The First Steps
Xi'an stumbled forward, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. The void was eerily quiet, with only the sound of his own ragged breathing breaking the silence. He felt like he was walking through a dream, the ground beneath him soft and spongy.
As he walked, the ground began to take shape, forming into a rough, rocky terrain. The air grew thick with an otherworldly energy, and Xi'an's skin prickled with goosebumps. He could feel the weight of the game world settling around him, the gravity of his situation sinking in.
Suddenly, a figure materialized in front of him - a tall, imposing NPC with glowing blue eyes. Gorvoth's armor gleamed in the faint light, his presence commanding attention.
"Greetings, traveler," Gorvoth boomed, his voice like thunder. "I am Gorvoth, your guide in this world. But first, I must know your name. Please enter your name in the virtual bar below."
A virtual keyboard and bar appeared in front of Xi'an, glowing with a soft blue light. He hesitated for a moment, then began to type.
"Xi'an_Liu_88"
As he finished typing, the keyboard and bar vanished, leaving only Gorvoth's imposing figure.
"Well met, Xi'an_Liu_88," Gorvoth said, his eyes gleaming with approval. "You have entered Demon Apocalypse, a realm of untold dangers and wonders. I will be your guide, for now."
And with that, Gorvoth handed Xi'an a beautifully crafted bow and quiver full of arrows. "This is your starter weapon, a gift from the game developers. Use it well, for the road ahead will be treacherous."
Xi'an took the bow, feeling its weight and balance in his hands. It felt natural, like an extension of his own body. He drew back the string, feeling the tension build in his arms and shoulders.
Gorvoth nodded in approval. "You have a good feel for it. Now, let us begin your journey. Follow me."
Gorvoth led Xi'an through the rocky terrain, pointing out landmarks and warning him about potential dangers. They walked for what felt like hours, the sun beating down on them like a relentless drum. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and smoke, and Xi'an's ears rang with the distant sound of thunder.
As they walked, Xi'an noticed something strange - the landscape seemed to be shifting, like it was alive. Rocks and trees seemed to move of their own accord, and the air was filled with a faint, pulsating energy. The ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble, as if the earth itself was trembling with fear.
"What's going on?" Xi'an asked Gorvoth, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gorvoth's expression turned serious. "This is the game world's way of adapting to your presence. It is a dynamic, ever-changing environment, and you must be prepared to adapt accordingly."
Xi'an's mind raced as he tried to process this information. He had never played a game like this before, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for what lay ahead. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.
As they crested a small hill, Gorvoth stopped and pointed to a valley below. "That is your destination - the town of Dream Haven. It is a safe haven, of sorts, but do not be fooled. Danger lurks in every corner of this world."
Xi'an's heart raced as he looked down at the town, his mind filled with anticipation and fear. The town was surrounded by a high wall, with guard towers at regular intervals. The buildings inside were a mix of wooden and stone structures, with smoke drifting lazily from the chimneys.
But something felt off. The town seemed too quiet, too still. As if it was waiting for something to happen.