God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 3: Reincarnated Inside the Game

Sunlight cascaded down, making Gabriel's eyelids flutter. A faint heaviness weighed on his lids, as if they had remained shut for an eternity.

Yet the sun's fierce glare—like divine wrath unleashed on the damned—compelled him to gradually pry his eyes open.

Upon doing so, a baffling vista confronted him.

A massive city unfolded before his gaze, dominated by soaring skyscrapers and vehicles—predominantly taxis—darting back and forth amid blaring horns.

Confusion danced in Gabriel's eyes. Deeper bewilderment hit when he spotted a vital detail.

A sight that had previously eluded him.

The clothing... Gabriel's gaze sharpened.

Most everyday folks nearby donned finely forged armor and wielded weapons, poised as if combat could erupt any second.

Next, he examined his own attire.

His garments were wretched! Ripped in countless places—even his stylish sneakers appeared scavenged from a garbage dump.

...which wasn't entirely inaccurate.

But more crucially—

"I reek of cat piss." Gabriel's nose scrunched in revulsion. His face soon settled into composure, though, as he contemplated the bizarre turn of events.

"Why can't I remember anythin—"

Before the thought could fully form, excruciating pain stabbed at Gabriel while a torrent of data inundated his mind.

The agony was overwhelming, with Gabriel sensing a ruthless hammer battering his skull over and over.

Still, his countenance stayed unflinching.

Pain was one ordeal Gabriel knew intimately!

As the torment finally ebbed, Gabriel rose from the dense blanket he'd been sprawled on, his piercing red eyes sweeping the area once more.

"So... she actually did it?" he murmured to himself, his tone laced with joy and astonishment.

Part of him—despite the encounter with the giantess seeming vivid—had dismissed it as mere hopeful delusion.

He had even silently berated himself repeatedly for clinging to such optimism.

It took time for Gabriel to steady his feelings. Whatever ploy the giantess had employed, he vowed to set everything straight this time.

"But rather than returning me to Earth, she tossed me into the game prior to launch," Gabriel observed, eyes narrowing as he added with amused inflection,

"And as a beggar."

He grasped this perfectly.

"Looks like she intends for me to begin at rock bottom."

Gabriel harbored no grievances. Rebirth here was boon enough. Truthfully, this setup suited him—it granted prep time ahead of the player influx. Now, pinpointing his location was key.

Judging by the city's contemporary vibe, Gabriel concluded he'd respawned in the human Kingdom of Valeria's Royal Capital—Stellar City.

Precisely, he occupied the Ares District, home to the Adventurer Guild. Ten districts comprised the capital, each christened after zodiac symbols.

Unlike typical games, Realm of Ascension featured a polished modern aesthetic fusing high-tech with medieval flair. This hook captivated players weary of endless horse treks and primitive dwellings lacking plumbing or power.

"That aside, I must freshen up."

Gabriel stank so profoundly he marveled at the resilient—and isolated—flies daring to land on him.

With deliberate strides, he neared a fountain crowned by a majestic bear statue, paws extended commandingly. His reflection gleamed back from the pristine water.

Gazing at him was a 6'3" crimson-haired young man with innate black highlights, scruffy beard, and captivating yet fearsome deep-set electric blue eyes that enthralled and chilled.

This... matched his past life's visage precisely!

Admittedly, this iteration looked worn, but Gabriel attributed it to his disheveled look and gaunt frame.

Gym sessions would aid, yet the prime fix now was gaining levels.

Regarding progression—

Gabriel uttered: "Status."

[STATUS WINDOW]

Name: Gabriel Reyes

Level: 0

Class: Classless

Title: None

HP: 100/100

MP: 50

BM: 90%

Talent: God-Tier Extraction!

EP(Extraction Points): 5

[STATS]

Strength: 5

Agility: 10

Perception: 10

Intelligence: 5

Available SP: 0

[SKILLS]

(None)

[INVENTORY]

(None)

...

After scrutinizing his sorry stats for a solid minute, Gabriel exhaled and muttered, "Freshen up first... then locate a hotel."

He rummaged in his pocket yet discovered no cash whatsoever.

"Now that's starting from absolute zero." A wry grin crossed his lips. Moments later, his gaze shifted to his former spot, spotting several bills in a bowl.

Gabriel's eyes sparkled like constellations, prompting him to dash back and snatch the funds. But as he claimed his presumed begging haul, he noticed a young girl eyeing him nearby.

She appeared six or seven, trembling beneath a filthy blanket—her sole shield.

Gabriel sighed at the sight. In his former life, he'd have overlooked her. But realizing these inhabitants were as real as he was now shifted his perspective.

He dropped two bills into her bowl, gave her head a gentle pat, and departed wordlessly.

The girl stared after him, eyes wide. Her lips parted and shut, words failing her. Ultimately, tears streamed down her face.

"Hmm, a hotel for cleanup likely runs ten dollars... and that's exactly what I've got."

Gabriel crunched the numbers swiftly, noting Adventurer Guild registration fee at five dollars. Even bargain hourly rooms started at ten bucks.

This boiled down to one path: hotel bath first, then beg or labor for guild fees.

Alternatively... head directly to the Adventurer Guild despite his stench.

Gabriel mulled both in under five seconds, opting for the direct route.

"My bloodlust gauge is maxed—who can predict when it drops?"

Shortly after, Gabriel reached the Adventurer Guild.

But right as he neared the entrance, an incident unfolded.

* * *