I totally forgot. How was I to do anything? This was still technically reality. Was I supposed to try the door?

I walked over to it and tried it. I was welcomed to a beautiful bathroom on one side, a gorgeous kitchen on the other, and a huge closet before me. The bathroom actually had a washer and drier as well as a separate shower from the bath that looked like a Jacuzzi. The kitchen had all the appliances I was used to seeing, as well as more. It had everything from rice cookers to those funky little food processors you see on TV.

The closet was empty, and was extremely boring. Don’t get me wrong, it was all cool, but there was nothing. I wasn’t hungry, nor did I have to take the Browns to the Superbowl, so I went back to the bedroom. On my bed was a pair of glasses. And also my bed was made.

Whoever it was, they were a neat freak. Even the brochure and book were placed the exact same way as I had found them. Only, the brochure was open. Oops, I was so intrigued by the cover, I forgot it opened up. The inside contained basic info on the back story of Exodus. All the races were competing for the top position. The Gods of the world, which was named Grand Way, had decided to create a battlefield on the location of the Last Great Holy War. Even though there were species like Demons, Dragons, and Orcs, the many races conceded to this plan. It was the Gods’ choice, after all. Can’t argue with that.

Year round, participants could enter the Coliseum to try and earn money. There was a massive Tower that was stupendously tall. It apparently reached the Gods’ domain. This Tower was also used to make money. They could become Adventurers and go to villages and rid them of pests and monsters, also making money.

At least it was relatively easy to make money. It would seem there were no concepts of Levels or Status, but Skills and Spells were a thing. There was also some popularity thing there, too. Not sure how popular I would be, though.

I reflexively went to push my glasses back up, only to remember they’re not needed anymore, not that I had them to begin with. After making sure the brochure had nothing else, I put the brochure back on the book, but upside down. Maybe I could catch this person who came to my room.

Anyways, I picked up the head gear from beside me, as I was sitting on the really comfortable bed, put them on, and laid down. I was then greeted to more computer font words.

“Welcome to Exodus! The game shall begin in 09:32:16”

Looks like I had nine and a half hours left, since number 16 flipped to 15 then to 14 and so on. I looked around getting used to the feeling of Ultra Reality. I could move, feel, and pretty much breathe it all. I found a patch of what looked like grass. As I had walked closer, I realized it was a mound with a plaque before a pedestal. The plaque was empty, but the pedestal shone with a bright light as a figure stood before me. Or rather, I stood before myself? I guess this was my avatar. There was no cute helpful fairy or NPC girl to help, which disappointed me, but I digress.

I decided not to change anything, because I was the kind of guy who actually wanted to be there. If the game could not let me make an avatar that looked like me, I was upset. I wanted to see myself cutting Ogres and slaying Dragons. Although, this would be first person. Whatever. I don’t know how much changing height would affect my combat abilities, but I stuck with me. All of a sudden, a row of text appeared before me.

“You have been awarded 2 Skills and 1 Spell!”

I guess the Genesis staff wanted this? Whatever. I will try not to think too much on the subject of those guys, since I get sidetracked easily. I had already created my character, but not even 20 minutes had passed since I saw the countdown. I guess I will go see what I have to eat.

Upon logging out, I saw a little foot tall robot maid.

YES! But she’s too small…and I can’t even tell if the robot is completely female. So nope. Not even. I don’t want to get my hopes up for a trap. Gotta keep my expectations low.

“Hello, Master. I am your personal robot butler, 701132560354. Please let me know if you need anything.”

I WAS RIGHT!!! Even if I lowered my expectations, they still shattered! And what’s with that name?! Nope. I need to figure out a different name. Well, the average of all the numbers is around 3, so…wait, how about the median? That’s 4. The numbers that show up the most are 0, 1, and 3…In 1337 speak that’s E A O I E…reminds me of that SOAD song…hmm? Maybe that would work?

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“Okay, your new name is System!”

“I’m sorry, Master, but I have been programed to only recognize 701132560354 as my original name.”

“Okay, then System is your nickname. How about that?”

The robot stood at attention. Its bells and whistles were probably making a lot of noise inside its head. I still can’t get over how effeminate it looks.

“Nickname ‘System’ is acknowledged. Thank you, Master.”

The little robot then began to scurry to a little hole in the wall. Before I could get closer, the hole closed behind System. Whatever. I was going to go get food, that’s right.

I opened all the cabinets and checked the fridge and pantry, but there was nothing! What the hell?! Whatever. Breathe. There’s no one to get angry at, anyways. I decided to head back into the game and get a better feeling for it. Upon reentering, another row of text arose before me.

“You have not completed your character creation. Would you like to continue?”

Yeah, duh. I thought I was already done. I was instantly transported to the plaque again, and the plaque glowed a bright red. Kind of like when you make a mistake inputting your info on the sign up or register screen. I decided to pick my real name.

Not.

Even though I like to appear as myself, I’m not going to use my actual name! You moron. Whoever is reading this. Stop mocking me.

I input the name as Evil Ginger and the plaque shined green.

Wait, why are some of you out there shaking your head? Hmm? Never mind. I was also prompted to select a Job. I got to make money, so it has to be a Blacksmith, right? Nope. That wasn’t an option. I could select from Miner, Lumberjack, Fisher, Farmer, Scavenger, Trapper, and Harvester. I’m not so sure what there is to scavenge for, but if I wanted to be a Blacksmith, becoming a Miner would help. So that’s what I selected.

I only realized at the next prompt that was missing the major Jobs from other games. What about healers, fighters, or even mages? How would we get those? But the next prompt was for a fighting Style. This probably was like selecting a Weapon. But not so specific. The choices were stuff like Attack Magic, One Handed Blades, Two Handed Blunts, Long Range Projectiles, and such. As a Blacksmith, I would be using a hammer and anvil. I would also be using a pickaxe for mining. But a Blacksmith would only need a one handed hammer. Hmm…whatever. Two Handed Blunts it is. I can imagine me carrying a massive hammer over my shoulder intimidating enemies.

I was finally given the last prompt that asked for what Trait I wanted to start with. This would affect where my growth would go, since I had no access to my Stats myself. I chose Resistance, so I could withstand hotter temperatures. I knew it was the last prompt because right after I selected it, a message appeared in front of me.

“Congratulations! You are the 7,634,823 person to finish their creation! You have selected the Human Race that has a faster growth of Wisdom. You have selected the Miner Job that helps with the growth of Endurance. You have selected the Two Handed Blunt Style that helps with the growth of Strength. You have selected Resistance as you inborn Trait, this will help with the growth of Resistance. Your starting Skills are ‘Crush’ and ‘Break’. Your starting Spell is ‘Find Ore’. Have fun! The time remaining before the game begins is 08:56:43.”

Sweet.

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