“Why am I even here?” I whisper to myself.
The sound of my heavy footsteps echoes down the long corridor, disappearing into the distance. The faint jingle of chainmail is laced into the rhythmic steps. I keep walking, almost hypnotized by the noise and the loneliness it represents. The stone braziers lining the hallway burn silently with a blaze of mystical blue fire, floating just above their basins. The illumination cast, although bright, was placed just far enough away from the next, allowing the light to bleed into darkness. The gloomy atmosphere was only intensified by my own reservations about even attempting to beat the final boss.
I let out a long sigh as I stop walking, the echoing footfalls immediately give way to an oppressive silence. I slowly raise my favorite polearm, the naginata, in my right hand and let go of it, my enchantment quickly taking hold and suspending it in mid-air. I let my arm fall back to my side as my head drops looking down into the black marbled floor noticing the reflective surface was smoothed enough to cast a murky shadow of myself. I purposefully look over the unrefined details in the reflection until my eyes stop at what should be my face. Instead, only a head shaped shadow was staring back at me.
“This is the first time I’ve ever really been alone since coming to this world, isn’t it?” I reminisce.
My eyes slowly drift along the floor to my left showing no reflection of anyone standing there. I glance to my right only to see the same empty reflection there as well. The words replay in my head “the final boss must be faced alone without any outside assistance.” I let out another sigh as I throw my head back and stare into the murky abyss above, unable to see the ceiling of this great hall.
“I’m only doing this because you asked me to,” I mumble to myself as an image of her dances in my mind. My thoughts immediately grind to a halt as I remember that this is either the end, or well the… end. My thoughts drift to how I even arrived in this somber situation.
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Five years ago today, millions of players signed into the world of Alarian to find out what the important announcement the developers would be releasing was. The game had only been out for two and half weeks before they posted on social media about a game changing announcement that was being made in-game today. Alarian was marketed as the best full-immersion game on the market, while also being the only one to utilize all the next-generation technologies embedded into the new full-dive suits required to play. After only two and a half weeks of being on the market the game made it very apparent just how successful it was. The different cities all around this virtual world were jam packed with both old and new players all waiting patiently for the announcement.
The world seemed to stand still as the designated time finally arrived. Instantly, everyone got a message alert from ‘System.’ However, before anyone could open the notification the world started to flicker and seemingly update before our very eyes. As the flickering slowed and stopped everyone noticed the game world felt just a bit more real than it was a few moments ago. Individuals were immediately granted senses beyond anything they have ever felt in a game before. That isn’t to say competitors didn’t have in-game senses, they did, but it felt just a bit more substantial now. It was very apparent the developers were showing off what it meant to use next generation technology. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of energy as they realized this new found sensation was incredible and beyond what any other game available offered. In a rush, everyone excitedly started pulling up their messages to see exactly what the announcement held for them. The excitement didn’t last long, though. Slowly, looks of confusion started dawning on everyone’s faces, and that bewilderment quickly descended into a quiet panic as more and more people finished reviewing and re-reading the message. The plaza’s cool air seemed electric as millions of eyes quickly scanned the notification from ‘System,’ looking for any kind of mistake or misinterpretation.
“Greetings Fellow Alarians,
As you can see the world has just updated. I’m sure everyone is also noticing a new found set of senses by now with it. Those senses are just a teaser of what is to come. There will be plenty of noticeable improvements as you survive going forward. However, this update is not all good news. Starting now everyone's level is being reset back to one; consider any time played a valuable head start.
Additionally, the update brings a set of terms that are quite immutable. During your stay in Alarian you will be unable to log out of the game or leave this world. The next generation full-dive body suits you all are wearing to be here today has put your real body into a coma while keeping your mind here. All forms of disconnection and logouts have been removed and disabled. Everyone’s real bodies will be transported to medical facilities where they will be put on life support and taken care of by medical experts. With that said, the bad news continues, death now has meaning as well. If you die, your real body will die with you. Any tampering from the outside world will have the same result.
