“Holy shit! Run!” I bellowed, my voice raw as I stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding the scorching blast of the lava bomb. The heat clawed at my skin, the shockwave rattling my bones as molten debris erupted around me.

  I stumbled backward, heart pounding, as the lava bomb exploded with a deafening roar, molten rock scattering in every direction. The blistering heat licked at my skin, and the ground trembled beneath me.

  Barely escaping its deadly radius, I snatched up my light handle, my focus snapping to the orc mage responsible. A surge of determination coursed through me as I willed [Celestial Sanctum] into existence. A radiant barrier burst forth, surrounding the party in shimmering light, the soothing warmth knitting wounds and bolstering our strength.

  Without hesitation, I activated [Abyssal Retribution]. Shadows rippled and lashed out, cleaving through the orc mage’s leg with a sickening crack. It let out a guttural roar, collapsing to the ground.

  Before it could even think to retaliate, two arrows whistled through the air, piercing its chest. The Shadow Archer lowered his bow as the orc crumpled lifelessly to the dirt.

  “Is everyone okay?” I asked, breathless, my voice heavy with exhaustion as I scanned the area for any lingering threats.

  “Check,” Max replied with a crooked grin, leaning casually on his bow.

  “Yeah, I’m good,” Leo said, still alert as his eyes swept the surroundings, his stance ready for any surprises.

  “Fuckin’ hell, mate,” Mel groaned, rubbing the back of her head. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just sore as shit.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Trish exclaimed, holding up the tattered remains of her dress. “This was my favorite! I swear, nothing stays nice in this world.”

  I couldn’t help but smirk. “You do know you can just fix it with your tailoring skill, right?”

  She glared at me, snatching up a nearby rock and hurling it in my direction. I ducked, laughing as it sailed past. When I glanced back, she was fighting to hold back a smile, her irritation already fading. Shaking my head, I moved to help Mel to her feet, her hand gripping mine firmly.

  Now, I’m guessing anyone reading this is wondering what the hell just happened. Fair enough. Let me rewind a bit and break it down for you as best I can.

  It all started about two weeks ago. My wife, my friends, and I packed up for a Labor Day weekend camping trip. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the familiar scent of pine needles and fresh earth as we set up camp. It felt like the perfect getaway, just us and the wild.

  Once we had everything settled, the itch to explore kicked in. The mountains around us were unfamiliar, uncharted territory, and we couldn’t resist the call of adventure. Boots laced and spirits high, we set off down the nearest trail, ready to discover whatever secrets these wilds had to offer.

  Two hours into our hike, the trees thinned, revealing a gaping cave mouth. Vines hung like nature’s curtains, swaying gently in the breeze, while ancient trees flanked the entrance like stoic sentinels. But what truly held our gaze was the soft, eerie blue glow seeping out from within, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat.

  Naturally, we made the smart, responsible choice… Yeah, no. We walked right in.

  The cave was stunning in a way that felt both magical and unsettling. The walls and ceiling sparkled with clusters of bioluminescent mushrooms, their blue light casting shimmering reflections that danced across the damp stone. The air was cool and carried a faint, earthy aroma, tinged with something faintly sweet.

  We couldn’t help ourselves; the glowing mushrooms seemed to beckon us deeper. Step by step, curiosity tugged us forward, each twist of the path drawing us further into the unknown.

  As we ventured deeper, a strange purple moss clung to the stone walls, its faint cinnamon scent wafting through the cool air. And before you ask, no, I didn’t lean down to sniff it. That would’ve been dumb. Instead, I tripped over a rock and landed face-first in the stuff. Not my finest moment, but hey, at least I know what it smells like now.

  “Bro!” Max bellowed, his laughter echoing off the cavern walls. He stood towering over me, a solid six-foot-five with a lean, muscular build from our relentless morning workouts. His ebony skin caught the soft blue glow of the cave, and his well-kept beard framed a grin that screamed he wasn’t going to let me live this down.

  I groaned, brushing moss off my face as I pushed myself upright. For comparison’s sake, I’m a bit bulkier than Max, though not by much, and my bald head isn’t by choice (shoutout to male pattern baldness). At least I have my goatee and mustache, which I usually curl at the ends. Hazel brown eyes and all, I like to think I have a “rugged adventurer” look going for me. At least when I’m not eating moss.

