《Blade》 Chapter 1 - Born -Urg... A bright light disturbed Prince Diel''s slumber, one he thought he would never emerge from. Slowly, he opened his eyes to a rather strange sight. A giant. There''s no other explanation. The man was simply too tall. Really, otherwise he looked like a normal human. Strange enough, the giant wore spectacles, which were rare even for nobles. ''How can a giant afford such a luxury? I won''t complain, though. I was knocking on death''s door not too long ago and he must have saved me.'' The Prince remembered the event with a shudder. The demons are truly brutal, especially on a young and fragile noble. ''If only had trained myself more! I was a weakling who focused too much on women! I won''t make the same mistake again.'' By this time, the giant had finished looking over the prince and broke into a rather wide smile. His voice wasn''t as booming as Prince Diel would''ve thought. -Congratulations, ma''am. You''ve given birth to a perfectly healthy baby girl! ''...Wut.'' A beautiful voice came from behind Diel. It was sweet as honey, which served to calm his chaotic mind somewhat. The giant bespectacled man lifted the Prince with shocking ease and brought him to a strange bed, with what seemed to be manascreens at the sides, with confusing black cords connecting to the walls. The beautiful, albeit weary, woman on the bed smiled at him, setting her emerald eyes asparkle. The woman''s hair was black, a rarity in Dragonfell. ''She must be of Noble birth, perhaps I can gain a few answers from her before I go insane.'' The first giant lowered the Prince into the woman''s arms, who then gingerly held him as if he was... a baby. ''It can''t be... those kind of things only happen in the forgotten old tomes...'' -Ah, you must''ve not wanted to leave! Mommy had to go through 43 hours of labor. It''s fine, though, Mommy still loves her special little girl. ''... So it''s true. Perhaps this world differs from mine own. Hmm, I wonder what type of magic is native here?'' The prince was renowned for his genius and constant pursuit of knowledge, one aspect of his life he didn''t regret. It was remarkable that he accepted his position so quickly. One fact didn''t escape him, though. ''I''m a girl. *sigh* Why did all the bad luck suddenly choose me to latch on to... Well, at least I won''t have to worry about chasing women anymore...'' The Prince was truly depressed. Apparently it showed and his new mother began fretting over him. He didn''t want that, so he decided to speak up. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! The first few attempts were in vain, but he eventually got his underdeveloped vocal cords to work. It sounded like a three year old decided to breathe in helium. -Don''t worry mother, I''m fine. Really, what worries me is you! How did you manage to survive 43 hours in labor?! His mother was shocked, completely and utterly. Diel didn''t really mind, after all, how often do you see a talking newborn? Slowly, his mother managed to calm herself and asked the obvious question: -How can you talk? Prince Diel was a pragmatist and had thought of what to say long before this. It was obvious that the world he was in was not his own by the increasingly confusing objects in the room, and the fact the he was reborn with all his memories intact would become apparent soon enough. Why not control the flow of information? -This isn''t exactly my first body. Diel said this with an apologetic smile. -Wh..what? Did you mean that you''re reincarnated or something? I never thought that my baby would be someone out of a light novel! -Light, novel? Is that some kind of tome enchanted with light magic? I apologize for my ignorance. His mother blinked twice and burst out laughing. Blinking her tears away, she looked at him fondly. She looked down at her interesting child with a sly and loving smile. -Lucky for you that Mommy was something of a nerd in her younger years. I''ll help you get acclimated, little girl. What''s good about all this is that you can choose your own name. I honestly had no idea what to call you and had just decided to wing it. She looked a bit guilty at this, but Diel brushed it aside, she was his mother after all. -Hmm. That is true, normal people don''t really find themselves in positions like this... Fine, I''ll go with my old name. I have too much to learn besides a new