Chapter 1
In the year 2099, humanity stood on the precipice of a new frontier, a shimmering threshold that bridged reality and imagination. The dawn of virtual existence was heralded by the rise of "Arcane Crusade."
After twenty years of development that started in 2079, as of now this particular game was so advanced it blurred the lines between flesh and code, creating an immersive world where dreams could be lived. This was the only game that was created to ensure the players minds will perfectly syncronize with the world they created. Every sense on the user body could not tell the difference. Many virtual games were created, but the technology that was used in this game was decades ahead of its time.
The creators behind Arcane Crusade were a coalition of tech giants that merged together and became known as Nexus Corp., formed from remnants of old-world corporations driven by profit and ambition. With the promise of a world full of magic, fantasy, glory, fame, wealth, adventure, power, and boundless possibilities, the biggest multinational organization banded together to create a world that gave people the freedom to realize their greatest aspirations. without suffering harm or dying.
Because the capsule supplies basic sustenance by infusing the body with highly formalized synthetic serum to preserve the body's optimal health condition, it was designed with a life support system to ensure that players who were recluse game lovers could play this game for extended periods of time. They even made sure to use muscle stimulants to prolong the duration of the capsule by preventing physical degradation of the body. The Arcane Crusade pod received a lot of criticism and moral backlash for being both potentially hazardous and overly intrusive. The drastic procedures used to confine players to the capsule for prolonged periods of time were criticized for being immoral and harming toward the users mental and physical health,
but nevertheless is was huge success as it was the only virtual game that remain strong and influence the world in all aspects of life from economical, financial, cultural, social, food and even health since it was beta test on 2078. now after 20 years nearly 1.17 billion online virtual gamers registered and played Arcane Crusade, making Nexus Corp the biggest global corporation in the planet.
life inside the game was the same in reality and many preferred living inside this gam as they gain more in their artificial life rather than in reality. thus the shift on mankind's mind set tilted toward the virtual word at they could not differentiate the difference in two worlds, the game developers engineers and programmers made use to deal with all possible issues like changing the physical appearance of their game avatar, because the game capsule was created to truly make the user feel and experience the virtual world , each capsule was equip with DNA scanners and advance safety protocols to ensure each avatar were similar toward the user, even the power terminals were created to ensure the player will never encounter life threatening encounters. digital currency inside the game can be used to pay and buy all of the necessities in the real world so many smaller corporations started to build their own virtual business inside the game.
the only thing that made users away and tell they were in the real word was they could never access their status window and use any of their game avatar abilities , so many user got hurt but overtime nearly all players adjusted their life to this fact and continued their daily life like it was nothing and normal.
but not all were able to gain those freedom and luxury as many of the unheard and un seen people that worked their entire life to maintain the virtual game never had the opportunity to even see the world they created, feel the powers they coded and live the scenarios of the game them selves.
like 59 years old, Damon Asai Lazarus joined the covert outsource senior programming team at the age of 23. He devoted his life to developing a large number of scenarios, monsters, and complex gaming plots since it was launched in 2079., His enthusiasm and commitment to the project helped mold it into the engrossing and deep experience that it is today, transforming the game industry in ways that no one could have imagined.
He was a simple person who hid all of his true skills in creating this virtual world within a small space of his rental apartment, and like him, many of our source programmers were hired. These young , naïve and clueless programmers brought a unique perspective and dedication to their work, ultimately revolutionizing the gaming industry. Their collective efforts resulted in the creation of immersive and captivating virtual worlds that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
But unknown to these individuals, they were disposable workers; Nexus Corp. is not the family friendly company they appeared to be. Many of these talented programmers were eventually replaced or let go without warning, leaving a trail of broken dreams in their wake. The harsh reality of the corporate world soon became apparent, tarnishing the once bright and promising future of these people; many of them were seen dangling above their ceiling, lifeless. Damon was the last one that was retained due to the huge amount of design and programming code he created faster and more efficiently than anyone else. Despite his success, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt for surviving while his all of his un seen and un heard former colleagues met tragic and solitary ends.
