In the midst of the Aethercross void, countless points of light float, sketching the framework of the entire world like stars in the universe, forming an endless canvas.
At the heart of this canvas, a cluster of starlight emerges invitingly. Sky's silhouette transforms into a sphere of light, hurtling towards the cluster at an unfathomable speed. As he approaches, he senses each point of light, each encased in a translucent energy film.
This energy film ripples gently, casting dreamy, multicolored halos. On a closer view, the cluster becomes a fantastical gathering of soap bubbles of various sizes, swirling together in a spectrum of fairy-tale colors.
Upon closer examination, these bubbles are revealed to be enormous, with vast distances between them. Within each point of light, encased in energy, lies a vibrant mini-world.
In the smallest of these bubble realms, islands float, each showcasing its unique architectural style.
Some islands are adorned with futuristic, sci-fi skyscrapers reaching into the clouds, their silvery sheen reflecting cool beams of light. Meanwhile, the cyberpunk cities, alive with neon and electronic screens, buzz like cities that never sleep.
On the magical islands, ancient towers and flying carpets coexist, blending magic with reality.
Islands with Eastern immortal-style architecture are shrouded in mist, with their curling eaves floating ethereally, exuding otherworldly charm.
The eerie Lovecraftian ruins, with their ancient statues and sprawling vines, evoke a sense of profound mystery and horror.
The slightly larger bubble worlds resemble cities.
Here, time-transcending cities merge architectural marvels from various eras – massive Roman amphitheaters stand alongside contemporary skyscrapers.
Another city showcases the grandeur of future space travel, with busy spaceports where spacecraft and starships crisscross the skies.
A distant steampunk city, where steam-powered machinery integrates with vintage architecture, creates a unique skyline.
The larger mini-worlds are like continents. In one, magic and technology harmoniously coexist, with towering magic spires intermingling with spaceship bases, creating an extraordinary landscape. Another continent, infused with the essence of Eastern martial arts, features towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, cliff-side martial arts schools, and mist-enshrouded ancient villages, painting a picture of tranquil magnificence.
Sky navigated through a myriad of energy orbs, each a microcosm unto itself. His brief, sweeping glances at these worlds, though fleeting, left an indelible mark of awe. This was but a fragment of the cosmic tapestry that is the Aethercross World.
Instinctively lifting his gaze to the heavens, Sky beheld a tapestry of stars twinkling in a mesmerizing, unpredictable dance. The sky, a vast canvas, whispered secrets of countless mystical worlds and unexplored wonders nestled within its expanse.
Yet, time was a luxury. The luminous form Sky had assumed zeroed in on its destination, hurtling towards an orb with a purposeful velocity.
This moment was Sky's inaugural brush with the overwhelming sensation of a whole world looming before him. Instinctively, he closed his eyes and held his breath, bracing for what was to come.
But the collision he anticipated never materialized. Rather, he found himself bathed in the warmth akin to a long-lost spring day, caressed by breezes as tender as a lover's touch.
Upon opening his eyes, Sky was greeted by gravity's embrace, anchoring him with a comforting sense of solidity. The orb that had been his vessel was dissipating, transforming the ethereal into tangible reality.
He stood amidst a sprawling plaza, a nexus of activity, where orbs of light descended and ascended, morphing to and from human forms. This square pulsated with energy, embodying the heart of a city.
Above, ethereal energy columns soared, drawing the heavens nearer. At the plaza's core, a crystalline fountain danced with light, its waters refracting sunbeams into a dazzling display. Ancient-looking stone benches and tables, adorned with exquisite totems, encircled the fountain.
Sky's gaze roamed to the surrounding architectural marvels. A medieval castle stood in stark yet harmonious contrast to a modern skyscraper. Traditional Eastern buildings with elegant eaves mingled with futuristic steel structures, an amalgamation of time and style.
Higher still, the sky, awash in a brilliant blue, teemed with clouds and a vibrant array of flying vessels and creatures, each tracing its unique path.
Higher up, a multitude of energy orbs hung in the sky, ethereal and slightly blurred, like a constellation of miniature moons, each casting its distinct hue across the sky.
The most remarkable sight, however, was in the sky's northeast quadrant: a series of floating islands, each nested within its energy barrier, arrayed in a precise tiered formation. Sky counted nine levels, each tier's islands varying in size and majestically following an invisible path, ascending in grandeur with each rise in altitude.
