The beginning of every Kingdom began with the placement of a Nexus, a location that, once selected by the Ruler, would become the heart of the Kingdom. Literally. The Nexus allowed Peasants to become Citizens, providing access to their Inventory, as well as unique opportunities depending on who their Ruler was. And if another Ruler were to gain control of it, his Kingdom would be lost.
Kneeling next to his father’s grave, his hand resting on the cool, weathered stone. The air around him grew still, the usual rustle of leaves and chirping of birds replaced by an eerie silence. The world seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for something monumental to happen.
Then, it began.
A faint hum filled the air, low and resonant, like the sound of a tuning fork struck in the distance. The ground beneath Buck’s feet trembled softly, and he scrambled back as the earth around the grave began to shift. Cracks spiderwebbed across the dirt, glowing faintly with a pale light.
Before Buck could react, the ground erupted. Not violently, but with a strange, deliberate grace. Pieces of cobblestone and limestone rose from the earth, as if summoned from some hidden quarry. They floated through the air, guided by an unseen hand, and began to assemble themselves into a structure.
The first to form was the base—a wide, circular platform of smooth cobblestone, etched with a series of intricate patterns that glowed faintly with a soft blue light. The patterns pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat, and Buck could feel the energy radiating from them, warm and alive.
Next came the walls, simple slabs of limestone rose from the ground, their surfaces rough and weathered, as if they had been carved centuries ago. They slotted together seamlessly, forming the outline of a small crypt, no more than a meter in height. The air around it shimmered, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to accommodate its creation.
Buck watched in awe as the final piece—a simple square headstone made from a single piece of limestone—floated into place at the head of the grave. But it didn’t stop there. The headstone began to grow, its edges smoothing and elongating until it transformed into an ornate obelisk, its surface covered in the same swirling patterns that seemed to shift and move when Buck looked at them too closely.
As the crypt settled into place, the ground beneath Buck’s feet began to shift again. He nearly lost his balance as the surrounding graves got pushed away, forming a circle roughly 20 meters in diameter around his fathers grave. Each grave grew and changed, their headstones transforming into miniature versions of the crypt, their surfaces unnaturally smooth.
When the ground finally stopped shifting, Buck felt the corners of his mouth raise in a smile. The ostentatious nature of the transformed gravesite would have driven his father over a cliff. He was now truly the center of attention, and Buck was sure it was only going to get worse as time passed.
Taking a step forward, he knelt before the crypt, placing a hand on its cool surface. Emotions flooded through him—grief, pride, and a strange sense of purpose. The simple yet profound transformation of this space resonated deeply within him. It symbolized not only his father’s legacy but also the path Buck was meant to follow. His family was what was important to him, what would drive him through this changed world.
As he rose to his feet, his interface blinked with a new message.
[Congratulations Peasant: You have Started a Kingdom. You have Gained the Rank of Ruler. You may grant the Rank of Citizen to Peasants]
[Congratulations Citizen: You are the first person to start a Kingdom. You Have Gained the Title of Ruler]
[Ruler]
Your world has irrevocably changed! Congratulations! But without any fear in your heart you took the first step towards Greatness. You know rule over a piece of land that has nothing of value!
Reward: You Gain +2 Charisma
First!: You gain + 2 Charisma
Buck placed his hand on his fathers new gravestone, and within his UI, a new line appeared on the left hand side: [Inventory]. As Buck focused his mental energy towards the new line, he found two items: the (Token of New Citizen) and the (Token of New Building). His rewards for completing his first quest. Buck had no idea how this would work, but without further ado, he clicked on the (Token of New Building).
As he did, The ring of graves and crypts started to vibrate, roots and earth shifting as cobblestone and limestone coalesced once again. A summoned sepulcher took shape before his eyes—a chilling yet beautiful structure crafted from dark stones, its surface contrasted that of the surrounding graves. Rough and textured, whispering of ancient secrets. As the building emerged, the graves around them stirred and shifted, creating a space for the sepulcher as if the land itself was making room for its new centerpiece. The new building itself was made of a dark gray, aged cobblestone, the stones themselves varying in size, greatly adding to the rugged texture to its walls.
