Chapter 1: Rebirth

Gloop!

I tried to groan, but instead, a slimy sound came out of me.

What the hell is going on?

My memory is hazy, but I remember being hit by a truck. Is this the afterlife? Am I a ghost now?

I can't see anything, but I feel like I'm inside something soft and moist. And why does my body feel so... different?

Suddenly, a message appeared in my mind:

[System initialization complete. Welcome, host.]

What is this?

[Congratulations on being chosen as a host. You have been granted the power of the System. You will receive various tasks and rewards. Please fulfill them diligently to grow stronger.]

Tasks and rewards? This sounds like some kind of game.

[As a host, you have been reincarnated into a snail. Your current level is 1. Your stats are as follows: Strength - 1, Defense - 1, Agility - 1, Intelligence - 1, Wisdom - 1, Charm - 1.]

I'm a snail?

This is ridiculous.

[Don't underestimate the power of a snail, host. You have the potential to become one of the strongest beings in this world. Please proceed to your first task.]

Before I could ask what the task was, a surge of energy coursed through my body. It felt like my stats had increased.

[Task 1: Survive.]

Survive? That's it?

[Correct, host. In this world, survival is the most important thing. You are currently in a dangerous environment. Please use all means necessary to survive.]

As the message faded away, I suddenly felt a hunger pang.

What do snails even eat?

I tried to move my body, but it was slow and sluggish. It felt like I was dragging myself through mud.

This is going to be a long journey.