Heavenly Unbound [A LitRPG System Survival]

Lilia POV

I finished my work as the guide for the first phase of the Trial. Now, all I had to do was wait for a week while the participants found their way to the tutorial town. It was usually a straightforward process, but this time, the participants from planet Earth were... peculiar.

There was someone who managed to resist the restraints and wake up before the arranged time—a feat that shouldn't have been possible. It was likely due to some strange, unique trait, though such anomalies weren't entirely unheard of. Still, it was rare.

As I reflected on it, I realized this planet itself was unusual. Its physical laws were remarkably well-developed, far more advanced than most worlds I'd guided before. The last time she encountered a planet with such advanced technology was over a thousand years ago, long before she became a tutorial guide.

Her experience told her that a planet like this, so rich in records, held immense potential and opportunity. The more records a planet possessed, the more wonders it could manifest once it finished its transformation. She felt a twinge of excitement at the thought—there was opportunity here, no doubt about it.

But one thing puzzled her: the location of this planet. Even if she asked the participants, they wouldn't know. It wasn't their place to understand the grander workings of the cosmos. She paused for a moment, considering how she might uncover the secret of Earth's position in the grand web of existence.

With a quiet hum of curiosity, she resolved to keep watching. This trial, and this planet, promised to be far more interesting than most.

"Lilia!"

A small blue fairy zoomed through the air, colliding with Lilia and wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Stop this, Cecilia!" Lilia exclaimed, struggling against the overly enthusiastic embrace.

Cecilia giggled, her translucent wings fluttering as she spun in the air. "I missed you! You've been stuck in tutorial worlds for almost a century now! Do you even remember what fresh air feels like?"

Lilia sighed, brushing off her friend's clinginess. "It couldn't be helped. I need more Soul Points to buy the Tier 7 Fairy Light. Once I have it, I can finally ascend to Tier 7!"

Cecilia frowned, crossing her arms. "Why are you in such a rush? Even if you didn't push yourself so hard, you'd still reach Tier 7 eventually. You're young, Lilia. You've got plenty of time!"

Lilia's expression darkened slightly, her voice firm. "I'm not satisfied waiting around like the rest of the fairy tribe. We waste so much potential! If we worked harder, we could have more god-tier beings. Then no one could bully us as they do now."

Her tone carried a sharp edge, and Cecilia's cheerful expression softened. She knew what fueled Lilia's drive—the memory of their home planet's enslavement by demons. For centuries, Lilia had carried the weight of that suffering, a scar etched deep into her soul.

The silence hung between them until Lilia finally spoke again, her voice tinged with bitterness. "You know what would happen if the system hadn't intervened. Without their protection, we'd still be slaves—or worse."

Cecilia nodded solemnly, her usual brightness dimmed. "I know... I know all too well. But I just wish things were different. Everyone's so focused on working now. No one plays or laughs like we used to. It's lonely."

The wistfulness in her voice tugged at Lilia's heart. She wanted to comfort her friend, but before she could speak, Cecilia's face lit up again.

"Oh! I just remembered!" Cecilia exclaimed, twirling mid-air. "Do you want to see the human babies I've been taking care of? They're so cute! Their souls are as clear as glass—so pure, so beautiful." Her excitement faltered, and a hint of sadness crept into her tone. "Sometimes... I don't want them to grow up into dirty humans."

Lilia raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a half-smile. "Dirty humans?"

Cecilia pouted, folding her arms. "You know what I mean! Adults always lose that innocence. They get greedy, selfish... complicated." She sighed, her wings drooping slightly. "But babies—they're simple, sweet, and perfect."

Lilia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You always did have a soft spot for humans. Show me these babies of yours sometime. But for now, I need to focus on the trial. These participants... they're something else entirely."

"Really?" Cecilia perked up, curiosity shining in her eyes. "How so?"

Lilia's gaze turned distant, thoughtful. "There's one among them—different, strange. He broke restraints and woke up before the scheduled time. I've never seen anything like it."

Cecilia's eyes widened. "You're kidding! Do you think he's dangerous?"

Lilia smirked faintly. "Maybe. Or maybe he's exactly the kind of participant who'll make this trial interesting."

As Lilia and Cecilia continued their conversation, they approached the grand Tutorial Management Center. The air was abuzz with activity as countless fairies zipped around, their wings shimmering under the soft glow of the crystalline walls. The chaos was expected; integrating a new universe into the system was no small task.

Lilia slowed her flight, glancing at Cecilia. "I have to go now. The second phase won't prepare itself," she said with a hint of regret. "I'll see you again soon, Cecilia."

Cecilia's smile faltered, her eyes brimming with tears of loneliness. "Okay," she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. Then, brightening slightly, she added, "Next time, come to my trial zone! I'll show you the babies I told you about—they're adorable!"

