Just before they could take their first steps into the unknown forest, Wes paused, his brows furrowed in deep thought.
"...You know," he said aloud, "if this world really is like an isekai, there's gotta be a status screen, right?"
Scarlett turned toward him, puzzled. "What are you rambling about now?"
Wes grinned. "Watch this. Status!"
PING!
A shimmering violet screen instantly materialized in front of him, glowing with ethereal symbols and organized data. It floated in the air, waiting to be read.
Wes's jaw dropped. "It actually worked. Holy crap, it's real!"
Scarlett blinked. "You're kidding..."
"Nope! This is the real deal. This is true isekai business! I'm not just an otaku dork anymore—I'm living it!"
Scarlett raised an eyebrow, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Guess you weren't completely crazy."
Wes eagerly scanned the screen in front of him:
Name: Wes Walker
Age: 17
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Level: 1
Class: Magic Gunslinger (Unique Class)
Titles: Otherworlder, Goddess's Chosen Gun, The First Gunslinger, Scarlett's Problem
Health Points (HP): 800
Magic Points (MP): 1100
Strength: 65
Agility: 120
Endurance: 70
Mana: 950
Luck: 89
Charm: 76
Affinity: Fire, Wind, Ice, Lightning, Water, Earth, Light, Dark, Void, Gravity, Sound
Normal Skills:
Appraisal – Allows instant identification of items, creatures, and even people's basic stats.
Quick Draw – Instantly draws and fires weapon with precision, greatly increasing first-hit advantage.
Eagle Sight – Enhances vision, allowing clear sight over vast distances and pinpoint targeting.
Combat Roll – A swift dodge maneuver that increases evasion and positioning speed.
Gun Parry – Redirects incoming melee attacks with firearm deflection. Requires perfect timing.
Beast Whisperer – Enables basic communication and calming of wild creatures. Improves taming chances.
Combat Reflexes – Boosts reaction time during combat, making dodging and countering easier.
Acrobatics – Enhances physical agility, enabling flips, wall runs, and mid-air redirection.
Pain Resistance – Reduces damage sensation and interruption from non-lethal injuries.
Danger Sense – Passive skill alerting user to unseen threats or killing intent.
Silent Step – Suppresses footstep noise completely, increasing stealth.
Night Vision – Enhances sight in total darkness or low-light areas.
Ability Skills:
Mana Overclock – Temporarily boosts mana flow to increase power of all magical abilities. Risk of overuse.
Battle Calm – Enters a focused mental state, increasing decision-making and slowing perception of time.
Gunslinger Instinct – Enhances firearm accuracy and reflexive aim in combat situations.
Ghost Dash – High-speed evasive movement leaving behind a faint afterimage.
Reveria Sync Mode – Enables partial synchronization with Reveria, increasing rate of fire and elemental efficiency.
Magic Circuit Reload – Reloads bullets instantly using raw mana. Can bypass standard reload cooldown.
Magic Bullet Skills:
Fire Bullet – Launches a bullet imbued with intense flame. Can ignite enemies or terrain.
Ice Bullet – Fires a freezing shot that slows or immobilizes targets.
Lightning Bullet – Electrified projectile with chaining capability on impact.
Wind Bullet – Fastest of the bullets, capable of slicing through targets and disrupting flight.
Earth Bullet – Heavy and concussive round with armor-breaking properties.
Water Bullet – Versatile and fluid, useful in precision or status-inflicting attacks.
Light Bullet – Pierces darkness and deals radiant damage. Extra effective on corrupted beings.
Dark Bullet – Drains stamina or magic upon contact. Effective in disrupting spellcasters.
Gravity Bullet – Creates a momentary gravitational field on impact, pulling or crushing enemies.
Explosive Bullet – High-damage AoE effect. Caution advised when used near allies.
Healing Bullet – Restorative shot that heals allies instead of harming.
Barrier Bullet – Generates a temporary protective shield on contact.
Sound Bullet – Releases a sonic blast on hit, stunning and disorienting foes.
Illusion Bullet – Creates deceptive images or targets when fired. Useful for misdirection.
Binding Bullet – Traps or binds a target's limbs or shadow. Effective on fast enemies.
Null Bullet – Cancels magic effects or disrupts enchantments on contact.
Meteor Bullet – Summons a blazing meteor to strike the impact zone. Immense mana cost.
Sleep Bullet – Induces magical sleep on target. Less effective on high-level or magic-resistant foes.
Unique Skills:
Ultimate: Judgment Barrage – Fires a sequence of twelve mana-charged shots, each from a different element. Devastating but costs almost full MP.
