1 [I-III] Prologue

( Human! Zero Takahashi!

Or perhaps, Zero! )

Those were the first words that were written in the message. It was his name, or rather, both of his names.

( It's me, Zereal.

I'm sure you already have your doubts that where you're in is not a game anymore.

Well, because it is - you're never in any kind of game right now. )

[ ... ] he - Zero - continued to calmly read the message - but as he goes further, his expression turns serious.

( This world is much different than yours, but, I'm sure you already know how it works.

Now,

In your previous world, you're the person almost everyone recognizes when they hear the word 'God', especially in the game you're playing in. Many people recognize you as the peak of power; they recognize you as the final wall they need to walk over.

Personally, I like you, Zero. You're almost as close as an existence to us Gods, that is, of course, we're still different existence.

Now, I will make sure to keep this message as simple and clear as possible.

Each world has different Gods - your world has its own, and I am of my own. But sometimes, there are gods who go rogue and they destroy worlds of their own and of themselves. They become what's called the Gods of Destruction - And the God of this world was one. And without a God to manage it, it's now nearing its end, that is, if one can be named as its own.

I won't explain further, but -

30 people in your world have been chosen to compete for the title - people - from the same world as yours. They will fight each other and beat one another to become the strongest; the one who will rise to the top will ascend. The one who will become a God.

But... I'm sorry to say this... unfortunately, you're not one of those chosen people. No matter how much of a great person you are, you were not chosen.

But as the person these people recognize most as their peak, you are here to make things difficult, you're here to make sure that the one who will rise to the top is the most fitting.

I know that this is an unreasonable request, but this is your fate.

You have been given the most important task of all - and that is - to choose the person who will become the God of this world. You will be the one responsible for the fate of this world.

- By a real God, Zereal. )

***

In the year 2XXX, where technology seems to have reached its peak, there exists one game that everyone knows about.

The game was called Altair Adventures Online- an MMORPG that focuses its contents on adventures, role-playing, tournaments, and real-life businesses.

Its players already reached billions worldwide. Players who were either there to play the game and enjoy it; gain popularity, or make money out of selling in-game stuff or accounts.

The game was so popular that even the governments of some countries have already made partnerships with the game. And it was said that the media and internet of the WWC(WorldWide Connection) were estimated to have 10% of its contents only about the game itself.

It changed the world and it continues to do so. And needless to say, it changed people's lives.

And none could be the greatest example than the God of the game itself - Zero.

The title 'God' seems to be an exaggeration - since he was not the person who had created the game, neither was he the most knowledgeable about it. The person himself calls himself an ordinary person who just wanted to play the game.

But for all the players and even the creators themselves, they call him as its God.

***

---{ Year 2XXX }---

Zero sat in front of his computer.

The room he was in is dark and the only light that can be found inside it was the blue flickering signal that's coming from his mini A.I camera and the light that's coming from his computer screen.

[ Ahh... I really don't know what I should answer to that question... ] Zero murmurs as he stares to the screen with his dark and buggy eyes.

In his 26-inch computer screen, displays the game he's currently playing - Altair Adventures Online or AAO for short.

Although it was a game commonly played using the NHGT(Neuro Head Gear Transit), in which players can connect their conscious minds on the game itself, Zero continues to play on his normal PC. To him, it's much easier to play in a PC than using a headgear.

*Tick *Tick *Tick

With each click of his mouse, his in-game character performs an attack or spells a cast. And just after a moment, the word 'Victory' appeared and the game was over.

( Congratulations Zero! You have finished our challenge! ) an energetic voice was heard on his ear-gear.

( And that was it, folks! Zero - The God of Altair! In total, he had defeated 30 challengers with equal levels on his own! Unbelievable! Now, let's ask Zero what he thinks of our challenge! )

That was right, Zero is currently on an online interview.

He doesn't really like to communicate with anyone, and he is not confident with his communication skills, but he was promised good equivalent money with this interview and so he had accepted. With this, his name will gain publicity, but of course, his face is still hidden with an advance face filter to hide his real identity.

[ 30 enemies, huh...? ]

Although it was a bit of a stretch to have him fight with 30 people with the same level as he is online and live, it wasn't that much a surprise for Zero as it was almost something of a normal occurrence. He had done many interviews like this one before, and there was always some kind of challenges these interviewers will give him.

He doesn't know if they want him to be embarrassed, but one thing he knows for sure was that they're trying to see if his skills really fit his title. And every time, Zero proves he's worthy.

( Let's hear Zero! ) the voice urges him.

[ Umm... Right... I think all of them lack skills... With their level and stats, they should be able to defeat me very easily, but I don't think they will be able to since almost none of them has any average skills. ] with his mic, he answers honestly.

( Really? But Zero, all those players who volunteered are all pros and some even played on an international level, they want to defend themselves and they say that they do have the skills, but you're just too good... Oh! And one comment from those players says you're using Auto-aim and Auto-dodge bots, what do you say about that? )

[ First of all... I've been asked and accused many times about this, but I don't and never use auto bots. Our gears and PCs are being monitored and the game has the highest security, are you saying that I managed to hack their game? That's just impossible. Hmm... I don't want to go any further than that, but all I want to say about these players are again: they lack skills. ]

Zero is already used with answering the same questions and accusations, he didn't even bother to further his defense anymore as his answer is always the same. If he goes to much explaining, it would look much like that he cheats for real, and he doesn't want that, he wants to go as simple as possible.

In the first place, he almost doesn't care about what people think of him. He himself denies his title and being famous was a bother to him, all he cares about is the money he gets with his popularity. That was all.

( You've heard Zero! You guys are just lacking skills and Zero is just too good! But... umm... Let me repeat, these people who have challenged Zero are all pros! I guess Mr.Zero's standards is just really high compared to us, but don't worry, you guys all have the skills! ) the voice cheered, denying his comments earlier about them.

( Then, Zero, for our last question! This question came from one of your fans! "Will you, again, compete for the WWGT(WorldWide Game Tournament) this year? )

The WWGT, is an in-game tournament handled by the WWC(WorldWide Connection). The tournament doesn't require any place to go to be able to participate; all players could participate in their house or basement and still be able to compete for the title of 'Greatest'.

[ I will think about it... ] he answers, lacking interest.

( Thank you for answering our final question, Zero! And that was it! The God of AAO, Zero! Tune in next time! ) again, the voice says his name, and with that, it was over, the connection of the server that had interviewed him disappears.