since its a manual, i figure u were balancing the clutch.. so im guessing its the clutch smell

i doubt there is any concern to worry.. btw if ur car is too slow for 2nd gear, u can always put it into first.. the lesser time ur foot is spent of the clutch pedal the more it will last.. and dun rest ur foot on the pedal. u can still shift even with clutch slip.. u will know when there is slip, the rev will increase and the car doesnt pick up speed..