name. A bit of curiousity tinged his mothers next words. -What would that be honey? For the first time, a bit of steel, charismatic of his old life, entered into his still-shrill voice. -Diel Silver, Prince of Dragonfell. Chapter 2 - We Have Technology Props to Sieghard for the wonderful table format. I''ll be referring to Diel as "she" from now on, I''ll try not to make it confusing. <<<>>> After Diel''s first conversation in her new body, she found it odd that she didn''t tire. ''Really, a baby shouldn''t have enough energy to talk this long! I should be practically hibernating by now.'' Then again, what about this whole situation was normal? Diel realized that some of the spells she put on himself in her past life must''ve still been in effect. Excitement ran through her as she pondered the mysteries of magic. Without warning, her new mother began cuddling the little prince without restraint, giggling the whole way. -D''awww! My baby''s so cute when she concentrates! -Really, woman! I am not "cute"! You gaze upon a scholar of the arcane arts! Diel said that to cover up her embarrassment, yet it only served to increase the cuddle factor by 10 times. -That''s so adorable! My little scholar! -*Sigh* Mother, do you have something like a status window in this world? -Hmm, I''m afraid not honey... ''What?! How the hell do people progress in this world? I would be utterly lost without mine!'' A growing unease began to take root in Diel''s heart: what if she didn''t have a status window? -Status
Status Window
Name:DielAlignment:Neutral
Level:1Class:Genius
Race:HumanGender:Female
Titles
Prince(cess) of Dragonfell, Little Scholar
Fame:150Infamy:2
-
Health:10 / 10Health Regen:0.1 / Sec
Mana:1000 / 1000Mana Regen:10.0 / Sec
Stamina:50 / 50Stamina Regen:0.5 / Sec
-
Strength:1Agility:1
Vitality:1
Intelligence:100Wisdom:100
???:9001Luck:0
-
Attack:1Defense:1
Physical Resistances
Slashing:0%Piercing:0%
Crushing:0%
Elemental Resistances/Affinites
Fire:0%Water:0%
Wind:0%Earth:0%
Light:0%Darkness:0%
Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:
Mana InfusedSSS1/10089%
User has infused their mana into their very soul, allowing them to use and be affected by all spells. Further levels will increase control over mana, leading to additional effects. Current Effects: Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.-Restless body -Focused mind -Mana control
<<<>>> Quick Stat Guide!: Strength: Brute power found in muscles (bodybuilders) Agility: Accuracy and swiftness in movements (circus freaks) Vitality: Durability and fitness of the body, for every one point: +1 health, +0.01 health regen, +5 stamina, +0.05 stamina regen. (joggers) Intelligence: Memorization and cognitive ability, for every point: +10 mana. (geeks) Wisdom: Ability to use knowledge in practical application: +0.1 mana regen. (Old Geezers) ???: Mysterious aura of mystery, ooooooohhhh: +I have no idea Luck: How often good thing happen to you purely by chance. (Lottery winners) <<<>>> ''Amazing. The one skill that I had thought deserted me is only only one I possess now. With this, I''ll be able to accelerate and strengthen my growth and hopefully not die a horrible death.'' -Mother? -Yes, honey? -Will you teach me about this world? -Of course! You''ll have to tell me more about yours as well. From what I heard so far, it sounds... interesting. A forlorn smile reached Diel''s lips, one meant for someone far older than her. -Yes... I would like that. <<>> The past week had been enjoyable for Diel and her mother, Angela Weaver. Diel had met her husband, Jordan Weaver, and decided immediately that he was a good man. His eyes were too kind to allow otherwise. The problem was that he worked 6 to 9 every day to barely cover their living expenses, and thus wasn''t home very often. The first three days home were filled with the excited conversations of a mother and her child (who shouldn''t be talking). They both learned large amounts about each other and their respective home worlds. Diel was particularly interested in electronics and their various uses. Fortunately, they had enough funds to cover internet bills. This proved to be a huge boon for the little Prince(cess), as she devoured all kinds of knowledge at an alarming rate. Every now and then one of the blue screens of her homeworld would appear and inform her of the considerable progress she made.
