Kyle's car screeched to a stop in his friend's lavish driveway, with the sun making everything look bright and warm. The enormous house was still as impressive as ever, no matter how many times Kyle saw it. He had to shove the banged-up car door twice before it shut properly, getting rid of the annoying rattle once and for all.
Wealth is not about having many possessions, but having few wants, Kyle thought to himself, observing the contrast of lifestyles.
Kyle's footsteps echoed as he approached the stately front porch, flanked by grand columns that seemed to reach for the heavens. His hand met the polished wood of the door, and he knocked with a sense of familiarity. The door swung open, revealing an elderly butler in a crisply pressed suit.
"Master Kyle," the butler greeted him with a respectful British accent.
"Hey, Willie," Kyle grinned mischievously.
The butler's expression twitched with mild exasperation. "I kindly request that you address me by my proper name, Sir Wilhelm."
Kyle chuckled. "Sure thing, Willie."
A heavy sigh escaped the butler's lips. "Master Jacob is awaiting you in the Game Room. Shall I escort you?"
Kyle waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, I can find it myself. I know the way, dude."
“Dude,” Sir Wilhelm chimed with an aggravated smirk.
With assertive steps, Kyle crossed the threshold into the mansion's grand hallway. The swankiness of his surroundings was a stark contrast to his own appearance.
Dressed in casual attire, his jeans and t-shirt seemed out of place against the backdrop of the richly embroidered rugs and ornate chandeliers. The polished marble floors gleamed beneath his sneakers as he made his way forward.
His hair was as dark as chestnuts and kind of messy, making him stand out against the fancy, perfect-looking mansion. His bright blue eyes, as clear as the sky on a sunny day, looked around with excitement and a bit of wonder.
The elaborate style totally amazed him. The detailed architecture and decorations showcased the grandness of the mansion. It was huge inside, and every bit shouted richness and luxury like something out of a Town & Country magazine spread. Walking through, he felt both super interested and humbled, seeing all that wealth.
The mansion's splendor seemed to amplify the anticipation that had been building within him. His heart beat a little faster as he contemplated the virtual adventure he was about to plunge into.
The immersive world of Coven Online promised an escape from the mundane, a chance to become a hero in a realm of magic and mystery. The idea of shedding his ordinary life for a digital existence overflowed with possibilities and filled him with a sense of exhilaration.
As he walked further through the mansion, he couldn't help but wonder what it must be like to live in such extravagance, surrounded by beauty and comfort at every turn. Kyle might not have been born into wealth, but despite the stark contrast between his own appearance, he appreciated the finer things, even from a distance.
Following the hallway's path, he ascended the sprawling staircase that led to the second floor. The richly carpeted steps muffled his footsteps, creating a sense of quiet luxury as he climbed. Reaching the top of the staircase, a grin spread across his face as he entered the corridor that led to the heart of Jake’s gaming haven.
He passed by intricately framed paintings that depicted scenes of fantasy and magic, a visual testament to the enthusiasm that had united him and Jake over the years.
And there, at the end of the corridor, was Jake—a steadfast friend and an equally passionate gamer. The knowing smirk on Jake's face spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgement of the thrilling escapades that awaited them in the digital realm.
Jake's appearance also contrasted with the elegance of the mansion, much like Kyle's own. He exuded a relaxed confidence that defied the surrounding opulence. Jake's neatly styled dirty blonde hair stood in stark contrast to Kyle's tousled locks, and his piercing gaze spoke of an air of mischief. The cheeky glint in Jake's hazel eyes hinted at a history of countless gaming victories and defeats.
Kyle's thoughts couldn't help but drift to the journey that had led them to this point—a friendship forged in the fires of virtual battles and triumphs. Over the years, they had explored countless worlds together. Their online personas reflected their solidarity and aspirations. They had laughed, strategized, and grown together, their bond strengthening with every quest completed and every foe vanquished.
As he approached Jake, Kyle reflected on the countless hours they had spent side by side, both in virtual realms and in the real world. Their friendship grew from a foundation of experiences, mutual respect, and unwavering support that stemmed from understanding each other's gaming styles.
The familiar, all-knowing smirk on Jake's face was a characteristic of their friendship. Together, they were about to embark on a new adventure, one that held the promise of challenging their skills, testing their resolve, and strengthening the unbreakable bond that had grown between them over the years.
"Took you long enough," Jake said.
"I had to stop by my dorm room to grab my haptic gloves and VR headset." Kyle shrugged.
Jake chuckled, patting Kyle on the back. "Next time, just come straight over. You don't need all that gear for the haptic pod."
"Sorry, I didn't know," Kyle replied with a sheepish grin.
Jake gestured toward the room behind him. "No worries. Anyway, welcome to the ultimate gaming paradise." Jake extended his arms and inhaled deeply. "This is the only space in the house where I feel at ease."
Entering the room, Kyle's eyes widened as he took in the spectacle before him. It was an arcade enthusiast's dream, with retro cabinets lining one wall and a pièce de résistance dominating the far end of the room.
"Holy shit, dude," Kyle whistled softly. "You've really outdone yourself."
Jake shrugged nonchalantly. "I like a bit of nostalgia, but these pods? They're the real deal."
Two sleek, oval-shaped pods that almost resembled futuristic sleeping chambers drew Kyle's attention. Suspended at an angle, they were encased in transparent glass, adding to their otherworldly allure.
A hint of concern crept into Kyle's voice. "Aren't you afraid of getting claustrophobic in there?"
Jake leaned against one pod, smirking confidently. "At first, maybe. But once you're logged in, trust me, it's like stepping into a whole alternative universe."
