《Dauntless Star》 Prologue: Such a Beautiful Night Sky Prologue It¡¯s the year 2080 and WWIII is coming to an end. Numerous countries have been destroyed and the nuclear fallout is at its peak. Fertile lands wrecked, beautiful towering city¡¯s obliterated and Mother Nature is filled with so much radiation that it is now nothing more than an toxic wasteland. Only 9% of the earth is estimated to still be able to support life! However this percentage is shrinking by the week as the nuclear winter approaches. Scientists have predicted that in 1.3 years the surface will be unable to support life. Out of the ashes of the ruined countries two major powers have emerged. The Southern Alliance (SA) and the Northern United Nations (NUN). Both powers desperately sought salvation from the oncoming tribulations. NUN sought to harness the heat from the Earths core. They started construction on massive self-sufficient bunkers deep within the earths crust where it is still warm. Desperately seeking the day they could return to the surface. However due to the incredible amount of radiation scientists estimated it will take two century¡¯s before they can even consider it. The Southern Alliance, a technologically more advanced Nation compared to NUN sought an alternative solution for their survival. 5 years ago deep within space SA scientist discovered a collapsing dark star that warped the temporal and dimensional space surrounding it. Upon further research they discovered that time was warped at a 100:1 ratio. For every year spent within the warped space 100 years would pass outside of it. SA sought to send a transport ship named Salvation with 500,000 of humanities best and brightest in hopes that they could utilise this anomaly to travel 200 years into the future while only ageing a minimal amount. However 3 major problems where required to be solved before they could apply this plan. One Humanities space flight capabilities are minimal thus it would take 10 years one way to reach the collapsing star. Two- taking 500,000 untrained civilians into space for 22 years is an dangerous task, psychologists believed that civilians wouldn¡¯t last 2 years before suffering major phychological conditions. Three-the situation on Earth upon their return is uncertain and 500,000 weakened civilians with no real survival skills will more than likely barely last a month. The solution proposed was an ambitious one. S.A created VAC¡¯s. Virtual Actualisation Chamber. A new innovation created in times of intense need. It has 3 major features each designed to enable the SA to make the 22 year journey back and forth from the dark star. First it connected the user to a virtual massive multiplayer survival role playing game. Or in simpler turns it¡¯s a virtual reality designed to teach the user survival skills need upon their return to earth. It functioned almost as another form of life, designed to be entertaining and fulfilling so the user retains their sanity in space. Second it slows the users metabolism to a stop and puts the user into deep hibernation so that it can function with the smallest amount of nutrients required. Lastly through unique nanite and genetic technology it slowly strengthens the users body as they gain strength in game, they can even recreate unique supernatural abilities gain within the game and bring them to reality. All this was done in preparation for their return. However my story doesn¡¯t start here it starts just at the end of the 12 year long journey and the beginning of the trip back...As Salvation carrying the hope of 500,000 people began exiting the temporal field it was buffered by a wave of raw energy. It was battered back and forth through space nocked about like a canoe in a hurricane. ¡°Ahhh crap the lower left engine blew, quick send the engineers down to get that baby back up and running. We don¡¯t have enough power to escape the gravitational pull without it.¡± the captain cried out. ¡°Right on it sir however we only have two engineers on this shift, the rest are in the VAC¡¯s.¡± the first officer replied. ¡°Then the faster they get the message the better. Get Crescent to go fix it NOW.¡± The Captain shouted back.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Deep within bowls of the ship I watch as the electrical cables flared and flashed with sparks. My wrist HUD came to life ¡°Crescent get you ass down to the lower deck and fix the 8th engine, we¡¯re gonna need it to get out of this shit storm or you might as well say goodbye to ever seeing earth again.¡± I watch on with dead eyes as the first officer ordered me around like I was a servant. In game I was a slave to an information guild, restrained from ever gaining a sliver of power. Now not only was I treated worse than shit in game but now I was treated like a servant in reality. As I stubbled forth with my unenhanced body, I dragged my feet over to the diagnostic panel of the 8th engine. ¡°Cracked plating, damaged directional thrusters ahhh crap damaged external combustion thrusters. Are you kidding i have to go into that shit storm.¡± My eyes followed another wave of energy as it striped off more plating from the hull. As I mechanically got into a space suit and grabbed my engineer kit I thought to myself why the hell am I risking my life for those losers still comfortably sitting in their luxury VACs. Then I realised I just didn¡¯t care any more. I¡¯d had enough of being deceived into slavery, treated like trash and having to put up with abuse on a daily basis. To hell with it if I succeed good for them, if I die well I wasn¡¯t living a life worth living in the first place. With a burst of courage or perhaps hopelessness I hit the red tinted airlock button. As the tempered steel door opened fully I jumped out onto the magnetic grating I maneuvered my suits thrusters ready to lunch myself out into the warped space of the collapsing dark. Lifting off the grating I pushed my thrusters into overdrive with an ever increasing conviction that perhaps I might just make it out of this alive! As I reached the damaged electrical circuit that was blocking the flow of energy from reach the 8th engine, I checked behind me as a minor energy wave approaches. Grabbing ahold of the security rail by my side I brace myself. The Impact batters me, rocking me back and forth like a rag doll. I feeling a scorching agonising pain on my back and then it¡¯s over. Nothing but the dull ache all over my body telling me of the damage I experienced. All of a sudden my HUD flares to life ¡°Crescent what the hell are you doing down there, I order you to fix that engine NOW. There¡¯s a massive energy wave radiating from the star. Our sensors are reading it¡¯s about to go super nova. If you don¡¯t fix that engine now humanities hope is dead!