Chapter 3
“So what you’re saying is that the Character Creation Room is a place where I create a game body which I would use when I entered this virtual world you speak of.”
“That is correct, Uriel-sama.”
“And if I choose to go to the Personal Lodge, I’ll get to see a room styled like my house where I could read the beginner’s manual? Correct?”
“Again, that is correct, Uriel-sama.”
Alyssa stated with respect while keeping her head bowed in front of Uriel, who nodded his head as he finally understood his choices.
Like Alyssa’s statement, most players would ignore her recommendations because they do not see any point into entering the Personal Lodge where the Instructions Manual is conveniently hidden. The only way to get it is by snooping around the room, or by asking Alyssa to show you where the manual was.
Only few actually take this course but based on statistics, Alyssa told Uriel that those who read the manual became far more capable than those who didn’t. When he asked Alyssa how long it’ll take to read it, the goddess respectfully answered that he won’t actually be reading it as the manual will upload itself in his mind and would unlock the [Help] option.
However, Alyssa had advised that Uriel should at least see and understand the basic stats as well as the basic advantages of a race.
But—
“Nah. You said you’d go with me in the Character Creation Room, right?” Uriel asked. Alyssa, confused at Uriel’s question simply nodded her head.
“Of course Uriel-sama. Not only is it part of my duty as the goddess of creation, I am also honored to serve someone as respectable as yourself,” Alyssa said.
Uriel smirked at Alyssa’s new attitude. The old woman’s way truly never failed in disciplining people around him and by now, he, himself, is a master of utilizing it.
(…Beat them up until their ignorant wills completely give in to yours…)
It is true that the action is completely barbaric but in this world, what’s not?
“Okay, then I’ll choose to go to the Character Creation Room for now.”
Uriel finally decided after three long hours’ in-game, equivalent to forty-five minutes in real time, the longest time somebody spent in choosing whether or not to enter the Personal Lodge or the Character Creation Page.
Alyssa fought the urge to mumble the words ‘finally’ in fear of having to repeat that horrible experience and instead, put on a peaceful smile as she gestured the man towards his chosen destination.
Uriel walked towards the door leading to the Character Creation Room and entered the room without any sight of hesitation.
Once he entered the room, Alyssa materialized in front of him. Her posture of complete submission still present as she guided him inside of the room.
The Character Creation Room was very different from the void-like space he was in before. The room was a lot smaller than the void but was still large in its own scale.
The room was pentagonal in shape. Red, wooden carvings acted as the five walls of the room. Based on Uriel’s inspection, the wooden carvings, from his left, there was a giant holding a gigantic axe, an elf using a scepter, a human holding a sword, a dwarf holding a hammer and a half-man, half-beast wielding a spear.
All of them looked like veteran warriors and Uriel couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship involved in carving the wooden walls.
“Hey Alyssa, do you know who these carvings were based from?” somehow, Uriel felt that the wooden carvings were just created for decorations. His instinct told him that there was a reason why it existed here, in a place where soul meets body.
Alyssa, however, was surprised with Uriel’s question. The young man was the first person who actually took notice of the wooden carvings that served as the five pillars of the Character Creation Room—and—
“Those carvings are based from the five members of Alpha, a secret group who once served as the savior of Lasallia in the shadows. Not many knows of their existence and even I, the goddess of creation, could only guess what their works were. If you want to learn more about them, then I guess you should seek audience with my sister, Enigma, goddess of secrets, puzzles and mysteries.”
“Is that so? And how do I do that?” like a moth to a flame, the mysterious existence of Alpha easily caught the curiosity and attention of Uriel.
“How do you seek counsel with my sister? Unfortunately, I do not really know the exact specifications. Unlike most goddess, Enigma is—well, enigmatic. She only shows herself to those bearing great secrets and often, instead of gaining answers, one would only end up with even more questions when conversing with her.”
Alyssa said. She, herself, had never interacted with Enigma as much as she did with other goddesses (AI). In fact, Enigma is even considered as one of the most anti-social of the goddesses, second only to Riva, goddess of death and rebirths and to Echidna, goddess of monsters and of beasts.
