"WAKE UP, WAKE UP, WAKE UP, IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP! WAKE UP, WAKE UP, WAKE UP, IT'S TI-" The alarm on a phone gets stopped by a messy haired individual, groggily waking up. "Ughh... I've always hated that alarm-" the deep voiced male groaned, as he got up and stretched "But it gets the job done I guess." He walked to his penthouse windows, overlooking the bustling city and skyscrapers, scratching his bootycheek. As he's standing there, his phone starts ringing. It was his friend Ramiro, but everyone called him "Rambo".
"Hello?"
"YO! You getting on or what?? Why is it you're always late when we've had this planned for like two weeks now?"
The slender man in shorts started thinking back and nervously chuckled "I uhhh.. might have slept past my first alarm? Ahahahhaaa...eerrrr. I'm getting on now!" He quickly hung up before the man on the phone had a chance to say anything else, jumped into his lavish gaming chair, moving his mouse slightly, waking his computer up from it's stasis state, putting his headset on. "Bloom bloomp" The sound of him joining the discord went off.
"Daaaamn! FINALLY! What took you so long??" one voice said. "I just got off the phone with him, he sounded like he just woke up." The voice from the phone said in response. "This man didn't even brush his teeth yet!" Another voice laughed "He didn't even shower yet, I smell him from here!" The discord crowd clowned around, laughing, as the over sleeper sat there with a blank face before defending "SCREW ALL OF YOU! I set aside an hour or so, I have plenty of time to do all of that later BEFORE I head to my beta testing. Stop riding me!"
"Eli... how do you set time aside and you're still late?"
"Sal, don't go too hard on him before he goes back to sleep and misses his beta test too." Rambo said, as Eli retorted "I hate you guys." He chuckled "I'm hopping on now, you all at the spot?"
"Duh!" The whole lobby said in unison and laughed.
'Solstice War' the largest MMORPG out so far, but with this new VR gaming technology coming out, it'll become obsolete soon enough. So the team and I decided to make the last few months of it worthwhile and there's nothing better than Raids and Guild hunting. Except for doing both at the same time that is.
"Trent, how's the situation looking?" Sal questioned.
"Max party of six entered the ruins about 5 minutes ago? A Scout entered first with some space, a tank in the front of the cluster, there was a Healer in the middle with one Berserker and one Magician between and a tank in the back of the cluster. Pretty solid team but they didn't look like much to handle. Gear was subpar at best."
Eli fast traveled to a location near them and started rushing to the frontlines with Trent, just to do additional recon. "Eli, you close yet or what?" Ramiro asked. "Yessir, I'm closing in now. I see Trent positioned in the tree. How you guys want to go about this? I think we could have Trent push in first with Sal. Trent uses Piercing Shot, to take a nice bit of HP out of everyone, since it's tight. Sal, you can maybe use Stone Castle, Blinding Mist and a Water infusion on your blade for that added defense and damage. Me and Rambo can come in from the rear and he can combo your mist with Lightning Fissure, to deal some massive damage while I'm still hiding and picking people off. Sounds good or we have a different plan, what's up?"
"I'm down with that!" Rambo replied. "Bet, lets go get these people then!" Sal commented, as he hopped down from the cliff overlooking the Ruins of Vetsbane, using his "WaveRider", a rare event item that let him surf on any flat surface, like his feet was a surfboard themselves. He quickly closed the distance between himself, Trent and Eli, as Trent jumped from tree to tree, towards the entrance to meet up with Sal. Rambo tagged behind, using his electricity powers to amplify his movement speed, rendezvousing with Eli.
"Lets get to hunting and looting fellas." Sal said, rushing the entrance with Trent in the lead. After a few seconds, Rambo and Eli followed suit.
"GRRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!"
A deep, earth quaking growl was let out, vibrating the walls and floor around the team, which symbolized the team prior had made it to one of the 4 floor bosses; A massive Chimera without wings.
"Are we kill-stealing or swiping them when they finish?" Trent asked but sal was already creating his armor and preparing to mist the area "Oh nah, I'm HUNGRY!" They all laughed a bit as Trents Archer hit the two tanks and the healer with an "ensnaring shot", pinning them to the area for 20 seconds and positioning himself to hit those three specifically, with piercing shot. As he readied his skill, charging it to max, Sals mist started to set in heavily. During that time, the berserker and mage accrued aggro from the boss and had to evade, avoiding critical damage.
