I made my way through the forest, relishing the fresh air and the gentle breeze on my back. It wasn't long before I came across a crystal clear brook which trickled off into the distance. I briefly pondered whether the liquid was safe to drink--besides the mysterious pink bottles, I didn't have any food or water on me.

Suddenly, I heard the snapping of twigs nearby.

Another animal?

Quickly ducking behind a nearby bush, I inched closer to the source of the sound and made out a small frame bending down at the edge of the stream. A green-skinned primate with a disproportionately large head and sharp ears was cupping water into its hands. It wore a dirty loin cloth, and the crudely-made wooden club lying next to its feet suggested a hint of intelligence.

A goblin?

It definitely looked akin to the common monster that populated fantasy worlds. I was astonished by the naturalness of its movements as it brought the water up to its wide mouth and drank with greed. It was almost like watching a human child. I wanted to jump out and introduce myself, or even pet it on the head, but my rational side got the better of me. Thinking that even a small creature like this could overpower me if I wasn't careful, I turned around and stealthily walked away.

Not ten minutes had passed when I came across a different creature. It was half my size and looked like some sort of feline, except its face was flatter and twice as long. It seemed to have noticed me as well, as it was emitting a low growl. I drew my sword and faced it, feeling anxious about my first fight.

Just go away, little kitty.

It lunged, closing the distance between us faster than I was prepared for, and swiped one of its claws at my arm. I felt my flesh tear along with my sleeves as I jumped back, wincing in pain. I tried to thrust back at it, but it had already moved out of the way and was getting ready for another leap.

But this time, I was ready. Swinging my sword like a baseball bat, I knocked it right in the jaw as it flew towards me, leaving a deep gash in its left cheek. It opened its mouth wide and roared, giving me a horrific sight: Rows upon rows of sharp teeth lined the inside of its mouth. I took a few steps back.

If any part of me was bitten by that thing, I'd probably lose it.

As it leapt at me one more time, I lowered my sword and thrust straight into its belly. The creature screeched out in pain and blood poured out the wound. As a last act of desperation, it clawed my body repeatedly, ripping my clothes and skin apart. Screaming, I let go of my sword and kicked the wounded beast away. It let out a low growl before its body finally collapsed into the earth.

[Notification]

You've gained experience.

Your attributes have increased. Level 1 --> Level 3.

A small window popped up in front of me, unable to read the mood. I was too preoccupied with my wounds to pay it any attention. I limped to a nearby tree and tried to assess the damage. The monster had torn deep gashes into my chest and arms, but I felt oddly composed. The pain wasn't overwhelming. Whether it was because this body was previously paralyzed, or some difference caused by the world I was in, I was unsure.

I abruptly remembered the bottles of pink liquid I had on my belt.

If this is a game, then maybe these will heal me…

I cracked one open and gave it a drink. The taste was horrible, but I felt the pain getting lighter second by second. I drank a few more, and was relieved to see the wounds start to close in on themselves. After a short breather, I continued my trek through the forest. My goal was to find a settlement before the day was over. There was also the 'Quest' I had been handed by Sera--I needed to find people to speak to before the day was up in order to fulfill it.

***

Not long after, I came across a wide and flattened dirt road. It was certainly intentionally built, as it was littered with footprints and trees had been cut down on both sides. I could only hope that the people to do so were human, and they spoke the same language as me.

As if to answer my prayers, I heard loud chattering further down the trail.

"Move faster! Fix it right away."

Moving briskly towards the sound, I saw a collection of eloquently armored knights and their horses. Many were gathered around a large wooden cart. One of the wheels had broken off and their servants appeared busy trying to fix the damage. Some knights were casually leaning against nearby trees, a few relieving themselves while others were helping themselves to food.

Apparently the groin protectors were removable. I always wondered how medieval Earthlings went to the washroom in full plate.

Trying to remember how Earthlings of this era spoke to each other from the documentaries I had watched, I approached the nearest knight. It was a tall, purple-haired woman who seemed to be busy polishing her gear.

"H-hail, O brave Madam! Might I trouble ye for directions to the nearest settlement?" I stammered out with an awkward bow.

She looked at my body in disgust, then went back to her equipment upkeep without a word. Although the potions I drank earlier had healed the majority of my wounds, my clothes still laid in tatters and were caked in dried blood. Feeling embarrassed, I turned around and started walking away.

One of the squires had watched this one-sided exchange and must've felt pity for me. He tapped me on the shoulder and pointed down the road.

"Brikston's that way. That's where we're headed as well. It's no more than an hour's walk."

I thanked him, then offered him a few of the silver coins I had with me as a token of appreciation. I had no idea what their worth was, but his eyes turned wide as I opened the pouch. A few of the knights nearby also eyed me inquisitively.

They must think it's odd for me to look like a beggar with a pouch full of silver.

Thanking the squire one last time, I started walking down the road. At least, I tried to, but I didn't get far before a gauntleted hand rested itself on my shoulder.

"Let me show you the way," a gruff voice said. It was one of the knights.

There was only a single path to take and I already knew my directions, so my hand went instinctively towards the pommel of my blade. The knight just chuckled as he forcefully pushed me further down the road, around a corner so the two of us were alone. He was a burly figure, made all the more imposing by a rigid face that carried what seemed to be a few scars from battle.

"Leave your coins and the sword." he said, matter-of-factly.

I moved my hands to protest, but the point of his spear was already pinned to the side of my neck. Seeing that my chances of escape were slim, I slowly untied the pouch holding my coins. Just as I handed them over--

"Sarek! We're getting ready to leave."

Another knight, most likely this one's superior by the tone of his voice, was getting closer. Through the trees I made out his blonde locks.

Hearing his name being called, my mugger turned around. I took it as my chance and bolted towards the forest.

There's no way this tin can keep up with me if I run.

Just as I was within reach of one of the trees, however, I felt a heavy coldness enter my back and burst out my chest. The last thing I saw before I lost consciousness was the tip of a bloody spear.

***

"How are you feeling?"

Sera was frowning at me, and I sensed the faintest hint of guilt in her voice. This time, she was dressed in a saintly robe. Two large wings made of white feathers were also sticking out from behind her.

Her face leaned closer to me, and I was reminded of the time when I was first woken up by her. However, this time I wasn't in a hospital room. I wasn't in… anything at all. It was like an ocean of pure white.

A sequestered universe for only Sera and me.

I heard a scoff, and another figure showed up next to us. He spoke with a baritone voice.

"Seraph, what is the meaning of this. You promised me a reality show, but he didn't even last a day."

A sequestered universe for Sera and me, plus this guy.

Other figures started to pour in, their diverse voices entering the conversation.

"The way he slayed that beast was glorious, HAHAHAHA!"

"It… it's really him!"

"To see him in that kind of state…."

"With ruffians like that, we should just leave that world to its fate."

Okay, maybe this place wasn't so private after all. Is this another one of Sera's illusions, or maybe a dream?

A large group had assembled in the white space, but their figures were distorted to my eyes. I tried to rub them, then realized… I didn't have hands. Or a body. Or eyes, for that matter.

How am I able to see all this?

Sera finally started speaking to the crowd. "Quiet down, everyone! You'll shock the poor boy. Let's not reveal too much, lest we upset the Eternal Caretaker."

The area quieted down.

With a smile, she continued. "The reality show is just getting started".