  Leo reached down and hauled me up from the ground. “You alright, bud?” he asked, his blue eyes filled with mild amusement.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. No scrapes or anything,” I muttered, brushing off bits of moss. “This stuff actually smells kinda good, though,” I added with an embarrassed chuckle.

  Leo, always the picture of calm and collected, gave me a quick once-over. At six feet tall, the same height as me, he was well-built with light skin, short blonde hair, and a clean-shaven face that gave him a perpetually fresh look.

  I glanced over at Trish as she stepped closer, her golden-brown eyes twinkling with a mix of humor and affection. Smiling, she reached out to wipe a stray patch of moss off my shoulder. “At least the moss was there to break your fall,” she teased lightly.

  I laughed, feeling a bit less ridiculous under her gaze. My wife was, and always would be, the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. She stood about five foot eight, her long chestnut brown hair streaked with natural blonde highlights that framed her face perfectly. Her skin, a rich dark tan, seemed to glow even under the dim cave light. Fit and toned, she carried herself with effortless grace, but to me, it was her warm smile that always left me breathless.

  “Hey, Mel, hold up a sec before we get too far in,” Leo called out, pausing to pull his pack off his shoulders. “We should probably take a quick water and snack break, I’m starting to get hungry.”

  Mel stopped and turned, walking back toward us with an easy grin. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. Sorry, mate, got a bit sidetracked. This place is just stunning!”

  Mel always had a certain energy about her, the kind that could light up a room, or a cavern, apparently. At around five foot three, she was noticeably shorter than the rest of us, but her strong, athletic build gave her a commanding presence. Her dark skin seemed to drink in the cave’s soft glow, and her sharp green eyes sparkled with excitement. She brushed a hand through her short raven-black hair as she looked around, taking it all in. Though she was the youngest of our group, she blended in effortlessly, her adventurous spirit matching ours stride for stride.

  “This place is spooky and beautiful at the same time,” Max said, his voice echoing softly off the cavern walls. He crouched to inspect a cluster of glowing mushrooms, his brow furrowed in curiosity. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’m curious how deep this cave goes, but… maybe we should head back to camp. We can come back early in the morning and really explore it with fresh eyes. What do you guys think?”

  Trish stood still, staring down the dimly lit path ahead, her golden-brown eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “I’m okay with continuing the exploration for a bit longer,” she said after a moment, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

  “Same,” Leo and Mel chimed in simultaneously, their eagerness almost overlapping as they exchanged quick grins.

  Curiosity got the better of me, and I leaned over to smell one of the mushrooms nearby. The faint, earthy scent was surprisingly pleasant. Shrugging, I straightened up and said, “Yeah, I’m down to keep exploring. This place is pretty cool, and I’m kinda curious what’s deeper in.”

  The group burst into laughter as they watched my little experiment, well, everyone except Trish. She just rolled her eyes, though the amused smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

  Honestly, the mushrooms did smell kind of nice. I mean, if the moss smelled good, why not the mushrooms? Don’t judge me, you already know I’m the kind of guy who wanders into a mysterious cave without hesitation.

  Anyway, back to the story. About thirty minutes further in, we stumbled upon a group of bats. They weren’t your average bats, though. Their bodies glowed faintly with a soft blue luminescence, casting ghostly light on the cavern walls as they fluttered ahead of us. Oddly enough, they didn’t seem aggressive or even remotely interested in us. Instead, they flew just ahead, almost as if they were leading the way.

  “Are these bats leading us somewhere, or am I crazy?” Trish asked, her voice low but tinged with suspicion.

  Mel, who had taken point, glanced over her shoulder. She was the most experienced among us when it came to caves years of spelunking with her dad had given her an edge in navigating places like this. She stopped for a moment, her sharp green eyes tracking the glowing bats as they fluttered ahead.

  “Aye, I think they are,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “Seems a bit too convenient how they keep flying past us, then stopping just a few feet ahead.”

  “I’m not so sure we should be following them,” I muttered, crouching to study the faint marks left by their small, glowing bodies. Glancing back, I caught Max’s eye, silently seeking his opinion.

  Max shrugged, as casual as ever. “There really isn’t another direction to go. Might as well see where they’re headed.”

  Leo gave a quick nod of agreement, his expression calm, while Trish hesitated before finally nodding, though her unease was clear.