Lost in his reverie while gazing at the sky, Sky suddenly felt a soft tap on his back, bringing him back to reality. He turned to see a man in his fifties standing before him. The man's hair was a blend of silver and pale gold, long and slightly disheveled, cascading over his shoulders. His deep blue eyes were imbued with the wisdom that comes with age.
He wore a robe of exquisite craftsmanship, adorned with complex and magnificent embroidery that formed an ancient, mysterious pattern, reminiscent of the regalia high elves might wear in solemn ceremonies in mythic tales. Despite the robe's obvious grandeur, it was somewhat disheveled; the collar lay open, and the wide sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, lending a relaxed air to his appearance.
As Sky met his gaze, the man ran his fingers through his hair, giving off an air of effortless elegance. He adjusted his expression, offering a warm smile, and greeted, "Hello, Sky Rebel. I'm Echo, your designated mentor."
Sky, snapping out of his reverie, replied with a hint of confusion, "A mentor? For me?"
"Yes, indeed. I've been dispatched here by the system, and I've been waiting for you for three days. The system really outdid itself this time, wasting my precious time. Unlike the boundless energy of youth that allows you to linger in this world for months, I need to return to the real world for rest after a fortnight," Echo began with a light-hearted complaint, then asked with a twinkle of curiosity, "So, what brings you here? What kind of rookie task did you undertake? It's rare to hear of a newbie task lasting more than a day. Why did yours take three?"
Sky, momentarily stunned by the deluge of information, paused for a long moment before managing a wry smile, "As you said, I'm a newcomer. How would I be aware of all this? Could you please enlighten me about this world?" His eyes then began to light up with curiosity.
Echo shrugged with a hint of enigma, "I'm afraid I don't have all the answers either."
"What?" Sky's surprise was evident, "But aren't you supposed to be my guide?"
"That's the task assigned to me by the system: to wait here for a new player named Sky Rebel, to impart basic knowledge about this world and its precautions. A mere 300 Aethercoins for three days' wait," Echo lamented, once again running his fingers through his hair.
Sky, still puzzled, glanced around the bustling square and asked, "With so many people here, how did you know I was Sky Rebel?"
Echo pointed above Sky's head, "With your player ID so prominently displayed above your head, it was easy to identify you. Besides, the system notified me of your arrival as soon as you completed the trial task."
Sky then noticed, akin to a character in a virtual game, his name 'Sky Rebel' in blue floating like a hologram above his head. He looked above Echo's head and then at the surrounding passersby, realizing that only a few showed their player IDs.
Echo, noticing Sky's bewilderment, explained, "Player IDs can be displayed or hidden at will. Simply access the control panel in your mind and operate it with your thoughts. I recommend keeping your ID hidden, as most people do, especially when exploring different worlds."
"Why hide it?" Sky asked, quickly understanding the reason himself.
"You've figured it out, haven't you? Imagine walking around in real life with your name floating above your head like a billboard," Echo said with a laugh, adding a twist, "And let's not forget the opportunity for secret mischief." Grinning slyly, he materialized a finely crafted wooden mask in his hand, "Here's something intriguing for you."
Sky received a notification in his mind: 'Player Echo Sonneteer (with visible ID) has shared an item with you. Would you like to view it?'
Opting to view, he saw the details of the mask:
[Item: Illusion Wood Mask (Void Certified)
Type: Consumable (7/10 Uses)
Level: 3 (+0)
Function: Appearance Alteration
Description: Crafted from Illusion Wood, this exquisite mask allows the wearer to change their appearance for one hour to any humanoid from their memory.
Note: This illusionary item can be dispelled by higher-level illusion-breaking skills or items]
Sky's eyes widened in amazement, "Such wonders exist?"
Echo nodded, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "Now you see, this world is full of marvels. The players you encounter may not be in their original form. Even their appearances in the real world are altered by the system upon arrival. But with items like this, you can even change your gender. Fascinating, right?" He chuckled, "Therefore, in this world, players confirm each other's identity by revealing their IDs. In this realm, player IDs are the only constant."
Sky took a deep breath, absorbing the revelations, then refocused on his primary concern, "So, what is this world? And how do I return to my original reality?"
Echo patted Sky's shoulder reassuringly, "Patience, young one. You'll find your way back. But this isn't the place for such discussions. Come, let me take you somewhere quiet. It's also a good opportunity for you to get acquainted with the surroundings."
With a sense of relief, Sky prepared to follow Echo away from the lively central square.