¡±. Ahh beautiful just when I needed more motivation... That¡¯s how they all do it, guilt tripping you into their traps I thought to myself. With renewed focus I start repairing the circuit. Fixing broken transformers, power cables and energisers. 30 minutes of pain staking, nerve racking minutes of fear and danger. It was finally complete. Suddenly I felt a looming sense of oppression behind my back. Turning around I saw the most beautiful symphony of colours in my entire life. Expanding hues of violet and blue, explosions of red and green however behind it all I saw the dark truth that if I didn¡¯t get back in the ship ASAP I was a dead man. Pushing my thrusters into overdrive I accelerate head for the nearest air lock. My HUD crackled to life ¡°Crescent have you finished the repairs to the 8th engine?¡± the commander asked! Quickly responding ¡°Yes sir the engine is functional, I¡¯m heading back to the ship now!¡± One last time the HUD flashed ¡°You¡¯ve done your Nation proud soldier!¡± The commander said in a solemn voice. The the HUD showed a black screen, the sign of a disconnection. A disturbing foreshadowing of what is to come. As I was 10 meters away from the airlock the iconic engine lights beside me flare to life. Energy began coursing through the power pylons right beside me. Feeling a cocktail of fear and adrenaline coarse through my veins as my body desperately yet futilely tried everything it could to help me. All of a sudden the ships rear engines exploded into action desperately accelerating the ship to absurd speeds. The force of it knocking me back in space. As my view returned to the location the salvation of humanity should of been all a saw was pitch black space littered with beautiful gems. Turning my eyes back upon my destruction I watch the fast approaching symphony of colours. As they closed in upon me I saw what appeared to be spacial fractures of warped space. I closed my eyes and embraced my destiny. A wave of scorching pain, I felt like I was being twisted and drag through a pinhole. Then nothing....Black pain and agony! Chapter 1 Reset: A New Beginning (part 1) Chapter 1 Reset: Salvation (part 1) The darkness smashed against me like the waves of a stormy night. Again and again they crash, sometime light flutters through, touching my mind only for it to be swept away in the endless tides of darkness. Slowly the tides receded and light pieces through touching my mind bringing with it a beautiful cascade of colours. Slowly cracking open my eyes I see a vague concrete ceiling. Suddenly, bolting awake like a deer in headlights the last minutes of my life flash before my eyes! Pain, agony, colours and space. I remember with painful clarity the ship disappearing into the distance right after I fixed the 8th engine and then... Blackness. Bolting up out of the ruff bedsheets. I dash out of bed to the window just meters away. As I rush to the window I scrape my feet across the cold raw wooden floor boards. Peaking out the window I see a sight that brought tears to my eyes. Earth! In all it¡¯s ruined glory. Collapsed buildings, withered trees and scorched red earth. But no matter how ugly it looks, no matter how destroyed, abused or toxic it is. It¡¯s still home, my home. Taking a moment to appreciate seeing earth again I stared out into the swirl of greys and reds. Only moments latter the reality of it set. How am I here? Why am I hear? Most importantly why aren¡¯t I dead! Feeling my pocket I grabbed out an old model iPhone 52. As I was about to try unlocking the phone with DNA recognition I froze. Like a statue, I just stared at the screen. Slowly a feeling I thought had died well up in me. Like rain striking the desert, hope welled up in me. Breaking through some of the walls I had placed around my heart. Still struggling with emotions left abandoned for years I stared in disbelief at the screen that read January 1-2081. Just 10 days away from when the SA abandoned earth in hopes of a better future. Struggling with the realisation that I was 12 years back in time a million chaotic thoughts flashed through me. Suddenly the ironclad logical part of my mind clamped down, trained for 12 years through wading the troubled political waters of an information guild. I had been used, abused and deceived to many times to take this information at face value. My mind started inspecting every detail around me, running through the sound entering my ears, pain entering my body and smells around me. Upon verifying that they conformed to the physics of reality and in no way a simulated reality, my mind started to reviewing my memories. Comparing and contrasting the details. 10 minutes latter I sigh in joy and disbelief. It is real! Somehow I had traveled 12 years into the past. My ice cold heart cracked by the smallest amount. Hope! A future! I could right the wrong, gain power and survive. Quickly my mind flickered through a list of things to do the next three days. I need to solidify my position and become know to the upper class powers behind humanities salvation. While this won¡¯t make a major impact in the game, it will give me a starter boost and help put me on the same level as the rich and powerful. It¡¯s very important to get ahold of an advanced VAC, once Salvation, the ship carrying humanities hope returns to Earth and humanity is removed from the VACs people will start seeing the fruits of their work. However only an advanced VAC with genetic manipulation allows the user to manifest abilities similar to what they gain in game. Such as invisibility, heat control or regeneration. From my memory there¡¯s only one way to gain trust, goodwill and appreciation from the higher ups and that is through saving a life. Vaguely a memory stirs in the back of my mind. Thevice director of project salvation, Edward Goodwin will or would have suffered a horrible tragedy 2 days before salvation launches. His daughter Charlotte Goodwin will be involved in a robbery gone bad when a crowd of rioters attack a new rich generations household that is hosting a party that Charlotte is attending. Now the only problem is, how am I going to attend the party!Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Looking at my 20 year old figure in the mirror, I have an attractive figure. Well shaped from 4 years of rough engineering working. Lean yet muscular. This figure only accented by the long flowing black hair on my head and the piecing emerald eyes I possess. Looking at myself in the mirror standing a 6 foot I think I have a decent chance at getting through the door. However I really need to fix this horribly awful clothing. Hmmm I need to somehow organise some respectable clothing and land transport for tomorrow¡¯s event and 6:00pm. The only way I can currently think of that will safely organise all this is to go out into the waste lands and ¡°borrow¡± a sports car and clothingfrom some dead guys. It¡¯s a risk, but I don¡¯t want to jeopardise my position on Salvation. Grabbing my only possessions: a Glock with two magazines and a leather jacket I head out onto the rubble road heading towards the southern check point. Looking around at the survivors huddled in tents or broken down shacks like packed sardines I think to myself how glad I am I¡¯m not them. No compassion or mercy from me, that was already stripped away from me years ago... Finally reaching the Southern check point I keep my head down and eyes lower lest I attracted the frustration of the guards. No longer is society protected by such things as legal rights. If a guard shoots you there¡¯s absolutely nothing you can do about it. As I hear them taunt the passers by: ¡°Look at that good for nothing loser, probly has a death wish.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope he dies outside the walls, more food for us...¡± I restrain the anger and frustration that I want to take out on them and think to myself 3 days from now I¡¯m going to be safely seated in a VAC while they try to weather a nuclear winter. Jogging down the broken and cracked highway I head into the city with my head held high, alert monitoring the sky and surroundings. As I pass by a few looted gas stations and super markets I see movement flash by my left hand side. All of a sudden a blur turns sharply and veers straight for my left leg, snapping out my gun I turn and fire 3 quick and clean shots straight into the abominations chest. The first and second bullet strike the left and right side of its parched chest respectively. The thing whines and slows down it¡¯s assault but still pushes forward with a ferocity rarely seen only to be hit right in the centre of the rib cage. It loses all support and collapses in a heap, still breath although weakly. Looking closely at what humanities domesticated animals have become. I see a hairless mutt filled to the brim with muscles that almost pulsate with each breath. Its mouth, no longer is it the normal open and close jaw instead when it opens its mouth the jaw separates into 4 different pieces with shark like teeth facing inwards towards the throat. A menacing combination designed to cripple and strip flesh from bones rather than crush. What a terrifying creature mankind has birthed. A few more minutes of high tension I finally approached what appears to be a respectable men¡¯s fashion shop. Although there¡¯s some cracks and a lot of damage on the building itself it appears to be in reasonable condition, especially when compared to its adjacent buildings. As I started strutting into the building like I own the place, I freeze as the logical part of my mind caught up like a steam train. It slammed the facts of the previous hardships I¡¯d faced into me like a brick wall. Taking a deep breath I started creeping forward, glock aimed and ready to fire at the slightest movement. Even if it was a human...I shutdown the emotional part of my brain the best I could and focused on the cold hard truth of survival. Quickly surveying the inside of the store, with a cold gaze I made sure there were no nasty surprises before I put on a fashion show. Quickly selecting two stunning black and royal blue jacket and pants along with a pair of polished dress shoes I made my escape jogging along the road on the lookout for any open sports vehicles I may be able to repurpose. Head no longer hanging low in despair but held upright, fill with hope and a new conviction. Chapter 1 Reset: Getting Started (part 2) Chapter 1 Reset: Salvation (part 2) As I jogged along the fragile grey road that crumbles with every step I started to notice just how desolate the wilderness is. Hard to believe what this place is going to look like in 200 years. Trekking forward as a man on a mission I appraised the surround suburban shops with a calculating gaze.Like a hot knife through butter my thoughts where interrupted by an unearthly wail. Like the cry of a dying child it pierced into my ears, shaking my resolve and determination. Shivers of apprehension bind me, I quickly dashed forward into an old repair shop and inspected the surrounding skies, there appeared to be some sort of creature hovering just outside, hunting it¡¯s prey. It was a hideous thing, if a bat, lizard, monkey and tiger had a baby that would be it. It was an abomination. Sharp teeth put on a gradually narrowing jaw with a weird distorted body that possess long muscular forearms with wicked claws at the end. All this was covered in strong metallic looking scales like that of a viper. There¡¯s no way in hell i¡¯m going to be able to take that thing down with a pistol! Checking out the surroundings for anything that might give me a fighting chance. My face lit up with a smile like the sun, low and behold there before me a Mercedes Benz. Beautiful, sleek and elegant all the things needed to display wealth and power and more importantly an escape car. This must of been one lucky auto shop owner... I mean, really, who leaves a Mercedes Benz just lying around! Taking a deep breath, purging my abstract thoughts I could finally I could relax the tension that had build up the last few hours, not only had I accomplished my goals in this forsaken wasteland I had also found a solution to get out of this hellhole. Jogging over to to the cupboards and counters near by I began scavenging for a very unique pair of keys... Hearing the constant cry of death outside wasn¡¯t making it any easier! Fumbling around a bit I finally grabbed the keys from behind the workshops cashier counter. Jumping into the car as fast as my legs could carry me. Getting comfortable, feeling much safer than 10 second ago I slid my hands over the sleek smooth steering wheel and started up the engine. I swear it purrred like a cat. Quickly dashing back out from the car I smashed the button for the garage door and sprinted back to the drivers seat like my life depended on it. Because it did!Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. On the cold, abandoned streets of the wasteland a beautiful purring sound was heard.. Slowly gaining momentum a loud crash pierced the silence. Breaking out from broken doors of a garage like an eagle taking flight a Mercedes Benz drifted through a sharp right dragging its front tires back into the unstable road. Quickly accelerating on the dusty road going from 10 to 120 in 10 seconds flat the driver, Crescent checked his rear view mirror. Right behind it a monstrosity that swooped down with a lot more elegance and agility than one would expect from a 3 meter long monster. Flooring the accelerator Crescenttried to hit the max, drifting left and right all over the road flicking up an abundance of gravel and dust as he tried to shake the beast. Approaching a sharp right he new it was now or never. Throttling the car to the max he approached the corner, slamming the hand break on, locking the back tires up he drifted round the corner. He looked like a pro until he reached the peak of the turn, the tires slipped on the abused road and the car span put, miraculously avoiding damage. Just as the car began losing the majority of its momentum Crescent peeked through the window taking out a Glock 18 on automatic firing, emptying the 19 round magazine into the beast only 50 meters away. He managed to land 9 bullets which slammed into the beast¡¯s left and right wing, severely reducing its flight speed as it stumbled through the air. By the time the monster had recovered its flight pattern the Mercedes had already sped away into the distance. In a ruined country an incredible city of tents, concrete buildings and walls existed. As the guards to the city watched with harden hearts the daily life of the poor abandoned orphans they began turning their attention to the sole road into the city. An elegant Mercedes approaches... Crescent stuck his head out of the window checking out the gates and current security of the walls. Seeing them open he started speeding up thinking to himself that ¡°hopefully they think I¡¯m someone important and don¡¯t bother to stop the car¡±. Driving through the gates with more swagger and confidence than he possessed, thanking every car manufacturer that ever lived for putting tinted windows on cars. Cruising down the main road stopping for no one, for most had bad intentions. He wasn¡¯t naive enough to believe in the inherent goodness of humanity. Being good person isn¡¯t something you are born with it¡¯s a value instilled in you during life and something you have to constantly work at. Rocking up to the sorry apartment complex he called home, making sure to conceal the vehicle in case of any wannabe be joyriders. Madking the tedious journey up the stairs to the 9th floor, ready to settle down for the night he was filled with melancholy. Such a beautiful world we where born into and yet such destruction we have wrought upon this world. Calming down Crescent appreciated the silence of midnight, slowly drifting off, mentally preparing himself for the trials to come. For through these trials he will be forged into everlasting steel. Chapter 1 Reset: Entering The Craze (part 3) Chapter 1 Reset: Salvation (part 3) As the shining red sunlight pierced through the windows like a spear, a body slightly stired. As a slight groaning escaped his lips Crescent cracked open his eyes, building up the determination and vigor to start the day he dragged himself out of bed and prepped himself for the tiring day that was to come. Clothing himself in fine royal blues and blacks shining with a brilliant luster, acquired through much hardship. Admiring his elegant and refined demeanour, such a beautiful picture, such a shame this outfit is more than likely going to me ruined by today¡¯s events. That¡¯s right today was the day Crescent committed an act of valor and justice, as he saved a damsel in distress... For nothing more than the damsels appreciation, her fathers recognition and a luxury VAC. Yea reality¡¯s often more cruel than a fair maidens fantasy! Finishing his final preparation of concealing his Glock 18 under his coat with 2 magazines he waltzed out the door with enough confidence and arrogance that it almost made people believe he new the future... However he would soon discover that even when you new what would happen you still need the power to change it, lest you fall to the chronicles of history yourself. Starting off with light jog Crescent was ready to kill the 6 hours beforethe party. Going through the list of items he needed to complete it occurred to him that perhaps to can prepare better by reviewing the location the incident was going happen and acquiring a bigger arsenal.. Quickly jogging through the slums of one of the last few cities to survive the apocalypse. As Crescent passed by the rough tents set up on the sides of the road people called out ¡°Young man, come look over here!¡±. They called out with a variety of intentions, some wanted to sell their wares others wanted to make connections and lastly some wanted to get rich quick by ¡°borrowing¡± this young mans apparent wealth. However they weren¡¯t in much luck to today for the only thing they succeeded in attracting was Crescent¡¯s disgust, as he viewed these hideous ¡°humaniods¡± mutated beyond repair. They had diseased skin some possessing scales on parts of their body, others had the very bones and body structure warped in weird combinations and lastly there were those who had strange liquids and gases overflowing out of enlarged pores or protrusions on their body. In the camp they were called the unclean, the forsaken and lastly the failures. Those whose bodies attempted yet failed to adapt through mutatation to the excess radiation and energies now corrupting earth. What would humanity even look like in 200 years, would we just another monster inhabiting the surface of Earth? Finally Crescent arrived at his destination, an old wooden shack, complete with rot and a ceiling that look like in the next rain storm would collapse. Happily running inside he began inspecting the building for the tell-tale signs of entry. Satisfied with the dust covered floor and the un-triggered tripwire. Carefully bending down and unhooking the spiderweb thin wire he let out a sigh of relief and stepped into the room. Smiling to himself at the memory of discovering this location he was reminded of his days serving the information guild, Dark Viper, when he was instructed to find out every secret that an ex-marine possessed in order to subdue him and make a puppet for the guild. During that investigation he discovered that the marine possessed a small weapons cache in an abandoned civilian house back on Earth. He happily devulged the information for it was no longer relevant at the time. Quickly rummaging through the small crate hidden in the corner of the room he discover 3 sidearms and 2 grenades. Filled with glee at this discovery, Crescent began making his way home, ready and raring to go party crash with the Mercedes.