Chapter 1 - The Becoming
-” Haa, finally. “ I said to myself while looking at sleek, oblong, black shape installed in my room. Staff just left and only basic setup remained until I could start. It was Saturday so I had plenty of free time as my next shift wasn't due for next few days.
Without further delay I opened the cover and settled myself in. Whole thing seemed similar to a very comfy coffin, padded with some kind of synthetic, mushy material.
After closing the cover, I noticed that there was a small window located in front of my face.
Suddenly, a big metal ring moved from its resting place above my head and slowly slid down, over my face. It was almost as if I would be undergoing a PET scan. [PET - info ]
Moments later I started to feel lightheaded and all sensation seemed to drain from my body.
* * * *
In a void less darkness, bereft of any feeling, I suddenly heard a secular female voice.
-" System Initiation Complete. "
-" Welcome to a GustCorp VR Capsule System. Do you wish to select lobby parameters? " The voice asked.
-" Yes, please download profile from local node *Netherworld*, Identification: VzS3l6. " I replied.
-" Import successful. " Stated the AI. -" Executing. "
At that moment I suddenly felt something - all of the nothingness vanished and I found myself standing on a transparent, glass floor.
Darkness was suddenly replaced by a breathtaking sight. A sea of stars appeared all around me, countless lights shone in the unfathomable distance. Just standing still in that sparkling void was astounding, almost unreal. Especially when a silent music, which was more felt than heard, reverberated from everywhere and nowhere at once, completing that truly magnificent display.
[ For the music you might use this, enjoy~ - Short
EDIT: Found an Extended Version Long ]
When I concentrated and carefully looked for distortions of starlight, I noticed arches and columns that looked like they were made of transparent glass that created a wide plaza of epic proportions.
-' Wow, this is totally out of my expectations - I have always imagined this as my personal space, but this ...this is just unfathomable. ' I thought as I stood in the middle of the sky, awestruck.
-' It was well worth the effort I have spent fiddling with the creator on my PC. ' A stray thought appeared and disappeared in my mind, unheeded.
I was brought back to reality by a blank voice and blue lettered status message, that suddenly appeared before me:
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Do you wish to Connect to Ar Ciel?
Yes | No
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-" Yes, please. " I replied briefly.
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The scan of your iris had determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?
Yes | No
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The lobby continued to shift slowly, in a monumental movement of the stars that was so slow that it left everything almost unchanged, only blue letters that floated before me seemed to change.
-" Yes! ", I answered, suddenly annoyed by meaningless questions.
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Select your gender from male, female or neutral...
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-' Ok, it is time! ' I thought to myself as I relaxed and tried to re-imagine myself into a new image, one I wished for myself.
-' My body is young but my spirit is ancient, for she was the goddess among the lands. ' I concentrated on the image.
-" Female ", My voice rang loudly, steeled with resolve.
-" Please be aware that in concern for your wellbei.. " The voice responded mechanically.
-" Pass, skip, whatever, ok? " I quickly interrupted it.
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Select a name for your avat...
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-" The unreasonable one that sown chaos among Creation, the name's Almisha " Somehow I was able to say that without flinching.
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Select a race for your avat...
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-" Half-Elf. " I said, while thinking. -' There's no way that I will be able to recreate the whole look of her... but if I look at it as if she had fallen, finally(she was not liked in Heavens after all), then pointy features and ears are a must, but not enough to justify an elven race. '
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You may alter your appearance...
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-" Make the skin palest white possible, long black hair, black eyes...make them a bit bigger, sharp cheekbones...make the jawline more convex, heart shaped...not like that - sharper... ".
[Sometime later...
...
ok, ok you got him - few hours later...]
-" Yes, the build should be lean and sharp...small breasts...make bones a bit more delicate... "
[ ... Sometime .. in ... the ... future... ]
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Do you wish to finalize this appearance?
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-" Hmm, this is totally different from what I had in mind... "
I was about to order the AI to wipe the character and start all over, but after looking at her... I just couldn't.
-" Yes, Please "
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Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing.
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-" ... "
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Select a kingdom you wish to start in...
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-" The Kingdom of Gis ".
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Welcome to ArCiel, you will now be transported to one of the major cities in The Kingdom of Gis.
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-" Hmm, character creation process seems a bit tedious. "
With a flash everything went blank ...
* * * * * * * *
Suddenly, a vivid barrage of sensations brought me to my senses. Scorchingly hot sun vehemently basked the city in its rays, creating dizzying array of colours and sights.
The streets were crowded with people wearing medieval garbs. The plaza was surrounded by big stone buildings covered with tiled roofs, which caused whole place to feel overwhelming.