Now, I know you are thinking, this situation sounds too crazy to be true, but I assure you it is very much your new reality. However, fret not; as bleak as this all sounds, we do not intend to hold you forever. Your only goal in this world is to beat the final boss, Maleithar The Ascendant. This battle can be accessed and attempted at any time via this message, only two prerequisites being required for it. First, you must be level 250, and second, the final boss must be faced alone without any outside assistance. Upon completion of the dungeon and defeat of Maleithar by any single player, all survivors will have their ability to log off and disconnect restored, along with being granted one hour to disconnect. After the time limit expires the world as you will soon grow to know will cease. Those are the only terms of this update.
We acknowledge this development may result in many players being stuck with one of the largest disadvantages there can be: loneliness. Do not be dismayed; this update brings with it a final addition intended to fill that gap. Individuals may personally construct NPC companions up to a maximum of five. These creations will act as companions and supporters during your stay in Alarian. Including normal character and class design, this customization will also allow you to construct personalities, histories, and growth paths. Those personally constructed frameworks will then be interpreted and brought to life using next-generation true AI technology. The implemented true AI technology will allow your companions to mature and develop alongside you, all the while acting indistinguishably from real humans. The entire world will also be driven by this new technology, allowing it to adapt and change as players interact with it. No two interactions will ever be the same. Utilize and lean on your new companions; they are there for your benefit and sanity.
I hope you all learn to love the world of Alarian, stay motivated and survive!
[SYSTEM NOTE: Players are only given an allowance of two AI cores to use during NPC creation. Core utilization will be split equally between generated entities.]
[Open NPC Design Menu? (Uses: 0/1)]
[Enter ‘The Battle for Ascendancy?’ (Prerequisites met 0/2)]”
Terror quickly descended across the new realm as players realized they were no longer able to log out of the game. Chaos reigned all around as people broke down with the understanding that they could no longer leave this place. In the midst of the chaos, I stood composed, calmly reviewing the message. Inside my chest, where most people let dread take hold, I couldn’t help but notice a budding seed of excitement. I looked around the town square only to see anarchy gripping everyone in sight. Realizing the uselessness of panicking, I decided to verify my situation and pulled up my character sheet, finding it had been reset as promised.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Status Screen
Name: Eldorin Melthorne
Race: Prime Human
Ailments: [Eternal Dive Syndrome]
Stats
Specializations
Str: [3]
Dex: [3]
Class: [None]
Lvl: [1]
End: [3]
Spd: [3]
Job: [None]
Per: [3]
Int: [3]
Title: [None]
Arc: [3]
Wis: [3]
Eternal Dive Syndrome (curse): The player’s real body is suspended in a perpetual coma. Death in-game, or tampering from the outside world, will result in the destruction of the player's real body.
I’ve never really enjoyed life all that much. So when I noticed my character’s name in place of my own, effectively replacing my identity, I quickly accepted the change alongside my position in this new world. I found VRMMO’s a fantastic way to escape reality and spent entirely too much time inside virtual worlds, as a result I had gained some progress in Alarian before the mandated reset. I knelt down and tested my new found sense of touch by running my hand along the carved stone of the street. The cold rocky sensation running through my hand, although impressive, was still muted from the real world. I slowly noticed other senses were also a bit repressed, much to my disappointment. It felt similar to having a cold when your senses dulled without the body fatigue and weakness. However, this new perception of the external world would soon become second nature to all the players here. The words of the announcement played again in my head and I pondered the ramifications of being able to stay in this world.
A smile crept along my face as the anticipation grew. Finally, a real escape from reality, I thought to myself.
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I quickly bring both my hands up to my face, rubbing my face aggressively to recenter my mind on the current situation. I look forward into the darkness ahead, recalling the conversation I had only a few days ago that had led me to this dimly lit passageway.
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“What are you going to do after the boss is defeated and you return to your world?” asked Sylphiela.
My hammer faltered mid swing as I slowly looked up from my anvil quickly finding a spot on the floor to focus my gaze on. “Return to my world?” I ask, almost to myself.
“Yeah, you have already explained the ‘System’ notification to us. There are bound to be other Primes out there who are capable of defeating Maleithar. We have been level 250 for just over a week other Primes will have already reached this level too,” she stated
‘Primes,’ the nickname all NPCs use to refer to players. When players joined the world and created their avatars, they could select from a wide range of possible races. Upon selection, that race would have the word ‘Prime’ placed in front of it. For example, myself as a human would be a ‘Prime Human.’
