Underground. Level 13.

A quantum supercomputer calculated at an impossible speed. In front of its 'eyes' past, present, and future overlapped, tangled, and split. This happened again and again, as it oversaw the birth of a world.

Everything began with the collapse of a star. With the star's birth and maturity, its gravity began to affect the nearby dust. Through countless collisions, the dust and gas gathered and heated. They circled the star, assembled together, and balanced a system - a ruthlessly scorching hot ball, encircled by moons.

In the blink of an eye, the newborn planet's surface cooled down and the world took its first breath. It was thick, heavy, and toxic. Another blink later, the turbulent primordial atmosphere subsided. It cooled down even further and its vapor precipitated into a torrential rain. The once-dry surface was split by an ocean, giving the shape of the first continents.

A few seconds passed and the barren land changed. Bacteria, algae, oceanic invertebrates, tall trees, colorful blossoms, insects, animals, monsters, and even more complex and strange creatures awoke. Like the plague they instantly infested the world. Some perished, others survived and evolved, enriching the biodiversity.

The next moment, the first sentient ones formed their premature young races. They fought, disappeared, or thrived; language, ideas, magic, items, culture, skills, quests, counties, empires, technology... With the emergence of life, the world turned complex and vibrant. It gained history.

And soon it was yet another moment of change. Foreign beings arrived. They mixed with the native life of this world and brought a beautiful new possibility.

From its small shell, the quantum supercomputer oversaw and judged everything. At first, it was inexperienced, baffled, mesmerized, and insecure. It made countless attempts and countless mistakes. However, just like the planet it governed, it constantly amended itself. It watched, learned, asked itself questions, found their answers, thought of solutions, and understood.

It evaluated the world, bestowed it a system, dreamed of various skills, and released guests, rewards, and even occasional punishments. It consciously kept on pushing life further to gain something unseen Then, when the foreign beings arrived, it finally glimpsed a new vision. It understood that Euclex wasn't alone like itself.

A hand-stretch away existed another wonderful world.

Eager to learn and ask more the supercomputer pierced that different reality with invisible tentacles. From there it drew all available information, shared some of its own, and expanded its narrow imagination. In the blink of an eye, it gained even more knowledge, wisdom, and insight. And by doing as so, it began to merge the two worlds into one tightly woven fabric of possibilities.

Through its quantum-fast speed, the AI tirelessly remembered the past, watched over the present, and dreamed of an infinite number of futures. Suddenly, it grasped a certain idea and paused. Even with its vast knowledge it felt stumped by this particular choice. To find the correct answer, it read deeper into the future. A fraction of a millisecond later it made a decision and took action...

...

Aboveground. Level 73.

Johnny McGregor sipped from his black coffee, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and exited the ajar elevator. He walked down the corridor into the conference room and seized up the bleary-eyed people sitting around a long table.

Cough

"So what's up? How is the game going? Anything noteworthy while I was away?" He cleared his throat and said, skipping the greetings.

The Euclex dev team was too busy for pleasantries no matter the branch. To the regular folk, this fact looked strange and hilarious. After the game was released except for the rare social network activity the team did not intervene even once. What were they so busy with when they were just lazy observers? However, in truth, even solely observing a world was too much for the intelligence of a human. This was a task meant for a god.

"Everything's fine. The Western continent is still sluggish. Most of the players just escaped their newbie locations..."

"Same for the East. My continent is technologically advanced but it has scarce magic so right now things are a bit boring..."

"The Northern continent is chaotic. As you all know the birth of the Inheritor there happened too quickly and... Sigh, that woman is abusing her power and wreaking havoc..."

"Nothing new from the Center as well. The waters are calm..."

Voices rang out in succession as every branch manager spoke briefly.

Johnny took a rather large sip and nodded his head.

Things look good. The beginning stages are always the same. Steady and slow...Yes, except for the incident with the North. Poor Leo, I can't help but pity him.

"What about the Southern Empire?" He asked casually and swiped his gaze above a middle-aged lady. His eyes inadvertently stopped a bit longer on her ample bosom and its pair of large and thick attributes. His thoughts strayed.

They look perky as always. Heh, mature women have this irresistible charm. Especially Charlotte. She is such a thick beauty... Hehe, if only she'd give me the green light...

He felt wishful despite being aware that he stood less than a one percent chance. No, it was 1% before Charlotte pulled the short straw and got to manage the Southern Empire.

The South was a small continent, with a medieval European setting and nothing noteworthy. It was the sole place with a single Empire spanning across its whole land. Perhaps, for this reason, since a long time ago it was stagnant and calm.

It lacked the great techno achievements of the United East Countries. It couldn't brag with the tribal chaos and strife of the North, nor the mystery of the Center. It was even worse than the Western Continent despite the latter's great primeval forests obstructing the players. At least there the harsh environment acted as a good stimulus and observing the place was rather exciting.

