Birthright of Heroes & Demons

[The fate of a successful being is to never fade out of hallow memories, never to reach the true void. A Great Hero of Light, Demon King of Darkness, or Evanescence. What shall you become, player?].

With subtle words fading in front of me, I knew my adventure had started after in evanescence. Hero or a Demon? I don't know what I will become just yet, but one thing is sure, I shall leave a mark, just like with everything I ever do.

[Please, insert your nickname].

Banks.

[Please, choose among the starting races].

There were many options.

Elves, Dwarves, Tritons, Humans.

'There are no demons?' I was intrigued since the words stated that I could become a demon king and yet the option wasn't there.

After checking the differences it turns out Elves have greater vitality and affinity with 'green magic' which wasn't deeply explained, as for what having great vitality means, is that like life expectancy? No idea, I need to do further research.

'Dwarves have more affinity with craftmanship jobs and physical strength, tritons have the greater physical strength and the ability to breathe underwater'.

'Humans, they're just humans... no, wait... they have an affinity with 'elemental magic' and 'holy magic' based on faith'. I'm a bit confused I must confess, of them all humans look like the most fitting for me so I'll choose that one.

[Please, choose your starting class].

'More options... let me play already' I sighed and read the description and stats of every class presented to me.

Assassin, Merchant, Wizard, Paladin.

'Assassins have greater dexterity. Merchants... no doubt that's the one I'm interested in the most but I don't think it is the best option for me just yet, it is a class with perks into making more money, how not to want that? wizards have an advantage as they obtain an assortment of basic spells from the get-go. Paladins have armour, better gear and defence but a penalty in mobility'.

Choosing a different class would also give me different starting equipment. Assassins seemed to have rags instead of armour, merchants... they looked like they could be sliced by paper, definitely not the class I want to start with. Wizards didn't look much different, but they had a pole which I imagine is like their magic stick. Paladins look like they're loaded and ready for war, but that armour... can I even move with that?

I have sighed many times today but ended up choosing Assassin nonetheless.

[You are almost there, hero, please create your character].

Oh yeah, here we go!

I found myself in nothingness right in front of a mirror with my own reflection in front, my body was different in many places but my face was exactly the same. I can customize from here or choose a completely random appearance.

In a haste to play already I just changed my hair from black to a dusty grey and my eyes from light brown to the same dusty grey.

'I look like an emo protagonist. It doesn't matter'.

After everything was done a took a glimpse at my censored crotch, you can't customize that. This is a role game, after all, I doubt you can actually do 'that' in this game.

Everything was done. I accepted all the following prompts which were also about terms and conditions, nothing too strict, it just said that I should be aware I could experience emotional trauma in this game for some reason, I mean... it is just a game.

[Welcome to Evanescence, the Birthright of Heroes & Demons. The World where Kings & Emperors rise and perish, your adventure has just begun, mortal].

The world changed in front of me, I felt a rushing G-force like I was falling from an extremely high building. Before I noticed my eyes opened and in front of me there was a lush forest, filled with tall trees and a dim sunlight that barely squeezed through.

I felt the breeze, a fresh atmosphere like Europe during summer. This didn't feel like a game at all.

In front of me, there was a levitating semi-transparent screen which distorted reality from fiction.

[Name: Banks].

[Race: Human (Assassin)]

[Level: 1]

[Experience: 0/100]

...

[Quest (light): Reach the starting city of Bellemere. Don't lose your way, player].

[Reward: Experience +2, 10 Copper Coins]

**

**

Standing up in the forest I saw a clear path of trees opening and plain soil, I mean... it couldn't be any more obvious that this is the path to the city. There were all sorts of plants and minerals all over, everything beautiful... the birds chirped joyfully and I heard a noise in the bushes, meaning there should be a squirrel or two around.

"This world is amazing... three thousand dollars, a well-deserved cost for this experience, no doubt".

As I walked down the clear forest with ragged tobes, two shoulder plates and a knife in my hand, I couldn't help but think, 'I guess this couldn't be any easier'.

The path blossomed with peace until certain... things, started to happen.

From the distance, I could see what resembled a horse, except that this horse had a single horn on its head. How could I not know what that animal was?

"A unicorn..."

It regarded me for a few seconds before running away in some direction. After giving a brief smile I continued onwards on my path.

...

'Help!'

"..."

A few minutes afterwards I heard some shouting coming from what looked like a clearing away from the straight path to what I presumed was the city, it was the voice of a man, clearly haggard and possibly injured.

After stopping for a few seconds, I heard it again, this time the voice sounded a little more ominous and in the distance I could see the shadow of what looked like an individual, leaning against a tree in the clearing with what looked like a pool of black blood.

'Things got rather interesting real fast, isn't it?' What I thought would be a peaceful stroll ended up becoming a ranch of temptations.

"Someone help me, I have riches! I can give you a lot of money!"

"..."

Those words segmented it for me, 'I'd be stupid if I fall into that trap, who do they think play these games, ten-year-olds?'.

...

The total duration of my journey was about an hour of just walking and enjoying the scenery, it didn't feel boring, if anything this game didn't stop surprising me with the marvellous scenery, the sight of what looked like old ruins of ancient civilisations and lastly, odd ravenous species that would never exist in real life.

I could see some of them covered in a 'red' border which I believe means they were a threat, but not once they tried to attack me or even come close to me as I trodded in this path.

Eventually, my sight placed itself in what looked like a huge mural amidst the woods, the sunlight found a barrier that disallowed it from shining upon me, but before I entered what I presumed was the city of Bellemere, there was a last sighting.

'My goodness'.

There was a woman, laying down close to the path with what I could only describe as a bikini... she had long crimson hair and fair skin. Upon noticing me, she opened her eyes, they were yellow and slit. She didn't move a single inch from the rather tentative position she had with her legs slightly opened for me to 'see' everything. It wasn't censored, I mean... who censors bikinis?

She looked at me and I looked at her. So vulnerable and maybe injured. I could help her, become friends, perhaps it will be fruitful, but...

Nope. This is a trap.

I walked past her, and for a moment her eyes portrayed sadness as if I was rejecting her ravishing self.

'My lady, if you didn't look so suspicious, trust me I'd help you... but right now you look like an exquisite piece of steak in the middle of the forest. I'd be stupid not to think there are lions lurking nearby'.

"What is your name?" She asked me once I was far away enough, I turned around, to surprise myself to see her standing right next to me, outside of the boundary of the path I was treading.

If before she looked tempting, now... I was a little scared.

Her body was still that of a bombshell, but her yellow-slitted eyes were so penetrating that I thought that clean facade would recede any second to show me what a true monster was.

I tried to ignore her and kept walking, but what I heard were steps behind me.

"What is your name?" She asked again.

I turned around and this time, she wasn't on her own.

'Holy cow...'

This time there were tens of women like hers, all looking at me.

'What the f*** is wrong with this game?' I thought this was a little hardcore

"Banks..."

"Careful the next time you leave the city, Banks... the gods' sight won't stay with you forever~".

"And what is your name? Who are you and your people?"

"I'm Valeria, I came to witness the descent of the heroes... I'm looking forward to hearing your legend, Banks".