Chapter 4: The Harsh Reality

The stench of blood and sweat clung to the air. The battlefield had begun to clear—either because people had managed to fight back or because they had fallen. The first encounter had separated the weak from the strong.

Kim Sehan stood at the edge of the carnage, his rusted short sword still dripping with dark blood. His breathing was steady, but his mind was racing. He had leveled up twice, and he could already feel his body adapting to the system’s rules.

The game rewarded survival. And survival meant growing stronger—fast.

[You have leveled up. All stats increased.]

A notification flashed before his eyes, but he barely paid attention. He was already analyzing the battlefield, calculating his next move.

Jinhyuk, standing beside him, exhaled shakily. “That... that was insane.” His grip on his broken sword was tight, his knuckles white. “I thought I was going to die.”

“You still might,” Sehan said flatly, scanning the remaining survivors.

Jinhyuk winced but didn’t argue. He had seen people die—had heard their screams as monsters tore through flesh and bone. This was nothing like the games he had played before.

A girl nearby—the one Sehan had saved—was still trembling. She clutched a dagger, her hands shaking too much to be of any real use. Others around them weren’t much better. Some had managed to fight back, but most had survived by running or hiding.

Sehan’s gaze swept over them with cold detachment. “Most of them won’t last long.”

Jinhyuk swallowed hard. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Sehan turned away. “If they can’t adapt, they’ll die.”

Jinhyuk looked like he wanted to argue, but before he could, a loud chime echoed through the air.

[The first wave has ended.]

[Survivors: 143/300.]

Murmurs spread through the remaining people. Over half of them were gone already.

Then, another message appeared.

[You have survived the first challenge. Rewards will be distributed based on performance.]

A sudden warmth spread through Sehan’s body as a new notification appeared.

[You have been awarded bonus EXP for high contribution.]

[You have leveled up.]

More strength. More growth.

It confirmed his suspicions—performance mattered.

Jinhyuk groaned. “No way... that many people already...”

Sehan ignored him. He wasn’t interested in the death toll. He was interested in what came next.

As if in response to his thoughts, the sky darkened. A massive, glowing portal began to form in the air above them.

Then, a voice echoed in their minds.

[Prepare yourselves, Selected. The next challenge begins soon.]

Sehan tightened his grip on his sword.

The first fight was over.

But this was only the beginning.