2.

*One Month Ago*

~~~~~~~~~~~

Castle walls breached.

The air reeks of blood, swords clash and screams fill the air.

The enemy's flaming projectiles rain down, shattering homes and castle walls.

Agony, pain, and fear echo through the castle.

Men, women, and even the elderly and minors scatter, desperately seeking shelter from the invaders.

They cling to dear life, hiding in every nook and cranny they can find.

Amidst the chaos, a lone figure sits perched atop a towering window.

Clad in a black hooded cape with a blood-red outline, his identity concealed by a grimy mask.

With one knee raised, he gazes out over the besieged castle.

His large brawler gauntlets, crafted from dark green metal, rest firmly on his knees. In one hand, he grips the stone window ledge tightly.

Determination emanates from him as he assesses the dire situation.

The hooded man, perched confidently on the ledge, summoned his 14 companions with a commanding gesture.

As they materialized around him, their hoods concealing their identities, they wasted no time in unleashing their incredible powers.

With deadly precision, they swiftly eliminated the invading forces within the castle.

Yet, even amidst the chaos and triumph, the hooded man remained focused.

Searching for a specific target, his piercing gaze fell upon the enemy king, who was well-guarded by a formidable knight.

Determination filled his soul as he tightened his grip on his massive brawler gauntlets and rose to his feet on the ledge.

Summoning his ancient magic, the hooded man called forth his majestic griffin, its feathers shimmering with gold. Mounting the beast, he soared above the enemy lines, alone and fearless.

As he reached the zenith of his flight, he unleashed his most potent magic, summoning meteor showers that rained down upon the battlefield, obliterating everything in their path.

Seizing the opportune moment, the hooded man descended upon the king and the powerful knight, now shrouded in the chaos caused by the meteors.

The air crackled with his raw power as six perfect replicas of himself materialized beside him, ready to join the fray.

With calculated strategy, his doppelgangers engaged the king and the knight in an intense battle, while the hooded man observed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

With every move, he displayed his mastery over combat, swiftly dispatching the powerful knight until only the enemy king remained.

In a final act of defiance, he struck the fatal blow, severing their heads from their bodies. Victory, hard-fought and well-earned, belonged to him alone.

In this breathtaking display of unparalleled courage and skill, the hooded man had emerged triumphant.

His boldness and unwavering resolve had ensured the downfall of their enemies, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that he was a force to be reckoned with.

The hooded man, with a triumphant grin, returned to the group of his 14 loyal companions.

Bloodied and battle-worn, they had successfully obliterated the remaining enemies within the castle walls. They stood tall, their victory evident.

In awe of their leader's prowess, that's why they referred to him as their commandant.

Each member of the group recognized the power and determination that flowed through their veins as they fought side by side.

As the hooded man and his companions navigated through the streets, ravaged by the unforgiving horrors of war, the citizens emerged from their hiding places.

One by one, they called out his name,

"Larion!"

Their voices filled with gratitude and reverence, a testament to his glory.

Reaching the town square, the hooded man raised both hands, gripping the gruesome remains of the enemy king's and powerful knight's heads.

With a voice that carried across the devastated landscape, he bellowed his victory, his triumph resonating in the hearts of all who heard.

But suddenly, the scene dissolved before his eyes. The hooded man, now named Luca, awakened from his sleep.

The memories that had once felt so vivid and real were now revealed as nothing more than a dream from his past, a mere fragment of a virtual reality game he played with his friends.

~~~

Luca slowly sat up, his gaze vacant as he stared off into nothingness.

His mind felt distant as if it were trapped in another realm.

The events of the previous night replayed in his mind like a broken record.

The argument with his boss, Ella, his own cousin and the daughter of his arrogant aunt, echoed loudly in his memory.

It had been a heated exchange, filled with resentment and frustration.

The final blow came when Ella, with a cold and calculating demeanor, informed Luca that he was no longer welcome in their family business.

After six long years of hard work, he had been unceremoniously fired.

Reality crashed back around Luca, the weight of his situation settling upon him.

He was now jobless, with no source of income to support himself and his younger sister's education.

Panic gnawed at his insides as he realized the enormity of the challenge before him.

How would he make ends meet? How would he provide for his sister?

