[Beginning character customization.]
''Hah?!''
Character customization? Its where we create and customize our character right?
I look over to the window in front of me. There were different kinds of hairstyles and hair colors to choose from. I began to browse at all the choices I could choose from the female catalog. I took me quite a while to even imagine what do I want to look like...
Actually, I didn't know what I wanted to look like. The art and graphics in this game are pretty realistic. It's unbelievable how technology has progressed through time. There are a few indecent starter clothes for beginners but I found one that is simple and looked pleasant to wear.
I selected a white dress matched with black hair and a hairstyle called Airy Layers, I pressed [Save Character]. Not long after, a black colored window opened with white-colored letters.
[Are you sure you want this customization to be saved? The effect will be permanent and this will be unchangeable for ten hours. Would you like to save?]
>[Yes]< >[No]<
I clicked [Yes]. I waited until it was processed. Less than five minutes later, my screen was flashing a red light until a warning window popped up.
[Warning. Avatar can't be saved. Error code 01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110010 01100101 01100001 01101100 00100000 01100010 01101111 01100100 01111001 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110011 01110100 01101001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101111 01101110 01101100 01101001 01101110 01100101 00101110 00100000 01010010 01100101 01110100 01110010 01101001 01100101 01110110 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101111 01101100 01100100 00100000 01100001 01110110 01100001 01110100 01100001 01110010 00101110]
?!
Binary coding?! I can't read any of it...
[Game is launching...]
[Teleporting to Artificial Intelligence Guide...
89%...
100%...]
[Initiating Teleportation...]
I felt my heart beating abnormally... shouldn't the [Oracle] notice this and stop the game?! I felt like I could have a heart attack because of the fast red-colored blinking light I'm seeing. Suddenly, the room went back to normal. A window appeared with the words 'System loading' displayed on it.
I can feel my character slowly forming. Shining particles surrounding me during the process. In a few seconds, the room transformed into a landscape in the middle of the ocean. There's an angel in front of me... is she the guide?
A woman with white wings, she's clearly an angel. She's floating above the water. Somehow I can walk casually on top of it without drowning or falling. The water surface made my feet feel wet, giving off cold shivers. Her wings flapped and it leads me to awe. It's so pure and white.
Meaning this game has more races optional other than the human race. I was in deep thought, I didn't notice I was staring at her... chest.
As she noticed me staring at it, I quickly looked away. She started chuckling at my reaction. Nonetheless, she acted as if nothing has happened and spread her wings wide as the background behind her began to light making some kind of special effect.
''Welcome to New World Online~ A cute avatar if I might add~'' (???)
What the guide said led me into confusion as I tilted my head. 'Cute? But my avatar is just a plain Asian with black hair---' I thought to myself so I looked down into this ocean mapped area, I had to wait for the water to become still and clear. H-Hold on...
The water was... wait... p-purple hair?
I was shocked and mesmerized. I also feel embarrassed by purple hair, that color seemed too childish for me. I did like purple but that was when I 'was' a child.
I held my hair and started messing around with it seeing to see if I wasn't just getting tricked by my own mind. What the hell... It is purple!
''I chose black hair. Why is it purple?!'' I shouted at the top of my lungs. The guide face turned 'Eh?'. I was trying to figure out other than this little incident was a bug.
I tried opening my avatar window. When I opened it, I saw what I looked like from the outside. Purple long-haired, frail and I tried changing the hair color to black it wouldn't let me. Oh right... I can't change my look for ten hours or so but I didn't set my avatar to be this way!
I didn't mind the fact that I was half-naked. The avatar had no set of clothing but a piece of bra and undergarments. I was sure I can get some clothes sooner or later in the game, but I'm disturbed by this purple hair.
It reminded me of the same girl I saw today at school... The one who suddenly disappeared and left behind a note... I had a couple of therapies and I was sure it was just my imagination. It was just an imaginary being inside my head but why... I thought it was gone for good.
I can't afford to look like this. I tried pushing any buttons that would do something, anything!
