- Chapter 1 -
In a future where illness' are no longer as big a problem as they used to be, a future where virtualising the mind became possible, humanity flourished. Having discovered and created a way for the mind to became virtually immortal, a person could choose to discard their physical bodies and digitise their mind, joining the net communities spread around the web. Although not everything was as ok as most thought, soon after a person had chosen to digitise their mind they would soon discover that such a life was not all that it was hyper up to be, having no need for either sleep or the requirement to eat life soon became boring, so the governments around the world began making connections between the online communities to connect to one another and even connecting to popular games so they would actually be able to live the life their game characters would feel.
In the beginning, people were sceptical of this technology, most saw it more of a death sentence than eternal life while some religious folk saw it as an act of blasphemy against their God or Gods. It was because of this religious uprising that the government limited digitising the mind to terminally ill or near death patients, both as a means to 'beta test' it and as a way to settle the restlessness crowds that were slowly boiling up.
Choosing this solution was one of the best things that the governments decided to do with the procedure showing overwhelmingly positive results. Soon, after every was checked even further to make sure that nothing could go wrong as an apology for putting human lives at risk for a "beta test" the families and friends of the "beta testers had the choice of signing up to creating a virtual life, from this point onwards everything just shot up from there. Nowadays, in the more modern times it is suspected by most that there are more people living in the online communities than there are people living in the real world, but nobody has bothered to conduct an actual test to determine whether this rumour was true.
Thanks to this newfound technology the VR industry started developing at a rapid rate, creating games and improving the virtual life of the online netizens of the internet, because of this the online communities could start to truly enjoy their now immortal lives. As the VR community was the fastest rising industry around, many people chose to make a living by becoming online gamers or choosing to develop their own technologies and improve VR to the next level hoping that would help humanity rise to further heights.
That plan worked well for quite a while, people being able to pay their bills and support themselves. However, with more and more people going for the same jobs, the demand for these positions slowly started to diminish, along with the pay has my pay. Right now, people have started to look into other ways of earning money. Which brings us now to the current scene of things.
[A/N: Now I've finished with describing the world let's get onto the what the MC is currently doing Wink [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/smilies/wink.png] ]
Ding Dong...
"Alea who is at the door? If it's a Jehovah's Witness or any of the like simply tell them in the most polite way possible to f**k o**, if they aren't then ask them what they want." and as soon as the ringing of the doorbell came a lazy voice spoke out, seeming to be talking to the air, sitting on a couch and watching TV clearly not intending to get up to answer the door. As soon as the man’s voice fell an unfeeling woman’s voice answered in response.
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As these words fell more words echoed around the house.
"We're here to make a delivery to a Mr. Axel Henning from Virtual World Inc." When the man heard these words his lazy visage instantly disappeared, and he came running to the door at speeds even a cheetah would be envious of. Opening the door the lazy man came face to face with a middle aged man holding an electric clipboard with a hovering box behind him.
"I'm Axel Henning, sorry for not answering the door sooner I was caught up in some paperwork, where do I need to sign? and how long will the installation take?" Axel asked the man who was eyeing Axel with a look which obviously showed that he knew that what Axel said was complete B.S.
"Just sign at the bottom of this board with your signature, tell me where you'd like this installed, and move out of the way of the door so I can actually get in to start you pod installation." With these words he passed Axel the electric clipboard, with Axel moving to the side to make room for the delivery man and the floating box which just managed to fit through the door way.
"Just walk down the hallway and install the pod in the room on the 3rd door on your right."
With clipboard in hand Axel decided to read through what he's about the sign to make sure he isn't signing his life away. A few seconds pass before Axel is pleased with what he read and resumes to sign the bottom of the clipboard. As soon as he finished his signature Axel looked around to hand the clipboard back to the delivery man who was walking back to Axel with a tired look on his face.
"Umm, here's the clipboard, do I need to do anything else?" with the questioning words the delivery man took back his clipboard before glancing at the signature, now knowing the job he came to do is finished a relieved look appeared on the man’s face.
"No, you don't need to do anything more, now if you excuse me I've got a few more deliveries to make, have a nice day and don't forget to contact us if any problems occur." finishing with these words the delivery man left the house without turning back.
"Wait!? I only spent a few seconds looking at the clipboard there is no way he could have finished the installation that quick, right?" As soon as these words left Axel's mouth he quickly ran to where he knew delivery should be. Running into the spare room Axel sees the sight he has been waiting for since he managed to enter the contest for the newly developed VR Pods, the first thing that Axel saw when he entered the room was a giant oval shaped construct, with a clear window to see the inside o the pod. Looking inside Axel noticed a seat that looked easily as comfortable as any ben could ever be along with a small headset that rested on top of the head rest.