With a heavy sigh, Luca pushed himself off the couch and stood up, his mind racing with thoughts and uncertainties.

His eyes fell upon the towering pear-shaped device in the corner of his room.

The DivePod XFinal, a creation of the ISRI and Playbox Ninsoft, seemed to taunt him with its presence.

It was a device that his best friend Aldrin gifted to him a month ago.

Remembering his friend's words and advice to just try the new game called "Titan's Advent," Luca hesitated for a moment, uncertainty swirling within him like a tempest.

The weight of his responsibilities threatened to crush his spirit, but the memory of his friend's voice echoed in his mind, urging him to take a chance.

"Try the game at least! You know, for a change of pace? Plus, you can also earn real money out of this! Just play the game, and you'll know," his friend's words rang like a clear call in the depths of his consciousness.

Hope ignited within Luca, like a flame dancing amidst a sea of darkness.

Perhaps this game could be his salvation.

With determination, he made his decision.

He moved toward the imposing DivePod, its sleek, pear-shaped form towering before him like a monolith.

The glass panel beckoned him, promising a world far removed from the harsh realities of his current existence.

Luca took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he reached out to open the colossal glass front.

The moment the glass parted, a rush of anticipation coursed through his veins.

He carefully climbed into the pod, settling himself on the cushioned interior, his body surrounded by the softness of the material.

The headgear lay before him, a gateway to another realm, and Luca couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with nervousness.

He slipped the headgear onto his head, the wires from the DivePod connecting to his bodysuit with a soft click.

A shiver of electricity traveled up his spine as the game system hummed to life, filling the pod with a low, thrumming vibration.

Closing his eyes, Luca braced himself for the unknown, for the moment when his consciousness would transcend the boundaries of his physical body and merge with the digital world of Titan's Advent.

The world outside the pod melted away, replaced by a swirling kaleidoscope of colors and sensations.

The DivePod released a burst of gas, its tendrils reaching into Luca's senses, engulfing him in a euphoric haze.

