The world of Dominion Genesis was unlike anything Aedric Leiyen had ever experienced. It was more than a game. It was an art form, a vast, immersive realm where strategy reigned supreme, and only the cunning thrived. Set in a steampunk era infused with magic, its cities were bustling hubs of airships, steam-powered automatons, and sorcery-powered engines. Empires rose and fell at the whims of players who commanded armies, developed technologies, and brokered alliances in their quest for dominance.
And at the center of it all was Aedric Leiyen, a man whose brilliance as a strategist had earned him near-legendary status. Known in-game as Aedric Leiyen von Vandemir, his avatar was a striking figure—tall, dashing, and imposing, with sharp features that radiated authority. Aedric wasn't just a player; he was the player. His meticulously built empire had crushed countless foes, his cities were paragons of innovation, and his armies were feared across the digital world.
But for Aedric, it wasn't just about winning—it was about creating. Building an empire from the ground up, seeing his strategies unfold, and outsmarting opponents was his ultimate high. He had spent years mastering every aspect of the game, becoming synonymous with its competitive scene.
Yet, in the real world, Aedric's life couldn't have been more different.
Outside the game, he was just another face in the crowd—a quiet, reserved young man in his early 20s. His apartment was a cramped space, cluttered with gaming peripherals and half-empty energy drink cans. The VR capsule, his prized possession, sat at the center of the room like a throne. It was his gateway to another world, a place where he could shed his mundane identity and become the ruler he always dreamed of being.
That night, as the rain poured down in heavy sheets outside his window, Aedric logged into the game like he had done countless times before. The hum of the VRCapsule filled the air as it powered on, and the familiar world of Dominion Genesis began to take shape around him.
"Your Excellency, the council awaits your orders."
The voice of one of his in-game advisors echoed in his ears as he stood in the grand hall of his empire's capital. Ornate marble columns lined the room, and sunlight streamed through stained glass windows depicting his many victories. His empire, Vandemir, was at its peak.
Aedric's lips curled into a faint smile as he reviewed the map before him. His next campaign was already in motion. He was preparing to invade a neighboring empire, a move that would solidify his dominance over the region.
"This is the final piece," he murmured to himself. "Once this is done, the entire northern continent will be mine."
His hands moved deftly, issuing commands, deploying troops, and managing resources with the precision of a master tactician. Hours passed in the blink of an eye as he became completely engrossed in his plans.
The first sign of trouble came in the form of a power surge.
Aedric's surroundings flickered for a moment, and a sharp crackle of static filled his ears. Frowning, he opened his eyes inside the VRCapsule.
"What the hell?" he muttered. The lights in his apartment were dimming and flickering erratically. A storm had been raging outside all night, and he cursed under his breath, realizing it had likely caused an electrical issue.
Just as he reached for the capsule's emergency release, a deafening bang echoed through the room. Sparks erupted from the capsule's control panel, and a surge of electricity coursed through his body. His muscles seized, and his vision went white.
The last thing he remembered was the overwhelming sensation of falling—falling into a void that seemed endless.
When Aedric opened his eyes again, he was lying on a cold, damp surface. His body felt... different. Lighter, stronger. Sitting up, he found himself on a sandy beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore filling his ears. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of salt.
"What... where am I?" he muttered, his voice sounding unfamiliar even to himself. It was deeper, more commanding. His hand instinctively went to his chest, and his breath hitched as he felt the rich fabric of a military-style coat beneath his fingers.
Staggering to his feet, Aedric stumbled to the edge of the water. What he saw reflected in the surface made his heart skip a beat.
Staring back at him was Aedric Leiyen von Vandemir.
His in-game character—the tall, dashing figure he had spent years perfecting—was now his reality. The sharp cheekbones, the piercing eyes, the dark hair that always seemed perfectly styled. He ran his hands over his face, his arms, his body, as the realization sank in.
"This isn't possible," he whispered. "This can't be real."
But it was real. The sand beneath his boots, the chill in the air, the distant cries of seagulls—all of it was real.
Turning away from the water, Aedric took in his surroundings. The beach stretched out in either direction, giving way to a dense forest further inland. Towering peaks loomed in the distance, their snow-capped summits piercing the sky. Rivers snaked through the landscape, and the faint shimmer of lakes dotted the horizon.
This wasn't just a random island. It was his island—the one he had designed in Dominion Genesis as the starting point of his empire.
As the pieces began to fall into place, a chime echoed in his mind, followed by a robotic voice.
[System initializing...]
[Welcome, Aedric Leiyen von Vandemir. The Dominion System has been successfully activated.]
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying a wealth of information.
Dominion System
Status: Active
Current Title: Sovereign of Vandemir
Territory: Unnamed Island
Resources: Basic
Population: 0
Objectives:
Establish a settlement.
Gather resources.
Expand your domain.
Aedric's eyes widened as he scanned the interface. It was exactly like the system from the game—but this time, it wasn't just numbers on a screen. This was real.
His initial shock began to fade, replaced by a sense of excitement. The island was vast and untamed, a blank canvas waiting for him to shape it. He was no stranger to starting from scratch—this was what he excelled at.
"Alright," he said, his voice steady. "If this is real, then so be it. I've built empires before. I'll do it again."
Taking a deep breath, Aedric turned his gaze to the forest. He knew the first step was to gather resources and establish a foothold.
The game had given him all the tools he needed. Now, it was time to put them to use.
As he took his first steps into the wilderness, a grin spread across his face. This was no longer just a game. This was his new reality.
And he would conquer it.