In the real world, several government agencies were investigating the mysterious game, Earthisia. The game had suddenly grown into a global phenomenon, yet no one knew who the developer was or which company it belonged to.
Among the nations, the American government was especially focused on unraveling the mystery surrounding Earthisia. Their investigation was more thorough and persistent than any other country's efforts.
After years of fruitless attempts, a breakthrough was finally made. A certain scientist, Imelda, had found a lead. Her appearance was disheveled, with deep eye bags hinting at countless sleepless nights.
"It's been five years since we started investigating this game, and now we've finally found a lead!" Imelda exclaimed with an exhausted but triumphant smile.
"Great, no more overtime at the office!" an officer quipped, sipping his coffee. "I can finally spend time with my daughter."
"Someone better tell our superiors we deserve a bonus for this!" another officer shouted enthusiastically.
Imelda, however, was fixated on the screen in front of her. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she said, "Now, let's uncover the secrets you're hiding, Earthisia."
"Miss Imelda, don't smile like that. It's creepy," the first officer muttered, nearly choking on his coffee.
As the team loaded the game, hoping to gain administrator-level access, the screen suddenly cracked. The fissures spread ominously as if something was trying to escape.
"Shut down the project immediately!" Sergeant Anderson shouted , sensing the impending danger.
Drawing his handgun, Anderson fired at the screen, successfully destroying it.
"It seems hacking into the game might be more dangerous than we thought," A blonde-haired scientist called Bryan said as he concluded. "Maybe those conspiracy theories are true—this could be how extraterrestrials plan to invade Earth. Every government agency failed to block the game's emergence early on. That's why we were tasked with investigating it. We might need to warn the world about a possible invasion."
~~~
Meanwhile, in a distant city, a man stood in a dark room. He sensed the looming danger. It was the same man who had been in the mansion earlier. From the shadows, he brought out a mysterious, shape-shifting object.
"I've helped you find it, boy," he murmured. "Now I need to buy time for you to grow stronger." The object disappeared from his hand. "You have two years at most—one at the least—but it'll be enough. You're the most talented person I know."
"Father, are you here?" a girl's voice called out as she entered the room. It was Yana. "I want to play this game everyone at school is talking about. They say it's the greatest game ever made, though there are rumors a secret organization created it."
"Of course, my baby girl. Order the helmet now, and it'll be at your front door by morning," the man replied with a warm smile.
"I want to work hard in the game too," Yana said. "My friend Gerry is playing it, so I decided to join him. Maybe we can bond again, like before." Her voice was filled with nostalgia.
"You'll need to get stronger too, my baby girl. I just obtained some crucial information about a secret class in the game. Do you want to take the quest for it?" the man offered, showing her a tablet.
"Okay, Father. I'll do it. Gerry's talented, but I have to stay ahead of him so he doesn't cast me aside," Yana said, determination lighting up her face.
"I saw the news," Yana continued. "Someone's impersonating me. She looks like me, too. Was that your doing?"
"No," her father replied sternly. "You're my only daughter, and I would never do such a thing. But don't worry—I'll have the company investigate. She'll regret messing with the Glades!" His eyes burned with resolve.
After Yana left, the man picked up the phone. "This is Spencer Glade. Investigate the woman impersonating my daughter. I want answers."
Elsewhere, in a dark alley, a gangster fought off three men armed with baseball bats. His phone rang, startling his opponents.
"Big boss, take the call before continuing your training," one of his lackeys suggested.
The gangster answered. "Understood, Mr. Glade. Consider it done."
~~~
Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Grey was still farming Ogres and Goblins, hoping for good drops. He used the same strategy of luring and throwing stones at the enemies before defeating them. He had managed to collect a handful of uncommon equipment and three rare items dropped by the Goblin Shaman.
He had already killed the Shaman 32 times in the span of five days, as he had school to attend as well.
"Inventory," Grey commanded, and a window appeared, showing the items he had obtained.
INVENTORY:
0 Gold, 32 Silver, 125 Copper Coins
Tukatu's Necklace (RARE): Held by a shaman in an isolated village of goblins, it was said that the souls of the shaman's victims resided here.
Increases: +3 Intelligence, +1 Strength, +10 Mana, +5 Vitality, +2 Agility Requirements: Level 10, 20 Intelligence Effect: Summon a vengeful spirit killed by the player. Attack Damage: 2 Health: 10 Cooldown: 160 minutes
Mask of Despair (RARE) (Incomplete): A mask discovered by a Goblin Shaman in the nearby ruins. It is said to be only a fragment of what it once was.
Increases: +5 Intelligence, +5 Agility, +2% Attack Speed Requirements: Level 1 Effect 1: Conditions have not been met. Effect 2: Conditions have not been met. Effect 3: Conditions have not been met.
Kirldr Stone Sword (RARE): A goblin once used this in his training. It accompanied him throughout his life until he died in an avalanche during a duel with a human warrior.
Increases: +12 Damage, +3 Strength, +3 Agility Requirements: Level 12, 9 Strength
Greji's Handsome Adventure (Spellbook) (RARE): A book for learning Fireball. Created by Greji, a noble from an ancient era with otherworldly handsomeness, in hopes that someone like him could use it without a level restriction.