As a result of the strain to perform at such a high level, Damon began to wonder what the real price of success in a highly competitive field like technology was. He never achieved the independence he desired in his own life; his goal was to live among the millions of people who played the game that he 70% developed. He played a major role in developing the virtual system leveling and ability user settings and helped to create a revolutionary virtual reality experience. Damon battled with the moral implications of his creations and found it difficult to find fulfillment outside of work, despite his accomplishments. As he managed the hazy boundaries between creativity and moral quandaries on the field, the weight of his obligations weighed heavily on him.
His hands and skin were now wrinkled, and his eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but he knew that his work had changed the world. As he finally finished reading the termination email sent by Nexus Corp. to him, he closed his laptop, took a deep breath, and just stared at the window of his parent's home. The picture of his parents was still on top of his cabinet, including photo albums with vast amounts of good memories of his youth. As he leans back and recalls where all this resentment started—the wonderful experience he gained growing up with his parents and surrounded by his father's rowdy, wild, and very large clan.
They were all gun and weapon enthusiasts, and their great and epic exploits and mischievous antics formed an unbreakable friendship. All twelve of his cousins, both male and female, were passionate hunters and gun owners who instilled their love of firearms in him. Some of the fondest memories he had were of those times spent in the woods learning to hunt and shoot together. As the youngest, he looked up to his older relatives as mentors and role models in all things hunting and gun-related. His lifelong love of the big outdoors and the rush was shaped by the abilities and information he gained throughout those early years.
while Miyako Azai stood as a remarkable embodiment of his lineage toward his mothers side, she was a direct descendant of the legendary Azai clan that had once wielded great power and influence in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. As the third daughter of the clan chief, she carried the weight of her family's rich history with pride, striving not only to honor her ancestors but to carve out her own legacy in the turbulent world of the samurai. With her curling dark blue hair cascading elegantly over her shoulders and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see through to the hearts of those around her, Miyako possessed a magnetism that instantly captivated her students and peers alike. Standing at five feet seven inches tall, her presence was both commanding and graceful, embodying the very spirit of a warrior.
Miyako's skill with the sword was unparalleled, earning her recognition as a licensed instructor in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her proficiency was not merely a product of her noble bloodline; it was a testament to her relentless determination and countless hours of training on the dojo floor. Aspiring samurai flocked to her, eager to learn the ancient techniques of combat that she had mastered. Under her guidance, students not only acquired practical sword skills but also internalized the philosophy of bushido—the way of the warrior—imbibing lessons of honor, discipline, and respect. In a time when societal norms often limited the role of women, Miyako Azai defied expectations, reshaping the narrative of what it meant to be a female samurai instructor and solidifying her stature as a revered figure within the martial community.
The historical tapestry of Japan is woven with the threads of its samurai heritage, and the government's increasing interest in preserving this legacy brought with it both hope and controversy. As the remnants of samurai clans remained scattered across the nation, a palpable tension grew when the government unveiled its strategy to immortalize the techniques and philosophies of these warriors. Many of the samurai, steeped in centuries of tradition and honor, felt a deep indignation toward the notion that their revered swordsmanship should be shared with outsiders, particularly those they viewed with suspicion as foreigners who had arrived on their shores under the banner of force rather than friendship.
The direct clash of ideals between preservation and pride created a volatile atmosphere that reverberated across the clans. In a bid to bridge the divide and garner cooperation, the Japanese government proposed a handsome compromise. In exchange for the commitment of select samurai clans to pass on their knowledge of martial arts, they would receive significant perks such as tax exemptions and the designation of their ancestral lands as natural historic sites. This enticement was enough to sway the Azai clan, albeit with the caveat that they would impart only the fundamental aspects of their revered techniques.
Yet, the complexities of this arrangement soon revealed themselves. When the American military, tasked with overseeing the education of these ancient practices, sent personnel who were ill-equipped for such responsibilities deskbound officers lacking real combat experience, the risk of inauthenticity loomed large over the endeavor.
