The One Branch of The Tree

I died in a very unheroic way. Not saving someone, not fighting a villain, not getting hit by a truck like most isekai protagonists.

I died of exhaustion after staying up three nights in a row for schoolwork. I drank too much coffee and then passed out on the way home. It was truly embarrassing.

The last thing I remember was the sound of a horn, blurry vision, and then darkness. I thought it was all over, but it wasn't. When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a vast white room, marble floors, golden pillars, and a ceiling that never seemed to end.

Around me were many familiar faces-about thirty of my classmates. They were all wearing the same high school uniform and all looked confused.

"What happened?"

"Where are we?!"

"I had an accident earlier"

The atmosphere was starting to get tense, and I rubbed my temples. So it wasn't just me, it was the whole class? Great, if this was a prank, the cost would be outrageous.

Suddenly, a golden light descended from above, plunging the entire room into silence. A tall figure appeared, clad in a golden-white robe, his features too perfect to be human, his long silver hair, his holy aura, and his presence clearly divine.

He looked at us with a calm expression.

"Welcome." His voice echoed throughout the room.

"You have died in the original world."

Some people immediately panicked. Some cried, some got angry, and some were in denial. The standard human response to bad news, I just sighed.

Okay. Dead. Makes sense. The god continued.

"You are chosen to be reincarnated into a new world."

That sentence made everyone freeze. Then the room exploded.

"SERIOUSLY?!"

"Is it really possible?!"

"GOOD GRIEF!"

Some of the boys actually seemed excited, truly a fast-adapting species. Dewa raised his hand, and everyone fell silent again.

"In the new world, you will receive classes and blessings."

Well, now everyone was really focused. Light screens appeared in front of us one by one, much like a game's status system. Fascinating.

The gods began to call out names.

"Kevin." My friend stepped forward, the light coming down.

A notification appears.

Class: Flame Knight

The room immediately became excited.

"WOOOAH!"

"Crazy!" Kevin laughed out loud.

"Good!"

Next.

"Sinta." Class: Saint Healer

Again the voice of amazement.

"Reno." Class: Thunder Spearman

"Alia." Class: Spirit Mage

More and more cool classes are appearing, like swordmaster, elementalist, paladin, assassin, beast tamer, and necromancer. The gods seem especially generous today. Everyone is getting more and more excited, their faces filled with anticipation of adventure, power, and new worlds. It's like every fantasy lover's dream, and then my name is called.

"Raka." I stepped forward,

All eyes were on me. Okay, time to see my fate. The light descended, warm. The status appeared. I read it and froze.

Class: One Tree Trunk

...

I blinked once, twice and still the same.

One Tree Trunk

The room was silent for a few seconds. Then

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The laughter erupted so loudly, so unempathetic, Kevin even slapped his thigh.

"What is that?!"

"Tree stalk?!"

"Not a Tree Mage or a Druid?"

"Literal stalk?!"

Even some of the usually quiet ones laughed. Amazing, school friendships are so fragile. I stared at the screen in my hand, and something appeared. A small stalk, really just a single stalk, about a foot long and a dull brown color. No aura, no effect, nothing. Just a single tree stalk? I stared at the god.

Seriously?

Is it true?

This?

Dewa just stared at me expressionlessly, not helping at all. Kevin approached with a grin.

"Bro, is your weapon for sweeping?" Laughter again.

I sighed.

"Funny."

"Thank you for your contribution." He laughed even more.

God spoke again.

"Class doesn't always determine the future."

Ah yes, the standard motivational line, usually appearing when someone is clearly having a bad outcome, not very convincing.

Everyone began to be led to the portal one by one. Before I entered, I saw many stares. Some mocking, some pitying, some thinking I was finished.

Interesting, how quickly humans judge others. I gripped the handle in my hand. Okay, if this is my class, I'll figure out how to use it, or at least hit someone creatively.

The portal opened, light enveloped my body, and my vision darkened for a moment, before I emerged into a new place: a forest. Large trees, cool air, the scent of wet earth, birds chirping in the distance-a fantasy world confirmed. Several classmates appeared not far from me. Everyone looked around in awe, but upon seeing me, their expressions changed. Kevin grinned, and trouble quickly arrived.

"Hey, Raka."

His tone was unpleasant. I looked at him.

"What is it?"

Kevin crossed his arms.

