June 26, 2026
Ascension Corp – Launch of Ascension MMORPG
Central City - TV News on the Billboards
The towering screens at Central City's main plaza flickered to life, their vivid colors illuminating the bustling streets below. A composed news anchorwoman, her poise immaculate, delivered the headline with practiced enthusiasm.
"Tonight, Ethan Soren, CEO of Ascension Corp, unveils the gaming event of the century. Ascension MMORPG, a revolutionary immersive gaming experience, launches worldwide with its capsule and VR headset consoles already selling out online. A live demo will be broadcast from the Alcove Grand Theatre, offering a glimpse into this unparalleled virtual universe."
The screen shifted to display Ethan Soren's sharp visage, his piercing blue eyes framed by an immaculate business suit.
Behind him, the Ascension Corp logo rotated slowly, exuding confidence and power. Beneath the image, a live countdown ticked away, second by second, towards the launch.
The city buzzed with anticipation, and yet, amidst the cacophony, a question lingered in the air: Was this truly the beginning of a new era—or something much darker?
********
30 minutes before launch
Alcove Grand Theatre – Backstage
The backstage corridor was alive with movement, people rushing to and fro, each carrying a clipboard, a device, or simply the weight of their nerves.
Arthur paced outside the CEO's designated backstage room, his palms damp as he anxiously checked the time on his smartwatch. His heart hammered in his chest as he replayed every detail of the presentation schedule.
Suddenly, the door swung open with a burst of energy.
Ethan Soren emerged, his sharp business suit immaculate, his calm demeanor masking the stress of the moment. A step behind him, Corey, his ever-efficient assistant, tapped furiously on a tablet, rattling off reminders.
"Your 20:15 briefing is confirmed. Demo tech checks are cleared. Final server stress tests are complete," Corey said, barely looking up.
Ethan's sharp green eyes softened as he saw Arthur, offering a genuine, albeit slightly weary, smile. "Arthur," he greeted, clapping him on the shoulder. "Tell me there's nothing I should be worried about."
Arthur straightened, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat. "Everything's solid. The game's running flawlessly. Servers are stable, and backups are in place. We're ready."
Ethan nodded, exhaling slowly. "Good. Corey, track signups in real-time and flag any anomalies."
"Already on it," Corey replied, swiping deftly.
Taking a moment to compose himself, Ethan glanced at the mirror-lined wall, adjusting his tie with deliberate precision. "Okay," he said finally. "Let's make history."
********
In another realm…
Erendath.
Far from the bustling human world, Erendath was steeped in an eerie stillness. Shadows stretched long under the blood-red sun, painting the landscape in hues of despair. At the edge of the scorched plains, a camp stirred with quiet urgency.
"My liege, everything is prepared," a crimson-skinned lesser Demion murmured, bowing low before his master. His tone carried the weight of grim finality.
Ardorr, clad in dark ceremonial armor, stood tall against the crimson sky, his golden piercing gaze sweeping over the ruins of a once-vibrant city. The sentient core of Erendath hummed faintly beneath his feet, a reminder of the realm's last hope.
"Leave the altar as a decoy," Ardorr commanded, his deep voice unyielding. "It carries the Master's essence. When the time is right, we will return to reclaim it."
The lesser Demion nodded, his movements deliberate and reverent. "As you will, my liege. May the Eternal one guide us."
Turning one last time, Ardorr surveyed the ruins. His expression was a mask of control, but beneath it lay a storm of emotions—sorrow for the home they were abandoning, fear for the unknown ahead, and the faint flicker of hope that the prophecy would hold true.
The Darkspawns were coming, their presence already thick in the air. And when the core awakened, it would not only birth an Eternal—it would also decide the fate of Erendath itself.
********
As the countdown reached its final moments, the audience at the Alcove Grand Theatre buzzed with excitement. Ethan Soren took the stage, his every step measured, his presence commanding the room.
A massive screen behind him flickered to life, revealing a sweeping vista of Erendath's vibrant forests, jagged mountains, and desolate wastelands. The crowd gasped as the vivid world came alive before their eyes.
"This," Ethan began, his voice firm and resonant, "is not just a game. Ascension is an experience. A journey. And for some of you… a calling."
The words lingered in the air, their weight palpable. Somewhere deep within the code of the game, a dormant power stirred. Unknown to all, the boundaries between the real world and Erendath were thinner than they seemed.
As Ethan extended a hand to unveil the final piece of the presentation, a sharp flicker crossed the screen.
For a split second, the image of crimson eyes glared back at the audience, an ominous warning that went unnoticed by most—but not by Ethan.
He hesitated, his breath catching for the briefest of moments before regaining his composure. "Welcome to Ascension," he declared.
The crowd erupted in cheers, unaware of the shadow that had just been cast over both worlds.
As the applause roared in the theatre, far away in Erendath, the altar left behind began to glow faintly. A crack split the air, resonating with a sound that was not heard, but felt.
The first Darkspawn stepped through the rift.
And the world would never be the same.