4 Return to Alternate World
I eagerly awaited the servers' opening time today, the moment when the Reality Verse would become available to all players. The clock read 5:55 P.M., and in just five short minutes, the game would officially come to life.
Sitting before me was a syringe, a mysterious artifact from the moment I'd returned to the past. It was one of the few things that had accompanied me during my journey through time. The question nagging at me was whether there was a purpose to injecting myself with its contents, but the answer remained elusive.
Nobuhiko had insisted that I use it upon my return, but I couldn't help but wonder about its true nature. It seemed unrelated to anything I knew, shrouded in an enigmatic aura that left me baffled. Could it be tied to the game itself? Perhaps it held the potential to restore my lost abilities, much like a serum from the past. While the latter possibility seemed far-fetched, I couldn't dismiss the idea entirely. There had to be some significance to this strange substance.
I shook the contents inside. Although the liquid inside looks just like normal water, it is a bit viscous compared to normal water, making me wonder what it truly was.
Though riddled with suspicion, I had no choice but to proceed. If this syringe held the key to changing my fate, I couldn't afford to pass up the opportunity.
With resolve, I removed the protective cap from the needle and administered the serum into my arm. There was a slight tingling sensation, but nothing more. It left me feeling slightly disappointed, as I had expected a more profound reaction, perhaps a surge of power.
DING
The grandfather clock in the living room chimed, signaling that it was time to act.
Shaking off my lingering doubts, I secured the doors of the house, a precautionary measure. Though I knew I wasn't in immediate danger, I couldn't help but be a little paranoid. Better safe than sorry, right?
Having taken all necessary precautions, I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes, preparing to enter the Alternate World. In the Nexus Version of the Reality Verse, I had the freedom to access it anywhere, adopting whatever style suited me best. While I could even activate it while standing, I rarely did so, usually reserving it for quick login and logout scenarios. I was aware that when I immersed myself in the Reality Verse, my physical body would vanish, leaving only a virtual marker to signify my presence. This unique aspect of the game also served as a method for honing one's magical abilities—a simulation to train the body for the mystical arts which are magic.
I stepped into the game, my DNA already recorded, securing this account uniquely to me. Unless I opt to sell it – a process requiring a visit to Nexus Company for an account transfer – no one can infiltrate my virtual world without my permission. As I logged in, the interface materialized, and a mechanical voice echoed in my mind upon successful entry.
"Initializing Data..."
Initialization Complete.
Scanning the body...
Scanning Complete.
Extracting the Package...
Extraction complete. The package will be accessible upon entering the game.
The host will be directed to the avatar creation room in three seconds. Please stand by..."
A package? Initially bewildered, I chose to set it aside for now, possibly a welcome offering for testers like me and Rika, the pioneers of the Nexus Version. My curiosity tugged at me, but the avatar creation was my immediate task.
3
2
1
I opened my eyes, finding myself in the avatar creation room, facing the familiar throne room. It had been a long while since my last visit, indeed.
Before me stood a woman exuding a goddess-like aura, possessing a strikingly beautiful visage that could captivate anyone, regardless of gender. Some girls even said that if they were guys, they'd want someone like her as their girlfriend. Her golden locks danced in the breeze, pointed ears peeking through, adorned in a verdant gown befitting royalty. Her majestic wings shimmered with iridescent colors, as though radiating sunlight. Above her head, a small halo glistened intermittently, giving her an ethereal quality, despite not being an angel.
Queen Titania.
The queen of fairies and the consort of Oberon, the king of fairies and pixies. Her role typically involved disseminating character creation information, but you could still encounter her later in the game during certain story quests. Titania was a level 500 NPC residing in the legendary realm of fairies. To meet her again, one had to reach level 500 and undertake a series of challenging quests. I hadn't bothered to unlock it myself, but the tales of the endeavor's worthiness were widespread.
"Welcome, brave warrior, to the realm of Alternate World. Please state your name," Titania greeted me with a smile, and a keyboard panel materialized before me, prompting me to enter my name.
Without hesitation, I typed "Bladeheart." In the previous timeline, I had chosen "Relinquished Knight," a name that had started to feel cringe-worthy and unsuitable. It was a moniker from my Chuunibyou days, and I decided it was time for a change. I think Bladeheart is a bit more appropriate and less cringe to the ears.
