3 Entering the Game

Jayce stood before his VR gaming pod, his heart heavy with a profound sigh. The virtual world had once been his sanctuary, a realm where he could escape the burdens and hardships of reality.

With no family left to rely on, he subsisted on his late father's life insurance, channeling the funds toward his education, hoping to forge a path for himself. The weight of loneliness and the pressures of life often threatened to engulf him, plunging him into the depths of despair, tempting him to join his departed loved ones in the realm beyond.

And then, he heard of VR—the newest sensation sweeping across the world. Rubix Corporation had unveiled the groundbreaking full-dive technology, a marvel that transported players' consciousness into an alternate realm. It promised an immersive experience, engaging all five senses. The allure of exploring a different world, an escape from his own desolate reality, proved too irresistible for Jayce to resist.

As he gazed upon the pod before him, a maelstrom of emotions swirled within him—fear, apprehension, yearning, and a resolute determination. Slowly, he managed to steady his trembling breaths, mustering the courage needed to step forward and lower his body into the sleek, encompassing chamber.

In the stillness of that pivotal moment, Jayce contemplated his next moves. He had a mere three months until the game would manifest in the real world, offering him just one chance to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.

"Here goes nothing," he whispered, his voice filled with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. With steady hands, he reached out and grasped the VR headset, flipping the switch to power it on.

Jayce's eyes fluttered open, only to be greeted by an expanse of impenetrable darkness. Above him, distant stars flickered, casting their feeble light upon the void. A monotone voice, one he immediately recognized as the system's, filled the air, its words reverberating through his consciousness.

[Initializing start-up...]

[Scanning body parameters... Please standby]

As if responding to the system's command, a gentle warmth washed over Jayce, starting from his toes and gradually enveloping his entire being. It was the sensation of his body being meticulously scanned by the pod, every detail recorded with precision.

After a few moments, a figure materialized before him—a projection of a person. The figure possessed spiky short black hair, its eyebrows resembling twin swords, and clear blue eyes that shone with a glimmer of life. The projection mirrored Jayce's appearance, but it was unmistakably a younger version of himself, a reflection from a decade past.

Gazing at the youthful projection before him, Jayce felt a wave of emotions surge within his chest. It was a mixture of astonishment, recognition, and a tinge of nostalgia. He had traveled back in time, finding himself face to face with the person he once was, a mere shadow of the experiences that awaited him.

The projection stared back at him, devoid of animation or vitality, a hollow reflection of his former self. Jayce's lips curled into a wistful smile as he marveled at the innocence and naivety that emanated from his younger visage. It was a reminder of the untainted dreams and aspirations he had carried in his heart before the world had changed.

[Scanning complete. Choose your class]

A familiar list suddenly appeared in front of Jayce, detailing a list of classes.

Swordsman: Masters of melee combat, wielding blades with precision and skill. Their swift strikes and impeccable technique make them formidable opponents on the battlefield.

Mage: Harnessers of arcane energies, capable of unleashing devastating spells upon their foes. Mages command the elements, manipulating fire, ice, lightning, and more to shape the outcome of battles.

Archer: Experts in long-range warfare, armed with bows and an uncanny accuracy. Archers strike from a distance, delivering lethal arrows with deadly precision.

Guardian: Towering defenders of justice, dedicated to shielding their comrades from harm. With immense strength and fortified armor, Guardians stand as unyielding walls against the forces of darkness.

Monk: Practitioners of martial arts, combining physical prowess and spiritual enlightenment. Monks possess unparalleled agility and unleash powerful strikes imbued with their inner energy.

Ranger: Masters of wilderness and stealth, attuned to the secrets of nature. Rangers are skilled trackers and marksmen, blending seamlessly with their surroundings while unleashing swift and deadly attacks.

Blacksmith: Masters of metallurgy and craftsmanship, shaping weapons and armor with unmatched skill. Blacksmiths forge powerful equipment, enhancing the strength of their allies and themselves.

Alchemist: Proficient in the art of potions and concoctions, manipulating ingredients to create potent elixirs. Alchemists possess healing abilities and can brew potions that bolster their allies or unleash devastating effects on their enemies.

Druid: Guardians of the natural world, attuned to the spirits of flora and fauna. Druids command nature's forces, summoning animals, manipulating plants, and wielding the power of life and renewal.

Jayce looked at the list of main classes that were in front of him, however he didn't need to think for long. Without any fanfare, he chose the class that he was most familiar with.

[You have chosen Swordsman. Are you sure you wish to enter Cataclysm as a Swordsman?]

Acknowledging his choice, he was met with another prompt.

[Please enter a name for your character]

He was never good with names, so without any thought he just said his own. "Jayce"

[Alias Taken]

"Shit." he responded with annoyance.

[Alias Taken]

"No, wait what?"

[Alias Taken]

Jayce massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. When he had first created a character, he ended up with the name "Jace with a Y". Causing him no shortage of embarrassment.

His eyes flickered for a moment before a smile crept onto his face. "Gordon Ramsay"

[Alias Taken]

'Fu*k!' this time he shouted internally, so as not to hear the monotonous voice of the system once again.

Composing himself once more, he eventually decided on a name.

"Let me Cook"

[Name accepted. Entering Cataclysm: World's End]