The most ominous feature was what was sticking out of the top of the structure. Reaching into the sky was a rounded tower, reaching 15 nearly meters, its arched windows glowing faintly with the flickering light of a candle or small fireplace.
Buck could hear the low rumble of earth and stone as the ring of graves expanded outward, allowing the creepy sepulcher to settle into the center with a resounding thud. The ground shook beneath his feet, a powerful confirmation of the building's new place in the world. With that, the sepulcher landed firmly in position, sending a cascade of dust into the air that sparkled in the fading sunlight.
“Well, I'll be” William said, his wisp form zipping out of the forest. “Ain’t that a sight. Your pa’s grave just got a whole lot fancier.”
“Figured if we were gonna do this, we should at least get started” Zac said, chuckling “Yeah, he’d hate this. He always said he didn’t want any fuss when he was gone. Just a simple headstone and a quiet spot under a tree”
“Reckon he didn’t account for you becomin’ a King,” William said with a grin.
As Buck stood there, taking in the surreal transformation, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the crypt was watching him. The spiraling patterns carved into the walls seemed to follow him, the shapes filled with a strange, knowing light.
“Alright, Dad,” Buck said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Guess this is home now. Hope you don’t mind the upgrade.”
The patterns on the crypt pulsed once, as if in response, and Buck felt a strange warmth spread through him. It was as if the crypt—no, the Nexus—was acknowledging him, accepting him as its Ruler.
“Well, that's not creepy at all,” Buck muttered, taking a step back.
“I guess that's as good a welcome as any” William motioned towards the sepulcher “Should we check out what’s hidin’ over yonder?”
The pair walked forward toward the open stone doors, and with a considerable shove, stepped through into their new Building.
As Buck and William cautiously stepped into the newly summoned sepulcher, their senses were immediately assaulted by a noxious odor that clung to the walls and swirled in the air like a malevolent spirit. The stench of rotting flesh was overwhelming, thick and suffocating, making Buck gag.
“What the hell is that smell?” he exclaimed, trying to wave the foul air away as if he could physically shoo away the stench. “Did something die in here?”
William floated beside him, his spectral form shimmering uneasily in the dim light. “Well, I do say, we find ourselves in a graveyard. We shouldn't have expected fresh flowers and herbal teas” he quipped, attempting to lighten the grim atmosphere. “Though I reckon this is a mite stronger than I was anticipation’.”
The interior of the sepulcher was a grotesque sight—a chaotic collection of shelves lined with jars, each containing bubbling, murky liquids or bizarre, preserved specimens that made Buck’s stomach churn. He also saw, lined up along the back wall of the building, were rows and rows of corpses on stone tables in all manner of decomposition, their lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Something definitely had died in here.
A bar sat blocking the entrance to the back room for where whatever manner of shopkeeper would stand. Buck couldn’t imagine what manner of creature would call this shop its home.
“Gods, this really looks like a little shop of horrors” Buck thought.
Williams' voice cut through the awkward silence. “Well I guess it’s kinda on theme. Who do you reckon runs this place?”
“I can’t even begin to guess” Buck muttered to himself taking out the (Token of New Citizen) “Well here goes nothing”
Crushing the token in his hand, a burst of miasmic fog was released into the room. Both William and Buck were beset with a racking cough, forcing them to step back as the cloud expanded. As if sentient, the fog darted around, touching every nook and cranny on the sepulcher, before coalescing behind the counter.
Swirling, the fog took shape forming a body with two feet and two hands, and with a final pop, a hooded figure crouched on the counter, its tiny form shrouded in shadow.
“Welcome to my Apothecary visitors, is one of you to be my new Ruler?”
The voice truly sent Buck into shock. By the gods what manner of creature now sat before them. It was just the cutest little thing he had ever heard. It was like when a small child couldn’t quite get out the correct words so all they could say was “This many.”
Buck and William both burst out in raucous laughter.
The figure in front of them threw back their hood, revealing the furry black form of the cutest little hamster. Its speckled black-and-white fur shone in the candlelight, and as Buck watched the hamster rubbed his little pink nose with a paw to add to the effect.