His heart raced, his breath quickened, and then, with a sudden jolt, he was transported into a platform floating in outer space.

~~~

Luca stood in awe as Eion, the god of Birth, welcomed him to the world of Titan's Advent.

The god's ethereal presence exuded an air of mystery, its voice resonating like a harmonious duet between a man and a woman.

Though Eion lacked a physical face, an outline of facial features was faintly visible, adding to the god's enigmatic appeal.

With a sense of purpose, Luca focused his attention on creating his in-game character.

As he navigated through the character creation menu, he discovered a list of innate skills that would be bestowed upon him in the game.

The skills were a reflection of his real-world abilities, a reminder of the person he was beyond the confines of this virtual realm.

Boxing, Kali/Eskrima, Cooking, Camping, Public Speaking, Charisma, Quick Adaptation, Athleticism, Survivor, Intuition, Strategic, and Analytic-the list of innate skills unfolded before Luca's eyes, each representing a facet of his true self.

He felt a surge of confidence knowing that these skills would aid him in his journey through Titan's Advent.

With his innate abilities added, every player is given 10 skill points to add to their skill set on top of the innate abilities.

He added Iron Will, Intermediate Combat Skills, Basic Alchemy, Horse riding, Basic navigation skills, Basic mapping, Intermediate hearing sense, Intermediate reflex, and Basic resistance.

But there was still one more skill slot to fill.

Luca's eyes scanned the available options, and his gaze landed on a skill called "Basic Rune Knowledge."

Intrigued, he pondered the possibilities of this skill and its potential uses within the game.

Seeking answers, he turned to Eion, who had been quietly observing him.

"What can you tell me about this skill?" Luca asked, pointing to the screen where the description of Basic Rune Knowledge was displayed.

Eion, ever-present and attentive, moved closer to Luca, his form radiating a gentle glow.

With a knowing smile, the god began to explain the significance of rune knowledge.

[Runic knowledge originates from the ancient dwarven and elven races, who possessed magical abilities that allowed them to manipulate runes for protection, curses, and cultivation,] Eion explained.

[In the age of Ethoria now, very few possess the understanding of runes and their potential. The knowledge has become mostly relegated to reading ancient scripts.]

Curiosity piqued, Luca contemplated the potential usefulness of this skill.

He pondered whether it would aid him in his journey or simply serve as a relic of the past

Turning back to Eion, he sought further clarification.

"Is it worth acquiring?" Luca asked, his voice laced with anticipation.

Eion's laughter echoed through the vast expanse of the virtual world, carrying with it a sense of mischievousness.

[Well, my dear Luca, where's the fun in revealing all the surprises from the start?] the god replied cryptically.

Luca couldn't help but grin at the god's playful response.

The unknown lay before him, a tapestry of challenges and discoveries waiting to be unraveled.

With renewed determination, he made his decision.

"I choose Basic Rune Knowledge," Luca declared, his voice resolute.

"I want to embrace every opportunity for growth and understanding that this world has to offer."

Eion nodded in approval, his form shimmering with approval.

[Very well, Luca. May the path you have chosen lead you to greatness and enlightenment. Now, it is time for you to partake in a test before proceeding to Ethoria.]

With those parting words, Eion faded from view, leaving Luca alone with his thoughts.

Eion's voice rang out, reverberating through the surroundings, as if coming from every direction.

The sound seemed to stretch and distort, echoing in an otherworldly manner.

Luca's vision, however, was not spared from the strange phenomenon.

It glitched, flickering like a malfunctioning hologram, causing his surroundings to warp and twist.

Confusion washed over Luca as he tried to make sense of the glitching reality around him.

What had just happened? Was this part of the psychological and behavioral tests he had undertaken?

He desperately searched for answers, but the glitching persisted, distorting his perception of the virtual realm.

Just as his anxiety was beginning to reach its peak, Eion, the god of birth, materialized before him.

His form shimmered with a soothing aura, attempting to calm Luca's racing heart.

With a gentle smile, Eion spoke, his voice resonating with a sense of familiarity.

[How was the test?] Eion asked, his voice steady and comforting.

Luca's mind was a jumble of fragmented memories, scattered like puzzle pieces that refused to fit together.

He tried to recall the details of the test, but they eluded him, slipping through his fingers like sand.

All he could remember was a woman's voice, hauntingly echoing through his mind.

It was filled with a profound sense of fear, despair, and sadness.

The intensity of her emotions seeped into Luca's being, leaving an unforgettable mark on his soul.

And amidst the clamor of her distress, one sentence rang out with crystal clarity.

"My will, will always be with you. With this divine pact, I shall proclaim you my first conqueror."

The words echoed in Luca's mind, their weight hanging heavily upon him.

But who was this woman? And what did she mean by a "Divine Pact"?

The pieces of his memories remained disjointed, taunting him with their elusiveness.

Eion's voice broke through Luca's thoughts, the god's concern evident in his tone.

[Are you okay, Luca?] he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

In an attempt to avoid suspicion, Luca quickly composed himself, pushing aside the confusion that threatened to consume him.

He forced a smile onto his lips and replied, "I'm fine, Eion. Just a little disoriented from the test, I suppose."

Eion nodded, his expression understanding. [The tests can be quite disorienting at times. Take a moment to gather yourself, my friend.]

Luca nodded in response, his mind still reeling from the fragmented memories and the mysterious woman's voice.

"What was that?" Luca whispered to himself, his voice filled with determination.

"Is that some kind of dream? No, it felt too real. Eventually, I will find the answers I seek, best to not dwell on it too much."

~~~

As Luca stood beside Eion on the floating platform in outer space, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.

The vast expanse of the universe stretched out before them, stars twinkling in the distance as if inviting him to embark on a grand adventure.

Eion, the god of birth, accessed the data he had gathered about Luca.

His form shimmered with an ethereal light, his eyes filled with ancient knowledge and wisdom.

A green text box materialized in front of him, urging Luca to input his in-game name.

"In-game name, huh," Luca murmured to himself, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.

His mind traveled back to the countless hours he had spent immersing himself in virtual worlds, forging friendships, and overcoming challenges.

One in-game name stood out above the rest, the name that had become synonymous with his achievements and reputation.

With a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, Luca confidently typed in "Larion" as his in-game name.

It was a name that held meaning and significance, a symbol of his resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.

