Hours later, Kira stumbled out of the jungle, exhausted but alive. The System had guided him toward a faint trail, which eventually led to a clearing.

  In the distance, he saw smoke rising from chimneys and heard the faint hum of voices. A village. Relief flooded him.

  “Recommendation: Proceed to the settlement. Secure shelter and gather information.”

  "Yeah, no kidding," Kira said, trudging toward the village gates.

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  As he approached, a guard stopped him, eyeing his torn uniform and soot-covered face.

  "Who are you, boy? And what brings you here?"

  Kira hesitated, glancing at the System window still hovering in his peripheral vision.

  "I’m... lost," he said finally. "And I need help."

  The guard nodded, motioning him through. "You’ll find the inn at the square. They’ll take you in—for a price."

  Kira sighed. He had no money, no skills, and no idea how to survive in this world. But as the System whispered softly in his mind, he felt a spark of hope.

  “Do not despair, User. This is only the beginning.”