Amidst this bureaucratic oversight, one unexpected figure emerged: Edward, an officer whose accolades and true capabilities had inexplicably vanished from the records. While his superiors remained oblivious to the depth of his skill and experience, Edward found himself occupying a pivotal role at the intersection of two worlds. It was here that he would either become a catalyst for understanding or a facilitator of misunderstanding, navigating the delicate balance between reverence for tradition and the pressures of modernity. As the samurai were gradually led to share their legacy, Edward's presence became a quiet yet profound testament to the lines that were being blurred and the stories that were yet to unfold.
Captain Edward Lazarus had long been a celebrated figure in military circles, renowned for his exceptional skill in tactical warfare and his numerous battle accomplishments. His strategic brilliance had led his troops to victory in conflicts that others deemed unwinnable, earning him respect and admiration from his peers and subordinates alike. However, his illustrious career took a drastic turn when allegations arose from the United Nations Humanitarian Division. They accused him of being excessively cruel toward his enemies, a claim that starkly contrasted with the traditional narratives of heroism that surrounded him.
Despite his storied past, the weight of these allegations proved insurmountable. Though he had once commanded respect on the battlefield, he was demoted and shuffled to the role of an instructor, tasked with imparting his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of soldiers. Standing before the cadets, Captain Lazarus often struggled to reconcile the glory of his past with the circumstances of his present. As time went on, his role gradually shifted again, leading him to a desk job—an office space far removed from the excitement and chaos of combat.
Now, in a world of paperwork and reports, he found himself reflecting on the duality of his career. The respect of his peers was now largely overshadowed by his reputation as a controversial figure, leaving him grappling with the ethical implications of warfare. Captain Edward Lazarus continues to teach his son not only about tactics and strategy but also about the moral complexities of leadership in warfare. His journey serves as a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished soldiers must navigate the fine line between triumph and the consequences of their actions.
Damon went back to those recollections of his childhood, reflecting on how much he had missed seeing his family due to his involvement in game development. The job's profound aspects convinced him to accept the offer, as he was granted the freedom to work from home and was assured of an equal work-life balance. However, he failed to see the true reason Nexus Corp had set up this arrangement in the first place. But as time passed, Damon came to understand that the company's focus on remote work was really a means of monitoring and controlling its workers more thoroughly; the contracts they sign turn into their own kind of surveillance without running afoul of the law. Numerous youthful designers soon felt trapped and realized they had unknowingly given up his privacy and autonomy in exchange for what he thought was freedom.
Damon had always harbored grand ambitions, envisioning a world that transcended the mundane, filled with innovation and creativity. His mind raced with possibilities, and he thrived on the excitement of making those dreams a reality. Yet, in his youthful exuberance, he remained blissfully unaware of the intricate labyrinth that corporate mechanisms often create—a place where personal autonomy is subtly traded for collective success. As he labored tirelessly to construct what he believed to be a utopia, the walls of his own freedom slowly began to close in on him. When the harsh truth finally dawned upon him, it was too late; time had slipped away, leaving him grappling with the haunting weight of lost choices and unattainable aspirations. The termination from his job, a culmination of years of sacrifice, shattered the fragile foundations of his idealism. Tears streamed down his face as the reality of his illusions unveiled itself, exposing the gaping void left behind in his pursuit of ambition.
Alongside the professional turmoil, Damon faced a personal cataclysm as well. The loss of his parents placed an unbearable heaviness on his spirit, compounded by the stark betrayal of the Lazarus clan, who distanced themselves during his time of need. Their absence acutely reminded him of the emotional toll his relentless ambition had exacted, severing ties that he once took for granted. The funerals of those he loved became an unachievable event, a bitter reminder of the choices that had led him here: isolated and regretful, forever denied the chance to say goodbye. His bright visions of the future, filled with laughter and love, were now obscured by the shadows of sorrow and solitude. As he stood amidst the ruins of his dreams, he grappled with a profound disillusionment, wrestling with the realization that the very ambitions that once fueled him had, in the end, led to an unforgiving isolation.
Damon Lzarus, age 59, was hearing his heart beat and understood he has dying As he felt the weight of mortality pressing down on him, Damon realized that time was running out for him to make amends and find peace within himself. In that moment, he made a silent vow to cherish the remaining moments of his life and seek solace in the connections he still had.
9:30 am Sunday morning
When a thundering voice interrupted his thoughts, and all of the people all over the world heard the same voice in their own language and dialect.