Gun Soul Resonance – Synchronizes completely with Reveria, doubling all stats and unlocking hidden elemental forms. The revolver speaks directly to Wes in battle.
Bullet of Regret – Fires a memory-infused shot that bypasses all armor and strikes the opponent's soul. Can induce fear, paralysis, or mental breakdown.
Arsenal Shift – Allows Reveria to morph into various gun forms: sniper, SMG, shotgun, dual pistols, magic rifle, or railgun. Each with unique traits.
Final Judgment – Bullet of Oblivion(LOCKED – Requires Level 50)
Bullet Elemental Barrage(LOCKED – Requires Level 40)
Weapons: Reveria – Sentient Goddess Revolver
Items: 10,000 Gold Coins
Wes whistled. "Okay... I am officially broken. This class is nuts! I've got enough bullet types to write a spellbook, a divine gun, and I can turn my revolver into a freakin' railgun?!"
Scarlett activated her own screen with a cautious, "Status."
A second glowing screen appeared before her, and her eyes widened as she read.
[STATUS SCREEN]
Name: Scarlett Hayes
Age: 17
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Level: 1
Class: Swordswoman
Titles: Otherworlder, Crimson Resolve, Embersteel Blade, Wes's Keeper
HP: 1350
MP: 680
Strength: 142
Agility: 90
Endurance: 120
Mana: 80
Luck: 55
Charm: 69
Affinity: None
Combat Skills:
Sword Mastery I – Enhances fundamental sword handling techniques. Increases precision, speed, and control.
Battle Stance – Adopts a balanced, grounded pose that boosts parry and guard effectiveness while reducing knockback.
Focus Blade – Gathers mental energy into a single blade strike, ignoring a percentage of enemy armor.
Parry Counter – When timed correctly, instantly delivers a high-speed counterattack that scales with agility.
Resolve Surge – Triggers an adrenaline-like rush when HP drops below 30%, boosting all combat stats temporarily.
Warrior's Will – Bolsters resistance to negative mental conditions and strengthens determination in critical moments.
Arc Slash – A medium-range, sweeping slash that sends a crescent-shaped wave of force.
Piercing Fang – A concentrated forward thrust that penetrates defenses and increases critical hit chance.
Bladestorm Dance – A spinning flurry of light slashes that targets all enemies within a short radius.
Edge Reversal – Reverses an opponent's attack momentum with a pivoting riposte that opens a direct path to counterattack.
Weapon: Crimsonsteel Longsword – A blade forged from Embersteel and soul-bound to Scarlett
Items: 5,000 gold coins, Embersteel Token
"Whoa... I've got crazy sword skills and something called arc slash? And my title is Crimson Revolve"
Wes leaned over. "Told you. This world is serious. We are stacked."
"Maybe too stacked," Scarlett muttered, still reading her own stats. "We better not waste any of this."
Wes smiled, eyes shining. "Oh, we won't. We're ready. Ready for this world, whatever it throws at us."
Scarlett looked to him with determination in her eyes. "Then let's get moving."
The two stepped forward through the forest, leaves whispering around them and sunlight peeking through the canopy.
Their adventure had officially begun.
The forest air was fresh and alive, the scent of moss and flowers brushing through the breeze as Wes and Scarlett walked side by side. Sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy above them, painting golden patches across the forest floor.
"Man... this place is like walking through a dream," Wes said, stretching his arms behind his head. "The birds, the wind, the trees—total fantasy vibes."
Scarlett nodded, taking in the sights. "It's peaceful... for now."
"Exactly! Classic calm-before-the-storm moment," Wes added, grinning. "We should totally start finding a town, join a guild, destroy monsters, chase bandits, accept random quests from shady tavern owners..."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You've been watching too much anime."
"Or just enough! This is my isekai arc! Time to level up and live it out."
They laughed and bantered, occasionally nudging or bumping into each other as they walked, the energy between them light and vibrant.
"What do you actually want to do here though?" Scarlett asked.
"Honestly? Explore. See everything. Try everything. Fight monsters. Meet weird villagers. Probably annoy you endlessly."
"You already do that without magic."
"A gift, truly."
They laughed again—but then stopped.
Rustle... rustle... came a sharp noise from the trees.
They froze.
"You heard that, right?" Wes asked.
"Yeah... stay alert," Scarlett replied.
Both looked around, eyes sharp.
"What is it...?" Wes muttered.
"Doesn't sound like an animal..."
Suddenly, dark shapes emerged from the trees.
Both of them gasped.
