Ray sat on the edge of his bed, his brows furrowed, eyes fixed on the faint glowing lines that hovered before him.
> [You are entering another universe. This universe's power system differs from yours.]
> [Your native world has begun evolving. You now have access to the Sole Record.]
> [This world is compatible—you can receive help through the Sole Record.]
> [You have gained the passive skill: Assistant AI. It will help you understand your native world's power system.]
He read it again. And again. It felt like staring into a riddle written in smoke—both unbelievable and too important to ignore.
Then—Ding.
A new interface shimmered to life in his vision, and a robotic yet oddly polite voice echoed in his mind.
> [Welcome, Host. I am your Assistant AI: CJ-3. I can provide basic information about your world's power system.]
> [This world is not your native world, so its power system differs from yours.]
> [In this world, if you kill a beast, human, or other living being, you will gain Sole Power.]
> [This power increases your stats. Normally, enemies drop skill scrolls or items, but due to system limitations, this world cannot deliver those to you.] > [Instead, the first time you kill a beast or human, you will receive a random skill from the Sole Record, which will aid your survival.]
Ray's breath caught as the words settled in his mind. "So I have to kill... to grow stronger..." he muttered.
He repeated the messages silently, weighing each line. After a pause, he asked aloud, "Is there any way for me to return to my original world?"
> [Currently, it is not possible. However, with enough strength, a few pathways may open to return to your world.]
That answer hung in the air like a stone dropped in still water. Ray leaned back, staring at the ceiling as he let the information sink in.
"I need strength," he whispered.
A few minutes later, he lay down, pulling the simple blanket over him. Sleep came slowly, troubled by flickering images of Earth, of his father… and of glowing runes that danced behind his eyes.
The Next Morning
Ray stood alongside the other summoned heroes as they gathered once again in the grand royal hall. The king welcomed them warmly and introduced several instructors—seasoned warriors, mages, and knights sworn to guide the heroes through their training.
Each of the five heroes beamed with pride and excitement as they were handed training schedules and personal mentors.
Then the king turned to Ray.
"And you, young man—what path will you choose?"
Ray paused. He didn't have a glorious job. No high stats. No mentor waiting for him. After a moment of thought, he spoke clearly.
"I would like a sword. And some money, if possible. I plan to explore and survive on my own."
The king studied him quietly for a few seconds, then gave a solemn nod.
"Captain Velric," the king called. "Escort Mr. Ray to the market. Provide him with one hundred gold coins and assist him in acquiring a weapon of his choice."
Velric, a grizzled yet honorable knight, bowed and beckoned Ray to follow.
The streets of Aetherion bustled with life as Ray and Velric walked toward the weapon district. Merchants hawked their wares, colorful banners fluttered above, and the air smelled of steel, spices, and magic.
At the weapon shop, Ray tested several blades before choosing a simple longsword—well-balanced, sharp, and durable. Velric paid the smith and handed Ray the remaining coins.
Afterward, Ray slipped into a map shop and picked up a detailed parchment of the surrounding regions. With the leftover gold, he bought light armor—worn but sturdy.
At last, standing at the city gates, Ray glanced back once, then turned toward the open road.