“Four years ago I was in the same situation as you all, pulled into a tear in the sky to sleep in stasis by an unknowably powerful entity that has since identified itself as The Primordial. We later learned that this happened everywhere on the planet nearly simultaneously. Since then every year on the third week of June the same rift opens and hundreds of people are returned to us every day of the week. Based on pre and post primordial census data the total amount of people returned each year is a tenth of the total local population. Today is Monday, June 17th, 2028. You are all a part of the fifth return, and you all are this first group of the week.” he paused as a few people came on stage with a mike stand. He gave the microphone a few taps before resuming, his voice more restrained now that he didn’t need to shout.
“Where was I? ah, yes, as I said you are the fifth batch of people to return. The last four years we’ve found that with some exceptions the people who return each year share a general demographic. The people who first returned averaged roughly 25, and no one younger than 16 has returned yet. We also have found that those who returned earlier are consistently more adventurous and self-sufficient. Each year the average age of returnees has gone up. Now that was a lot, but the next order of business is definitely much more unbelievable. Please suspend your disbelief.” He paused for effect, and the entire crowd was watching with rapt attention. If that had been the more believable part of what he was saying, what was coming next?
“I mentioned The Primordial and how it made the rift and pulled everyone into it. It did this to access our world undisturbed. As for what it did while it was here, if you look up you will see the branches of a giant tree. At the base of this tree is the entrance to a miniature world, one of thousands around the world placed there by The Primordial. These places are called dungeons, and contained within are monsters. Monsters are creatures that form from nothing in the dungeon and return to nothing when killed. Before they return to nothing, however, they will produce an origin shard-” John pulled out a small acid green gemstone, holding the faintly glowing gem out for everyone to see. “-These shards are the main reason people risk delving into the dungeon. Origin shards value comes from what they become.when ten shards of the same type come together they will create-” He pulled a grapefruit sized gemstone out from who knows where. Unlike the shard the glowing gem was a dull gray. “-An origin orb. These origin orbs are humanity's ticket to becoming more than ever thought possible.” John raised his hands to place something on his head with both hands and as he did so a red helmet faded into his hands from nowhere. The moment it settled on his head a flash of red tinged light burst from him. The crowd let out a collective gasp when the light disappeared. He had grown two feet, going from tall to towering, and his armor had gained several new spikes and ridges. When he spoke again a second voice overlapped with him, deeper but still recognizable as his.
“This is what is called an Avatar, While like this I can stand my ground in the face of a car crash, and probably lift the car as well.” He pulled off the helmet, and faded away into nothing, and he was back to normal as he continued.
“Avatars are both how and why people fight in the dungeon. The shards produced by monsters once combined can be used to fuel the creation of an avatar. If you want to be super durable, strong, or fast, entering the dungeon is the easiest way to get your hands on them, but people do sell them. This brings me to something else that's a bit important. Since the return The Primordial has divided the world into quadrants. Each quadrant contains a dungeon, and a person can’t summon their avatar outside of their quadrant. This is one of the less understandable things The Primordial has done, but don’t worry, we have found that a person’s quadrant changes to wherever they are during the return. Due to the creation of quadrants the trade of new orbs between quadrants has been slowed, but that’s probably doesn’t mean much to you, so let's move on. Perhaps more useful to you are the other uses of orbs. By using ten orbs a person can enhance an object in a process called enchanting. This can have a number of effects, but unfortunately an object can only hold one. Now other than giving you superpowers and magic equipment the monsters of the dungeon can also give you materials to make even more.” He punctuated this statement with a rap against his breastplate.
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“This is made out of a monster's shell. By using an origin shard or orb you can preserve a part of a monster. This armor helps me stay safe if I overuse my avatar. Speaking of safety, several groups have sprung up since the first return to do just that, first is the Delver’s guild, which you are currently standing in front of the leader and headquarters of. We formed to equip people with the tools and knowledge to face the dungeon without fear. If you intend to take a shot at delving please visit us. Next up is the dungeon guard, they have their HQ up in the tree’s canopy, and work on minimizing the risk faced by people inside the dungeon. Amongst other things they clear out dangerous monsters that spring up and map the dungeon. They are the reason the dungeon is currently closed because they are doing just that, alongside exploring the new level.” John noticed quite a few slightly confused expressions amongst the audience, and paused. “Ah, I forgot to mention that earlier, didn't I? The dungeon so far has gained another level every two years. Each level extends deeper underground, with new and stronger monsters cropping up with those new levels. Finally before you go there is one more organization which all of you are at least slightly familiar with.They are the ones who helped to gather all of you and get you to this event, The ONRR. standing for The Organization for Newly Returned Reintegration, the ONRR formed after the first year to help people resettle after the return and provide therapy, housing, loans, help contacting friends and family, and more. They have set up outside the courtyard during orientation to assist you with any challenges you may face after returning, and they will be there all week. They can also be reached at their building on maple lane. Thank you and goodbye everyone, I wish you a smooth transition back to normal life.” And with that he stepped away from the mike and down the stage, which several people started disassembling. The clamor of people talking and walking started to slowly fill the air, and I found myself joining the slowly moving stream of people leaving the courtyard. After a bit of shuffling I found myself in the formerly clear area in front of the courtyard, where several dozen kiosks with the blue and white ONRR logo on them had now been set up. Each kiosk had a sign specifying exactly what services they provided. Uncertain what to do next I made my way towards one of the several kiosks labeled finding friends and relatives, and waited. A station opened up pretty quickly and the lady running it waved me over to her. The lady had a kind smile that helped me feel less worried.
“What's your name?” she asked. I supplied Ethan Wood, which whe quickly typed into her laptop.
“Middle name Elliot?” I nodded, and she continued. ”There are two people waiting to see you, the first is Tom Dougherty, and the second is Jake Alexander.”
I was relieved to hear Jake was here and looking for me, it was nice to know someone I knew was here, though Tom looking for me felt a bit odd.
“Would you like me to notify them that you have arrived?” she asked and I nodded
“Yeah, that sounds good.” She did a few things on her laptop and then followed up.
“Is there anyone you would like to look for?” I didn’t take any time to respond.
“Oh yeah, do you have a James or Willow Wood?” I said nervously and she looked it up without cracking a single joke, a remarkable feat based on my past experience.
“I’m afraid those names aren’t in our database currently. would you like me to notify me when they arrive?” I wilted slightly at the news they were gone but pushed it down for later.
“Yes, and could you add a Rose and Peter Wood as well?” I asked. She agreed and quickly added them to the system. After leaving the kiosk I weaved out of the crowd, slowing as I reached the outskirts. Here people were slowly figuring out what to do next, and I joined them in pondering. Tom was still here so maybe I could just resume my job at Johnsons burgerhouse. That would help me stay financially stable assuming he still ran the burger house, technically he was never the owner. I was starting to worry about what I would do if he couldn’t when I saw a familiar face, my guide.
“Hey, I didn’t get a chance to thank you, or ah, catch your name.” I said when he noticed me, and he gave me an easygoing smile.
“No problem, I should be more embarrassed I forgot to ask yours, I’m Al, what's yours?”
“Oh sorry, I’m Ethan” I hastily supplied.
“Well Ethan, I’ve gotta run; my cat got out, but I hope we meet again, I hope your return goes smoothly.” and with that nonsequiteur he started off, leaving me a bit confused.