Awakening in a New World

Jake Thayne, an ordinary office worker, is abruptly transported—along with thousands of others—into a forested world governed by a mysterious "system." Here, stats, skills, and dungeons are real, and monsters roam freely. The world is brutal, and survival is not guaranteed. Jake quickly discovers that he is uniquely suited to this new reality, his instincts and archery skills making him a natural hunter. As he adapts, he realizes that the system rewards growth, risk, and ambition, but also punishes hesitation and weakness. The initial days are a blur of violence, confusion, and the rapid culling of the weak. Jake's journey begins with a simple goal: survive and grow stronger, even as the world he knew fades into memory.

The Hunter's Path Chosen

Jake's early experiences in the system world reveal his aptitude for combat and survival. He quickly distances himself from his former colleagues, finding that group dynamics and human politics are more dangerous than the monsters outside. He chooses the path of the Ambitious Hunter, focusing on archery and agility, and soon discovers a hidden Challenge Dungeon. Within, he faces deadly traps and ancient lore, ultimately earning the profession of Prodigious Alchemist of the Malefic Viper—a path that grants him unique alchemical and poisonous abilities. Jake's philosophy crystallizes: he will not be a leader or a follower, but a lone predator, mastering both the bow and the art of toxins.

Dungeons, Beasts, and Betrayal

While Jake forges ahead alone, his former group splinters under the rule of the power-hungry Richard and the manipulative William. Human conflict proves as lethal as any monster, with betrayals and shifting alliances leading to bloodshed. Jake is ambushed by his old colleagues, barely escaping with his life, and is forced deeper into the system's inner zones—areas teeming with even deadlier beasts. Meanwhile, the system's true challenge becomes clear: to escape, Jake must defeat the four Beast Lords and, ultimately, the King of the Forest. The world is not just about survival, but about ascending through conflict, cunning, and strength.

The Malefic Viper's Legacy

Jake's journey through the Challenge Dungeon connects him to the Malefic Viper, a primordial god of poison and ambition. This legacy grants Jake unique skills—alchemy, poison crafting, and the ability to manipulate mana in ways others cannot. As he levels up, he faces difficult choices about which skills to develop, each shaping his future path. The Viper's influence is both a blessing and a burden, offering immense power but also drawing the attention of gods, factions, and other ambitious beings. Jake's growth is marked by experimentation, risk, and a willingness to embrace the monstrous within himself.

Power, Loss, and Isolation

As Jake grows in power, he becomes increasingly isolated. The system's world is unforgiving, and every gain is paid for in blood—his own and others'. He witnesses the deaths of friends and enemies alike, and the collapse of human society into chaos and violence. The few who survive do so by embracing the system's logic: adapt or die. Jake's philosophy hardens—he will not be a savior or a leader, but a force of nature. Yet, even as he distances himself from others, he cannot escape the consequences of his choices, nor the weight of the lives lost along the way.

The Four Beast Lords

The system's ultimate test is revealed: to escape, Jake must defeat the four Beast Lords, each ruling a deadly dungeon. He faces the Den Mother, the Great White Stag, the Nest Watcher, and the Horde Leader—each a unique challenge requiring cunning, preparation, and the full use of his alchemical and combat skills. These battles are not just tests of strength, but of adaptability and resourcefulness. Along the way, Jake refines his abilities, upgrades his gear, and learns the value of preparation and experimentation. Each victory brings him closer to the final confrontation, but also deeper into the system's web of fate and divine intrigue.

The Great White Stag

The dungeon of the Lucenti Plains pits Jake against the Great White Stag, a creature of light and healing, surrounded by a herd of powerful deer. The fight is as much about unraveling the dungeon's mechanics as it is about raw power. Jake must disrupt a magical ritual, poison the sacred waters, and outmaneuver a foe that can heal itself and its allies. The battle culminates in a clash of magic and will, with Jake barely emerging victorious. The victory is not just physical, but symbolic—a rejection of the system's expectations and a step toward forging his own destiny.

The Order and the Gods

Interludes reveal the machinations of gods and factions beyond the tutorial. The Order of the Malefic Viper, led by the Hall Master Viridia and the ancient alchemist Duskleaf, is shaken by the return of their patron and the death of rivals. The gods vie for influence over the new universe, each seeking to shape the outcome of the tutorial for their own ends. Jake's actions ripple outward, drawing the attention of beings far beyond his understanding. The system is not just a game, but a crucible for forging champions, pawns, and future gods.