The design for the newly developed VR technology has changed since the first VR devices appeared, in the past they just looked like the headset that is resting on top of the head rest, but currently the design had changed to guarantee comfortable while playing. The device Infront of Axel right now is one of the better versions of the up and coming next generation hardware, known as Capsules. According to online estimations, these new developed capsules would require millions of dollars to buy as these pods have been developed far beyond the normal limitations of VR, elevating the VR experience to have 100% realism. Of course just because it has 100% realism doesn't mean that when players die in game they die in real life.
According to shopping channels and the advertisements for these capsules, along with the current game installed in the Pods and possible future generation games, will function so well that just playing these games could help improve the physical fitness of your real life body, with even more advanced pods having the capabilities to feed its users. After all, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
"Now that the capsule has arrived, I guess I've got to get dressed in more comfortable clothing." Axel, spending a few minutes looking for some comfortable clothes, getting in them and taking care of his "business", even though these capsules were promised to have the capability of waste disposal it doesn't mean It felt comfortable both trusting it with such a responsibility and being prepared for the consequences if it fails. After all the waste must go somewhere, and having the possibility of it staying in the machine only to be forgotten later, would create a disaster that any sane person would want to avoid. Axel stood in front of the capsule, staring at the device with a look of anticipation and exhilaration.
Opening the capsule Axel laid down to enjoy the comfort that he's been waiting for, Axel felt relaxed laying down on top of the comfortable seat at it was designed to have a padding that felt like a bed. Making sure that he's comfortable Axel proceeded to close the lid of the capsule and place the helmet over his eyes, with a thought Axel felt a sudden rush of relaxation overcome his body causing him to close his eyes and fall asleep. Opening his eyes Axel wake up in a dark room, with a blue screen floating in front of his face.
Welcome new user, do you wish to register as the owner of this device? (This process cannot be undone)
Yes
No
"Yes." with a simple thought the blue screen disappeared only to be replaced with another popup.
Registered Owner Axel Henning Serial No. PR3M1UM-0001
"Start Up Game: World Life, it should already be downloaded on this pod already."
Servers are not yet active(4hrs left). Do you wish to go through the character creation process?
Yes
No
"Yes." with a thought the blue screen disappeared and Axel's whole vision turned white. First, there was a bright flash of light then Axel found himself standing in an empty world in the clothes he wore when he entered the capsule, Axel, standing in place, took a few moments to take in this new feel of reality and was wondering if this is what it felt like to be digitised.
~ Character Creation Started ~ Please Select a Race
With the appearance of this screen a list of creatures, along with a character picture of what he would look like in these races, appeared in front of Axel's face.
Human
A well-known and short lived raced amongst the sentient races, said to be closely descended from an Ancient Humans who are said to be one of the first races to exist, the Ancient Race of Humans. Although degraded, when compared to their ancestors, the modern humans are still considered the closest race to their Ancient ancestors and have kept some of their more important inherent traits.
Inherent traits:
+ 20% adaption speed to current environment
+ 15% speed in gaining and improving new skills
+ 1 Random talent
Elf
Existing within nature, and naturally talented to the Arcane arts, elves are one of the longest living sentient race to still exist. All Elves are followers of Selene as she is their creator and mother of all Elves, along with her siblings Styx Goddess Of Life & the forgotten and Virasis Goddess Of Nature and Pestilence. Elves have many types, each with their own cultures and beliefs, thus not all elves will be the same.
Inherent traits:
+ 100 Vitality (Starting Stat)
+ 25% Speed in improving Energy Related skills.
+ Energy Born - Born with 200 Energy (Starting Stat)
Dwarf
A race known from their ingenuity and talent in almost all forms of craft; painting, sculpting, alchemy, blacksmithing, etc... Although Dwarves are short like most would expect from various myths and legends, something the dwarves believe was spread widely by the other races to make fun of them, Dwarves believe that their Ancestors used to be The Earthen Giants from Mythology with bodies as hard a stone and physical strength rivalling the might of a natural disaster. Most dwarves height can range from 4ft 5" - 5ft 8" in height with bulging muscles and strength unfitting their size.
Inherent traits:
+ 75 Vitality (Starting Stat)
+ 25% Speed in improving crafting skills.
+ Mountain Child - Born with 20% Affinity towards Metal & Earth
Orc
A prideful warrior race that specialises in combat and war, living in a strong eat the weak civilisation. Orcs are a race of natural warriors, each orc possessing a strong physique, yet they are still far from perfect. Although their talent and strength in combat in unmatched among the sentient races they are sorely lacking in magical talent, born with little to no talent in the arcane arts, with only a few exceptions now and again.
Inherent traits:
+ 25% speed of learning combat skills and techniques.
+ Strong Bodies - Born with a strong physique with no training needed to maintain it.
+ Blood Rage - Gain a temporary boost in strength but the mind will shut down until the rage wears off.
