In West City's New Century Amusement Park, Gabriel moves through the lively crowd to a hidden side door marked 'Staff Only'. Pushing it open, he walks down a long corridor, ending at a heavy fire door, where a bald, muscular man sits. The guard looks up and grunts, "Ah, it's you, kid, back for your dad? Go on, he's inside," rhythmically knocking on the door.
The door soon opens, revealing a much larger space than expected, spanning three to four hundred square meters, filled with various gambling tables under dim, hypnotic lighting. Neon lights and chandeliers cast a kaleidoscope of colors. The air is thick with the smells of tobacco, alcohol, and sweat, a sensory overload.
Around the tables, a diverse crowd engages in intense gambling or murmurs in conversation, their faces etched with hope, excitement, or disappointment. Uniformed staff weave through the crowd, exchanging chips and maintaining order.
Gabriel quickly spots his father's exuberant figure beside a poker table.
Jonathan, brimming with excitement, rakes a large pile of chips toward himself. Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he turns to see Gabriel. His joy overflows, "Hey, son, you're here! Look, your dad's killing it today! Come on, try your luck."
"Dad, I need to talk to you," Gabriel says, already turning to leave.
Jonathan watches his son's retreating back, his eyes reflecting complexity. A moment later, he hastily scoops up his chips, shouting to the gamblers, "Stay put, I'll be right back to take all your money!" He rushes after Gabriel.
In a beer pub near the casino entrance, Jonathan takes a big gulp of beer, exhaling with satisfaction. Turning to Gabriel, he offers, "Want a drink, son? It's on me today. I'm on a lucky streak. I'll buy you something big, let you share my luck. What do you fancy? No matter, I'll surprise you."
"My mom's getting married tomorrow," Gabriel says calmly, interrupting his father's chatter.
Jonathan's laughter stops abruptly, then he bursts out, "Ha! That's a good joke, son."
Thump. A beautifully crafted wedding invitation lands before Jonathan, silencing him.
After a long pause, Jonathan speaks slowly, "Good for her, I guess." He shakes his head with a bitter smile, attempting to lighten the mood, "Congrats, congrats. Now, what should I wear tomorrow?"
"That invite's for me, not you," Gabriel clarifies.
"Oh, I can't just not show up now that I know. I'll win big tonight, give them a grand gift tomorrow. Oh, and maybe I'll sing my latest song, perfect for the occasion."
"Please, Dad, don't," Gabriel pleads, then adds, "Dad, you're nearing fifty. It's time to find someone reliable and settle down."
Jonathan strikes an exaggerated, almost comical pose, "Got you, that's all I need. Remember, I'm the man guarding your life."
Gabriel gives a bitter smile, "I'm not that six-year-old anymore. And besides, I won't be around much longer... Just take care of yourself." His gaze is irresistibly drawn back to the central countdown in his vision, a stark reminder of the urgency: 9 hours 51 minutes 21 seconds.
Jonathan looks intently into his son's eyes, "What's going on? You're acting strange."
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"It's nothing," Gabriel denies, "Maybe it's just because Mom's getting married."
Jonathan observes him a moment longer before smiling, "Remember, son, no matter what, your old man's always by your side." He stands and heads out, "Time's short. I've got to get ready."
"Where are you going?" Gabriel asks.
"Back to win big, give your mom a grand gift tomorrow. Oh, and I need to practice my new song, some parts still need work," Jonathan laughs heartily.
"Dad, you're not serious, are you?"
"I'm always serious!" Jonathan claps Gabriel's shoulder, heading back toward the staff door, laughter trailing behind him.
Shaking his head, Gabriel mutters, "Can't blame me, Dad. I won't let you ruin Mom's wedding with your RAP." He dials his phone, "Hello, police? I want to report an illegal gambling den at West City's New Century Amusement Park. Who am I? Just a law-abiding citizen."
"Gabriel!" A lively, beautiful young girl throws herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Why'd you come to see me? It's been so long!" Gabriel relaxes in the presence of his cheerful cousin, replying, "Come on, I'm taking you for a big meal." Her face lights up, then she suddenly remembers, "Not today. I have something really important tonight. Let's have a big meal at Aunt's wedding tomorrow. I asked her, and the chef's from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water."
"Tomorrow, I might not..." Gabriel trails off, his attention drawn again to the countdown in his vision: 6 hours 11 minutes 38 seconds.