In your thirst for knowledge, you have gained +1 Intelligence
During the lonely nights, when all were asleep, Diel would meditate. Circulation and mana core formation was just as important as acquiring knowledge. In meditation, a mana core would slowly build until it eventually encompasses all of the body, then another would form within it. Thus, a mage''s level of skill would be shown in the number of layers they have cultivated. (Author''s note: 1 layer could possibly create a small flame in their hands, while 1,000 could form several hundred fireballs for the same cost. Remember layers = capability) To her delight, the number of layers she had accumulated was still present in her new body: 189 total. Those foolish "wizards" could never understand why Diel always meditated with the monks instead of venturing out in dusty catacombs for artifacts. Even more so, it always confounded them as to how the pale boy could always outperform their gilded staves. With the help of mana circulation, Diel managed to walk her first steps within a month of her "birth". Really, it was more like an all out sprint, but a few adjustments to the flow corrected that. Squealing happily, Angela twirled her prodigy about and practically crushed her with hugs. For the first time, Diel felt something rise in her chest, something that she had never felt before: Happiness. This feeling always eluded her, no matter how hard she strode for strength nor how much knowledge she acquired. All that was left in that fateful battle against the demon was hollowness. Diel swore she would defend that feeling at all costs, and those who would take that from her... well, let''s just say that it wouldn''t be pleasant. Her eyes glowed with ominous power as a strange smile painted itself across her face. ''I like this world... I think... I''ll make it my own.'' Chapter 3 - Growing Up on Earth For the next three years, Diel worked tirelessly (literally, as her [Mana Infused] body no longer required sleep) to improve both her body and mind. The techniques that she used, if viewed by an outsider, would be described as both insanely rigorous and strange. 5,000 punches day, 5,000 kicks a day, 1,000 reps of all the basic exercises, and all with weights strapped to her body. Most of the martial arts she practiced came from her homeworld, however a few Earth techniques did prove to be interesting. Safe to say, her growth was astronomical with all of this combined with Diel''s mana circulation. At the tender age of three, she could be compared in height to a nine or even ten year old. Her mental, however, was beyond anything a normal person could hope to achieve. Millions of subjects were now completely memorized with complete accuracy and Diel had a better grasp of Earth''s knowledge than most supercomputers. Over time, her mother began fretting over her child less and less. Eventually conceding that a reincarnated baby''s growth would be anything but average, she cheered from the sidelines. Diel''s father, however, was another story. The first time that he got a good look at his daughter was when she was three years old on her yearly checkup. He had to take her himself, as Angela was sick. The doctor was amazed at the child''s growth. Of course he would be, as it was the very same doctor who had delivered Diel and conducted the past two year''s checkups. (Author''s note: The giant doctor returns!). -A..amazing! Are you sure that you''re three? -Yes, sir. -Unbelievable! The very fact that you''re able to articulate yourself so well is amazing! Let alone your health, which is better than most adults. -Thank you, sir. The doctor peered over his glasses at the girl before him. She obviously wasn''t wearing makeup, yet her natural beauty was not diminished. Waist long black hair, pale skin, and disconcerting intelligence. A pair of cold blue eyes tied the whole "ice queen" idea together. ''Truly, she''ll grow up to be quite a beauty'', the doctor thought with a strange pride. His wife had yet been able to conceive, so he felt a certain affinity to the girl before him. -Well, then... you''re growth is certainly amazing, yet I don''t think it will be an issue. I estimate that your height will stabilize by your early teens, no doubt close to 6 foot. -*nods*, I expected as much. Thank you for the confirmation. Diel then turned to her father, who had sat in dumb silence ever since he picked her up from home. -Shall we go, father? Jolting to attention, he quickly walked up to the doctor to pay for the checkup. The black bags under