Hey, all! Thanks for reading and your feedback, it helps so much! Really this is probably my favorite fiction that I'm currently working on.
Feel free to skip ahead, as the first part is mostly plot
<<<>>>
Diel watched as Nick's lonely back disappeared into the night. 'Strange kid. Most would've hit on me by now, but maybe he's trying to get my trust?'
She shrugged her shoulders indifferently. It really didn't bother her much, but the piercing gaze of those bloodshot eyes held something behind it, a secret. Diel, after all, was no stranger to secrets.
-Ooooh! Does Diel have a little crush on Nick?
-No, I'm not into guys.
Diel had said this subconsciously, as she still gazed off into the distance. 'Oh, shit! I wasn't suppose to let anyone know that!' Her gaze quickly snapped back to Rachael to gauge her reaction.
It would be one of three reactions:
1. She would get the stereotypical "ewwww" and possibly denied entry into the Dojo Club.
2. It would be ignored until a few days from now, then Diel would conveniently be forced to resign due to some filing error or the like.
3. She would get in, only to be hounded by vicious rumor, possibly ruining her chances of a social life for the foreseeable future.
It was none of these.
Rachael's cheeks burned a bright pink and she deliberately looked away to avoid Diel's eyes, making her even more adorable.
'...Huh?'
Diel wasn't this confused since her rebirth into Earth. Was Rachael really... that way? Diel supposed that it made sense, because all of the rumors of her savage beatings were centered on male offenders.
-Uh...
Both stood in the now deserted gym, dumb as a sack of stones. The situation was awkward to say the least.
-D..did you hear about the new VR beta opening up soon?
-...No, I haven't.
-Oh? The alpha testers were extremely impressed with it. Supposedly, it improves your real body based on the actions you take in the game. I got word of it from one of friends who works in rehab.
Diel already had heard of it, of course, who hadn't? She just wanted to hear if Rachael had any unique insights (and to watch her adorable "lecture mode").
-Really? Any idea on how beta testers are picked?
Rachael nodded and smiled with pride.
-They have scouts in all branches of what they term "human talent" for exceptional individuals. Academic teams, art circles, Advanced Placement classes, National Tournaments...
At this last phrase, Rachael's eyes sparkled with hidden intent. Obviously, she was implying that joining the Dojo Club and entering into tournaments would improve Diel's chances. Diel didn't doubt it.
After all, the corporation's name, any details regarding the game, or even the game's name wasn't given to the public at this time. A corporation with enough power to limit information like that would definitely be picky with their beta testers.
Maybe it was Macrodense?
Tony?
PlenKendo?
Whoever it was, Diel was determined to find out. After all, her voracious appetite for knowledge only grew ever since coming to Earth. Maybe it had something to do with her Intelligence stat rising?
Diel shook her head from these thought and focused on the smiling girl in front of her. She smiled in turn.
<<<>>>
Both girls had talked until the sun rose, completely forgetting time passing around them. They even chatted while slowly putting up the various Clubs' stands and tidying up, barely noting their actions.
'Amazing! In my old world, Rachael would probably be likened to a Beastkin on charm and a Valkyrie for fighting skill!'
Diel was utterly interested in the Dojomaster's words. Really, they were sagelike in the least. Surprisingly, both had much in common to talk about.
Rachael grew up in a strict household that only accepted the best. So, naturally, that drive was conferred to the child in question when she began her unending quest on the path of the warrior. Diel could sympathize, as she held herself up to a perfect standard as well.
Both shared insights on martial arts, with Diel contributing hints and allusions to Dragonfell's styles and Rachael providing more and more proof that Earth's battle styles weren't utterly useless. Frankly, Diel was coming around to that opinion as well. Really, it was stupid that she let a little bias limit her potential, and Diel silently promised herself to never let it happen again.
-Wow, Diel! I never thought I could meet someone like you! It's almost as if you've spent the past hundred years studying martial arts! Some of this stuff I've never heard before!
-...Heh.
Rachael had hit a little too close to the mark. A trickle of sweat ran down Diel's back.
-Hmm, you seem to be pretty smart for your age. You look to be about 16, am I right?