And at least, those two had actual reasons for not interacting with the goddesses due to their busy work. Enigma, on the other hand, simply chose not to interact with them.
Uriel simply nodded his head but Alyssa had the feeling that the young man before her had dropped the subject.
“Now would you like us to begin the creation of your character?”
“Yes.”
As soon as he said that, the five wooden carvings began to creak and move around him. Surprised, Uriel was only pacified when Alyssa told him that it was fine and that he had nothing to be alarmed.
True to her words, the wooden carvings simply began to change form and slowly, they somehow began to form flesh and later, even adapt most of Uriel’s features.
After a few seconds, the creatures, which lost all semblance of their wooden traits, all looked like creatures of flesh and blood as they stood around him like warriors ready for battle.
“Now please, select the race of which you want to venture Lasallia as. Remember, each of the race has its own unique trait which gives it an advantage over a certain situation and a disadvantage in another. So please choose best what race you think suits you best,” Alyssa said with a small smile.
Suddenly, five windows appeared in front of his five look-a-likes.
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Human Humans rose from being one of the weakest races to becoming one of most influential ones. Capable of mastering any arts, humans are known for being well-balanced in spirit, body and mind.Racial Skill: Adaptability (Growth Rate increases by 5%)Basic Stat Distribution: Strength (10) Vitality (10) Agility (10) Intelligence (10) Wisdom (10) Dexterity (10)
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Elf Guardians of nature, elves are considered as the wisest of races due to their long lives. Masters of ranged combat and magic, these creatures prefer to fight at a greater distance due to their lower strength.Racial Skill: Gaea’s Touch (+10% to Ranged and Magic attacks)Basic Stat Distribution: Strength (5) Vitality (10) Agility (10) Intelligence (15) Wisdom (15) Dexterity (5)
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Giant Physically strongest, giants were once held as the savage berserkers destroying everything in their path. Even now, despite becoming more civilized, these incredibly powerful men can still wreak havoc whenever angered, something which regularly occurs due to their low patience.Racial Skill: Berserk (+20% to all Stats when life is below 10%)Basic Stat Distribution: Strength (20) Vitality (10) Agility (10) Intelligence (10) Wisdom (5) Dexterity (5)
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Dwarf Masters of the forge, the dwarves are second to none in any crafts that exist. Preferring to live their life as master craftsmen, these creatures, when in danger, can easily overpower their opponents with the strength they possess from working at the forge and mines as well as with legendary grade weapons they built with their own sweat and blood.Racial Skill: Vulcan’s Sons (+15% to Dexterity when doing crafts)Basic Stat Distribution: Strength (15) Vitality (10) Agility (5) Intelligence (10) Wisdom (5) Dexterity (15)
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Beastman Vanguards of the wild, beast man are usually more beasts than they are men. Relying on their animalistic instinct, these beasts are capable of springing up traps and luring their prey into the most undesirable positions. Diverse in nature, no same trick could be used in fighting against these wild folks.Racial Skill: Animal Spirit (Additional stats and/or skills based on the animal chosen.)Basic Stat Distribution: Strength (5) Vitality (5) Agility (5) Intelligence (5) Wisdom (5) Dexterity (5)
“Beastman.”
“Huh?!”
“Beastman. Tell me more about this beastman.” Uriel said. Alyssa was surprised. In reality, she secretly expected that the man in front of him would have him waiting for hours before he’d choose a race. However, it was clear that for some reasons, Uriel was curious to that one race.
“Okay. As written in the message window, beast man are vanguards of nature who are half men and half beast. This race is actually the race closest to monsters, their main god being Pandor, the god of the wild and husband of Echinda, goddess of monsters.” Alyssa began and saw that Uriel was listening to her intently.
