Chapter 1 - My Name is Broken

Immortal Legacy was a virtual reality game that had gained immense popularity during its time. It offered the players a chance to escape to the enchanting world of Yunatea, where time was three times faster than in real life. Imagine living longer in the game than you could ever in the real world!

In Yunatea, time was measured uniquely and referred to as "Yunatea time." 

Since the game's launch three years ago, many players had firmly established themselves in this digital realm. For most, it felt like they'd found new lives—building careers, starting families—while others had become so deeply immersed that they'd nearly forgotten about their real lives (though that level of obsession was definitely not advised).

Then, on a particular day, a player named Broken finally stood before the Temple of Blessing. This temple was a special place where a player could enter the spirit world and attempt to make a contract with a spirit. However, access to the spirit world could only be obtained through a special quest, which not everyone had the chance to receive.

This was a rare quest; no one precisely knew how to obtain it. However, most players who received the quest to make a contract with a spirit were low-level or slow-progressing players. Some even believed this quest was the game's way of motivating the less active players.

Considering Broken's situation at that moment, it seemed fitting. He had been playing the game for over a year but still stood at level 25.

Everyone who started along with him should already be at level 100 by now.

He enjoyed the game but could only play for one hour each day in the real world and couldn't keep up with other players who had more time to level up.

"So, finally... my first contract with a spirit," he sighed, the sunlight reflecting off his black hair and illuminating his bright blue eyes. He stood at 182 cm (6'0").

The Temple of Blessing was nestled in the heart of a dense forest encircled by ancient, towering trees that added to the area's ancient ambiance.

Broken approached the temple entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. 

"Let's see what this quest has in store for me," he muttered. 

With a firm push, the grand doors creaked open, revealing the shadowy interior within. In the center of the room stood an ancient altar adorned with mysterious symbols and artifacts.

"Welcome, traveler," a voice echoed through the chamber. 

"Who... who are you?"

"I am the Guardian of the Temple. You have come to make a contract with a spirit, have you not?"

"Yes, I am ready."

"Very well," the Guardian said. "Approach the altar and place your hand upon it."

Broken did as instructed, and once his hand touched the ancient altar stone, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him and soon the symbols on it began to glow before a swirling mist enveloped the room.

"This journey can only be undertaken once every month. Failure to form a contract will reduce your chances of success in future attempts."

The next moment, a surge of unfamiliar energy enveloped him, whisking him through dimensions until he arrived in a realm ensconced in clouds.

He found himself in a breathtaking expanse where small islands floated amidst the sky. Some teemed with verdant foliage and towering trees, others were cloaked in a pristine layer of snow, and still others showcased volcanic peaks.

Rooted to his spot, Broken watched in awe as a kaleidoscope of glowing, multicolored orbs danced around him.

"So, this is the appearance of spirits to those who have yet to form a contract," he mused silently.

The realm was teeming with spirits of every shape and size, each bringing its own set of unique abilities and perks for the players. Some spirits could bestow elemental powers and special skills, while others could manifest as spirit beasts, ready to fight alongside the players in battle.

Forming a contract with a spirit was more than just a power boost; it laid the foundation for future growth. This initial bond was crucial, opening up opportunities for high-level players to enhance their abilities even further. Securing a spirit contract was a major milestone, and every newcomer in Immortal Legacy set their sights on achieving it.

"I like him," a voice resonated around him.

The surrounding spirits shimmered.

"He's quite handsome."

"He harbors immense potential for the future."

"I can't let this opportunity slip by."

"It is I who deserves to stand by his side."

[Faith, an Epic-grade Spirit of Light, is offering you a contract.]

[..]

[Tansy, a Rare-grade Spirit of Power, is extending you an offer.]

Notifications flooded Broken's vision, signaling the spirits eagerness to form a contract with him. However, he could only form a contract with one spirit, so he had to be careful with this decision.

"Broken, please accept my contract..."

The game classified spirits in a hierarchy starting from the lowest—Common, progressing through Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, Legend, and so on. Therefore, being presented with an offer from an Epic-grade spirit was a stroke of remarkable fortune.

"Seven contract offers at the same time? Is this a common occurrence, or am I experiencing something truly extraordinary?" he couldn't help but wonder.

His warrior class, coupled with a fire affinity, naturally inclined him towards spirits that were aligned with fire. Yet, the proposition from an Epic-grade spirit of Light intrigued him. This left him mulling over how a Light element spirit would mesh with his fire-based abilities, considering the potential impact on his class and existing skills.

[Birch, a Rare-grade Spirit of Nature, is offering you a contract.]

[..]

[Oceana, an Elite-grade Spirit of the Sea, is proposing a contract.]

As contract offers from a dozen spirits began to flood in, including two of Epic grade, Broken was caught between shock and sheer delight. 

"I can't believe I have received offers from so many spirits!"

Suddenly...

[Birch, a Rare-grade Spirit of Nature, withdrew its contract offer and darted away without a second thought.]

"Wait, what's happening?"

[Oceana, an Elite-grade Spirit of the Sea, retracted its contract offer...]

"Let's leave now," a spirit whispered urgently.

"We don't belong here anymore, and I fear the consequences of lingering."

"I wish we could stay, but it's time for us to depart."

Broken suddenly felt a pang of panic as he watched all the spirits depart, leaving him behind. He tried to run after them, but they slipped through his fingers.

"Wait! No, wait! Hey! Why is everyone leaving all of a sudden? What's happening here?" he called out.

All the spirits that had initially offered contracts to him had abruptly retracted their offers, leaving him empty-handed and bewildered. He had been contemplating which spirit to choose, not intentionally delaying his decision, but now they had all vanished. This was clearly something strange.

"Why? What happened?" he muttered.

Broken took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. For him, playing this game was a welcome escape from the demands of his busy life and responsibilities. He allowed himself just an hour each day to slip into this virtual world, a brief but cherished respite. 

Despite his slow pace, he never saw himself as lazy. Given his limited playtime, his progress was actually quite impressive—only held back by the obligations of the real world.

As he grappled with his thoughts, a portal suddenly materialized in front of him, spinning rapidly.

"What is that?"

From within the swirling portal, a slender, luminous white foot stepped forward, heralding the arrival of a young woman clad in pure white. She materialized before Broken, a vision of elegance and mystery.

As she lifted her gaze to meet Broken's, he was struck by her extraordinary beauty. Her silver hair cascaded down her back. The white dress she wore clung to her slender form, accentuating her graceful figure.

"Who... is she?" Broken inquired.

"Hi, Broken," she answered. "I will bless you to become the greatest player in Yuna…," her sentence, however, was abruptly cut short.

With fluid grace, she bent her knees and gently lowered herself to the ground, eventually lying flat with her cheek tenderly pressed against the cool earth.

Approaching the lying beauty cautiously, Broken moved closer to her.

"Hey, are you okay?"

He analyzed the status of the woman, who was clearly an NPC, and the information that appeared was.

[Akidia - The Goddess of Sloth]