  I turned to Mel, matching Max’s shrug. She gave a slight smirk, then turned without a word, leading us deeper into the cave as the glowing bats danced ahead.

  About forty minutes later, the narrow passage widened into a vast chamber, and the sight that greeted us was nothing short of mesmerizing. Faintly glowing bats clung to the ceiling, their eerie blue light casting soft, shifting shadows across the cave. Mushrooms of all shapes and sizes blanketed the ground, their pale luminescence blending with the bats’ glow in a surreal dance of colors.

  Purple moss clung to the walls, its faint cinnamon scent lingering in the cool air, while red vines dangled from above, adorned with small orange orbs. The orbs pulsed softly, as though alive, their rhythmic glow adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.

  At the far end of the chamber, a small opening beckoned, barely visible from where we stood, its size deceptively tiny against the grandeur of the room.

  Awestruck gasps escaped us as we moved forward, each step slow, deliberate. Our wide eyes darted from one detail to another, trying to take it all in. The place felt like it had been pulled from a dream, or perhaps a forgotten fairy tale.

  Tiny creatures skittered along the ground and walls, some familiar, others entirely alien. Their shimmering, multicolored bodies reflected the chamber’s glow, and though their beauty was captivating, there was something unsettling about them. We kept our distance, instinctively wary of their strange, delicate forms.

  As we moved past the jagged stalagmites, small critters darted out from their hiding spots, only to vanish in a blur of yellow and orange. I tried to catch a better look, but they moved too quickly, just flashes of fuzzy bodies disappearing into the shadows.

  We pressed on, our pace steady but cautious. The creatures, the faint pulsing lights, and the strange, alien beauty of the chamber all left us on edge. This place was enchanting, yes, but it carried an undercurrent of danger, an unspoken promise that nothing here was quite as it seemed.

  “This place is wild,” I muttered, spinning slowly as I walked, my eyes tracing the glowing bats above and the surreal landscape around us.

  Max let out a low grunt of agreement, his expression unreadable as his gaze stayed fixed ahead. The others nodded silently, their faces reflecting a mixture of awe and unease as we continued toward the far end of the chamber.

  Mel came to an abrupt stop as we neared the exit of the chamber. “Guys, something weird is going on at that other cave mouth,” she said, her voice low but firm.

  I followed her gaze and spotted what she meant. Thick vines hung over the opening like a curtain, swaying slightly despite the still air. Bats flitted into the vines and disappeared, vanishing as though swallowed by the greenery. Between the vines, faint slivers of light pulsed rhythmically, casting an eerie glow.

  “Do we check it out or head back to camp?” I asked, my voice echoing faintly in the cavern.

  Mel didn’t answer right away, her eyes locked on the strange entrance. Finally, she gave a slight nod, almost absentmindedly, her focus unbroken.

  Leo glanced back toward the far end of the chamber, where we had come from. “I mean, we’ve come this far. Might as well see where it leads,” he said with a shrug. “But we should set up here for a bit, rest, recover, and then keep moving.”

  Max glanced back toward the chamber’s far end, then at the obscured entrance ahead. “Either we go all the way now, or we don’t bother coming back,” he said, his tone decisive.

  Trish turned to me, her golden-brown eyes searching mine. “I’m trusting your judgment here, babe,” she said softly. “But I’ll admit, I’m curious to see where this leads.”

  I nodded, weighing the group’s input. “Alright, I agree with Leo. Let’s take a break, rest, eat, and get some water. Then we’ll see where the hell this goes.”

  We settled down for about twenty minutes, the chamber’s strange beauty providing an oddly calming backdrop. The glowing mushrooms and faintly pulsing orbs became the topic of lighthearted speculation, breaking some of the tension as we shared snacks and exchanged small talk.

  Once we’d finished, we cleaned up, carefully gathering our trash into the bag strapped to my backpack. With a final glance toward the mesmerizing cavern behind us, we turned and made our way toward the curtain of vines.

  “Leo, Mel, and I will go first. Max, can you take the rear with Trish?” I asked, glancing at him. Max gave a curt nod in response, his expression steady.

  I turned to Leo and Mel, and we exchanged brief nods of confirmation. Without another word, the three of us stepped through the curtain of vines.

  Everything turned white.