Sound of moving bodies, hawkers selling their wares and countless conversations enveloped me. I felt somewhat weak and dizzy, so I sat on a stone base of a fountain that I found just behind me.
I couldn't fathom my surroundings as I looked around in astonishment, befuddled by the view unfolding in front of my eyes. It seemed so real. I tried to find any flaws, , but couldn't, it was indistinguishable from the real world. Everything, hardness of the cobblestones under my feet, hotness of the sun and the fountain which felt solid and vivid under my back, everything was and felt... normal.
-' This is perfect ' I thought to myself in wonder and tried to stand. I had finally become aware of unfamiliar sensations that came from my body, I was feeling very light and weak. I thought it was related to dizziness caused by the transfer, but I immediately concluded that it was not the case. The discovery was baffling to say the least.
-' I was not expecting that much detail to the game. '
My feelings were way off. Originally, I was over six feet tall, but my new height was no higher than five-something (feet). Not to mention that the body’s gender changed. I touched my chest then, suddenly becoming aware of the crowds, I forced my hand down.
-' ...Acting out of character is sloppy, get your ass together, you are better than that. ' I chastised myself.
I ignored unfamiliar sensations and focused on performing some stretches, before going to more traditional moves of "kata" that I learned a long time ago. It was during a time when I wanted to learn martial arts from my father.
[ He just did a basic Kata check, if you are unfamiliar with the term. ]
I paid no heed to strange looks and comments that came my way in the meantime.
-' What's their deal, haven't they seen someone doing few slow motion moves, or something? '
[ Yhee... right, some of the guys certainly have gotten some sights...not that MC would take notice.]
After getting somewhat familiar with the movements, I went to look around the city.
-' Hmm, I will need a mirror for sure, the way a person moves and behaves is one third of how a person is received during the first meeting. ' I started setting up my priorities.
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-' First off, I need to get the grand three. Information, Money and Power, with power being actually the least important of the four for now.‘
[Yes, a role play is really strong in this one - so looks were included too]
I started to tour the city, with a determined look on my face. -' From what I have read, majority of the stuff you can do at a start is down to basics, like taking on simple quests, or learning skills... ' I thought to myself, wondering about the possibilities. -' The game boast its unrestricted flexibility and freedom, and it is even possible to get to the highest ranked positions as a player. But that's the stuff for the future. '
After a time spent touring I managed to locate a bank, several guilds, merchant stores, a training hall, one of city gates, a slums district, a castle, a city watch garrison, sewers and few other places. Also, most noticeably, a tailor shop where I spent most of my starting money.
-' Rule number one, if you look like a pushover you are a pushover (or incognito). ' Thinking that I bought a white linen shirt, a black vest, soft leather breeches and a pair of soft leather ankle boots. Also, I tied my hair in a low ponytail. Luckily I was used to the long hair from my *Metal Days*. I briefly deposited a *clone garb* (as I began to call the beginner's uniform) in a nearest trash heap.
-' Hmm, letssseee what do we have… Out of three silver that I had at the start, fifty coppers remain. Denominations are one hundred to one for each step from copper to platinum. Also, there’s ten slices of rye bread and a water jug (1L), both located in my Beginner's Pouch. Yep, totally seems like we have just started. '
Speaking of which, to my surprise my stomach just did a grumbling sound and I was assaulted with a feeling of hunger that I somehow ignored until then.
I ate a slice of Rye bread helping myself with sips of water, the taste was similar to famous *Myrnuuls Magic Spoon*
[A famous magic item from Dungeons & Dragons universe, which created food out of nothing allowing a character to survive in dire situations - it was famous for the said food, which was usually compared to a soggy cardboard in taste. Blegh!]
-' I decided that I do need money, there's no way I can survive on Myrnuul's rations. ' I shivered in disgust.
At that moment I was struck by another scary thought, what if they have not stopped on introducing satiety and went a step ahead... -' That would be disturbingly embarrassing to say the least. ' I quickly banished the thought and concentrated on more important matters.
-’ Lets focus, I have my special skill after all, as any GM should. Problem determination and resolution. I need to establish facts, assets, targets and methods. ‘
-' Target is obvious - money for food that actually is food. '
-' Assets - no skills, no weapons, no power(and no responsibility too), two hands… Alright we are back on square one. '
-' Facts - if you work you get paid, usually. '
-' Ok, that wasn't so hard. Lets find a tavern and get some money, we can explore new assets and methods afterwards. '
After reaching a decision I moved to one of the taverns, which I passed during the tour of the city.
