The shimmering text of the Life Simulation interface hovered before Ethan's eyes, casting a dim, bluish glow across his barren camp in Eterna. His heart raced as he activated the simulation for the first time. One hour in reality would equal an entire week within the simulated world—a chance to shape his destiny.
[Day 1]
Simulation Start…
Location: Vale's Reach (Unclaimed Territory)
Ethan's simulated self immediately got to work, gathering wood and stone from the nearby forest. His hands worked tirelessly as the system's text updated in real time:
[Simulation Log:]
– Gathered 25 units of wood.
– Gathered 15 units of stone.
– Constructed a Basic Shelter (Small Wooden Cabin).
By nightfall, the wooden cabin stood firm against the cold Eterna winds. Primitive, but sufficient. Ethan exhaled, relieved. He could almost feel the splinters in his hands from the detailed system updates.
[Day 2]
With the shelter built, Ethan's simulated self focused on expanding. He crafted crude tools and, after reviewing his options, decided to summon a scout.
[Summon Initiated:]
8 Silver Spent.
The ritual circle glowed faintly, and within moments, a lean, sharp-eyed man emerged, clad in worn leather armor and armed with a short sword and a map-making kit. His eyes gleamed with cautious curiosity.
[New Unit Acquired:]
Name: Roran (Scout)
Loyalty: 80%
Skills: Stealth, Exploration, Map Creation
Ethan's simulated self greeted Roran warmly. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us. I hope you're ready."
Roran nodded respectfully. "I live to serve, my Lord."
Despite the formal tone, Ethan could sense a quiet determination in the man.
[Days 3-5]
Roran explored the nearby forest, while Ethan's simulation worked on crafting more tools and reinforcing the cabin with sharpened stakes. As the updates rolled in, Roran returned with news.
"Lord Ethan, I've discovered a cave at the edge of the forest," Roran reported one evening, breathless but triumphant. "It was hidden behind thick vines."
[Event Triggered: Cave Exploration]
Ethan directed his simulated self to lead a small expedition into the cave, weapons ready. The dark, narrow corridors twisted like a labyrinth, but at its heart lay a shimmering silver chest.
Silver Treasure Chest Found!
Ethan's pulse quickened as he commanded his simulated self to open the chest.
[Treasure Acquired:]
Emberfang Longbow (Enchanted)
Effect: Arrows shot from this bow ignite upon release.
Additional Reward: 50 Silver Coins.
The enchanted bow gleamed faintly in the dim cave light. Its sturdy construction and magical power promised a significant edge in the battles to come.
[Days 6-10]
With the new bow secured, Ethan shifted focus to survival. He expanded the camp by building a small farm to grow basic crops and ensure a steady food supply. He ordered Roran to create a detailed map of the nearby area.
One evening, while inspecting the perimeter, Ethan's simulated self approached Roran by the campfire.
"Good work scouting the cave," Ethan said. "You've proven yourself."
Roran gave a rare smile. "You summoned me for this, my Lord. Just doing my duty."
[Days 11-15]
Ethan summoned a second servant: Elena, a skilled builder. With her help, the cabin evolved into a fortified wooden base, complete with watchtowers and defensive walls.
"Thank you for your hard work, Elena," Ethan's simulation said after another long day.
"Building keeps me sharp," Elena replied, tightening her toolbelt. "And alive."
[Days 16-20]
Ethan tapped into the world chat system, hoping to establish trade. Conversations with other struggling Lords filled the chat interface. Eventually, one particular contact caught his attention.
[Private Message: Lyra (Alchemist)]
Lyra: "Looking for alchemy materials? Herbs, potion ingredients, monster parts—I have what you need."
Ethan: "What's your price?"
Lyra: "Depends. Got any monster hides or enchanted seeds?"
Their exchanges became frequent. Despite the cold nature of the trades, Ethan couldn't deny a growing sense of familiarity with Lyra. She was sharp, clever, and always two steps ahead in negotiations.
[Days 21-25]
Trade flourished, and Vale's Reach grew stronger. Scouts reported increased monster activity in the surrounding wilderness. Ethan ordered additional defenses and increased patrols.
One evening, another message from Lyra arrived.
[Private Message: Lyra (Alchemist)]
Lyra: "Still alive, I see."
Ethan: "Barely. You?"
Lyra: "Wouldn't be chatting otherwise."
A small smile tugged at Ethan's lips. Even in this brutal world, there were connections worth holding onto.
[Day 26: Tragic End]
Fueled by recent successes, Ethan's simulated self decided to push deeper into the wilderness, hoping to secure rare resources. But fate had other plans.
In the heart of the dark forest, a monstrous beast appeared—a scaled, clawed abomination twice the size of any known predator. Its aura crackled with dark magic, promising death.
Despite fighting with everything they had, Ethan's group was overwhelmed. His last glimpse in the simulation text was of his simulated self loosing flaming arrows from the Emberfang Longbow—before being struck down.
Simulation Ended: You Have Died.
Ethan exhaled sharply, his hands trembling. The loss felt real, even though he was still alive in the waking world. Before he could gather his thoughts, a new system notification flashed.
[New Ability Unlocked: Immersive Simulation Mode]
Description: Enter the simulation world directly without risk of death. Experience life in Eterna as though you are truly there. All skills, experiences, and knowledge gained are retained.
Activation Cost: 1 Gold (1 Month of Immersive Simulation)
Ethan stared at the message, heart pounding. One gold—far beyond his current means—but the potential was limitless. He clenched his fists, determination burning brighter than ever.
Eterna wouldn't break him. He would rise—one life at a time.