OASIS ONLINE

Devin paid a year's rent, and the couple gave them a discount due to their situation. They only needed to shop for clothes, groceries, and have the company install the holographic cabin.

Devin and Alex didn't waste any time, as they logged into Oasis the following evening. In Oasis, the nighttime corresponds to morning in reality, catering to the working class and students.

Devin found himself transported to a room adorned with runic symbols. The symbols on the walls looked familiar to him, reminding him of the symbol he found on the stone platform in the karst.

"Seed of origin detected, Welcome, fated one. You have been granted privileges as the owner of the seed of origin," the mechanical voice announced. "Privilege number 1: you can choose an area to develop as your own domain. This map will help you decide.

Privilege number 2: items will be granted to you. You can find them in your inventory box and use them in reality when you meet the right level and experience points or reputation points. This can be explored further in the game.

Privilege number 3: you are not bound by a profession, and you will be granted three permanent skills. As the bearer of the origin seed, you have three privileges at your disposal. Please think carefully before using them."

Devin fell into deep thought as he contemplated the words spoken by the mechanical voice. He couldn't help but notice that the voice was different from his previous login experience in Oasis. Furthermore, it referred to him not as a player, but as a fated one. Devin now knew the name of the mysterious seed -- the seed of origin.

"Who are you?" Devin asked the mysterious voice.

"I am what you call System," replied the voice, although it sounded mechanical, Devin could sense a hint of a smile behind it.

"I need to know if this seed will cause me any problems. I just want to play this game with my friend and earn money for a better life," expressed Devin.

"The origin seed chooses its owner. It will bring you convenience, power, fame, although there may be some responsibilities that come with it, they will be worth it. Rest assured, the seed will never bring you problems you can't handle," assured the System.

"Is this game more than just a game?" Devin posed the question.

"It can be whatever you want it to be. If you treat it as reality, then it becomes realistic. If you treat it as just a game, then it remains so."

Devin felt frustrated with the vague answer. It seemed pointless.

"Since I can choose my own area to own, how much control do I have over it?"

"Your area is your domain. You have absolute authority over it. You will be provided with a panel that grants you even more control," the System explained.

Devin stood in the room, absorbing the magnitude of the privileges bestowed upon him as the owner of the seed of origin. It was a moment of awe and responsibility, knowing that he now had the power to shape his own destiny within Oasis.

Taking a deep breath, Devin focused on the first privilege mentioned by the mechanical voice. He looked at the map that appeared before him, showcasing various areas within Oasis that he could develop as his own domain. His mind raced as he considered the possibilities.

After some contemplation, Devin decided to choose a serene and picturesque area on the outskirts of Serene city in Zephyria kingdom, an island, a place of natural beauty, one that resonated with his desire for tranquility and peace. With his decision made, he mentally marked the area on the map as his domain.

"I have made my decision. I would like to be spawned in Sun Haven," Devin firmly requested. He chose Sun Haven based on a post he had once read. Sun Haven held strategic importance as the Haven guild had built their power and influence there. It was an ownerless area that provided valuable resources, while the sea acted as a natural barrier.

Furthermore, Sun Haven was not well-known, allowing the Haven guild to develop discreetly until they were ready to reveal themselves to the public. This was exactly what Devin desired - a chance to quietly develop his power.

Sun Haven presented an ideal location, combining abundant natural resources with strategic geographical features. The remarkable tree at its center provided sustenance, materials for construction, and transportation opportunities. The surrounding sea offered plentiful food sources, creating a promising foundation for Devin's plans.

"The fated domain has been designated as Sun Haven. You are allowed to acquire three permanent skills. Please make your choice," the System announced.

The mention of three permanent skills intrigued Devin. He pondered on the skills he wanted to acquire, knowing that they would shape his future within Oasis and potentially even outside of it. After much thought, Devin chose skills that would enhance his ability to navigate and survive in Oasis, as well as skills that would enrich his creativity and resourcefulness.

Amongst the skills available, Devin had always desired the ability to identify objects and resources. This skill would allow him to appraise and understand things he was unfamiliar with.

"For my first skill, I choose the Identification skill," Devin confidently declared.

As soon as he spoke, a gentle light entered his mind, manifesting as a book, an encyclopedia. This book would record all the knowledge he acquired, enhancing his identification technique. However, the accuracy and breadth of his identification would depend on the amount of knowledge he had been exposed to.

"For my second skill, I want the ability to read and understand all ancient texts," Devin continued.

"Although it's not a skill, an item can be granted that can be used to read ancient text. Please make another skill request," the System acknowledged.

"I request the art of medicine," Devin added.

"The Pharmacist skill must be learned to activate it . However, I can provide you with a pharmacopeia that records numerous prescriptions. Once you identify a herb and determine the best way to use it, the corresponding prescription will automatically appear," the System replied.

"Fair enough, I will take that," Devin agreed. Despite understanding the game's mechanics, he saw the value in having a pharmacopeia. With access to prescriptions, he believed he could easily make money.

"Two skills and additional two items have been granted. The skill art of medicine is locked once the fated one gains knowledge on medicine, the art of medicine will be unlocked. Please choose your last skill," the system added.

"I want a suitable technique that I can practice to protect myself" requested Devin.

"The fated one is the host of the seed of origin and the most suitable technique is the origin Sutra. This has been transferred to inventory. The fated one can explore on their own" the system answered.

"The exploration of the game's rules and gameplay is up to the player. Please ensure you enjoy the game to the fullest," the System added.

"Wait, can I make a request?" Devin inquired.

"Yes, but the fated one will have to use one of their three privileges still available," the System responded.

"Since I am the owner of a domain, I would like my brother to spawn in my domain. I don't believe a privilege is necessary, as I am merely exercising my right as the owner," Devin confidently stated. He was determined not to waste a privilege and aimed to find any available loopholes.

"Permission granted. Will that be all?" the System responded.

"That's all," Devin answered.

"Then I wish you good luck as you enjoy all the adventures Oasis has to offer," the System concluded.

Devin's vision blurred as he was swiftly transported away. Unbeknownst to him, a sigh echoed in the room he had just left.

As the room dissolved around him, Devin found himself standing within his chosen domain in Oasis—an ethereal landscape where dreams and reality converged, Devin's request resonated with the System, and a surge of energy pulsed through him. Instantly, he found himself transported to the serene shores of Sun Haven within Oasis. The sun cast a warm glow on the sparkling waters, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of adventure and possibilities.

As Devin stood on the sandy beach, he marveled at the beauty and potential of his newfound domain

The System had granted him absolute authority over this area, providing him with a panel that displayed his enhanced privileges and control. From this panel, he could see the map of the whole domain, construct buildings as long as the materials are available and the drawing is made available, and shape the destiny of Sun Haven according to his vision.

Devin attempted to access the domain owner's authority on the panel, only to be met with the familiar mechanical sound he had encountered in his previous life. "Access denied. Player has not obtained the approval and favorability of the Sun Haven village," the voice stated. While the Oasis game system was intelligent and could provide answers to most questions, there were certain limitations, and it encouraged players to explore and discover things on their own.