Beastkin A race that evolved from beasts. Beastkin are natural hunters that thrive in nature and can survive in any environment that their heritage allows, there are multiple tribes of Beastkin in existence, each living in their own specific environment, they are also an offshoot to their more Beast like cousins the Beastmen(Evolved Beasts that gained Human Form). Beastkin can be found thriving in the depths of the sea or on the highest mountain top, it all depends on what species of beast their ancestors were and if the environment that is necessary for their survival is still around.
Inherent traits:
+ Beast blood - Beastkin are born with the innate traits of their ancestors, both advantageous and disadvantageous.
+ Beast Tongue - All Bestkin can communicate with their race specific beastial cousins who have yet to gain their humanoid form.
+ High % Affinity towards the elements(% and Affinity dependant on ancestry and practice)
Mer Mer, a race of deep sea dwellers that have adapted to their underwater environment, are considered to be similar to Beastkin except their ancestors were beasts from the sea that evolved into different sentient races. Mer come in all shapes and sizes depending on their ancestry.
Inherent traits:
+ Trait: Aquatic Breathing - Mer can breathe both above and below water with little to no complications.
+ Trait: Strong Bodied - Born with a strong physique from their beastial heritage and from adapting to their underwater environment.
+ Trait: Child Of The Sea - Born with 20% water affinity and a boost in strength when in the sea.
Wood nymph Wood nymph are a race with a high affinity towards the nature element, born with bark like skin, green mossy hair, wood nymphs are one of the spirit races that are attuned to nature and gain strength from nature. All wood nymph are natural Druids as their friendly aura calms the minds of animals, although a peaceful people wood nymphs are known to show the wrath of nature when provoked and won't stop unless they have vented their anger.
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Inherent traits:
+ Trait: Plant Control - All wood nymphs are born with the ability to affect their nearby plant life, their control depends on their affinity towards te nature element and can evolve into a stronger ability through practice unlike most other innate traits.
+ Trait: Gaia's Aura - All wood nymphs have in them the aura of nature that was bestowed upon them by a Goddess Of Nature that can be passed down through their future descendants.
+ Trait: Beast Tongue - All Wood nymphs are born with the ability to speak to animals.
Random <
Inherent traits:
+ 100 Vitality (Starting Stat)
+ Blessed By Akasha: 30% increased speed in gaining and improving new skills.
+ Trait: Explosive Potential - To be able to improve rapidly under pressure.
+ 3 Random talents
Ancient Elf Existing within nature, and naturally talented to the Arcane arts, Ancient elves were one of the oldest races to exist, they're he ancestors of all elves. All Ancient Elves are followers of Selene Goddess of Life & Death as she is their creator, the mother of all Elves. Selene, along with her siblings Styx Goddess Of Marriage & Fertility and Virasis Goddess Of Nature, Pestilence & Rebirth are the deities that all elves pray and are all held in high regard, although the elves still pray to other Gods.
Most common Inherent traits:
+ 250 Vitality (Starting Stat)
+ 35% Speed in improving Magic Related Skills.
+ Trait: Runic Tongue - All Ancient Elves are born with a magical language with undetermined and undiscovered potential.
+ Trait: Heavenly Beauty - Elves are known to be extraordinarily beautiful with little to no equal.
[Further Traits Locked]
Giant A race known from their ingenuity and talent in all forms of craft; painting, sculpting, alchemy, blacksmithing, etc... Giants are a race of natural crafters. Building castles from mountains, cities built in stone and weapons with untold potential. The Giants were a race filled with many tribes, the Frost Giants from Jotunheim and The Earthen Giants from Gaia, with bodies as hard as stone and physical strength rivalling the might of a natural disaster, all giants were a force to be reckoned with. Most Giants height can range from 65-80ft, growing to colossal sizes that could easily blot out the sun.
Most common Inherent traits:
+ 250 Vitality (Starting Stat)
+ 75% Speed in improving crafting skills.
+ Trait: Breath Of Life - All giants have the innate ability to breath life into their creations and even revitalise dead zones.
+ Trait: Shrink - Through many experiments giants have developed an Innate magic that allows them to shrink their bodies for more efficiency.
[Further Traits Locked]
Beastmen Beastmen are a race of evolved monsters that evolved and gained a more human form while still retaining their monster form and heritage. Hybrids are considered Ancestors of Beastkin, Beastkin being only a branch of the whole magical tree, Hybrids are much more than just beasts, i.e wolves or tigers.
Most common Inherent traits:
+ Trait: Beast Form - Beastmen are evolved monsters so their blood is extremely pure, Beastmen retain their beast forms and can freely shift between their beast form and their humanoid form.
+ Trait: Monstrous Physique - All Beastmen have monstrous strength and durability thanks to being a beast.
