《Instinct》


 Prologue

    "Master Ferrick, master Ferrick! Please come outside quickly!"


    I groaned and and looked up to my apprentice; "Jean, what is it that has made you so hasty this time."


    Jean tried to catch her breath, while explaining; "The sign, master. The sign has finally appeared!"


    I froze in shock, but recovered quickly. Without any more words I stood up from the chair and made my way to outside. I saw a bright beam of white light ascending into the night sky, shining from top of the "Lighthouse". As I started moving towards it, I took a quick look around. Many other masters were outside too, standing in place, stunned. All of us join the stream of people going towards the "Lighthouse".


    We arrived to the plaza surrounding a Humongous boulder. The boulder is of black colour, with thin, dark red and grey lines formed across its surface. On top of the the boulder, there''s diamond-like protruding, 3 meters tall, and 2 meters diameter. It''s usually shining gentle blue light to slightly illuminate our village during night time, but today a beam shoots towards the unknown sky.


    The boulder isn''t totally naturally shaped, as some of it has been mined off to make the walls surrounding our village. It has also been hollowed, housing our priesthood and few magicians, which are maintaining the seal over the descent node.


    The boulder stands on a elevation, which makes few steps of stairs, and a kind of a town square around the boulder. On top of the elevations, in front of the big entrance doors, stands the head priest of our village.


    "Everyone, please stay calm until when the sign has passed. We are currently receiving the awaited message from the gods, and are receiving divine orders how to proceed. Our prayers have been answered, and as its been written, the time of change is upon us. The change might not be instant, but it is imminent! Praise to the holy Esenora!"


    Audience broke into a mumbling prayer; "Praised to be Esenora"


    I lifted my gaze to the skies, now illuminated by the beam. I could see faint glow of similar beams in the distance, most probably our neighbour villages. The view was extraordinarily eerie, as the beam did not make a single sound.


    Suddenly we could hear screams of priests from inside the tower; "Your Holiness, the seal has reformed into a magic formation! Two of the priests disappeared, who were standing on top if it when it changed!"


    Head Priest turned around, looking shocked; "The Eternal seal has reformed? Clear the area, and set a watch around it. No one is to go close to it, until we decipher whole of the divine message. As for those two priests, notify their families about their death, and take care of their needs for until we sort this situation out."


    "Understood, your Holiness."


    I approached the Head priest, who is looking slightly agitated; "Is there anything I could help you with, Brother Tenn?"


    He turned around, looking a bit relieved; "Thank you for the offer, Brother Ferrick, but there''s nothing anyone of us can do. We are to wait until the end of the sign, and then decide our course of action. Bur I would be grateful if you could oversee the reformed seal, and try to make something out of the new magic formation."


    I nodded, and moved to inside of the tower. I walked to the left from the door, and sat down to a bench close to the wall. I closed my eyes and started meditating, spreading my conscious to examine the new magic formation.


    "Finally, things are going to change!"


    _______________________________________________________________________________


    "Mr. Jurgen, the station is ready for you. We can leave in a moments notice and be at the location in 5 minutes. The road is already cleared up."


    "Well done, as usual Neil. Let us leave at once"


    We entered a black, markless car. Leaving from a parking lot, in front of a huge futuristic building, we entered to a now emptied street. Streetlights flashing on the iPad I''m holding, I reviewed what''s going to happen in the next 30 minutes.


    "At 8 pm we will start the interview, and it concludes at 8.15 pm. At 8.25 we should be making way to the laboratory. I already notified them that were arriving, and they will prepare everything for the launch. All systems have been tested, and are 99.9% safe. That is, we still only have that one failure in our data."


    "As long as this interview goes down without a hitch, systems should be up and running soon, and servers will flood in players. So far we''ve sold out the 2 million initial receivers, and we have 20 million units stored across the world. Is there anything else that you would like to affirm?"


    "No Neil, that''s enough. As the system is ready, tell the team to start making prototypes of advanced units."


    "Understood, Mr.Jurgen."


    _______________________________________________________________________________


    "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Merry Stranger show! Tonight we''ve had some interesting discussions so far, but now we are going to go down for the main event. Our next interviewed is going to be Jurgen Slavitcho, the main brain behind the Gorotech corporation! Hailing from the old Soviet area, this man has been somewhat mysterious outside the business, but has came down here in regards of the new VRMMO game his company is firing up today! So once more, applauses to the Merry Conglomerate Mr. Jurgen Slavitcho!"


    "Thank you for the welcome, Nicholas."


    "Not at all Mr. Slavitcho! Now, we all know you are tight on the schedule, so instead of bombarding you with irrelevant questions and joking around, how about you take the lead, and share to us what you have deemed to be shared?"


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Gladly. Now you all have been reading different publishments of our current #1 product. Those are of course based on the information we''ve released by ourselves, but there''s also lots and lots of misunderstandings, faulty predictions and downright slandering. Of course it''s only understandable, given its a dawn of new technology, which has been kept pretty hidden. But that''s the exact reason im here to talk to you today."


    "As you know we at Gorotech have always been about customers. That means, we treat customers as they should be treated as, our employers. But also we take care of our customers needs, even when we''re not exactly contracted to, taking on various problems and challenges around the world."


    "For those who are not aware, we, for example, regrew the whole of Sahara desert into  wondrous plains with our ground-breaking irrigation systems. This is quite off topic, but I use this only as a baseline for what im about to tell you, and as an assurance of our intention and will."


    "The new product, Instinct, is a game based into a virtual world. There has been many complains how we haven''t published a lot of info about the game itself. Besides some videos, you technically have nothing to grab on, and I understand the frustration. But as always, we at Gorotech value the customer. And this decision of a "radio-silence" has been made in the best interest of you all."


    "Instead, we''ve shown you various videos, and released a lot of technical and related information about various other virtual reality products, made mainly for military- or amusement purposes. Mainly to the customers who had the means or the needs for the said systems and programs. Given all that, you should have pretty good and wide general understanding what to expect."


    "But most of us enthusiastics already know of this, Mr. Slavitcho. Don''t you have any freebies for us starving in the darkness?"


    "Of course Nicholas. Don''t make me be a demon to come here just for a tease, haha."


    "Instinct will start in a medieval setting. The world has it''s own inhabitants, It''s own history of thousands of years. You will be the guest of honor. You have absolute freedom of choice about what you want to do, or be. But be noted, that there''s several different powers, which will react on what you do, be the reaction helpful, ignorant or hindrance.


    "You are able to totally play yourself into dead-end, in which your only option is re-creation of your character. You are also able to thrive, and amass even real world riches. We will implement in-game auction house, where you can trade with other players via both in- and out-game currencies."


    "Take note though, you will not be able to buy in-game currency with dollars for example, as it''s strictly prohibited."


    "All this being said, what we truly encourage to do, is to bring out your truest desires and wishes in this game. This has been made to be an escape, a fresh start for those who have wished for it for so long."


    "We have also taken note of the concerns about this freedom on different medias, and we have managed perfect solution. Now it is bit technical, but I will explain it to you in simple terms."


    "As we know not all of humankind is good-willing and joyful, the so called scum of humanity is also able to do horrible, terrible things in this game. And how to make sure this wont mentally cripple your everyday, normal citizen? Simply, we constructed a buffer!"


    "As you know, our A.I has been on development for over 20 years, and has reached a point of being mostly sentient. That means, it can think like you, or me, but its highly constrained, and submissive on our suggestions. Now between the connection of your receiver, and server there''s a buffer, in which the A.I will filter all the content that it deems mentally harmful for the player."


    "Testing this system is why we''ve postponed the release of this game, and it has been 100% proficient for the last 4 years. So rest assured, this buffer acts both as a k-18 filter, keeps your mind in check, and also works as a instant kill-switch in case something out of ordinary would occur. With the time compression technology we are using, managing the data is a cinch to do."


    "The said A.I also monitors each receiver for harmful attachments, as well as any forbidden trading happening over Instinct. Remember, our A.I is not a dull program. We welcome you to test its mettle, but on your own risk. Bans are permanent and final, and those aren''t even the more severe of the punishments we can hand out."


    "There is a lot I could share right now with you, but unfortunately i''m running out of time. On our company''s web pages you will find more detailed info, as well as some insights into our technology. I will wish you enjoyable moments with our new product, and remember, there''s still about 100 000 receivers up in the are for the late grab via various methods. Thank you."


    "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is that. Thank you Mr.Slavitcho for your time, and I wish you the very best in your endeavours."


    "Thank you Nicholas. Excuse me, but I will be on my way now. Neil."


    "No problems at all Mr. Slavitcho! Now I know you all still have a lot of questions and comments bubbling inside your minds, but please try to not over flood our site at MerryStranger.com, as we''re already creaking under the load of net-TV. This concludes our show for today, and I, Merry Nicholas wish you all pleasant and joyful evening!"


    *************************************''


    Comments and reviews appreciated!

 Chapter 1 - Emptiness

    The Italized text is for thoughts~


    *******


    "instinct, huh."


    As someone bumped into me, I was roused from my thoughts. I quickly recollected myself, and moved on.


    I was walking down the street, slowly scuttling towards my home. After one more failed job interview, I stopped at the window of a home depot store to watch the interview of some big honcho. Turned out it was about a quite interesting new game.


    "Let''s see what it costs, maybe i''ll give it a try."


