"Neural sync complete. Emotional parameters identified. Pain threshold calibrated."
Lukas swallowed. Every detail felt astonishingly real: the faint hum of the system, the slight pressure against his chest where the biometric ring had been, the soft vibration in his temples. He was here—inside Upraised.
Sage extended her hand. "This world is vast and ever-changing. But first, you must choose your Union: your allegiance in this realm."
Four symbols appeared, floating in midair, each glowing with its own color and aura:
Union of Light – A golden crest with a radiant sun, symbolizing honor, justice, and protection.
Union of Dark – A black wolf split by crimson veins, representing rebellion, power rooted in shadow, and hidden strength.
Union of Gaia – A green tree entwined with vines, standing for balance, nature's magic, and harmony.
Union of Iron – A steel gear with molten rivets, embodying innovation, machinery, and tactical dominance.
Lukas didn't hesitate. Ever since he'd heard how the Shadows embraced free will—unbound by strict codes—he felt drawn to them.
"Union of Dark," he said.
The black wolf crest pulsed, then vanished in a flurry of crimson sparks. Sage nodded approvingly.
"Union of Dark. A bold choice."
She hovered closer, voice almost gentle. "Would you like us to scan your real facial features for your avatar? It creates a more personal connection, though full customization is still possible."
Lukas paused. In the group chat, Karl and Erik had been joking about players showing off their real faces, but he didn't want to be recognized.
"Scan me," he replied slowly, "but don't copy everything. Give me a different look. I'd like to stay anonymous."
"Understood." A shower of pale light washed over him. In seconds, a holographic model appeared—a silhouette that gradually took shape.
Lukas held his breath. The avatar that materialized was him, and yet not him: a lean, angular face with violet-tinged eyes, dark tousled hair falling into his brow, and a faint smirk hinting at secrets. He looked… dangerous.
"This is your base template," Sage said. "Now you may customize further."
A menu popped up, listing sliders for height, body type, and facial details. Lukas grinned. He dove into the tattoos section first—runic symbols curling over his arms, ribs, and collarbones. Each marking pulsed faintly whenever he moved a slider, as if alive.
He tweaked his build—leaner shoulders, just enough muscle on his forearms to look capable in a fight. He changed his eye shade to a deeper violet, added a scar across his left cheek, and adjusted his hairstyle until it looked effortlessly messy. Finally, he fine-tuned his stance: confident, ready to strike at any moment.
"Done." He clapped his hands.
Sage's form shimmered. "Excellent. Now, select your Class."
Fifteen glowing icons circled around them. Each represented a different combat style, complete with a brief description:
Swordmaster – A disciplined blade-wielder, mastering multiple sword forms.
Warrior – A versatile frontline fighter with balanced offense and defense.
Bagi – A hulking tank capable of absorbing massive damage and redirecting it.
Assassin – A swift, silent killer specializing in stealth and critical strikes.
Pagan – A caster of forbidden magics, summoning shadow elementals at a cost.
Priest – A support class that heals allies and wards off darkness with holy light.
Scythe – A mid-range reaper, unleashing high burst damage with sweeping attacks.
Arbalest – A ranged sharpshooter using high-powered crossbows for precision strikes.
Elementalist – A magician commanding fire, ice, and lightning with destructive force.
Chronowalker – A time-bender who slows, accelerates, or loops enemies' movements.
Dervish – A whirlwind duelist, wielding twin blades in dazzling, brutal combos.
Gunslinger – A fast-firing ranged class with agile dodges and trick shots.
Blood Mage – A high-risk caster draining life from self and enemy to fuel potent spells.
Warden – A beast master who summons creatures and reshapes the terrain.
Echo Blade – A spectral swordsman whose after-images replicate and multiply attacks.
Lukas studied each icon, heart pounding. So many options, each promising a different playstyle. He ran his gaze from the gleaming sword on the Swordmaster icon to the swirling hourglass of the Chronowalker.
Finally, he focused on the Assassin icon—a curved dagger dripping with violet flames. Fast. Lethal. Hidden in plain sight. It felt right—like the kind of dark edge he wanted to embrace as a member of the Union of Dark.
"I choose Assassin," he said.
A hush followed. Icons pulsed, then the Assassin symbol glowed, sending ripples through the void.
Sage nodded. "An excellent choice. As an Assassin, your skills will rely on speed, precision, and the element of surprise."
Another display appeared. "Now… please create your in-game name."
Lukas hesitated, remembering usernames he'd used a decade ago. He closed his eyes briefly. There it was—an old handle he'd used in every game since high school.
"Noir," he said quietly.
The name shimmered in the air. "'Noir' is available," Sage confirmed with a nod. "It is now your official in-game name."
Sage extended her hand. "We will now complete the final ritual."
Light enveloped him, bright enough to burn across his vision. In an instant, the void collapsed.
When his vision cleared, he was standing in a quaint, sun-drenched plaza. Wooden stalls lined cobblestone paths, and the chatter of new players filled the air. Beyond the walls, rolling green hills stretched toward distant mountains.
A sign overhead read:
Welcome to Seldom
New Adventurer Sanctuary – Level 1 to 10
Lukas exhaled, feeling the gentle breeze against his avatar's skin—soft, real. His heart pounded with anticipation.
Behind him, Sage's voice echoed one last time. "Seldom welcomes you, Noir. Here, you will learn the basics, forge your first bonds, and take your first steps toward power. Begin your journey."
He turned to look around at the other beginners, all eager and wide-eyed. For the first time, Lukas smiled without hesitation.
He was no longer a cashier in Manila.
He was Noir, Assassin of the Union of Dark, standing in Seldom—ready to carve out his place in Upraised.