Chapter 2 – The First real delivery

29 simulations later, I was still alive.
I had thrown up several times, been chased by a basilisk, and even dined with bears that turned out to be more civilized than humans. I even got to return home with a whole apple pie... A real one.
I started doing things I had never done in my previous life—like watching the sunset at the end of the day, or enjoying a cup of coffee while it rained.
Even if this is just a simulation for now, I still get paid at the end, which lets me cover my needs.
The morning air was crisp when the guild bells rang. “According to the map, I was supposed to come here” I said. Deliverymen and women, each wearing coats marked with the guild’s winged insignia, gathered around the mission board. Some looked tired, others excited. 
“hey, are you the newbie ?” barked a short but muscular woman with a scar on her chin. She looks at a paper she’s holding in her hands for a few seconds before looking at me with disappointment .“ alright, you’re with me today. Don’t slow me down.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied, bowing slightly.

Her name is Tessa, a mid-rank courier known for her speed and short temper.
Out first job sounded simple enough: transport a sealed crystal vial of compressed mana to a research tower on the outskirts of the capital. Tessa explained on the way, mana deliveries weren’t just about speed they were about survival.
“Listen carefully,” she said, strapping her satchel tightly. “Mana leaks. Attracts beasts like moths to fire. If you drop this vial, you’re dead before you can blink.”
I swallowed hard, clutching the spare vial I was assigned.
We set out on foot, weaving through the bustling streets. I can't stop admiring the city’s strange beauty, Ember field is a mix of orange bridges humming faintly with enchantments, golden lampposts glowing with bottled will-o’-wisps, vendors selling bread infused with warmth charms. To me, it all felt like a dream, but to Tessa it was just another Tuesday, I guess.
Our route led them through the forest trail outside the city walls. Birds sang, wind rustled the leaves, and for a moment I let himself relax.
Then came the growl.
From the underbrush leapt a creature, fur bristling with sparks of blue mana. Its eyes glowed, and drool dripped from its fangs.
“A mana-hound!” Tessa cursed, yanking her dagger free. “Newbie, don’t freeze—run!”
My body moved on instinct. I darted aside, gripping the vial tightly against my chest. My heart hammered so loudly I could barely hear himself think. The hound lunged, jaws snapping inches from my arm.
Tessa slashed at its flank, forcing it back. “Get to the checkpoint hut, now!”

“the what !?”

I catch sight of a small house with a blue flag on top, probably the checkpoint, and rush toward it.

I had never run like this in my previous life—except when I was trying to escape from my ex, I dove into the wooden checkpoint hut ahead, slamming the door shut behind me. The vial in my hands glowed faintly, still intact. My body shook with adrenaline.

Moments later, Tessa shoved the door open, panting, her blade stained with beast blood. She stared at me, then at the vial.
“…Huh,” she muttered, smirking faintly. “You didn’t break it. Guess you’re not completely useless after all.”
I collapsed against the wall, breathing hard, a shaky grin forming on my lips.