''I-I can't change my avatar hair color... I swear I chose the black color before. Can you fix this floating woman?'' I asked her, hoping she would have a solution. She crossed her arms and gave me a wary smile.
''Oh umm... I say that this might be an avatar bug. I will report it to the HQ if you want. This is not the first time this kind of bug happened. B-But you have to admit purple hair is very cute.''
I groaned out of frustration. I couldn't take in the comment so easily and I know that it's just a game, but purple hair is very... noticeable. I wanted to blend not stand out.
I gritted my teeth, I'm pissed off by the hair color bug. The woman who is floating in the air sweatdropped and I heard her cough a little before speaking.
''W-Well then not too fond of comments I uhh—presume. I am Aurora, your guide.'' (Aurora) introduced herself and flashed me a quick smile. Her warm smile made me forget about the hair color bug and made me question her guide name. It's quite peculiar but I'm getting off track. I don't want to waste time now. I still have part-time jobs to attend and high school responsibilities.
''So, what do I need to do? To finally start the game.''
''Well~ First, you would need to give me your name first. So.. what will be your in-game name–'' (Aurora)
''Ariene. My name is Ariene.''
''I see.'' (Aurora) swiped her finger into the air and a floating window popped out. Is she listing out my name? She was pressing buttons from the window. After a while, she stopped and turned to look at me, ''Ariene it is then.''
She gently smiled at me before she swiped her hands and the window disappeared. She slowly stopped floating and stood on the water below us. Reflecting both of our reflections.
''Now would you go to our training room? You will to become accustomed to the [Oracle] and exercise your avatar a little.'' (Aurora)
I held my chin and thought for a moment. This training room might be useful for me to learn about the game beforehand. My mind will also be adjusted to the device. The more the movements, the more the brain need to send transmissions to the body. This avatar from the outside looked fragile, but I want to test how strong it is, or at least know if this avatar has any physical capabilities.
If not I could always rely on magic.
''Why not? I'm interested in this training room of yours." I said with a hint of curiosity in my voice. It felt like I'm going to go to the gym. But this time it's for free, my real body also won't change.
She tilted her head, she looked blank. ''You're the first player who wanted to try the training room. I suppose it's because the others think their skills are so great and that they are already experienced with these kinds of things. I swear... I would've already taken their blood if I could—''
She stopped when she realized she was spouting nonsense about her lust for blood. She turned her face away and coughed awkwardly. ''Ahem. Let me take you there.'' (Aurora)
The guide took out another window and pressed a button. The environment around us started to change, non-existent walls started forming around us. In a few seconds, the training room can be seen.
A freaking gym. A virtual gym.
It has almost all the types of equipment a high-class gym could have!
Dumbbells, bench press, lat pull-down machine, and air resistance bike. In some tables, it contained some hand grip exerciser. Wait... Is that a dragging sled? It had a tire with a rope wrapped around it, I would guess people would tie the rope into their stomachs and pull the tire with all their might creating a sustainable stomach and training their stamina.
This is free heaven for those who like to work out.
I tried to look around the room which is bigger than my living room. There's even a track and field?! I was mesmerized by this place. I'm not a physical freak but seeing this... I'm starting to get motivated to work out.
''So what do you think? The team made this extra special. It also has various music for working out installed!'' (Aurora)
Music? Are you serious right now?
''The other players are really missing out a lot in here.'' She sighed and smiled worryingly.
''Well, that's what happens when you let your excitement get the best of you. Sadly, when you skip this part, you can't go in here again. It's only offered the first time a player logs in so this is kinda like a one time chance.'' (Aurora)
I touched the equipment and boy were they hard. I tried using bench press equipment. I slid down into the plate and lay my body. I started to lift the weights and as expected... I couldn't lift a single thing. The guide is trying her best not to laugh and I was red out of shame.
J-Just how weak am I?!
The best I can lift is... 10 pounds... and that was just the rod. I was already tired.