As Luca confidently entered his in-game name, "Larion," into the green text box, a sudden surge of energy enveloped him. The world around him seemed to ripple and twist as if reality itself was being rewritten.

Large and small green boxes materialized, encircling Luca. Each box contained a memory, a fragment of his past, playing out before him like a vivid hologram.

The memories began with Luca's childhood, the sound of laughter and the warmth of his family's embrace filling the air.

He watched as his younger self explored the world with wide-eyed wonder, discovering the joy of friendship and the thrill of adventure.

The memories shifted, and Luca saw himself as a teenager, engrossed in virtual worlds, his fingers dancing across a keyboard, his eyes filled with determination and excitement.

He relived the countless hours spent battling mythical creatures, solving intricate puzzles, and forging unbreakable bonds with fellow gamers.

The holographic memories continued to unfold, capturing Luca's journey through life. He saw himself facing challenges head-on, overcoming obstacles with unwavering resolve.

He witnessed moments of triumph and moments of heartache, each memory etching itself into the very fabric of his being.

As the final memory played out, all the other boxes vanished, leaving only one tall, blueish box standing before him.

It glowed with an otherworldly aura, emanating a sense of power and mystery.

Luca's heart raced as he reached out to touch the holographic box.

A surge of energy coursed through his fingertips, connecting him to the very essence of the game.

The box shows his stats and power.

[Congratulations & Welcome!]

[Name: Larion]

[Selected Race: Human]

[Level: 0]

[Class: None]

[Intelligence: 40]

[Strength: 20]

[Dexterity: 20]

[Durability: 15]

[Agility: 20]

[Element: None]

"What the fuck?! I have no elemental powers?! What kind of sick joke is this?!" Luca shouted in frustration, his voice echoing through the vast expanse of the virtual world.

His eyes narrowed, disbelief etched across his face as his stats appeared before him.

In a world where magic thrived, it was a grave disadvantage to have no elemental powers.

Every MMORPG he had encountered so far possessed the ability to wield the forces of fire, water, earth, or air.

It was an integral part of their identity, their strength, and their strategy in battles.

Luca clenched his fists, the disappointment welling up within him.

This was not what he had expected when he embarked on this new adventure.

How could he compete with other players when he lacked the very essence of their power?

[Wow! You're the very first player to ever have no elemental powers,] Eion said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

The god of birth watched Luca closely, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"No shit?!" Luca responds irritated.

Luca's anger intensified at Eion's words.

He had always prided himself on his gaming prowess, on his ability to adapt and overcome any challenge.

But this? This was a cruel twist of fate, a wrench thrown into the gears of his dreams.

Shocked by Luca's reaction, Eion offered to report the issue to the game's developers.

[Perhaps they can fix this mistake,] he suggested, his voice filled with concern.

Luca paused for a moment, considering the offer.

If he reported this, there was a chance he might never be able to play the game again.

The DivePod XFinal was an expensive piece of technology, one that he couldn't afford to replace, he could not play the game without buying the DivePod.

He couldn't let his friend down, and he had to honor the gift he had given him.

"No, Eion," Luca said, determination filling his voice.

"I'll manage somehow. There must be other ways to thrive in this game. I'll find my own path."

Eion nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

[I admire your optimism, my friend. May your journey be filled with unexpected discoveries and triumphs.]

With renewed resolve, Luca continued to finish the character creation process, determined to make the most of the hand he had been dealt.

The holographic surroundings shifted once again, transporting him to a bustling floating town where other players had gathered.

Luca's eyes scanned the crowd, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Something was amiss.

Every player he saw belonged to the human race, not a single dwarf, elf, or other race players in sight.

His mind whirled with questions.

Where were the other races?

Was this some sort of oversight?

Or was there a deeper reason behind their absence?

Luca's gaze darted around, searching for answers amidst the sea of human players.

He knew one thing for certain-he needed to adapt, to find his own path, regardless of the absence of elemental powers or the unusual lack of diversity.

As he stood in the bustling town, surrounded by strangers, Luca felt a spark of determination ignite within him.

He would earn money, explore the world of Titan's Advent, and carve out a niche for himself in this vast and fantastical realm.

With a deep breath, he took his first steps, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.

The world of Ethoria beckoned, and Luca would prove that one's worth was not solely defined by the powers they possessed.