  My skin prickled as a sickening wave of disorientation washed over me. It felt like my insides were being rearranged, twisted and stretched into place, while my skin crawled as if trying to realign itself. The sensation was beyond unsettling, and I couldn’t tell if the white light was making me pale or if it was the nauseating force itself.

  After what felt like an eternity, the feeling subsided. I stood still for a moment, steadying my breath and shaking off the lingering heebie-jeebies. It was as though my body had stopped trying to rebuild itself piece by piece.

  Finally, I opened my eyes and took in my surroundings.

  I was surrounded by endless stars, their brilliance stretching out into the void. For a moment, the sheer vastness of it all was overwhelming. Within seconds, Leo, Mel, Trish, and Max appeared beside me, each looking just as dazed as I felt. I tried to speak, to call out to them, but my mouth wouldn’t move. In fact, I couldn’t move anything at all.

  The stars around us began to shift, rushing past like a starship in hyperspace. White and yellow streaks blurred into motion, disorienting and surreal. I shut my eyes, hoping to calm the strange dizziness that had settled over me.

  When I opened them again, everything had stopped. No rushing stars. No sound. Just me, and a single, solitary star in the distance.

  It seemed to grow larger with each passing second, its pulsing light intensifying. Yet, after a few moments, it stopped, neither closer nor farther. I couldn’t tell if it had moved at all. The space around me was pure emptiness, an abyss of utter nothingness, save for that lone star.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  The star began to pulse rhythmically, its light steady and mesmerizing. As the pulsing quickened, a deep voice emerged, resonating through the void. It was a rumble that carried both weight and warmth, like a distant thunderstorm heard through a comforting lull.

  “Welcome, nephew. By what name may I call thee?”

  The words washed over me, impossibly vast yet oddly soothing, as though they’d always existed, waiting for this moment to be spoken.

  I glanced around instinctively, though I knew the voice had come from the star. Turning back to its brilliant light, I stammered, “I… I’m James. And what may I call… you… uh, stranger? Star? Sir?”

  The star’s pulsing quickened, its light intensifying with each beat. Slowly, its shape began to shift and solidify, coalescing into a form both majestic and otherworldly. What stood before me defied simple description, but if I had to compare it to something, I’d say it resembled a centaur—but not quite.

  Its upper torso had the sharp, elegant features of an elf, mixed with the infernal edge of a Tiefling from that famous tabletop game we all know. The horns were barely noticeable, tiny points at the top of its forehead. Its skin, a shade lighter than mine, seemed to glow faintly, like sunlight trapped beneath the surface.

  The lower half of its body was no horse, it was far more primal. Thick, golden-yellow feathers covered a powerful, bear-like frame, with razor-sharp claws glinting at the ends of its massive limbs. Towering wings sprouted from its back, their span enormous, shimmering faintly as if catching the light of invisible suns.

  Its eyes were the most striking. Black sclera surrounded irises that blazed with golden fire, and at their centers were pupils of pure, pearlescent white. The creature stared at me with an intensity that felt almost tangible, as though it could see into the very fabric of my being.

  “I am called Jaq’Kuah, the God of this realm,” he said, his intense, fiery eyes locking with mine. Despite his imposing presence, a gentle smile softened his expression as he stepped closer.

  “I am grateful that my brother has sent more aid,” Jaq’Kuah continued. “The war with our sister’s realm grows dire. If she continues on this path of destruction unchecked, I fear for the fate of all the realms.”

  I stared at him, struggling to piece together his words. “Okay… but where exactly am I? And where are my wife and friends?” My voice cracked slightly, the weight of the situation pressing on me.

  “They are safe, James,” he assured me, his voice steady and calm. “I am speaking with all of you.”

  “You what? But how…?” I stopped mid-sentence, realization dawning. “Ohhh, okay. Yeah, sure. That makes sense if you think about it… God powers… and stuff,” I muttered, forcing a nervous chuckle.

  The truth was humor was the only thing keeping my terror from spilling over. My awkward gaze darted around, looking for some kind of anchor, but my body remained frozen, as if the weight of his presence alone was enough to keep me in place.

  “My apologies, little one,” he said, his deep voice carrying an almost paternal warmth. With a casual wave of his hand, I felt the invisible restraints release, and my body fell, just a couple of inches, before landing gently.

  For a moment, panic flickered through me. Without any visible ground, it felt like I was free-falling into oblivion. The sensation was unnerving, but as my feet steadied beneath me, awe overtook the fear. The vast nothingness surrounding me was mesmerizing in its own strange way.

