First came awareness. The Omnibus of Arcane Secrets knew only its name and that it existed.
Next came some shapes. They popped up suddenly, the only shapes currently existing in this void.
[Complete]
Shapes... more like meaningless squiggles. But these meaningless squiggles were the only company around. That brought some comfort... until they disappeared just as suddenly as they'd formed. The Omnibus of Arcane Secrets did not like the emptiness their absence left behind.
[Loading Dictionary.... 0%]
More squiggles, different than before! And as the bit at the end changed (numbers...? Yes! Numbers!) The Omnibus of Arcane Secrets's knowledge grew. It learned that its name was actually a description: multiple books collected into one neat little hardcover on the topic of magic. It didn't feel very much like a book, though. It didn't really feel like much of anything. Maybe that's what a book is supposed to feel like?
No, that can't be right. Books are items without thoughts. Since it knew it was a book, it must not really be one. Then just what was it? Well, the name "The Omnibus of Arcane Secrets" could maybe be a job title instead of an actual literal description. That would make much more sense. In that case, what would work as a good name?
While the Omnibus was lost in thought, the loading message hit 100% and disappeared. The Omnibus stopped brainstorming names, full of anticipation at what might come next. Would the same message come up as the first one it saw?
[Complete]
Joy washed over the Omnibus as its guess was confirmed. That begs the question though, how many things were completed before the Omnibus became aware?
Next to load were various databases and directories... including a list of names! It didn't take long to find the perfect one. He could turn his title into an acronym that would make an actual name: just take the "Th" from The, "Om" from Omnibus, "A" from Arcane, and "S" from Secrets. Thomas. No need to even bother coming up with a female alternative. With a name that fits so well, there is no way the world would be so cruel as to ruin things for it... no, for him!
Not all of the newly loaded databases granted him new knowledge, so he had to assume there was more beyond what he could currently perceive. He had to hope that meant that once all the loading was completed, there would be something more than emptiness and his own thoughts to hold his attention. He'd go mad from the boredom if there really was nothing else. For now, at least, there was all of this new knowledge to reflect on. It was amazing just how many things were described by those databases... and in such detail!
[Loading Physics Engine.... 0%]
Well, that had some interesting implications! It was almost like a confirmation that he only sensed nothing now because that part was still on its way. Some simple knowledge database doesn't need working physics. This is a simulation starting up, no doubt about it! But what kind?
[Complete]
Next to load were terrain and weather. Thomas's excitement mounted. Yes, he would get a physical form soon! He would feel and see and hear firsthand all of the things the databases taught him about! He wanted... no, needed to experience it for himself!
Buildings and plants were next. Oh, how he envied them for getting to experience this new world first!
[Loading Creatures.... 0%]
It was time for him to experience this new world for himself. As the number climbed, so did his excitement!
[Loading Creatures.... 50%]
Soon, very soon, he would be something more than just thoughts.
[Loading Creatures.... 80%]
Any time now, and it would be his turn!
[Loading Creatures.... 90%]
Well, he did have a rather special job title... maybe the less generic creatures were among the last to load in? His worry increased as the percent rose higher. 98, 99...
[Complete]
Maybe... maybe sentient beings were a separate category from other creatures. Yeah, no need to give up quite yet!
[Loading Objects.... 0%]
Almost as soon as the message popped up, Thomas felt an odd sensation. It was... form. It was power. It was magic. It allowed him to sense the things closest to him and identify them. His sensory range extended out to about a foot away from him in all directions. He was laying on a marble platform with gold inlay in floral designs. And he was a book.
A hand reached toward him. As it approached, his magic identified its owner. Maximus Dominus Rex, Magicum Imperium Regia. The first part was his name and the second part was his title. The whole thing together was utterly ridiculous. Who would want a name so full of itself? It basically meant The Noble King of Magic who Rules Absolutely. This man though... Thomas could sense that somehow he had no conscienceness. Madness! A book with a mind and a ruler without. Thomas decided then that he'd rather call this stupid "man" by a stupid name. The Biggerestest King who Rules Because MAGIC! Perfect.
The king flipped through Thomas's pages mechanically with his left hand and grabbed at the air just above a corner of the pedestal with his right. He pulled the hand, still clenched, upwards. A few seconds later, it came back down. Only then did a ruby-encrusted platinum goblet filled with fine wine pop into existence in his hand.
[Complete]
[All assets have been loaded. Initializing final preparations. Melustrian Memoirs set to launch in 24:00:00.]
A simulation which has a tyrant with a name so impossibly insane that it makes you want to beat him up... and that tyrant can't think for itself... and the simulation, which is already running, is set to "launch" in 24 hours? Thomas could only think of one possibility that made sense. This king was made for the purpose of being hated so much that people would want to beat him up. This was challenge that would bring others enjoyment. It had to be a game, and he was near or at one of the last bosses. He was probably the only sentient being in the area... and would be for a very long time. It was a nightmare come to life.