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Taking one last look in the mirror before heading out, filled with a confidence one can only possess through knowledge of the future. Walking down the stairs Crescent began to correct and modify his walking stance to that of an elegant young master, a skill that can only be acquired after a decade of espionage work. Strutting our with elegant strides ¡°master¡± Crescent glided into the sleek seat of the Mercedes and stepped on the gas, heading towards the scenario that would make or break his future. In a lavished mansion set upon a hill, owned by the unfilial city Lord¡¯s son, a party was talking place. Bright and colourful lights beamed and flashed onto the surrounding walls, disfiguring elegant works of art centuries old. Surrounding the mansion was a distinguished marble wall 2 meters night, a proud gate of steel flanked by two muscular body guards stood on watch, ready to cast out any riff raft that thought to enter uninvited. A sleek black Mercedes Benz approaches, maned by the ¡°elegant¡± and ¡°respectable¡± young master Crescent. The guards, raised up from the dregs of gang society stood to attention and ignorantly opened the gates for this seemingly grand visitor who possessed such a powerful and expensive vehicle. As the Mercedes smoothly transitioned through the gates a slight sigh went unheard, echoing from with in the confines of the car. Crescent taking a deep breath feeling very relieved slowly parked the car in the provided area. Stepping out with practiced ease and elegance he took in the view before him, beautiful statues of warriors in various forms lined the sides of the marbled pavement. Centered in the path was a beautifully sculpted female mermaid fountain with water spitting out of her mouth running over the body in a sensual way, slowly dripping into Koi filled waters. What an extravagant mansion Crescent thought to himself. Approaching the gates an aura of refined elegance rushed out from him like a proud river. Pushing open the polished oak doors littered with carvings Crescent entered what could only be described as a night club. Thinking to himself that it was so unfortunately rich upstarts don¡¯t possess the same refined tastes as generational families. ¡°I guess they could never have been compared¡± thought Crescent, surprised to believe Charlotte Goodwin would even consider visiting such a crude party like this, Crescent began blending in, dancing, if you could call it that, the same way as the others surrounding him. Slowly making his way through the crowd two young ladies dressed up in an incredible amount of makeup and bling began approaching him Chapter 1 Reset: Mysterious Stranger (part 4) Slowly the two beautiful yet fake ladies began approaching me, ¡°hey handsome I¡¯m July and this is April and we would just lovvvveeee to get to know you better...¡±. Sigh what a mess upper class society has become these days. These to women where perfect examples of two young ladies trying to rebel against their families even though it would end in nothing but ruin. Brushing aside my thoughts I coldly stated ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your fake gestures of love and pleasure, go back to whatever dark corner you crawled out and target another interesting victim.¡± Sighing to myself at their hurt and angry expressions as they moved away I thought that perhaps I may of stated my intention a bit to strongly. Then again, on the other hand I really don¡¯t have time to deal with insecure pampered princesses seeking attention. No need getting attached to excess baggage that will more than likely turn on me in an instant for a safer environment. At least that¡¯s my opinion on the matter... Finally exiting the crowd of attention seekers I made my way over to a dark corner just to the left of where the bar was dishing out free drinks. Honestly what kind of home has bar in it... Rich freaks with no appreciation for the revolution that is to come. Merely a day away and they partying like their life depends on it, instead of making preparations for the future. Keeping my eyes open, observing the various guest going about their business, a business that generally consisted of getting drunk and hitting on the opposite sex... Suddenly the nearby speakers flared to life, ¡°Good evening my lovely guests and thank you all for so graciously attending my humble party. As many of you may know we the Hillvalls are hosting this wonderful party with yours truly, Jonathan Hillvall leading the charge. I would like to thank all for your time and enjoy this lovely event.¡± . As I cringed at the horribly proud voice spouting nonsensical words of gratitude and honor I truly wonder how such a man was raised. I started to frown as the man in question striding down from the podium with arrogance leaking from his steps, the thing that stuck out most from me is his bleached hair that screems look at me, I¡¯m cool...Or not! Sitting up in the seat as I drew my attention away from the host, my eyes caught a veiled woman approaching the bar. The crowd still abuzz from the lastest announcement completely ignored the strange masked person amongst them, more than a few girls were trying to cozy up to mister blond money bag. As the veiled woman approached me I began appraising her as a potential target. Dressed in plain black clothes tinged with slight emerald greens she was draped in an aura of prosperity and power that the rabel surrounding us couldn¡¯t compare to. Slowly striding up to the bar she ordered dark apple cider, leaning onto the rustic bench in front of her I watch as she inspected her surroundings.. Her eyes swept across a 180 degree surroundings until her gaze approached my corner. We locked eyes, like beasts starring each other down, for a good 15 seconds, each trying to discover each others secrets. As I tryed to pry behind her mask, her face appeared to suddenly stiffened in surprise, given away by the slight tightening of the eyes and movement of the hair. She seemingly found what she was seeking.