"I set the stage baby! Where y'all at?" Sal questioned and as he finished, Rambo used Lightning Fissure, simultaneously with Piercing Shot which obliterated the healer and not only heavily damaged the tanks, but the boss as well as the two other members of the opposing team. "Rambo, come focus this tank with me, let Trent and Eli handle that other one while the boss deals with the others!" Sal yelled out as his character fell into the floor, as if it was made of water itself, shooting from the floor into the air behind one of the tanks and crashing down with a massive water strike to the rear.
"Bet bet!" Rambo replied, collapsing his once long staff, into a wand, charging a dense, electric ball of lightning to shoot into his enemy. The tank barely had any time to heal before he was at a quarter HP. Eli was wall running on the ceiling, as Trent hit the other tank with a Triple Blaze Shot, followed by Eli creating a clone, jumping down to double backstab. He did a handsign, as his clone stayed in the fray, disappearing within the electrified mist, to reappear behind the tank for critical damage. His assassin blades started to glow, activating "Boomerang Blades", as he started throwing them in quick succession at his target. Upon connecting, they returned for him to continue his assault.
Rambo used "Pillars of Ifrit", a special skill gained from an event specifically for mages, which almost obliterated the first tank. "I'm going after the mage!" Sal said, as he beelined towards the two other combatants, still keeping the boss busy. "Arthurs Might, Merlins Rage" Two skills from a special event, specifically for the swordsman/mage class was used in conjunction. Arthurs Might - At the cost of attack speed, greatly increase damage and infuses the power of Earth into each swing, ignoring defense. Merlins Rage - For a set duration, you can't use any spells anymore but every regular attack is now converted into AOE (Area Of Effect). "Ensnaring Shot!" Trent caught the tank closest to him, the berserker and the magician, pinning them to their position, as Sal made light work of the two enemies in his face. As all the enemies dropped before their might, the only thing left standing was the 4 man team and the Chimera boss, menacing and growling deeply. "Spiders Aura" Eli used. A dense aura cloak, enveloped his whole body, as the dual-wielding assassin grew 6 more purple aura arms, with weapons and what looked like an armor set; face mask included. A special event skill, specifically for assassins with an affinity towards magic. While active, health drains every second until 5% but increases movement/attack speed, attack damage, range and defense enormously. "Lets go conquer us a Ruin." As he charges in.
After their assault and successful Raid, the rendezvoused back at their usual spot, which was a beautiful and well fortified cabin that sit alone atop a mountainous, flatland area. Below, was a town in the country-side, not visited by many. Yet plenty of spots to gather materials, go hunting and collect magical ingredients.
"Yo, for an hour run, we did pretty good!" Eli said as he put the loot from the Raid into the groups community chest. "We are only four people though." Sal responded as Rambo added "That's facts. We need to recruit more people if we're trying to grow." Trent nodded "Would be nice to become a more well rounded 'guild', then we can spread ourselves out more."
"Exactly!" Rambo agreed.
"Alright fellas, I have to get going now before I run late. I emptied out my inventory and equipment into the chest, so if you want to use anything of mine, go for it. Though, my swords are critical chance and damage, speed etc but Sal, if you want to use a sword, go for it." They all said their goodbyes."
Monologue while he is showering, brushing his teeth, getting dressed and driving to the beta testing site.
My name is Elijah Thomas, a 28 year old professional gamer for 'Solstice War'. Behind the scenes, I'm always playing with my group of childhood friends but when I'm in the spotlight? I'm the number one assassin in the world. I was born and live in New York but was raised in Connecticut, so I frequently visit my team for meetings and just to hang from time to time. I have to admit, I love playing with my friends more than for sponsors but I wouldn't be where I'm at today without it and I definitely wouldn't have received such an amazing opportunity from 'DreadValley' to test their new game; New Life Online! From the sounds of it, I won't be the only individual participating and since it's a VR game, I'm hoping it's immersive. I love being in New York but one thing I can do without...
"IS THIS TRAFFIIIIIIIIICCCCCC!!!!" Eli screamed as car horns blared around him.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the grand building, removing his shades to take in the whole thing. "So this is it. Apparently, the start of my new life right? At least, that's how it was explained to me." He said to himself as he entered the building, walking to the receptionist.
"Good morning sir! How may I be of assistance to you today?" The energetic female of peanut butter complexion inquired, with a big smile. Eli gave a warm smile back "Good morning. I'm here for the 'New Life Online' beta testing?"
"One second please." She started clicking around on her computer and a few moments later "Pft!-" She let out a snicker "Mr. Thomas?" She asked, looking up from her glasses. With a confused face he responded "Uhh.. yeah?"