“Anyway, because of that, the beastmen, like monsters, are very unique. They don’t follow a single racial trait, as proven by their Animal Spirit skill which will change depending on the animal spirit you choose from. For example, if you choose a Cheetah as your animal spirit, then your racial skill will be changed to Speedster of the Wild and you will get a great boost in speed. On the other hand, if you choose your animal spirit as a Lion, then you will get the racial skill Lord of the Wild and will get an increase in Intimidation and Strength.”
“But what if I don’t choose any animal spirit?”
“Good question. If you don’t choose any animal spirit, then you will be what they call an Unblessed beastman. An unblessed beastman, as seen in their stats, are weak and don’t have any exemplary skills. However, since you can choose your animal spirit here, you really don’t have to worry about that.”
“Hmm. Is there any limitations to my choice of animal spirit?”
“Actually, the choosing of animal is actually very strict and there are a lot of rules regarding it.” Alyssa began to explain the rules regarding beastmen.
First of all, you cannot choose animals that are extinct. So dinosaurs, sabertooth tigers and dodo birds are not allowed.
Second, you cannot choose any animal considered as monsters in the world of Lasallia. This includes mythological creatures like dragons, krakens and hydras.
Third, you cannot choose a species incapable of living in dry land. This includes all fishes, sharks, jellyfishes and the likes. Alyssa did not disclose the reason but Uriel felt that she was hiding something about that.
Lastly, you cannot choose any reptiles, birds or insects. This means that crocodiles, snakes and spiders are not allowed. Again, Alyssa did not explain the reason about that.
To sum it all up, one could only choose a mammal as his animal spirit. However, despite that, there is still a wide variety to choose from. There are the large cats like cheetahs, lions, leopards, jaguars and tigers. The rodents like mice, moles, rabbits and raccoons. And others like bears, foxes, hyenas and rhinoceros.
“You told me that I cannot choose a bird. But what about bats, can I turn into a bat if I wanted to be one? I believe that they’re not considered as birds in this age,” Uriel said. He once made that mistake and remembered being laughed at by his masters.
“Bats? That’s a good question. But sadly, no. The main reason why birds are a restricted race is because of their ability to fly. That same rule applies to any mammals that flies. However, if you choose those that glide, then that would be a different topic in itself.” She explained.
Of course Uriel wasn’t the first person to ask about the bats. There are, in fact, a lot of them but becoming a bat will bypass many of the game’s mechanics and of course, there’s something else about that specific race that Alyssa couldn’t talk about.
Or at least, Enigma warned her not to talk about it as it would disrupt the game flow.
“Oh, is that so. Then what about the humans? What can you tell me about them?”
“Huh? I thought you wanted to choose Beastman?” Alyssa asked, her eyes widening for a fraction.
(Could it be that..? No. No. No. It can’t be.)
“I never said I wanted to be a Beastman. I just wanted to ask it first because it seemed interesting.” Uriel said with a shrug.
If Alyssa had blood running through her veins, she had paled. Thankfully, as a goddess, she didn’t have blood in her coding and all she could do was resign herself to her fate.
(Just stay strong Alyssa, this will only take a day at the very most. Just stay strong.)
“Hey, are you going to explain the humans or not?”
(That does it. I will surely curse you once you leave this place! Ahhh!)
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Hiding her evil thoughts with a gentle smile, Alyssa began to explain all the things she could say about the Human Race.
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“And t—that’s what it means to be a giant.”
Alyssa struggled to finish. Never had she been challenged to speak this much ever since the game was launched a year ago. No players had asked so much things to her.
Sure there were those who were curious or ignorant or both, but none of them were as demanding or as inquisitive as this one.
Aside from the race, Alyssa also ended up discussing the basic stats and what they’re purposes were.
To put it simpler, she decided to show Uriel a window containing the stats and was forced to explain each one in great yet simple details that Uriel commanded her to do.
Yes, not even asked, he commanded her. The nerve of this guy.
