1 New Oasis

Perched gracefully on a weathered bench, the man cast his gaze upwards towards the towering skyscraper that dominated the cityscape. Its majestic height seemed to touch the heavens, an audacious symbol of human achievement that both captivated and intimidated him. With his hands tightly clasped, finding solace on his weary thighs, he absorbed the awe-inspiring spectacle before him.

In the midst of the bustling metropolis, where hurried passersby treaded with relentless purpose, the distant cacophony of car honks struggled to penetrate his introspective bubble. He appeared as an enigmatic figure, an island of stillness amidst the relentless tide of ambition and aspiration that engulfed those around him.

Yet, on this particular day, a newfound determination flickered in his eyes. A goal, seemingly irrational and unfathomable, had taken root within him. It defied all logic and reason, prompting whispers of incredulity from the depths of his own mind. But in this moment, he had reached a precipice where the weight of his past failures and disillusionment had left him with nothing left to lose.

His heart simmered with a resolute disdain for a world that seemed to thrive effortlessly, while he languished in the shadows of mediocrity.

The fire of resentment burned within him, fueling his determination to challenge the status quo, to defy the boundaries that confined his existence. And in that quiet contemplation, he found solace in his loathing—for the world, for himself, and for the bitter taste of regret that lingered on his lips.

To make matters worse, he once had the potential for everything. The colossal structure looming above him was the headquarters of Oasis Inc., the world's largest company. Its worth eclipsed that of the combined value of the top twenty companies beneath it.

This company's immense wealth derived from one thing alone: New Oasis—the world's largest full immersion VR game. However, it had evolved beyond its initial purpose and now stood as humanity's savior.

In the year 2050, a cataclysmic event known as "the Ender Times" unfolded, as multiple dimensional rifts materialized alongside a towering structure. From these rifts, monstrous creatures emerged sporadically, plunging the world into chaos.

Strangely enough, this phenomenon mirrored the world of New Oasis—a virtual realm where players ascended the tower and embarked on dungeon raids. However, this was no longer a mere game.

Humanity quickly realized that conventional military forces were powerless against this onslaught. It became evident, in no time at all, that the end of the world might be upon them.

Amidst the prevailing despair, a formidable faction arose, ready to confront the menacing creatures that plagued their world.

They came to be known as the Awakened—extraordinary individuals who had once traversed the realm of New Oasis. With the sudden appearance of the enigmatic tower, the game took on a life of its own, surpassing human comprehension with its independent evolution and unmatched computational power.

As fate unfolded, a revelation surfaced: certain players not only retained their virtual-world capabilities but also manifested them in reality, transforming into the Awakened. Meanwhile, a segment of players remained ensnared within the confines of the game, their fates intertwined with its digital confines.

Those unable to reach the twentieth floor would remain trapped within the game until they succeeded, while the unfortunate few who exhausted all three of their lives would not only lose their items and abilities but also face real-life death.

Fearful of entrapment or demise, many individuals refrained from engaging with the game. However, there were those who eagerly seized the opportunity to obtain power. Some returned as Awakened, while others did not.

These were the reasons why New Oasis stood as humanity's most significant game, and among the multitude of people present, a man with disheveled dark hair and tattered attire sat on the bench. He was Ivan Golborne, the creator of New Oasis.

Ivan, now twenty-one years old, embarked on the creation of the game at the tender age of twelve. A prodigious young mind, he made remarkable strides with the assistance of his parents' wealth.

By the time Ivan turned seventeen, the game was nearing its final stages of development. His closest friend, Leonard Garcia, who managed the game's business aspects, informed Ivan about a prominent company eager to make substantial investments in Oasis.

Trusting Leonard wholeheartedly, Ivan readily signed the necessary documents and continued to focus on completing the game. Soon after its release, New Oasis swiftly ascended to become one of the most monumental games in history. However, Ivan's moment of glory was short-lived.

It was revealed to Ivan that the "big company" behind the investment was, in fact, owned by Leonard himself. In a stunning betrayal, Leonard had transferred all the game rights to his name, leaving Ivan completely disconnected from his creation. To add insult to injury, Ivan only received a meager settlement of one hundred thousand dollars.

Ivan slowly rose from the bench, his eyes fixed on the person he had been anxiously awaiting. As he spotted her stepping out of the Oasis building, a surge of determination coursed through his veins. With swift strides, he closed the distance between them, hastening towards the woman who was just about to enter her sleek car.

But his progress was abruptly halted. Leonard, a towering figure, positioned himself squarely in Ivan's path, his imposing presence serving as an immovable barrier. The tension between them crackled in the air.

"What are you doing here, Ivan? I explicitly warned you to stay away," Leonard's voice carried a stern tone, his body language asserting dominance.

Undeterred, Ivan's voice strained with emotion as he responded, his words dripping with disdain, "Step aside, you treacherous bastard. I need to speak with my Fiancée"

Ivan's futile attempts to push past Leonard revealed the futility of his efforts. Leonard, now an Awakened with formidable strength, stood resolute, denying Ivan any further progress.

Meanwhile, Ivan's supposed Fiancée, standing by the car's open door, remained indifferent to the escalating confrontation. Without sparing Ivan a glance, she implored, "Leave that man alone and get in, we're running late."

The contempt in Ivan's eyes burned brighter as he watched his fiancée dismissal. In a fit of rage and desperation, he mustered all his strength and launched a punch at Leonard, believing it would serve as a potent expression of his fury.

Yet, Leonard's reflexes were honed, his movements precise. He effortlessly caught Ivan's punch, neutralizing the intended blow. With a swift, retaliatory motion, Leonard's hand swung back, sending Ivan crashing to the ground. Pain exploded in Ivan's mouth, his senses overwhelmed by the taste of blood.

As Leonard prepared to depart, his voice laced with a cold warning echoed, "Stay away from here." Without another word, he entered the opulent vehicle, leaving Ivan sprawled on the ground, a pitiful sight. Bloodied and battered, Ivan's gaze wandered emptily into the vast expanse of the sky.

A profound sense of determination settled within Ivan's battered body. He refused to accept his current state of weakness and humiliation. The resolve to change his circumstances grew stronger, compelling him to make a life-altering decision.

Despite the potential perils of entering Oasis—whether entrapment or even death—Ivan vowed to seize the risk. He yearned to acquire the strength necessary to reclaim what had been taken from him, to fulfill his burning desire for vengeance.