1 Prologue

Haven felt his heart pounding. An erratic yet gentle rhythm that seemed to covey his excitement of the game.

Ater Online, a game world filled with near infinite possibilities was about to be released in a few hours and he was finally ready to embark on it.

It was advertised to have near 100% realism that connects it to the real world. People called it an entirely new world.

An interview with the development team was done over the course of a week. It revealed some interesting information about the game.

Many people speculated that this technology was unsafe or untested or even that some of the rumors surrounding it were fake. This was mostly due to people believing that Full Immersion technology would not have been realized till 40~50 years into the future.

The company, Destiny, however decided to blow away every and all speculations out of the water with the release of game play footage showing a man fighting with against a Troll and coming out alive.

The graphics of the game seemed so real that experts who would usually criticize games were left dumbfounded.

Haven reached for the remote on his chair and played the recording of the interview.

His eyes glued to the TV screen, drinking in each word with hungry look adorning his face. Haven had watched this particular recording for many many times now. If he wanted to, he could probably recite each word on it with his eyes closed.

"Mr White, could you please explain what full immersion technology is? I'm sure many are curious about what it entail for Virtual Reality." An interviewer asked.

"Very well. Full Immersion technology also known as Full-Dive or FD technology, if you will, is one which separates the user's conscious mind from their bodies and plants it into a man-made virtual world that reflects reality exactly as you are experiencing it now."

"Mr White, what are your thoughts on the various religious groups that are against this game, calling it playing god and whatnot?" The same interviewer asks.

"Hmm... I suppose the only thing that I can say is that God, gave me wisdom. I chose to use it to create a new world. Does that mean I'm playing God or does that mean that i'm using it the way he intended me to?"

"Mr White, what sort of effects would this kind of technology have on the mind. From what you said, it seems to be similar to having a lucid dream but to separate your minds from your bodies, there has to be some sort of ill effects that would develop?" Another interviewer asked, this time a woman.

"Not at all. I can guarantee that safety issues and concerns regarding FD technology are all unfounded. Think of this game as starting over, in a new world." Mr White explained.

This started a shocked murmur through the crowd as people started to shout out their questions without pause.

"One at a time. Please calm down, ill be here all night." Mr White chuckled, heartily. He then pointed at a random person, a man and said, "You, start with your questions."

"Ah, yes. Mr White, what sort of game is Ater online? In the game play video released, it appears to be a sort of sword & magic theme. What exactly is Ater Online?" The man asked.

"Hahaha! Finally the best question so far!" Mr White laughed.

The crowd quieted down to listen to his explanation.

"I suppose I should start from the beginning. Are you all alright with me explaining how Ater Online came to be?" White asked, addressing

The reporters nodded.

"Ater Online was actually just a stray thought that came into fruition. One day I heard a phrase, all men are born equal.

Sigh.

They really aren't. See, the truth is that some people, in the race called life, they have a head start. Some, way further than others.

I pondered over this quite a while, then I had an epiphany. Why don't I create a setting to allow everyone to start at the same beginning?

Ater was realized. It took 13 years but somehow or rather, it worked out perfectly. This year, 2032 will be one to change the very history of mankind.

Ater is a world filled with magic, power and opportunity. Everything skill you learn in game, to a certain extent may affect reality.

Are you prepared to embark on a journey?"

A twinkle shone through Mr White's eye as he gazed through the crowd.

Haven switched it off. A blooming smile broke through his face.

He picked up the helmet laying next to him, breathed in deeply and put it on.

"Login."