"Well, it says here that I should 'expect him to be grossly delayed.' but-"
"HEY! I'M VERY PUNCTUAL!" Eli cut in, slamming his hand on the table, outraged but she just chuckled it off "It says you'd be upset too. Mr. Langston will be down shortly to escort you up." And as she finished her statement, a sharp looking man with slicked back hair, in a suit came walking around a nearby corner. "Ahh, Eli, you're actually early! Your manager was wrong for once."
Eli dropped his head for a second, embarrassed, "WELL WHAT DOES HE KNOW!?"
The man let out a boisterous laugh "HAHAHAHA! We're ecstatic to have you aboard the testing phase! Please, please, it's all out of jokes and fun! I'm Mr. David Langston, you can just call me Dave." He says with a friendly smile, extending his hand. Eli reciprocates the friendly energy, shaking his hand "Elijah Thomas, everyone just calls me Eli." He said as they walked towards the elevators. "I'm extremely excited to be here as well! No one was able to give me information about any of this for the past two months! I've been feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve." He finished, as they got to the elevator. David took out a keycard and swiped it "HAHAHAHA! That's more or less the same reaction we got from the rest of your peers!" They stepped into the elevator, which sped towards the top of the building. "My peers you said?" Eli questioned.
"Hm? Did Charles forget to mention this isn't a solo project? Such a forgetful one he is hahaha! Still the same as always I see! Don't worry, I'll explain everything once we enter, you are last to arrive!"
Elijah's eyes widened "Last?..." he thought to himself "In a room filled with gamers?.." He thought back to how him and his friends would act towards the slowest loader "For sure someone is going to talk about my punctuality!" He looked like a statue as the elevator came to a smooth halt. "Ding" the doors opened into a lavish room of dark, marbled floors and porcelain walls. Eli looked around astonished, disregarding the room filled with people.
"Is this the potato we've been waiting for?" A female voice said, from one of the plush couches. She sat with her legs crossed and a book in her hand, never taking her eyes from the pages. She had short crimson hair and bangs that covered one of her hazel eyes. She wore a checkered, short sleeved button-up shirt, which stopped midway on her stomach and a plain black skirt. "Ah, the heartless cute type. A 'tsundere'." Eli thought to himself before slightly lowering his head in apology "Sorry about the wait! I should've figured there would be people just as, or more, eager as I was to get this beta testing started! In my defense, my manager is pretty bad at informing me of the important things, such as multiple people being here for one. I was also taking down a raid with some buddies and guild slaying. My bad!" He nervously chuckled, scratching his head.
One of the other participants chimed in "AWWW YEAH! I can't even blame ya there! Getting the ol juices flowing before coming into this one right? What game were you playing?" The long, blond haired girl with glasses asked. "Solstice War! I can play that game forever." Eli thought for a second "Aren't you one of the top 3 in shooters for the Midwest? Jordan am I right?" She gave a huge grin "I am! It's nice to meet you! Elijah right? The top 'Solstice War' assassin." She walked up, extending her hand for a shake. "Likewise and yes, that's me! I'll make sure not to get on your bad side with anything shootable close to you."
She laughed "Ohh don't worry, I'll use a rock if I need to!"
*SIGH* "Can we advance past this already?" the redhead scoffed.
David let out his signature laugh "AHAHAHAA! Such a lively group we have today! Since we have a full lobby, lets take a quick moment to introduce ourselves and then commence the dive! How about you young lady, since you are the most eager?" He gestured to the crimson bookworm.
She closed her book, eyes shut and stood "My name is Summer. I'm the top strategist in 'Divided Earth Saga'." Summer pointed to the door towards the back of the room. "I'm assuming we'll be going through here, so I'll take my spot." She said, making her way to lean on the wall near it. David smirked "As sharp as ever Ms. Summer!"
The friendly blond took the center of attention without hesitation "Keeping this train moving, I'm Jordan and I started my journey on 'Smoke N' Steel Online'. After that, I just fell in love with all shooters! Currently number 2, since number 1 keeps ducking me!" She said with a pout and made her way towards Summer.
Next was someone in shorts and a short sleeved shirt, with a backpack and a headband on. He had short black hair with blue eyes. "My name is Kennith but I go by Kenny or Ken. I'm the top streamer for all survival games and haven't died in any that I've played. Usually co-streaming with anyone who wants to compete. I look forward to gaming with you all."