Before Lilia could respond, Cecilia waved enthusiastically and disappeared in a flash of blue light.

Lilia lingered for a moment, staring at the space where her friend had been. Despite her stoic exterior, a small warmth bloomed in her chest. She missed Cecilia, one of the few who had survived the harsh days of their shared past. Shaking off her thoughts, Lilia took a deep breath and resumed her flight toward her meeting room.

As she reached the door, she straightened her posture and pushed it open. Inside, eight fairies hovered around a massive glowing orb that displayed the progress of nine trial zones, each overseen by her team.

The fairy with the largest and most elaborate wings turned to face her immediately. Her presence exuded authority, and her voice carried the weight of command. "You're finally here, Lilia. The system flagged your trial zone—there's been some irregular activity. Do you have anything to report?"

Lilia nodded, stepping forward to join the group. "Yes, there was an anomaly. One of the participants broke the restraints and woke up ahead of schedule. It's likely due to a unique trait, something powerful enough to bypass system protocols."

Her boss's expression shifted, intrigue glinting in her eyes. "A trait that can affect the system itself? That's rare—exceedingly rare. Traits of that caliber are akin to Exalted-grade items. If it's true, then this participant is no ordinary individual."

Another fairy, her wings flickering with sparks of energy, chimed in. "Should we escalate the monitoring on his zone? If he's this unpredictable, he could destabilize the trial."

The boss raised a hand, silencing the room. "Not yet. We don't want to interfere unnecessarily. If he survives, he might become a significant figure—one we'd be wise to keep on our side."

She turned back to Lilia, her tone firm yet amused. "For now, keep an eye on him and adjust the trial parameters as needed. If he's as exceptional as you claim, he'll handle it. Otherwise, the system will deal with him."

Lilia nodded. "Understood. I'll ensure he doesn't disrupt the flow of the trial."

The boss glanced around the room, addressing the rest of the team. "Let's proceed with preparations for the second phase. Remember, this isn't just about testing their survival skills—it's about identifying potential."

As the meeting continued, Lilia's thoughts lingered on the participant. A small smile tugged at her lips. Interesting trait, indeed. Let's see how far you can go.

Sam POV

Our group had covered half the distance to the eastern Trial Zone. The journey so far had been grueling, the monsters along the way progressively stronger than those in the other cardinal directions. Despite their increased aggression, we hadn't encountered even a single Tier 1 monster.

I led the way far ahead of the main group, accompanied by the scout team. As we pressed on, I mulled over the idea of breaking the barrier to another trial zone. Perhaps stronger enemies lay on the other side. But I dismissed the thought just as quickly.

No, I told myself. I don't want to risk causing unnecessary chaos—not yet.

The decision wasn't out of fear but caution. There was still too much we didn't understand about this world.

When we reached the 80-kilometer milestone, one of the scouts, Eddie, suddenly stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened, and he turned to me with excitement.

"Samuel! Over here!" Eddie waved, motioning for me to follow. "The system just notified me—this is a dungeon!"

I rushed to his position, the rest of the scout team trailing close behind. My pulse quickened as I reached the spot, eager to see what this so-called dungeon looked like.

What I found left me momentarily speechless.

Floating just above the ground, about 20 centimeters high, was a swirling vortex of energy. It looked like a portal made of spinning water, glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The air around it hummed with an almost magnetic pull, as if daring anyone nearby to step inside.

"What... is that?" one of the scouts murmured, his voice filled with awe.

Eddie stepped closer, inspecting the portal. "The system calls it a dungeon.

I approached the portal cautiously, my hand tightening around the hilt of my sword. The energy radiating from it wasn't hostile, but it wasn't exactly welcoming either. When I got close enough, a translucent system window appeared before me.

[DUNGEON DETECTED]

Dungeon: Goblins Village

Tier: 1 [ Level 10 - 30 ]

Type: Team Entry [ 0 / 10 ]

Description: A goblin settlement. Crude huts, hidden traps, and hostile goblins await, Beware of their cunning leaders, who command both brute strength and foul magic.

Objective: Eliminate all goblins, including their leaders.

Reward: Title: Goblins Slayer, 1,000 Soul points, 1 Random Uncommon Skill books.

Warning: Once entered, the dungeon cannot be exited until the final objective is completed.

stepping back to gather my thoughts. "For now, inform the group about the dungeon. No one else approaches it without my say-so."

Eddie nodded and sprinted back toward the main group. I stayed behind, staring into the vortex as it twisted and spun.

This could be the challenge I've been waiting for, I thought. But it could also be a death sentence.

With a deep breath, I prepared to make my decision.