Jordan''s face seemed to darken (somehow) as he thought of the additional expense. This was unfortunate, as he probably would have been considered a handsome man if he wasn''t under such a ridiculous workload. -How much is it this time, doc..? -Oh, no no no! This time''s on me, I insist! After all, you and Diel are practically family! Offering a weary smile, Jordan thanked the doctor and quickly rushed Diel home, leaving just enough time for the little girl to wave goodbye. All on the way home, Diel tried to look into her father''s eyes, as he continually avoided her gaze. Something was new in those eyes that held nothing but heartwarming affection before. It was something that she had never encountered personally in her old world or this one. It was fear. <<<>>> Two more years have past since then and both of her parents decided that it would be good for Diel to enroll into school. Obviously she didn''t need it academically (perfect score on all of the top standardized tests, and GED), but the strange girl needed some social interaction. Diel''s parents agreed than kindergarten would be a bad idea, as she would probably be picked on for her height, so they enrolled her into the Eighth grade. Today was her first day. By now, Diel had completely understood Earth''s social niceties and the like, so she probably would be fine with other children. Her old world had been much different, as those who had larger mana pools and higher affinities would be the top noble families, free to step on all those they wished to. After all, even warriors used mana to strengthen their bodies, so it became a standard for power. Following that logic, Diel should''ve been the absolute apex in this magicless world, but no. She sighed as she resigned herself to follow this World''s uselessly complex rules. Inadvertently, the beautiful sigh from this new pretty girl garnered quite a bit of attention: jealousy from the girls, and appreciation from the boys (and surprisingly, from some of the girls as well). All turned their heads to stare at the girl at the very back near the window, from which Diel stared out, seemingly uncaring. ''These hormone fueled teenagers... thank God that my tastes didn''t change with my new body.'' -Dayum. I think we got an ice queen in our classroom. -For once, you''re right, Nick. Can''t wait to make her mine. Hehehe. -Hmph, good luck. Several lines like this were tossed about before the instructor finally arrived, a frazzled middle aged woman. -Sorry, kids, got stuck in traffic. *Ahem* My name is Jennifer Rhodes and I''ll be your Instructor in Advanced Placement. Good morning! Most of the kids enthusiastically replied with their good mornings, and Diel let out a half-hearted one as well. This school was special in that only one teacher taught a class for the whole day, switching subjects every hour or so. Immediately, Ms. Rhodes began on a rather boring lesson on Logarithms, it was the very basics, really. The other students didn''t think so, however. Most jotted down notes quickly or looked utterly distressed. At this point, Ms. Rhodes smiled apologetically. -We have to start out with the hard stuff, kids. School policy, I''m sorry. Diel snorted and rolled her eyes. ''These students are utterly hopeless. I only agreed to this whole charade to gain access to the better training equipment in their clubs. Anything else...'' she thought, looking around the room ''...would be asking too much.'' <<<>>> Nick felt a cold shiver and quickly looked back at the source. It was the pretty new girl. Shit! Did she notice the act? Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Their eyes met and he knew at once that she did. ''Dammit, why can''t I even get one day of peace?!'' Her cold eyes told the entire story. Nick was average in height, build, and looks; the cliche anime main character. In fact, his only notable feature was probably his perpetually bloodshot eyes. He tried his absolute best to integrate with the other students in their conversations and habits, but one flaw was painfully obvious in his act: the random scribbles on his paper as he pretended to rigorously take notes. Why he put up this mask, only he knew. But he wasn''t going to give up his secret just like that! Nick gritted his teeth and steeled himself. ''I''ll just join the same club as her to find out what she knows, if anything. It''s possible that I''m deluding myself. Although, it will cut my time with that thing quite a bit.'' <<<>>> Diel was severely disappointed by the first day of class. Really, the