With a regal air that contrasted sharply with his diminutive size, the hamster sported a tiny witch’s hat perched jauntily atop his head and a flowing cape that fluttered dramatically as he moved. “You dare laugh in the face of the mighty Evander don Valerias, Defier of Death, Master of the Mighty Zombie Hordes of Althros, Keeper of the Compendium of Souls, First of the Necrohamster?”
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“Wait..did you say Necro…Hamster?” Buck said between fits of laughter.
“Yes, I have spent many lifetimes in search of the truest form, one that would allow me to conquer the very cosmos themselves. After many years of study, I have been able to raise my Race to that of the powerful NecroHamster. The Old Gods could only wish to gaze upon my mighty splendor, and it is you who will quiver in fear! Witness Creation!”
With an exaggerated gesture, Evander began to cast a wicked spell. The same miasmic fog swirling around him in an ever growing cloud of death. But as he snapped arms to his side, small sharpened teeth reflecting his horrible visage, nothing happened. Evander looked from side to side, baffled, as the fog dissipated into the air. Confused, his eyes went glassy as he peered at his [Character] screen.
“By the Cursed Form of Lucius Himself. LEVEL 1! Am I your first Citizen, Ruler? Oh, the Gods have truly outdone themselves this time” The hamster exclaimed, jumping from the counter, and scrambling toward Buck.
“Explain yourself! Why have you summoned me to this backwater Kingdom? Are you even Attuned yet? What level are you? I should not be this low of a level even if I were your first Citizen. Oh, the Gods are playing some cruel trick on me, aren't they? Which Faction do you belong to? Twilight Harbor? No, THE SHADOWTIDE SYNDICATE? Oh, those bastards really got me good this time. And please explain to me why you are in my Apothecary without even a single piece of clothing on?”
With each word Evander pointed his tiny little paw closer and closer to Buck's leg, straining his neck to maintain eye contact. Buck couldn’t believe what he was seeing. After days of torture, crawling and crouching in the nude through the jagged stone passageways, he had needed a good laugh.
“Hello Evander, My name is Buck Blackwood and this is William Wight” he said gesturing towards the ghost. “To answer your question: Yes, you are my first Citizen. The first quest that our AI, Bev, gave us was to form a Kingdom, and you were the reward. If you would be so kind as to help us, we're kinda in the dark here. It has only been three days since we started these games, and you are the first person we’ve run into that seems to have any idea what’s going on.”
Evander paused, turning and walking back towards his counter before hopping up. He took a deep breath, then screamed at a pitch that nearly shattered the glass lining the walls. “THREE DAYS! Oh this must be a joke, it takes months to form your first Kingdom, The Shadowtide Syndicate has outdone themselves this time. No, NO, show me your [Character] screen. NOW!”
“And I would do that, how?” Buck stammered
“This is a joke, just a big joke. Focus on the menu and will it appear in front of you. They should have taught you this in the Tutorial.” Evander said, exasperated
Buck opened the appropriate screen and followed the hamster’s instructions. William, who had said nothing throughout this entire encounter, was still laughing to himself as Buck’s [Character] screen popped into existence in between them.
[Name] Blackwood
[Race] Human (Basic)
[Class] The Pugilist
[Level] 11
[Strength] 15
[Dexterity]12
[Endurance] 17
[Intelligence] 0
[Charisma] 12
[Luck] 13
[Titles] Amphibian - Buckets of Blood - Explorer -Race to the Top - Lucky, Massive Cheater - Attribute Collector - Ruler
[Skills] Spelunking 11 - Sneak 1
“This is preposterous” an exasperated sigh left the small Evander don Valerias the Necrohamster “PREPOSTEROUS, your level 11 but you only have 12 Skill Levels. No wonder I’m level 1. That must have been one hells of [Event] to give the Lucky Title. Wait—” the tiny beady eyes narrowed as he focused on the Race to the Top title. “By the Gods, you have a rogue AI looking after you!”
A shrill cackling laughter escaped the tiny form. “This is wonderful! How do you have a rogue AI? This is glorious. I may finally be able to ascend to my ultimate form. Oh, Blackwood, we have much work to do. Follow me and glory will welcome us with open arms.”
“Wait, what's a rogue AI?” Buck asked.
