Julian Rey was eighteen years old, an ordinary teenager with an extraordinary obsession on games.
Not just any games, but VRMMOs.
The kind where stats mattered.
Where decisions made early could shape an entire character's destiny.
That afternoon, Julian stood inside a small, dimly lit game shop tucked between two aging buildings. The place smelled of dust, plastic, and old electronics. Shelves were filled with outdated consoles, cracked CDs, and cartridges that no longer belonged to this era.
And that was when he saw it.
A game cartridge.
No title.
No publisher logo.
No release date.
No announcement history—nothing.
It was simply there, resting inside a transparent case.
Julian frowned.
"Strange… I've never heard of this game before," he muttered.
Yet something about it pulled him in. The price was expensive, far more than a normal game, but his hands moved before logic could stop him.
He bought it.
That night, Julian wore the strange helmet that came with the game. The device was cold as it settled onto his head, its surface smooth and unfamiliar.
As instructed, he closed his eyes.
Instantly, visuals bloomed behind his eyelids.
A world formed.
A game world.
Unlike any MMORPG he had ever played.
The system was unbelievably complex. The sensations were vivid—movement, sound, even the feeling of wind brushing against his skin. It felt less like playing a game and more like being inside one.
Julian played for hours every day.
One day, together with his online friends, they explored dungeons, fought monsters, and farmed loot.
Then came that dungeon.
The boss.
Inside the dungeon, Julian's avatar staggered backward as the massive dungeon boss roared, its HP bar barely moving despite his relentless attacks.
"Arghh! This Dungeon Boss is insanely hard to defeat!" Julian shouted.
"My attack stats are too low. I can't kill this boss!"
One of his friends laughed through the voice chat.
"It's fine, Rey. Once the boss gets weaker, I'll one-hit it with my magic," his friend said casually.
"Then I'll just take the item drop."
Julian clenched his fists.
If only I had increased my attack stats more from the beginning, he thought bitterly.
I could've killed this boss easily.
Suddenly...
The screen flickered.
The visual field shattered like broken glass.
"What the? Why now?" Julian panicked.
"Don't tell me it's broken! This console was expensive as hell!"
He tore the helmet off his head.
And froze.
The room was gone.
Instead, jagged stone walls surrounded him. The air was damp and cold. Flickering torches cast long shadows across the cavern.
A cave.
No.
A dungeon.
His breathing became erratic.
"W-Where am I…?" he whispered.
He pinched his cheek.
Hard.
Then slapped himself.
Again.
And again.
His face burned red.
"I'm not dreaming…?"
"Am I dead…?"
Suddenly...
DING DONG
Congratulations, Player.
You have entered another world.
You must now register as a Host to receive a special system created exclusively for Player Julian Rey.
Julian's eyes widened.
"S-System?"
"Another world?"
"Did I… did I get isekai'd?"
"System! Answer me!" he demanded.
"Explain what's going on!"
Player, please register.
"Answer me first!"
Player, please register.
Julian sighed heavily.
"O-Okay, okay! Relax… I'll register."
A blue screen appeared before his eyes—floating in midair like a hologram.
Please add your Name
Julian hesitated, then typed carefully.
R… E… Y
DING DONG
Congratulations, Player.
You have become the Host of the System.
Greetings, Host.
I am the System that will accompany you at all times.
My name is Will.
You may call me Will or simply 'System'.
"Whoa…" Julian murmured.
"So, System… where am I exactly?"
"This world—how did I even get here?"
Host was summoned to another world by me.
Host shares fate with the System, as Host was connected to me since my creation.
Julian narrowed his eyes.
"So… you summoned me?"
"Does that mean you can grant any wish I want?"
Not all wishes can be granted.
Host must follow System rules.
Rewards will be given accordingly.
"Rewards?" Julian perked up.
"What kind of rewards?"
Before that, Host must select a role.
Four options appeared before him:
Warrior
Assassin
Mage
Support
Julian frowned.
"Wait… this looks exactly like the game I was playing."
"Am I inside the game world now?"
Correct, Host.
You have been summoned into the game world you were playing earlier.
"Then why me?"
"Was I chosen randomly?"
"And am I the only one here?"
Host is the chosen one destined to synchronize with the System.
And for the answer for your second question is no, several other players have also entered this world.
Julian's heart jumped.
"Where are they?"
"Are my friends here too?"
Host cannot meet them yet.
Host was spawned inside a dungeon.
The other players have been spawned at the Beginner City, where they can level up, hunt for loot, and venture into dungeons. There are also spots to register as adventurers, join guilds, or create parties. So don't worry, Host, they're safe there.
Rey blinked in disbelief.
"Thank goodness… but wait… where am I? Why did you spawn me in a dungeon?! I'm going to die… and all alone? Why didn't you spawn me in the Beginner City like everyone else?"
Because Host is destined to wield an extraordinary System...Me.