This pissed me off. I clenched my hands harder and my expression was fierce. I'm starting to get mad. I don't like to lose. I don't want to give up on this stupid gym. I can't accept that I'm weak.
''Is there a time limit on using this?'' I asked the guide which made her lean her head a little. A sudden question mark appearing above her head.
''No, I don't think so. They didn't tell me to put any time limit in this place. Since most players will get bored and leave soon to play the game.'' (Aurora)
I nodded my head. No time limits huh... I can train here and get my brain used to these sensors. While I trained I asked the guide a couple more questions that crossed my mind I thought would be useful.
''What's the time difference here and in the real world?''
''An hour in the real world would mean five hours have gone by in this game.'' (Aurora)
''I see. Please do take care of me. I might stay here a bit longer than expected. I am not losing to this stupid gym of yours that's making me look like a loser.''
I'm a winner. I am perfect. I won't let myself feel miserable by a stupid system. I won't lose. She gave me a weird stare and a sigh. ''Alright? You sure are a weird kid.'' (Aurora)
Without even thinking about what to do next, I asked the guide for a couple of workout clothes which consisted of a black sports bra and shorts. I am quite thankful they gave me some clothes. I decided to try other types of gym equipment and did some basic exercises.
I placed both of my hands onto the floor. Two of my arms tried to handle my body weight, back flat, formed a straight line from my head to feet, lowered my body into the ground by an inch and explosively drive up by fully extending my arms. I did one pushup and then I have fallen my face flat into the ground.
Running like a turtle on the first 30 minutes then panting and sweating like crazy. I can feel my heartbeat so fast just like in real life. I can smell my sweat. I can feel my body getting tired... It felt like it's real... At least that's what I thought.
''T-This can't be... possible...''
''?''
From her sudden comment, it sounded like she found shocking news from her window screen, I couldn't help but notice her numb face as she glanced at me. Blinking twice quickly, she made me more curious to why her face suddenly became numb. Since it felt like it was pointing towards me.
I grabbed a towel from a nearby towel rack and rubbed my sweat off. I wrapped it around my neck and walked towards the AI guide. While I was walking towards her, I saw her hastily trying to remove the window that she was reading and then composed herself as if nothing happened. I stood before her and asked, ''Is there something wrong?''
Her face stayed composed and began to feel unreadable. She smiled at me and said, ''Well it was just new orders from the executives. Please do continue and do not mind my behavior from a minute ago.''
'What was that weird stare back then?'
Is what I would've said if I actually cared enough. I need to focus on this workout thing and just ignore everything that happened.
I felt thirsty. I decided to quench my thirst with virtual water coming from a drinking fountain inside this building. I felt refreshed after that. I decided to do one of these things called parkour... where we openly train our whole body on decision making and muscle endurance.
I've been here for almost ten hours already. I'm sweating like crazy... I was panting my life out and felt like I was ready. I did 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats and a 10 kilometer run for this past ten hours I've been in here. At least game time would mean two hours has gone passed in the real world.
''Humph! O-One hundred and two... Agh...'' I groaned when I felt my back has gone sore. I couldn't bring to push the weights as it fell into my chest. It was so darn heavy I can't believe I've been doing this for almost thirty minutes...
The AI guide came to my side and immediately try to tend to my care and carrying the weight and placing it into the metal rack, ''Y-You've been in here for very long why not go and play already?'' she asked.
I was panting and almost out of breath. ''It doesn't feel like enough. I need to train my mind and get adjusted to this thing... I have a lot of time left anyway.'' I said as she handed me a water canteen. I quickly drank it, leaving nothing.
''You really are weird...'' (Aurora)
''I get that everywhere I go. It's about time I get used to compliments like that.''
''I'm not even sure its a compliment.'' (Aurora) said as she gave me a confused look.
''Weird is different. I'm different from the others. I'll make sure I'm going to be like that. I'm never going to be like them.'' I responded.
"What do you mean by that—"
I cut her off, ''My break is over. I have to continue to run next. I can't quite control my legs yet but I can already control my arms and head. If you'll excuse me I'll resume whatever I was doing.''