most interesting thing the whole day held was that boy''s pretending to take notes with such a hilariously fake serious expression on his face. But what was with his eyes, did he not sleep for a year or something? She walked briskly to the gym to sign up for a club. Really, she would''ve done it even if it wasn''t mandatory, but that fact left a bitter taste in Diel''s mouth. She never liked being forced to do something. Several people stopped their conversations to ogle her. ''Pfft, if only you kids knew that this body is only five years old and this mind is almost thirty!'' Disgust crept into her heart and she increased her pace to the gymnasium. She entered in with brisk steps, noting the rather large crowd that had all gathered to join a club and were crowding around the separate stands for each one. Diel decided to wait until it thinned out. Soon enough, it did. Unsurprisingly, the "Conversation Club" siphoned in most all of the girls, and the "Weight Lifting" and "Media Appreciation" Clubs grabbed most of the boys. Very few people chose to join other clubs, which was a shame, as clubs would be forced to shut down if they had no members. Even one member could keep them alive. The disappointed club presidents looked over to see a lone girl who had not chosen yet and their eyes filled with excitement and hope. Would they not have to shut down? They were frantically trying to grab her attention, when another lone child came through the doors, the very same bloodshot eyes as earlier swept over the scene and walked over to Diel. Nick nodded in respect and spoke in a low and crisp voice. -Hmm, guess I''m late... Name''s Nick. I''m not very good at this type of thing, so I''ll be choosing the same club as you, if that''s alright... Diel nodded once in affirmation. Eventually, an attendant came over to help them out. -Can I help you pick a club? What''re your interests? -A place with exercising equipment and a sparring ring. The attendant directed them to a stand with only a blonde girl running it. She was pretty, stunningly so, but not in the same sense as Diel. The girl was adorable, someone you could snuggle to death. A cute and nervous voice addressed the two undecided. -W..would you like to join the Dojo Club? -Hopefully, but I''d like to know what it entails. -Oh! She squeaked out excitedly and began to explain with increasing passion. -Of course! The Dojo Club is unique in that all members can freely hone their skills and bodies with no interference. We do have spars with no restrictions on martial arts, as well as enter members into national tournaments. Diel raised an eyebrow at this. -National Tournaments rounds are based entirely on fighting skill and do not disqualify fighters based on style and weight class. So of course, Dojo Club is the best choice regardless of who you are! She puffed her chest out proudly at this, which was surprisingly full and bounced at the sudden action. Her face was pink and full of pride. Diel chuckled. Really, this kid was just too cute. Unconsciously, she patted the blonde girl''s head, eliciting another squeak and eventually slight purring. -I think I just found the club for me. <<<>>> Uhhh.... Nick stood there dumbly, watching the new girl casually rub the Grandmaster level Dojomaster''s head as if she was a cat. How the hell did she not hear the rumors about her?! Rachael Reave, a senior this year, was renowned for viciously beating any guy who so much as looked at her wrong. The last "incident" involved 23 guys, a tire iron, and 16 impromptu circumcisions. Nick shuddered at the thought. Really, this new girl was either a moron, or extremely ballsy. ''Even more reason to guard that'', Nick thought, bitterly clenching his fists ''Don''t worry, Selah, I''ll protect you with my life.'' Nick eventually saw they cutesy atmosphere dissipate an found himself signing the admissions forms and waivers listlessly, alongside the mysterious new beauty of Class S. He finished and said his goodbyes. Wandering on through the back alleys, his eyes light up with anticipation. A smile of true joy appeared on his face. He laughed into the cold night. He''ll be returning to Dragonfell soon enough. Chapter 4 - Dreams of a Forgotten Realm Hey, all! Thanks for reading and your feedback, it helps so much! Really this is probably my favorite fiction that I''m currently working on. Feel free to skip ahead, as the first part is mostly plot <<<>>> Diel watched as Nick''s lonely back disappeared into the night. ''Strange kid. Most would''ve hit