Six months before the development of Ascension: The Path of the Reborn
Ethan sat in the middle of the sleek, modern conference room, the large table surrounded by some of the top executives of his company. The soft hum of conversation and the faint tapping of keyboards filled the space. Despite the air of professionalism, Ethan could feel the underlying tension. They were all waiting for his answer. As the CEO and creator of the game, his decision would ultimately shape everything that followed.
"What would you call your game, Ethan?" A man in a sharp, tailored business suit asked from across the table, leaning forward with genuine curiosity. His question hung in the air as all eyes turned to Ethan.
The young CEO took a deep breath, fingers absentmindedly tapping the polished surface of the table. His mind flickered back to the dream, the strange world that had haunted his sleep for months. "Ascension: The Path of the Reborn," he finally said, his voice firm and steady.
The room went quiet, filled only with the rustling of papers and the soft murmurs between the executives. They exchanged glances, clearly not convinced. Ethan could see the skepticism in their eyes, and he knew what they were thinking. Another MMORPG—what's so special about this one?
One of the executives, a middle-aged man with graying hair, leaned forward. "Ascension? Why Ascension? And where exactly does this rebirth fit into the game? From what you've told us, there's no resurrection mechanic, no point where the character is 'reborn' in any traditional sense."
The others nodded in agreement, curious but cautious. This was a multi-million-dollar investment after all, and the stakes were high.
Ethan smiled. He had expected this question. "It's not just about the game mechanics," he began. "It's about the experience. I want players to feel like they're being given a second chance—not just in the game, but in life. In Ascension, players can become anything. They can be warriors, assassins, beast tamers. They can forge their own path, gain strength, and live a life that's entirely in their control. It's not about being reborn in the literal sense—it's about being reborn in the way they live, the way they think, and the way they experience the world."
The room was silent as Ethan spoke, his words hanging in the air with a weight that none of them could deny. The executives, who had initially appeared doubtful, now looked thoughtful. The idea was starting to sink in.
Then, one of the younger executives, Arthur, who had been sitting quietly throughout the meeting, leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. He had ash blonde hair and sharp, thoughtful eyes—at only twenty-five, Arthur was the youngest executive ever hired by the company. Ethan had personally brought him on board because Arthur had a knack for fresh ideas, and his instincts had proven invaluable in the past.
"I like that philosophy," Arthur said, his voice cutting through the silence. "But what if we took it a step further?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Arthur leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's make it part of the story. The players aren't just avatars—they're people who have died in the real world and are reborn in the world of Erendath. They don't just start the game—they ascend into it. They're given a second chance at life, and in the game, they're known as Ascendants."
The room buzzed with sudden interest. The executives exchanged glances again, but this time with newfound enthusiasm. Arthur's idea had struck a chord.
Ethan smiled, a spark of excitement igniting in his chest. This was the reason he had hired Arthur. "I love it," he said, nodding. "Let's do that. Let's make the players feel like they're not just entering a game—they're entering a new life."
The conversation lingered in Ethan's mind for the rest of the day. He couldn't help but feel a deep connection to Arthur's suggestion, especially after everything he had been going through. Later that evening, in the quiet solitude of his office, Ethan found himself replaying the conversation from earlier—both the one in the conference room and another, more personal one from weeks before.
It had been a simple lunch, just him and Arthur at a small café. Back then, Ethan hadn't expected the conversation to take the turn it did.
"You know, Arthur, I'm dying," Ethan had said, his voice unnervingly calm. He stabbed at a piece of his salad, barely noticing the shocked look on Arthur's face.
Arthur had been momentarily speechless, blinking at Ethan with wide eyes. "I know there are rumors going around, but I didn't think they were true..."
Ethan gave a small, nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, it's true. The cancer's real. Stage three. And it's not exactly going to get better anytime soon." He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've come to terms with it."
Arthur stared at him, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced with something far more serious. "So what are your plans, Ethan?" he finally asked, his voice low. "You must have a reason for telling me this."
Ethan took a sip of water, glancing out the window. "No reason, really. I just thought you should know. Who knows, maybe you'll have some of your usual creative ideas on how I can leave a mark on the world before I go."
Arthur was silent for a moment, his gaze far away, as if he were turning something over in his mind. Then, suddenly, he grinned—a wide, mischievous smile that made Ethan feel a pang of curiosity.
"I think I know what you can do," Arthur said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You could create something. Something big."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"An MMORPG," Arthur said, his grin widening. "It's the next big thing. Why not join the bandwagon?"
Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "I hired you for your creativity, Arthur. 'Join the bandwagon' doesn't exactly scream 'innovative.'"
Arthur leaned forward, his grin undeterred. "No, you don't get it. Think about it. You said you want people like you—people who are sick, who feel like they're running out of time—to have a second chance. Why not create a world where they can have that second chance? Make it their afterlife. A place where they can do all the things they never got to do. Fight, explore, become someone they never could be in the real world."
Ethan's expression changed. He could see where Arthur was going with this. "Go on," he said, his curiosity piqued.
"In the game, people who are at the end of their rope could start a new life. They could be reborn in this game. And here's the kicker—you don't just give them a second life, you give them a chance to earn something real. Let them exchange in-game currency for real money. People who can't work because of their illness or circumstances can make a living by playing the game. It'll be more than just an escape—it'll be a lifeline."
Ethan's mind raced as he processed the idea. His heart began to pound with excitement. This was it. This was the idea that had been eluding him—the idea that would give his work real meaning.
"You're right," Ethan said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "You're absolutely right. I've actually been having dreams... dreams about this world called Erendath. It feels real, almost like it's calling to me."
Arthur's smile softened as he looked at Ethan, his eyes full of understanding. "Then that's what you need to do. Bring that world to life. Give people their second chance."
Back in the conference room, the executives were starting to filter out, their conversations buzzing with new energy. The meeting had gone better than expected, and Ethan felt more confident than ever. Arthur's idea had resonated with him on a level he hadn't anticipated, and the concept of Ascension was beginning to take shape in his mind.
As Ethan gathered his things, Arthur walked over to him, hands in his pockets. "So," he said with a grin, "you think we're onto something?"
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "I think we're about to change everything."