NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 1: Rebirth and The System.
Chris Valentine woke up to the sight of a brilliant blue sky stretching endlessly above him. The warmth of the sun bathed his face, and the distant crash of waves echoed in his ears. He sat up slowly, the faint scent of saltwater filling his lungs. He was on a grassy hill near the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.
For a moment, he was disoriented.
"Where… am I?"
And then it hit him—a cascade of memories, not just from this life, but from another. Chris clutched his head as two distinct lives collided in his mind. He was no ordinary 13-year-old. He remembered his past life vividly—a life on modern Earth, where killing was taboo, violence was frowned upon, and people believed in justice and order.
But he also remembered this life—growing up on Whale Island. An orphan raised by the villagers, he had spent his days fishing, helping Mito-san with chores, and befriending the energetic, wild boy named Gon Freecss.
Two lifetimes, one mind.
Just as he began to steady his thoughts, a mechanical voice echoed in his head.
[Welcome, Chris Valentine. You have been reincarnated in the world of Hunter x Hunter. To aid your survival and growth, the Universal System has been integrated into your soul.]
Chris froze. A system? Like the ones in the RPGs he used to play?
Before he could question it, a translucent blue screen materialized before him.
[System Integration Complete]
[Name: Chris Valentine]
[Age: 13]
[Starting Location: Whale Island]
[Background: Orphan raised on Whale Island. Known for adaptability, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic.]
[Special Ability: Adaptive Evolution]
(Rapidly learns and evolves under pressure. No limit to growth potential.)
[Starting Skills:]
Basic Survival Skills (Lv. 3)
Hand-to-Hand Combat (Lv. 2)
Fishing Expertise (Lv. 3)
Aura Sensitivity (Locked)
Killing Intent Awareness (Locked)
Chris stared at the screen, a mixture of awe and confusion washing over him. Adaptive Evolution? He didn't fully understand what that meant, but the phrase "no limit to growth potential" stood out.
"This… this world," Chris whispered, "it's not like Earth. It's dangerous. Ruthless. People kill to survive here."
The memories from his 13 years on Whale Island painted a peaceful life, but he knew better. Beyond the island's serene shores was a world filled with assassins, beasts, and battles where only the strong survived.
And the memories from Earth only made it worse. On Earth, he had believed in the value of life. But here, weakness was a death sentence.
His thoughts were interrupted by a new notification.
[New Quest: Integrate into Whale Island Society]
Objective: Strengthen your bond with the villagers and prepare for the world beyond.
Rewards: Unlock Aura Sensitivity, 500 System Points.
[Optional Sub-Quest: Learn to Kill]
Objective: Understand the necessity of killing to survive. Experience the weight of taking a life.
Rewards: Killing Intent Awareness Unlocked, 1000 System Points, Mental Fortitude Boost.
Chris felt a chill run down his spine. Learn to kill? The idea made his stomach churn.
He clenched his fists. "I… I don't want to kill anyone."
But deep down, he knew the system wasn't wrong. This wasn't Earth. Mercy was a luxury he couldn't afford if he wanted to survive.
The sound of footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Gon Freecss, a small boy of 10, running toward him with a bright smile on his face.
"There you are, Chris!" Gon called out, waving enthusiastically. "I've been looking for you! Do you want to go fishing with me? I found a great spot today!"
Chris felt a pang of guilt as he looked at Gon. The boy was so innocent, so untouched by the cruelty of the world. But Chris knew what awaited him—danger, pain, and loss.
"Sure, Gon," Chris said, forcing a smile. "Let's go."
Gon grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the shore. As they walked, Chris felt the weight of his new reality settle on his shoulders. He wasn't just an orphan from Whale Island anymore. He was someone with knowledge of the future and a system designed to make him the strongest.
[New Sub-Quest: Befriend Gon Freecss]
Objective: Deepen your relationship with Gon.
Rewards: 300 System Points, Access to Gon's Training Routine.
Chris sighed inwardly. "This system really doesn't let up, does it?"
As they reached the water, Gon handed him a fishing rod, and the two of them began to fish in silence. Chris stole a glance at Gon, who was humming happily to himself.
"Gon," Chris began hesitantly, "have you ever thought about what it's like out there? Beyond Whale Island?"
Gon looked up, his eyes shining with excitement. "Of course! I want to become a Hunter, like my dad. I want to see everything the world has to offer!"
Chris's chest tightened. Gon had no idea what becoming a Hunter truly meant—the bloodshed, the sacrifices, the cruelty.
"I see," Chris said softly.
As they continued fishing, Chris resolved to prepare himself. He would adapt to this world, no matter how much he had to change. He would protect himself and Gon from the dangers ahead.
But to do that, he would have to make peace with something he had always avoided: the reality of taking a life..
Leave Comment For Further Improvement.