    I entered the store, and instantly stopped in aghast. There was a huge line from the door, going all the way to the counters. It seemed to even curl on the different aisles, making the total lenght of the line hard to grasp. On the end of the shelves in front of me, I saw several posters about instinct and it''s receiver called "Solace 1.0". It looked pretty much like an extremely thin helmet, reaching all the way to your neck, made from some kind of glossy fiber. It also sported a small visor on top of the eyes. Apparently the helmet could be bought in various colours, but the visor was always black.


    "Excuse me sir, would you like to enter the line for Instinct? Today the receivers are most probably going to be sold out all around the world, so it''s your last chance for awhile to get one." a Female store attendant was asking me by the door, looking slightly bored. Not a bad looking bird, but I was still slightly stunned from the amount of customers and failed to notice the glint in her eyes.


    "Fresh start huh. I sure could use one." I think as I reminisce a bit of my past.


    I''ve always been somewhat well off in my life, and I had quite normal upbringing. My family was loving for a long time, but as time passed, the became somewhat distant from each other. Not arguing a lot or things like that. Just seems they turned from lovers into friends, and stick together more out of a habit than anything else. They''re not totally unhappy either, so I guess its all right. Of course it affected us kids a little, but I was about to move out on my own, and my big sister spent her time with her music circle and University dorms, so we mostly just ignored the whole situation.


    That was some 5 years ago. I graduated from high school with average papers, and started working at construction sites. I somehow always admired the idea of being able to build the things your need, on top of being strong and durable. Able to take on the nature to accomplish your work. I would probably became a postman or a store clerk if I didn''t start working at site, but in the end I got lucky.


    As of now, I''m 24 years old and proudly unemployed. The years of working have made my 180 cm tall body somewhat muscular, in a lean way. Light brown hair and blue eyes combined with my semi-athletic body made passing by women often give me long stares, especially on the hot days on the roof without wearing a shirt. After the initial company I started at, I switched two times after more alluring salary. In the latest one I worked for 2 good years, until the shit hit the fan.


    Long story short, the head of the site asked me to take care of one incoming shipment after work, which I did. Too bad one old shitstain of a person had gotten riled up on our verbal exchange in the break, knocked me out when I was alone in the storage building and framed me for "misplacing some of the goods" along with few of the more expensive equipment that we had stashed there. The head got shit for giving a youngster keys to storage, and I got shit for losing that all.


    I was sacked on the spot, and i was under inspection for little more than 2 months. They declared me clear, but the trust was gone. Rumors made way from site to site, and I was made outcast. Only offers I got were minor ones, with shit pay and no hope of better future.


    Only good thing in the last 3 months was that I once found that cunt called Grant on a sidewalk in early morning, wasted as a sailor on a drought. He was half asleep and babbled jolly about how he fucked me over, and how he had sold most the stuff. I was furious, and wanted to get back at him.


    I gave him some punishment, and after that, I called cops to his apartment. They found just few leftover tools he wasn''t able to sell, but he got caught nevertheless. My name got cleared up, and his wife instantly ditched him, though apparently the divorce was already up in the air. Being married to a fat alcoholic didn''t suit the wife, and all that stress made Grant snarky at work too. Well, in the end he reapt what he had sown.


    Too bad all of this still didn''t help me to get a new job, given the ongoing recession. Rumors are long living after all.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    After trying for some time, I kind of slipped into a bubble. I realized it would be hard for me to enjoy my job anymore, given that  backstab. If I hadn''t gotten lucky, I would still be wondering what had happened, with my name tarnished. I still need to make a living somehow, but I can''t think of anything interesting to do.


    I''ve always wanted to be kind of an explorer, uncovering mysteries in the world and being the first to see new places, animals and things. Even being archaeologic crossed my mind once, but after researching how the work is these days, I dropped the idea as mind boggingly boring. If i wanted to use brush for days to end, I would rather become a painter. Rest of the alike jobs either required long studies, to be a slave to a corporate or a government, luck or all of them.


    All in all, I felt stuck and dead. Since I was still young, there was plenty of options open for me, but none too intriguing. The more days passed, the more I felt like the walls toppling on top of me. Frustration combined with emptiness, making me somewhat passive.


    Luckily I never led too fancy of a lifestyle, so I had plenty of savings to continue living, but those would run out eventually.


    "Change sounds really good at this moment."


    "Yes, please, would you mind telling me what is the current price for the receiver and the game?"


    Seems I was submerged in my thoughts for awhile, as the attendant had started to stare at me like I''m a retard. "It would be 1500 dollars, and that includes 4 months of game time. After that, the monthly subscription fee is 200 dollars. Please take this print, it has your number In line, and give it to the cashier when buying the game. The game will be delivered straight to your address from our storage, as to prevent any envious persons from robbing you on the way."


    Attendant then turned towards the next customer, without even ushering me forward. Obviously they will run out of stock today anyway, so she couldn''t care less about single retarded customer. I finally got a grip of myself, started smiling a bit crookedly and moved to the start of the line. Seeing my weird smile made the attendant even a little bit of disgusted of me...


    My smile was crooked because the price is about 40% of my savings. That amounts to about 2 months of bills. With the rest of my savings I could live about 3 months, if I lived strictly on tuna and noodles. That''s...quite of a hurdle. But then again, if I''m to believe the commercials, i could eat anything I want in the game. Though it''s just virtual, it would at least make IRL more tolerable. And I really do need to get some kicks now...


    I confirmed my resolve, and continued moving along the line. It moved ever so slowly, and I spent my time observing other people. Some were really agitated for the long queue, some didn''t mind at all. In front of me stood a short guy of about 160 cm''s, though well built. He seemed to be rather well off too, judging from his high quality leather coat and shoes. It was late autumn after all, so it was getting somewhat chilly.


    After moving along the line for couple hours, I was finally nearing the cashier. Seemed that after me there was only 40 or so customers, so I suppose they were already running out of stock. I might finally see my luck turning!


    15 more minutes and suddenly all the cashiers turned towards the line I was standin on, and started applauding. A fanfare started to play from the speakers, and a manager-looking guy spoke towards me.


    "Sir, as claimed in the policy of the Gorotech corporation, the last receiver in our stock will be free of charge for you, dear customer! Congratulations, mister...?"


    "Gregory, Gregory Saltbridge."


    "So once more, Congratulations Mr. Saltbridge! If you wouldn''t mind, please fill up this paper for the delivery of the game."


    My eyes turned dead. Just when I started feeling little lucky, life suddenly RKO''d me out of nowhere. The small, rich looking man in front of me, was the said Gregory.


    "Fuck me and fuck him." I turned around to make my way to the alcohol section of the store, as a hand grabbed me from the elbow. I was forced to a halt, and i heard an amused voice behind me; "Oi kid, where do ya live?"


    ********


    Please let me know if you have any thoughts about this chapter! Do you like how the conversations are made, or should verses be separately? Do you mind colour in the text? The pace will be tad bit slow for the start, but fear not! Action is it''s way due few chapters :)


    Cheers!

 Chapter 2 - Rebirth Pain

    "You serious?" I asked astounded as I turn around. The man, Gregory, was smirking at my disbelief.


    "Well, you seemed a bit sad of a lad, maybe this will do some good for you. I can procure one of these later anyway."


    Now that he was all turned towards me, I was bit surprised of his outlook. He seemed to be around 30''s or 40''s, but most peculiar detail was a scar on the left side of his face. It went from over the left eyebrow, all the way to his chin, and it had few diverting thinner streaks, going towards his nose and ear.


    "Well you up for it or not, you can fill in the paper yourself so I can''t see your personal info, if that''s what you''re concerned about". The man was getting slightly annoyed of my stare. I quickly responded so that I wouldn''t lose this chance!


    "Of course sir. I will be in your debt, so should we happen to meet in the game, I will most likely go by the name Ramon. If you need help, don''t hesitate to turn to me. I hope to repay this to you."


    "Hahaha, all right lad. I haven''t thought so far yet, but ill be sure to grab on the offer."


    Gregory turned towards the manager and asked; "I assume you have no complaints about this?"


    "Of course not, Mr. Saltbridge. Now, if the young gentleman could follow me to the counter, so we can get this done?" The manager answered unfazed, keeping the business smile intact.


    "Well then, Ramon. I wish you luck. Try not to be too depressed, the world is not dead yet and you''re still young" He winked as he left. I was quite surprised, as I didn''t notice him paying attention to me, but somehow he read me to that extent....


    "What a sneaky old man."


    __________________________________________________________________________________


    I gave my farewells to Greg and moved to the counter. After filling in the form I went home, only to see the delivery already on my front door, waiting for me. Small truck was parked in front of my front porch. One of things I liked about this neighborhood were the front porches and wide 2-lane road, giving nice sense of space.


    My house looked kinda shabby from the outside, but the interior is quite good for the price. It''s just small condo in the suburbs, squeezed between many buildings alike. It has bedroom, kitchen, small living room and bathroom. Decorated with mainly the essentials, it''s what you can proudly call "the bachelor box". Luckily the city of Stenwood I lived at was quite small, so rents were generally on the low side here.


    As I approached the small front yard, the driver dressed in the clothes of local water company adressed me; "Mr. Flinger, I presume? If you could sign here please."


    "Yes, Thank you." I nodded and grabbed the clipboard he was holding out.


    I signed the papers, and checked through my package. It came with some free bottles of water. It was a small ruse to throw off anyone who would be interested of breaking into my house later, knowing that I''m in possession of a receiver. They really thought all this out to the end.


    "Thank you Mr. Flinger. I''ll be on my way then, have a pleasant afternoon!" He exclaimed as he entered his small truck, and sped off. I saw few alike packages on the passenger seat next to him. I realized I should bring the packet inside, before my neighbours would get curious. I grabbed my keys, unlocked the door and opened it. Just as I was about to enter, I heard a familiar voice which made me cringe.