Requirements: Level 0 Conditions: Must read the book to learn
7 Goblin Spear (Uncommon):* A spear used by goblins.
Increases: +2 Strength Requirements: Level 7
10 Goblin Knife (Uncommon):* A knife used by goblins.
Increases: +2 Agility Requirements: Level 7
4 Ogre Eye (Uncommon) (Ingredient):* A crafting material for making equipment or weapons.
127 Goblin Blood (Common) (Ingredient):* A crafting material used to make inferior health potions.
162 Wild Boar Meat (Common) (Ingredient):* Can be cooked.
200 Stones (Common) (Ingredient):* Can be thrown or used as building material.
"Looks like I don't need the other rare ones, but the mask and Greji's book can be useful as a good investment. The stat increases from the necklace and sword are great, but sadly, I'll have to let them go. I can sell them for a high price since rare weapons with these kinds of stats are limited in the game," Grey said happily as he browsed his inventory.
Grey continued farming, aiming to kill 100 Goblin Shamans, but it would take a few more days to complete.
~~~
Gerry awoke to the sound of his alarm, frowning as he pressed the stop button on his phone. The curtains in his room fluttered as a passing wind disturbed them. A sliver of sunlight slipped through, momentarily blinding him.
"Oh sh*t! I'm late for school," Gerry shouted as he leaped out of bed and rushed into the shower.
"Brother, language!" Lila scolded him, having heard his outburst.
"Sorry! I panicked," Gerry called out apologetically from the shower.
Ten minutes later, Gerry was sprinting out of the house, hurriedly making his way to school.
The school was a 20-minute walk from Gerry's house, but he was already 20 minutes late. The class had started long ago. Running as fast as he could, his speed rivaled that of the school's best athletes. Sweat dripped down his body as he reached the school gate.
"You're late again, man. Hurry before the principal catches you! He's visiting the school today..." the security guard, Mr. Ato, scolded Gerry but didn't press further as he seemed preoccupied.
Gerry bolted up the stairs to the third floor, heading to his classroom: 3-A.
Unfortunately, the professor was already there.
"Mr. Frey, you're late again. Even if you're one of the smartest students in this school, you still have to abide by its rules. Do you think you're an exception? You're not! One more of being late in my class, and I'll fail you regardless of your performance. Now, stand in the hallway for the rest of the class," Professor McKorny said angrily, lecturing Gerry in front of the class.
"Looks like you're watching us again, boss," Raven, his friend from Never Eleven, commented with a grin.
A lot of students laughed at him too but Gerry knows it was a joke because he was always late in class.
"Are you alright, Gerry?" Yana asked, her tone filled with concern.
"I'm fine. Please, don't worry about me, Yana. Just focus on yourself, and I'll do the same," Gerry snapped, his irritation showing despite Yana's innocent question.
"Class! Quiet! Now, Mr. Frey, go outside and stand in the hallway," Professor McKorny barked, silencing the room.
The class went on for an hour, with Gerry standing outside the entire time. At this school, each subject lasted up to an hour and a half, making the punishment particularly grueling.
During the break, Raven approached Gerry.
"Boss, how strong are you now in Earthisia?" Raven asked eagerly, hoping for an update.
"Wait, Gerry's really playing Earthisia now? I thought you were bluffing, Raven,"Draven said, a classmate with spiky orange hair who had overheard the conversation.
"Yeah, boss joined the game a few days ago. Right, boss?" Raven added, grinning.
"I got spawned in an undiscovered snow plains area, but luckily, I found a gate there. I've been grinding for days. If you guys want rare equipment or weapons, I have some spares I can't use—if you're willing to spend," Gerry said, clearly pleased with his progress.
"You found a gate? That's huge, boss! I'll buy a weapon from you. How much do you want? I'll transfer the money now and add you in-game later," Raven said, pulling out his phone eagerly.
"Based on what I've read on wikis and guides, rare drops from gates can fetch thousands," Draven chimed in.
Hearing this, Raven immediately pocketed his phone. "Looks like I can't afford it," he said, laughing nervously.
"Why don't you sell it to me? I'll buy what you're selling for twice the market price," Yana interjected suddenly, joining the conversation.
Gerry hesitated.
"Are you pitying me, Yana? I'll sell it at market price. I don't want anyone's pity," Gerry replied, frowning. "The total is $2,500 since it's from a gate. I'll add you in the game later. What's your IGN?"
A notification popped up on Gerry's phone, confirming the payment. "2,500 USD has been added to your account."
"It's 'Yana,' but my player ID is 233598513. Just my name—I have nothing to hide in-game," Yana said with a smile.
"Alright, I'll add you later and trade the items. Just be online at 10:00 PM," Gerry replied.
The bell rang, signaling lunchtime.
"Boss, let's go to the canteen. They said a new dish is being served today. It's supposed to be special since the principal is visiting with some guests," Raven suggested.
"Sure, let's go. Might as well try it rather than regret missing out," Gerry agreed, glancing at Yana.
When they arrived, the cafeteria was packed with students eager to try the new dish. Resigned to the fact that they wouldn't be able to eat there, they headed to a nearby convenience store—Never Eleven—where Gerry worked.
"Gerry, your shift will start earlier than expected, so be ready. Also, new items are being delivered later. You'll manage them," the store manager said, inspecting the current inventory for discrepancies.
The day passed, and Gerry finally got home. With newfound motivation from his recent earnings, he resolved to grow stronger in the game. Will he rely solely on conventional methods to meet stat conditions, or will he find an alternative path to make money and gain strength?