Julian groaned.
"Wow, praising yourself now?"
"Fine. Then help me."
"You're the system, right? That means I should be able to get some overpowered abilities, just like the characters in the anime I watch… I'm so exited! Okay, now I want an eye power that can copy anyone's skills-yeah, even magic! I want to be able to summon a guardian from that eye power too… now that would be amazing!"
Host, please lower expectations.
This is not a coffee shop where you place orders.
"Tch."
"Then what can you do?"
Host must select a role first.
Julian stared at the options.
"I've played all these roles before."
"Is there anything different?"
Searching…
No additional roles available.
System may unlock changes after upgrade.
"Upgrade?" Julian blinked.
"So you can be upgraded?"
Yes.
"Okay… and how do I upgrade you?"
"Don't tell me you're taking my lifespan."
A new window appeared.
Congratulations.
Host is eligible to upgrade System to the next version.
Upgrade now?
[YES] [NO]
Julian pressed YES.
Light exploded around him.
After several seconds, it faded.
DING DONG
System upgraded to Version 2.0.
Host has received multiple reward packages.
Would you like to open them now?
"Later."
"I want to choose a different role."
Searching…
No additional roles available.
Host must select from existing options.
Julian sighed.
"I just want something unique…"
"Something where I can one-hit monsters, i can equip every item that i want to use, like i'm free to the select all role at the same time."
Verifying request…
DING DONG
Congratulations.
Host has unlocked a unique role unavailable to anyone else in this world.
Julian's eyes lit up.
"What role?!"
Role: Free.
"…Huh?"
Host will become themselves.
Host is not bound by any role.
Host may freely upgrade stats, equipment, and skills.
"So I can be a Mage and Assassin at the same time?"
"Use any equipment?"
Correct.
"YES. I choose this."
Confirm selection?
[YES] [NO]
Julian pressed YES.
DING DONG
Role 'Free' confirmed.
Host received 10 initial stat points.
Host received Passive Skill.
Host received Starter Packages (x3).
Julian grinned.
"Passive skill? Show me."
A blue screen appeared.
Passive Skill: Overgrowth (Special Category)
Effect:
All stats, EXP, items, and loot obtained will be multiplied by x2.
"Multiply by TWO?!"
"INSANE!"
Julian opened the starter package.
1000 EXP
500 Gold Coins
10 Stat Points
Assassin Equipment
Mana Stone x1
"What's a Mana Stone?" he asked.
Mana Stone is a rare item.
Can be used to create High-tier Potions or Rare/Legendary/Mythic Equipment.
Market value: 10,000 Gold Coins.
Julian whistled.
"And 1 Gold Coin?"
Enough to purchase Mid-tier Potions or Silver Rank Equipment.
"Okay… now how about EXP."
DING DONG
Congratulations.
Host has leveled up.
Received 10 Stat Points.
Received Low-tier Potion x1.
Julian laughed.
"With Overgrowth, that's two potions!"
"Show me my stats."
The system panel appeared.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name : REY
Level : 2
Race : Human
Role : Free
Title : Chosen One
Stats :
STR - 10
AGI - 10
SPD - 10
INT - 10
END - 10
MP - 10
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Julian Rey blinked as the notifications flooded his vision.
"All stats are 10… I need to upgrade my stats," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
"Since I'm free role, I always want to one-hit monsters like the MCs in the anime I watch on TV… bald-headed heroes… yeah.
So I'll focus on STR, AGI, and SPD… MP is useless.
I already have a useful passive skill, and anyway, I one-hit with strength, not magic… hehehehe."
System: System detects that Host is a fan of the animation world.
Warning: If stats are unbalanced or too overpowered in a certain point, Host may fail to control their power.
"Yeah, yeah, you're so busy giving warnings, I'm thinking here.
Show me how many stats I have," Rey said impatiently.
System: After calculations, Host has received 80 stat points.
"80? That's a lot? Wow, thanks System!" Rey cheered.
System: You're welcome, Host. You received them as follows:
10 stats for registering the System, 10 stats for upgrading the System, 10 stats from opening the starter package, and 10 stats for leveling up. Total 40 stats, multiplied x2 by passive skill 'Overgrowth', making it 80.
"Hahahahaha, with this passive skill, I'm unbeatable. Magic, assassin stuff… it's all child's play if I can one-hit monsters now!" Rey exclaimed, punching the air in excitement.
He tapped the screen.
"Time to upgrade my stats… Erm… take this, this, and this…" he muttered.
The system panel displayed Rey's stats:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name : REY
Level : 2
Race : Human
Role : Free
Title : Chosen One
Stats :
STR - 30
AGI - 30
SPD - 30
INT - 20
END - 20
MP - 10
________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Perfect… okay System, what should I do to get out of this cave?" Rey asked.