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. (Unknown) As my eyes scrolled across the crowd of maniacs in boredom, I was drawn to a young man in the corner, seemingly trying to sink into the shadows. However no matter how desperately he sought to hide himself, he couldn¡¯t conceal his unique aura. An aura complex that speaks of hardship, pain and suffer but more importantly the ruthless, coldness and pride brought about through shear will power and perseverance. Smiling at the new entertainment I had found for the evening I though to myself maybe my dad forcing me to socialise with others wasn¡¯t that bad. Even though I know for sure that this party wasn¡¯t quite what he had in mind. Grabbing my cider and strolling across with practices elegance drilled into me from a young age I began inspecting my conversation partner. Hmm he seems to be on the young side, 18-20 maybe, quite handsome however his most defining feature had to be those haunting, piecing emerald green eyes. Almost as if he new my intention, he straightened up in his seat and cleared the other side of the table for me. This is going to be interesting... As the mystery woman approached I quickly checked the time, 9:45pm, just 16 minutes until shit his the fan. Making room for my new suspect, trying to save as much time as possible I cleared the table... Striding over she greeted me in cheerful voice overflowing with momentum ¡°Hi there could helpbut notice your all by yourself in the corner here, thought I¡¯d join you.¡±. Smiling as best I could at her cheerful attitude I introduced myself in hopes of obtaining more information from her. ¡°Lovely to meet you miss...¡± keeping my elegance of a refied gentleman I patiently waited for her reply. ¡°Miss Charwin, you are?¡± ¡°Ahh sorry I¡¯m Crescent, a lovely veil your wearing is it alright if I take a closer look at the craftsmanship.¡±. Trying my best to come across as curious and not inquisitive I waited for the response. ¡°I¡¯m flattered to meet you Crescent, it¡¯s such a relief that I¡¯m not the only sane person attending this party. As for my veil I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t want to ruin my air of mystery, plus it¡¯s a personal preference, you never know I could be hideous under this.¡± Twitching my left eye at overly cheerful voice that gave away nothing. As our back and forth conversation continued with neither of us learning anything new, I look across at my new companion and see she¡¯s enjoying the game we¡¯re playing... Sigh I shake my head only to freeze as a low vibration goes off in my pocket. It¡¯s time! Looking across at Charwin I quickly make a decision to protect her. Even if she isn¡¯t Charlotte Goodwin she still had to demeanour of someone important and can more than likely help my cause. Loosening the Glock concealed in my jacket pocket I look across at my new ¡°baggage¡±, still happily smile and chatting away like she was born to it. I count in my head, 3,2,1 jumping across at Charwin, I push her to the ground as she shrieks in protest at the sudden assault. Like the sound of raindrops a heavy handheld machine bursts to life shredding holes in the surrounding walls like swiss cheese. Each bullet penetrated through the walls into the closely pack crowd of panicked and crazed maniacs. Every shot ripped through up to three people before finally losing momentum. The suppressive fire continued for 2 minutes before nothing but silence and the wails of the wounded and oppressed traveled throughout the building Chapter 1 Reset: Reality Hurts (part 5) Chapter 1 Reset: On A Knifes Edge (Part 5) (Charwin) The shock of what happened still flashes through me, terrorising my mind. One second I was happily chatting away to my new friend Crescent the next he¡¯s rushing towards me like a bulldozer on steroids. Still struggling to clear my dazed head, I hear the final sounds of what I assume to be gunfire piecing through and ricocheting around the lavished mansion. Finally my vision clearing up I look from underneath the body covering me and see the horrors of war, bodies scattered with holes coving their abdomen and legs. Beneath then puddles of blood soaked the carpet with unidentifiable pieces of flesh that I dread to even think about. Struggling to adapt to the new found silence, only interrupted by the groans of the damned, I hear the body above me release slight grunt. In apprehension I look at the surrounding limbs covering me and notice that a wound about the size of a child¡¯s hand stands out from his left arm, Crescent¡¯s arm... It pours blood out like a waterfall spreading it over the left hand side of my body. Struggling to move I hear a deep, cold but reassuring voice tell me ¡°Don¡¯t move, we¡¯re not safe yet!¡±. Complying with the voice above I freeze like a block of ice. Suddenly cold hard steps enter through the entrance, the surrounding witnesses cry out in pain ¡°Help, help is here.¡± ¡°Quickly over here I¡¯m wounded please help me.¡±. I hear in my surroundings a orchestra of voice all crying for attention and help. Inspired by the masses I take a deep breath in my panicked state and prepare to call out. Only to be interrupted by a large warm hand pressing against my lips ¡° Shush you really don¡¯t want to draw attention right now¡±. Confused and scared I get ready to retort, only to be interrupted by the steps approach a voice crying out for help. Suddenly everything went still as I heard a cruel commanding voice state ¡°fire¡±. A dozen guns respond to the call, barking balls of lead and fire. Shivering in fear I wait in silence for the only person I can rely on right now, Crescent! (Switched Point Of View) In a lavished mansion only tarnished by the excess of blood and flesh dripping onto the ground an interesting scene was taking place. Men in military uniforms marched amongst the bodies with a cold precision. Like tempered steel their faces revealed nothing. As one of the men turned over a bloodied body a groan pierced the air, taking a short glance at the man next to him, who replied in a cold voice ¡°Johnny you know the drill, I know it¡¯s difficult but it¡¯s them or us and I for one ain¡¯t planning on giving them an excuse to shoot me for insubordination anytime soon!