The Transmigrated Author

I listened intently as Elder Rowan described the political landscape of this world.

The four factions and the mysterious central power were new elements I hadn't originally included in my story.

"These factions," I pressed, "how do they treat the common people? Are they benevolent rulers or oppressors?"

Elder Rowan's expression was grim.

"It varies. Some are harsher than others, but none could be called truly benevolent. The people in their territories live in fear, always at the mercy of their whims."

Anouz's eyes narrowed. "And your village? Which faction controls this area?"

"We are in a disputed zone," the elder explained. "On the border between the territories of the Iron Fist and the Whispering Shadows. Neither has fully claimed us yet, but we live in constant fear of the day they do."

I nodded, taking in this information. It was clear that this world was more complex and dangerous than I had initially designed.

The changes to my story were significant, and I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises awaited us.

"Elder Rowan," I said carefully, "you mentioned that the Awakened often possess strange abilities. Have you noticed anything... unusual about us?"

The old man's eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement.

"Besides the fact that you appeared out of nowhere and saved young Lily from a monster? Yes, I sense something different about you three. But it's not my place to pry. In time, I'm sure you'll discover the extent of your abilities in this world."

As if on cue, a soft chime sounded, audible only to me, Anouz, and Christian. A translucent blue screen materialized before each of us, visible only to its recipient.

[Congratulations, The tutorial for Phantom Mania has been completed!]

[All Awakened users will receive a system that will assist you in saving this world!]

I glanced at Anouz and Christian, who were staring at their own screens with a mix of confusion and excitement.

It seemed the game elements of this world were finally kicking in.

"Is everything alright?" Elder Rowan asked, noticing our sudden distraction.

"Yes, just... processing all this information," I replied smoothly. "Thank you for your hospitality and for sharing your knowledge with us. We have much to consider."

The elder nodded, a knowing look in his eyes.

"Of course. Rest here for the night. Tomorrow, you can decide what path you wish to take in our world."

***

It seems I don't just have one system, but I now have two.

___

{Phantom Mania Awakened System}

Age: 17

Talent Grading: Unknown

Affinity: None

Health: 100

Strength: A

Stamina: C+ Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire

Speed: S

Mana: E

___

The problem with this is that the quest menu is just a little more underwhelming than I had originally imagined.

WHOM

___

Storyline Progression

Current Objective: Tutorial Quest - Explore the territory!

* Locate and investigate the 3 designated landmarks within your assigned area.

[Current Area: Land Of The Iron Fist]

[Reward: Map Of Phantom Mania]

___

As the three of us rested within our small house, I glanced over at Anouz and Christian, who were still engrossed in examining their own system screens.

Their expressions mirrored my own feelings - a blend of excitement and confusion.

"So," Anouz said, breaking the silence, "it seems we've got some exploring to do."

Christian nodded, though he looked slightly nervous.

"Three landmarks in the Iron Fist territory. Sounds... interesting."

I frowned, considering our options. The Iron Fist was known for their military might, which could make our exploration dangerous. But we needed to complete this tutorial quest for progress and gain more information about this altered world.

We needed to get to the Soul Forger before any of Han's Org can reach it.

"We should rest for the night,"

Tomorrow, our real adventure in this altered Phantom Mania would begin. And I had a feeling it would be far more challenging than I had ever imagined.

…

As the first rays of dawn crept through the small window of our borrowed dwelling, I sat up, my mind already racing with plans for the day ahead.

First we needed to find any sign for any of the characters within our area and I could only hope that we'd encounter either Jan or Louise within the process because these two will be the key for some future fights that will happen later on.

SNOOREEE…

As I looked over my shoulder, Anouz and Christian were still asleep, their faces peaceful in the soft morning light.

I took a moment to check my system again, hoping for any new information or updates. The tutorial quest still glowed at the top of the screen, a constant reminder of our immediate goal.

[Tutorial Quest - Explore the territory!]

[Locate and investigate the 3 designated landmarks within your assigned area.]

[Current Area: Land Of The Iron Fist]

[Reward: Map Of Phantom Mania]

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. The Iron Fist territory. Known for its military might and harsh rule, it wasn't exactly the ideal place for our first excursion. But we had no choice. We needed that map.

"Get up," I called out, my voice cutting through the quiet morning air.

"We've got a long day ahead of us."

Anouz stirred first, sitting up with a groan. "Already? Feels like I just closed my eyes."

Christian rolled over, burying his face in his pillow. "Five more minutes," he mumbled.

I shook my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips.

"No time for that. We need to get moving before the village wakes up. The less attention we draw, the better."

We slipped out of the village just as the first villagers were beginning to stir. Elder Rowan was waiting for us at the edge of town, his wizened face creased with concern.

"Be careful out there," he warned, handing each of us a small pack of provisions.

"The Iron Fist patrols are ruthless. If they catch you..."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of his unfinished sentence.

"We'll be careful, Elder. Thank you for everything."

I was well aware of the purpose of what these landmarks are set up for. It was solely for the purpose of defeating the person ruling the territory of the Iron Fist.