Core Is Planted

I was overwhelmed with joy, hugging the Legendary Dragon Sword. It felt surreal, but I couldn't deny that it was real. It was an extraordinary moment.

A police officer approached me and congratulated me, saying, "Wow, you've been a tremendous help. Even the hole is gone. I believe the problem here is resolved, but we need to tend to other areas. Will you assist us?"

Eager to test the full potential of my new sword, I accepted the officer's request and headed to nearby locations. However, the reality was far grimmer than I had anticipated.

Monstrous creatures roamed the streets, and people were fleeing for their lives. Many had fallen victim to the monsters, while others had been trampled to death in the stampede. My heart swelled with a sense of purpose. The destruction had shattered many families. Many children had lost their parents, and some had even witnessed their parents' deaths.

I couldn't help but think that this is precisely why folks referred to this catastrophic event as an apocalypse. The scale of destruction and the immense suffering it brought to the people was heartbreaking.

Determined to make a difference, I dashed towards the creatures in need of vanquishing. In front of me, I faced a pack of wolves, and among them, I could sense the leader—the "big boss" of this wolf pack. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't help but picture it as a showdown with the ultimate canine champion.

I swung the Legendary Dragon Sword, not even sure which technique I was using, but it didn't matter. I vanquished the monsters and aided the trapped civilians and the police.

Another officer approached me, explaining that another location needed my help. They informed me of another location in desperate need of my assistance, and without hesitation, I joined their ranks to confront the looming threat.

Deep thoughts weighed on my mind. If the destruction was this severe here, what could be happening across the entire country, or even the world?

Suddenly, a notification appeared, but this time it wasn't just for me. Everyone in the vicinity reacted as if they had received notifications as well. I asked the police officers nearby, and they all provided the same response:

'Core is Planted'

'The Survival game is started.'

I received an additional notification:

"You have received a new mission -

'Become a legendary swordsman'

Task: You must practice your swordsmanship daily for at least one hour."

"You have also received a title:

'A Novice Swordsman.'"

"You received a skill book 'Swords Dance' for clearing 10 Dungeons."

"To learn this skill, you must read the entire book and then say 'Acquire.' You can only learn it if you are worthy of the skill."

This time, happiness eluded me. All the death and destruction made me question if it was somehow my fault. The question haunted me: "Why did all of this happen?" It was the same question I heard from those around me. I couldn't help but ponder the reasons behind this catastrophe.

As I gazed at my sword, tears welled up in my eyes, and I stood there in the rain. It felt as if the rain was a somber reminder of the people's bloodshed.

It was a day that left me torn between the best and worst moments of my life.