I proceeded to run all over the place. Then jumping off the parkours and a virtual miniature wasteland prepared by the system. I requested for a frozen land as well... I really felt the cold in that one. It rarely snows on Japan now...
...
''Finally! Its been at least twenty-five hours now! I can't believe you trained and experimented things in here. We eventually found a few holes or glitchy places of this place thanks to you. I'll have a report sent to HQ as soon as possible.'' She spoke as she swiped her finger and opened up a window. Typing the possible report of the things I found while I was messing around with this place.
After a while, I started to get bored and accepted a satisfaction that I've beaten every equipment in here. Possibly also helped Aurora to fix some things about this place as well.
"Well, I'm the first player to come in here. I'm guessing the other beta testers used this too.'' I responded. ''I'm surprised when I found some holes that lead to dark places, but my body didn't feel laggy during my workout.''
''Well the beta testers didn't go to this place. They didn't poke everything they felt curious about. I'm glad you did. Who knew there's actually a glitched wall leading to a lounge for guides...'' She stated, somehow tired.
''It looked like a comfy place. The other AI guides seemed shocked when I accidentally came down through their sky ceiling. You had to fly me back and explain everything to the other guides.'' I complimented their place.
She sighed. ''You weren't supposed to see any of that. I would've gotten fired— I mean erased because of you.'' (Aurora)
''Oh uh sorry. I'll try not to do that again. Although I don't think I'll come back to this place, that's for sure. It was nice meeting you Aurora.'' I said as I gently waved my hand goodbye.
She scoffed, ''With someone weird as you, I think we'll be seeing each other pretty soon.'' (Aurora)
Perhaps or perhaps not. I rather try to avoid all conversations with people or AI figures. She waved back and pressed a button from her screen.
My vision went all transparent blank until notifications arrived asking me some questions.
[Please choose your race.
>[Human]<
>[Dragon-kin]<
>[Wolf Kin]<
>[Cat Kin]<
>[Elf]<
>[Dwarf]<
You may only pick one.]
I know other races have advantages such as skills and cool cosmetic features like tails and pointy ears. Although, I wouldn't mind being a plain boring human. Besides, I can always change my race whenever I want. After all, this is only a game.
I went ahead and selected >[Human]<.
[You've chosen Human. Applying race. Complete.]
[Please pick a Class from the choices below. You may only pick one.
>[Alchemist]<
>[Assassin]<
>[Cleric]<
>[Druid]<
>[Knight]<
>[Mage]<
>[Paladin]<
>[Priest/Priestess]<
>[Ranger]<
>[Rogue]<
>[Scout]<
>[Summoner]<
>[Swordsman]<
Please click on a Class for more info.]
So many classes... I don't know any of them. Well, judging from their names, I can guess some of them on what they can do. But I need to choose wisely.
An Alchemist? Those things that deal with Alchemy right? That got me interested since they work with chemicals. But considering that this is a fantasy game...
I clicked and tried to find out more about the class.
[Alchemist.
– Many alchemists who are also spellcasters – Often find themselves drawn away to the "superior" art of potion-brewing.
– They would be given a flask, a herb pouch, empty vial x5, bunsen burner, a dagger, 10 pieces of silver and 50 copper coins.]
That doesn't sound all that bad. Making health potions may bring me a fortune...
Since a lot of new players will be roaming around... going on dangerous quests. I can use this chance to make some and sell it. I'll just buy ingredients or find them myself in a forest or so. The others are too... wild. I want a relaxing job for myself. Alchemy would be benefiting. The other classes also give 10 pieces of silver and 50 copper.
Alchemist it is.
I went on ahead and it gave me the final precaution.
[If you chose the Alchemist Class, Please be informed you cannot change the class in the game. You would need to restart your whole account as well as the whole progress of it. Are you sure you want to choose Alchemist Class?]
>[Yes]< >[No]<
I clicked >[Yes]<
feeling sure of my choice.
[Progress saved. Please wait a moment for implementation.]
