I couldn't even begin to imagine why that creature ignored me. Am I so small that I’m not even worth the effort? To me, that’s fine; that way, I have nothing to worry about. Suddenly, I felt the ground vibrate; it was slight at first, but it gradually intensified.

  What could it be? Is there an earthquake happening? It grew more intense, and the sound of heavy stomping began to be heard. I looked in the direction the demon dog had come from. Everything was dark and I couldn’t see well; I focused my vision and spotted a giant silhouette in the distance. It was massive, like a house moving rapidly, destroying everything in its path. It was coming right toward where I was. Holy shit! I ran and hid in some bushes; I hope it doesn't detect me.

  The footsteps grew louder, and before I knew it, that thing was right in front of me. I covered my mouth to prevent any noise and held my breath. I could see it a little: it was giant, as big as a two-story building. That was all I could distinguish; the darkness was absolute and left the rest to the imagination.

  The beast continued on its way and didn't see me. I slumped to the ground, letting out all my fear in a sigh; my breathing became heavy. What the hell was that monster? Is it alone, or are there more like it?

  The smell of blood it left behind was palpable and nauseating. The destruction was devastating; trees that seemed giant to me were now on the ground due to the strength of that animal. Immediately, I thought of my parents. Is that why they hadn't returned? Had they been eaten? My mind told me to hide, but I was worried about them.

  What the fuck should I do? Am I even obligated to go? Why do I care so much about these parents if I barely know them? Besides, I’m just a baby; I couldn't even touch that thing. I am so vulnerable.

  All my doubts vanished when letters appeared in my sight.

  [Side Quest Active]

  [Find the whereabouts of your progenitors and save them]

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  [Reward: Current penalty will be nullified]

  [Failure: An additional penalty will be applied]

  What the hell are they asking of me? This is too much for me. My hand began to tremble; I guess it’s the stress... or maybe it’s that animal instinct thing.

  —I’m screwed. How am I going to face that thing?— I said as I sat down.

  Then, a sinister voice made itself present directly in my head.

  —Are you truly that afraid?

  I tensed up. Another voice was speaking to me, but it wasn't the System’s; this one sounded different—deeper, almost human.

  —Who are you? Why do you sound different?— I questioned, looking everywhere.

  —That doesn't matter. Do you need help?

  I couldn't trust another mysterious being.

  —Maybe,— I replied cautiously, —but what do you ask in return? Nothing is free.

  —What good intuition you have; you aren't that stupid. You’re right, there is something I need in order to help you: A PART OF YOUR BODY.— That last phrase sounded loaded with static, echoing with a painful force.

  I froze. I knew I needed strength to complete the mission, but I couldn't trust someone who wanted to collect my own organs or limbs. Damn it, there had to be another way. I couldn't accept a blind deal without knowing what part of me I would lose.

  —I’m going to decline, but thanks for the offer,— I said firmly.

  —Your loss, Frido.

  The voice faded away, leaving me alone in the darkness with an impossible mission and a new mystery in my head.

  That name... I hadn't heard it in a lifetime. How could that being know who I was before I was this mass of flesh and fur? How did it know who I was before I was Samuel?

  I snapped back to reality and tried to put my head in order. The System had never given me an impossible mission—though, technically, it was only the second one I had received—but I couldn't just give up and die. If the mission was active, it was because a possibility existed, however minimal. Besides, if I complete it, the penalty will go away.

  The first thing was to locate my parents. If that monster came from somewhere, it most likely crossed paths with them. I had to be extremely cautious; a single mistake and I’d end up dead again, and I wasn't sure how many more chances this world would give me.

  I stood up and proceeded to walk with my senses on alert, following the trail the animal had left in its wake. I decided to go in the opposite direction of its escape, following the path where the giant had appeared. If my parents were in trouble, they would be at some point along that route.

  The forest felt more oppressive than ever, and every sound or sight kept me on maximum alert. But I have to be grateful to the only creatures that were kind to me; I have to save them.

  Starving and terrified to the bone, I set out on my way.