The little hamster smiled. “Don’t worry about it. You’re gonna be fine. You just need an impossible series of events to play out in perfect order against all odds, or you and everyone you love will be brutally murdered.”
—
The first thing Buck learned about rogue AI was to not say “rogue AI” out loud. Bev did not take kindly to that. After a tense moment of soothing her digital ego— which involved a lot of apologetic groveling and promise to never doubt her again— Evander don Valerias, quickly went to work explaining every step he would need to take if he wanted to survive.
Turns out placing a Kingdom in a graveyard was perfectly suited for the first step: hiding from the Viewers.
“The less people who tune in to watch the slaughter that happens on newly integrated planetary systems, the better for you. “Evander explained, his tiny paws gesturing dramatically. “We’ll need to erect some defenses in the area, and Kingdoms with an Attunement that could eventually grow into a Death Related Attunement is perfect for hiding from viewers. Shadow, Necrosis, or Destruction, any of these Attunements could supply the Kingdom with the [Fog] Defensive Structure.”
Buck raised an eyebrow. “[Fog]? That doesn’t sound very… defensive.”
Evander’s beady eyes gleamed. “Ah, but it is! [Fog] is unique when it comes to Defensive Structures as it does not actually create any physical defensives. Instead, each Peasant, Citizen, or Creature that enters into the dense fog is inundated with visions of their worst fears. It’s psychological warfare at its finest. Anyone without a high enough Intelligence to resist will be driven mad with terror. Death Attuned Kingdoms are also few and far between so the chance to earn First Titles will be much higher, which will boost your Attributes.”
“Sounds great,” Buck said dryly. “What's the catch”
“The catch,” Evander continued, his tone dripping with dramatic flair “is that it affects your Citizens too. And it makes it nearly impossible for the Viewers to tune in and watch. From a normal Ruler’s perspective, this would be a death sentence to an early Kingdom. You’d need to attract a Faction to sponsor you, and that requires visibility. But you, my dear buffon, are not a normal Ruler. You have a rou.. Bev… on your side, which means you can grow rapidly—as long as you stay on her good side.”
Buck sighed. “Great. So I’m basically playing on hard mode, but with cheat codes. Got it.”
“Now Blackwood,” Evander said, “you may be thinking, ‘Won’t [Fog] affect you as somehow your Intelligence is 0?’ Most Citizens who choose to join a Death Attuned Kingdom follow the path of the Mage or Wizard, which allows them to thrive somewhere that could keep out meatheads with big swords or axes, maybe say someone who chose to still be walking around naked and punching things with his fists, here take these” Evander jumped down from behind his counter and threw something at Buck.
“...I’m supposed to wear these?” Buck looked down at his hand as he found himself gazing upon a pristine pair of jean shorts. With a 6 inch inseam to be exact.
“Yes,” Evander shrugged and continued “ But you are in a unique scenario. See your Intelligence is 0. Which technically should be impossible. You see the most common creatures across the Cracked Kingdoms that possess an Intelligence of 0 are Zombies— brainless buffoons who are only good to complete simple commands like ‘Clean,’ ‘Pick Up,’ ‘Stand Still’…and ‘Put on The Shorts.’”
Buck rolled his eyes but complied, zipping up the jorts with a resigned sigh.
“However,” Evander continued, pacing back and forth “creatures that possess 0 Intelligence cannot be affected by spells or abilities that are Psychically Attuned. Et voila! We have you! The [Fog] most likely will not affect you! Though we won't know until you reach level 20. At that point Bev can provide you with a Root appointed Attunement. If you want another, you’ll have to figure it out yourself. ”
“What would happen if I was affected by this [Fog]?” Buck said, adjusting his new shorts.
Evander stopped pacing and fixed Buck with a serious look. “You would experience a pain so astronomical, you would most likely kill yourself”
“...Great.”
Evander resumed his pacing, his tiny cape fluttering dramatically. “But my calculations are never wrong, I wouldn’t have come this close to Ascension without being a once in a lifetime genius. Now, with 0 Intelligence you also will never be able to cast any Spell that requires Mana. But Mana and energy manifested through the Root Source are different. So as you are leveling up you will need to focus on Combat Skills, Exploration Skills, Cultivation Skills, and most importantly Charm Skills. This will provide you better options for a class upgrade once you reach level 25.”