[Implementation Complete. Please pick a spawn area.]
>[Diamond Kingdom]<
>[Spade Kingdom]<
>[Heart Kingdom]<
>[Clover Kingdom]<
Please click for more info.]
I'm getting sort of impatient with this. But I suppose learning the kingdoms and what they specialize would benefit me. I need a kingdom which focuses on agricultural conduct.
[The Diamond Kingdom. A Kingdom who's living on the cold shivers of near snowy mountains, known for its ores and caves.]
[The Spade Kingdom. A Kingdom who specializes in smithing. Weapons, armors, and military works. Known for their deserted lands.]
[The Heart Kingdom. A Kingdom who's fallen into ruin, rebuilding itself. Known for specializing in magic and modern magic technology.]
[The Clover Kingdom. A Kingdom where close to the demon borders. Due to the rich land and soil, they're known for their crops and magical herbs growing all around the kingdom.]
...
All of this would all benefit me and I can't bear to regret... I chose the >[Clover Kingdom]<, the kingdom seems to have set on herbs and plants. I can make beginner potion, I will use it on myself first and then sell it. I can't lie.
Answering all this is getting me hyped and pissed. How many questions do I still need to answer?!
[Teleporting on course to [Clover Kingdom].]
''Ta ta! Have a nice adventure! Hopefully, I'll see you soon.'' (Aurora)
My vision turned all white as she said that. Then...
Green...
I felt the ground as my feet landed onto it. I raised up my hands, turning it around and looking so fascinated by it. Seems like I have been given the white simple dress I chose from before. Better than going... half-naked.
Turns out I landed in the middle of a village. I saw NPCs working... farming or carrying woods on their back. They glanced at me at one point but continued working.
I think the spawning areas are in different places as well. I observed the [Map Log]. This village's name is [Rivermouth Village]. The other plains around it were all blank, it seems I have to travel to unlock this...
[Please chant/say the command ''Status'' to see your stats and ''Inventory'' for you to see the beginner set you have been given.]
I see. The Artificial Intelligence bot is still going to guide us here. Well, might as well be grateful cause I'm clueless when it comes to this. ''[Status]!''
[Status]
Name: Ariene
Level: 1 [0/150]
Race: Human
HP: 45/45
MP: 150/150
STR: Lvl. 5
SPD: Lvl. 3
DEF: Lvl. 3
AGI: Lvl. 3
INT: Lvl. 3
DEX: Lvl. 1
VIT: Lvl. 1
LUC: Lvl. 2
Class: Alchemist
Occupation: None
Side-Occupation: None
Skills: None
Special Skills: None
Titles: [Beginner]
Charisma: None
Spells: None
S-So umm... What is all this? Also, what does STR mean? Does that mean star or something?
Wait. My in-game name is Ariene? I thought the AI lady was asking me a question! Isn't there a way to change my name!? I misunderstood!
I'm... seriously a---
''HaH! Noob! Look man its a noob!''
The fuck?!
I turn around to see some two players one who had wolf ears and a tail and one with elf ears. They both laughed and chuckled before turning to each other and giving a high five.
"What a noob man!''
A noob?
Is that an insult?
[Noob meaning beginner. It is not an insult but rather a term for new players.]
It still pissed me off you know. I tried to shrug it off but then it looked like I was giving out a tantrum. I decided to open the map and calm myself down. Its been only five hours or so in real life.
[We have set up the time and date of your current location in real life. Just please apply chant/say ''Settings. Apply Time Console.'' command in order to put it on effect. You may also set up notifications and post warnings.]
That's pretty convenient. ''Settings. Apply Time Console.''
[Command implemented. When you open your, [Character Bar] on your [Status], you shall see the time and date. You can also see the weather forecast.]
[Status]
Real-Time: 11:35 PM | June 9, 2045 | Friday | Cloudy
Game Time: 9:01 AM | Month of the Fire 10 days remaining | Monday | Sunny
Name: Ariene
Level: 1 [0/150]
Race: Human
____
''Alright... Now that's done... I can't believe I started five hours ago at dinner hopefully mom isn't slacking off much when I'm not around.'' I said as I take a look around my surroundings.