I chose one of a taverns on the back alleys, not far from the Main City Square. My aim was to choose a place that isn't too run down and not too busy.
I made my way to a counter, manned by the usual medieval fare, a fat guy with a mug and a dirty rag.
-' Wait, rag isn't actually dirty, that's something at least. ' I sighed to myself.
-" Greetings, young lass. What can I get you? " The barkeep asked while giving me a casual look.
-" Greetings, dear Sir. " I said with my best manners and a half bow, which made the owner a bit flustered.
Congratulating myself plus one point in negotiation I continued:
-" I was wondering, if perchance, you would entertain a possibility of employing a hired help to assist with the common tasks and customers. I am sure that such a fine establishment would not be bereft of skilful staff, but I was wondering if you would be inclined to use one more pair of hands to ensure customer satisfaction. "
Looking at the flabbergasted owner brought a half smile to my face, half as I would be found half dead first rather than to give that fat guy a full blown one.
-" Well...um... ' Confused owner still had troubles with getting his act straight. -" ...Certainly I would not mind employing such a fine young lady. "
*Ding*
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Quest: Assist the barkeep
Difficulty: G
Reward: 20c-2s depending on your performance
Time Limit: Now
Failure state: Getting thrown out by the barkeep
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-" Please wear this and bring orders to the customers. " The owner said and handed me a cloth apron.
-" Most certainly, Sir. " I affirmed dutifully.
Soon after the place became quite busy and I had to run left and right to keep up.
-" Two mugs of ale and two stews... ".
-" Very well dear Sirs, I will deliver them promptly. "
-" Hey! What's with my order of greenleaf salad, how long do I need to wait?! " The exclamation came from a female cleric that I visited just a second ago.
-" My apologies Madam, I will deliver it shortly. "
-’ What a bi*ch, if I ever see her ever again ... I am soo not getting over that… ‘
[ Sometime later... ]
-" Here's your ale, Dear Sirs, do you require anything else? " I asked dutifully while collecting the payment.
-" Hey, you are quite cute. " Said a guy in a chain armor.
-" Would you meet me out later when you are not so busy? " He continued, making my eyebrow twitch in squelched rage...
I replied with effort.
-" You must pardon me Dear Sir, as it appears that you are gravely mistaken. " I said officially to confuse him a bit. -" I assure you that the Red Light district is nowhere near here. But if you do look for such a service the word on the street points to area much closer to the Slums, which coincidentally is also a place where you can find the most affordable service."
I finished quickly and escaped before he had time to reply. I noticed friends of the guy grab and try to restrain him, while making snide comments about the situation.
-' Choke on that! You bastard, I am definitely not forgetting that one too! ' I thought to myself vengefully yet another time that day.
-' Though I better keep my eyes open, knowing such a low caliber character he might try to jump me later when the tavern closes. ' I sighed.
Finally, the whole farce, that was my work, was over and I headed for the counter.
-" Well done, lass. Here's your payment. " The barkeep said with his wide lips bent in a smile.
-" Thank you, Sir. " I bent my lips with tired pseudo smile and bowed lightly.
*Ding*
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Quest Completed: Assist the barkeep
Difficulty: G
Reward: 2s
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I quickly collected the money and asked.
-" Could you let me out through a back door, Sir, there is a high chance of meeting an unsavoury character if I were to try and leave via the front? " I said while trying to look as perplexed and helpless as possible in front of the owner.
-" Who would do such a thing?! Though most certainly city is not as safe as it used to be. You are a fine lass. " He said and I exercised all of my willpower to keep myself from smacking him one for the lass, and twenty more for all the other lasses' gotten today. -" Then could you tell me if you have a place to stay? As I do have a friend running an Inn, not far from here and I could even get you a discount for a fine work you did here. "
-' No lass this time thank the gods. '
-" I could most certainly use such an assistance, as I am new to the city and have yet to find a place to stay, Dear Sir. " I replied doing my best to avoid saying it in a deadpan voice. I do not think that I succeeded but he didn't seem to mind so no harm done.
Afterwards I secured a place to stay and logged out. I desperately needed something to kill for all the lasses' that I got that day and I was sure that I couldn't do that in game... yet.
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Hey~, Author's here~
yet again - Pff, 2378 words took me a lot of time to write today, I hope its not a total tosh and you will enjoy it - I would appreciate any feedback on my work, even bad one, as I am used to getting told things up my face.
Thanks for reading and if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Ps I sure as hell wont be using don't instead of don't so don't ask about those pesky ' is all I want to say
EDIT: Ok, I will try after all...
Cheers,
Mea
NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 2 - The Discovering