on me by now, but maybe he''s trying to get my trust?'' She shrugged her shoulders indifferently. It really didn''t bother her much, but the piercing gaze of those bloodshot eyes held something behind it, a secret. Diel, after all, was no stranger to secrets. -Ooooh! Does Diel have a little crush on Nick? -No, I''m not into guys. Diel had said this subconsciously, as she still gazed off into the distance. ''Oh, shit! I wasn''t suppose to let anyone know that!'' Her gaze quickly snapped back to Rachael to gauge her reaction. It would be one of three reactions: 1. She would get the stereotypical "ewwww" and possibly denied entry into the Dojo Club. 2. It would be ignored until a few days from now, then Diel would conveniently be forced to resign due to some filing error or the like. 3. She would get in, only to be hounded by vicious rumor, possibly ruining her chances of a social life for the foreseeable future. It was none of these. Rachael''s cheeks burned a bright pink and she deliberately looked away to avoid Diel''s eyes, making her even more adorable. ''...Huh?'' Diel wasn''t this confused since her rebirth into Earth. Was Rachael really... that way? Diel supposed that it made sense, because all of the rumors of her savage beatings were centered on male offenders. -Uh... Both stood in the now deserted gym, dumb as a sack of stones. The situation was awkward to say the least. -D..did you hear about the new VR beta opening up soon? -...No, I haven''t. -Oh? The alpha testers were extremely impressed with it. Supposedly, it improves your real body based on the actions you take in the game. I got word of it from one of friends who works in rehab. Diel already had heard of it, of course, who hadn''t? She just wanted to hear if Rachael had any unique insights (and to watch her adorable "lecture mode"). -Really? Any idea on how beta testers are picked? Rachael nodded and smiled with pride. -They have scouts in all branches of what they term "human talent" for exceptional individuals. Academic teams, art circles, Advanced Placement classes, National Tournaments... At this last phrase, Rachael''s eyes sparkled with hidden intent. Obviously, she was implying that joining the Dojo Club and entering into tournaments would improve Diel''s chances. Diel didn''t doubt it. After all, the corporation''s name, any details regarding the game, or even the game''s name wasn''t given to the public at this time. A corporation with enough power to limit information like that would definitely be picky with their beta testers. Maybe it was Macrodense? Tony? PlenKendo? Whoever it was, Diel was determined to find out. After all, her voracious appetite for knowledge only grew ever since coming to Earth. Maybe it had something to do with her Intelligence stat rising? Diel shook her head from these thought and focused on the smiling girl in front of her. She smiled in turn. <<<>>> Both girls had talked until the sun rose, completely forgetting time passing around them. They even chatted while slowly putting up the various Clubs'' stands and tidying up, barely noting their actions. ''Amazing! In my old world, Rachael would probably be likened to a Beastkin on charm and a Valkyrie for fighting skill!'' Diel was utterly interested in the Dojomaster''s words. Really, they were sagelike in the least. Surprisingly, both had much in common to talk about. Rachael grew up in a strict household that only accepted the best. So, naturally, that drive was conferred to the child in question when she began her unending quest on the path of the warrior. Diel could sympathize, as she held herself up to a perfect standard as well. Both shared insights on martial arts, with Diel contributing hints and allusions to Dragonfell''s styles and Rachael providing more and more proof that Earth''s battle styles weren''t utterly useless. Frankly, Diel was coming around to that opinion as well. Really, it was stupid that she let a little bias limit her potential, and Diel silently promised herself to never let it happen again. -Wow, Diel! I never thought I could meet someone like you! It''s almost as if you''ve spent the past hundred years studying martial arts! Some of this stuff I''ve never heard before! -...Heh. Rachael had hit a little too close to the mark. A trickle of sweat ran down Diel''s back. -Hmm, you seem to be pretty smart for your age. You look to be about 16, am I right? Diel sighed. Really, hiding something would be futile under those perceptive green eyes, especially with Diel''s capacity for deception (slim