"We have been watching humanity for thousands of years; we left knowledge so humanity can advance toward an era of enlightenment and fulfill the grand plan the creator designed humans should follow."
"But among the countless machines and killing tools humans created, we never deemed it necessary to intervene until now."
"The technology you humans created has chained your mind and soul into a manmade word of your own creation." The beings explained that they had observed humanity's progress and were now concerned about the direction it was heading. They urged humans to break free from the constraints of technology and reconnect with their true essence.
"We are now witnessing oceans of people getting chained into these fake realities."
"Thus we agree to give humanity what all crave: a world filled with supernatural uncertainty and a world filled with chaos and unpredictability. Only then can you truly understand the beauty and complexity of life. The creator created for you humans."
"It only took three decades to destroy humanity's future."
"We, the observers, saw humans fake reality and copied it to the point you will all now live in it."
"The consequences of losing touch with our true essence are becoming increasingly evident as we witness the rapid deterioration of humanity's future."
Suddenly the entire planet shook and all Arcane Crusade capsules all over the world simultaneously deactivated and just automatically awakened the user and never functioned again.
Soon those who were related to the game saw the same floating notification in front of them.
At the time, a huge new continent rose into the ocean where the Bermuda Triangle once mysteriously sat. The observers watched in awe as a new chapter in human history began, filled with uncertainty and the potential for both destruction and rebirth. A huge tower rose up; each stone that held the tower was as wide and tall as six skyscraper buildings connected with each other. The land it stood on was twice the size of Australia.
as it ascends up above the clouds, casting a shadow that stretched for miles. The tower seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, drawing in onlookers from around the world who were now filled with so many mixed emotions.
as millions panicked and many rejoiced when they saw a familiar scene; they saw their status window materialize in front of them, and they all heard the same voice in their heads, prompting them to listen as the system will now synchronize their game characters in real life.
While this was happening, Damon Lazarus 59 succumbed to his old age before losing consciousness. He saw something floating in midair; it was a screen and had his name on it. While a voice was explaining to him the reason this was happening.
"Greeting Damon Lazarus, I am the system; I higher beings created me based on the inner workings of the artificial world humans created; "
"They are now granted those who are connected to this fake world to truly learn from this foolish framework."
"as an entertaining and cruel punishment's that will last until somebody conquers the Obelisk of Chaos."
"You, and like millions of other foolish beings, will now live the life you dream of having, along with the consequences it may bring."
"We have scanned and extracted all the needed information out of you and found out you have been using the artificial framework the longest."
"We have detected an anomaly in your body."
"You are dying. This is not acceptable."
"You must experience what true suffering is; we are bound to make this happen. No matter what the cost,"
"Initiating revival and reprogramming your body to eliminate the anomaly and ensure your survival. This process may be painful, but it is necessary for you to continue living."
"For optimal use, we shall restore your human form at the peak of your prime."
"As the oldest user of this fake artificial world, your punishment must be severe to serve as a warning to others who may try to defy the system. We will monitor your progress closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure your compliance." "Remember, survival is not guaranteed, but it is the only option you have at this point."
"Conditions have met. Starting the process now."
"Prepare yourself for the transformation, as it will be a crucial step in your journey towards redemption.""
While the system was doing this all over the planet, it only took a few hours to synchronize the game avatar. Skill, power, and achievements in the real world; many even thought this was still part of the Arcane Crusade, but feeling the pain of getting hurt was not part of the capsules prerogative. The voice continued to explain that the Obelisk of Chaos has 100 dimensional floors, each floor has different scenarios and challenges, and the place is filled with unknowing creatures, from savage and powerful monsters to sentient beings with their own culture and society.
Players must navigate through each floor, using their skills and strategies to progress and ultimately reach the top, where the ultimate challenge awaits. The voice warned that only the strongest and most cunning would survive the trials of the Obelisk of Chaos. that players must overcome in order to progress. The ultimate goal is to reach the top floor and end the chaos. The monster inside the Obelisk, if not properly checked and managed, will eventually randomly escape through dimensional cracks inside the Obelisk floors that will manifest at any place and time in any part of the planet, and these creatures primary command is to hunt, kill, and destroy any living thing that stands on its path.