  Spinning slowly, I tried to take it all in. The emptiness was disorienting, a sensation not unlike the vertigo you get when you spin with your eyes closed in the shower. Yeah, it felt exactly like that.

  I turned back to Jaq’Kuah, still reeling from the bizarre experience. “So… what exactly are we supposed to do to help with this, uh, situation? We’re not exactly… gods.”

  Jaq’Kuah’s fiery eyes sparkled faintly, the corners of his lips curving upward in faint amusement. “Ah, you may not be gods like my brother and I,” he began, his voice steady, “but you are a part of him. Were you not created in his image?”

  His words hung in the air, and though I couldn’t quite grasp their full meaning, I couldn’t miss the weight they carried, or the subtle grin that hinted at his amusement over my confusion.

  I fumbled for words, my thoughts tumbling over themselves. “I, uh… yes, we are, but how can we possibly do something that you two can’t?” The question spilled out before I could stop it, my voice tinged with disbelief.

  Even as I spoke, my mind struggled to process the enormity of what he was saying. Different realms, gods, wars; it all sounded like something ripped straight from the RPGs and tabletop games I’d played. The idea that those fantasies could be real. It was absolutely mind-boggling. I looked up at him, desperation creeping into my tone. “Okay, I just need to ask this, so I know I’m not completely crazy…”

  Before I could finish, Jaq’Kuah interrupted with a simple, resolute, “Yes. Him.”

  I froze; my mind blank for a moment as his words sank in. My mouth opened, then closed again, unable to form a coherent response. The shock rooted me in place, the weight of it all pressing down on me.

  So, naturally, I did what I do best… I defaulted to humor. “Huh. Well, that hits ya right in the feel-goods, doesn’t it?” I blurted out, directing the comment to no one in particular.

  Jaq’Kuah’s deep, rumbling laugh echoed through the void, surprising me. It wasn’t booming or ominous; it was soft, warm, and oddly soothing. Somehow, that gentle laugh made everything feel just a little less impossible.

  He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch surprisingly grounding. “I will not force you or your friends to stay and help…”

  I cut him off, shaking my head. “Look, man… uh, sir… I’ll stay and help. Obviously. Whatever I can do.”

  A flicker of relief crossed his face, but his tone remained grave as he continued. “I cannot directly interfere with the forces my sister sends into this realm. The rules binding gods prevent it. My people are fighting valiantly, but they cannot face her armies alone. My brother has sent others, players like you, to aid us, but she is relentless. Her forces decimate my realm with every incursion. If she destroys all of my people, she will gain the power to invade my realm fully. Once I am gone, she will turn her sights to your realm, sending her armies to wreak havoc there. This is why we must stop her here, before she can spread to the other realms.”

  I nodded along, trying to absorb the weight of his words, but one word snagged my focus, sticking in my brain like a thorn. Players What the hell did he mean by players? He didn’t mean… actual players, did he?

  “Wait… did you say… players? Like it’s a game?” I asked, my brows furrowed in confusion.

  Jaq’Kuah’s lips curved into a faint smile, as though he’d been expecting the question. “Indeed. My realm bears many similarities to the fantasy games and tabletop adventures your people enjoy. In fact, such creations are not entirely original, they are echoes of realms like mine, glimpsed in dreams and imagination.”

  I stared at him, my mind reeling. Fantasy worlds like this had always been an escape for me, a way to dream of adventures and battles from the safety of a controller or game board. But to find out those realms were real. That was a whole different level of insanity.

  “Wait, hold up a minute,” I blurted out, my excitement bubbling over. “Like dragons, elves, and magic?! You’re telling me all of that’s real?”

  Jaq’Kuah’s fiery gaze softened, his expression calm yet knowing. “Nephew, where do you think those ideas came from? Our realms are close, and over the years, they have brushed against one another. Your people see glimpses of creatures from my realm in their dreams, fragments that spark their imagination. The creativity of your artists, those who design the dragons, elves, and fantastical beings for your games, comes from this connection. They are echoes of my realm, or even my sister’s.”

  I felt my eyes widen, so much so that it seemed like they might pop out of my skull. My brain scrambled to process what he was saying, but all I could do was stare at him, dumbfounded.

