Elden Online had taken the world by storm.

Released five years ago, it had quickly cemented itself as the most immersive VRMMORPG in existence.

With its full-dive neural interface, players could feel, hear, and even taste the world around them.

The game's realism was unparalleled, with an intricate magic system, dynamic AI-driven NPCs, and a vast open world that changed and evolved based on player actions.

No two experiences were ever the same.

The reviews were nothing short of stellar.

Critics praised its depth, calling it "the closest thing to another reality."

Hardcore gamers admired its high skill ceiling, and casuals loved its breathtaking landscapes and interactive mechanics.

Elden Online wasn't just a game — it was a second life.

However, the servers had been down for weeks. The developers had promised something revolutionary. Speculation ran wild, with rumors flooding the internet.

Would it be a new continent? A hidden faction? A complete rework of combat mechanics? When the announcement finally dropped, it sent shockwaves through the community.

Alchemy Reforged.

Alchemy, previously nothing more than a crafting side profession, was now a full-fledged class.

The update was marketed as a complete overhaul of the system, adding depth, strategy, and combat viability to the once-overlooked discipline.

The developers promised that Alchemists would have access to unique transmutation abilities, potion crafting, and experimental concoctions that could shift the tide of battle.

But most players weren't convinced.

To them, Alchemy Reforged was a desperate attempt to make a useless class relevant.

No amount of patch notes could change the fact that Alchemists were weak. They had no offensive skills, no durability, and no mobility.

Every other class could fight in some capacity, but Alchemists? They mixed potions and played support at best.

Who would willingly pick such a class when warriors, mages, and assassins existed?

The community didn't hold back their opinions.

[This has to be a joke. Alchemy was never meant to be a class.]

[This is just a gimmick. It's going to be trash in PvP]

[Good luck fighting anything when you're stuck brewing potions.]

Despite the negativity, the update generated massive hype.

When the servers finally reopened, millions of players prepared to dive in, eager to see if Alchemy could truly shake the foundations of the game world.

Cyril stepped out of the store, the bag in his hand weighing heavier than it should have.

He exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around the fresh game case and the high-end VR headset inside.

The new model — designed specifically for Elden Online — boasted faster neural synchronization, enhanced sensory feedback, and near-instantaneous loading.

It was expensive, painfully so, but Cyril had saved for this moment.

This wasn't just a game to him. It was an opportunity.

The cool evening air brushed against his face as he made his way home. The streets were still bustling, neon lights flashing overhead, advertisements showcasing the latest in gaming technology.

A massive digital billboard displayed an animated trailer for Alchemy Reforged, showing off the intricate potion-making mechanics, glowing transmutation circles, and a cloaked figure manipulating liquid metal in mid-air.

He stopped to watch.

For most people, this was just another expansion. Another way to pass the time. But for Cyril, it was something more.

Years ago, he had been a pro-gamer. A name people recognized.

He had once stood at the top, competing in international tournaments, proving himself as one of the best. But that was before everything fell apart.

One mistake, one betrayal, and his career crumbled. His reputation was tarnished, his team abandoned him, and his sponsorships disappeared overnight.

He vanished from the scene, leaving behind the only thing he had ever known.

Until now.

Alchemy Reforged was a chance to start over. A class no one believed in, a system no one understood — Cyril saw potential where others saw failure.

The community had already dismissed Alchemists as weak, but he knew better. Every game had mechanics that could be exploited, loopholes that could be pushed to their limits.

He started walking again, his thoughts racing.

By the time he reached his apartment, the city had darkened, the streets quieter.

He stepped inside, locking the door behind him before setting the bag down. His apartment was small, sparsely decorated, but it had everything he needed.

A gaming setup that took up most of the living room, a neatly arranged shelf of game cases, and a single framed photo on his desk — a reminder of a past life.

He didn't waste time.

Cyril tore open the box, setting up the VR headset, adjusting the straps, making sure everything was perfectly aligned.

He booted up the system, watching as the familiar logo of Elden Online flickered to life. His heart pounded, fingers twitching in anticipation.

The game prompted him to create a new character.

He hesitated for only a moment before typing in the name: Cyril.

No aliases, no disguises. If he was going to make a name for himself again, he wasn't going to hide.

A new screen appeared, asking him to select a class.

The usual choices were all there. Warrior. Mage. Assassin. Paladin. Ranger. Summoner.

Each of them powerful, well-established, tried and tested by the community.

Then, at the bottom of the list, was the newest addition.

[Alchemist.]

A warning message appeared.

[Alchemists are a newly introduced class focused on potion crafting, transmutation, and material manipulation. This class is not recommended for players seeking direct combat experience.]

Cyril smirked. The game itself was warning players not to pick it.

He selected it without hesitation.

The screen flickered, and the game began to load.

A rush of warmth spread through his body as the neural sync took effect, his senses being pulled into the digital world.

He felt weightless for a moment, then solid ground formed beneath his feet.

The world around him slowly came into focus.

A sprawling medieval city stretched before him, bathed in golden sunlight.

Stone streets bustled with activity, NPC merchants calling out their wares, adventurers rushing past in gleaming armor, mounted knights galloping toward the massive gates leading out into the world beyond.

Cyril took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, the faint scent of baked bread from a nearby stall, the distant murmur of an entire world alive around him.

A soft chime echoed in his ears.

[Congratulations, you have successfully awakened as an Alchemist]

[Congratulations, You have received Unique Talent (GrandMaster's Codex)]

His eyes widened slightly.

That… shouldn't be normal, right?

He quickly pulled up his interface, scrolling through the information.

[Grandmaster's Codex: A legendary alchemy manual that grants the user the ability to break the system's limits. Unlocks hidden alchemic formulas and enhances transmutation abilities. Note: Cannot be traded, copied, or stolen.]

Cyril's pulse quickened.

This wasn't just an ordinary class feature. This was something unique. Something powerful.