Ten giant flying bees, each the size of a small motorcycle, with iridescent wings and venom-dripping stingers, hovered menacingly in the air.
"Okay. NOT normal bees," Wes said, eyes wide. "Why do they look like boss mobs?!"
"They're huge! And armored?!" Scarlett said, stepping back. "What the hell kind of forest is this?!"
"Appraisal!" Wes shouted, and a screen appeared in front of him:
Name: Razorwing Bee
Type: Insectoid Monster
Level: 4–6
Threat Level: C-Rank
Skills: Venom Jab, Wing Cyclone, Hive Link, Piercing Flight
Traits: Aggressive, Coordinated, Resistant to physical attacks
Wes grinned. "Nice... this is the perfect chance to test out my skills!"
Scarlett smirked. "About time."
Wes pointed. "I'll take five, you take five?"
"Deal."
One of the bees dove toward them.
"MOVE!" Wes shouted.
They both dodged—Scarlett rolling left, Wes leaping right as the stinger jabbed the spot where they'd been.
"Come to me—Reveria!" Wes shouted, and his gun materialized in his hand in a flash of violet light.
Scarlett followed. "Crimsonsteel, to me!"
A shimmer of fire-red light coalesced in her palm, forming her dragon-winged longsword.
"Let's split them fast!" Wes called.
"Right!" Scarlett replied.
Wes pointed his revolver at the buzzing swarm.
"Wind Bullet!"
A powerful gust shot forward, hitting the middle of the group and pushing them apart—but not far enough.
The bees recovered midair and buzzed loudly, now furious.
"Tch—tough bugs!" Wes cursed.
"They're regrouping!" Scarlett shouted, raising her blade.
Wes aimed at the right cluster. "Fire Bullet!"
He shot twice—but two bees banked left, avoiding the explosions. One divebombed him.
"Whoa!" He dodged, rolling backwards. "Okay, they're fast."
Scarlett swung at an approaching bee. "Arc Slash!"
A red wave burst forth but only clipped its wing. The bee zigzagged and came straight for her.
"Damn it—Combat Roll!" she shouted and barely slid beneath it.
"These things coordinate!" Wes yelled. "That's Hive Link for you!"
"Then break the link! Focus fire!"
Two bees came at Wes from both sides.
"Quick Draw—Double Shot!" he spun in place and fired two explosive ice bullets.
The impact froze one midair, while the other spiraled out of control.
Scarlett meanwhile parried a stinger with her sword, sparks flying.
"That sting is like a spear!" she shouted. "One hit and we're done!"
Wes focused, then whispered: "Battle Calm."
His vision sharpened. Every movement slowed.
"Reveria... sync mode. Let's dance."
The revolver glowed faintly.
Scarlett slashed in a spinning motion, catching another bee's underbelly. It screeched, but didn't fall.
"They won't go down easy!" she yelled.
"Then we hit harder! Arsenal Shift—Dual Pistols!"
Reveria split into two sleek pistols. Wes twirled them, grinning.
"Let's go—Explosive Bullet!" BANG BANG BANG!
Three direct hits. The bees exploded in midair.
Scarlett activated a skill. "Dragon Fang Pierce!"
She lunged, driving her blade through one bee's core. It shattered like glass.
Wes caught another coming at her. "Binding Bullet!"
The shot wrapped the bee in magical chains midair.
"Thanks!" Scarlett called.
They regrouped.
"Two more left!" Wes shouted.
"I've got one—cover me!"
Scarlett charged, Wes firing Lightning and Wind Bullets to keep the last bee distracted.
Scarlett jumped, sword glowing. "Crimson Execution!"
She cleaved the bee in two.
Wes flipped his revolver back to standard mode.
"Last one's mine! FIRE BULLET!"
The final shot exploded in flame, sending the last bee crashing.
The air went still.
Their first fight... was won.
Wes and Scarlett stood amid the aftermath, panting.
"We... actually did it..." Wes said.
"And didn't die," Scarlett added.
DING! DING!
Two glowing screens appeared before them, floating gently in the air.
[Level Up Notification – Wes Walker]
Level: 2 → 4
+ HP: +300
+ MP: +400
+ Strength: +10
+ Agility: +15
+ Endurance: +8
+ Mana: +120
+ Skills Unlocked: Blazing Barrage (Bullet Combo), Precision Chain
+ Bonus Trait Gained: Adaptable Combatant
[Level Up Notification – Scarlett Hayes]
Level: 2 → 4
+ HP: +350
+ Strength: +20
+ Endurance: +12
+ Sword Mastery Rank: Increased to D
+ Skills Unlocked: Crimson Guard, Emberstep
+ Bonus Trait Gained: Tactical Intuition
Wes let out a breathless laugh. "Let's gooooo! That's what I'm talking about!"