"We had a little discussion."

"You're a burden." Direct. Efficient. Brutal.

I chuckled.

"Wow. Your villain adaptation is fast."

One of my friends stepped forward.

"We can't bring people with trash class."

"The monsters here are definitely dangerous."

"If you come along, you'll just be a burden."

Honestly? It makes sense, but the way it's delivered is still annoying.

"I didn't ask to come with you," I replied.

I thought that was enough, but it wasn't. Kevin shook his head.

"That's not enough."

Oh? I squinted.

"Explain."

Kevin's smile widened.

"We don't know if resources will be limited."

"It would be safer if the problem was resolved now."

The room immediately felt colder as I looked at them one by one. There were about six of them, and some seemed to agree, even not hiding their intentions. It was incredible, just an hour into the new world and there was already a murder plot, rapid progress.

"I understand now," I said softly.

Kevin laughed.

"Good."

He drew his sword, flames blazing on the blade. Flame Knight, of course.

"Any last words?"

I gripped my handlebars, my heart beating fast. The situation was dire, but I was oddly calm. A little angry, a little disappointed, but mostly cold, so this is how my classmates are. People stay the same, even if the world changes, but not the people. I smiled faintly.

"Yes." Everyone waited.

I looked at them carefully, memorizing their faces one by one, and then said.

"I will remember this."

Kevin's expression changed slightly, perhaps he didn't like my tone. Good, he attacked me, turned around, and ran into the forest.

"CHASE HIM!" A shout was heard behind him.

The small stick in my hand felt so light, so weak, so useless or maybe I just didn't know how to use it yet.

As I ran, a tree branch hit me in the face, a root almost making me fall. The sound of footsteps grew closer, they were chasing me seriously, they really wanted to kill me.

Interesting, well, if this is how the world is meant to start, I'll play by the rules. I'll survive, I'll thrive, and one day they'll regret this decision, very much.

In my hand the small stalk suddenly throbbed very slowly as if responding to my emotions, I looked down.

What? Then a notification appears.

Skill unlocked: Devour Root

I smiled for the first time. Oh, so you're not completely trash. Interesting, I continued running deeper into the dark forest, and before I knew it, my first steps towards becoming a real monster had just begun.

[END CHAPTER 1]

I continued running through the forest, my breath becoming heavy. My feet felt hot, and tree branches whipped at my face and arms, leaving thin scratches.

Behind me, I could still hear the sound of footsteps. They were really chasing me, not to scare me, not just to chase me away; they were intent on killing me.

I chuckled amidst my ragged breath.

"Great."

"Just moved to another world, and already made an enemy."

When I think about it, my life has consistently not been about giving tutorials. Kevin's voice came from behind.

"DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!"

It was so noisy, I jumped over a fallen tree trunk, almost slipping on the slippery ground. Damn, this body did feel a little stronger than it used to be, but I was still no athlete.

I glanced around and saw three people at the front approaching. Kevin, Reno, and a kid named Dimas, the Archer. The annoying combo of fire, lightning, and arrows was not good for my long-term health.

"Shoot him!" Kevin shouted.

The sound of the bowstring being pulled was heard, my reflex moved, I dropped my body to the side.

HAPPY!

An arrow whizzed past my cheek, dangerously close. I rolled to the ground and immediately got back up. Okay, they're serious! I gritted my teeth. If this kept up, I'd be caught, and if I was? It was over. No save points, no respawns. I had to find a quick way to glance at my status.

Name: Raka

Class: One Tree Branch

Level: 1

Skill:

Devour Root (New)

It's just one skill, and I don't even know how it works yet. It's great, a truly hardcore game. I tried to focus on that skill, and as soon as I thought about it, the information would automatically appear.

Devour Root

The ability to absorb the essence of targets that have been killed by the user.

Effect:

Absorbing some attributes

Absorb some energy

Chance of acquiring certain traits

I almost stopped. What? I reread it. Absorbing the power of the target I killed? My eyes widened slightly. Okay, this isn't weak, this isn't weak at all, this is absurd and broken. It doesn't make any sense.

There's only one problem: I have to kill something first, preferably something weaker than me.

Second problem: I don't know if there is anything weaker than me, a very extraordinary situation.

