them, ducking low as the chaos faded to a dull roar in the background.
For the first time since I'd landed in this nightmare, I let myself breathe.
Okay. Safe. For now.
The system's notifications still hovered at the edge of my vision, faint but insistent. I hesitated for a moment before giving in.
Alright, let's see what this thing actually does.
The text glowed faintly in the smoky air as I stared at it. My body ached all over, the sword feeling heavier in my grip with every passing second.
Status, I muttered under my breath, and the system obliged.
---------------
Name: Ren
Age: 15
Level: 1
Class: Unassigned
Health: Poor
Stamina: Low
Mana: Unknown
System Evaluation: You're weak. Get better.
-----------
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship
-------------------
Inventory:
Fire Nation Sword (Equipped)
----------
Quests:
Main Quest: Survive
Status: In Progress
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"Fifteen?" I blinked, my voice barely above a whisper. "What the—"My gaze dropped to my hands, smaller, less calloused than I remembered. My arms were thinner, my skin a shade darker. I twisted them around, the motion unfamiliar, almost alien.
"What the hell is this?" My voice cracked as I scrambled to my knees, running a hand through my hair. Even that felt off, shorter, rougher.
This isn't my body.
The realization hit like a hammer to the chest. My breath quickened, my heart pounding as the implications sank in.
I wasn't just dumped into a warzone. I was someone else.
The system text flickered again, like it was mocking me.
You're weak. Get better.
I let out a shaky laugh, leaning back against the jagged rock. "Yeah, thanks for that. Real motivational."
But the words didn't leave me. Fifteen. A body that wasn't mine. And somehow, a system telling me to survive this nightmare.
The roar of the battlefield pulled me back, loud and unrelenting. I clenched the sword tighter, the unfamiliar weight grounding me.
First things first, Ren. Survive. Freak out later.
With one last glance at the glowing text, I pushed myself back into motion, the sword gripped tightly in my hand.
I wasn't a warrior. Not yet.
But I wasn't a victim either.
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A/N: How was that, not bad eh? Tbh could do better but I was just writing. Tell me to improve, leave reviews and comments and I might post chapter 2 though if it will be this week or nah idk but yh. Also was gassed abt that last line cringe af but I thought it was sick
Toddles~
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