  He simply smiled, patient as ever, as if he was used to this kind of reaction. Finally, I slumped to the ground, the weight of it all pressing me down. “So, magic, dragons, elves, centaurs, pixies, fairies… even mind flayers. They’re all real? Just… not in our world?” I muttered, mostly to myself, the words tumbling out as my mind raced.

  Before he could respond, an intense wave of heat surged around me, so powerful it felt like it might singe the hairs on my head. I froze, suddenly on edge, my earlier excitement giving way to caution.

  Startled, I looked up to see Jaq’Kuah, his entire form radiating fury. “Those… mind flayer abominations,” he spat, his voice a low, thunderous growl. “They are my sister’s twisted creation. That vile wench made them out of spite, to torture our children as if they were nothing more than toys!”

  The air around him seemed to ripple with his rage, and I instinctively scooted backward, my heart pounding. He caught the terror in my expression and, with a visible effort, drew in a deep breath. Slowly, his fiery intensity receded, his face returning to the gentle and welcoming demeanor I’d grown used to.

  “My apologies, nephew,” he said softly, his voice heavy with regret. “Those creatures… they have been used to torment and destroy souls in ways that defy explanation. She has unleashed them upon my realm, as well as my brother’s, to sow chaos and despair. They are cunning, nearly impossible to detect… even for us gods. And when they strike, we feel the pain our people endure.”

  His words carried a sorrow so profound that for a moment, I forgot my fear and saw only the weight he bore.

  Gathering my wits, I stood, forcing the lingering tremor from my limbs. Slowly, I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then I guess we need to stop your sister once and for all. What do I need to do?”

  I met his gaze, determination rising to meet the gravity of the task ahead. Whatever it took, I knew I couldn’t stand by and let this madness continue.

  “I will send you to a world within my realm,” Jaq’Kuah said, his hand resting gently over mine. “There, you will begin your training and grow strong enough to face the armies of my sister’s realm.” His fiery gaze softened slightly, but his voice carried the weight of divine purpose. “May you go with the wrath and vengeance of our realms. Thank you, James.”

  Before I could respond, everything around me turned blindingly white.

  The sensation was disorienting but not unpleasant, as though I was floating in a blank void. Within moments, shapes and colors began to materialize, forming what I could only describe as a UI, just like in the video games I’d spent so much time playing. The world around me remained slightly blurred, the edges shimmering faintly, like an unfinished painting.

  Then, a voice echoed from nowhere and everywhere all at once. It was calm, soothing, and unmistakably that of an elderly woman. There was something oddly comforting about it, as though it belonged to a long-lost relative.

  “Hello, dear. Welcome to Aterios,” the voice said warmly. “Take some time to get acquainted with your interface. When you’re ready, please select continue.”

  As the voice faded, glowing menus began to appear before me.

  OPTIONS

  CLASS(not yet selected)

  STATS

  INVENTORY(must have bag equipped)

  PROFESSION(must speak to a tradesman first)

  First, I wanted to learn the skills.

  STATS

  LEVEL-(N/A)

  STRENGTH- increases--physical damage, carry weight, physical build, knowledge with large martial/simple weapons.

  DEXTERITY- increases--speed, reactive timing, critical damage, knowledge with poisons/antidote, knowledge with small martial/simple weapons.

  INTELLECT- increases--spell damage, mana pool, chance to double cast damaging abilities with no extra mana cost, ability to direct conversations to your benefit (only if your intellect is ten levels higher than the intended targets)

  WISDOM- increases--healing done, chance to craft spells, knowledge gained from spell books, knowledge gained from history books.

  LUCK- increases--chance to detect traps, chance to find rare items, chance to discover hidden passages.

  My stats were completely empty, no points, nothing to spend. I figured it probably had something to do with the fact that I didn’t have a class yet and my level was marked as (N/A). Shrugging it off for now, I turned my attention to the Options menu.

  It was barebones, mostly there to adjust the layout of my UI. I spent a few minutes customizing things; moving my status bars, the party display (which already had my friends’ names listed), and the mini-map to spots that felt comfortable in my peripheral vision. I quickly realized that if I focused on any of the elements, they became sharper, and the mini-map expanded into a much larger, easier-to-read map. Handy.

  Satisfied with the setup, I returned to the main menu. My only other option was to hit the Continue button and see what came next.

  As soon as I did, the same comforting voice returned, echoing softly around me.

