[Please set your player name.]
"Zephyr."
I'm currently in the midst of character creation. An AI is guiding me through the process, making it accessible for beginners like me. But now, I've hit a wall: spirit attributes.
In PHO, players assume the role of spirits who support and nurture in-game residents. Each spirit can only control one attribute, a choice that could define my entire gameplay.
The attributes available are "Fire," "Water," "Wind," "Earth," "Light," and "Darkness." This choice says a lot about your personality.
Fire, though powerful and destructive, might be too common. Given my limited gaming prowess, I should choose an attribute where I can be most effective.
That leaves me torn between Light and Darkness. Both offer supportive or debuff roles, which could suit me well.
Darkness it is then; Light doesn't quite fit my style.
I address the silent AI, which has been patiently assisting me.
"I'll be a dark spirit."
[Please choose your skills. You may select five initial skills. Additional skills can be chosen every ten levels.]
A vast list of skills appears before me. In PHO, I role-play as a supportive spirit. The main combatants are the residents, NPCs whose survival is critical; losing them means wasted effort and lost potential.
"I'd prefer not to lose any contractees. It's a waste of time… So, let's take [Auto HP Recovery], [Auto MP Recovery], and [Appraisal]."
That's three slots filled.
Both [Auto HP Recovery] and [Auto MP Recovery] are passive skills that apply to contractees as well.
Appraisal is essential, a skill I've read about in web novels.
For the remaining two slots, I choose [Dark Aura] and [Darkness Creation].
[Dark Aura] envelops my contractee in a mysterious darkness; its practical use remains to be seen, but it looks impressive!
Perhaps Intimidation could be another skill?
In PHO, character resets are prohibited; trying to create another avatar in alternative pods will be discovered—rumored to be based on brainwave patterns.
Scary.
This makes it challenging for testers, discouraging choices made just for fun.
But I don't mind.
The monotony of being bound to a salaryman's life exhausts me. I never want to be constrained again.
Even if I'm not strong, I can still earn in-game currency.
Lastly, I select [Darkness Creation].
This skill conjures tangible darkness. It sounds fun; my contractees could forge swords and other items!
These two skills are unique to dark spirits, distinct from conventional magic. They're special abilities exclusive to dark spirits, potentially powerful.
Though I'm unsure of their full capabilities, I'm confident they will benefit my contractees!
"Warning: You haven't selected the skill [Manifest]. Without it, you can't materialize in the other world."
"It's fine. I'm not keen on interacting with people, not even in a VRMMO."
"Understood."
The homepage emphasizes that [Manifest] is essential.
Spirits typically appear as floating, glowing entities. With [Manifest], they can take physical form temporarily, enhancing the full-dive experience.
"I'll save that for future games. For now, I just want to earn in-game currency."
Status Boost Selection:
"Now, let's discuss status boosts. When a contractee levels up, you can enhance their growth. Choose an attribute."
"Boost HP."
In this game, spirits can enhance only one of a contractee's stats.
"Let's add a second enhancement, even with a penalty."
With a penalty, you can boost a second stat.
"Decrease strength growth, increase agility."
"Understood."
Everything is set.
A blinding white light envelops me for a moment, but it passes swiftly.
When I open my eyes again, a different world unfolds before me.
"Welcome, player Nero. You will save this world from its impending destruction. Form contracts with the residents and guide them to salvation."
"Wow!"
I soar through the air.
Below me stretch countless clouds, a fantastical town, a majestic castle, armed figures, beautiful elves, and cool beastmen bustling about.
Incredible!
I feel the breeze. I inhale the scents. I sense the textures!