The visor descended, turning her vision a cerulean blue. Words slowly fluttered into view. The college girl felt her heartbeat throb in her throat.

Era Online

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"Hurry."

The words spoken softly like a wish were registered by the computer. She closed her eyes, but the words didn't disappear. That was the magic of Virtual Reality.

After a few seconds, there was a gently tug on her body, like her soul was being taken elsewhere. The rush brought her to a standing position in a dark silver void. Stepping down out of the darkness was a creature wreathed in red shadow. Sharp claws and ivory horns. The demon's ashy skin appeared lifeless, yet full of hidden radiance.

"Human child."

Anyone would be afraid. Yet, when Demon Lord Riah gazed into this human's eyes, he didn't feel immediate disgust and pity. Instead, for the first time in millennia, it was curiosity.

"What is your name, child of man."

The girl didn't seem shocked at the text box asking for her name. Though, neither did many of the other humans who came here, Riah thought.

"You may call me Celebi, great one."

Riah grinned wide at Celebi's graceful bow.

"You show no fear, child of man. If I felt like it, I could erase your existence here and now."

"So... you do not feel like it?"

A hearty chuckle. Riah might have let himself laugh raucously if he didn't have any pride. Instead, he let his aura leak out, turning this void space a darker shade of red. It matched his eyes.

"Be honored, human child."

With a wave of his hand, a new screen appeared in front of Celebi.

Name: Celebi Race: Human (?) Cultivation: Mortal Ki: N/A Strength: 4 Agility: 9 Fortune: 3 Misfortune: -3

Celebi's hazel eyes roamed the limited Character Sheet.

Riah peered at the girl's stats with his usual boredom. Then he blinked twice when seeing the human's fortune stats. Fortune was always positive and Misfortune was always negative, depicting an individual's fate. The numbers were typically 0, 1, or negative 1. Those numbers never changed. Some were lucky. Some were unlucky.

Seeing what a unique chance this was, Riah decided to seize it.

"You."

Celebi was engrossed the numbers, but when she heard the demon speak she looked up, unafraid.

"Become a Demon."

"I'm sorry?"

Riah stood confidently and gestured with his arms wide. He crafted a perfect illusion of his palace. The halls were filled with splendor, beautiful servants, and treasure beyond the wildest dreams.

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"I am Demon Lord Riah, Patriach of the Bloodless Clan! Become a Demon and join me in the Third Heaven. Together, we will finally climb higher to the Fourth and beyond! I, Riah, guarantee it."

Celebi's eyes opened further. The extravagance went on for miles as if the inside of the palace didn't have an end. She saw handsome demons swinging swords and staves; there was even a burly demon who seemed to be slinging fireballs with his fists.

"This..."

She looked at each demon as they went about training and then at Riah. His hands remained outstretched in an irresitable offer.

"It is too good to be true."

Riah grinned victoriously.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Regardless, this decision will completely change your fate."

Celebi remained in thought for a while, seeming to consider it. Riah didn't see any reason to hesitate since his words were, for once, truthful. It will be a heavy blow to his Karma, but to have a scion of fate at his side would be worth it.

"I must apologize, Lord Riah. I cannot accept."

Riah's eyebrow twitched.

"Reconsider."

"I cannot."

"Then explain yourself."

Celebi took a deep, calming breath. Then she spoke softly, almost reverently.

"I find the idea more attractive than I thought possible. Becoming a demon... would my hand come back sooner? I'm sure it would. I wish for nothing more."

Riah registered the human's missing hand, thinking little of it. Demons could regrow limbs within a day easily. Riah could do it within minutes. By the sound of it, it seemed like this human's dilemma would only make his offer seem more attractive.

"However, where is the challenge? What about fun? I'd be missing out on all that experience. From the first heaven to the last, I want to experience it all. I'm sure I will regain my hand eventually, even if this is only a game."

Celebi nodded, affirming her resolve.

"I like you, Lord Riah. I hope we can become be friends when we meet in the Upper Heavens."

It was unfathomable. No, it was impossible. No human would ever think of a demon as a friend. No demon would ever accept the possibility either.

"Arrogance of mortals. You think you have what it takes to reach here on your own? You'll be swallowed whole by fate. It is Fortune that we met and Misfortune that you have rejected this opportunity, little bird without wings."

Celebi tilted her head. Still at wonder at the realism depicted by an NPC, or non-player-character.

"I will climb as high as I can. I hope our next meeting can be as pleasant as this one."

The scowl on Riah's face grew deeper with each syllable. An invisible pressure weighed down on him as he thought of ripping that naive expression away with his claws. He rebelled against the heavenly influence that forced a being such as himself to be here, but even a Demon Lord was nothing compared to the High Heavens.

The instant he gave in, the pressure lifted.

"So be it. Do you wish to change your race or remain a human? Speak, so I may never have to see your face again."

Riah watched Celebi beam widely before bouncing on her toes. She held her arm behind her back, leaning forward, letting her hair droop to one side...

"I've always wanted to be a Fairy."

"What did you say!?"

Riah roared in protest at the mention his racial nemesis, but he was blown out of view by an unknown force, disappearing before he could retaliate. The dark silver void returned and a new figure stepped out of the darkness. A raidant and sparkling woman with long blonde hair approached. Her steps were as gentle as her vacant eyes. Sparkling lights seemed to dance around her.

"Greetings, child. I am Illya. Do you wish to become a Fairy."

Trying to get over the absolute beauty that stood before her, Celebi stuttered.

"Y-yes. I do."

The divine beauty asked again.

"Are you sure? As Fae, we are small. Smaller than any other race. Animals may step on us. Birds may hunt us. You may never be able to speak with another human again. There are many races under the Heavens. Humans. Demons. Dwarves. Orcs. Gnomes. You may choose another if you wish."

"That's okay. If I get strong enough, I can grow bigger, like you."

The lights giggled, poking at the Illya in humor. She ignored them like she was used to it and let her lips part.

"Who knows..."

After examining Celebi for a few moments, Illya peeked at Celebi's character sheet and saw the young girl's fate. Illya wasn't surprised or taken aback, merely somber. Checking to make sure she had permission, she nodded and spoke to her companions.

"Come out everyone. Introduce yourselves."

The lights stopped moving, seeming to be looking for confirmation. Then, four figures appeared. All beautiful women styled in different colors.

"Greetings human, I am Mave. Princess of the Summer Court."

"I am Laila. Princess of the Fall Court."

"Weiss, of Winter.

"And I am Nera, Princess of the Spring Court."

They used different speech patterns and wore clothing appropriate with their season. Weiss, dressed in light blue furs seemed to be uninterested in this event, while Mave was unable to sit still. Nera and Laila were more mild mannered, yet they kept glaring at each other between heartbeats.

Illya spoke for them.

"Most don't get to choose what court they are born into. Take this opportunity to choose wisely."