Basic Stat Description StatDescriptionEffectStrengthA measure of how physically strong a character is.Increases physical attack damage, physical defense, weight limit and stamina.VitalityA measure of how much life force a character is.Increases hp, hp regen., stamina and stamina regen.AgilityA measure of how nimble and quick a character is.Increases attack speed, movement speed and evasion.IntelligenceA measure of a character's mental prowess.Increases magic attack damage, chances of learning new skill and magic defenseWisdomA measure of a character’s spiritual prowess.Increases base mana, mana regen., and magic defenseDexterityA measure of character’s skills in performing with hands.Increase chances of landing critical hits and influences results of handicraft works.
“Now that you know all about the races, would you like to choose one now?” she asked.
(Please say yes! Please say yes!)
She almost begged but her pride as the goddess stopped her from doing so. Of course, with this guy in here, her pride doesn’t really matter much considering the horrible things he did to her a few while ago.
(Gah! I shall not forget you! I shall—)
“A beastman. I’d like to be a beastman,” Uriel suddenly spoke, ending the goddess’ internal monologue.
(If he wanted to become a beastman, why did he not choose all the other races?! Why?!)
She almost wanted to rip her hair out in frustration but miraculously, or rather through sheer will, she was able to fake a smile as she asked her question.
“A b—beastman? Really? Will that be your final choice?”
As soon as she asked that, a window appeared right in front of Uriel.
You have chosen the race [Beastman]. Would you like to confirm your choice?YesNo
“Yes.”
“Okay, your race is now set.”
Race Confirmed.
As soon as he said that, all the other constructs of Uriel belonging to the unchosen races faded into darkness. When he glanced to the carvings, he confirmed that they returned to original form: that of the warriors.
“Now, I know this might be rude for you but as part of the system, I still have to ask this to you. What gender would you like your avatar to be, Male or Female?”
You have chosen the race [Beastman]. Would you like to confirm your choice?MaleFemale
As soon as it appeared, a female version of Uriel with longer hair and a softer facial muscles appeared, standing at the same height as her male counterpart.
“Does my gender influence what happens to me if I enter that new world?”
Sometimes, Alyssa wonder if this man was stupid or if he was actually perceptive. Most of the times, she thinks it’s both. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a jerk.
“Now that I think about it, there is a minimal effect. But of course, that effect is the same as in your world, voyager. For example, females are protected by men who respect women but sometimes, they are objectified by NPC’s who are programmed to be lewd and dark. Same goes for males. But other than that, no, there is not much effect.”
“If that’s the case, then I choose Male.”
“Hmm. Is that your final answer?”
You have chosen the gender [Male]. Would you like to confirm your choice?YesNo
When he said yes, just like before, the unchosen gender faded and Uriel was left facing with the beast man version of himself.
Gender Confirmed.
“Okay. Now would you like to change how your avatar looks like?”
“Hmm. Does the appearance really matter inside the game?”
“Of course. Your appearance will determine how other players as well as the NPC’s act towards you. It can either charm them in and increase your intimacy with them or intimidate them. Also, if you wish to increase muscle mass, then you will be gifted more speed in exchange for agility, same goes for decreasing it. Also, you only get to have three chances to change your appearance here, and the rest will be made in-game by fulfilling specific requirements or getting some skills.”
“Is that so? Well then, the first I want you to do is make this beast man look as close to human-looking as possible.”
Uriel really didn’t want to walk around looking like a beast. No, that wouldn’t do well to him at all. Quickly, the once rough image of the beastman morphed and mirrored Uriel’s.
Most of the fur disappeared and even the claws were reduced to a respectable sharpness. All in all, the beastman still looked wild but now looked more human than a beast.
“Second, change the color of the pupils from black to crimson red,” he smirked. He missed the true color of his eyes and somehow, maybe he could perhaps revert them back to what they once were even if it’s just in the game.
As soon as he said that, the pupils of the avatar glowed and then became red.
“Last, increase the sharpness and length of his fangs by about three centimeters,” he said.
(…Beast-man looking like a human, blood red eyes and sharp fangs, is he trying to look like a vampire?)
Alyssa wondered as she made the final change. After it was done, she confirmed her suspicions.
(But then again, why should I care about his tastes? It’s not that it would aff—wait, I guess I could use this at my advantage…I did warn him about being careful on what you looked like.)