The realization of her offhand comment instantly causes concern to fester in my chest. I quickly tear my gaze away from the ground and look up at Sylphiela. I see her slender frame leaning against the entrance of my forge. The light of the room behind her is almost blinding in comparison to the dim room I am working in. I look into her light blue eyes, the color so intense they almost seem to glow softly.
“Syl, I haven’t really considered going back, this is where I consider my home to be,” I say quietly.
“Well, from what you have explained this isn’t your world. You are actually being forced to stay here by this ‘System,’” she explains as she pushes off the wall and slowly walks up to the anvil.
I lower my arm and set my hammer down next to the hot metal I was working on. My eyes follow her as she advances until she is standing in front of me. I am forced to look down at her face as she stands a head shorter than myself. Syl gazes into my eyes for a few silent moments before averting her gaze down at the anvil.
“Yes, you are correct. I am technically here against my will. However, I don’t consider that a bad thing,” I retort.
Syl traces her finger across the hammer I set down as she absorbs what I said. Her hand suddenly snaps up as she jabs an accusing finger into my chest. “You may not consider it a bad thing, but that doesn’t make the situation excusable,” she says sharply.
I open my mouth to reply but she stops me with a hand wave.
“I cannot allow you to remain in denial, hiding away in this shop crafting armaments any longer. ” she continues.
“You know as well as I do that once Maleithar is defeated the Primes must leave,” I pause for a moment before continuing softly “including myself,” I respond looking away.
“That is no excuse for your complacency on the matter. You call this place a home yet you hide in this forge crafting weapons, instead of protecting it. Maleithar is an evil slowly killing everything in this world. If this were truly your home you go out and defend it” a dwarvish voice spoke up from the doorway as Tarbold made his way into the forge.
I look to Tarbold and back to Sylphiela who’s eyes hold a serious tone in them.
“Maleithar’s death is inevitable; more and more Primes are making their way to level 250 these days. At least one of them will possess the strength to win, it is only a matter of time. I do not want any other prime to steal this final victory from you. I want you and only you to kill Maleithar. This will free not only yourself but everyone,” Tarbold states clearly.
“Exactly!” Sylphiela joins in agreement. “This is your only chance to get back at your oppressor and free everyone… including us. The system has been changing us since you hit max level, compelling us to only think of Maleithar’s defeat. My thoughts, even now, are being directed out of my control. You’ve always tried to protect us, but this indecision that grips your heart is not like you,” Syl pleads with me, staring up at me.
I sigh under the pressure of their combined focus as they await my response. I look away to find a familiar spot on the floor to stare at. After hitting level 250, their personalities have been drifting from their normal selves. Now, they can only seem to think about killing Maleithar and pressuring me to do so. This must be a design of the system to force players to act instead of falling into complacency. After a few moments of thought, I come to the same conclusion they did. They are right; someone will eventually kill Maleithar and with it bring this world to an end.
I review the current situation and try to understand how the system might be affecting my companions. I look back up at Tarbold and see an unwavering determination burning in his eyes. Just as I designed him, I thought offhandedly. My eyes drifted over to Syl, whose gaze held a look of sadness mixed with hopefulness. The System was right; the NPCs you designed do appear and act indistinguishably from real humans. I considered my companions to be the only friends I’ve ever truly had. I don’t want to give up my life here, I thought to myself, but what choice do I have? It is ending one way or another. They are right though, I can’t sit here and do nothing while their thoughts are being controlled, not when I have the power to free them.
I take a breath of resignation under their gazes. “Fine, you win. I will go defeat Maleithar and free you both from the system’s grip,” I declare as a sensation of determination fills my heart.
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My eyes leisurely refocus on the darkness in front of me as the memory fades. These last five years with Tarbold and Sylphiela have been some of the best memories I’ve ever had, I thought to myself.
“Unfortunately, this world always had a timer on it," I remind myself, recalling Syl’s optimistic face and Tarbold’s determination. Both of my companions are eager for my success, and their freedom from the system rests on my shoulders. I steel my nerves for the impending fight.
I take one last look over my shoulder, understanding what must be done. My eyes snap forward with a new sense of resolve washing over me. I reach out and snatch my naginata out of the air and continue my march forward, the sound of my steps once again carrying into the distance.