  “I hope you now have a better understanding of how the UI and menus work,” it said kindly. “It is time to choose your race and class. You may also remain as you are. Each race has unique benefits, so please review them carefully before making your selection.”

  The menu shifted, displaying a list of racial choices. There were so many options that I didn’t even know where to begin. I’d always thought it would be amazing to play as some of these races. Each one came with unique benefits, and some of them sounded pretty tempting.

  Orcs, for instance, had high starting strength and bonuses in leatherworking and cooking. Taurens were geared toward wisdom, excelling in cooking and totemic professions. The list went on and on, far too long to cover in detail, but each race seemed tailored for a specific type of playstyle.

  In the end, though, I stuck with the “boring” option and stayed true to myself. The bonuses weren’t bad, my starting intellect was boosted by two points, and I had the flexibility to learn any profession without hindrance. The trade-off? No added bonuses to any specific skills. It felt like a fair choice, and honestly, I could live with that.

  Next up were the class choices. The list was much shorter, mostly filled with the usual suspects: Warrior, Mage, Paladin, and so on. But near the bottom, there were three unfamiliar options I’d never seen before.

  WARRIOR

  MAGE

  PALADIN

  PRIEST

  NECROMANCER

  SUMMONER

  ASSASSIN

  THIEF

  ARCHER

  HUNTER

  BEAST MASTER

  DRUID

  DEPTH ASURA

  STARS ASCENT

  MIST WALKER

  The basic classes were exactly what you’d expect from any tabletop game or MMORPG, Familiar and reliable, sure, but nothing particularly exciting.

  The last three classes, though, were a different story. They were intriguing, mysterious, and completely unfamiliar, exactly the kind of options that grab your attention in any game. Naturally, I couldn’t resist the urge to learn more. With a thought, I focused on each one, pulling up their descriptions for a closer look.

  DEPTH ASURA—You’re one with the darkness, you control the deepest fears, and the darkest corners of the universe. You will be a blight upon your enemies, and their worst nightmare come to life. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS CLASS, YOU MAY HAVE NO AFFILIATIONS WITH CELESTIAL OR EARTHLY DWELLERS, PEOPLE IN TOWNS MAY BE TOO SCARED TO TRADE OR HELP YOU IN ANY WAY.

  INITIAL STAT INCREASES—Wisdom+2, Intellect+2

  STARS ASCENT—You leave a wake of ashes in your path, you have the strength of a dwarf stars metal, and the heat of a blue star at your fingertips. You carry the comforting and healing warmth of a sun on a frigid day. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS CLASS, YOU MAY HAVE NO AFFILIATIONS WITH DEPTHS OR DEMONIC BEINGS. DEMONS AND DEPTH DWELLERS MAY BE TOO SCARED TO TRADE OR HELP YOU IN ANY WAY.

  INITIAL STAT INCREASES—Wisdom+1, Intellect+3

  MIST WALKER-—You have an innate ability to conjure mists as thick as any wall made of stone, you fool the minds of the weak with illusions of mists. Mists may be infused with elements in the immediate vicinity of the caster. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS CLASS, YOU MAY HAVE ISSUES WITH RANDOMLY TURNING INTO A CLOUD OF MIST THEREFORE FALLING THROUGH CERTAIN TYPES OF FLOORS UNTIL YOU FURTHER MASTER THIS CLASS.

  INITIAL STAT INCREASES—Dexterity+1, Intellect+3

  The descriptions for the classes were actually incredible, each one offering unique abilities and playstyles. But in the end, two options stood out to me: Stars Ascent and Mist Walker.

  The concept of Mist Walker was intriguing. Its versatility made it seem useful in a variety of situations, and the lack of affiliations with any faction was a definite advantage. However, the drawback was a big one, randomly turning into a cloud of mist until the class was mastered. The thought of accidentally slipping through a floor or losing form at the worst possible moment was downright terrifying.

  Then there was Stars Ascent. It had a tankier focus, which I knew would be crucial for our group. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of gaming, it’s that every good party needs someone who can take a hit. Sure, I considered Paladin, since it’s a classic tanking class, but Stars Ascent seemed like it brought something extra to the table. It was described as a “casting tank,” and that combination sounded way too awesome to pass up. Plus, the ability to off-heal in a pinch? Definitely a bonus.