    "Good afternoon Mike! How are you doing today!"


    "I''m fine Mrs. Rendwan, how are you?"


    Mrs. Rendwan, the neighbourhood crazy old lady. Well, not so much on the crazy part, but she''s your usual retired, elderly woman. Who thinks knowing everything about everyone and spreading that around was her responsibility in the area. She personally had broken quite a few relationships here, mainly either by exposing secrets kept between couples, or simply forwarding ill willed hearsay.


    Somehow she also refused to take any responsibility for what she said, simply believing that the message is to blame, not the messenger. Thus, I regarded her as a wacko.


    She was smiling like a good old grandmother of God herself, though I was little bit wary of the predatory glint in her eyes. "Fine as always Mike! I came out to see why the delivery man was so persistently waiting, but it seems he wasn''t some sort of shady person. May I ask what you have there?"


    I kept straight face, and played it cool; "Oh, just some water filtering equipment I opted to try. The water company was looking for people to test it out, and I somehow ended up with one. That''s why I also got the complimentary purified water to do comparisons with." The story was pre-planned by the company, so I didn''t need to worry about people digging up on this facade.


    Looking slightly disappointed, she answered; "Oh yes, I heard something like that was going on. Apparently the car has been making few stops around these blocks, but i''ve yet to hear what it was delivering. Thank you for satisfying the curiosity of an old woman Mike, you know there''s little what I can enjoy in this age anymore".


    I inwardly sighed in relief, as she seemed satisfied with the answer. With little more small talk, she finally parted to continue her rounds, while I entered the house.


    I brought the package to the living room, and put my jacket in the closet at the hallway. I went to the kitchen and checked my messages from the phone. I did have a smart phone, but I didn''t have a number on it. It''s quite useless these days, as all you need is wifi, or some sort of data package to use your applications to chat and call. Although I still had a landline at home only for my parents and officials to call to.


    "You have two new messages, press # to listen"


    I complied.


    "Hey bro, its Kate! How''s job hunting? I met couple guys while tending the counter, who were saying that they''d need some helping hands! I don''t quite remember the details, you know how bartending is. But I have their numbers, so we can contact them if you want! Also, drop by at the bar sometime, i know you go out a lot, but you should also socialize a bit! Also call mom and dad, they''ve been worried still, even if your shit got sorted out. They keep bitching at me to keep an eye on you at all times, as you don''t keep in touch with them enough. See ya!"


    My sister was pretty quirky, but weirdly dependable. She was just graduating university as electrics engineer, but was in reality crazy about music. Not as a fan girl however, just that she''s able to play various instruments and she''s taking part in a lot of different projects on her free time.


    Our parents had been worried about her for some time, but as she proved our worries wrong for many times, they didn''t really stress about her anymore. I had bit complicated feelings about that, because now they diverted their full attention to me. I didn''t quite enjoy the situation.


    "Well, she can wait. I bet some guys were just making up shit to get into her pants. Again."


    I shaked my head while smirking, and listened to the next message. a Melodic voice of a woman started talking.


    "Good Day Mr. Flinger and once more, thank you for buying Instinct! We are proud to announce you, that the servers will be up and online at friday 6pm, 20th of november. The servers will start different times around the world, but always at the 6pm of friday evening local time. This non-synced start is compensated in-game, so that the time difference wont give you any leeway comparing to others. However, the receivers have already been activated, and you can use them to browse internet, watch tv, and so forth. Feel free to explore the appliances of the receiver, but remember not to use it too many nights in a row when sleeping. Although there''s no physical drawbacks, we at Gorotech believe, that normal sleep is irreplaceable for the human psyche. Thank you for your time and we wish you luck in your endeavours!."


    As I thought the message was over, a male voice blurted out a little too fast to sound natural; "this is an automated message, do not try to contact us by calling back.". I chuckled for the late clarification.


    Well, the D-day would be tomorrow then. Actually it was quite good, now I would have time to stock up on supplies, and to get ready to totally immerse myself to the game. Though I probably wouldn''t want to give up running. Nothing beats the feeling of your body complying to your will, being unstoppable.


    Since I was a kid I loved running outside. Usually I ran through fields and forests, exploring and mapping out the areas close to our home. While i was in high school, this hobby was left to the side for awhile. But when I moved to the city, I saw some guys at night time doing a sport called Free Running. It became really good way to keep fit, and to get to know the neighbourhood at the same time.


    At first some neighbours got little surprised seeing me in various random spots and backyards, but eventually they came to know me and didn''t mind. I generally didn''t trespass on other peoples property, but to some places I had no other way to go, or the other route would be just ridiculously long.


    So as usual, I ate a little, and set back out again. I ran around for an hour and returned home. A shower and couple tv shows later, I was ready to sleep. It was the first time in few months that I had something to anticipate from tomorrow.


    __________________________________________________________________________________


    I woke up little after 9 am. Feeling anxious already, I went through my morning as usual and then gathered the needed supplies from the stores. After few hours I had all my needs covered, but it was only 3 pm. Since all my thoughts were in the game anyway, I figured to research what I can, before the game starts.


    I turned on my old cranky computer, and waited it to turn on for awhile.


    .


    .


    .


    I turned it off, unplugged all the cables, opened my window and threw it out.


    "Oh god how many times I wanted to do this when this piece of junk was acting up on me. I don''t care if that hag makes up something out of this, but damn. I guess I understand now why the guys working as demolishers always seem so stresless and jolly." I thought considerably relieved.


    After gloating on the feeling awhile, i noticed my face starting to hurt from the wide grin I had on my face.


    If somebody saw me now, I would be wearing tight white shirt in a soft round room in no time. Maybe my head ain''t as straight as I thought.


    I outright laughed a bit and turned towards the package. It was still sitting on the living room sofa. I slowly unpacked it, savoring the moment. I realized before that I could access the internet with the helmet and get used to it at the same time. Thus I got rid of the computer and my frustration at the same time. Happy face!


    In the packet there wasn''t many items. Cables connecting for the power, and internet. The helmet. Surprisingly few manuals, but I guess paper versions were quite outdated by now. From the inbetween of the papers a cd popped out. It was labeled ''How to start up and maintain your receiver. Also includes few words from the creators of Instinct.''


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    My face froze, and I turned to look towards the table where my computer used to be. I then moved to the window. I looked out, and I saw my computer in one piece. Too bad its innards had shattered in about 2 meter radius of it.


    "I call worth."


    I felt a smile crawling on my face again as I shrugged my shoulders and returned to the living room. I laid myself down on the sofa, hooked up the receiver with the cables and put it on. It fit quite well, as the stretchy material lined itself around my head. Surprisingly it felt really comfy, and didn''t press my skin nor hinder my breathing. Also from the inside the visor was easy to see through, so I could also navigate around my room while I was wearing the "helmet". I took a seat in my sofa, and pressed a button in the cord to start it up.


    Instantly the visor went black, and a text "welcome" was projected on the inside of visor. I say projected, as it gave weird illusion that I entered a totally new room, and the text was on the back wall of that room. I turned my head to see if I was able see my living room, and the blackness turned transparent, abling me to see around again.


    "That''s weird, I didn''t notice any commands or anything, maybe it reads my thoughts?"


    I tested my theory, and focused on thinking about the welcome text again. The same blackness combined with the text appeared. I waited for couple seconds, and the "welcome" was replaced by several things.


    There was time on the top right corner, and from the left top corner there were icons for different programs going to the bottom, and then forming new rows next to the former ones. Like in a smart phone. I inspected them for awhile, and then tried focusing on firebox-icon. That opened me the standard web page for searching, and I began my research.


    After couple hours of googling and surfing, I was not much wiser than before. Most of the information was derived from other programs of Gorotech corp, which mainly consisted of war simulators and various applications for amusement of rich kids.


    Apparently it practically feels like a new world, with high end reality. Everything you "feel", you truly feel. It was all pretty technical, as by using only your mind its quite hard to replicate the feelings of, for example, pain, temperature, physical exhaustion and so on. But it seems Gorotechs engineers somehow worked around that.


    At the moment you could feel pretty much everything as normal, with the exception of pain, which had been lowered to suitable levels. Apparently the "Suitable" was also varying between person to person, to make game fair to everyone. Reason was that people have different amount of mental pain resistance.


    I looked at the time, and it was 5.28 pm. Being little bit exhausted from trying to grasp the little info available about the game, so I closed all tabs and returned to the home-screen.


    I started going through other available applications. Apparently several companies had already taken note about how useful the receiver is. If Gorotech gave them approval, they could also make their own programs. So far Gorotech had made few demo''s of their own, just for marketing purposes. There was couple programs for sports, few for studying and some miscellaneous ones, including dancing lessons, and a sexbot. Yes, they actually included a demo of a virtual lover. I was intrigued for tenth of a second, until I realized my self-esteem would burn down in flames if I caught myself using that.


    Sorry Alise, we were not meant to be!


    I felt my cheeks reddening a bit, until I saw the settings page. It seemed I could also change the time compression in this state. I felt astounded, as i didn''t even notice that my mind was already being accessed. And the possibilities I saw so far were endless.


    There was also option to sleep, which I guess would switch off my mind? They truly had thought a lot while making this thing up. This was quite convenient piece of technology, even if one is not a hardcore gamer. Your studying, working and leisure could be enhanced in many ways with this.