to none). -I''m 5 actually. -...What? Surprise, complete and utter. It would have been hilarious if Diel had seen it under any other circumstance. Just not this one. Oh dear God, not this one. -Uh, yeah. I''ve got Trigson''s Disease, accelerates my growth quite a bit (sweatdrop falls). Rachael''s demeanor changed entirely, as if dropping a mask. The temperature around her seem to drop to below freezing and her face displayed a truly arrogant sneer. ''What the hell''s up with this 180? Is she even the same person?'' -Oh..? Hmm, impressive, kid. I never would have thought it, but you pass. ''Now it''s my turn to be surprised: *ahem*... WTF?!!'' -You probably wouldn''t have guessed it, but I''m a ONI Corp scout. I''ve read your file before and I can safely say that you''re saying the truth about yourself. That''s good. That, combined with your impressive set of knowledge, means you''re eligible to be a Beta tester in the upcoming VRMMO Dreams of a Forgotten Realm, or DFR. -... -This is a rather large opportunity. I''ve already taken the liberty of informing your parents of your absence, 1 year or 20 years in game. We can discuss the specifics on the way to the facility. -... -Any questions? -... Yes: will I still get the Dojo Membership? Rachael blinked twice in surprise and let loose a slight chuckle. -Sure. Dojos will be dispersed across the Gamespace to train your character with all the amenities promised, of which you will have a lifetime membership. So, shall we go, Ms. Weaver? Diel nodded her head numbly. Then elation filled her steps all the way to the awaiting black sedan. ''Maybe this life won''t be as boring as I had thought!'' <<>> The researcher had explained the science behind it, and it was all agreeable and fine then, but as Diel stared at the silver coffin, her opinions began to change. ''Really, the whole reality of this situation is beginning to crash down on me. Twenty years is no small sum of time, regardless of how many bodies a person has.'' -There will be no status screens, and pop-ups will be kept to a minimum. DFR is as immersive as the human brain will allow, so the realism is kept to a very high standard. Another great point brought up by a certain Dojomaster. Even if she was reborn with it, would Diel be able to keep her status screen? She shrugged her shoulders and tapped the top of the coffin lightly. No use in overthinking it. Honestly, she was excited to return to a world filled with swords and magic, armed with Earth''s knowledge. With a puff of steam, the formerly solid silver exterior split into two parts and slid apart, revealing a tub of translucent green bubbling liquid, the very stuff that''ll be keeping her alive for the next 364 days. It slowly stood upright, curiously not spilling a single drop of the liquid. Diel sighed and stepped into it, which immediately engulfed her sight with a green tinge. Golden letters floated across her now dimming vision, as the coffin leaned back to it''s previous position and slid closed. Welcome, unregistered user Full immersion will begin momentarily Blackness completely surrounded Diel, as she struggled to hold her breath. Losing the battle, she inhaled sharply, which surprisingly didn''t feel any different than normal air. Full immersion achieved Welcome to Dreams of a Forgotten Realm <<<>>> Infinite blue skies spanned as far as Diel could see. A slight rustle under her confirmed that she was laying on a grassy plane. The soft scent of nature wafted across her nose, a familiar scent that she had only experienced in the forest near the castle. One that she hadn''t smelled in a long time. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Nostalgia overtook Diel as she laid there for what seemed like hours. -Well?! How long are you planning on lay there, lass? Diel bolted upright to look at the source. It was an aged man in a navy wizard''s mantle adorning a maroon silk robe. He looked to be middle aged with fine wrinkles framing his kindly face, surrounding piercing grey eyes. -Glad you''re finally up! Maybe now we can get this show on the road. As you know, you will be spending then next year in this world, with it feeling like twenty due to alterations of your temporal perception. She nodded in understanding. -I am what you would call an Administrator, here to deal with any problems that may arise, psychological and the like... Bah! Who wants to continue on such depressing subjects?! Not me! What say we create your avatar? -Yes, sir! -Hmph! Good answer! [Open CCC, atbit 4181]! Immediately