The Sewer's Dark Labyrinth

The Forgotten Sewers dungeon is a test of perception, mana control, and endurance. Jake must navigate a shifting maze filled with blind, heat-sensing molerats and deadly traps. He adapts by developing new skills—stealth, dark mana manipulation, and the use of environmental clues. The dungeon culminates in a battle against a ratman Swarm Controller and, finally, the Nest Watcher—a tragic, intelligent foe who gifts Jake a powerful curse to use against the King of the Forest. The experience cements Jake's reputation as a master of adaptation and survival.

The King of the Forest

With the Beast Lords defeated, Jake faces the King of the Forest—a being of overwhelming power, arrogance, and divine heritage. The King offers Jake a choice: surrender and survive, or fight and risk annihilation. Jake chooses to fight, using every tool, skill, and trick at his disposal. The battle is brutal and one-sided, with Jake pushed to the brink of death. Only by exploiting the curses and gifts of the fallen Beast Lords, and by embracing the monstrous instincts within himself, does Jake manage to shatter the King's defenses and claim victory. The fight is a rejection of fate, a defiance of the gods, and a testament to the power of will.

Shattering Fate

The aftermath of the King's defeat sends shockwaves through the divine realms. The gods, who had manipulated the tutorial for their own ends, are forced to reckon with Jake's unpredictability and refusal to play by their rules. The Malefic Viper, amused and impressed, offers Jake guidance and training, while other gods plot their own moves. Jake's actions have not just secured his survival, but altered the course of the new universe. He is recognized as a Progenitor, a standout among the new initiates, and is offered a place among the powerful. Yet, he chooses his own path, refusing to become a pawn or a leader, but remaining true to his nature as a hunter.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

With the tutorial complete, Jake is granted immense rewards—titles, skills, and the opportunity to shape his future. He spends time training with the Malefic Viper and Duskleaf, mastering alchemy and mana manipulation. He reflects on the cost of his journey—the friends lost, the innocence shed, and the power gained. Other survivors, such as Jacob, Casper, and Miranda, each find their own paths, shaped by the trials they endured. The world is changed, and so are its people. Jake's philosophy is clear: he will not be a leader or a savior, but a force of nature, carving his own destiny.

Earth Reborn

The survivors of the tutorial are returned to Earth, only to find it radically altered. The planet is larger, wilder, and filled with monsters and opportunities. Civilization has collapsed, and new factions, cities, and power structures begin to emerge. Jake claims a Pylon of Civilization, becoming an Earl in the system's nobility, but delegates leadership to Miranda, preferring to remain a solitary protector and alchemist. The challenges are greater than ever, but so are the possibilities. The world is a blank slate, and the strong will shape its future.

Building a New Civilization

As Jake and others establish new settlements, the system's mechanics for civilization, nobility, and power come into play. Miranda becomes the de facto City Lord, organizing the first city around Jake's Pylon. Other survivors, such as Jacob and Bertram, gather followers and spread the influence of their chosen gods. The undead, led by Casper, and other factions begin to stake their claims. The world is a patchwork of ambition, cooperation, and conflict. Jake remains on the periphery, focused on alchemy, exploration, and personal growth, but his presence shapes the destiny of those around him.

The Next Hunt Awaits

With the foundations of a new civilization laid, Jake turns his attention to the challenges ahead. The world is filled with danger—D-grade monsters, rival factions, and the ever-present influence of the gods. Yet, for Jake, this is not a cause for despair, but for excitement. He is a hunter, and the world is his hunting ground. With new skills, allies, and ambitions, he prepares for the next great challenge, determined to carve his own path, defy fate, and become a legend in the new world.

Characters

Jake Thayne

Jake is the protagonist—a former office worker who thrives in the system apocalypse. His psychological profile is marked by independence, pragmatism, and a willingness to embrace both the monstrous and the human within himself. He rejects leadership and group dynamics, preferring the clarity of the hunt and the pursuit of personal power. His relationships are shaped by loss and isolation, but he is not without empathy. Jake's development is a journey from survival to mastery, from human to something more. His connection to the Malefic Viper grants him unique alchemical and poisonous abilities, but also draws him into the web of divine politics. He is both a force of nature and a reluctant protector, shaping the world even as he tries to remain apart from it.

The Malefic Viper (Vilastromoz)

The Malefic Viper is Jake's patron and mentor—a primordial being who values strength, cunning, and the pursuit of power. He is irreverent, playful, and deeply pragmatic, with little patience for weakness or sentimentality. His relationship with Jake is complex—part teacher, part friend, part manipulator. He encourages Jake to forge his own path, even as he offers guidance and power. The Viper's philosophy is one of self-determination, greed, and the rejection of fate. He is both a source of wisdom and a reminder of the costs of ambition.