System: *This is not a cave, Host. It is a Dungeon. System gives Host a choice:
Option 1 : Exit without leveling up
Option 2 : Level up as recommended by the System, then you may exit.*
"Ermm… I choose option 2.
"Level up first, test my power, then I can go out with ease," said Rey confidently.
System: System detects Host has Assassin equipment from the starter package. Do you wish to equip it?
"Ermm, let me see… Wow, the equipment looks great, Black colour Huh.
It even comes with a dagger, though I won't use it.
But it looks stylish when I hold it, so fine," Rey said, adjusting his stance with a smirk.
System: With your current power, System recommends Host seek monsters below Level 10.
"Wow… I'm only Level 2 and I can defeat monsters below Level 10.
All those stat points I invested in Strength weren't wasted," Rey laughed.
After some time exploring the dungeon, Rey smashed through multiple monsters below Level 7 with one-hit attacks, clearing the area effortlessly.
Soon, notifications rang out:
DING DONG Congratulations, Host received EXP.
DING DONG Congratulations, Host leveled up. Received 10 stat points.
"Ugh, noisy! Can't you turn off the notifications?" Rey complained.
System: System detects Host insulting the System. A retribution will be administered.
"Retribution? Arghhh! What is this? Why am I getting shocked?" Rey yelped as electricity coursed through him.
System: This is System retribution for insulting the System.
"Chill, I'm just joking! I'm not mad!" Rey said, shaking his head.
System (laughing): Serves you right. If you insult me again, the electric shocks will be stronger.
"Whaaa… okay, okay, System, I'll… manage you properly," Rey muttered, rubbing his arm where sparks had flown.
"Okay… now can you turn off notifications?" Rey asked.
System: Do you wish to disable notifications? [YES] [NO]
Rey pressed YES.
Rey continued smashing through the dungeon. One-hit after one-hit, monsters fell like paper.
Eventually, in front of him stood a massive tiger—Level 13.
Rey quickly ducked behind a large rock.
"Level 13? How can I defeat this…?" he whispered.
"I don't even know how long I've been leveling up.
System, show me my stats!"
System displays Stats:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name : REY
Level : 8
Race : Human
Role : Free
Title : Chosen One
Stats :
STR - 30
AGI - 30
SPD - 30
INT - 20
END - 20
MP - 10
________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Level 8? Nice!
I can upgrade my stats again.
System, how many stat points do I have?" Rey asked.
System: After calculations, Host has received 60 stat points. With passive skill active, total is 120 stat points.
"120? Perfect! I can one-hit this tiger.
System, so I get 10 stat points per level?
Maximum level?" Rey asked eagerly.
System: Correct. 10 stat points per level. Maximum level is not yet set. Host can raise your level as high as you desire.
"Hahahaha, so I will be unstoppable for a long time!" Rey laughed.
System: Do not be arrogant. There is always someone above you, Host.
"Relax, I'm just a little arrogant," Rey muttered, grinning.
Rey tapped each stat point, adjusting them to his liking.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name : REY
Level : 8
Race : Human
Role : Free
Title : Chosen One
Stats :
STR - 60
AGI - 45
SPD - 75
INT - 35
END - 35
MP - 10
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
"Now I'm ready.
Time to kill this monster," Rey whispered.
System: Do you wish to open Level-Up packages?
"Not yet, I want to have some fun first," Rey said, stepping forward.
The tiger noticed him and charged. Its fangs gleamed. Rey moved with incredible speed, dodging behind the tiger, grinning.
"Hmmm, you're weak, monster," Rey muttered.
Suddenly, he hit a big rock. The rock cracked.
"What the? SYSTEM, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?" Rey yelled.
System (laughing): Hahahahaha! System warned Host to check all stats, not focus on one stat. Your SPEED is very high, but AGILITY does not match SPEED. That is why Host lost control.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Ughhh!
I don't need to show off my speed!
HEY MONSTER, COME HERE!" Rey shouted.
The tiger lunged, but with one punch, Rey shattered it into a red mist of blood.
"Hahahahaha! I told you, speed doesn't matter! One-hit is enough!" Rey laughed triumphantly.
System (laughing): Hahahahaha! Did hitting the rock hurt?
"System, are you laughing at me?. I need to see if my level increases after killing a Level 13 monster. Show me my stats!" Rey demanded.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name : REY
Level : 10
Race : Human
Role : Free
Title : Chosen One
Stats :
STR - 60
AGI - 45
SPD - 75
INT - 35
END - 35
MP - 10
________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Ermm… good. I have 40 stat points.
Time to adjust AGILITY," Rey muttered, tapping the screen.
Suddenly, a distant cry for help echoed through the dungeon, mixed with the roar of a powerful monster.
Rey paused, his instincts on high alert.
This isn't over yet… he thought.
Something even stronger is coming…
The dungeon's shadows stretched long, and the faint glow of monster eyes appeared in the distance. Rey tightened his grip on his equipment, ready to face whatever awaited him.