another set of glowing gold words appeared before Diel, this time displaying the possible races. -Since I like your spunk, kid, I''m gonna give you some additional choices, which are, shall we say, off the market. The admin smiled slyly and Diel returned the gesture. ''Wow, maybe I can choose one I''ve spent all those years studying!'' Please select your race: Human: No attributed merits or demerits +Enhanced racial acceptance Most populated race +100% quest volume -No sub-races Elf: +5% to Fire, Air, Water, and Earth attributes -Decreased physical ability Moderately populated race +75% quest volume Dwarf: +5% to Fire and Earth attributes -10% Air attribute penalty +Innate crafting ability -Smaller stature Reclusive race +50% quest volume Orc: +Improved physical power -Lower IQ +Rage active ability -Reduced diplomacy Nomadic race +50% quest volume Beastkin: All merits and demerits are dependent on animal choice Nomadic race +Generally 50-75% quest volume Shade: +20% to Darkness attribute -20% Light attribute penalty +Shadow Mana Core -Absolutely zero racial acceptance -0% quest volume Diel was dumbfounded. ''Really, aren''t these races too similar to my homeworld''s?'' It was baffling. Of course, she had seen hundreds of "fantasy" themed media, but there was never a 100% accurate example. The Elf''s ears were too long, Orcs were too ugly, Dwarfs too short, etc. Really it had turned Diel off the whole "take over the world" premise and just made her homesick. But this was completely different and Diel''s eyes sparkled with joy. ''The shades were always interesting, so I''ll go for one of them.'' She told the admin that and he laughed boisterously. -I knew I picked right! Ah.. Well, lass, it''s time for a little test. Three trials to be exact. Get a higher score to get better benefits for your avatar. Afterwards, we''ll focus on any appearance changes. He snapped his fingers and Diel felt substantially different, somehow. She looked down and saw that her body was now androgynous, of middle height, and middle build. The starkest contrast was that entirety of her body was now pitch-black, as if someone had used life''s fill tool on her. The admin raised his brow. -Usually, Shades begin life as frail shadows, only able to exist by extreme force of will. I''ve never seen a newborn so... developed. Diel nodded, but held her tongue. ''Of course, what, do you think that I''m a child? That''s common knowledge!'' -Hmm. Very well, the first trial is the Trial of Combat. A mischievous grin spread across the admin''s face. -Get ready... BOOM! The admin disappeared entirely, and in his place a large group of rather feral looking rats growled menacingly. A rusty knife appeared in Diel''s hand, only to be tossed away in scorn. She cracked her knuckles and took a fighting stance, glad that she can finally put to use the skills, techniques, and muscle she had cultivated on Earth. The rats noticed this and stood in confusion and slight fear. Why was the black creature tossing away the sharp cutter? Diel spoke in a rather wispy and slight voice, from being a Shade, which gave her next words a chilling force. -Heh... Come, little rodents... let your friend Diel beat you to death... <<<>>> The administrator looked at his watch and decided that the new girl must''ve died at least three times, and decided to cut her some slack. After all, he felt something that he hadn''t felt in a long time from that girl: some serious willpower. He couldn''t let such potential go to waste on just some rats! He would handle the heat from the brass later. He practiced his best sympathetic tone quickly and used his ruby ring to teleport back. -I''m sorry, Lass. ''Fraid that you... WHAT THE HELL??!!! There was that familiar silhouette, except it was now completely drenched in blood. Really, it would have been hard to find a single dry spot (HINT: shades don''t bleed...). Surrounding her was the corpses of countless rats, some crushed, some ripped in half, even others completely turned inside-out. The grass, for a good 100 square meter radius, was dyed blood red. The shade calmly noted the admin''s return, and quietly walked off for a bit. She eventually returned with the crappy dagger that was provided, not a spec of blood to be seen. It was handed back to the shocked mage and Diel immediately plopped down onto the ground and waited like a child. -...I suppose it''s onto the next trial, then..? <<<>>> I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Be back soon! Next one''ll be up in two or three days! :GG: