Liam opened his eyes to a blinding light, his body heavy and unresponsive. A sharp, metallic taste lingered in his mouth as he gasped for air, blinking rapidly to adjust to the brightness. The sound of chirping birds and a soft breeze greeted him—so real, so vivid, it made his head spin.
This wasn't his apartment.
He sat up slowly, expecting to find his old, cluttered desk and VR headset. Instead, he found himself in an open field surrounded by towering trees, their emerald leaves shimmering like jewels under the golden sun. A crystal-clear stream gurgled nearby, and the air smelled of fresh grass and blooming flowers.
"What the hell?" Liam muttered, his voice sounding deeper, smoother.
He raised his hands instinctively, startled by what he saw. They weren't his hands—gone were the calloused, ink-stained fingers from years of coding and late nights. These hands were strong, elegant, and unmarred. His arms were muscular, his skin a flawless tan. He caught sight of his reflection in the stream and froze.
The face staring back at him was not his own.
Chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the sunlight. His once unruly brown hair was now a lustrous black, falling in soft waves that framed his face. He looked… breathtaking, like a protagonist ripped straight from one of the fantasy games he used to play.
"No way," he whispered, leaning closer to his reflection. His heart raced as he touched his face, his fingers brushing against smooth skin and the faint stubble along his jaw. "This can't be real."
Suddenly, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, followed by a holographic interface materializing before him.
Welcome to Oasis, Player!
Spawn Point: Plains of Eternia
Liam's blood ran cold. This was impossible. He wasn't wearing a VR headset. He wasn't logged into a game. Yet everything around him—every sensation, every sound—was indistinguishable from reality.
Before he could process the situation, a soothing, melodic voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Welcome to Oasis, traveler! You've entered the Plains of Eternia, a beginner-friendly zone perfect for honing your skills and meeting fellow adventurers!"
Liam turned to see a small, ethereal figure hovering before him. It shimmered like moonlight, its translucent form swirling with soft golden hues. The spirit's glowing eyes radiated warmth, and its voice carried an almost otherworldly calmness.
"New player?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "I'm not new. I created this game."
The spirit tilted its head, its glowing form rippling faintly. "Ah, every adventurer feels like the center of the story! Now, let's get you started. First, let's check your stats and gear!"
A new interface appeared before Liam, displaying his character sheet.
---
Name: Unknown
Class: Commoner
Level: 1
Health: 100/100
Mana: 10/10
Attributes:
Strength: 5
Dexterity: 5
Intelligence: 5
Charisma: 5
Luck: 5
Equipment:
Tattered Tunic
Worn Boots
Rusty Dagger
---
Liam stared at the screen in disbelief. "Commoner? Level 1? Are you kidding me?!"
The spirit hummed gently, a soft, almost teasing laugh escaping it. "Everyone starts somewhere, traveler! Remember, hard work and perseverance are the keys to success!"
"This has to be a mistake," he muttered, pacing. "I'm supposed to be the creator, not some random low-level nobody." He turned back to the spirit. "Where's the logout button? How do I leave?"
The spirit's serene glow didn't waver. "Logout? Oh, traveler, why would you ever want to leave such a wonderful world?"
Liam's stomach sank. The realization hit him like a freight train. The reward. The mysterious message. The promise of something special for beating the game. This wasn't a glitch. This was real. He was trapped inside Oasis.
The spirit continued, its soothing tone contrasting with Liam's growing panic. "Your first quest awaits! Head to the village nearby to receive your starting gear and meet other adventurers. Good luck, traveler!"
Without another word, the spirit faded into a shimmering wisp of light, leaving Liam alone in the field. He clenched his fists, his mind racing.
"This can't be happening," he muttered. "But if this is real… If I'm really here…"
His gaze turned toward the distant horizon, where the faint silhouette of a dragon-shaped mountain loomed in the distance.
"…then I'm going to beat this damn game again. And this time, I'll make sure no one steals what's mine."
With a determined glare, Liam took his first step toward the village, the grass crunching beneath his boots. His journey had just begun.