    I added some time compression, and tried out few of the programs. The compression amount appeared under the clock, and a timer underneath that. Seemed the timer is to keep track of relative time I was experiencing. I tried out the sports programs, and one of the studying ones. It was amazing how you truly felt like being inside a real body. All the movements felt like your own, with no delay whatsoever. Also, the kid inside me wanted to do a sports competition with huge audience on easy settings, win it, and just bask in glory for awhile. Afterwards, I felt tad bit ashamed, but all together enjoyed the experience. I looked at the time and it was about time to start.


    I once more returned to home-screen, and I focused on the word "instinct". Like flipping pages on a phone, a few tabs passed my eyes, until a totally dark page tookover. In the middle of that was not a thumbnail for the game, just the word. As I pressed concentrate on it, red eyes emerged from darkness. Suddenly my vision was filled with huge maw of a monster, and with a loud roar emerging from the depths of the hungry mouth. It quickly closed in and swallowed me whole!


    "HOOOLYFUCKINGWHATTTAAAFAAK"


    I tried to close my eyes and the maw disappeared.  Although I couldn''t really close my eyes, the receiver somehow realized my panic. A text "You have been disconnected for 5 minutes, you can safely remove the receiver" was floating in the air in front of me. I saw my living room again, and I felt better. I checked my pants, but luckily somehow my body did not react in the way I was afraid it would had. After taking off the receiver, I went to wash my face and calmed down a bit. When the 5 minutes were full, I connected again.


    This time when I started the game, I was ready for the scare. But instead the text just disappeared. After awhile, it seemed  like I arrived into space, stars twinkling all around me. Celestial music started to play gently in the background, and I tried to figure out what to do. Suddenly a voice started speaking to me, the same one that I heard on the phone day before.


    "Welcome, you lost soul. I offer you a chance to remake yourself, are you willing to descend to a new world?"


    In front of me a person, who you could only describe as a goddess, appeared. She was wearing a mask, so I couldn''t see her face, but her Frilly dress, with lots of accessories, was accentuating her body. Her curves were quite good and the body was more on the slim side. Kind of your average gipsy queen of a look.


    I would probably had been staring for a quite while afterwards, if not for two blue boxes appearing in front of that miracle of a body, reading "yes" and "no" respectively. I moved my hand and pressed the "yes" box, and they disappeared.


    "Understood. Please sculpt a vessel for yourself"


    A big chunk of clay appeared in front of me. Apparently this would be the character creation. For starters, I imagined my body and kept focusing until the shape turns into something quite close to it. It was still plain, so I imagined all the details on it. Couple scars, eye colour, hair style. I looked at the clock, and surprisingly it had already taken me already over 20 minutes to create myself. After finishing the sculpture, I smiled and said out loud to the goddess;


    "I''m done, your holiness."


    "Good. By the way, I''m in no way holy, so you can drop that. Now I wish you luck in your endeavours. ''Till we meet again."


    "Wait what was that change of tone?"


    As I thought that, I started feeling weird. My vision went black, only to return after a short while. Looked down, and noticed that I was now in control of my body. Kinda weird train of thoughts, but accurate description. As I wondered what was gonna happen, the stars around me started to disappear. A quiet, tinning noise started getting louder and louder. It finally became so loud, that I felt my head cracking from the resonance and pressure. Right when it got to the point that i couldn''t take take it anymore, I lost my consciousness.


    __________________________________________________________________


    I woke up groggy, and I was assaulted by sounds of a battle. I heard roars of animals, and death throes of men and women alike. My vision cleared, the adrenaline started to pump and I froze in shock.


    In front of me there was six catlike beasts. They were twice as big as lions i''ve seen in tv and generally looked like the ancient sabertooths. I watched in horror, how people closest to them got ripped into pieces, one by one. Four of the tigers had stopped to eat. Some were screaming and few other, luckier ones were trying to get away from the predators.


    Behind the tigers there was an open gate, naturally attached to a wall. I looked around and saw a wooden cage built around and enclosing us with the beasts. The only way out was the gate! Somehow it seemed really misty outside, but anywhere was better than in this entrapment!


    I didn''t hesitate longer. Only two of the four beasts were actively killing on the right side, so I started sprinting to the left. Answers can come later, as its now questionable if I will live to see tomorrow. The game feels so real, and the scene is so shocking that i''ve long forgotten that this is not real. I felt the panic rising inside me, and I dashed past the first two of eating beasts. Only two more to go.


    I passed another one without any problems. The last one gave me a quick glance, but didn''t react when i circled around it. The distance wasn''t that long, but it felt like everything happened really slowly. As I passed the last saber tooth, I turned my head to look behind. I failed to notice one thing about the beasts. Particularly their tails. In the end of the tail, there''s really menacing looking spike, a jagged one, so that it hurts you more when pulled out.


    Apparently the cats could dexterously use it for hunting, as I saw from the one pierced through my chest. The pain assaulted me a little late, and I tried to scream. Only a bloody gurgle came out, and I felt that I''m going to pass out. After couple seconds the pain finally ended and everything turned black. A blue box appeared in my vision as I was still shaking inside my mind from the horror and shock.


    "I''m really getting tired of being unconscious all the time." And as I read the text, I was starting to hate this game.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>You have died. Welcome to Instinct <3.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ***********


    As usual, feedback is appreaciated! The chapter lenghts will most likely vary, at least until i find a comfortable lenght for me. I''d suppose most of the time it would be between 2k - 3k

 Chapter 3 - Confusion

    After staring the text for awhile, I finally calmed down. Besides the small shivers from lingering pain, I felt quite good actually. I had returned to the "space" again, and I noticed that my body had became ethereal. I waved my hand through my mid-section and it passed without resistance. I was pretty much your everyday white-bluish disturbed soul in a abandoned house.


    Given the few shocks in the last hour, I was not at all surprised. Since there wasn''t much else to do, I tried to move around. It was quite tricky actually. I technically had to focus on my whole body at once and then move. It''s somewhat difficult to explain, but I had to control my body with my will instead of my ghostly muscles, otherwise I would just turn or roll slightly. Brain is definitely stronger than brawn in here!


    After about twenty minutes of spiritual activities, the box disappeared, only for a new one to appear shortly after.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>Stand by, rebirth in progress</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Suddenly my ethereal body started to feel heavy, and I began moving forward involuntarily. Not fast, but about in a normal walking pace. In the close distance a bluish, oval portal appearead, and my body kept moving towards it. As I got closer, I saw a big, black-walled room on the other side. In the room there was a lot of people, who I assumed are other players. When I got close enough, I took a step and entered the room through the portal. It felt like stepping through a steady, thin waterfall, nothing too fancy really. Little of resistance, and I felt fresh as after a nice shower.


    Well, freshness aside, as I moved through, I instantly stumbled on the floor. Seems the portal was not on the floor level, and gravity felt like showing me who is the boss. I stood up and take a look around.


    At first the room looked like a smoothed out cave. The inside was made of dark rock, with red and grey lines going on the surface here and there. Although it had a natural look to it, it was easy to tell it has been worked on and used for a long time. There was couple old chandeliers hanging from the roof, lighting up the place. The lines on the walls also gave out little weak glow.


    As I turned around, in front of me was a big statue of a faceless person, made of the same kind of stone. It looked like the walls, but the red color was a lot brighter, as it would be glowing from inside. The statue was standing its legs together, arms on the sides, like a soldier in a formation.


    "Hey you, make way! There''s still few people coming in after you!"


    I turned around again and saw an old, black guy wearing white robe, with golden embroidery. On the robe there were different kinds of small animals depicted, with a snake eating its tail on the left side of the chest. He reminded me a bit of the actor Morgan Freeman. He was sitting on a chair, lifted on a small stage. He had quite grandfatherly look on him, but in his eyes I could sense sharp coldness.


    "Seems there''s not going be cookies and milk today."


    Once again I was stuck with my thoughts, but was roused quickly. With a surprised yelp I got kicked to my back from behind and I again sprawled on the floor.


    "Things really aren''t going my way." I frowned.


    "Hoh, excuse me. I couldn''t really stop myself, so I made sure only one of us falls down." I heard a happy voice from behind me.


    I got up again, and checked out the new arrival. A snobbish, smirking guy in his early 20''s was posing there, looking around the room. Flipping his shoulder long, curly dark brown hair, he totally ignored my presence, and moved on as he noticed people he seemed to know.


    "What a freaking cunt."


    I was steaming a bit while I was looking around the room. Many of the some hundred people there were smiling, or outright giggling on my tumbling. I tried to keep my face straight the best I could, and searched for an empty place to sit on. Luckily there was some space near the opposite wall, and I made my way there.


    Surprisingly enough, even though we all came through the portal after reborning with our bodies, we were all wearing simple brown clothing. Though I don''t know what the clothes were made from, they were not too coarse to wear. Everybody had the same design and clothes fitted quite well. Looking at couple women with rather superior assets, it seemed that they also had received proper underwear to go around with.


    I sat down next to the wall and tried to relax. Some of the people around me were whispering under the stern gaze of the grandpa, and it probably wouldn''t be much longer until whatever was going happe-


    *CREAK*


    *SLAM*


    "Alright people, quiet down! Make neat rows in front of the High Priest, standing still and quiet. Proceed NOW!"


    A Huge guy slammed the doors open at the wall left to me and started ordering us around. He was wearing some kind of leather armor, with metal plates added where they wouldn''t hinder any movement. Did I say he''s huge? At least 2.20 metres or so. Given the stature, and attitude of a militant doorman, everybody started shuffling to obey. His gaze didn''t lose in sharpness to the High Priest, and his face looked stoic and unforgiving.


