Ethan knelt beside the smoking remains of the Forest Guardian, its twisted form slowly dissolving back into the raw energy of the shattered world. His Skeleton Warrior, now significantly battered but undeniably stronger, stood guard. Sweat stung Ethan’s eyes, blurring the already surreal landscape. The Vermont forest, once familiar and comforting, was now a grotesque parody of itself, overgrown with bizarre flora and teeming with creatures ripped from the pages of nightmares.

He was exhausted, both physically and mentally. The adrenaline of the fight had begun to ebb, leaving behind a bone-deep weariness. Yet, beneath the fatigue, a current of exhilaration thrummed. He had survived. He had fought. And, most importantly, he had seen his power grow.

As he reached out to dismiss the Skeleton Warrior, a notification shimmered into existence before his eyes. It wasn’t a visual hallucination brought on by exhaustion; it was undeniably real, a window into the workings of this new, bizarre reality.

```

Skeleton Warrior has gained a level!

Strength increased by 2.

Endurance increased by 1.

New skill unlocked: Bone Shield

```

Ethan stared, mesmerized. Levels? Skills? It was like… a role-playing game. Except this wasn’t a game. This was life, brutal and unforgiving.

He focused his attention on the notification, willing it to expand. Information flooded his mind, a torrent of explanations and mechanics. The System, it seemed, was the governing force behind this new world order. It dictated the rules, measured progress, and distributed power. It was the architect of this apocalyptic RPG, and humanity, or at least a select portion of it, was now forced to play its game.

The sheer scope of it was overwhelming. He learned that experience was gained through combat, exploration, and completing objectives that the System, in its own cryptic way, would occasionally offer. Gaining levels meant improving core attributes like Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, and Wisdom. Skills were special abilities that could be learned and improved upon, adding further layers of complexity to combat and survival.

He scrolled through the available information, his mind reeling. Classes, subclasses, talent trees – it was all there, laid bare in a digital interface overlaid on reality. And then he saw it, a section dedicated to the Land of Origin.

The Land of Origin. The whispers of its existence had already started, filtering through the survivor grapevine. A place of unimaginable power, the heart of the System's influence, a nexus point for the Awakened. It was also, according to the System's description, incredibly dangerous.

```

Land of Origin: The Nexus of Power.

Description: The Land of Origin is the central hub for all Awakened. It is a region of unparalleled power, teeming with powerful creatures, hidden resources, and ancient secrets. Entry is restricted to those who have reached Level 10.

Dangers:

* High-level monsters roam freely.

* Hostile factions compete for dominance.

* The System's influence is strongest, meaning deviations from its rules are severely punished.

* Betrayal and power struggles are commonplace.

Rewards:

* Access to advanced classes and skills.

* Opportunities to acquire powerful artifacts and equipment.

* The chance to forge your own destiny.

Warning: Survival in the Land of Origin requires skill, cunning, and a willingness to do whatever it takes. Proceed with extreme caution.

```

Ethan swallowed hard. Level 10. He was currently level 2, if the System’s rudimentary character sheet was to be believed. The journey to the Land of Origin would be a long and perilous one. And the rewards, though tempting, seemed almost impossibly out of reach.

He closed the System window, the information feeling like a weight pressing down on him. This wasn’t just about surviving anymore. It was about understanding the rules of the game, mastering his Necromantic powers, and ultimately, deciding whether to brave the dangers of the Land of Origin.

He looked back at his evolving Skeleton Warrior, now emanating a faint, almost ethereal glow. The creature was proof of his unique potential, the key to unlocking the full extent of his cursed power. But potential was nothing without direction. He needed a plan. He needed allies. And he needed to learn everything he could about the System and the Land of Origin before making any rash decisions.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long, distorted shadows across the ravaged landscape. He recalled the safety of his childhood home, the warmth of his family, the normalcy of his old life. It felt like a lifetime ago, a distant dream fading into the darkness.

He sighed, the weight of his new reality settling heavily on his shoulders. He was no longer just Ethan Blackwood, the average teenager from Vermont. He was Ethan Blackwood, the Necromancer, the wielder of forbidden power, the shepherd of evolving undead. And his journey had just begun.

He dismissed the Skeleton Warrior, recalling it back to the ethereal realm from which it came. He needed rest. He needed to think. And he needed to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

As he turned back towards the remnants of his town, a new notification popped up, drawing his attention.

```

New Quest Available!

Quest: Scavenge for Supplies

Objective: Gather food, water, and medical supplies from the surrounding area.

Reward: 50 Experience Points, Basic Healing Potion

```

He hesitated. The System, it seemed, wasn't content to just provide information. It was actively pushing him, guiding him, forcing him to participate in its game.

He glanced at the setting sun. He was tired, hungry, and vulnerable. But the promise of experience points and a healing potion was too tempting to ignore. He needed every advantage he could get.

With a sigh, he turned towards the dilapidated remains of the local grocery store, its shattered windows like gaping maws in the growing darkness. The scavenge for supplies had begun.

The store was a disaster. Shelves lay overturned, merchandise scattered across the floor, a putrid stench hanging heavy in the air. He moved cautiously, his senses on high alert, his hand resting on the empty space where his Necromantic energy now flowed. He wasn’t alone. He could feel it.

A low growl echoed from the back of the store, sending a shiver down his spine. He raised his hand, focusing his energy, preparing to summon his Skeleton Warrior.

A pair of glowing red eyes pierced the darkness, followed by the unmistakable sound of teeth snapping. It wasn't a Forest Guardian. It was something else, something smaller, faster, and far more feral.

A dog, but twisted, mutated, its flesh rotting, its eyes burning with an unholy light. A Rotted Hound, if the System’s informational windows were to be believed.

Ethan braced himself, his heart pounding in his chest. This wasn't just a scavenger hunt. It was a fight for survival. And he was about to learn another harsh lesson about the brutal realities of this new world.

He focused his will, summoning his Skeleton Warrior once more. The bones materialized with a rattling clatter, forming the skeletal figure between him and the snarling hound. The fight was on.