Chapter 1: Awakening in the Abyss

Darkness, an abyss of forgotten memories, swallowed him whole. A solitary prompt emerged, a spark against the void.

"All memories deleted. English language package being installed. Please wait."

In desperation, he cried out, "Stop!" Surprisingly, the prompt wavered, the script transformed.

"Interrupted by the user at 53%."

The weight of his decision crashed upon him. "Oh crap, this probably is bad," he muttered, the realization striking like a lightning bolt.

Then, a retort blinked into existence, typed words defying the darkness.

"Starting awakening procedure in the real body."

Confusion melded with adrenaline as the darkness churned, a vortex of movement.

With a gasp, he awoke in a forest, stark naked. Trees towered above, and beneath his feet, a ring of mushrooms beckoned. A fairy ring. He coughed out a laugh, finding humor in his precarious state.

Yet, a prompt stole his attention.

"Skill learned: 'Identify Level 1'."

"What the fudge?" he burst out, incredulous. He stared at the words, then at his leafy surroundings, then back at the prompt.