    After several minutes of hustling, we were standing in orderly lines. The man looked around, walked up to the stage and spoke quietly to the High Priest. He had been reading a scroll on his table while everyone was lining up, and finally looked up.


    "Welcome, lost souls, to the ravaged continent of Sul."


    __________________________________________________________________________________


    The old man appeared now gentler than before to calm us down. I felt the atmosphere to lighten up a bit, even though confusion was still visible on the many faces around me. Well, i saw a glance of the cunt who used me as a springboard, and he was just lightly smiling. Old man crossed his hands under his chin and kept talking to us.


    "Now, most of you are probably very, very confused what is going on. You we''re sent here by our Goddess Esenora, and right after you get ravaged by ferocious beasts. And after that you did reborn, and are packed in an unknown place with mostly unknown people. Let us begin from the start, at least for what we know."


    "The start, would be the end of the world. As you all seem to be still a little out of it, I will omit the details and draw you the big picture. The world ended several hundred years ago. There was a war against powers that we''re crossing the natural order of this plane. With huge losses and sacrifices, we won. We, as in every living being in this world. But even after that, the taint survived."


    "So our Lord and Saviour Esenora had to make the biggest sacrifice of us all. She used her power to first inform us what is to come. After that, she summoned several small mountains from the great, dark sky. Those mountains landed in various areas of the known world. This place where we are currently, is but one shard of those mountains."


    "The mountains were to be made dwellings for people. The rock, what mountains were made of, would protect us from the cleansing of the world. The rock would also disperse any taint in the locations it landed to."


    "Essentially, most of the existence was wiped out, with minuscule portion surviving in these dwellings. Eventually we found ways to process the rock, and we surrounded ourselves with a wall, made from the said material. We went out, rebuilt, but we were still prisoned."


    "You see, the cleansing came in the form of a mist. The mist would aggressively reject and oppose the taint. But this would lead in unforeseen changes of the tainted organisms and areas. Also, living in the mist would make it impossible to defend ourselves from the animals that have adapted to it. Therefore, even if we had the walls to protect ourselves from the mist, we could not expand."


    "The material used for the walls loses its protecting power, when taken too far away from the origin. Therefore, for few hundred years, we have been stagnating with only a promise. A promise, that when the time is right, and world has been cleansed, we would get a sign."


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "That sign came not too long ago."


    "Long story short, the statue where you all were made from, formed out from the wall of the mountain. We also received this divine scroll, which explains the situation now, and has information about the arriving souls, namely you. Lastly, a long sealed magical formation transformed into something new. This too is explained in the scroll."


    I saw some people around me to silently start discussing the words of this elder between each other. I turned my attention back to the front, and saw the High priest getting up from the chair.


    "SILENCE." He bellowed. And everyone instantly became quiet.


    "Now, ill quickly go through the most vital information you need. There is not much we know, and little we cannot share yet."


    "For starters, the ones who put you in that cage and caused your gory death, were we."


    Almost everyone now had their eyes wide and mouths open. However, no-one could make a single sound.


    "Reason for that was simple. For all these years the beasts outside never came in. We had no way to confirm that the world is cleansed, so we needed something to lure them in. Given the ability of rebirth of your kind, you were the perfect bait. We slew the beasts after they decimated you all, and after so long time, we finally ate meat!"


    "I know it might sound inappropriate reason for your suffering, but imagine yourselves being vegans for decades after decades, with only few of our animals slaughtered each year."


    "Well, that aside, we were able to confirm that the animals indeed were clean of the taint."


    Now everybody looked just dumb.


    "I guess people who get raped, or swindled by their balls, look like that afterwards." Even the cunts smile turned crooked and frozen. Mine just got wider.


    "Secondly, we were given only a little information about what you are. Most of the information concerns about what you are to do."


    "The magical circle is a transportation node to the underground. The dwarves left behind long and complicated systems of tunnels, and apparently the solution for cleansing the mist is hiding in those systems. We have no clue for what it is, only that you were brought here to find it."


    "Given your ability reborn, you can easily scout and explore the tunnels. It''s been a long time since anyone ventured there, and they are most probably inhabited with remnants of the monsters. Also the dwarves themselves might have left some still working defensive mechanisms lying around."


    Suddenly a voice shouted From next to the cunt; "What if we don''t want to risk ourselves? You already murdered us once, what if you will just dispose us after we do what you want? Why would we risk pain and suffering for your old ass?"


    The high priest took a glance to the door, and nodded. Expecting what was to come, I covered my ears. Suddenly everyone around me kneeled, with astounded looks on their faces. I quickly followed suit and removed hands from my ears. But even if my fellow players did not notice me lagging behind, it did not escape the eyes of the High Priest. He kept a steady eye contact with me while he continued speaking.


    "As you noticed, we have total control over you. So you will go to the tunnels if we tell you to. But, there''s also something in for it to you."


    "The bodies you have now, are more magical than anything else. Your soul is bound into a shape of rock. While we know nearly nothing about your inner workings, the scroll tells that in the tunnels you will also find hints about yourselves. Essentially, you can "upgrade" yourselves with the things you find in the tunnels. As you are now, you''re very different from a normal living being, as you don''t need food nor water to survive. But you do need your inner mana refilled, or your shape will crumble into dust."


    "You can refill your mana by coming in contact of this summoning statue. As you venture in the tunnels, you might find various things and we ask you to bring all of them to us to be identified. Some of those we let you keep, some we will require for ourselves to further research on various subjects. Majority of our master scholars are getting impatient now that the time of stagnation is ending."


    "You''re free to wander around this small town, but we do require you to somehow better our community. Tunnel diving would be the most obvious one, but if any of you happen to possess any special skills or traits, we are more than glad to use them. Also if you require advice or such, you''re free to turn towards our various masters. Please do remember though, they also possess force of will over you, and may decide themselves if they want to be helpful or not."


    "This should be all, and hopefully you were able to digest all this. As you should we know, appreciate a hands-on approach in things. Therefore, in very few moments you will all be led to the transfer node, and to the tunnels. You cannot really decide what you want to do unless you have some experience about the options. Now, since we don''t have much time, raise your hand if you feel you want to ask some questions. I will answer to two, then we are done."


    About half of the people gathered raised arms, and a blond, under 20 years old looking guy was picked.


    "If the tunnels are filled with traps and monsters, how are we to deal with those?"


    "With your wits and weapons of course. Next you, smirking dark brown hair one." He pointed at the cunt.


    He asked warily; "And what kind of weapons will we get and when?"


    Elder smiled fatherly; "The ones you find. We do not posses enough metals or other materials to fit you all with Since you''re on your way to scavenge anyway, just keep looking. Worst that can happen is that you die, reborn and get sent back in again. You''ll be fine. Eventually."


    Everybody were looking to each other in shock, and they tried to fight the orders given as much as they could. Which was literally nothing.


    "Now, Hansel, if you don''t mind, please lead these gentlemen and -women to the tunnels, please."


    "Understood, High Priest!" The German SS Doorman answered, and started managing us towards a different room with a small smile on his face. After exiting the "auditorium", we came to even a bigger cave and went towards left. I could see several doorways, so I guess this was some kind of main hall. After closing towards one of the entrances, I could see what I supposed to be our final destination.


    There was a smaller, about 5x5x3m cubic room. There were 4 guards on both sides of the wide entrance door, and inside I could see some kind of glowing circle on the floor. When we got closer, I could see there was all kinds of shapes and runes written all around. It also had many layers, but in the middle there was about 2 meter diameter empty space, which was glowing eerily blue. Rest of the formation was glowing in warm, white colour.


    As people were stepping over the border line to blue side, they simply disappeared. Only minute-quick screams was heard and cut off fast enough to make you think you were imagining it. I had pretty much resigned. There was not much to do in this situation, so I would just try to enjoy the ride.


    "All right lad, your turn, hop on in." Hansel said to me. His face had no expression as he ordered me to step on the circle. My body instantly literally hopped into the circle. My vision was blurred white, and I felt bit nauseous. After a brief moment everything once turned black, and I dropped a small distance in the air. I landed badly, stumbled and hit my head to the apparently rocky, and definitely sturdy wall.


    I passed out. Again.


    ********


    Hello again! Finally were getting down with the business. So far i have intentionally left alot of the information on the vague side. But fear not, the adventure hasnt even properly started yet!


    As always, rate/review/comment as you please! I''ve yet to have one, and I''m interested in getting some feedback. Have a nice weekend! :)

 Chapter 4 - Wake up call

    "When the beds are buuurniing, let the moth****** buurn..:"


    I woke from my weird dream into stinging pain in my ankle. I looked down and a small rat stared back at me. A girly scream escaped me as I tried to kick the rat away from me. It dodged my foot and stopped a meter away from my lying body, blood still coloring it''s mouth. It kept looking at me with an unsatisfied gaze.


    I hastily got up on my feet, keeping my eyes on the small rodent. Comparing to when I was teleported here, my surroundings were now dimly lit by weak, eerie glow of orange and white streaks on the walls.


    The rat seemed impatient and suddenly lunged towards me. I dodged to the left by sidestepping and readied my right leg. With a decent soccer kick, the rat winced and smashed into the opposing wall. It dropped to the ground, and after couple seconds stopped squirming.


    I sighed in relief and looked around me. I was in a small cave, smaller than the formation room. There was 3 tunnels leading to different directions and nothing special on any of them. Luckily the rat wasn''t in a pack. We met rats every so often in the sites we were working on, so I was not too scared of the animal itself. Just the thought that it was already feasting me and that it might not had been alone, were the things which agitated me.