I wonder if there's an adventurer's guild nearby... but at my level, I can do nothing except some quests on collecting herbs... I'm also clueless about this game. I should explore the forest a bit, I hope I won't go too far from the village. Thankfully I have a virtual map so I won't get lost easily. If I see or encounter something my gut tells it's dangerous. I will run.
''[Inventory].'' After chanting or saying that, a small window with small boxes in it. All my materials is stored in here.
[Inventory 19/40]: Silver Coins x10 | Beginner's Dagger {Durabily: 50/50} x1 | Flask x1 {Water Stored: 0/25} | Herb Pouch x1 {Stored: 0/50 | Empty Vial x5 | Bunsen Burner x1|
I took out the dagger and equipped it to my side. I ventured out to... [Forêt d'Ahepranth]. It has fences surrounding the outside perimeter of it. I took a glance at both sides of the forest. Knowing that it was peaceful and everything seemed fine. I started to relax and enter the forest.
It's full of trees... Oh?
''What's this?'' I mumbled. I found an interesting plant.
It's a deep golden colored flower that caught my eye. ''Wonder what kind of flower is this–''
[You can check an item by chanting ''Appraisal'' it will give you the basic information you need about the item you seek knowledge of.]
Oh, so I guess this thing will be popping up whenever I have questions or a problem huh. Pretty useful if I might say so myself. I inspected the flower closely and chanted, ''[Appraisal].''
A small window with a picture of it is floating next to the flower, it also contained some helpful information of it.
[Appraisal -> Flower -> Data Collected.
Item: Ahepranth Blossom
- Magical uses are known for healing. If brewed.
- A colorful flower that helps near beasts calm down if fed for a little while.]
Wonder if I should take some of these... Well, it is known for healing and it could come handy with wild beasts. I took some of it with me.
[You've acquired | Ahepranth Blossom x12 | ]
[You've earned a new skill [Herb Gathering Lvl. 1] please check [Status] for more info]
Nah, I'm having fun and besides I have a lot of time later. ''That should be enough for now. Now, where should I go next in this forest---''
''H-HELP!!!'' (???)
''???''
My mumbling was cut when I heard someone was screaming for help. It had a deep voice so I would guess it was a man. I equipped my [Beginner's Dagger] and quickly ran carefully into the source of the noise. ''P-Please, someone, save us!''
''Ahh! Get that thing away from me!'' (Stranger 1)
''Just run man! Or else we'll get stomped on and die!'' (Stranger 2)
I can see both of them running in zigzags and circles around the woods trying to somehow outrun the... pig? Wait, it couldn't be a pig, it has horns... So a wild boar?
''[Appraisal].''
[Chant cannot reach. Must be close enough to examine.]
Tch. Talk about useful. So I would just guess that's it's just a weak leveled boar... but from the looks of it. The Elf and Wolf eared players who insulted me before with the word ''noob'' got the karma they deserved. I would help but I'm only Lvl. 1 and I'm an alchemist so I can't fight much. I don't even know what does my [Status] imply to some things.
As an attempt to try and get closer so I can appraise the beast I accidentally broke a stick having the wolf-eared player to notice me. His face plastered with shock about my intrusion.
''H-Hey! There's someone up there!'' (Wolf-eared)
''Really!? Where!?'' (Elf)
I think I'll just go... They won't die anyway. ''We can just lure the boar to her! And then we can ditch her man!'' I heard the Elf guy shout.
Wait, what?
''G-Good plan! She's only a beginner so why not!? She's not losing anything valuable! Let's do this!'' (Wolf Eared)
Why those little... ''You bastards! I heard everything you said!'' I shouted at them.
''Now man! Get that boar out of our backs!''
Shit. Those bastards will pay for this someday.
~~~~~
To be Continued: Volume I: Chapter 3 ''I Fell into a Hole''
~~~~~