The God of Games leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly stroking his smooth, beardless chin.
A mischievous smirk played at the corners of his lips as he eyed Benjamin, who was sitting across from him. There was a glint in the deity's eye, as though he were savoring the moment before delivering some cosmic bombshell.
"You're familiar with Chronicles of Deremiah, aren't you?" he asked casually, his tone almost playful.
Benjamin froze.
The words hung in the air like an unexpected chord in a familiar melody, and in that instant, his heart skipped a beat.
His eyes widened as a spark of recognition flickered within him. He didn't need to hear more; he already knew what the God of Games was talking about.
"I know that game," Benjamin replied, his voice betraying a mix of excitement and disbelief. The words came out almost reflexively, his mind already racing through the memories. "How could I not? I've played it, I've lived it."
The game in question, Chronicles of Deremiah, was infamous. It wasn't just another RPG or fantasy title — it was a phenomenon.
Benjamin had bought the game hoping for an epic fantasy adventure, something to sink his teeth into.
But what he'd found wasn't exactly what he expected. The story was brilliant, rich, and full of twists. The graphics and world-building were on another level, far beyond what most games of its genre offered.
The gameplay mechanics were tight, and the quests offered a sense of freedom that made the world feel alive.
But there were two problems.
Number One, It was an Eroge!
Number Two, It was impossible to finish.
No one had ever completed the game — not a single person in the entire world. There were forums full of theories and frustrated gamers, each trying to figure out the final puzzle or defeat the final boss, but every attempt seemed to end in failure.
The game's narrative was brilliantly designed, but it was also layered with hidden challenges and obscure secrets that seemed to be beyond human reach.
The deeper players got into the game, the more they realized they were being led down a path with no end.
Even the developers themselves, in their countless interviews, didn't admit to the ending…
It was a paradox — an unfinished masterpiece that was so well-crafted, so immersive, that it felt almost alive.
Benjamin had spent hours trying to crack it, determined to uncover the secret behind its impenetrable conclusion.
But like everyone else, he had hit a wall. The game never ended.
"Do you know why that is?" the God of Games asked, his voice almost a whisper now, as if sharing a secret only the chosen few were privy to.
Benjamin couldn't help but chuckle. "I've heard all the theories. Some say it's cursed. Some think it's unfinished, but no one can figure out why." His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to read the God of Games for any hint of what was to come. "But… if you know something about it, I'm all ears."
The deity's smirk widened. "What if I told you that the game isn't just a game? What if it was designed to be impossible to finish? Not because the developers couldn't, but because it wasn't meant to be completed?"
Benjamin stared at him, his brow furrowing. The air in the room seemed to grow thicker, heavier with the weight of the God's words.
"Are you suggesting… that the game is alive?" he asked, his voice low.
The God of Games chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Not in the traditional sense. But yes, in a way, it is. Chronicles of Deremiah is more than just a digital world. It was created as a test, as a challenge for those with the right… qualities. It has its own purpose, its own rules. And those who play it are, in a sense, being judged."
Benjamin's pulse quickened. There was an intensity in the air now that made him feel like he was standing on the edge of something far greater than just a video game.
"So… you're saying I could finish it?" he asked, his words trembling slightly.
The God of Games raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "That's where you come in. I have a proposition for you."
Benjamin's heart skipped a beat.
He wasn't sure whether he was about to step into an adventure or make a huge mistake, but the challenge was too tempting to refuse. "Go on," he said, his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside him.
"You're a gamer, Benjamin. You've already proven you have the drive, the dedication, the skills to tackle Chronicles of Deremiah. But it takes more than just skill to finish that game. It takes… something extra. Something you can't quite put into words, but you feel it when you play."
Benjamin tilted his head, trying to follow the God's train of thought. "What are you getting at?"
The God of Games stood up from his chair, the energy in the room crackling as he raised his hand.
A series of glowing, intricate magic circles appeared in the air before them, each spinning and shifting like a web of unseen possibilities.
"Your journey begins here, in the real world. But if you truly want to enter Chronicles of Deremiah and finish what others could not… I can reincarnate you into that world."
Benjamin blinked. "Wait, what? Reincarnate me?"
The God of Games smiled. "Yes. I will give you the chance to step into the game itself, to experience everything firsthand. But don't think it will be easy. The stakes will be real. You will have to earn your place, fight for your survival, and unravel the game's mysteries. And should you succeed, you will be the first to truly complete it."
Benjamin's mind was racing.
The idea of reincarnating into a game world was one thing — exciting, dangerous, full of potential. But the implications were enormous.
He could be anyone, do anything, experience a world where the rules were different. This was the chance he'd dreamed of for years.
"Well then," Benjamin said, setting his cup of tea down and standing up, "I'm in."
The God of Games chuckled softly, folding his arms across his chest. "I knew you would be. But don't think this is just some game. You'll need more than just courage. You'll need strength, wisdom, and something even more precious — Karmic points."
"My Karmic points?" Benjamin raised an eyebrow.
The God of Games gestured to the glowing magic circles around them. "You have accumulated a significant amount of Karmic points in your life. 500 Karmic points, to be exact."
Benjamin looked at the number floating in the air, eyes widening. He hadn't thought much about his past actions, but 500 Karmic points? That was no small feat.
"What does that mean for me?" he asked.
"Everything," the God of Games replied. "Karma determines your starting abilities, your growth, and even your fate in the game world. Choose wisely. Once you enter, there's no going back."
Benjamin's gaze shifted to the other circles. They displayed a list of skills and classes he could choose from.
"Your Karmic points will allow you to unlock powerful skills," the God explained, "but remember, you can't have everything. Choose wisely, for every decision will shape your destiny."
Benjamin took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the list of options. This was it. The adventure of a lifetime was about to begin.
"I'm ready," he said finally, his voice filled with determination.
The God of Games smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Very well. Prepare yourself, Benjamin. The world of Chronicles of Deremiah awaits you."