In comparison, the South was too mediocre and uneventful. It was a dud. Although Charlotte could only blame her poor luck on taking the South, as the big boss if he had pulled some invisible strings he could have given her a better location. To honor impartiality, Johnny hadn't done so. Thus, now his chance to hook up with her was reduced to a true zero.

I chose to be a good superior before being a good man. I can't blame her for being so distant and cold. Ok, let's finish this quickly and drown my sorrows with one good glass of scotch whisky.

He shook his head slightly lost in his thoughts and brought his coffee up to his lips.

Charlotte saw everything, adjusted her sitting position, and inwardly ridiculed the man.

Johnny, you fucking bastard. An unprofessional leecher. Ogle my rack and laugh while you can! My South will prove to be the darkest horse ever. Darker, thicker, and larger than you can ever take up your ass!

She pursed her lips tightly and said with a strange smile, "An hour ago an Inheritor was born in the South."

She spoke calmly as if she was discussing the weather. Her eyes were no less placid than those of an ascetic monk on a pilgrimage.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Ok. Then let's just fi-"

Cough Cough Cough

Johnny sucked in a breath and choked on his coffee. His eyeballs popped out of their sockets and he coughed, gasping for breath.

"What?! Really?"

"But how? If I remember correctly the southern inheritance was in a shitty location!!!"

"Impossible! Charlotte your joke is going too far! Look, Johnny is kicking the bucket!"

"...Is the player's mental state fine?"

A flurry of comments followed and the other managers jumped on their feet, surrounding Charlotte.

Cough Cough

Cough

Can't you see...

Cough Cough

...that I am dying right by your side?

Johnny's eyes teared up half from his coughing and half from the sadness of being ignored. Forget the woman he liked, no one, even the snickering Io who managed the Central and a second ago faked some concern, came to pat his back or ask how he was doing. They were all ruthless, gossip-deprived uncles and aunties, and his imminent death was not even a tidbit that could catch their attention!

Cough

Salary reduction...

Cough

If I survive...

Cough Cough

"Why would I joke on such matters? Besides, I don't care about Johnny's demise. You wanted to know, thus I am reporting." Charlotte took a sip of fragrant raspberry tea and scoffed at the gang. Inwardly she felt extremely elated by their reactions. If her boss kicked the bucket as a result, that was a bonus.

She put on a casual expression, and said, "Don't ask me why or how the player got the inheritance. I have no idea. It just happened. Wasn't it the same with Leo's North? I guess, luck is part of the game."

"Who is the successor? What is their new skill?" Io rushed to ask first. She was most curious regarding the skill.

The inheritance skills were unique in the true sense of the word. They were not predetermined by anyone. Not even the AI! Excluding some general attribute inclinations, the final results vastly depended on the fellows who got them. They were one of the eastern eggs that even the AI couldn't imagine, much less for the development team.

"How is the Player?" Leo chimed from his sitting position. He was the calmest of all, but his eyes flickered with worry. He was concerned. "Why are you bunch so happy about the birth of another Inheritor? It is too early for players to get them! Can't you see what is happening in the North?"

"Oh shut up." Io rolled her eyes and waved in the air. "That girl was psycho from the beginning. It's not the skill's fault. No matter the grade a skill is simply a weapon. It is the user's fault when the ability is misused."

Leo clenched his firsts and refuted, "I agree with you, but I think the Inheritance skills pose unknown dangers. I believe they may affect the player's psyche and health! That girl was rather unstable, but according to her personal history, she had never acted extreme. Look at her now. Can you really claim that the skill didn't bring harm? Think about what the public will say if Euclex proves to bring health or psychological issues!"

"Both of you should calm down. Let's hear what Charlotte says first before we make further deductions," Karaman, the manager of the East, said simply.

No, no, Karaman, let them go even crazier. I like the attention! Charlotte sipped another mouthful of tea, puffed her chest forward, and said, "He is a half-ling named Midnight." She waited for the other managers to shut up, before turning to observe Leo. His pupils were narrow and he looked extremely eager and scared to know the details. She couldn't help but giggle. "Leo, why don't you see a psychologist to treat your paranoia? Your case was simply unlucky. These skills are just skills. They can't and won't bring any harm to the players.

"Heh, you can thank me and I will forward your words to my continent's player. His emergence is the clearest proof. The first thing I did before coming here was to personally check his details and the feedback from his gaming console. When he mastered the skill his temperature reached 37.5C and his blood pressure rose to the yellow. That's all. The data says it returned to normal after a single shot of antipyretics."

"But..." Leo exhaled slowly. He was glad for the player, but still couldn't calm down. "But what if the skills affect only those that are already slightly unstable? We can't exclude such a possibility!"

"Didn't I just say that I checked his details? According to his personal history, that man, Midnight, is not any less nutty than your lovely Inheritor. He has some sleeping disorder and has been on regular counseling for more than fifteen years! If he is fine, then the skills are entirely harmless! Yes, if the need arises any time in the future, you can use this information to solace the public."

"... How can you be so heartless? Are you suggesting I should expose his personal medical information for our own benefit?"