¡± Steeling himself Johnny aim the barrel of his AKM and pulled the trigger with an unflinching gaze. All around the mansion similar scenes where being carried out. In a room hidden slightly off to the side two soldiers approached the last bodies they had yet to search. A young woman with a man draped across her lay concealed slightly in the shadowy corners of the bar. Letting out a heavy sigh as he prepared to desecrate the young couples bodies the soldier approached as his partner flanked him merely half a meter away. Suddenly the supposedly dead corpses exploded into action as Crescent swiftly expanded his arms, grabbing two shards of shattered glass that had fallen from a nearby mirror he leapt from the ground, arms extended in a lethal throat stab. The soldiers startled by the corpses reaction, struggled to process what was happening. Through instinct built up over a couple of years of apocalyptic hardship and war they attempted to dodge to the side. Unfortunately they were no heros or protagonist and definitely not enhanced in anyway. Thus the the two shards merrily continued on there journey, only slightly deviating from a central throat cut too the jugular vein which was brutally opened by the jagged edges of the glass. More blood spurted onto the crimson carpet. Still dripping with the blood of his enemies Crescent stood up. Looking at the soldiers still chocking on their own blood he knelt down, scavenging the two AKMs from their bodies he quickly dragged them behind the bar, hoping to buy a few more seconds if someone discovered them now. Quickly running over to Charwin he stumbled a bit due to both blood loss and the beautiful face he was staring at, a face that belonged to Charlotte Goodwin! I mean sure he had his suspicions but still... Despite the situation he was in a small smile broke out on his face. Charlotte gently tried to right herself still suffering from a lack of blood circulation from the weight pressing down on her limbs a few minutes ago. Resting a hand on Crescent for support she slowly manage to maintain a more convenient position.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. (Crescent) Looking around at his surroundings, he admired the produce of his work. Two men down and another ten un-alerted guys to go. Never underestimate surprise, especially if you happen to possess two grenades and a couple of AKMs. Awoken from his thoughts by the slight tugging on his shoulder he looked over and saw Charwin, or perhaps Charlotte he should call her now, looking at him in askance. Smiling at her a plan began to form in his mind... (Third Person) Within the central hall of the mansion a group of 8 soldiers crowded around an ancient round table. Two remained on looking, their sharp hawk eyes lurking on any suspicious vehicles or people who sought to infiltrate. ¡°Captain have we located the target yet?¡± A stern soldier asked. ¡°No we still have two men out looking for her, or her corpse!¡± The Captains strong voice resounded throughout the building. A third soldier voice his concerns in shaky voice. ¡°Captain we should send out more men, you know we only have a couple more minutes before the internal security force arrives.¡± . ¡°Silence, we only....¡± The captains voice loudly declared only to fade away at the arrival of two of their comrades. ¡°Jerkins, Rodny where on this damn planet have you been searching, we need to go now did you acquire the proof we need?¡± The captain asked in a slightly joyful tone as he eyed ¡°Jerkins¡± full hands. Suddenly an unfamiliar voice came out of ¡°Jerkins¡± mouth ¡°Of course we did captain, here it is, catch!¡±. Two grenades came flying towards the group, the captain reacted with professional actions, quickly dashing forward he slapped aside one of the grenades with the butt of his rifle. Unfortunately it went flying towards one of the lookouts. Two soft clicks were heard as a couple of bright balls of fire and shrapnel exploded causing havoc. Quickly Crescent, dressed in Jerkins uniform, aimed his rifle at the remaining lookout during the confusion. Lead promising pain and damnation shot forward, penetrating the chest of the man. Everything happened so fast, one second there was a group of ten men standing there the next, a pile of burnt corpses full of holes. Crescent strode back slowly to Charlotte, filled of no small amount of pride and triumph. As he was less than a meter and a half away out of the corner his eye he saw the dying captain lining up the barrel of his gun in Charlotte direction. Quickly screaming out in anger and rage Crescent charged towards Charlotte, no way was he going to let all his hard work be for nothing. Jumping with his last burst of energy he pushed her out of the way, however this isn¡¯t like the movies, where the main character heroically saves the princess, getting away scott free. Nooo this is reality and realities a pain sometimes, especially when the world doesn¡¯t only revolve around you... No matter how special you are... (Crescent) I watched as lead bullets burst from the captains rifle, streaming through the air with a terrifying vigor. Almost like the world slowed down I watched as they punctured my chest, arms and legs. I counted 13 rounds the captain managed to get off on his dying breath, with 5 of them brutally smashing my left leg, lower and upper chest and right arm. As the cold hard reality rushed back at me, hitting like a hangover on steroids, I watch as city branded soldier burst through the doors and storm an already safe building. Darkness began fading onto my eyes, I thought deliriously of the awards these loser would get for ¡°successfully¡± rescuing a ¡°Goodwin¡±.... For the next ten...no hour.........Sigh I don¡¯t even know anymore. I¡¯ve been drifting in and out of consciousness. Only recently have I started hearing voice every now and again. I sense another disturbance in my hearing. ¡°How........condition?¡±...¡±He¡¯s.....stabilise......better......we need to put him......nanite solution............repair structural damag.....¡±. Listening to the scattered bits and pieces I hear a female voice enter my ear ¡°Daddy you have to........... what do you....mean.....I want be able to meet him aga.......is he gonna be........¡± ¡°My little Charlotte.........he¡¯s going to have to be put in a VAC it¡¯s for his own........you might meet him again in the gam........besides he¡¯ll be supported by the best technol............e have............people would sell their own.........for a chance at.......98% character integrat.......even....e¡¯ll....only get 51% integration¡± Finally one last stern voice enters my ear, distinctly different from the others ¡°Alright sir I¡¯m going.......put him....... initialise.....sequence.....6.....3......2...1. Suddenly I¡¯m hit with a wave of blackness, losing my consciousness I fall into a dark pit. Finally after an eternity I start, cracking open my eyes see massive glowing golden letters take up my vision.