+ Trait: Enhanced Senses - No matter which form a beastmen will retain their strong senses, though they will be slightly weakened in their humanoid form.
+ Trait: Ancestral Memory - All beastmen have a special blood that records the life of their possessors, the purer the blood the more intact the memories inside of their bloodline, with polluted bloodlines have extremely faint memories, this is the reason most Beastmen keep their blood pure as their bloodline contains the memories and experience of their ancestors.
[Further Traits Locked]
Atlantean Atlanteans were the most technologically advanced race compared to the rest, even outpacing the dwarves, creating technologies that even future sentient races find difficult to remake. Atlanteans were a race of underwater people known for their ingenuity when it comes to creating and advancing new technologies, combining both magic and technology to create what is now known as magi-tech.
Inherent traits:
+ Trait: Aquatic Breathing - Mer can breathe both above and below water with little to no complications.
+ Trait: Strong Bodied - Born with a strong physique from their beastial heritage and from adapting to their underwater environment.
+ Trait: Child Of The Sea - Born with 20% water affinity and a boost in strength when in the sea.
+ Trait: Balanced Temperature - Atlantean have the inborn trait to keep a comfortable body temperature in any environment.
[Further Traits Locked]
Elemental Beings born with 100% affinity to one element, elementals are an ancient race of beings that were nearly hunted to extinction with only a few remnants left in many places that are far too drangerous for other species to safely enter but perfect for the Elementals survive. Elementals were hunted for their hearts as they contain highly pure elemental energy that can be used to improve a beings affinity and overall power.
Most common Inherent abilities:
+ Trait: Disease Immunity - As a being made of Energy all Elementals are completely Immune to all bacteria and disease.
+Trait: Incorporeal - All elementals are born without solid body's so only energy related attacks can harm them, only when they have gained enough energy will they be able to solidify their form and gain a corporeal body.
+ Trait: Elemental mastery - All elementals excel in mastering their innate element and will find controlling this element easier than most.
+ Trait: Environmental Enhancement - Elementals in their natural element will be stronger than if they were to be somewhere else.
[Further Traits Locked]
Random <
Looking through the list, Axel immediately dismissed most of the common races that simply weren't exciting, or he deemed not as impressive as the others. Spending his entire life as a human already, Axel wanted to spice things up a bit and browsed through his options. Spending a few minutes browsing his choices Axel further narrowed down his choice, eliminating all races that weren't humanoid enough, such as the centaur as he doesn't wish to constantly transition from two legs to four legs or a race that didn't seem comfortable to suddenly transform into such as a slime person. In the end to avoid a possible problem and to still be different Axel chose to become a Half-ling, a being with two parentages, with Ancient Human being one of the parentages to assure that he can keep his human visage.
As there were many kinds of half-lings races to choose from Axel chose to highlight the options that he narrowed down. Highlighting them, Axel asked the system for comparison screens between the different Half-ling races so he would know their strengths and weaknesses. Spending time reviewing all his options before finally picking a race that felt good. In the end, with most races excluded due to various reasons, Axel finally selected his chosen race, a mixed race of Ancient Eldritch and Ancient human, gaining the most prominent advantages of both species, even if they are slightly weakened and a humanoid physique.
Ancient Half-ling Not much is known of these half races as they rarely appear, but when they do they are either killed from birth or simply go missing. The half races in ancient times were considered a stain on the otherwise "pure" heritage of their ancestors, almost all Ancient races believed in blood purity and supremacy as they considered keeping their blood pure as a way of honouring their ancestors as they had gifted them life, having passed down skills and knowledge that would be used to increase their descendants chances of surviving in an otherwise dark world.
Inherent traits: (Ancient Human + Ancient Eldritch)
+ 3 Random Talents and/or Traits
+ Energy Born - Born with 1200 Energy (Starting Stat)
+ Blessed By Akasha: 30% increased speed in gaining and improving skills.
+ Trait: Infinite Potential - To be able to continuously improve under pressure.
[Further Traits Locked]
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Yes No
"Yes" and with a bright light Axel felt his body changing. Spending a few sconds to familiarise himself ith his new body Axel looked down at himself, seeing that not much had changed from his lazy appearence from before, aside from gaining some elven (although he doesn't know where they came from) traits, becoming slightly taller and thinner although still a little tubby.
"Hey A.I, can you summon a mirror so I can look at myself."
"Certainly"
Now having a mirror infront of his Axel got a good look at his "characters body".
"My hairs changed colour, turning from dark brown to black, and my eyes had changed from brown to a Hazel. I guess I still keep a little bit of the "grandeur" I'd gained from my rather extensive career as a couch potato, but with a bit of luck I could probably lose this added weight fairly easily, well the servers should be up by now."
<
<
Yes No
"Yes."