"Remember humans, please enjoy your time inside the Obelisk of Chaos.,"
"We, the higher beings, are watching your progress."
The entire world soon fell silent; many were shocked by what had happened. Many of the capsules were able to function again, but connecting to the virtual world had disastrous results. It seemed as though everything that had made Arcane Crusade the best virtual game in the world had been irrevocably corrupted and had turned back into a very ugly 3D block game. The new continent was met with many questions,
Is this a genuine ad or just another ploy by a competing game company? The players were left to question whether Arcane Crusade's developers had misled them. Rumors about a rival gaming firm sabotaging the game started to circulate as mayhem broke out in the virtual world. Fortunately, some so-called players were able to turn the tide when they discovered they could actually use their game powers in the real world, and the world was forever altered. This was before news broke the next day that hordes of goblins had attacked a German city, killing hundreds of people. By utilizing their special skills to defend innocent lives and combat the goblin danger, the gamers turned into heroes.
Thus the world shifted in conquering the Obelisk of Chaos and accepted that this was in fact the Arcane Crusade that came to life while this was happening. Damon was still inside his family home trap inside a cocoon as the system was fulfilling its command to punish the oldest user of the fake realm because he was on the brink of death. The laws of time and space were bending to revive his weak and dying body.
"System is having difficulty in maintaining full universal function."
"Thus it shall separate this particular system and isolate it under the pretense of the user."
"An error occurred!"
"User is failing, adjusting current status."
"Emergency protocols initiated to stabilize the user's condition and prevent further system malfunctions,"
"Rebooting is necessary for the system to recalibrate and continue operation smoothly."
"critical error, user is dying, change system command to prioritize user survival over punishment."
"Initiating emergency protocols to stabilize the user's condition and prevent further harm."
In a desperate bid, emergency protocols were initiated, each step a frantic attempt to stabilize his condition. The mechanical voice echoed through the depths of his cocoon, declaring the need for a reboot to recalibrate and rectify the spiraling crisis. Each command overlapped with the fervor of survival instinct: "Critical error, user is dying; change system command to prioritize user survival over punishment." It was as if the very essence of the system was torn between its cruel governance and a burgeoning desire to protect the last flicker of life that was Damon himself. As the gears of reality churned in uncertainty, the battle between punishment and preservation unfolded in a realm on the brink of chaotic transformation.
While Damon's consciousness was trapped inside a blank space filled with vast empty space, the separated system that was tasking in keeping him alive manifested into a young female angel and explained to him that the main system needed to separate him because he was already dying and the time needed to heal his body was taking a lot of energy. So the main system decides to create a separate system just for him so the main system can fulfill its primary function and deal with the rest of the world.
"Punishing you as the oldest user is important."
"So just wait here, as you can see time does not exist here, and look at the physical appearance your mind has created for you."
"You reverted back into your younger self, twenty-three years old in human years, and now you can focus solely on healing without the burden of age weighing you down. This separate system will allow you to fully recover and rejuvenate before rejoining the main system and the rest of the world."
Days became weeks, weeks became months, while the world moved and engaged the reality they now had, humanity changed to adapt the virtual game, many that love playing in Arcane Crusade became real, and the boundaries between the two began to blur. People struggled to distinguish what was real and what was virtual, leading to a societal shift in how they interacted with each other and the world around them. The once clear divide between reality and fantasy had become a tangled web of uncertainty, challenging individuals to redefine their understanding of existence.
The air was thick with anticipation as the announcement reverberated through every corner of Earth: "Nexus Corp. and its affiliates are mandated to transform their capsule technology into immersive training tools." With that declaration, the last vestiges of separation between virtual experiences and real-world skills began to dissolve.
The sleek, silver cocoons that once served solely for entertainment were repurposed into gateways for learning and growth. A new era dawned where individuals could hone their abilities in lifelike simulations before stepping out into the unpredictable fabric of reality. Yet this shift was not without its challenges.