As the footsteps drew closer, I turned sharply into a darker area. The deeper I went, the denser the trees became, the ground became rougher, and the air felt colder. It was strange: the birds' voices began to fade, and the forest felt different-it wasn't normal.

But perhaps this was my chance; dangerous areas usually make normal people hesitate. Unfortunately, Kevin didn't seem so normal.

"He went deeper!"

"Chase!"

The amateur killer's dedication was remarkable, and I finally arrived in a more open area. A small depression was filled with a thin mist, tree roots crawling everywhere, and something was moving in the middle.

I stopped immediately. A monster? Finally, the creature was small, about the size of a dog, with a body like a mix of a wolf and a lizard, with gray skin, red eyes, too many teeth, and frankly, it was unpleasant to look at.

A notification appears.

Gray Fang Cub Lv.1

I almost smiled. Level 1? Perfect. The monster also saw me, letting out a low, aggressive growl. Good, we need each other. I gripped my branch. It still felt absurd that my first weapon was just a tree branch.

The monster lunged at me faster than I expected, and I reflexively dodged to the left. Its claws barely grazed my arm.

"Ah, damn!"

I quickly retreated, and the monster turned around, ready to attack again. Okay, my focus was lighter than before, and my reflexes felt better. It was probably a new world effect, or adrenaline mode. The monster attacked a second time, and this time I waited a little longer.

NOW.

I twisted my body to avoid it and hit the monster's head with my branch.

TOK.

...

It was quiet, I stared at the branch, the monster stared at me, we both looked offended.

"That's embarrassing," I said.

The monster looked angry. I agreed. The attack barely did any damage, but at least I learned something. My strength was pathetic, so I had to get creative. The monster charged again. I retreated behind a tree. The monster chased after me, just as it circled the trunk. I stabbed a branch into its eye.

SQUELCH.

The monster screamed, a critical attack, and finally, I couldn't wait, I stabbed again and again. A wild, inelegant, uncool move, just a survival move, but it worked.

After a few seconds the monster finally fell, its body stopped moving. Silent, I was panting, my hands were shaking, I had just killed something.

For the first time, the feeling was... strange. There was no heroism, no drama, just relief. Then, the stalk in my hand glowed a faint green. Small roots sprouted from its surface, piercing the monster's body. I instinctively recoiled.

"What else now?"

The roots absorbed something from the monster's corpse, and a thin stream of light flowed up the branches and into my body. Warm energy flowed throughout my body, my fatigue lessened, and my wounds healed slightly.

A notification appears.

Gray Fang Cub has been absorbed

Strength +1

Agility +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 2 reached.

I widened my eyes.

"Oh this is crazy."

Not only can I absorb it but the effect is immediate and real, I feel my body a little stronger, a little faster, my heart beats faster not because of fear but because of enthusiasm.

I looked at the stalk, its shape had changed slightly, just a little. The surface of the stalk looked darker, harder, and sharper at the tip-a small improvement, still ugly, but promising.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard. Oh, right, I wasn't alone. Kevin and the others appeared from behind the trees. They stopped when they saw the monster carcass and me still alive. Kevin narrowed his eyes.

"You killed that?"

I smiled a little.

"Yes."

Kevin didn't seem to like seeing me calm. Good. Reno took a step forward.

"I'm done playing around."

A small bolt of lightning appeared in his palm. Oh, good, the battle royale continues. I gripped the pole tighter. I was now level 2, still weak but no longer helpless, and most importantly, I knew this class wasn't trash. This class was a monster, I just needed time. Kevin drew his sword, and flames erupted.

"Kill him."

Five people started moving I smiled faintly.

"Okay."

I take a position.

"If you keep insisting..."

My gaze swept over them one by one.

"...I'm going to start thinking of you guys as resources."

Their expressions changed slightly. Good, let's start the real game.

[END CHAPTER 2]

My sentence made them silent for a split second, only a split second but enough to see the change in their expressions. Kevin just frowned, Reno narrowed his eyes, and Dimas looked a little doubtful.

Well, a little psychological pressure never hurt then Kevin laughed out loud in disdain.

"Look at him."

"Just killing a level 1 monster already makes me feel strong."

His friends smiled sarcastically, it was strange how consistently humans underestimated things they didn't understand. I gripped my shaft tighter, though it felt a little different now, more solid, still like a shaft, but with a warm, flowing sensation within it, as if it were slowly coming to life.