Diel sighed. Really, hiding something would be futile under those perceptive green eyes, especially with Diel's capacity for deception (slim to none).
-I'm 5 actually.
-...What?
Surprise, complete and utter. It would have been hilarious if Diel had seen it under any other circumstance. Just not this one. Oh dear God, not this one.
-Uh, yeah. I've got Trigson's Disease, accelerates my growth quite a bit (sweatdrop falls).
Rachael's demeanor changed entirely, as if dropping a mask. The temperature around her seem to drop to below freezing and her face displayed a truly arrogant sneer.
'What the hell's up with this 180? Is she even the same person?'
-Oh..? Hmm, impressive, kid. I never would have thought it, but you pass.
'Now it's my turn to be surprised: *ahem*... WTF?!!'
-You probably wouldn't have guessed it, but I'm a ONI Corp scout. I've read your file before and I can safely say that you're saying the truth about yourself. That's good. That, combined with your impressive set of knowledge, means you're eligible to be a Beta tester in the upcoming VRMMO Dreams of a Forgotten Realm, or DFR.
-...
-This is a rather large opportunity. I've already taken the liberty of informing your parents of your absence, 1 year or 20 years in game. We can discuss the specifics on the way to the facility.
-...
-Any questions?
-... Yes: will I still get the Dojo Membership?
Rachael blinked twice in surprise and let loose a slight chuckle.
-Sure. Dojos will be dispersed across the Gamespace to train your character with all the amenities promised, of which you will have a lifetime membership. So, shall we go, Ms. Weaver?
Diel nodded her head numbly. Then elation filled her steps all the way to the awaiting black sedan.
'Maybe this life won't be as boring as I had thought!'
<<
The researcher had explained the science behind it, and it was all agreeable and fine then, but as Diel stared at the silver coffin, her opinions began to change.
'Really, the whole reality of this situation is beginning to crash down on me. Twenty years is no small sum of time, regardless of how many bodies a person has.'
-There will be no status screens, and pop-ups will be kept to a minimum. DFR is as immersive as the human brain will allow, so the realism is kept to a very high standard.
Another great point brought up by a certain Dojomaster. Even if she was reborn with it, would Diel be able to keep her status screen?
She shrugged her shoulders and tapped the top of the coffin lightly. No use in overthinking it. Honestly, she was excited to return to a world filled with swords and magic, armed with Earth's knowledge.
With a puff of steam, the formerly solid silver exterior split into two parts and slid apart, revealing a tub of translucent green bubbling liquid, the very stuff that'll be keeping her alive for the next 364 days.
It slowly stood upright, curiously not spilling a single drop of the liquid. Diel sighed and stepped into it, which immediately engulfed her sight with a green tinge.
Golden letters floated across her now dimming vision, as the coffin leaned back to it's previous position and slid closed.
Welcome, unregistered user
Full immersion will begin momentarily
Blackness completely surrounded Diel, as she struggled to hold her breath. Losing the battle, she inhaled sharply, which surprisingly didn't feel any different than normal air.
Full immersion achieved
Welcome to Dreams of a Forgotten Realm
<<<>>>
Infinite blue skies spanned as far as Diel could see. A slight rustle under her confirmed that she was laying on a grassy plane. The soft scent of nature wafted across her nose, a familiar scent that she had only experienced in the forest near the castle. One that she hadn't smelled in a long time.
Stolen novel; please report.
Nostalgia overtook Diel as she laid there for what seemed like hours.
-Well?! How long are you planning on lay there, lass?
Diel bolted upright to look at the source. It was an aged man in a navy wizard's mantle adorning a maroon silk robe. He looked to be middle aged with fine wrinkles framing his kindly face, surrounding piercing grey eyes.
-Glad you're finally up! Maybe now we can get this show on the road. As you know, you will be spending then next year in this world, with it feeling like twenty due to alterations of your temporal perception.
She nodded in understanding.
-I am what you would call an Administrator, here to deal with any problems that may arise, psychological and the like... Bah! Who wants to continue on such depressing subjects?! Not me! What say we create your avatar?
-Yes, sir!
-Hmph! Good answer! [Open CCC, atbit 4181]!
