Xiao Dou's eyes gleamed with excitement as he tore open the packaging of "Interdimensional mayhem," the most anticipated game of the year. The disc slipped into the console with a soft click, and the game's logo burst onto the screen, the quality was so good, that Xiao Duo nodded, burning up his allowance was worth it .
As the cinematic intro played out, Xiao Dou's imagination ran wild. He envisioned himself as a brave warrior, slicing through hordes of monsters and exploring ancient ruins and gathering Xp's.
But just as he was about to start creating his character, the screen flickered and went black. Xiao Dou's heart sank, thinking that the game was buggy or that his console had frozen.
"Don't tell me I got scammed?! Shit cost 1 thousand dollars!"
The words "Enter Game World" appeared on the screen, calming down, he plopped back into the couch. Maybe this was how the game was supposed to go, he thought to himself and clicked the option.
The room around him began to blur and distort, like a painting smeared by a wet brush. Xiao Dou felt a strange sensation, as if he was being pulled apart and reassembled at the molecular level.
When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in the center of a glowing symbol etched into the ground. The symbol pulsed with an energy that seemed to resonate deep within his bones.
Xiao Dou's mind reeled as he stumbled backward, his eyes fixed on the symbol. What was happening? Was this some kind of crazy VR experience?
Was this how the game was supposed to play out?!
A low, rumbling voice spoke to him, the words make him back feel a chill.
"Welcome Player 0567!"
The ground suddenly open and Xiao Dou found himself falling down an endless void.
"What the fuc!!! I did not sign up for this…"
For what felt like an eternity, Xiao Dou finally landed with a thud, he rubbed behind his head as he slowly regained his vision, surrounding him were different teens and adults, all just as confused as he was.
His eyes widened when he noticed some weren't even human.
"Just what the fuck is going on? I'm sitting in my couch a second ago and now I'm in this shit hole.."
As Xiao Dou struggled to wrap his head around the situation, a warm, melodious voice echoed in his mind.
"Greetings, Players. Welcome to the world of Interdimensional Mayhem. I am the System, your guide and facilitator in this realm."
The voice was soothing, but Xiao Dou's skepticism remained. He looked around, taking in the diverse group of players. Some seemed calm, while others appeared frantic.
The System continued, "You have all been chosen to participate in this game, which will test your skills, strategy, and courage. Your goal is to survive and thrive in many worlds, while navigating its challenges and opportunities."
As the System spoke, a holographic display flickered to life before each player, showcasing their stats and abilities.
Xiao Dou's eyes widened as he scanned his own display:
Name: Xiao Dou
Rank: E
Species: Human
Age: 21
Skills: Unknown ( locked )
Attributes: Below
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 8
Vitality: 10
The System explained, "Your ranks and skills will evolve as you progress through the game. You will have opportunities to customize your characters, allocate attribute points, and acquire new skills."
Xiao Dou's mind was racing with questions and concerns, when the System addressed his thoughts.
"Do not worry, Xiao Dou. You will have time to adjust and learn. For now, let us begin the customization process. Please select your starting equipment and allocate your attribute points."
A virtual menu appeared before Xiao Dou, offering various equipment options and attribute point allocations. He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.
He took a deep breath and calmed down, this was just like the games he usually played, there was nothing to be worried about.
Xiao Dou's eyes scanned the menu, weighing his options. He had only 10 attribute points to allocate, and he needed to choose wisely.
He decided to allocate 3 points to Strength, 2 points to Agility, and 5 points to Vitality. He figured that having a strong foundation in Vitality would help him survive in the early stages of the game.
Next, he selected his starting equipment. He chose a basic sword, a leather armor set, and a small shield. The equipment wasn't impressive, but it would have to do for now.
As he finished his selections, the System announced, "Customization complete. Your new attributes and equipment are now active."
Xiao Dou felt a strange sensation, as if his body was adapting to the changes. He looked down and saw that his equipment had materialized on his body.
The System continued, "You will now be transported to the starting area. Please follow the instructions of the Guide AI to begin your journey."
The world around Xiao Dou began to blur and distort once again. He felt a sense of excitement and trepidation as he wondered what may lie ahead.
When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a bustling town square. The buildings were made of a mix of wood and stone, and the air was filled with the smells of food and commerce.
A Guide AI, a small, hovering robot, approached Xiao Dou. "Greetings, Player Xiao Dou. Welcome to the town of Willowdale. I am your Guide AI, here to assist you on your journey."
The Guide AI handed Xiao Dou a small, intricately carved stone. "This is your Player Stone. It will serve as your identifier and allow you to access the game's systems."
Xiao Dou took the stone, feeling a sense of shock. He was really doing this?. He was really playing the game?!.
But as he looked around, he noticed that something was off. The other players in the town square seemed... different. They were all staring at him, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Xiao Dou's instincts told him that something was wrong. He felt a sense of unease, as if he was being watched and waited for.
What fuck was happening?! Xiao Dou eyes narrowed as he stared at the screen in front of him.
Didn't they have their own guide AI's as well? Or was there anything on him that suddenly made him the center of attraction?