Kevin raised his sword the fire burned brighter.

"I'm getting bored."

He looked at me with a faint smile.

"Just end it."

Reno raised his hand, a small bolt of lightning gathering in his palm, and Dimas drew his bow. Three against one, not counting the two others behind him.

Bad odds but now I have at least one chance of escape or mess but I choose a combination of both.

"Arrow!" Kevin shouted.

Dimas shoots.

SWIING!

The arrow flew fast, I moved sideways more easily than before, the +1 agility really felt. Good, the arrow missed and stuck in the tree trunk, Reno attacked next, a small lightning bolt shot out like a bullet, I jumped back.

HANDS!

The ground where I was standing exploded slightly, okay, I didn't want to get hit by that. Kevin quickly advanced with his sword, slashing horizontally, flames cutting through the air. I ducked, the heat sweeping across my hair too close. I stabbed the handle towards his stomach, but Kevin easily deflected it.

"Slowly." he said.

I agree it's very slow, but that's not the main goal. I backed away, observing the surrounding trees, large roots, fog, and fairly complex terrain. Good, if it were a pure stats duel, I'd lose. But if I could exploit the environment? There was still hope.

Kevin chased again more aggressively but overconfidently a classic mistake, he slashed from above I rolled to the right then his sword hit a large tree root getting stuck for a split second enough, I hit his hand with the stem.

TOK.

Kevin twitched not in damage more to offend, he looked increasingly annoyed, worth it.

"Damn it!"

He drew his sword, then Reno attacked again with lightning. I ran in a zigzag motion, a small explosion appearing behind me. Dimas fired two arrows in quick succession. I took cover behind a tree, and the arrow landed, almost hitting my shoulder. Okay, the scenario was still bad, I just needed one kill, one weak target, and then more.

My eyes glanced at the two people behind Kevin, they hadn't advanced much just being more nervous and more hesitant supporters, ideal targets, I took a breath the decision had been made.

Kevin attacked again, this time I didn't back down, I charged straight at him. Kevin looked a little surprised, his sword thrust straight at me. I twisted my body, almost dodging, but the tip of the sword grazed the side of my stomach, stinging, warm, and bleeding.

But I managed to get into his blind spot, I pushed Kevin's body to the side and ran past him.

"What?!" he shouted.

The target changed, I immediately headed towards one of the kids behind Rafi, his class was a support type not too combat oriented, his expression panicked.

"Oh wait"

There was no time, I hit his chin with the stick, he staggered, I swept his legs until he fell, I immediately stabbed his neck.

My movements stopped for a split second my old human last thoughts tried to resist but only for a split second.

Too late, the stab had already penetrated. Rafi froze, his eyes wide, and his body stopped moving. Silence, one second, two seconds, everyone froze in shock. Great, I just killed the first human, and it turned out to be much more effective than talking.

A notification appears.

Human target slain

Devour Root activated.

Absorption possible.

Roots emerged from the branches and pierced Rafi's body, energy far greater than the monster's flowed into my body, hot, strong, brutal, I gritted my teeth.

Spam notification.

Strength +2

Agility +2

Mana +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 3 reached.

Level 4 reached.

Trait acquired:

Minor Mana Sense

I slowly lifted my head, my body feeling lighter, stronger, and much better. Oh, the scalability is amazing. Kevin took a half step back, his expression completely changed, no longer one of disdain, but now of fear. Good.

"What was that?" someone whispered.

I turned the handle in my hand, the surface changing again, now with small spikes growing on the sides, the shape becoming rougher, more like a weapon, this progress. Kevin looked at Rafi's corpse, then at me.

"Monster." he said softly.

I laughed a little funny just five minutes ago they wanted to kill me, now things have turned so interesting, I stared at them.

"Weren't you the ones who started it?"

No one answered. Dimas took a step back, and the other looked pale. The momentum had shifted, and they knew it. Kevin gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with conflict, fear, anger, and ego-a terrible mix-but finally he shouted.

"KILL HIM!"

Ah still denying to honor the commitment, they attacked again but this time it was different, I was already level 4 the difference in stats was noticeable.

I dodged the arrows more easily then dodged the lightning and got into close range Reno hit, stab, attack, kill.

The real battle had just begun and for the first time since coming to this world I was starting to feel like I had a chance not to survive but to win.

[END CHAPTER 3]