Chapter 1: The Game That Became My Reality
The Legend of Eternal Realms Online
I am Kairo! And...
For over a decade, Eternal Realms Online was my escape from reality. A vast, immersive MMORPG unlike any other, with thousands of quests, countless dungeons, legendary bosses, and a world so detailed it felt alive. The developers prided themselves on creating a game with unparalleled depth, where even the smallest decision could shape the fate of kingdoms.
I knew every inch of this world—from the floating islands of Aetheris to the cursed depths of the Abyssal Ruins. I had mapped out every hidden dungeon, exploited every game mechanic, and defeated every boss solo, something that most players considered impossible.
But what made Eternal Realms truly unique was its permadeath system.
If you died in Hardcore Mode, that was it. Your character was gone forever. No second chances, no respawns. Only the strongest, smartest, and most skilled players could survive in this unforgiving world. And I was one of them—the top-ranked Hardcore player.
The Fatal Mistake
It was supposed to be just another night. Another session grinding XP, farming legendary loot, and helping clueless newbies. My character, Azrael the Shadow Reaper, was max level, fully geared with the rarest artifacts, and had a 99% dodge rate thanks to my perfectly optimized build.
Then… everything went black.
I remember a sharp pain in my chest, my vision blurring, and the sound of something shattering. My last thought before everything faded?
"Damn… did I just die in real life?"
Awakening in the Unknown
When I opened my eyes, I expected to see my computer screen, maybe a hospital bed if I was lucky. Instead…
I saw a sky so clear and detailed it felt too real to be a game. A gentle breeze brushed against my skin, and the scent of fresh grass filled my lungs. The sound of rustling leaves and distant birds echoed in my ears.
I wasn't in my room. I wasn't in front of my PC. I was lying in an open field, surrounded by towering mountains and an endless sky.
I shot up, panic setting in. That's when I noticed my reflection in a small pond nearby.
Silver hair. Glowing violet eyes. A black hooded cloak with intricate golden embroidery.
My hands trembled as I touched my face, feeling the familiar features of my in-game character.
"No way…"
I opened my mouth to speak, and my voice—deep, smooth, and slightly distorted by magic—sent chills down my spine. It was Azrael's voice.
I clenched my fists, my gauntlets emitting a faint glow. The weight of my dual daggers strapped to my waist was unmistakable. This wasn't a dream. This wasn't VR. I was Azrael the Shadow Reaper.
The Horrifying Truth
I needed to confirm it. I mentally commanded my Status Window to appear.
[Status Window]
Name: Azrael
Level: 100 (Max)
Class: Shadow Reaper
HP: 9,800/9,800
MP: 12,500/12,500
Strength: 580
Dexterity: 750
Intelligence: 620
Agility: 990
Skills: [Phantom Step] [Shadow Blink] [Reaper's Execution] [Death's Embrace]…
The stats, the skills, the interface—it was all exactly as I remembered. But there was something new.
At the bottom of my status screen, written in glowing red letters, was a warning message I had never seen before.
[REALITY MODE ENABLED: PERMADEATH IS PERMANENT]
I froze.
My mind raced through every possibility. This had to be a bug, a hidden update, some kind of elaborate prank, right?
I took a deep breath and pinched my arm. Pain shot through me. I stepped back, heart pounding.
"No respawns… no safe zones…"
I swallowed hard.
This wasn't a game anymore.
This was real.
And if I died here… I would never wake up again.
The New Journey Begins
I exhaled slowly, my panic turning into something else—determination.
I had spent years mastering this world. If there was anyone who could survive here, it was me.
I wasn't just a player anymore.
I was Azrael the Shadow Reaper.
And this time, I wasn't just playing for fun.
I was playing for my life.
To be continued…