"We'll see each other tomorrow," she assures him.
In his room, a 'Victory' screen from a League of Legends match glows on his computer. Glancing at the KFC chicken bucket on the desk, Gabriel grabs a wing, nibbles unsatisfactorily, and tosses it back. His focus returns to the countdown: the final 30 seconds.
Gabriel's face is illuminated by the computer screen, a mix of unease and excitement in his eyes. The countdown continues: 20... 19... 18... His heartbeat seems to accelerate with the numbers.
Suddenly, Gabriel stands and walks to the window, pushing it open to the cool night breeze. He gazes at the starry sky, thin clouds drifting across the moon, casting a mysterious and anticipatory silver glow on his face.
The final 10 seconds: 9... 8... 7... 6... Gabriel inhales deeply, determination flashing across his face. He lightly pats his chest as if psyching himself up, whispering, "Here we go." The countdown reaches zero. The surroundings shatter like a broken mirror, succumbing to darkness.
Slowly, images emerge from the darkness. Gabriel feels his consciousness floating in a boundless void. Around him is the vast expanse of space, directionless and limitless. His view is filled with the splendor of the cosmos: distant galaxies dot the profound night sky, each separated by unimaginable distances. Stars and planets emit light that traverses endless time and space – some shining like brilliant diamonds, others like faint flickers, lonely in the silent void. Nebulas and star clusters weave patterns of red and blue, their mystic hues forming a tapestry in the mythic sky.
Attempting to move, Gabriel feels no physical presence. Then, a gender-neutral voice resonates in the depths of his consciousness. "Welcome, fortunate player, to the Aethercross World. Please assign a game ID for your character in Aethercross World. "
The voice, clear yet emotionless, brings his focus back. A mix of bewilderment and excitement washes over him. This ID will be his identity in this new world. After considering numerous possibilities, he responds in his mind: "SkyRebel."
"Game ID 'SkyRebel' set successfully. Matching you with a beginner's trial instance world."
Suddenly, the voice stutters, as if encountering interference. After a brief pause, it resumes, now slightly less detached. "Rare talent detected - Bond. Talent description: Unknown. Talent hint: The bond of souls weaves you and others into a net, ensuring you are never alone."
The voice continues: "Rematching you with a special beginner's trial instance world, 'My Cozy House'. Loading instance world."
Gabriel, floating in the dark void, gathers his thoughts. He realizes he's in a virtual world, a part of Aethercross World. This feeling is both novel and unsettling. He has stepped beyond reality into an unknown realm. "Doesn't sound too hard," he murmurs, his voice echoing in the void without an echo. "Based on the instance's name and the concept of a 'beginner's trial', it should be an entry-level challenge. 'My Cozy House' sounds like a relaxed family life scenario, maybe a simulation of daily life?"
The system speaks again: "'My Cozy House' Basic Information:
Historical Background: Approximately 120 years ago, Earth experienced an unprecedented disaster - a drastic shift in its axis. This triggered global natural calamities, including rising sea levels, extreme climate changes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Traditional civilizations collapsed, massive populations perished, and the world was transformed.
Current Status Urban Structure: In this altered world, human society has been reorganized, forming clusters of apocalyptic cities comprised of several major central metropolises and a web of smaller satellite towns. Each of these has established its own city-state government. These city-states are humanity's last strongholds, encircled by towering steel walls and protected by sophisticated aerial defense systems.
External Environment: Beyond the cities lies the 'Wasteland,' filled with mutant creatures, aberrant humans, and zombies. Resources are scarce, and danger lurks everywhere.
Social System: Inside the cities, modern societal structures remain, including government, healthcare, education, and technology. However, resource scarcity and external threats keep society on edge.
Special Elements Awakened: After the disaster, some humans awakened supernatural abilities, known as the 'Awakened'. Lawful Awakened provide crucial support for city defense and development, while malevolent Awakened are sources of evil in this world.
Beginner's Trial Quest: A New Tenant
Quest Details: Assist the city's defense in escorting refugees into the city. Bring back new tenants and persist until the war's end.
Quest Type: Lethal
Quest Rewards: Based on player's performance
Quest Penalty: Death."
Gabriel's mouth falls open in shock, "What does this have to do with a cozy house?"
The system, indifferent to his reaction, continues as the scenery in front of Gabriel shatters once more, succumbing to darkness.