    "Well then, this start wasn''t too bad." I mused. Comparing to huge mutated tigers, one rat is enough to make you praise the god!


    "I have no idea what is going around here, so I better keep quiet instead of yelling. Since there''s nobody around, we were definitely teleported into different locations. Quite the pain, but then again there''s many more distractions for the dwellers of these tunnels."


    Even surprising myself, I didn''t feel in any way hesitant or scared. I felt a smile creeping to my face, as excitement kept bubbling inside me.


    "This is it! The adventure into the unknown! Everyone in here is in about the same situation as I am, with only their wits to keep them alive. Since I have little to no information about anything here, there''s so much for me to discover!"


    "But first things first, let''s check out what I can dig up."


    I turned my attention to the rat again. I walked towards the wall I punted the rat into, and reached the small broken corpse. For what I could see, it was just a normal rat, the kind you''d find in the real world. I tapped it couple times with my leather sandals, but the animal had long passed. I frowned, as I was waiting for some kind of reaction from it.


    "How does the loot system work anyway?"


    Would I need to skin it to receive loot? Or does it disappear? I had no idea.


    Since there wasn''t anything to start from, I sat down and started thinking.


    "What do I know so far? I''m in dwarven tunnels. I''m supposed to find means of survival and progress from here. I have my clothes and my sandals. Tunnels are illuminated at least around here enough to move around. That''s the basics."


    "Then how about outside the game?"


    "Status." I say out loud. Resulting... Nothing.


    "Skills."


    "Character."


    I tried various words related to gaming, with not much luck. I managed to check the time, and bring out a yes/no -confirmation for logging out. It had only been an hour since character creation, so my blackouts had been quite fast. Or modified. Who knows, the game has control over many things after all. I listened my surroundings to see if anything, or anyone heard my ranting. Minute of silence and I thought I''m still good.


    "I think I''m forgetting something. What did the old guy talk about? History...mm...dominance...our bodies! So we have mana in our bodies, how does it work?"


    Mana, and essentially magic. That''s something that one definitely wont have any experience on. Closest to it was my short tumbling as a spirit.


    "Well, might as well try."


    I closed my eyes and tried to "will" my body again. Instead of moving this time, I managed to grasp something inside me. Weak and almost unnoticeable stream of.. mana I guess? The stream was moving gradually around my body. But like when trying to hold my body as a soul, if I lost my focus, I would also lose my hold over the stream.


    After I had the mental image of the stream, I "willed" the stream to move into my hands. After that was done, I opened my eyes and gasped hurriedly.


    "Whaaat, this is so cool!" I exclaimed in awe.


    My hand now held a slight bluish glow. I moved my hands around, opened and closed them. Nothing seemed different. Then I tried punching a wall. I cringed as it felt just like punching a rock wall usually would.


    "Damn, I have to remember to not make such stupid experiments in the future."


    I stood up and walked to the corpse of the rat. While maintaining the stream in my hands, I tried touching it. The glow moved from my hand into the rat, and the corpse started glowing. After only a second, from the body suddenly popped few grain sized blue spheres, which moved towards my hand. Before I was able to react, the spheres absorbed themselves into my hand, and I could sense a minuscule strengthening in the stream inside me.


    "I guess that''s the exp system? I wonder if the mana I get from the mobs is used for spells? Also since you have to activate the corpse, It''s possible to kill steal. Have to keep eye on untouched corpses and try to leech them empty."


    As I was in my thoughts, suddenly the corpse started melding into the floor. As I noticed, I tried to grab it, but it was quickly gone.


    "So if you don''t possess any mana, your body gets absorbed? What a weird system. Or is it just specific for this area? Maybe this is a starter dungeon or alike. Anyhow, I''m done here. Time to move on!"


    I felt good that I finally had some leads on how the game works. Start is a start, even if the road is long.


    "So I have 3 tunnels. I guess I could just use the maze method to go on with this. Let''s pick right."


    The surefire way to get out of maze by keeping your hand on the same side of the wall all the time. Well, forgetting the hand, but I would turn right on every crossroad. Honestly it probably doesn''t matter, but I''d like to have at least some kind of system on this, in case that I will be here for awhile.


    I finally got up and stretched a bit. Sitting on a cold, rocky floor really doesn''t feel too comfy. After that I started walking into the right tunnel, keeping my steps light and ears open.


    ______________________________________________________


    I looked behind after a little while and it seems the light''s were more bright in the small cave, than in the tunnels. Have to keep that in mind when being in open areas like that.


    After some 10 minutes of walking along the snaking tunnel, I could see another cave opening up ahead. I crouched, and started sneaking closer. The closer I got, the more adrenaline I felt in my body.


    As I reached to the opening of the cave, I could hear some scrittling from the cave. Carefully I leaned on the wall and took a quick peek to the cave.


    Luckily my entrance was on one of the darker corners, so I could safely take a look. There was 8 small rats eating a corpse of a person. From the blood trails I could assume that the fight had been over quickly, as all of them were close to the corpses location. From my corner, I saw 3 other tunnels. Two close to the on left side, and one on the right side. I once more verified the amount of rats, and turned back to my tunnel. I crouched while leaning to the wall, and started to think.


    "Even though those are just small rats, that''s also 3 tunnels... Hmm. There might be a chance that this person didn''t come here alone, although small. We did enter to the circle one by one after all. But taking on even 8 of those at once could leave me too wounded to survive for much longer. I have to assume that I wont meet anyone else, heal or get help in extended amount of time. The wound I got before is healing slowly, but it still hurts. And diseases? Better play it safe."


    I scratched my head while furrowing my brows. Then I tried to move my hands along the ground. I found some small stones and gravel. Nothing good enough to use as a weapon, but enough to create a distraction.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "This has to make do."


    My plan is to throw couple of the bigger rocks, about size of marble, into the tunnel on right. I hope that would at least split their numbers. Then I would grind gravel against the rock floor where I am at with my foot, and lure few of them here.


    Going back towards the cave, I once again crept towards the opening. Holding the stones in my right hand, I took a look once more and everything was like before. I brought my hand on the side of my head and took a careful aim. I launched the stones in my hand, and i let out small breath of relief as I saw them heading towards the right direction.


    The rocks fled into the darkness and made loud noise, banging around the walls and floor. The sound of munching stopped, as all rats turned to look towards the tunnel. 5 of them started scuttling into the darkness. Fist pump!


    "Alright, 3 of them shouldn''t be too hard." I thought while waiting. After 10 seconds I start grinding gravel with my foot. The sound is not really loud, but in the silence of the underground it easily carries to the last 3 rats. They once again lift their heads, this time towards my tunnel. I quickly retreat further from the entrance, to the relative darkness.


    I tried to make myself as unnoticeable as I can. Pushing myself against the wall, I kept my gaze towards the cave. Seconds pass, and I could only hear my own breathing. Finally after couple long moments, the rats finally come into the sight. They stopped to smell the air. They were still bloodied from ravaging the body, but somehow their eyes were dead. Until they smelled me.


    Their eyes turned from white to black, and they started moving towards me. Even though they couldn''t see me yet, they had general idea where I was. The time of hiding was over.


    Taking the initiative, I dashed towards them, trying to get the element of surprise. It worked to an extent, as I got free kick on the foremost rat. The 2 behind it jumped backwards, and revealed their teeth. I faked going for the left one with a step, instead pivoting right after and delivering heel kick to the right one. It was already trying to close in on me, so it wasn''t able to dodge mid air.


    With the momentum I did a full circle, but the last rat was faster. As I stopped it already had sank its sharp teeth into my injured leg. I grimaced and grabbed the animal by it''s neck. It tried to wriggle, but I used both of my hands to keep it on place. I closed my eyes and started to will mana to my hands.


    My hands started glowing again, and I willed it to the rat. It doubled the effort of wriggling, but after a short while it died like it''s fellows. While it was dying, instead of blue spheres, red ones appeared instead. After the rat died, I absorbed the spheres. I was confused for a bit as I didn''t notice any changes. Then I felt an itch on my wound, and I crouched to take a look on it.


    It didn''t look nice, but at least no arteries or tendons were damaged. Just a muscle wound, which didn''t bleed too much. But as I was watching, the bleeding stopped, and the muscle repaired itself.


    "Holy....Well that at least solves the recovering problem. At least, if I can find weak enough prey to leech from. I''ll name blue as mana, and red as life. Simplicity never killed anyone, right? But did I become a vampire of a kind...? "


    I quickly drain mana from other two rats. The one I drained life from didn''t yield anything else. After watching the corpses get absorbed into the floor, I went for a lookout again.


    Last 5 of the rats had returned to the corpse, not minding the missing mouths. I was feeling quite good for being able to take the first 3 without much problem, so I decided to try and take them all at once.


    I came out from the tunnel, and dashed to the corpse. Couple of the rats were facing towards me and squeaked, but too late. I already got a good kick on one which was on top of the chest. I didn''t stop, and brought the same leg on top of the next rat, crushing it under my sandal. Other 3 were now jumping on me, but I instantly turned tail (no pun intended) and ran back to my tunnel.


    I stopped on the entrance and turned around. I could hear them coming, and I once again readied my trusty right leg. First rat just blindly ran straight into my foot, and turned into a splatter on the wall. Second one ran under my lifted leg, and once again hit the same spot where the other 2 had earlier bitten.


    This time it had a bit of momentum, and getting bit to the open wound threw me out of balance. I had to stop myself from falling by clutching the wall. The rat just tried to bite the same spot deeper, giving me the opportunity to once again grab it. Then the last one came in too, and jumped on me.