He stopped abruptly and turned to Buck, his eyes narrowing. “Which brings up an interesting dilemma. At level 11, it should take another 15 skill points to level, with each level increasing in increments of 5 after every 5 levels. But you only have 12 total skill points, so you are technically still in the first group of levels. Bev has given you a gift. It seems the first 10 levels were free. You’re effectively starting as a level 1 Peasant but with the Attribute points of a level 10 Citizen. Do not waste this opportunity, Blackwood. You will need to grow stronger so that I may survive. So go out there, find something to kill, and start leveling up all the skills you can find.”
Buck blinked. “Wait..you said I have to kill something?”
“Yes, you buffoon” Evander said, striking a majestic pose “Strive for Greatness, and Greatness will Find You. Or, for buffoons like you: Kill Stuff and You Will Get Stronger. The Root Source should have fed the local flora and fauna with enough energy to jump-start the dead. I mean, look at William here!”
Buck glanced over at William, who had fallen asleep mid-conversation, his ghostly form hovering lazily in the air.
“Ugh! Idiots,” Evander muttered. “The world is not the same world as it was three days ago, Blackwood. It is up to you to go out there and figure out what has changed. Your AI will guide you. Now leave me alone. I have to start leveling my skills as well if you want me to be any help to you.”
As if on cue, a prompt filled Bucks vision:
[Quest]
Your Kingdom is beset by an opposing force. Do not allow them to claim your Nexus. Venture out and find out who your new enemy is and defeat them by any means necessary
Reward: You will gain a Defensive Structure of your choosing
Reward: You will be able to Place your Village
{50:00:00}
Buck stood reading the [Quest] filling his vision. It was perfectly curated for what Buck needed to survive in this new world. Almost as if the AI had waited for him and Evander to make a decision about what they needed to do moving forward and then provided them with the ability to succeed.
A deep yawn wracked his body. “My gods” he thought “how long has it been since I slept? Has it really been three days?”
Something dawned on him “Evander. Which of my Attributes decreases my need for sleep?”
“That would be Endurance,” Evand said, not looking up from a pile of papers he had pulled out from nowhere. “It’s directly related to your durability, regeneration, and of course, endurance. You're just getting tired for the first time, aren’t you. Well it's too bad you don’t have enough money to purchase a Basic Bed. Go take a nap on the ground. I’ll have William here start exploring what skills the AI unlocked now that you’ve created your Kingdom”
Buck frowned, looking at the pile of paper in front of Evander. “...can i get some of that paper? I need to make a list of all the insane things you’ve said so far. I’m starting to think I’m hallucinating half of this.”
Evander paused mid-scribble, his tiny paw clutching the quill. “You want… my paper?”
“Yeah,” Buck said, crossing his arms. “You’ve been going on about Necrohamsters, AIs, and fog that makes people go insane. I need to keep track of this nonsense before my brain explodes.”
Evander let out another sigh. “Do you have any idea how difficult it will be to procure quality parchment in this backwater Kingdom? This paper is imbued with necromantic energy! It’s not for jotting down grocery lists, you imbecile!”
Buck raised an eyebrow. “Necromantic energy? What, does it come back to life if you tear it up?”
Evander’s tiny face twitched, as if he were debating whether to laugh or curse. “No, you buffoon. It’s enchanted to withstand the rigors of arcane experimentation. But fine, I will procure some for you by the time you return from your introductory exploration of the surrounding area. Now go!”
So stepping out into his new Kingdom, Buck wandered past his fathers grave. Finding a secluded spot between a grouping of towering pine. Buck laid down and gazed into the sky. Stars filled the night sky like twinkling diamonds, their light piercing through the eerie stillness of the graveyard.
For a moment, Buck tried to pretend he was just on a camping trip with his friends. But the towering trees, their branches swaying like skeletal fingers, and the faint, otherworldly hum of the Nexus nearby quickly shatter the illusion.
“This is gonna take a long time to get used to,” Buck muttered, closing his eyes and letting exhaustion take him.