This story starts with a baby. A baby that constantly cried more than any normal baby. The parents could not find the source of the baby's wrath. With its bellows came relentless stress and sleepless nights.
The parents held out well. Raising the child to the age of 6 until eventually handing the toddler over to the adoption center. They could not handle this high mantenance child. They needed sleep, a break, relief. They felt as if they deserved a life this child was not apart of Giving up their offspring was agreed upon.
Ever since, the young boy has been quieter than a church mouse. In the face of pain, he displays an expression equivalent to an untouched canvas.
His unpainted expressions made him a victim to the torment of the other orphans. But his silence was mistaken for weakness. While he held a virtuous mind over the ideals of others, his spirit was not one to give so easily. Their aggressive playfulness was met with equal aggression, fighting back against the bullies at hand.
The adults constantly warned him of his aggression. How his violent tendencies would only ruin his future chances at being adopted. The adults bad mouthed him regardless of where he might be. This familiar situation was met with a response of his own, Isolation.
As if he was adapting to his environment and conforming himself around the emotions of adults, he changed himself constantly.
_________
15 years later....
A man's lips curve to a beautiful smile. Lighting up the mood of the fast food restaurant. "Thank you, have a nice day."
A buff man in a white T shirt and joggers walk up to the cashier, sliding his headphones off his head.
The employee with the name tag Reverend greets the man. "Good Afternoon and welcome to Macey's, how many I take your order?" His professionalism was anything other than robotic. It was fluid and natural as if he was holding an informal conversation with another civilian.
"Yeah, I'd like two of the Barbecue Steak Sandwich meal with Fried Onion Rings, Size Large, and a Spirit to drink." The customer said.
"Okay, will that be all?" He asked.
"I'd also like a Spicy Chicken Sandwich meal with Large Fries and no beverage. That will be all." The customer finished his order.
"Okay, that will be $15.89." Reverend said.
The customer swiped his debit card to pay for the food. "Oh, also aren't you the guy on the photo wall at Gym World? The Most Valuable Customer Wall?"
"I believe so. The owner did tell me that I was a MVC." He said while recalling his picture with the Owner of Gym World. The two were arm wrestling.
"I knew it!! I just got done with my workout routine at Gym World and we talked about you. I'd love to have you on my stream when you're off the clock. I'll pay you too." He offered. He wrote down his number. "If you're interested, let me know." And handed it to Reverend.
The employee took it gently, folds the paper and placed it on his pocket. "I'll be sure to give you a call on my break. That's an hour from now."
"Alright!! That sounds great!!" He walked out the line.
The next person walked up and the day continued as such.
________
The shift ends and a man pats Reverend on his back. "I have to say. I'm impressed by your work ethic, Rev."
Reverend was untying the apron he was wearing. "I appreciate the compliment."
"I heard rumors of the Manager quitting soon. You might be able to take his position. Go from assistant Manager to Manager." The man named Tom nudged him. "Isn't that great news."
"Well it's just rumors right? I can't be ensured unless it's true." Reverend rebuttals.
Tom shrugged at the comment. "Sure but if you believe it, you'll manifest it."
Reverend lightly smiles. "Well I am okay where I'm at. So if it isn't true it doesn't bother me. But thanks for telling me anyways."
Tom has a sour expression to the statement. As if it didn't land properly in his brain. A hand is placed on Reverend's shoulder. "Rev, let me give you some advice. If someone puts a ladder in front of you, climb that ladder. Always look past what you have when the opportunity arises because there's always room for growth."
"Very inspirational of you, Tom. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were a football coach." Reverend remarked.
"I'm just saying don't let an opportunity go to waste." Tom untied his own apron. "Well, I have to go grocery shopping for my children. Need a lift home?"
"No, I'm good. Thanks anyway." He walked out the room waving goodbye. "See you on Monday."
"See ya, Rev. Get some rest, you earned it!"
______
Chilling on the bus, he was playing an underground game called Gold, Glory, and Conquest. He put a substantial amount of money into this game but there weren't many that seem to play it other than him. In the eyes of others, it was way too complex and difficult for a mobile game. It was harder to keep track with it than other PC and Console games. Even the Spirit Franchise couldn't compare to it's difficulty.
But Reverend revels in it. It was an RPG like game with Tower Defense, Dating Otome, and Gacha elements. But the app was always running. So the activities of the characters occurred even when the app wasn't being used.
There were no chapters after the prologue was complete. It was a get in where you can fit in situation.
Characters can betray the player at any given moment so a loyalty meter was granted. The sacrificing of other characters to enhance another was an in-game, lore based action. It was taboo.
To top all off, if the player dies once, the app will delete itself and access to it becomes impossible without a new device and IP address.
For Reverend, it was a nice pass time. Lore based games as such was his forte.
He chose the necromancy class for his character and specifically had demons and undead for his army. The civilians showed unyielding loyalty towards him despite his usage of demonic and undead entities because of the political and economical standards in his society.
The living cost in his kingdom was fair to a point where the homeless was non-existent. Crime rate was extremely low. And he always protected his citizens from invaders.
His time on the bus came to an end. Walking down the street, his apartment complex was found.
He took out his keys as he approached his door. "Hm? Did the landlord leave this?" On his door was a note.
It read the following:
"Hey Reverend, it's Jeremiah. The last attendant moved out of the complex. You're the only one left. While I enjoy and love your company and am very grateful for your consistent payments, I have been contemplating on selling the lot. So you have two months before my decision is finalized."
Reverend sighed. He took the note off the door and entered his apartment.
Laying down on his couch, he pondered the day and remembered the advice that was given to him. "Climb the ladder...." He sighed and got up to get him some water.
He opened Glory, Gold, and Conquest and got a notification.
{It has been 5 years since Revenant has started playing Glory, Gold, and Conquest. We appreciate the dedication Revenant has shown for the past five years and would like to reward your loyalty. Will you accept our gift?}
"A gift? They rarely give those out so it must be something good." He tapped yes.
{Entry Ticket Accepted!! Downloading System!!} His phone vanished from his hand.
"!!! What the fuck?? My phone?!" Immediately he gets a holographic message in front of him.
Night time turned into day