"Bladeheart, is that correct?" Titania inquired, her voice tinged with intrigue.
"Yes," I affirmed.
Titania's eyebrow began to arch inquisitively as she continued, "Your gender is male. You can't change it unless you want to be a woman."
Quickly, I clarified my stance, "No, I don't swing that way. I am a straight guy, with no penchant for crossdressing or any attraction to men in a sexual way."
In the enigmatic realm of the Alternate World, the power to choose one's gender was a luxury denied to all. Titania's words held the key, and if you dared to declare, "I want to be a girl," she would unleash her mystical prowess, etching a spell that bound you to the guise of a woman, forever confined to donning feminine attire. The women of this world seemed to fare better, for they wore men's clothes with grace, while the male population found themselves at the mercy of Titania's whims.
It was a peculiar paradox - men clamoring for gender equality, only to be met with Titania's defiance. Perhaps she was the enforcer of balance, preventing men from falling for pretty avatars that concealed their true, burly selves beneath.
The women, on the other hand, faced a milder consequence, as many effortlessly sported a masculine look. The men bore the brunt of Titania's decree, and some might label her a feminist NPC. But in truth, this was merely a safeguard against character deception, a deterrent to the countless men who exploited alluring female avatars to extract riches from eager suitors.
"Good," Titania nodded approvingly. "Now, please select the race you wish to embrace. Remember, once you've chosen, there's no turning back unless you possess a coveted race reset coupon. And should you wish to change your race, the coins will be whisked from your linked bank account with the swiftness of magic."
As Titania elucidated the policy, its unyielding nature remained unwavering. The restriction aimed to curb the incessant cycle of character creation and reset, compelling players to ponder their choices with care. An exception, however, would arise when a new race was introduced in the game's inaugural patch, granting free race reset coupons to all. Not that I care about it though.
I cast my gaze upon the lineup of races, and there, before me, lay only three distinct paths to embark upon: Human, Beastman, and Elf. These were the sole choices that awaited me as I ventured into the realm of this immersive virtual world. Rumor had it that more exotic races would unlock with the impending expansion, scheduled to grace us with its presence a mere month from now. But for the moment, these three would dictate our virtual destinies. An important note, however, lingered in the air: the races we selected were purely aesthetic in nature, devoid of any influence over our statistics. Choosing to don the elegant mantle of an elf wouldn't bestow upon me a reservoir of magical power or enhance my stats in any significant way.
With this knowledge in hand, I made my decision without hesitation, opting for the familiarity of the Human race. My rationale? An aversion to drastic alterations in my virtual appearance; I preferred to stay true to myself. As I clicked the "Human" option, a brilliant, blinding light enveloped my character, but curiously, there were no discernible changes to my avatar.
"Human Race, is that correct?" came the voice of Titania, the enigmatic guardian of this digital realm.
"Yes!" I affirmed confidently, ready to embark on this new adventure.
But Titania had one more test in store. "Please select the class you want to use. Just like the race, you can't choose again once you've confirmed the class you've selected. The same rules apply, and the only way to reset your class is to reset your entire progress. Choose carefully."
The weight of my choices hung in the air as I pondered my next step.
I embarked on a quest of epic proportions, my eyes scanning the roster of classes available this time around. Each option beckoned to me, promising a unique journey through the realm of this game. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
**1. Swordsman - The Brute Force Brawler**
The Swordsman, a class for those who revel in raw power, stood before me. With shortswords and longswords in hand, they charged headlong into battle. The path of the Swordsman might be the easiest, but it's not for the faint-hearted.
**2. Samurai - The Swift Slicer**
For those who sought a blend of agility and strength, the Samurai was the choice. Wielding a deadly Katana, they moved with the grace of a vagabond, dispatching foes with lethal precision.
**3. Alchemist - The Master of Potions and Matter**
Masters of potion-making and wielders of the enigmatic Hook Chain, Alchemists were versatile. Whether supporting allies or launching offensive assaults, their control over matters was awe-inspiring.
**4. Ninja - The Shadowy Assassin**
Stealth and agility were the Ninjas' domain. With their Kunai in hand, they navigated the shadows, striking with pinpoint accuracy. Their arsenal of skills, from illusions to stealth, made them the masters of surprise attacks.
**5. Assassin - The Silent Killers**
Much like the Ninjas, Assassins excelled in subterfuge, but they brought a more deadly arsenal to the table. Revolvers and hidden blades were their weapons of choice, ensuring that their strikes were always decisive.
