The Mysterious Book

Living in a world dominated by technology, Ryu often felt a sense of emptiness. At the age of 17, with his jet-black hair, piercing black eyes, and a face that suited his overall personality, he was an ordinary high schooler. His days were filled with swiping and tapping on devices, but deep down, he craved something more meaningful.

Ryu: (sighs) "Another day spent in front of screens... Is this all there is to life?"

In his free time, Ryu immersed himself in online martial arts comics, sketching his favorite characters on digital artworks.

He also dedicated time to physical fitness, finding solace in pushing his limits and honing his body.

While his few friends considered him an ambivert, Ryu mostly spent his time indulging in his hobbies, reading manga, and researching martial arts.

He held onto the hope that one day he might transmigrate into a martial arts world himself.

Ryu: (smiling) "These characters inspire me, even if they're only drawings. I wish I could experience their world firsthand."

One fateful day, as Ryu scrolled through the vast library of novels on his tablet, his eyes widened with surprise.

There, among the titles, was a novel with an unknown name and author. Its description promised a unique and fascinating experience.

Though a sense of peculiarity washed over him, his curiosity urged him to delve into its pages.

Ryu: (intrigued) "An unknown novel? This one seems different from the others. I can't resist giving it a try."

Opening the novel, Ryu was immediately captivated by its charming and attractive interface. The words on the screen welcomed him, beckoning him into a world beyond his comprehension.

As he scrolled through the pages, he encountered breathtaking illustrations of martial weapons, people gathering their cultivation energy, and mythical beasts. Some images seemed oddly familiar, stirring a sense of déjà vu within him.

Ryu: (amazed) "These illustrations... I feel like I've seen them somewhere before. But how is that possible?"

Among the illustrations, Ryu discovered a map, intricately drawn in an ancient style. He couldn't help but compare it to a map he found through an online search.

To his astonishment, he realized it matched the geography of the surrounding area where he lived. Intrigued and filled with expectation, Ryu resolved to follow the map's path, an adventure that awaited him beyond his town's boundaries.

Ryu: (excited) "This map... It corresponds to the real world! It's like a hidden treasure waiting to be found. I have to see where it leads."

Night fell, and with thoughts of the map and the excitement of the next day consuming his mind, Ryu drifted into a deep sleep.

As morning arrived, casting its gentle rays through his window, he awoke with renewed vigor.

Checking his calendar, he realized it was a weekend, the perfect timing to embark on his exploration.

Ryu: (grinning) "Today's the day! It's my chance to uncover the mysteries that lie ahead. Nothing can hold me back now."

Rising from his place, Ryu engaged in a light body workout, relishing the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

After a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast, he reopened the novel on his tablet, observing the map once again.

A red mark caught his attention, indicating a location approximately 50 kilometers away—a dense and untamed jungle that few dared to venture into.

Ryu: (determined) "That red mark... It's my destination. A dense jungle, untouched by human footsteps. This is going to be one thrilling journey."

With essentials neatly packed in his bag, Ryu set foot on the path that would lead him to the heart of the wilderness.

As he ventured deeper, the symphony of birdsongs filled the air, creating an enchanting ambiance.

Taking a deep breath, he forged ahead, his trusty compass guiding him along the correct path indicated on the map.

Ryu: (whispering to himself) "Just a little further... I'm getting closer to unraveling the mysteries of this ancient jungle."

The lengthy journey took its toll, and as the sun began to set in the distance, Ryu reached into his bag, retrieving a bottle of water to quench his thirst.

Though fatigue crept into his bones, he remained steadfast, fueled by an unyielding determination to uncover what lay hidden in the depths of the jungle.

Ryu: (panting) "I've come this far... I won't give up now. There's something amazing waiting for me."

Walking deeper into the dense part of the jungle, Ryu's eyes widened in astonishment as he noticed an unusual sight—an ancient house nestled amidst the wilderness.

The very existence of a house in such a remote location intrigued him, sparking a mix of curiosity and caution.

Ryu: (whispering) "A house? How is that possible in the middle of nowhere? I must investigate."

With each step closer to the house, a strange sensation coursed through him, intensifying his curiosity.

Opening his compass, he confirmed that he had indeed arrived at his intended destination.

The ancient house exuded an aura of grandeur and mystique, stirring a sense of both wonder and uneasiness within him.

Ryu: (whispering) "This house... It's unlike anything I've ever seen. What secrets does it hold?"

Noticing a small gate before him, untouched by dirt or scratches, Ryu hesitantly pushed it open.

To his surprise, there was nothing beyond the gate, and when he turned around, he realized it had mysteriously closed behind him.

Ryu: (anxious) "The gate closed behind me. I have no other option but to proceed. I just hope I'm doing the right thing."

With his heart pounding, Ryu sprinted toward the light, driven by equal parts fear and excitement.

But as if guided by an unseen force, he tripped over an unseen obstacle and crashed to the ground, darkness closing in around him.

Ryu: (in a panic) "No! What's happening? I'm... I'm falling! Is this the end? Will I ever see my family and friends again?"

As the world turned dark and memories flooded his mind, Ryu's thoughts raced, uncertain of what awaited him in the depths of the abyss.