In the year 2138 AD, YGGDRASIL, once the most celebrated virtual reality game in history, was drawing its final breath. The servers, once brimming with life, now lay barren, save for a few loyal players who clung to their virtual sanctuaries. Among them was Mark, known in-game as Marcus Valerius Corvus, a veteran player who had dedicated the last twelve years of his life to the game.
For Marcus, YGGDRASIL was more than just a game—it was an escape, a world where he could thrive as a legendary warrior and guild leader. But as the countdown to the server shutdown loomed, a bittersweet nostalgia washed over him. He stood atop a mountain in Midgard, gazing at the sprawling virtual landscape one last time. His crimson cloak fluttered in the wind, and his Roman Centurion armor gleamed under the pale light of the virtual moon. The timer in the corner of his vision ticked down relentlessly:
"Server Shutdown: 00:05:00."
As the clock wound down, Marcus allowed himself to reminisce. His most cherished memory was conquering the Labyrinth of the Fallen King, a dungeon infamous for its deadly traps and formidable boss. Victory had only been possible with the aid of mercenary NPCs, countless hours of planning, and sheer determination. The reward for his efforts was the Aquila, a World Tier item imbued with the power to summon an entire legion of Roman soldiers. Marcus had seldom used the Aquila, wary of attracting attention from rival players, but its potential always comforted him.
The timer dwindled to its final moments:
"Server Shutdown: 00:00:10."
Marcus closed his eyes as the countdown reached zero, expecting to be logged out and returned to the bleak reality of Earth. Instead, he felt the cool breeze of an open field. His eyes snapped open, and he found himself standing amidst tall grass under a bright blue sky. He blinked in confusion, the vibrant colors and realistic sensations disorienting him. The weight of his armor pressed against his body, and for the first time, he felt the cool metal and the texture of the leather straps. Even the smell of the earth and grass reached his nostrils—details YGGDRASIL had never simulated.
"Did the developers delay the shutdown?" Marcus wondered aloud, but the sensory overload quickly dispelled that notion. He tried contacting the developers using the {GM CALL} command, but no response came. Panic set in as he tried {FORCE LOG OUT}, only to find that it, too, was unresponsive. Desperation gave way to frustration as Marcus thrashed his surroundings, trampling the grass beneath his boots. Finally, he forced himself to calm down. "No need to panic," he muttered. "Think this through."
Surveying his surroundings, Marcus spotted a dense forest on the horizon. Deciding to explore, he headed toward it, his movements cautious but deliberate. Upon reaching the forest, he discovered a river. Kneeling by the water's edge, he caught his reflection—a familiar yet unsettling sight. The armor and face were his avatars, but the clarity and realism were beyond anything he had seen in YGGDRASIL.
Suddenly, a goblin lunged at him from behind. Marcus reacted instinctively, drawing his sword. The creature's attack bounced harmlessly off his armor. With one powerful swing, Marcus struck the goblin down. Blood splattered onto his blade, vivid and disturbingly real. He stared at it, unsettled. "Blood? That's not supposed to happen," he murmured. The reality of his situation began to set in. This wasn't YGGDRASIL anymore.
Marcus sat by the river, deep in thought. Returning to Earth seemed unlikely, and even if it were possible, did he want to go back? His world was a dystopian nightmare of acid rain, artificial lungs, and food reduced to tasteless supplements. Here, there was fresh air, vibrant landscapes, and the possibility of a new beginning. He sighed, leaning back against a tree. "Maybe it's better this way."
As Marcus contemplated his next steps, he decided to sit down and gather his thoughts. "Maybe I should check my inventory," he muttered, frowning. The lack of any visible menu had left him unsure of how to proceed. He closed his eyes, focusing on the idea of opening his inventory.
Suddenly, a black rift materialized near him, swirling with an otherworldly energy. Marcus jumped to his feet, instinctively gripping his sword. "What is that?" he murmured, staring at the rift. But as his fear subsided and he calmed himself, the rift disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
Puzzled, Marcus stood in silence, piecing together what had just happened. "Was that... my inventory?" he wondered aloud. Experimenting, he focused again on accessing his inventory, and the black rift reappeared. It hovered before him, its swirling depths inviting yet ominous.
Cautiously, Marcus reached a hand into the rift. At first, he felt nothing but emptiness. Then, as he pictured the Aquila, his fingers brushed against something solid. Gripping it firmly, he pulled his hand out and there it was. The golden eagle standard of his World Tier item gleamed brilliantly, radiating an aura of immense power.
Marcus smiled faintly, the familiar weight of the Aquila grounding him. Its power to summon an entire Roman legion was unparalleled, but the cooldown of two months meant he needed to use it wisely. Still, he reasoned that an army would provide protection and a means to establish a foothold in this world.
Raising the Aquila high, Marcus activated its summoning power. A blinding light engulfed the area, and when it faded, rows upon rows of Roman soldiers stood before him. Infantry, cavalry, engineers, and support units all impeccably armed and armored saluted him in unison. Their commander stepped forward, kneeling. "Ave, Dominus. We are yours to command."
Marcus felt a surge of pride and awe. A lifelong admirer of Roman history, he had modeled his character and strategies on the Roman Empire. Now, seeing a legion brought to life before him, he felt a sense of fulfillment he had never experienced.
After regaining his composure, Marcus issued his first orders. "Clear a section of this forest and establish a fortified base. Hunting parties will gather food they would need to be cautious of the surrounding area and do not astray far while engineers begin construction."
The legion moved with disciplined efficiency, felling trees and setting up camp within hours. Marcus marveled at their skill, feeling a glimmer of hope for the future. With a legion at his command and a world full of possibilities, he resolved to carve out a place for himself in this new reality.
(any thoughts??)
(happy new year everyone!)