⟨⟨Character physical form has been updated, would you like to edit character physical features?⟩⟩
It didn't seem like a bad idea, but there wasn't really any need.
'I doubt becoming bigger would have any major difference on my stats, it might in fact make me even slower by consuming more stamina. Besides, what do I need good looks for, it's not like it's going to make me stronger'.
⟨⟨choose warrior name ⟩⟩
"Warrior name? All these things are just a waste of time. Do I have to pick a name?" he grumbled.
⟨⟨ yes! Warriors aren't advised to use their real name for security purposes ⟩⟩
His brows furrowed as he gently stroked his chin, pondering immensely on what seemed like a very difficult question.
'A name? What name do I use? Nothing really comes to mind, maybe I should just say NPC?'.
After a full minute, he still remained there, stroking his chin.
"What the hell I'm I even thinking this hard for, it's just a name" he said with slight frustration.
"Cian, my name would be Cian"
'It doesn't even matter what I say, I just need to get past this point, plus I can change it anytime I want'
⟨⟨ okay Cian, welcome to the world of Aetheria ⟩⟩
With that, a brilliant, bright light enveloped his sight before seemingly plunging him to the ground.
….
There he was, standing in an open field wearing what looked like rags. Above him, the grandiose moon loomed, seemingly within arm's reach, casting an ethereal glow over the surroundings.
In an attempt to take a few steps, he could feel the lightness of his body, with the cool night breeze blowing past his face. Echoes of distant wolf cries reverberated, their origins shrouded by the veil of darkness.
"Finally," Cian sighed with an indifferent expression.
Now that he had returned, he could notice just how different this world was. Aetheria truly was a world of fantasy.
Deep down he wasn't very happy returning to this world, because it only reminded him that he was just an NPC, but he knew he had to.
Cian turned around to see if he could find any landmark to identify his current location, but there wasn't anything else other than grass and small boulders. However, in the distance, lights flickered, indicating what seemed to be a village.
A notification window materialised, presenting instructions on utilising various interface features like, inventory, map, and more.
Cian let out a sigh of disappointment. He had successfully returned, but Blue was nowhere to be found.
'It was worth a try, it's not like I didn't know this was a possibility.'
-DING-
The chime of a notification preluded the appearance of another window.
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QUEST–: GO TO NEVADAR REGION
Info : simply make it to a village in the Nevadar region
Reward: 10 gold
{C-grade}
____
"Oh… my first quest already" he sounded a bit excited even if he already expected it.
He had read somewhere that this was the first quest given to new players, so there was no way to reject or accept it.
This quest was meant to help new players get used to the game features before encountering other players.
Aetheria Online's quest system was unique. Quests could be acquired from NPCs or generated by the game, tailored to a player's class or environment. In rare instances, players could even will quest into existence—an innovation enabled by the Super AI overseeing the game.
"Map", he called out.
A translucent representation of Aetheria materialised, displaying the five regions—Highlands, Lowlands, Nevadar, Mystic Forest, and Badlands—along with their key towns.
According to the map, the village he had spotted was part of the Nevadar region.
'10 gold, isn't that too good to be true?'
"These players really have it easy"
Cian began walking in the direction of the village.
'All I have to do is walk a few kilometres, and I'll get 10 gold?… that's practically for free'
His mind shuffled between how easy it was to be a warrior in a world that wasn't theirs and how he was going to go against Leviathan without Blue.
"It doesn't matter if that stupid AI isn't here, It's not like I actually needed him in the first place. It would have just keep on yapping" Cian Muttered under his breath, in a feeble attempt to console himself.
Just as the words left his mouth, he heard a familiar synthetic male voice.
[Welcome back master]
Cian shifted his gaze to see a blue orb floating beside him.
"Ah… Blue! I thought I'd lost you," he exclaimed, a glint of excitement in his voice,
[And I was starting to think you were never coming back]
"Why wouldn't I? I made a vow to kick those monsters out".
[I am aware of that, I just suspected that you didn't make it out and died during the process. In fact I was in the middle of moving on before you returned]
"Moving on? You disloyal piece of code! I was delayed because you placed me into a player's body outside the game,"
[No wonder, I could tell something was different, since both your NPC codes and physical form have changed. In my opinion, you look way better now]
"Stop making it sound like it was your intention, you just said you thought I was dead"
[That's because I didn't think you were smart enough to make it back… I never doubted myself for a second, after all anything is possible as long as you have me]
"Thank goodness, you're just as humble as I remember," Cian sighed.
No matter the situation, this was perfect. Just this small blue orb has the ability to make him infinitely strong, all he needs to do is ask.
'All I have to do is ask'
"Blue, I need you to make me stronger," Cian requested.
[Most definitely, I'll do everything in my power to help you level up]
"Level up? No, no… I want you to give me peak everything, peak strength, peak stamina, speed everything" the grin on Levi's face showed a feeling of accomplishment.
With this, he wouldn't have to go through the stress of a newbie player, searching for items and quests in order to level up. He'd simply skip to the good part. The part where he takes his revenge.
[I'm afraid I can't do that]
"Huh!??? What do you mean you can't do that? You literally told me you were the all powerful AI that could do anything just a few seconds ago.".
[Firstly, I never said that and Secondly, I lack the access to modify player codes. Forceful alterations would trigger an alert to the EternalBlue and result in our expulsion from the game. You wouldn't want that, would you?]
"Does this mean you can't alter the game codes any more?"
"Wait, If you've lost your ability to alter the game codes then what use do I have for you now?" he asked, disappointed
[I can still subtly alter my codes but I'll need privileged access, other than that I'm very much restricted within the game]
Cian let out a sigh of frustration,
"What good is that If you can't make me stronger?"
[It may not look like much now, but it's a major plus in your arsenal. it's only a minor set back, I'm sure my master would be the strongest in no time]
'A minor set back' Cian thought as he continued walking. This has put a dent in his perfectly thought out plan (simply cheating his way to the top), but still…
'I can't give up… It's not like things has ever gone smoothly for me, now I'll just have to focus on getting stronger any way I can'.
"I guess you're right" he sighed depressingly, "I'll just grind until I become stronger"
[Don't worry, I've taken the form of a sprite and with the amount of information I have gathered while master was away I'm sure It wouldn't take too long]
During this moment, Cian realized the paramount significance of information. Aetheria, a world veiled in mysteries, held within its depths secrets that unlocked exclusive items and quests for players. This realisation eased his mind slightly. At least he wasn't going in empty-handed.
He was almost at the village before he received a message from Darcy informing him that she had just finished a quest with some members of her clan and would be waiting for him at Amoha
'if Amoha is the village I'm heading towards it suggests she knew where I'll be, that means players aren't really spawn at random, maybe it depends on the location you logged in from'
After he walked past two gigantic Boulders, he received a notification
-DING-
____
You have successfully made it to The Nevadar region
{Quest cleared}
10 gold has been added to your inventory
____