The crowd of players was again taken aback by the harsh reality confronting them. The game had presented a cruel choice: submit to servitude within the city or face a gruesome death in the perilous forest. The stark options left many players disheartened, as the initial thrill of the adventure gave way to a grim realization of their situation. The excitement of exploration had been replaced by a daunting challenge that seemed to pit them against an unforgiving world.
Discontent spread quickly through the crowd, with voices rising in frustration. "Is this really worth it?" one player asked, capturing the general mood of disillusionment. The game's promise had transformed into a bitter test of endurance and survival, leading many to question the value of their investment. The enthusiasm they had carried into this new world was now clouded by doubt and regret.
For some players, however, turning back was not an option. Many had invested heavily in this experience, with companies having sold shares and redirected significant resources to back the game. These players were acutely aware of their predicament; the financial stakes were high, and backing out would mean facing severe repercussions. With resigned acceptance, they prepared to confront the game's harsh realities, driven by the need to justify their substantial investments.
Alois Keke found himself in a similar position. Having committed a significant portion of his parents' savings to acquire the game and the necessary equipment, abandoning his quest was not an option. The financial commitment he had made was substantial, making it impossible for him to turn back now. Like the others, he steeled himself for the challenges ahead, determined to navigate the difficult journey that awaited him.
As the players began to come to terms with their new reality, the commander of the city's guards observed them with a sense of pride. His cunning rhetoric had successfully coerced nearly a thousand players into becoming his city's "slaves" without any physical force. Though he kept a composed exterior, inside he was bubbling with anticipation at the prospect of the rewards he would receive for delivering such a large group to the city mayor. "I'll definitely be well-rewarded for these thousand slaves," he thought with satisfaction.
With a commanding gesture, the commander issued orders. Rows of soldiers emerged from the city, their polished armor glinting in the sunlight as they surrounded the players and began to herd them towards the imposing city gates. Alois, among others, followed the soldiers with a sense of trepidation.
The moment Alois stepped through the gates of Vella City, a new game notification appeared before him:
[ The player has chosen to enter Vella City ]
[ New Status Effect gained: Slave ]
[ Slave: The player must obey the city administrators unconditionally. Disobedience will result in the removal of this status and potential severe repercussions. ]
Alois scanned the notifications and glanced at his status. The term "Slave" now appeared next to his name, a stark reminder of his current predicament. He sighed in relief when he noted that this status was not permanent and could be removed through obedience. "At least it's not permanent," he muttered, trying to reassure himself. He knew that to make significant progress in the game, gaining strength would be crucial.
Alois knew that to make significant progress in this unforgiving world, strength would be his foremost priority. In this harsh environment, strength was more than just a measure of physical power; it was the cornerstone of survival and advancement. The realization hit him with renewed clarity: if he wanted to rise above the challenges and carve out his destiny, building his strength would be the key to overcoming the myriad obstacles ahead.
With this determination in mind, Alois drew himself out of his contemplations and took in the grandeur of Vella City. The city was encircled by towering stone walls, their surfaces etched with the marks of time. The high battlements offered a commanding view of the surrounding land, while the gatehouse, adorned with intricate carvings and sturdy ironwork, stood as a testament to the city's fortitude. Inside, cobblestone streets wove through clusters of stone buildings with thatched roofs, their facades lined with banners and crests that fluttered in the breeze. The market square buzzed with activity, and the distant clamor of forges and workshops added to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
The players were escorted towards a large open field near the barracks. Around them were several tables, each topped with a crystal orb the size of a football. Manned by hooded figures whose faces were shrouded in shadow, the orbs emitted a soft, otherworldly glow. The players, recognizing these hooded figures as mages, were puzzled and looked to the commander for further instructions.
The commander, his voice echoing with authority, addressed the assembled players. "Since you've all chosen to work for the city ' willingly ', you will be rewarded. Each of you must come to the table and touch the mage orb with both hands. Based on your talent and aptitude, you will be assigned a common-tier class."
The commander's disdain was palpable as he noted the players' expressions of disinterest. "Let me make it clear," he continued, his tone dripping with condescension. "Classes are categorized into various tiers—poor, common, uncommon, rare, epic, legendary, and mythical. You should be grateful to the mayor for allowing you to bypass the poor tier and be assigned a common-tier class directly. Hmph! Ungrateful bastards."
With a final sneer, the commander turned and made his way to his office, leaving the players to digest his words. They exchanged glances, a mix of apprehension and resignation reflecting in their eyes.
One by one, the players went through the process of receiving their classes. Alois observed that each time someone touched the mage orb, it flashed in various colors. Though the players could not discern their meaning, the mages did. The mages assigned the classes based on these colors.
After a few minutes, the results were clear: the common-tier classes available were warrior, apprentice mage, archer, and rogue. Players who received their classes were grouped accordingly.
Finally, it was Alois's turn. He approached the mage orb and gently placed his hands on it. The orb began to flash with an array of colors. Just as the orb was about to reveal his class, the colors abruptly vanished. Alois felt a pang of confusion as no game notification appeared. He looked at the mage, who appeared equally perplexed.
The mage inspected the orb carefully for any damage but found none. Turning to Alois, he said coldly, "Try it again." Alois complied, but the same result occurred: the orb's colors flashed briefly and then disappeared.
As time passed, Alois's anxiety grew. The mage at the neighboring table noticed the delay and said to his colleague, "Don't just stand there. Hurry up, or you'll be punished."
The mage assigned to Alois, sensing a possible malfunction, brought a new orb for him to try. Alois touched it again, but the results remained unchanged.
The players and mages watched with growing curiosity. The scene drew a mix of reactions: some players laughed, others sneered or looked on with pity, while some simply ignored the unfolding drama.
The mage, struggling to contain his laughter, addressed Alois. "Pfff... You're unable to receive a class. Go stand with the second group." His tone dripped with mockery. Alois looked at him blankly, his desire to try again thwarted by the growing tension.
Suppressing his emotions, Alois joined the group of players who had received their classes. The others regarded him with a mix of disdain and curiosity. James approached him and patted his back reassuringly. "Don't worry, kid. Maybe these common classes aren't meant for you. You might get something better than these."
Alois nodded, finding some comfort in James's words, though internally his mind was a whirl of uncertainty and anxiety.
( Author's Note : I've also published this novel on RoyalRoad. If you wish to donate then you can do it on RoyalRoad. Cheers !! )