  With that in mind, the decision was clear. I selected Stars Ascent by focusing on it, feeling a surge of excitement, and maybe a little apprehension, for what lay ahead.

  “You will soon be transported to a small town just outside Castle Ru’lique,” the voice said, calm yet commanding. “There, you will meet tradesmen who can help you begin your journey to grow stronger and prepare to face the Void Imperials. Good luck, adventurer.”

  As the final words faded, a blinding white light enveloped me. When it cleared, I found myself standing on a well-trodden pathway just outside a quaint town. A wooden sign stood nearby; its weathered surface carved with the words [Trades Town]. I couldn’t help but snort at the lack of creativity in the name. Really? Trades Town?

  Shrugging it off, I took in my surroundings. The buildings were simple but sturdy, a mixture of stone and wood, with colorful banners fluttering gently in the breeze. Beyond the town, the forest stretched out endlessly. The trees were unlike anything I’d ever seen, massive and ancient, their trunks tinged with deep purples and reds. The air was fresh, carrying the sweet scent of flowers scattered across the forest floor, their petals glistening as they stretched toward the light of the… blue sun?

  I froze, staring at the sky. A blue sun blazed overhead, casting a warm, soft glow that bathed the orange-tinged sky in a surreal, dreamlike light. It was like looking at a reversal of Earth’s sun and sky, a detail so strange and fascinating that I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

  Eventually, I lowered my gaze, scanning the area for my wife and friends. There was no sign of them. My stomach tightened slightly, but I shook the feeling off. They were probably already in town or still finishing up their introductions to this strange new realm. With that thought, I headed toward the town, curiosity driving my steps.

  As I walked past the sign, a man approached me with a friendly wave. “Welcome, stranger!” he said warmly. “If you need any help finding your way around town, don’t hesitate to ask. Any of the residents here would be glad to assist you.”

  He pointed down the road. “To get started, the inn is just ahead. Take your first left, and you’ll see a sign with two crossed feathers and an ale cup behind them. Jero, the innkeeper, will help you get set up with a room and some food if you need it.”

  I thanked him and continued down the road, taking in the sights. The town was bustling with activity, vendors chatting, carts creaking under the weight of their goods, and a faint hum of magic in the air.

  A short distance ahead, a blacksmith’s shop caught my eye. Outside, a dwarf hammered away at what appeared to be a sword. His appearance stopped me in my tracks, his body wasn’t just muscular and stout as I’d expected of a dwarf; it was literally made of stone and embedded with gleaming gems that sprouted from his arms like natural armor.

  “Hello, good sir,” I said, stepping closer to him. The rhythmic clang of his hammer against the anvil paused as he turned to face me. His magma-like eyes glowed faintly, flickering with an inner heat, and his rugged face, etched with cracks like ancient marble, shifted into what I assumed was a smile.

  “Hail there, traveler! What may I do for ye?” the dwarf greeted with a hearty grin, or what I assumed was a grin, given the way the stone on his face shifted. His voice was deep and gravelly, carrying a slight gurgle, as though it reverberated through molten rock.

  I returned the smile. “I was curious if you might have the time to teach me your craft, good sir?”

  At that, the magma in his eyes brightened, glowing with what I could only interpret as excitement. He gestured enthusiastically toward a meticulously arranged table, covered with gems and stone tools that looked as much a work of art as they did practical.

  “Aye, my boy, I’d be glad to teach ye some of me craft. Come, have a seat, friend,” he said, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with his imposing, stone-carved appearance.

  As he moved to sit at the table, a notification appeared in the corner of my vision. Intrigued, I shifted my focus to it, causing the faint, shimmering text to come into full clarity.

  YOU HAVE UNLOCKED THE PROFESSIONS TAB; WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN BLACKSMITHING? SELECT YES OR NO.

  I opened the Professions tab before selecting anything, wanting to get a better understanding of how it all worked. The system allowed you to learn up to three professions, but there were trade-offs depending on how many you chose.

  If you dedicated yourself to a single profession, you could eventually become a grand master, unlocking two of the four available master paths for that craft. Choosing two professions limited your progression to the master level, allowing access to only one master path in each. Opting for three professions, while versatile, prevented you from advancing to any master paths at all, making it more of a jack-of-all-trades approach.

  It was a clear balance of depth versus versatility, and I took a moment to weigh my options before moving forward.