Dying Once

Zhen Qi was amused by the system design. The system was created to suit him. It was similar to a smartphone, allowing him to scroll or perform other things but maybe lacking social media. He might have guessed that the creator of the system created it this way since gods originated on Earth.

In the chat panel, he could design his profile however he wanted, whether to remain anonymous, use his real name, or display his god title. However, he chose to remain anonymous since he didn't have any use for chatting other than gathering information. 

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-Divine Dragon in my right hand: Why am I the God of the Rotting Corpse? I am not a dragon! I want to feel the darkness within me and awaken the slumbering dragon inside of me, not a corpse! Why!?

-The Hotdog is Red: Shut up, Chunni. You're still lucky because you can walk. What about me? I was the God of Withered Leaves, and I don't have any skills!

- The History of Monkey: I'm not bragging, but I awakened an A-rank skills, 'Graveyard Bed,' which makes me immune to disease or poison! I can also summon a powerful zombie if I place a strong corpse there! Wahahaha!

-???: Selling Totem of Curse for 10 faiths.

-God of Sorrow: Mom are you there? Is me, Jacob Graham! Mom please answers

-…

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They adapted surprisingly quickly, as if this were just a routine occurrence for them. Of course, not everyone was accustomed to such situations, but that wasn't important at the moment.

Top of Form

The chat panel was filled with gibberish, making it impossible to gather any useful information. Zhen Qi tried to find out about the Void Gates and their locations, but he realized that since they had just been transported, it would take some time for that information to surface, especially considering they were just starting out. However, that wasn't the crucial information he needed at the moment.

He sighed and rose from his seat. Since he couldn't gather any information, he decided to search for the Void Gate and gain faith as soon as possible. He only had three days before the protection would expire, so time was of the essence.

Zhen Qi had been searching for the Void Gate for several hours within his territory, but to no avail. He dared not step outside the protection barrier, as doing so was considered a death sentence. From within, he could see many monsters lurking outside, some of them banging against the barrier like hungry zombies.

Fortunately, he had the protection barrier to keep them out. However, he couldn't fathom what would happen if the barrier were to disappear. He would become the monster's food, his corpse a feast like a hungry family at Christmas. This added more reason for him to put in extra effort in finding the Void Gate as quickly as possible.

What should I do? As he lay on the ground, Zhen Qi gazed up at the two red moons hanging in the sky. Quickly, he looked away, feeling a sense of unease as if two eyeballs were staring deep into him, dissecting every fiber of his being. He felt exposed, like a naked person in the middle of the street. However, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a glistening gate that immediately captured his attention.

"Damn it, I may have the highest divinity and stronger skills, but I can't get out of this place," Zhen Qi grunted. Suddenly, he stood up and cast a determined gaze at the monsters outside. Countless monsters lurked there, some of which he recognized, like the zombies or chimeras. He focused on the most threatening one among them.

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Race: Netherhound 

Level: Rank 2

Skills: Flame breath (E), Hot claw (F), Burning barrier (F)

Description: The territorial race hails from the depths of volcanoes, where they have adapted to their scorching surroundings. They are agile and formidable, with a pack mentality and hierarchical structure similar to wolves. However, unanticipated circumstances forced them to forsake their ancestral homes and seek safety near the Void Gate. Their shift has rendered them extremely deadly, especially to anybody who attempt to enter their newly claimed territory.

Danger Level: 80% (Run)

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The Netherhounds bear a resemblance to wolves but possess larger bodies. Their fur is a vibrant crimson, reminiscent of flames, with tails that flicker and dance like fire in the wind. Each of their claws resembles a newly forged sword, sharp and hot as if just drawn from a fiery forge.

What makes the Netherhounds truly dangerous is not just their appearance, but their sheer numbers. Many of them roam the area, their predatory eyes fixated on potential prey. Despite their intelligence, they recognize that they are unable to harm Zhen Qi, so some of them lie in wait, biding their time for an opportunity to strike. 

"If I'm going to die, then I'll die trying," Zhen Qi mumbled to himself, his determination providing him with the motivation he needed. With a resolute glance at the gate, he pressed forward, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.