Welcome To The Game
Chapter 2 The Game: Getting Started (Part 1)
Chapter 2 The Game: Getting Started (Part 1) Wrestling myself free from the void that had claimed me, my vision was met with beautiful cursive writing. Welcome To The Game. Almost my entire vision was filled with these imposing words. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, I was finally back, back into The Game. With practiced ease I gestured and swiped away the gold and blue screen covering my vision, having a short view over an expanse of white space only comprehensible by the beautiful flowing carpet of clouds covering the floor. However the view was swiftly concealed from sight again, a new screen popped arrogantly into existence. Raising my eyebrow in irritation I spoke with practiced authority that comes from deep seated experience. ¡°System shrink user interface by 70% and raise transparency of background colouring by 65%¡± Awaiting the response a pleasant chime rings in my ear. ¡°Examining authority...Accepted, raising transparency and shrinking interface by users designated peramiters¡± ¡°Ding, would the user now like to start the tutorial?¡± Laughing lightly at the new and improved screen I stated ¡°No¡±. My reasoning, simple, the designers of this game had inputted several easter eggs into the game to helps their close friends and colleages. I mean who in their right mind would brush aside tutorial to a new reality that would affect not only their lives for the next 22 years but also their lives upon their return to earth! Smiling at the next screen that dinged it¡¯s way into existence... ¡°User has been registered as an experienced player, updating user authority, adding additional greater talent point to player...removing starter restrictions, upgrading player gear and expanding revealed starter location map.¡± ¡°Hahahaha¡± I laughed manically to myself, those 12 years of slaving and serving in the information guild wasn¡¯t for nothing! Looking at the benefits fits acquired, there where a few that helped the player get a head start at the beginning like removing the starter restrictions and revealing starter location map. The restriction removal allows a user it gain a class unrestricted before or after level 10 and a player can leave a starter zone before level 10. This coupled with a detailed map of the surroundings, if used correctly, can push a player to the top of the early game competition. However the best two benefits are the greater talent point and surprisingly enough the upgraded player gear. The upgraded player gear entitles slightly better beginner gear but more importantly a limitless water bottle that can produce 40L of water a day. Don¡¯t underestimate limitless water, especially in a game that is designed to teach you how to survive!!! Brushing aside the screen I waited with bated intisepation for the next screen, character creation! ¡°Ding, the system has registered your comprehension of the previous information, would you now like to start your character creation?¡± With a slight curve of the lips I stated ¡°Yes¡±, yes to a new beginning, yes to a new hope and yes to a new future! ¡°Ding, unlike conventional games this system utilises realistic data to calculate your basic stats, appearance, abilities and comprehension with only slight modifications available to your character. All other modifications to the player must happen in game with a multitude of mutations, modifications and adaptions available. Also all other stats must be self discovers or integrated into the player during the game to add them into the table. However beware not all changes may happen according to the players will!¡± ¡°Please review your base stats and designate your improvements.¡±
Type Tier 0-10 Grade-Lower Middle Upper Average Human Improvements Minor-2 Greater-2
Physical-Body 0 Lower Middle 1 Minor
Mental-Ability 0 Lower Middle 1 Minor
Regeneration-(Racial limit-X2 points required) 0 Upper Lower Use 2 Greater
Magical Capacity-(Racial inability) Na Na Na
Mutation??? ? ? ?
Adaption??? ? ? ?
Brushing aside the informative screen a table popped up with basic stats.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. After review the information I new and applying the upgrades the system dinged in affirmation and disappeared. ¡°Ding congratulations user for being the first player to reach tier 1 in a stat, for reaching tier 1 additional information regarding tier 1 regeneration will become available to you. Additionally for being the first to have a tier 1 stat you have gained the unranked ability, regenerative blood.¡± Feeling a tingle of pleasure run up my spine at the unexpected benefit I tap on regenerative blood for more information and after a second of consideration I figured I might as well refresh my mind on the benefits of tier 1 regeneration. ¡°Ding, regenerative blood-A very rare ability that requires no resource other than time to recharge between each use. Regenerative blood stores excess lifeforce within the blood of the user allowing them to rapidly regenerate from life threatening wounds within an extremely short time, it is a percentage based ability that scales, like most abilities with the level of the user. Regenerative Blood- Cooldown 24hrs. Cost-NA Restoration-25% of the users maximum health-(does not impact poison or diseases)- up to life threatening wounds. Tier 1-Lower-Regeneration-Grants superior regenerative abilities to the user, allowing wounds and lesser wounds to heal within 12-24hours. Also speeding up the recover for all energy types that place a strain on the body.¡± Finally getting to the end of that tedious info dump, I call up one last screen before confirm my choices. ¡°Ding, congratulations for finalising your stats please select your name and race.¡±
Race Type Description Tier Insert Name
Human-Subtypes-Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern BiologicalSocial Physical A hardy race know for its endurance and survival despite is low tier. 0 Crescent
Locked ? ? ? Na
Locked ? ? ? Na
Expanding the subtypes tab I filtered through the descriptions and picked one. ¡°Ding¡±
Subtype Description
Eastern An Asian subtype that benefits from tropical climates and can eat from a larger variety of food due to their inherent low disease resistance. They possess slightly smaller bodies but enjoy slightly better eye sight than other subtypes
Western The Western subtype enjoys increased body mass and benefits from a dry climate. They can survive with less water than their other subtypes
Northern The Northern subtype is unaffected by high altitudes and thin air. They benefit greatly from hilly and mountainous climates.
Southern The Southern subtype is gifted from birth with incredible resistance to the cold. Allowing them to comfortably exist in sub-zero temperatures. However they suffer greatly in other climates. They are gifted in dexterity and make great craftsman.
Finally setting on an Eastern subtype I finalise my character and prepare to enter a whole new world. ¡°Ding, character finalised, generating, randomising spawn point...... 3, 2, 1¡± The room faded to white and my eyes started hurting, very slowly the piecing pain in my eyes started to clear up several seconds later. Swaying my head from side to side, I was overwhelmed yet again at the beauty of this place, swaying tall and proud trees surround me, only offset by the unique undergrowth. It came in all sizes, bushy plants possessing wicked spikes, tall and long evergreen ferns defined by their sharp hooks at the end of each leave, hidden ground lilies ready to curl up and suffocate any unsuspecting small creature and these are just nameing a few. Suddenly 2 pleasant chimes rang in my ears. ¡°Ding¡±
Welcome to the World of Aur¨¤o, a beautiful world still in its early stages of development. The natives of the land currently battle monstrous forces of nature and mana mutated abomination. Numerous strange and dangerous beings, areas and deseases litter the land due to the fluctuations in mana density. Currently still in its primitive state Aur¨¤o will continue to be developed by the natives and players of this land over the next 22 as they battle mysterious phenomena and enemies. Good luck survivors may you survive and prosper.
Congratulations player, you have been registered as a ¡°special player¡± within the system due to the pod you have logged in on. Due to your situation you have been bestowed the unique ability ¡°Stabilised Mutagenic DNA¡±. Please click on the skill to see the description!
Skill: Stabilised Mutagenic DNA No longer are you bound by the shackles DNA, nor by your inability to direct mutations... Effects-Greatly increased mutation chance and the ability to vaguely direct your mutations (affected by variables)
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