Jacob

Jacob, Jake's former boss, is a foil to Jake's pragmatism. He seeks to lead, to inspire, and to find meaning in the chaos. His journey is one of hope, faith, and the struggle to balance compassion with necessity. He becomes an Augur of Hope, gaining divine favor and the ability to guide others. Jacob's psychological struggle is with guilt, responsibility, and the burden of leadership. He is both a beacon for others and a man haunted by the consequences of his choices.

William

William is the primary human antagonist—a manipulative, ruthless, and emotionally stunted individual who becomes a tool of the gods. His actions are driven by a desire for power and control, but also by a fundamental inability to connect with others. William's development is a descent into madness, fueled by divine whispers and the system's rewards for violence. He is both a cautionary tale and a mirror for Jake's own potential darkness.

Miranda

Miranda is a former manager who becomes Jake's ally and the de facto City Lord of the first human settlement. She is resourceful, diplomatic, and skilled at organization and negotiation. Her psychological profile is marked by adaptability and a willingness to compromise, but also by a deep-seated fear of irrelevance and weakness. Miranda's relationship with Jake is one of mutual respect and complementary strengths—she handles the politics, he handles the monsters.

Casper

Casper is Jake's old friend, transformed into an undead and thrust into the politics of the undead empire. He is analytical, introverted, and driven by loyalty to those he cares about. Casper's journey is one of adaptation—learning to wield new powers, navigate new hierarchies, and reconcile his humanity with his new nature. He is a bridge between worlds, both living and dead.

The King of the Forest

The King is the final boss of the tutorial—a unique lifeform born at D-grade, ruling over the system's forest. He is supremely confident, dismissive of humans, and ultimately undone by his own arrogance and Jake's cunning. The King's psychological arc is one of complacency shattered by defeat, a reminder that power without growth leads to stagnation and downfall.

The Great White Stag

The Stag is a creature of light, healing, and ritual—a symbol of the system's complexity and the interplay of magic and will. Its battle with Jake is as much a contest of wits as of strength, and its defeat is both a victory and a loss for the world's balance.

Duskleaf

Duskleaf is the Viper's disciple and a god in his own right. He is obsessed with alchemy, indifferent to politics, and initially skeptical of Jake. Over time, he becomes a grudging teacher and ally, recognizing Jake's potential and drive. Duskleaf represents the pursuit of mastery for its own sake, and the dangers of obsession.

Miranda's Group (Hank, Mark, Louise)

Hank is a pragmatic builder and protective father; Mark is a healer, and Louise is an artist. Their psychological profiles are shaped by loss, fear, and the desire for stability. They represent the majority of humanity—those who seek to survive, adapt, and find meaning in a world that no longer makes sense. Their relationship with Jake is one of dependence, but also of mutual benefit.

Plot Devices

The System and Stat Progression

The system is the central plot device, transforming reality into a game-like world where stats, skills, and levels determine survival. It rewards ambition, experimentation, and risk, but punishes complacency and hesitation. The system's mechanics drive the narrative structure—dungeons, quests, and boss battles—and shape the characters' development. It also serves as a metaphor for the human drive to improve, adapt, and overcome.

Divine Intervention and Fate

The gods are active participants in the story, each with their own agendas and methods. They manipulate the tutorial, sponsor factions, and offer blessings and curses. Fate and destiny are recurring themes, with Jake's actions repeatedly shattering the expectations of both gods and mortals. The interplay of divine politics, prophecy, and free will adds layers of complexity and foreshadowing, as characters struggle to assert their agency in a world shaped by higher powers.

Dungeons and Boss Battles

Dungeons serve as crucibles for character development, each presenting unique mechanics, enemies, and rewards. The battles against the Beast Lords and the King of the Forest are not just tests of strength, but of preparation, cunning, and the ability to exploit weaknesses. These set pieces provide pacing, escalation, and opportunities for skill evolution and narrative payoff.

Alchemy and Poison

Jake's alchemical abilities, inherited from the Malefic Viper, set him apart from other survivors. Alchemy is both a source of power and a metaphor for transformation—of self, of the world, and of fate. The crafting and use of poisons, potions, and mana manipulation are recurring plot devices, enabling Jake to overcome challenges that brute force alone cannot solve.

Psychological Growth and Isolation

Jake's journey is as much internal as external. The narrative structure frequently pauses for introspection, self-doubt, and philosophical debate—often with gods or alternate versions of himself. The cost of power is isolation, loss, and the erosion of old values. The story uses foreshadowing and interludes to explore the consequences of ambition,

Last updated: July 27, 2025