"Me too Kenny! I hope I get to meet you first when we jump into the game!" An energetic little boy exclaimed. He had long hair, pulled back into a ponytail, long khaki pants and a thin, dual colored long shirt. Kenny gave the boy a warm smile "I'll make sure to have a nice present for you when we meet up!" He gave the boy a thumbs up, as he walked over towards the back.
"I'm Maxwell Paxston! I like to play games with machinery! Tanks and mechs, HUUUUUUUGE mechs! And also, this game I play called 'Steam Rolled', I'm the BEST engineer!" he walked over in-between Eli and the last participant and continued "I made this steam spider/tank and it took down a WHOLE ENEMY CITY! It even had a cannon!" Eli laughed "I'm sure we're going to need a mechanical genius such as yourself in this game! Maybe you can help me build something cool?" he questioned as the little boys face lit up "YEAH DEFINITELY!" He went running over towards the group.
"I go by Lotus." One of the last to introduce herself stated. She had silky, long black hair, wore a long black dress and had a deep purple shirt on, which stopped right below the chest and matched her eyes. "Lets use real names for the time being please?" David said, smiling at the individual. She let out a big sigh "Sure.. my name is Alyuna. I go by Ali, Yuna, or just Lotus." and started making her way towards the back of the room.
"Wait, you never explained what game you play or what your talent was?" Eli questioned as Alyuna turned her head to look at him from the side "You're right, I didn't."
"Well, is that your actual eye color at least? It suits you." She looked at him for a little, said nothing and continued towards the back. Kennith snickered as Eli shrugged "Well Dave, shall we?" he gestured towards his peers.
"AHAHAHAH! I like your spirit!" David said as he walked beside Eli, patting his back. "I'm Elijah, or Eli. As stated, I'm the highest ranking assassin on 'Solstice War'. I usually play that class on any game I pick up, so if this has the freedom to choose, I'm 100% going to be one. I've been playing MMORPGs for my whole life. That's about it for me." As he was talking, he noticed Alyuna staring at him intensely. Their eyes locked for a split second before she closed them. "Ahh.. you're an assassin too aren't you?" Eli thought to himself.
David unlocked the door and cut the lights on, as he took a few steps inside, followed by the six individuals. "This next part will be me answering ONE question you can come up with in the next 15 minutes."
The room had 6 weird looking machines, hooked up to what looked to be hospital beds with IV's attached. It was beautifully decorated with paintings and tapestries, flowers and soft carpeting. Everyone raised their hands simultaneously. "I'll answer this one on the house; yes, this does look like a hospital room because you'll be living here for the next two years. We will be keeping track of your health and making sure you stay in tip top shape. Your time starts now, from order of introductions." David ended his statement and Summer started.
"How do we leave?"
David smiled "Immaculate question! You complete the trial game of course! After we've gathered sufficient data, everyone will be free to exit and resume their lives. Of course, when we actually release the game to the public, you'll be able to log in and off as you please." His eyes moved to Jordan next.
"What happens to our families on the outside?? What if we have important events! Everyone here has a life you know!? Kids!?" She was obviously furious about the sudden turn of events but who wouldn't be after news like this?
"Well, I can assure you that all of your immediate family members will be VERY well taken care of in your absence. Medical problems, schooling, housing, food, all of it will be handled. The only thing we can't allow is visitation, please understand that."
Next was Kennith. "What happens if we die in game?"
The usual smile on David disappeared. "Everyone here will be given ONE respawn crystal. It's possible to make more but the ingredients to do so are rare, as well as hidden. I would advise you all not to die in your playthrough here because we're still working on the algorithm for death without a crystal. Do keep that in mind at all times. With that being said, during the first death, you will respawn in the last major town visited, granted that you unlocked the fast travel point." His smile returned with Maxwell being next.
"CAN I BUILD THINGS!?" He excitedly asked, not even being phased by the previous information.
"AHAHAHAHA!!" David's boisterous laugh echoed throughout the room "Why of course young Max! What kind of person would I be if I didn't include your favorite thing in the world? This place has an immense amount of growth to undergo and I hope to see you at the frontlines, spearheading development!" He said with open arms. Max could hardly contain himself once he heard that but quietly jumped up and down in place.
His gaze focused next on Alyuna.
"You said our immediate family members will be taken care of and you included medical expenses within that. That includes my grandmother doesn't it?" She inquired.
"That does indeed include her. I assure you, she'll be around when you exit, exactly as you left her, if not better."
"Then my question is, how do we progress while inside?"