Immediately another set of glowing gold words appeared before Diel, this time displaying the possible races.
-Since I like your spunk, kid, I'm gonna give you some additional choices, which are, shall we say, off the market.
The admin smiled slyly and Diel returned the gesture. 'Wow, maybe I can choose one I've spent all those years studying!'
Please select your race:
Human:
No attributed merits or demerits
+Enhanced racial acceptance
Most populated race
+100% quest volume
-No sub-races
Elf:
+5% to Fire, Air, Water, and Earth attributes
-Decreased physical ability
Moderately populated race
+75% quest volume
Dwarf:
+5% to Fire and Earth attributes
-10% Air attribute penalty
+Innate crafting ability
-Smaller stature
Reclusive race
+50% quest volume
Orc:
+Improved physical power
-Lower IQ
+Rage active ability
-Reduced diplomacy
Nomadic race
+50% quest volume
Beastkin:
All merits and demerits are dependent on animal choice
Nomadic race
+Generally 50-75% quest volume
Shade:
+20% to Darkness attribute
-20% Light attribute penalty
+Shadow Mana Core
-Absolutely zero racial acceptance
-0% quest volume
Diel was dumbfounded. 'Really, aren't these races too similar to my homeworld's?' It was baffling. Of course, she had seen hundreds of "fantasy" themed media, but there was never a 100% accurate example. The Elf's ears were too long, Orcs were too ugly, Dwarfs too short, etc.
Really it had turned Diel off the whole "take over the world" premise and just made her homesick.
But this was completely different and Diel's eyes sparkled with joy.
'The shades were always interesting, so I'll go for one of them.'
She told the admin that and he laughed boisterously.
-I knew I picked right! Ah.. Well, lass, it's time for a little test. Three trials to be exact. Get a higher score to get better benefits for your avatar. Afterwards, we'll focus on any appearance changes.
He snapped his fingers and Diel felt substantially different, somehow.
She looked down and saw that her body was now androgynous, of middle height, and middle build. The starkest contrast was that entirety of her body was now pitch-black, as if someone had used life's fill tool on her.
The admin raised his brow.
-Usually, Shades begin life as frail shadows, only able to exist by extreme force of will. I've never seen a newborn so... developed.
Diel nodded, but held her tongue. 'Of course, what, do you think that I'm a child? That's common knowledge!'
-Hmm. Very well, the first trial is the Trial of Combat.
A mischievous grin spread across the admin's face.
-Get ready...
BOOM!
The admin disappeared entirely, and in his place a large group of rather feral looking rats growled menacingly.
A rusty knife appeared in Diel's hand, only to be tossed away in scorn. She cracked her knuckles and took a fighting stance, glad that she can finally put to use the skills, techniques, and muscle she had cultivated on Earth.
The rats noticed this and stood in confusion and slight fear. Why was the black creature tossing away the sharp cutter?
Diel spoke in a rather wispy and slight voice, from being a Shade, which gave her next words a chilling force.
-Heh... Come, little rodents... let your friend Diel beat you to death...
<<<>>>
The administrator looked at his watch and decided that the new girl must've died at least three times, and decided to cut her some slack. After all, he felt something that he hadn't felt in a long time from that girl: some serious willpower. He couldn't let such potential go to waste on just some rats! He would handle the heat from the brass later.
He practiced his best sympathetic tone quickly and used his ruby ring to teleport back.
-I'm sorry, Lass. 'Fraid that you... WHAT THE HELL??!!!
There was that familiar silhouette, except it was now completely drenched in blood. Really, it would have been hard to find a single dry spot (HINT: shades don't bleed...). Surrounding her was the corpses of countless rats, some crushed, some ripped in half, even others completely turned inside-out. The grass, for a good 100 square meter radius, was dyed blood red.
The shade calmly noted the admin's return, and quietly walked off for a bit. She eventually returned with the crappy dagger that was provided, not a spec of blood to be seen. It was handed back to the shocked mage and Diel immediately plopped down onto the ground and waited like a child.
-...I suppose it's onto the next trial, then..?
<<<>>>
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be back soon! Next one'll be up in two or three days! :GG: