Shyri stared at the endless stream of numbers flickering on her computer screen, the graphs and equations swirling together like a chaotic dance of particles in motion. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she tried to make sense of the third derivation of that pesky wave function. Outside her tiny apartment, the sounds of city life blended into a soft hum, the sirens and chatter a distant reminder of the world moving on without her.
As a physics major at a prestigious university, Shyri was no stranger to pressure. Ever since she could remember, she had been told she was destined for greatness, a prodigy in the making. The whispers of “future Nobel laureate” echoed in her mind like a relentless mantra. Her parents were proud of her achievements, her professors constantly praised her, and her peers looked up to her as the model student. Yet, beneath that shimmering surface, Shyri felt more like a marionette, strings pulled taut by expectations she had never asked for.
After hours of grappling with theoretical constructs and complex formulas, she needed an escape. That escape that her best friend and roommate showed her was called New Life Online, a virtual world that promised everything her real life didn’t: freedom, adventure, and a chance to be anyone but the overachiever everyone expected her to be.
“Shyri!” a voice called from the hallway, jolting her back to the present. It was Kame, her roommate and closest friend. “You’re going to be late for the seminar!”
“Coming!” Shyri replied, hastily shutting down her computer. She glanced at her reflection in the dark screen: wild hair, dark circles under her eyes. With a quick adjustment of her glasses and a deep breath, she stepped into the bustling world outside her sanctuary.
The campus was alive with energy. Students laughed and debated in clusters, while others rushed past, earbuds in, oblivious to the chaos around them. Shyri maneuvered through the throng, her heart pounding not just from the physical exertion but from the weight of her commitments. She was a junior, halfway through her degree, and the looming threat of upcoming exams and project deadlines gnawed at her.
As she entered the lecture hall, a wave of familiar anxiety washed over her. The seats filled quickly, students taking their places, each one a potential rival in the game of academic supremacy. She settled into her usual spot near the front, where she could scribble notes furiously and pretend she was in control. But even as she listened to the professor drone on about quantum mechanics, her mind wandered back to New Life Online and what awaits her when she finally makes her character.
After class, Kame caught up with her. “Hey will you be starting New Life Online tonight or will you be studying for the upcoming exams”
Shyri sighed “I should study but I will log on tomorrow since it will be saturday” Shyri turned from Kame strolled towards the library, the rest of the day passed in a blur of equations, reading discussions, and frantic note-taking, each moment punctuated by the thought of her digital escape. When the personal study session ended and the sun dipped below the horizon, walking back to her apartment the scene was always her favorite. No one was on the campus ground and the chirping of crickets was pleasing to her. Pushing in her door the apartment was dark and the room smelled faintly of instant ramen and stale pizza—a testament to the chaos that had become her life as a student. Shyri walked in, closing the door behind her as she dropped her bag next to her computer desk and plopped onto the bed closing her eyes as she drifted into sleep.
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across Shyri’s bedroom. For once, the alarm clock remained silent, a rare gift of a Saturday free from the cacophony of lectures and responsibilities. Shyri lay in bed, cocooned in the warmth of her blankets, reveling in the luxury of sleep without an agenda.
But as the quiet settled in, so did the familiar pang of guilt. Her mind flickered to the mountain of tasks waiting for her: unfinished assignments, looming deadlines, and the ever-present pressure to maintain her status as an overachiever. She opened one eye, peering at her desk cluttered with textbooks and sticky notes, the remnants of a week spent scrambling to stay afloat.
“Not today,” she whispered, half-heartedly trying to convince herself. With a sudden burst of determination, she threw off the covers, the cool air hitting her skin like a splash of cold water.
A quick shower later, she stood in front of the mirror, her reflection betraying the exhaustion that came from weeks of juggling her hectic life. But today felt different. Today, she was ready to reclaim a piece of herself that had been buried under responsibilities.
With a firm nod, Shyri crossed her room and grabbed the VR headset from its resting place. The sleek device felt familiar and comforting in her hands, a tangible connection to a world where she could escape her worries. She took a deep breath, excitement bubbling within her.
Settling onto her plush beanbag chair, she connected the headset and powered it on. the world around her transformed into a swirling vortex of colors and shapes, she felt her heart race.
Shyri felt a gentle tug at the corners of her consciousness, as if a whisper was pulling her from the depths of a dream. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking against a soft, glowing light. The air around her felt different—crisp and electric, tinged with an exhilarating sense of possibility.
Before her stood a shimmering figure, its form shifting and flowing like water under moonlight. It was an AI, a holographic guide adorned in intricate patterns that sparkled with every movement. “Welcome to New World Online, traveler,” it intoned, its voice melodic and soothing. “Your journey begins now.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Shyri’s heart raced. This was it—the moment she had been waiting for. “Hi! I’m Shyri!” she replied, the thrill of adventure coursing through her veins.
“Before you embark on your quest, you must choose your path,” the AI said, gesturing gracefully. “You have the option to select from various races, each with unique abilities and traits. Allow me to present your choices.”
With a flick of its wrist, a series of holographic images materialized around them, each depicting a different race.
“First, we have the Human race—versatile and adaptable, known for their resilience in the face of adversity,” the AI explained, the image shifting to a rugged warrior brandishing a sword.
Next, a radiant figure appeared, adorned in elegant robes. “The Elves are swift and agile, masters of archery and magic, often seen as the guardians of nature.”
the AI continued, Shyri’s eyes widened at the variety. Dwarves, stout and hearty, displayed their prowess in craftsmanship and strength. “And here are the Dwarves, renowned for their resilience and mastery of engineering.”
Each race showcased its own unique allure, but Shyri felt drawn to something more mysterious. The AI continued, “Finally, we present the Dark Elves, a race of elegance and cunning. They possess exceptional agility and mastery of shadow magic, making them formidable in both combat and stealth.”
The image of a dark elf emerged—a lithe figure with striking features, clad in sleek armor that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows. Shyri felt a rush of excitement. This was her choice.
“I want to be a Dark Elf,” she declared, her voice steady with conviction.
“Excellent choice,” the AI responded, its tone warm and encouraging. “Now, you must decide how you wish to begin your journey. You can either create a fully grown character or experience the Infancy—a formative journey that allows you to develop your skills and abilities over time.”
Shyri paused, contemplating her options. A fully grown character meant immediate power and expertise, but the Infancy offered something deeper—an opportunity to truly experience her character’s growth, to forge her identity step by step.
“I choose Infancy,” she said decisively. “I want to start from the beginning.”
“Very well,” the AI smiled, its features softening.
Shyri looked down at herself before she looked up as the AI was getting taller but she realized she was getting smaller. Turning around Shyri saw herself in a mirror, She embodies the ethereal beauty typical of her race, albeit with a youthful charm. Her skin is a deep, rich ebony, adorned with faint, luminescent markings that shimmer subtly in the light. These markings are a hallmark of her lineage, hinting at her magical potential.
Her eyes are large and expressive, a striking shade of violet that glows softly, especially in dim light. They reflect both curiosity and determination, capturing the spirit of a young adventurer eager to explore her world. Shyri's hair is silky and jet black, cascading in playful waves down her back, with two small braids framing her delicate face.
Despite her young age, Shyri possesses an elegance that is characteristic of Dark Elves. She stands at a petite height, her frame lithe and agile, ideal for quick movements in combat. Her pointed ears, slightly oversized compared to her head, twitch with interest, always attuned to her surroundings.
Shyri noticed a flickering in the top right corner of her vision and clicked on it mentally which brought up her stat sheet.
Name: Shyri
Race: Dark Elf
Class: Infant
SHYRI’S STATS AT LEVEL 1:
* Health: 100/100
* Mana: 120/120
* Stamina: 90/90
ATTRIBUTES:
* Strength: 10
* Dexterity: 12
* Endurance: 10
* Intelligence: 15
* Wisdom: 14
* Agility: 12
* Charisma: 11
At Level 1, Shyri had a focus on magic, with Intelligence and Wisdom as her highest attributes. Her physical combat attributes were balanced, but a little lower compared to her magic-based stats.
Shyri was impressed with her stats even if she did just start the game, she looked up at the AI as it was changing and morphing into something different. The AI turned into a book which fell gently into Shyri’s hands.
“This form was chosen based on the user's information when first setting up the VR console” the AI said as it disappeared into her inventory. Without any hesitation a blinding bright light emitted in front of Shyri, a portal was formed. Shyri’s heart races as she steps into the mouth of the cavern, the portal from the character creation hub fading behind her. The air is thick, damp, and carries a faint metallic tang that sets her nerves on edge. The darkness inside the cave seems alive, swirling around her with each step as her eyes adjust. Small glowing fungi on the walls offer minimal light, their eerie green glow casting long shadows. Every step echoes as if the cave itself is watching her.
In the distance, deeper into the cave, she sees movement. Figures in the shadows. Her breath catches in her throat—these must be the dark elves. As she moves closer, the figures come into focus. Their slender, elegant forms, cloaked in obsidian and silver, stand tall with an air of authority. Her heart skips as she notices the two standing in front—there's no mistaking the regal, commanding presence of her parents. They are the leaders of this clan.
Her father, an imposing figure with sharp features, his silver hair tied back in a tight braid, steps forward first. His piercing violet eyes meet hers, and for a moment, there’s an unreadable flicker of emotion.
“Shyri,” he says, his voice low but resonating through the cave. “At last... you are here”
Next to him, her mother, equally tall and composed, wears a faint smile, though her eyes glimmering with a mix of curiosity and caution. Her dark purple robes shimmer under the dim light, accentuating her power and grace.
“My daughter welcome to your home,” her mother says, voice smooth like silk, but firm. “Stand by us where you belong.”
Shyri's mind spins, emotions flooding her as she stands before them. Standing in front of her parents—the leaders of the dark elf clan—everything felt more real than she could have ever imagined.