Nerves tingled at the base of Kyle's spine. "You're positive it's safe?"
A teasing glint danced in Jake's eyes. "Not backing out now, are you?"
Kyle shook his head, determined to prove his resolve. "No, of course not."
Jake nodded toward the pod on the right. "Good, then hop into that one. You'll thank me later."
Suppressing a shiver, Kyle approached the pod. He hesitated for a moment before pressing a button on the right side of the pod like Jake had just done. A hiss of released air ushered the opening of the chamber, an icy cloud billowing out like something from the movie Back to the Future.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Oh, and one more thing," Jake interjected, his tone casual, "it gets pretty cold in there at first. Don't worry, that's just a normal part of the cryo chamber freezing process. It slows down your metabolism, allowing you to stay in the game longer with no need to take food or bathroom breaks."
Kyle was about to protest when the glass flipped closed on his friend's pod. He watched in horror as frost instantly formed on the glass, and Jake's body suddenly looked like a corpse.
Before he could find an abort button, his own pod flipped closed, sealing him inside the pod. His heart raced as a frosty veneer formed on the glass, transforming the world outside into a blur of white.
An icy shiver coursed down his spine, and a chill clawed at his skin as he shivered uncontrollably. A sudden headache assaulted his temples. With a jolt, his senses spiraled into oblivion, and the real world melted away, and before he could react, darkness consumed him.
Oh, God, I’m going to die. This is how you die. You get cold before you die.
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The world around him transformed, turning into bright colors that formed a beautiful scene—a lush green forest clearing bathed in a gentle, shimmering light. Kyle's breath hitched in his chest as he soaked in the surreal beauty that enveloped him.
He became more aware of his surroundings—the sound of birds, the rustling leaves, and the smell of nature. It felt like he was in another world, full of awe and endless possibilities. Kyle smiled as he took his first steps, enjoying the feel of the grass under his feet.
Before him materialized a holographic interface—the character creation screen. A multitude of options unfurled, allowing him to sculpt his digital alter ego. Kyle's heart beat fast with excitement as he got ready to use the controls.
Dark hair, striking blue eyes, a confident demeanor—his virtual avatar reflected the version of himself he aspired to be. How did it know? Can it read my mind? The process flowed seamlessly, a symphony of design and imagination.
As he moved through the customization options, his eyes lingered on the section for equipment and attire. His excitement was palpable as he considered the possibilities—armor, weaponry, and accessories that would reflect his chosen play style and aesthetic preferences. He had visions of donning gleaming suits of armor, brandishing a formidable sword, and adorning himself with enchanted amulets.
However, his Level 1 status was a stark reminder of his current limitations. A wistful sigh escaped him as he realized that his meager starting gold wouldn't stretch far in outfitting him for epic battles. A glimpse at the cost of the sturdier armors and intricate weapons further dampened his aspirations.
Kyle couldn't help but smirk as he pondered his next move decision. Instead of picking out shiny armor or mighty weapons, he eyed a loincloth.
It seemed ridiculous to choose such a simple item for a battle outfit, but the idea made him chuckle.
Choosing the loincloth felt like a playful nod to the wild and whimsical world he was about to dive into. After all, amidst epic adventures and mythical creatures, why not go for something totally unexpected?
With a decisive nod, he selected the loincloth, accepting that his journey's beginning would be one of humble beginnings.
[-10 Gold]
As he confirmed his choice, he transformed, the loincloth appearing as an almost comically modest garment. Kyle chuckled, appreciating the lightheartedness of the moment.
He might not be the most imposing figure in terms of appearance, but he was determined to prove that true strength lay beyond mere attire. His empty Character Sheet then materialized before him.
Character Profile
Character Name:
Kyle
Level:
1
Class:
[Undecided]
XP:
0
Mana:
100/100
Gold:
90
Attributes
Original
Level Ups
Bonuses
Unassigned:
0
0
0
Strength:
1
0
0
Agility:
1
0
0
Vitality:
1
0
0
Intelligence:
1
0
0
Wisdom:
1
0
0
Magic:
1
0
0
Skills
[None]
Inventory
Loin Cloth
Notes
Kyle is a novice player who has just entered the world of Coven Online. At Level 1, he has yet to choose a class and develop his skills and abilities. His attributes are currently at their base levels, offering him a blank slate for growth and specialization. As he embarks on his adventure, his potential for development and progress is limitless.
Kyle swiped away his stats, eager to begin the game.
"Welcome, Kyle," a musical voice resonated, and a figure draped in flowing robes manifested before him. Her presence radiated an aura of enchantment, and her eyes sparkled with ancient knowledge.
A mixture of fascination and awe accompanied Kyle's nod. "Pleasure to meet you."
The Guide's lips curved into a serene smile, revealing the wisdom she held. "I am Elara, your guide through the realm of Coven Online. Are you prepared to embark on your journey, where magic and adventure await?"
Kyle felt a surge of energy, an electric buzz of excitement pulsing through his body. "Definitely."
With a graceful flourish of Elara's hand, the tranquil forest transformed into a bustling medieval town. Cobblestone streets stretched before him, lined with exciting market stalls. Dressed in a variety of costumes, players buzzed around, each deeply immersed in their own exploits.
Kyle's eyes popped wide open, taking in the rich colors and sights of this new world. It was his chance to leave behind his everyday self and step into the boots of someone much more interesting. A mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness made his heart race. As he stepped into the lively town, he could feel it: his ordinary life was about to mix with something out of a storybook, changing everything he knew forever.
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© 2023 J.T. Acker. All rights reserved.