"You live out your desired path of course! There are very limited places where PVP is not allowed, if that's the route you decide to choose. You're free to act on it just about anywhere. If having a buddy system works best for you, find your fellow gamers! They should be easy to spot out after all."
His eyes quickly locked onto Eli. "Last but certainly not least."
Eli thought for a moment. "If you had one useful piece of advice for us, what would that be?"
Everyone stared intently at David "A classroom full of great questions, as to be expected from such a promising group! Here's my advice, and I would sincerely hope you all hold onto this; Not only should you play to your own personal strengths and abilities from here, but incorporate your in game characters strength and abilities within you and completion of this game should prove to be an easy task." As he finished his statement, 6 nurses walked in from behind the group and stood next to David. "So, with everyone knowing what they do now, these six nurses here have already been assigned to each one of you. If you've made up in your mind that this isn't what you signed up for, your respective nurse will escort you downstairs and that will be the end of everything. If you want to leave, now is the time to do it. Otherwise, this is video confirmation that you accept and agree to the terms and conditions I've voiced, as well as the dangers that come with this beta test."
"Video?" Kennith asked. David nodded his head "But of course Kennith! This specific area is and will continue to be, heavily monitored. Your safety is important to us after all, I assure you. So, I reiterate, if you don't want to continue with this process, please exit now." He gestured towards the door. Eli leaned back onto the wall, with his hands folded atop his head, watching everyone from the side of his eyes. Alyuna leaned on the wall with her eyes closed, and folded arms. Young Max was still excited about being able to work with materials he had never seen before. Kennith looked back and forth, with a calm demeanor. Jordan knelt down as Summer questioned, with her hand on her chin "Nerves?"
"Hm? Oh nahh. I just want to sit down already!" Jordan cheerily said "What about you? This startin' to get to ya or are you just situation crunchin' in that strategy mind of yours?" Summer let out a light chuckle "Heh, that's one way to put it I guess. Though, I can't do anything until I step foot into this game. We've got no info on anything about it and thinking back, no one got any type of info about the world when we had our one question. Everyone was so concerned about the two years part, we asked questions pertaining to that, escape and real life. Everyone but that assassin boy at the end and even his question was only partly insightful. Overall, I just want to enter now." Jordan nodded "I heard that one."
David continued. "Since no one is leaving or made the slightest indication of doing so, lets not keep our beta testers waiting! Nurses, please guide your respective patients to their machines and get them accustomed."
After a few minutes of chatter and diagnostics, everyone was finally settled into their stations, laying down, awaiting further instruction.
David claps his hands together. "Alrighty! Is everyone comfortable? Accustomed? Because in the next few minutes, you won't be the person you are now but someone completely reborn! Close your eyes and immerse yourself into NLO! New Life Online." One of the nurses pressed a few buttons as all of the machines whirred to life and within a second, the six beta testers entered the world.
"Ok, this feels pretty weird... I feel like I'm floating and I think I have a body? But I can't tell.. Blind, yet can see." Eli thought to himself as the black world he was in turned to white. Text appeared "Are you ready to enter a new world?"
"Uhm.. here goes nothing I guess?" He reached out with ethereal hands to highlight the "Yes" button. All of a sudden, his world turns back to black, with a light at the end of a long tunnel. He feels his whole body being forward as he tries to resist but can't. "What the hell is this force!? Why is all of my strength gone??" More text appears "Boy or Girl?" Eli rapidly clicks on "Boy" before whatever force pulling him, takes him to where ever the light leads. "You picked 'Girl'. Continue?"
"NO!! BOY, I PICKED BOY!" He smashes on the "No" button. Reverting his choice to "Boy" and as he clicks on "Yes" at the continue, he gets pulled to the light he was trying so hard to resist.
"WAAAHHHHH!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Is... that a baby I hear?" Eli thought to himself, puzzled.
"Look! Aurora.... Our baby boy is beautiful." A deep, powerful voice said. Slowly stroking the baby's face, as he calmed down.
"Is... am I the baby??" He said, feeling the warm embrace of a large hand on his cheek.
"He's amazing Kensuke.. What will we name him?" A soft, almost heavenly voice asked.
"These must be my parents... I'm a baby..." Eli said to himself as the man named Kensuke replied "Gamor. Gamor Sentient."
"Gamor???" Eli and the mother named Aurora said simultaneously. "What a weird name!" Eli said but Aurora thought otherwise "That name is perfect, I love it! The cosmic light that feels.."
"Oh no... do I have to start over as an infant!? Games aren't real life... right?? They aren't supposed to be REAL LIFE!" Eli panicked and started crying again.