March 14th, 595 PE
“Hey, kid! You alright?” a voice called out from behind Leon. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw a figure approaching. The man appeared to be in his forties, with weathered features and a grizzled beard. He wore simple, worn-out clothes, a stark contrast to the fantasy setting around them.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Leon replied cautiously, still processing the surreal situation. “Who are you?”
The man chuckled, a hearty sound that echoed in the peaceful meadow. “Name’s Gruff. Just a wanderer like yourself, stumbled into this place not too long ago.” Leon looked up at the glowing blue letters above the man’s head to confirm if he was telling the truth.
Gruff Richards
Lv. 3
“Gruff, huh?” Leon mused, taking a moment to adjust to the idea that the people he’d encounter in this realm had levels displayed above them. “I'm Leon Mercer,” he added, half-expecting the letters to appear above his own head, but nothing changed.
“Well, Leon, welcome to Altheria,” Gruff said, gesturing expansively at the meadow around them. “A bit overwhelming at first, ain’t it? Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” Leon studied Gruff for a moment, his skepticism evident. “Altheria? Is that what this place is called?”
Gruff nodded.
“That’s right. The realm of Altheria. A land where magic flows like a river and adventure awaits at every turn. You’re a player now, Leon, and this place is your new reality.” Leon couldn't shake the disbelief, but the holographic display and Gruff’s level above his head hinted at the authenticity of this strange world. “Player...? What does that even mean?”
Gruff leaned on his longsword like a cane, his eyes filled with a mix of wisdom and amusement.
“Means you got a purpose here, son. Something only you can do. The details might be fuzzy for now, but you’ll figure it out as you go along.”
As they conversed, Leon noticed other figures in the distance—people, creatures, and even some entities that seemed to defy conventional explanation. Each had their levels displayed, creating a surreal tapestry of numbers in the air.
“What’s with these levels?” Leon asked, gesturing toward Gruff’s floating numbers.
Gruff scratched his beard.
“Ah, that's the game system. Everyone's got levels, skills, and stats. It’s how things work around here. Makes life a bit more interesting, don’t it?”
Leon grunted in acknowledgment, still grappling with the idea that he was now part of some grand game. The meadow, once a peaceful backdrop, felt more like a vast stage where untold stories unfolded.
“You’re a Level 1, right?” Gruff said, glancing above Leon’s head to peer at the number displayed.
Leon sighed. “Yeah, Level 1, apparently. Any idea why I’m here or what I’m supposed to do?”
Gruff grinned, revealing a set of weathered teeth.
“Not a clue, son. The game’s a mystery to all of us. But don’t you worry, adventure has a way of finding players like us.”
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Gruff motioned toward the distant village, now more visible as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the meadow.
“Look there, Leon. That village is a good place to start. You’ll find folks who can help you make sense of this world. And who knows, you might stumble upon a quest or two. A bit of advice, though—be cautious. Not everyone in Altheria is as friendly as me.”
Leon absorbed Gruff’s words, a mix of uncertainty and determination settling within him. The village in the distance beckoned, its thatched-roof cottages and the promise of answers seeming like a beacon amidst the unknown.
“Thanks, Gruff,” Leon said, nodding appreciatively. “I’ll keep that in mind. Any advice on how to navigate this place?”
Gruff chuckled again, a hearty sound that echoed through the meadow.
“Trust your instincts, Leon. Your journey in Altheria is yours to shape.”
“I’ll see you around, yeah?” Leon cast one last glance at Gruff, giving him a friendly nod. He took a deep breath, absorbing Gruff’s advice. With a newfound sense of purpose, he turned toward the distant village. The meadow seemed to stretch endlessly, and yet, the path ahead felt clear. As he walked, the holographic display remained in the corner of his vision, a constant reminder of the fantastical nature of Altheria.
The air hummed with the gentle melody of birdsong, and the vibrant colors of the meadow painted a picture of tranquility. But beneath the surface, Leon could sense the pulse of magic, the subtle energy that defined this realm. Every step brought him closer to the village, and he couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries that awaited him there. As he approached the village, the thatched-roof cottages came into sharper focus. People moved about, some with levels hovering above them, engaged in various activities. A blacksmith worked at an anvil, a Level 7 adventurer sparred with a wooden training dummy, and a group of adventurers gathered near a well, their levels ranging from 2 to 5. Leon felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. This village held the promise of answers, but he couldn’t shake the realization that he was an outsider in a world governed by rules he was only beginning to understand. Before he could decide his next move, a voice called out from the side.
“Hey, you there! Newcomer?” A man in his mid-thirties, wearing simple but well-maintained armor, approached Leon with a friendly smile. His level hovered above him.
Owen Loris
Lv. 6
Leon nodded.
“Yeah, just arrived. Name’s Leon Mercer.”
The man extended a hand.
“Call me Owen. Welcome to Greenhaven Village. You look like you could use some guidance. How about I show you around?”
Leon shook Owen’s hand, appreciating the friendly gesture.
“Sure, Owen. I could use a bit of guidance. This place is... a lot to take in.”
Owen led Leon through the cobblestone streets of Greenhaven, providing insights into the daily life of Altheria. As they walked, Owen explained the basics of the game system, the importance of leveling up, and the various factions within the realm. Leon found himself absorbing the information, his initial skepticism giving way to a growing fascination with the intricacies of this new world. The village itself bustled with activity. Merchants peddled their wares, and adventurers discussed quests near the town center. A notice board displayed various tasks, ranging from simple deliveries to more perilous monster hunts. Owen pointed to it.
“That’s where you’ll find jobs. Completing quests earns you experience points and helps you level up.”
As they approached a quaint tavern, Owen turned to Leon with a grin.
“And here’s the Hearthfire Inn. Good place to meet fellow adventurers, share stories, and maybe pick up some leads on quests.”
The Hearthfire Inn’s warm glow welcomed them as they entered, and the lively chatter of adventurers filled the air. Owen led Leon to an empty table in a corner, where they sat amidst the eclectic mix of characters, each with their own levels hovering above them. Owen leaned back in his chair, taking a sip from his tankard.
“So, Leon, how did you end up here? Everyone’s got a story.”
Leon recounted the events of that fateful Tuesday evening in the city, the encounter in the stairwell, and waking up in Altheria. As he spoke, Owen listened intently, occasionally nodding in understanding.
“Interesting tale, that,” Owen remarked. “But now that you’re here, you've got a chance to make a name for yourself in Altheria. Quests, battles, discoveries—this realm has it all. You just need to decide what path you want to take.”