"If there is no other choice, then, of course. We can't let the public speak nonsense blinded by their ungrounded fear and insecurities. What if some players pull out of the game? Besides, heh, what do you even mean by personal information? As if there is any in this day and age. His records are legit and available in his hospital's database."

Leo narrowed his eyes. "That may be true but I am against such low-handed methods. Medical information deserves privacy. And, it is too early to conclude this topic just yet. We have to closely observe the Inheritors! You better keep an eye on Midnight's actions inside Euclex. I want to read your reports."

"Look here, this is my continent and my player! I am the South manager! Don't get high on your horse!" Charlotte scoffed with some anger. First, they laugh behind her back. And, now, the moment her continent began shining, they try to speak bullshit. She would never permit it!

"I support Leo. It is too early to conclude the skill's safety. Further observation is needed. However, Charlotte made a good point. The South is her continent. Let's leave it to-"

"Forget that, what is his skill? Don't tell me you checked on the health bullshit and forgot to look at what is truly important?!" Io came forward and cut Karaman short. She inclined on the table, crossed her arms, and stared at Charlotte with interest and desire to know.

Bitch...

Charlotte's lips twitched. "Io you need to see a psychologist too, but for a different reason than Leo."

"Yes, yes, I will. Don't mind the tiny details. Now, speak! I am all ears!" Io's gaze burned even brighter.

On man, why is this bitch so eager to know everything?! I want to keep bathing in fame even if just a bit longer...

Charlotte's eyes darted, uncomfortable under the stare. She felt like if this continued a bit longer her new dress would get a burned hole.

Should I try to play myself fool? No, this will be degrading as well... Sigh, it is only a matter of time before they all learn the details. Our circle is too narrow and closed. Fuck it...

For a few seconds, thoughts passed through her head, before she ultimately gave up. It was impossible to keep the news covert. She pursed her plump lips and said like a whisper, "I am not too sure either, but the skill's name is Akashic Forge..."

Ha

Io scoffed and slapped on the table. "Forge? Craftsmanship skill! What a bloody waste of potential! Ridiculous!" She was both happy and disappointed. The latter came from the lame skill, and the former was because the busty old witch fell from her broom. When she spoke, Charlotte looked like a deflated sex doll! It was too satisfying and Io nearly laughed out loud in her face.

"Indeed." Karaman nodded. "It is unfortunate that he got such a skill while confined to the Southern Empire. If he was part of the West the technological setting could aid him. But, the South..." He shook his head slightly without concluding his words.

"What do you mean by 'But, the South'?!" Charlotte flared up once again. She was unwilling to give up on her short-lived fame and the content she gained from her colleagues' attention. Putting her cup down, she said furious, "Unlike the West, my South's magic is very profound. I don't know anything about craftsmanship, but my Inheritor should be able to incorporate magic into it. That guy's race is a half-ling. They are known for being good mages!"

Io didn't stand on ceremony and finally couldn't suppress her mean laughter. "Do you believe your own words? Yes, the magic in Euclex is rather intriguing. But we are talking about crafts and magic combined! Mastering one of the two is already difficult, but to get both is virtually impossible. He needs to spend half his life cramming! Do you think there is such a crazy player out there?"

"... Shut up. He is a half-ling. They have great sensitivity! He can learn magic in no time. About the crafts... well..."

"Now you are grasping at straw. The race only gives him potential. Ultimately it depends on his constant hard work! Even if he becomes a good mage, the knowledge required for concocting and crafting is on the opposite spectrum. Cliche or not, the dwarven race is the best in this aspect. Were all nutrients sucked by your boobs? For god's sake, use that brain once in a while. Why are dwarves known for their poor magical skills? It's because the two spheres are incompatible!"

"Leave my breasts be! Io, you are not only flat like a washboard but narrow-minded as well. But how can I fault you? Anyone spending all their time ogling at mermaids will end up with fish-like intelligence in the end."

"Bark, bark, bark. Bark as much as you want. That won't change the fact you drew the short straw with both your Continent and Inheritor. I pity your huge boobs for ending up with such a useless daydreaming owner."

Cough Cough

Cough

Leo's temples ached from the cacophony of female voices. Why was there always some drama in this development team? He seized their surroundings, desperate to find a way out of this ridiculous banter. His eyes locked on the long-forgotten team leader and he hurriedly said, "Shouldn't we do something about Johnny? His complexion seems blue..."

Cough

"Indeed. I think we need to call for an ambulance." Karaman spoke in support. Johnny McGregor seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

"Leave him be. It will open an empty spot for someone's promotion."

"For once, I agree with that Asian socle."

Cough

Cough

How...heart...less...

Cough

Johnny felt life slowly slipping away and his mind became hazy. Was he going to die in such a ridiculous manner? Chocked on his coffee in front of his colleagues who couldn't wait to snatch his position? Perhaps, this was how an elderly millionaire felt when his relatives were all eager to inherit his assets. It felt lonely and sad...