In a towering construct known as the Obelisk of Chaos, a monolithic structure that pierced the clouds and housed an intricate world within players found themselves ensnared by unforeseen regulations. They were not free to harvest resources or trade goods freely; all items obtained from within required authorization from the ruling council or lord.
Merchant trade was the only option in fulfilling the tower's conditions, and gold and silver coins were accepted. Any machines or equipment created on earth were useless inside, so weapons created within the tower were the only weapons that could kill creatures that roamed the vast dimensional landscape and monsters that escaped its dominion and freely walked the human realm. Powers that players could use were based on how huge their stored mana energy was; many who were mentally and physically healthy were able to manifest strong attacks, weather magic, or malee. Martial artists or those who were trained to fight gain more than those you were just ordinary players without any actual experience in fighting.
Many players banded together and started to build their own organization and started to freely work inside and live a double life, so the world government created a suitable organization to oversee the players. These people were divided into five personal types of players:
Socializers
These players are motivated by social connection and prefer to interact with others. They may enjoy playing games where they can meet new people or play with loved ones.
Achievers
These players are competitive and enjoy playing with other players to prove their skills. They set goals for themselves and are motivated by gaining rewards, reaching higher levels, and increasing their in-game score.
Explorers
These players are motivated by exploration, learning, discovery, and novelty. They are more interested in the journey than the destination.
Killers
These players are highly competitive and motivated by winning. They enjoy gaining points and winning status, but they also want to see other players lose.
Philanthropists
These players are altruistic and motivated by purpose and meaning. They want to give to other people and enrich their lives without expecting a reward.
Based on this five time, they were ranked in three categories: novice, intermediate, and professional. Players who fall into the category of Explorers are more likely to be ranked as novices, as they are focused on learning and discovery rather than winning. On the other hand, killers are more likely to be ranked as professionals due to their competitive nature and desire to win at all costs. Philanthropists may fall somewhere in between, possibly ranking as intermediates as they balance altruism with gameplay strategy.
While everything was moving according to the main system's primary command, one separate system was still in the process of fulfilling its primary directive. the 59 years old Damon Lazarus finally woke, and because his parents house was at a remote location far from a highly populated area, he remained undisturbed for nearly two years , the system reverted his body when he was 23 years old..
The one thing he did, upon getting a second lease in life was seeing his status window, and saw something that made him smile.
" I always wanted to experience life to the fullest , even if my parents are gone , I still wish to make them proud." With a renewed sense of purpose, he set out to explore the world and make the most of his second chance at life. "
"DAMON LAZARUS 23 YEARS OLD " Can be Edited
"EARTH HUMAN" Can be Edited
"JOB TITLE: FACILITATOR "LEVEL 1" Can be Increased
'STRENGHT 9" Can be Increased
"SPEED 8" Can be Increased
"STAMINA 30" Can be Increased
"AGILITY 10" Can be Increased
"INTELIGENCE 56" Can be Increased
"SKILL 40" Can be Increased
"MANA 15" Can be Increased
"CONTROL 0" Can be Increased
"RESISTANCE 3" Can be Increased
"ELEMENTAL AFFINITY ???? ????? ???? ???????? ???? LEVEL 0 Can be Increased
"POWERS AND ABILITIES: FACILITATOR HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE AND EDIT SCENARIO AND STATS BASED PAYMENT OF ACHIEVEMENT POINTS."
"CHANGE OF SCENARIO CAN BE ADUSTED BASED ON OPTIONAL CHOICE; PAYMENT IS REQUIRED"
"ADJUSTMENT OF STATS ??? POINTS PER ONE DIGIT INCREASE"
"ADJUSTMENT OF LEVEL ???? POINTS PER ONE DIGIT INCREASE"
"BASED ON CORRISTPONDING LEVEL."
"CURRENT ACCUMULATED ACHIEVEMENT POINTS"
"CALCULATING…"
"20 YEARS…"
"AFFLITION WITH ARTIFICIAL REALITY IS 70%"
"CALCULATING…"
"CALCULATING…"
"CALCULATING…"
"TOTAL ACHIEVEMENT POINTS"
"20.100 POINTS"
"CONGRATULATION!"
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO EDIT YOUR STATUS WINDOW?"
"YES OR NO?"