The distance between Zhen Qi and the gate wasn't far but reaching it quickly would be challenging with the presence of monsters. He could run unhindered, but navigating through the creatures would slow him down considerably. There was also a single Netherhound lying there. Its frame was larger than a normal Netherhound, but he couldn't see its information since he needed to get close to make it work.

"Again, if I want to die, let me die trying. I don't want to become my past self, always running like a coward. Someone has already given me a chance to change, and I'll take it!" Zhen Qi bolted outside, these words resonating in his mind. Despite the tornado of jumbled thoughts, he was aware of the danger of stepping beyond the protection of the barrier. However, he saw that by using his skills, he might be able to find another way to survive.

Zhen Qi's sudden movement alarmed the Netherhounds and other monsters, causing them to take a step back momentarily. However, as they realized he was just running past them, their hunger overtook their initial caution. With hungry eyes fixed on their prey, they swiftly resumed their pursuit, lunging forward to intercept the human intruder.

Zhen Qi hadn't noticed a creature hidden among the trees until it pounced on him. His instincts shouted, and he looked up just in time to see rows of enormous, sharp teeth spread wide. He quickly darted to the side, but he realized it was too late to evade the blow. With the creature aiming for his head, he raised his right arm to protect himself, braced for the hit. Despite the risk, he did not stop running, desperate to continue.

Despite his speed, the Netherhounds were gaining ground and closing down on Zhen Qi. However, they were not the only monsters pursuing him. Some of the creatures around him began fighting amongst themselves, creating a short distraction that worked in Zhen Qi's favor. However, not all of the monsters were deterred; some continued their persistent pursuit, causing problems for Zhen Qi as he raced forward, his heart beating with desperation.

A sharp agony rushed through Zhen Qi's entire being. He looked down and saw his hand leaking blood from a huge wound where it had been bitten off. Shock swept over him as he grasped the extent of the injuries, but he didn't let it derail his progress. The creature that had bitten his hand had fled into the turmoil, but Zhen Qi continued on, the gate getting closer with each resolute step, despite the agonizing pain.

Just one more. 

A smile of relief spread across Zhen Qi's face as he leaped towards the gate, believing he had finally escaped to safety. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived. Suddenly, everything began to spin around him—the sky, the ground, everyone. No, it wasn't them spinning; it was him. Panic surged through him as he realized he was spinning uncontrollably. Then, in a disorienting blur, he saw his body disappear into the gate, leaving behind only an empty space. As the world steadied around him, he found himself face to face with the large Netherhound, which seemed to awaken as it stood before him. 

"Fuck you!" He cursed vehemently before being swallowed by the engulfing darkness.

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A darkness and then a voice… 

[You died.]

[You met the requirement to use the skill Resurrection (SSS)!]

[Cooldown: 774:00:34 left.]

Instantly, Zhen Qi's eyes snapped open, and he scrambled to his feet. The sensation of dying still lingered, leaving him feeling suffocated by darkness and pain. He slowly stretched his neck, feeling a strange sensation as he realized his body had been severed. The shock of this realization momentarily stunned him, but he quickly regained his composure as he took in his surroundings. He found himself outside, the darkness of night looming over him.

[You have entered the world Aurorith.] 

[The will of the Aurorith has notice you because you have not reached the strength of God, the restriction has been lifted.]

[The quest has been initiated. Completing the quest will give you the right to own the Void Gate of Aurorith.]

[Quest: Beautiful Death] 

[Search for the lost hunter who lost his emotions and give him what true death is.] 

[Reward: Seal of the Aurorith.]

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Name: Aurorith 

Tier: Low Tier Fantasy 

Type: Dark Fantasy 

Description: Aurorith is a bleak world ripped apart by never-ending battles and tormented by frightening monsters hiding in the darkness. Dark sorcery pervades humanity's moral fabric, poisoning hearts, and minds. Hunters relentlessly hunt destinies and emotions that have become lost in the middle of chaos. Commoners work hard just to make ends meet, whereas aristocrats indulge in hedonistic activities. It is a world filled with eternal despair, where darkness and sadness reign supreme.

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