**6. Hunter - The Silent Archers**
Nature's silent protectors, the Hunters, blended seamlessly with the wilderness. Armed with bows and crossbows, they were survivalists capable of stalking and taking down monsters in the quiet of the forests.
**7. Cleric - The Divine Healers**
In the heat of battle, the Clerics stood as the unwavering pillars of support. Armed with Ceremonial Staffs and Holy Books, they possessed weak offensive power but could mend wounds and resurrect fallen comrades.
**8. Paladin - The Unyielding Guardians**
For those who craved the frontline, the Paladins were the ultimate tankers. Their spears and shields defended their allies, and they charged into battle fearlessly, ensuring their party's safety.
**9. Holy Knight - The Holy Warriors**
Akin to Clerics, Holy Knights combined combat and divine buffs. They drew upon the power of holy light, wielding greatswords and maces to vanquish evil forces without needing a shield to protect them.
**10. Magic Knight - The Mystic Swordsmen**
Magic and swordplay intertwined within Magic Knights. With magic-infused sword strikes, they balanced both intelligence and combat prowess, offering a unique blend of spellcasting and melee combat.
**11. Magician - The Arcane Spellcasters**
Magicians, the wielders of magic, had low health but commanded formidable magical attacks. Armed with staffs, they could unleash long-range devastation or get up close and personal if necessary.
**12. Fighter - The Martial Arts Masters**
Fighters were the embodiment of martial arts, using fists and legs to crush their foes. They followed the laws of nature, tempering their bodies and delivering powerful blows.
**13. Gunslinger - The Quickshot Enforcers**
Gunslingers were the masters of close and semi-range combat, boasting agility and critical hit prowess. While not the strongest, their pistols, revolvers, and dual handguns ensured they never missed a target.
**14. Druid - The Nature's Commanders**
Druids were in harmony with nature, commanding animals and transforming at will. With staffs and bo staffs, they held supernatural sway over the forests and the creatures within.
**15. Berserkers - The Unstoppable Force**
For those who reveled in brute force, Berserkers were the choice. Their high attack power came at the cost of defense, but when they unleashed their berserk power, nothing could stand in their way.
**16. Versatile - The Master of None**
And then there was the Versatile class, a jack of all trades. These players could learn skills from other classes and wield any weapon. But beware, they paid the price of slow leveling, consuming twice the experience.
In this vast world of possibilities, the choice was mine to make. Which class would I embrace on this grand adventure?
I found myself deep in thought, a familiar sense of curiosity tugging at my mind. I may not boast expertise in every class this game has to offer, but I've navigated their intricacies and battle strategies well enough. Yet, nestled in the recesses of my gaming memories was a class that had always beckoned me, like an enigmatic whisper in the back of my mind.
The warning about its agonizingly slow experience gain had kept me at bay for years. However, I felt a newfound courage stirring within me, grounded in a secret that held the promise of shattering those limitations. I'd already rewritten parts of my gaming history by diverging from the predetermined paths, so what was one more change? That was the beauty of starting anew, a fresh canvas upon which to paint my destiny.
My contemplation led me to an unexpected choice: the Versatile Class. There had to be something more to it than met the eye, something that could elevate my gaming experience beyond the boundaries of my beloved Magic Knight class.
"Versatile, are you certain?" Titania inquired.
"Yes!" I replied with determination, my mind set on this uncharted journey.
"Do you wish to retain your real-world appearance?"
The question gave me pause. But then I considered the futility of minor alterations. A mask would conceal my features, rendering any tweaks irrelevant.
"Keep it," I decided, embracing the choice.
"Thank you for your responses," Titania intoned. A radiant light enveloped me once more, its brilliance bathing me in its glow.
"Your body will be automatically generated in the starting town. Please enjoy your stay in the Alternate World."
With those parting words, my vision surrendered to the blinding white, just as it had in the past. I recalled the embarrassment of my initial transition, Titania's laughter echoing in my memory. But this time, I welcomed the sensation without fear.
After a few heartbeats, my body solidified, and my vision gradually cleared, finally steadying. I extended my hands and clenched my fists, reaffirming that I had indeed returned to the Alternate World. Here, my journey would begin anew, from the very first step of a thrilling adventure.
