Chapter 2

***Ring Ring Ring***

Evan opened his eyes to the loud sound of an alarm clock. He expected to be back in his bedroom, but found himself in darkness.

"What the fuck was that for?" he asked in irritation.

"Humans don't wake up unless a loud noise goes off," Zeo said, chuckling.

"That wasn't funny," Evan grumbled.

"Well, it woke you up, didn't it?" Zeo asked.

"Do it again, and I'll pound you like my alarm clock," Evan snapped back at the sphere.

Evan grasped the edge of the bed and stood up. "Where are we?" he asked.

"Your new home," Zeo said. "Its name is Eldlubach," the sphere said. A tall, clear cylinder magically appeared. "Before we enter this world, step into that," Zeo said.

"Why?" Evan asked in confusion.

"It's for the new you," Zeo said.

"What do I do?" Evan asked.

"Stand inside and visualize how you want your hair, eyes, body, etc. to be." Zeo explained.

Evan nervously glanced at the sphere, then back at the clear cylinder. He took a deep breath and stepped inside. He thought about how he'd look. He heard a mechanical hum but knew that it wasn't from Zeo. His whole body felt like it was being wrapped in a big, warm blanket. Five minutes later, Evan stepped out of the cylinder. It disappeared, and a long mirror replaced it. The black space around him became lighter. Evan stared into the mirror, and a face stared back.

Evan's face and body looked feminine but also masculine. His hair color was its usual black but with caramel highlights. It was also longer and tied back in a ponytail with a silver band. His hair hung halfway down his back. His doe-like eyes were hazel with a hint of green. His lips were pink and plump. Cuts and bruises had been replaced by a pinkish color in his cheeks. Evan wore a peach hoodie, dark gray sweatpants, and black and white slip-on sneakers.

Evan turned away, and the mirror disappeared. "Do you like your new look?" Zeo asked, floating over to him.

"Yes, I am," Evan said, nodding his head.

"Now to choose your new name," Zeo said. Evan rubbed the back of his neck and furrowed his brows as he thought about a name he liked.

"Jesse," he said. "It means gift," Evan said.

"Are you positive?" Zeo asked. "Once it's in the system, there's no changing it," he said.

"I'm positive," the boy said, nodding his head. Clicks and whistles were heard. Zeo's body brightened, darkened, and glowed once more.

"Okay, you're officially in the system," Zeo said.

Jesse stepped out of the portal and found himself in an empty alleyway. A metal staircase led up to a tall brick building. Beside the staircase stood a large, gray dumpster. Clouds covered the sky, but the air was warm.

"We better find a place to stay," Jesse said. "It looks like it's going to rain," he said. A magic satchel appeared at his feet.

"Everything you need is in there," Zeo said. Jesse opened the bag and found a week's worth of clothes, some food, a spear, two daggers, and 200 coins.

"Is there anywhere suitable for us to stay?" Jesse asked.

"There's a hotel a block away to the north of us," Zeo said.

A bell above the door dinged when Jesse walked into the hotel. Zeo floated through the door as if it wasn't even there. A brunette, six-foot-tall man approached the long, oak counter. He narrowed his chocolate-colored eyes as he gave them a quick glance.

"How can I help you today?" he asked.

"I'd like a room for a week, please," Jesse said.

"With meals, it would cost 14 coins," the man said. "Or you can eat at the cafe nearby, but it is a bit expensive," he said.

"I'll eat here," Jesse said, retrieving the required amount from his bag and laying it on the counter.

"You'll be staying in room 12," the brunette said, handing Jesse the key. "If you need anything, just ask for me," he said. "My name is Neil Lee," he added.

Jesse thanked the man and headed down a hallway. He stopped at a door with a number 12 on it. Jesse pulled out the silver key and inserted it in the keyhole. He let out a surprised gasp when the key turned on its own, unlocking the door.

"So cool!" Jesse said, smiling big and chuckling. Jesse entered the room and looked around.

"You see what's offered here while I make a report and recharge," Zeo said.

"You need to rest also?" Jesse asked, a bit surprised.

"I might be a member of the system, but I need to conserve energy also," Zeo said.

Jesse wandered the room while Zeo moved to a corner and shut down after sending a report to the master. A twin-sized bed sat next to the far wall. Next to the bed were two square, wooden nightstands. A cauldron with a small bag of herbs sat on one, and a lamp sat on the other. A large book was on a pinewood dresser. He stepped up and glanced at the book before reaching over to pick it up. When Jesse's fingertips grazed the binding, he felt electricity coursing through his body. He was thrown backward but was able to steady himself.

"Woah, what was that?" he thought to himself.

Zeo switched back on as if sensing something odd. The sphere floated over where Jesse stood. "Are you alright?" Zeo asked. "There was a change in your breathing," he said. Jesse checked his body for injuries.

"I don't think I'm hurt," he said, nodding his head. "I was surprised, that's all," he said.

"Let's see what your stats are like," Zeo said. A small, blinking white dot appeared in front of Jesse. He reached out his hand and touched it. A holographic window appeared in front of him.

The screen reminded him of games he'd played back home as a child. It was rather easy to follow. Whenever he wasn't beaten and bruised by his father, he played VR games. Jesse wasn't happy, but he wasn't all that upset either. He knew that he'd be weak at the beginning.

[STATS]

1/11/2500

Name: Jesse

Race: Human

Level 1

Exp: 0/100

Coins: 186

Strength: 2

Agility: 2

Stamina: 2

Soul Force: 150

Soul Force lowers 5 point every 30 minutes if weakened in any way. My be recharged by potions, meditating or resting. Can be dangerous if falls below 100.

Perception:

Able to see opponent's level if its not more than 20 levels above yours. Warning: Same goes for your opponent.

Equipment: None

Monthly Quest:

Reach level 10 to receive extra rewards

Store opens at level 10 (Can buy and sell)

"That gives me less than three weeks," Jesse said.

"Well, then, let's get started by planning out our routine," Zeo said. Jesse nodded in agreement and sat down at his desk.

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