Scarlett blinked at her screen. "I feel... stronger. That's not just numbers, is it?"
"Nope. I feel it too. Like my reflexes are sharper."
"And my sword—it feels lighter, faster."
"Game on, world," Wes grinned. "We're leveling up in style."
"High five!" Wes said.
They slapped hands, both grinning.
Their weapons shimmered and vanished.
"That was rougher than I thought," Wes said. "Those bees weren't playing."
"But now we know what we're capable of."
Wes smirked. "I still think I did better."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You nearly got stung to death."
"Tactical retreat."
"Chaotic flailing."
"You wound me, Red Blaze."
They shared a tired laugh, but beneath it, they felt it: the spark of adventure.
They were still breathing a little heavy, the aftermath of the giant bee battle lingering in their limbs. Sweat clung to their brows, but smiles lingered on their faces.
"Okay... that was awesome," Wes said, stretching his arms behind his head.
"And exhausting," Scarlett replied, brushing dirt from her shoulder. "We're lucky we didn't get stung to death."
"Yeah, but we leveled up, learned some skills, and didn't die. I call that a win."
"Sure. But now what?"
Wes thought for a moment. "We should find a city. Get some bearings, supplies, maybe even find a guild to join."
Scarlett nodded. "That sounds like a plan. Wherever this world wants to take us, we need a starting point."
They started walking again, the forest stretching wide and deep before them. The breeze rustled through the trees, birds chirped in the canopy, and for a while, it was quiet again.
Then—
BOOOOM!
An explosion shattered the calm, echoing through the forest from up ahead.
"What the hell was that?!" Wes shouted, spinning toward the direction.
Scarlett's eyes widened. "It came from up ahead. A fight maybe? Or... something worse?"
They looked at each other, hesitation in their eyes.
"Should we check it out?" Wes asked.
Scarlett hesitated, arms crossed. "We did just finish fighting oversized insects. Now we're chasing explosions?"
"Yeah... but how can we not investigate? This is literally peak adventure!"
She sighed. "Fine. But if it's a dragon, I'm blaming you."
Wes grinned. "Deal."
They dashed through the trees, pushing past leaves and branches.
"What do you think it is?" Scarlett asked between breaths.
"Could be powerful people fighting a big beast. Or... two scary beasts fighting each other, like in anime shows!"
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "I swear, if this is just another one of your otaku fantasies..."
"Hey, they've been accurate so far!"
Then Wes suddenly remembered something. He opened his status menu on the run, skimming through his skill list.
"Eagle Sight!"
A violet glow pulsed over his eyes. Suddenly, his vision expanded. Everything sharpened. He could see through the layers of the forest, hundreds of meters ahead.
"Whoa... I see them! There's people up ahead! Fighting!"
Scarlett glanced at him. "What is it? What do you see?"
Wes blinked in shock. "A group of armored guys—like knights or something. They're fighting this massive bear... and not just any bear. This thing is huge—like, building-sized."
"You're serious?"
"Yep. Definitely a boss monster situation."
Scarlett sighed again. "And of course, you're excited."
"Can you blame me? This is straight out of a boss raid!"
"Idiot."
"Let's get moving!"
Wes jumped forward, activating another skill. "Acrobatics!"
He began leaping from tree to tree, bouncing between branches like a parkour expert.
Scarlett groaned. "Showoff," she muttered, then took off running beneath him.
The sound of shouting, steel clashing, and monstrous roars grew louder.
They pushed harder, until they finally reached the edge of a clearing. Wes crouched behind a thick tree, and Scarlett landed beside him.
They peeked around.
What they saw froze them in place.
A massive bear-like monster stood in the middle of the clearing—easily three stories tall. Its fur was black with silver streaks, its claws like swords, and its crimson eyes glowing with rage. Deep gashes in the ground and scorched trees surrounded it.
Twelve knights in silver armor encircled the beast, swords drawn, shouting formation calls.
"I did not expect this level of intensity," Wes whispered.
"Neither did I," Scarlett admitted, eyes focused.
"Should we help?"
Wes watched the knights attack, their swords barely scratching the beast's hide. One was slammed aside with a backhanded paw.
"Let's wait. I want to see what these people can do first," he said.
Scarlett turned to him. After a second, she nodded. "Fine. But if they start dropping too fast—"
"We jump in. Got it."
Wes narrowed his eyes, watching the action unfold.
Let's see what this world's people can really do... he thought.
To be continued...