The goddess thought evilly, something she masked again with her radiant smile. Once the changes were finished, she announced.
“All three possible changes are finished. Any further customization of your character will no longer apply.”
“Now, let us give your character a name. Of course, whatever the name you gift your character won’t affect your game play. However, please do refrain from using vulgar words in naming your character as doing so would leave you penalized.”
As soon as she said that, two windows simultaneously appeared in front of Uriel as well as one at the top of Uriel’s avatar.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Please name your Character_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
“Hmm. What about R-I-E-L.” Uriel thought and as soon as he said that, the window above his avatar’s name changed to possess that name.
Riel
“That name is still unused and is available. Would you like to confirm your choice of name? Remember, it is a name given to your character and only extremely rare situations would be capable of changing it.” Alyssa asked Uriel.
You have given the name [Riel]. Would you like to confirm your choice?YesNo
“Yes.”
Name Confirmed.
“Now that that is over, we only have to do one last thing.”
Alyssa couldn’t help but voice out her happiness.
(Finally! I’ll finally be free from the presence of this jerk!)
“And what is it?” Uriel asked.
“Hmm. Well, you’ll have to choose the place where you want to start your journey.”
As soon as she said that, a window appeared in front of them.
The window contained the map of the three known continents in Lasallia.
The continents are Nethereal, Aerneas and Solidus.
Nethereal, also known as the uncharted north, is blackened in his map. Even after one year, the northern area is still considered unsafe and going there is very dangerous for all players.
Aerneas, a continent found south of Nethereal and north of Solidus is a mid-level area containing a few blinking dots indicating Capitals and small Villages whose monster population are cleared and controlled enough that new comers would be safe entering them.
Solidus, found south of Aerneas and at the southern hemisphere of Lasallia is separated from the two continents by a small sea called the Linear Sea. Solidus, because of its separation from Aerneas and the distance it had from Nethereal is a relatively peaceful continent with few lethal monsters.
It is the place where many blinking dots exist indicating how many peaceful village safe for new comers it possessed.
After explaining to Uriel how the map worked, the young man stared and even read some of the descriptions of the villages and capitals he took interest in.
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Marina A fort village priding itself for the delectable sea foods they trade to other villages as well as their unparalleled net-weaving techniques.
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Isola A small, quiet village isolated from the rest of the other village. Self-sustaining but without much influx of cash, no nobles truly had interest in these lands which allowed it to live peacefully. However, bandits tend to run around their place, causing the locals to be wary from strangers.
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Gigamesh A place filled mostly with giants who decided that the life of violence is not for them. Due to these powerful giant’s presence, the land is clear from most danger. Just be sure not to anger these gentle folks.
After a few moments of deliberation, as well as consulting Alyssa about her opinions on the places he chose, Uriel was finally able to give his answer.
“I’d like to visit Isola. There’s something about it that intrigues me.”
Missing the sinister smile that appeared on Alyssa’s face once she heard of Uriel’s decision, Uriel simply stared at the blinking dot surrounded by heavy forests indicating the village of Isola.
“Is that your final choice?”
You have chosen the village [Isola] as your starting area. Would you like to confirm?YesNo
“Yes.”
Starting Area Confirmed.
Character Creation Complete. You will now be merged with your Avatar.
Suddenly, Uriel’s body as well as the body of his Avatar began glowing and in a few seconds, he found himself merging with the body of his avatar.
“Whoah,” Riel mumbled in awe as he felt strange. Unlike his virtual body, his avatar’s body felt more…real.
“In a short moment, you will be sent to the Cursed Village, Isola.”
Uriel’s eyes widened when he heard the words that came out from the goddess’ mouth.
“What do you mean cursed village?” Uriel asked, surprised.
“It is as it is. Anyways, once there, I truly hope that you’ll get to enjoy my simple…gift,” with a sinister laugh, Alyssa began to fade away and suddenly, Uriel found the floor beneath him disappearing and…
…he fell.
“Ahhhh!”
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To be continued...
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