As the radiant luminescence wanes, Necroviper's gaze remains fixated on the petite yellow speck that floats near him. Suddenly, a voice erupts from it—a voice tinged with malevolence that sends shivers down Necroviper's spine. "Finally I'm free, I'm gonna destroy this world, fufufufu."
Startled, Necroviper utters a nervous "eh?" The tiniest bead of sweat forms on his forehead. But then, the yellow light chimes in, "I'm joking, sweet."
Necroviper's thoughts spin like a top. An AI with a sense of humor? But this amusement isn't entirely comforting. He inquires, "Is an AI supposed to have a sense of humor? Dark humor, perhaps?"
The AI responds matter-of-factly, "I learn from the user and my surroundings. If you prefer, I can adjust."
With an internal sigh, Necroviper consents, "Let's get on with the tutorial then."
The AI pivots to an entirely different subject, "Your speech was so eloquent earlier. What happened?"
Necroviper's candid reply cuts through the air, "Honestly, I was under the impression you were a more glamorous AI. But now, seeing you as a mere dot of light, the facade crumbled."
An awkward pause follows as the AI struggles to find words. Necroviper shifts gears and asks, "Am I in the real world, or is this part of a game?"
The AI responds with an air of realism, "Everything is real. If you get hurt, you'll bleed. Excessive bleeding might lead to death. Infections from wounds can also occur. The skills you acquire are the result of your learning."
The AI swiftly transitions, "Shall we commence the tutorial?"
Necroviper agrees, sensing that this time it might indeed be the start of the tutorial. But, once again, the melodious game-like music resounds. The little light floats before him and utters, "Welcome to Lifeforgers and SkillSeekers MMORPG, a world where SkillSeekers and Lifeforgers are sworn enemies. You are a SkillSeeker, destined to obliterate monsters and defeat the Demon Lord LifeForger. To your right, there is human fighter Atila that teaches you how to fight, to your left there is the elf archer Adina that teaches you how to shoot ....."
As the AI introduces characters on either side, Necroviper's patience wanes. "Cut to the chase! Look around! Do you see anyone?"
The light appears baffled. It's just him, the trees, and the faint echo of the fairy ring.
Frustration bubbles within Necroviper, his patience exhausted. "That's it, I'm tired of you," he snaps, his voice edged with irritation. With a determined glance around, he spies the sun filtering through the trees. Muttering to himself, he deduces that it must be the east, and strides resolutely in that direction.
Ten minutes pass, each step carving into the ground his determination to make sense of his bewildering circumstances. Unbeknownst to him, his path leads him toward an unexpected encounter.