Draven blinked and tried to adjust to the sudden light. Looking around, he was surprised.
The cell wasn't what he expected at all. It was more like a wooden cabin—a single room with sturdy walls and a simple door.
It didn't feel cold or damp. Instead, it was cozy like it was built long ago.
'What kind of jail is this? Feels more like a weird Airbnb.'
They had also untied the ropes around his wrists.
Draven imdiately flexed his hands and rolled his shoulders.
"What's your na?" the woman asked. Her voice was calm now.
He extended his hand for a handshake. "Draven Faulx... 27 and single, if you're wondering. And... you?" He replied with a grin.
The woman sighed. She was clearly unimpressed and did not bother to shake his hand or answer him.
"Show your I.D."
"I.D.?"
Draven patted all his pockets. "I don't think I brought it with ."
The woman raised her palm toward Draven.
"STATUS!"
A translucent green screen flickered to life above her hand.
The symbols and text hovered in the air like a hologram. And it cast a faint light on her face.
"Show yours," she demanded. Her eyes were locked on him.
Draven stared at the screen, blinking in confusion.
'What the hell is this? I think I already heard this Status sowhere.''
Draven has no idea about reincarnation or transmigration or whatever. He has not watched ani too much in his old life.
Still feeling off-balance, Draven hesitated for a second before straightening up.
"STATUS!"
He mimicked her exact tone as he was unsure what else to do.
The woman's gaze sharpened as she waited for his screen to appear.
For a split second, the entire room lit up like a flash of lightning had gone off inside.
Everyone instinctively squinted against the brightness. And when the light faded, a green screen like the woman's floated in front of Draven.
It was simple. His full na, age, and gender were displayed in plain, glowing text:
[Draven Faulx, 27, Male.
Race: 100% Human Blood
Class: Unknown
Abilities: (Locked: Ability currently unknown) ]
A smile tugged at the corners of Draven's mouth.
"Wow, look at that—we've got matching screens. I'm pretty sure this ans we're destined for each other," he said, winking at her.
But the woman didn't return the smile.
Instead, her brows furrowed.
"Status." The man standing by the exit door pulled out his green I.D. and shrugged his shoulders while glancing at Draven.
"Oh, so everyone here has that." Draven's head hung with disappointnt.
anwhile, the woman's gaze was still fixed on Draven's I.D.
"What is the aning of this? I thought it was him..."
---
In the middle of the forest stood a large tent hidden among towering trees.
Inside, wooden chairs were arranged in a circle and fire crackled quietly.
"Mother Venice, are you certain he is the chosen one sent by the gods?" asked the beautiful woman who had spoken to Draven.
Mother Venice was a respected elder and shaman in the village. She communicated with God and made important decisions for the village.
"Naisha, do you think I would lie about the vision God has shown ?"
"No! I never thought you were lying. I'm just saying Mother, that are we sure that man was really sent to us by God?"
"But it's no coincidence that I was shown that a man would be sent to the forest. A man appeared right where the gods directed ."
"He looks weak and is not reliable. Besides, he has a Verdant I.D."
The eting room erupted in murmurs at the ntion of the Verdant I.D.
In addition to Mother Venice and Naisha, the elders also t with them.
"If he is like us, how can he save us?"
Everyone agreed.
"Even us, as Verdant I.D.s, were powerless against those with abilities. How much less could that guy do?"
In this world, a person's status depends on the color of their I.D.
There were five types of I.D.
The Luminous I.D. was the strongest.
Its white screen was known for taking down rank S monsters or beasts, thanks to its rare and powerful skills.
Next ca the Crimson I.D., with unmatched offensive skills. Its screen glowed a deep, blood-red.
Then there was the Azure I.D. which is more on defense. Its screen shone a cool, steady blue.
Then, there was the Terra I.D. for commoners. The abilities were nothing to brag about. They were just basic skills useful in daily activities.
And at the bottom?
The Verdant I.D.
Those with no abilities at all.
Useless.
God's unfavored.
They even called it the "Slave Identification."
"So what do we do now if he has no abilities?" asked an elder in the eting.
"I don't know God's plan or how He will act. We just need to have faith," Mother Venice said. "For now, let's postpone any decisions about him while I seek another vision from God tonight."
"Dismissed."
Since it was late, everyone left the tent, including Naisha.
---
"Sister Naisha! Sister Naisha!" the kids yelled, racing toward her with uncontained excitent.
Naisha smiled and spread her arms to welco the children, hugging the two boys tightly.
"Why are you still awake? Were you good to your auntie?"
"Don't worry, these two are very obedient," their auntie said as she walked toward them.
Naisha patted them on the head.
"That's good. As I promised, here's a toy for you." She handed them a wooden human statue.
"Yehey!" the two boys happily took the toy.
"How did your mission go? Did you et the Chosen One?" the aunt asked as they walked behind the kids. "Can we finally get out of our situation?"
With a heavy sigh, Naisha replied, "I doubt it."
"Why, what happened?"
"He's just like us, with a Verdant I.D. And he's a perverted idiot. He seed unreliable and worthless."
Her aunt chuckled softly.
"Sounds like you two are already close, judging by your tone."
"What? He's so rude. There's nothing good about him."
As she tried to recall his actions, she rembered when he suddenly kissed her.
"Grr.. I hate him!" she said while rubbing her lips.
"Okay, if you say so."
"Whatever. I'm hungry, Auntie. Let us eat."
"Ok, ok."
---
At Draven's cell...
Mother Venice arrived, her frail fra draped in layers of weathered cloth.
Trailing behind her were two of her guards.
Their clothes were as plain as could be, brown tunics and worn-out boots that seed ready to give out any second.
She gestured to them to give Draven what they had brought.
They handed him a blanket, a pillow, and a bowl of food.
"Well, this is... charming madam," Draven said with a smirk. Then he held up the blanket.
"I don't think I've ever seen a blanket so thin, I could probably read through it. But hey, at least it matches the pillow."
He patted the cushion and chuckled.
Then he glanced at the stew, swirling the bowl a little, watching the vegetable bits bob around.
"Looks like soone worked hard on this. Thanks," he said. "Really. I appreciate it."
"You must be shocked and tired. Eat and rest first," Mother Venice said.
Her weathered face softened into a small, knowing smile.
Draven eyed her for a mont, then tilted his head.
"Who are you, madam?"
"Sorry for the late introduction. You can call the head chief."
"So, you're the boss around here?"
He gave a quick nod as if ntally filing that away.
"Alright then. What's the plan for , madam? Are you guys the Verdant people?"
Suddenly the two guards who were with Mother Venice point their short swords at Draven.
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