    Since I was already in a bad position and holding its comrade, I couldn''t take a kick on it. Instead, I released my second hand from the wall and fell backwards. While falling I used the now free hand to grab the last rat. I managed to get it from the midsection. But since I couldn''t use both hands to hold them, they were able to keep scratching my hands with their sharp nails.


    I punched wall with my both hands couple times, getting some extra crushing power. The rats broke something and stopped moving, as I broke my knuckles. Before they left this plane, I willed the familiar stream into my hands. Little more squeaking, few red spheres, and my hands were good as new again. Unfortunately my leg wound was still bleeding slightly. The rat had time to spend on it this time, making it deep enough for my leech not to heal it fully.


    "Well, I did not really get much from this. Should reconsider taking a different route next time. The body is probably fresh too, so there''s nothing for me on it."


    I proceeded to drain the remains of the rats, and took a look on the player corpse. As I expected, he didn''t have anything of value, what I didn''t already have. The clothes were already torn by the rats, and I didn''t really need extra sandals to carry around. It would also arouse suspicion if I walked around with other players stuff when meeting other people.


    Then a different thought came into my head. While using my will, I put my hands on the dead player. This time nothing happened for a good while, and I started counting to 10 to give up. At 6, finally purple spheres came out, and the body suddenly started losing its color. After all of it was gone, the body turned into ashes, and the spheres started moving towards me. This time they were size of a small berry.


    After I absorbed mana from the dead player, I felt somehow refreshed. Also the strength of my mana stream grew little bit more than from leeching rats.


    "I hope not many players found this out yet, would give pk''ers reason to get you even if you have nothing." I grimly thought.


    Well all in all, my first fight went quite without a hitch, so I was quite glad. Some mistakes here and there, but at least I know a little more what I can do. In the rush, I daydreamed taking on dragons and other mythical creatures! Too bad for me, from the pile of ash, that used to be a noob, a small rat dashed towards the closer left tunnel.


    I didn''t notice as I was still gloating my victory and planning my next step. Until I heard a squeak from the same tunnel.


    "Ha, you''re not so hungry to take on me!" I yelled as I got ready for the next round. I had been surprised, but I was still thinking about my future glory too much to worry about problems today.


    A small dog sized rat came out from the tunnel. And another. And another. There was now three rabid looking, dog sized rats moving towards me. They stopped as they all entered the cave, with the small rat standing on top of the head of the foremost rat.


    "Fuck me sideways." I dryly thought as I turned towards the tunnel I came from, and ran.


    *************


    Hello again! Our op MC besting the beasts in the dungeon.. not.  Well action is action anyway. I changed the writing style a bit. Before i tried to make some kind of rolling style, as the narrative was in present tense too. But somehow using the past tense just feels more natural. Dunno! I blame the tequila.


    Enjoy!

 Chapter 5 - Human being

    "GODDAMNIIT!"


    I screamed as I kept running through the tunnel. The rats we''re close, but they didn''t try to catch me. Even while I was running, I could tell their plan. To make me move until I''m exhausted and ripe for an easy kill. Seems these dograts are more cautious and cunning than their smaller brethren.


    I ground my teeth and my ragged breath was getting heavier. For four minutes we had been running, getting closer to the cave I spawned in. After that my only option would be entering into the unknown tunnels. Nothing I could do about it. Luckily my agility from free running IRL is the same here, so running on this uneven terrain doesn''t pose a problem for me. Just the pace I had to keep up is a drag.


    I tried looking around for anything I could use, but I already knew the tunnel is void of anything else besides stones and gravel. At least it gave me something else to focus on than my imminent death. Still, I felt more exhilarated than anything else. Even if the midnight running around the town is interesting, I never had this kind of adrenaline rush while doing it. I''m becoming more or less addicted to this!


    "It shouldn''t be much longer."


    After a short while, finally the cave of origin came to the sight. Only that it wasn''t empty.


    "The hell, that''s a player!" I thought, and a small twinkling hope arose in me.


    I kept running, and the closer I got, the better I could see. But what I saw turned my face into a frown. There was actually two players. One dead and other, inspecting the corpse, alive. Seeing the situation I wanted to get closer before notifying him.


    In the end he noticed me, stood up and started talking. He looked scared and bit agitated.


    "Hey man, this aint like it seems, ya do-"


    "RUN YOU FOOL!" I exclaimed as I rushed into the cave. Immediately I took the tunnel on the right side. I entered the tunnel and looked back, only to see the other player quickly following me.


    "WHAT THE FUCK MAN WHERE DID YOU FIND THOSE!"


    "WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHUT UP AND RUN UNLESS YOU WANT TO DIE!"


    We decided not to waste any more breath for useless arguing. He was slower than me, but I was already starting to feel tired. Eventually I would lag out, and the rats would get me. Also since the tunnel was slightly descending, one misstep would probably be your last. Rolling on the floor and slamming into the wall on next curve, caked with getting eaten alive. Yep, better for us to focus.


    I again looked back, trying to see the hounding rats. Surprisingly, there was only one dograt following us, which had the small one still on its head. Other two probably found ready buffet better than chasing down the food.


    "I guess he''s out for a revenge."


    "HEY, THERE''S ONLY ONE DOGRAT BEHIND US, YOU ANY GOOD IN A FIGHT?" I said out loud, as I was looking in front of me.


    "AS GOOD AS ANYONE HERE, DON''T KNOW WHAT IT AMOUNTS TO THO!" He answered. From the sound of his voice, he was getting winded too. Lucky for me.


    "ALRIGHT, HOLD ON! WHEN WE REACH THE NEXT CAVE, I''LL SPLIT RIGHT AND YOU LEFT, AND WE TURN ON THE RAT TOGETHER, OKAY?"


    "GOOD THINKING MAN! LET''S DO IT! I''M VLADIF, WHAT''S YOUR NAME?"


    "RAMON."


    I could hear a slight relief in his voice, and honestly I So was I. Seems he could keep his calm even in this situation. Both of us received some extra energy from having a goal, and we were able to keep away from the rat.


    "YA SEE THAT? ABOUT TWENTY METRES AHEAD THERE''S AN OPENING. SPLIT THERE ALRIGHT?" I yelled to the guy behind me.


    "ALRIGHT DAWG *huff* LET''S DO IT!" He answers me, clearly starting to run out of breath.


    We once more picked up the pace and exited the tunnel. I turned right and put my back against the wall. I kept huffing, and bent over a bit. Keeping my attention to the entrance, waiting for the rat to come forth. Exchanging glances with Vladif, who was in a same kind of position on the other side, we nodded at each other and got ready.


    Not long after, the rat surged out and ran few meters in towards the center of cave. Then it turned around in slight confusion, finally noticing us. Right away it started getting ready to charge again, saliva dripping from its mouth and looking even more frenzied than before.


    "Which one will it be." I thought while trying to relax my tense body. Vladifs face was distorting between anger, fear and exhaustion.


    With a loud screech the dograt surged forward towards me. I got ready to welcome him, as Vladif followed it with his gaze. When the rat got two metres away from me, it suddenly accelerated! I desperately dodged towards right, throwing my body on the ground. The rat hit its snout into the wall, and screeched again. I groaned from the pain in my ears, and closed my eyes for a second. Then the pain hit.


    Dograt had taken my leg into its maw and bit. Blood started leaking from the edges of the maw. I screamed out from pain and started pounding the beast with my other foot.


    "VLADIIIIF! HELP ME OUT!"


    The dograt kept its grip tight until strong thud sounded from it. It let my leg go and squirmed on the ground next to me. I dragged myself towards the wall and sat up resting against it. I looked at the rat and its assailant. Vladif face looked like a psychopaths, as it kept stomping on the whimpering rat. I suppose the initial kick was strong enough to break some ribs, and they pierced into the lungs of the rat.


    "DIE YOU DEMONSPAWN. YOU DON''T BELONG IN THIS WORLD. I WILL PURGE YOU!" He yelled while dishing out punishment. Few moments later he calmed down now that the dograt seemed to be on the verge of dying. I grimaced when I saw the small rat slip back to the tunnel we came from.


    "Vlad, you gotta go right away. That small rat is gonna go and get the other two doggies here. I can''t run with my leg, so I will stall them here." I said dejectedly.


    "Aww shit man, the bastard got ya good huh. Lemme look around first if I can find a way to transfer you or get you to safety." Vlads eyes kept running across the room.


    Just as he said that we heard loud screech from the tunnel, and Vlad forced a smile on his now a degree whiter face. But in his eyes I could see panic and fear.


    "On the other hand, I don''t want to disrespect your offer. Don''t hold it against me! Let''s meet under better circumstances next time Ramon!" Hurriedly he waved his hand as his smile crumbled, and started running towards the only other tunnel.


    "Well so much for chivalry and bro-force." I thought while sneering. Though I had my reasons to tell him to go. I waited until he had left the cave, before turning towards the dying dograt.


    Given that he hadn''t absorbed the corpse earlier, he definitely doesn''t know about mana, and how to use it. I didn''t want to reveal these things to others. Especially when there''s no guarantees of co-operation after showing all your cards.


    Another screech, a little bit closer. I dragged my body next to the near-dead dograt. I managed to move mana to my right hand, and I slammed it on the rat. Then I started counting.


    "Cmoon, CMOOON. I HAVE NO TIME FOR THIS" I thought. As the screeches came closer, my panic kept rising.


    "GIVE ME THAT SHIT!" I yelled, desperately trying to will the body of the dograt to transform.


    The blue glow in my right hand pulsed strongly once and then it subsided. The dograt turned into ashes, leaving only one marble sized red sphere floating in the air.


    "COME HERE!"


    As if listening to my words, the sphere flew to my stretched hand. It absorbed itself quickly, and I felt the familiar tickling starting on my wound. My leg stopped bleeding, but I could feel it still wouldn''t be able to hold my weight properly.


    "Alright, time for the step 2." I sighed in a small relief.


    The cave was actually bigger than the other two I''ve been to. It had depression in the middle, and there was couple small cliffs protruding from the walls. Cave was more circular this time, and about six metres high. Walls were straight and full of spikes and other jutting rocks, which I could use for climbing. My goal was the closest cliff, about three meters up the wall.


    I hoped that the rats would pass Along and I could return the way they came from. Too bad for Vlad, but if I can find another way out, I could also distract those creatures for awhile, to give him more head start.


    I painfully got up and standing. Then I limped next to the wall, on the place which seemed to have The best "route" to the cliff. Walls were illuminated by the streaks, making it easy to distinguish good grips. I slapped my cheeks once, and started climbing.


    First metre went well. I didn''t need to lean much on my wounded leg as there was plenty of good grips for my hands. Holding my weight and then transferring my good leg on the next spot. Rinse and repeat. Problems arose when I could not get a good grip for both of my hands, and a step for my foot at the same time. I was forced to hold out with my wounded leg to get extra reach for my hand, and then move on.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    It was painful. About the most painful thing I''ve experienced. Tears started streaming from my eyes out of frustration and pain.


    "What a fucking game I tell ya." I grumbled.


    Ever so slowly I dragged my body upwards. Seconds felt like minutes, and all the time I could hear the screeching from the tunnel. I had no time to waste, but I could not go faster and risk falling down. I doubted I could force myself to get back up on time to escape the rats. When I was up around two metres, the rats finally entered into the cave.


    I instantly stopped moving and breathing. My position on the wall wasn''t too good, but I hoped the rats would leave me alone. I didn''t know if they can climb, and I didn''t want to find out today.


    I turned my head a bit and looked time. Somehow this time there was four dograts and the familiar, small rat. They stopped for a second to sniff around. Small rat started squeaking, and the dograts split to look around the cave.


    "They''re definitely looking for me. Damn, seems it''s no use hiding."


    Since I had no other option, I once again started climbing. This time I moved even slower, to try make least amount of noise possible. But with my injured leg that became impossible. Little slip, and from under my foot small amount of gravel escaped. I didn''t stop to look, but instead kept all my focus on scaling the wall.


    The noise was barely audible, but it was enough to attract attention of the rats. And as they all looked towards the wall, obviously they saw me squirming couple metres from the ground. All of them instantly screeched and ran towards me.


    I was only short distance away from reaching the cliff. One foothold, one grip at a time i proceeded. The last ten centimetres I had to move sideways and inch up couple centimetres at a time. But finally I could grab the cliff and pull myself up.


    "Oh dear god, that was tough." I thought as I laid down on the small platform. The pain was pulsating from the wound into all of my body. I sighed, trying to still keep quiet, hoping that the rats would lose interest.


    "SQUEAK."


    I slammed my fist to my left, to the edge. One of the dograts had popped its ugly snout over the edge of cliff. I hit it straight into the eyes, making it screech and drop off. I turned on my side to look down.


    "Daymn, aren''t I one lucky fucker."


    All four of the dograts were squirming on the floor. Apparently all of them were climbing the same route, so once the first dropped, he brought everyone else down with him. Though only two of them looked badly injured, the other too looked at me and just growled.


    "They won''t try again for awhile, I''m safe for now."


    Just as I thought that, I heard familiar screaming from the other tunnel. Seems Vlad was coming back, and probably not alone.


    "RAAMOOOOON HELP MEEE!"


    The dograts turned towards the oncoming player and screeched again.


    "Can''t those bastards shut up for once." I thought, holding my ears and frowning. Rocky walls were projecting the voice around the cave, making it sound like there was double the amount of the creatures.


    Vlad stopped on the opposite edge of the depression and his face turned pale. Behind him I saw five creatures running, which oddly looked like rabbits.


    "RAMON, WHERE ARE YOU? HELP ME OUT MAN!" His eyes were searching frantically for a way out or me. But he didn''t have any way to escape fast enough from the two groups. Since he couldn''t see my corpse, he assumed I was alive, but had no idea if I was present or not.


    "Damn, DAMN. Sorry but I can''t help ya." I thought while covering my face with my hands.


    I had arrived to the conclusion that Vlad will die here. And I will not help him. I felt sick inside, but I couldn''t turn the situation around in any way. I could only offer a small prayer and an apology. Ironic how the situation had reversed compared to before.


    "FUCK. FUUUCK. COME AT ME YOU DEMONS!" Vlad was now losing the last of his sanity to panic. All the animals were watching the yelling human, but soon crossed stares. Unnoticed by the yelling madman, the rats and the rabbits were circling the pond-like depression towards the opposite side of him. Small growling could be heard from both types of animals as they closed in. After getting into the distance of two metres, both groups pounced.


    The fight was quick and violent. Two dograts against five ferocious rabbits was battle of teeth and speed. First one rabbit died, then second. But other of the dograts was now in a bad shape. One of the rabbits diverted the attention of the healthy rat, and two other rabbits finished off the weakened one. But the healthy one killed one of the fur balls, making it now two on one.


    The fight took only 30 seconds in total, and lastly there stood one victorious dograt, with smaller mouse on top of its head. Not too badly wounded, it now started running towards Vlad.


    The person in question had been totally stunned by the sight of fighting beasts, to the extent that he totally forgot his predicament. Now coming back into his senses, he felt that the situation wasn''t totally hopeless, and readied himself to a fight.


    As the dograt closed in on him, Vlad gave a heavy kick on its side. But he forgot to pay attention to the little rat. It jumped off the dograt, and entered his open, screaming mouth. First He tried to puke, then to scream. In the end, not much voice came out, and even before he died, his eyes were empty.


    "What a way to go..." I thought terrified. After I heard the noise of several animals fighting, I had dragged myself to the edge to see what''s going on.


    All four dograts were now incapacitated and most probably dying. The small rat was most probably still alive, but wouldn''t pose a threat anymore. Although I was bit scared of it''s apparent intelligence, I had other plans for now.


    I turned around and looked up. A gutter had been mined into the rock, and it went all the way to the depression. It wasn''t deep nor wide, but after I looked around a bit, I could see similar, almost hidden gutters around the cave. Now I do not know what people usually would think about this kind of thing, but I''m pretty sure it for something else than slip ''n slide.


    The hole where the gutter started was barely wide enough for me to climb. My body was resisting my command to get up. I had an idea, and willed my stream to scatter all around my body. I didn''t become a superman, but at least the pain eased up a bit. Enough for me to try and get away from this scene.


    Fortunately the small size of the gutter made climbing it easier. I could lean my weight by pushing against the walls with my hands or leg, and keeping my back against the opposite side. Like a worm I kept moving upwards. Although I couldn''t see far into the hole, but if what I was thinking was right, it wouldn''t be too long until I''m at the other end.


    As I felt the mana stream weaken inside me, I tried to hurry as much as possible. My movements became mechanic, and before I noticed, I hit my head into a hard rock. Not passing out this time however.


    I jammed myself still with my legs, and used my hands to examine the block. I found a hole just big enough for me to squeeze in. I put my hands on the opposite sides of the hole, gripping the edges. I took a deep breath, and in one burst I willed all the mana into my arms. Right when mana was moving, I already pulled myself up as much as I could.


    The pull was enough for me to get my upper body through the hole, leaving my hip and legs dangling into the air. I was utterly exhausted, but after couple minutes managed to haul rest of my body up. I was sprawled on the floor, and closed my eyes. In the glow of my arms when I pulled myself up I could see that I came into a small room, with only an elevated cube with a hole in it. I started grinning when I realized I had been right.


    "Just like them rats, up the pipe and out the toilet."


    ******************


    Heya! We are finally safe from the various rodents, at least for now! What will await our utterly normal mc after emerging from the hole of destiny! Stay tuned ~


    Drop in a comment, and i answer what i can! Rates/reviews appreaciated! Enjoy, and thank you for the follows and favourites! ^^

 Chapter 6 - Rat in the city

    "Haaah, I guess it''s about time to move on." I sighed.


    After resting for half an hour I finally got up. The small toilet I was in was totally dark. Examining around with my hands, I limped around the room. Soon I found something resembling a handle and started fiddling with it. It was different from the ones in reality. I had to turn it anti-clockwise and then push it against the door.


    *click*


    I carefully opened the door, just enough to see my surroundings from the small crack. Unsurprising, I found myself in a house. It seemed to be made from stone and was missing the roof. I held my ears close to the crack and listened for a while, trying to pick up any noise.


    "Ruins of a sort? Time to excavate! I hope I can find small critters to heal from." I thought, recent events already becoming distant past. If not for the pain in my leg, I would be pretty hyped up.


    I opened the door wide and saw that I was indeed inside ruins. Inside the house were the remains of the collapsed roof. If the house had two or more floors, the rubble would had blocked the door. Behind the remnants of the roof I could see that the roof of the cave was at least twenty-thirty meters high. I exited the toilet while crouching, and while evading the rubble, silently made my way towards the closest  window.


    I peeked out and alike view was seen. More or less destroyed stone buildings, devoid of any signs of life. Again I listened to my surroundings, but couldn''t pick up anything. Feeling more secure, I stood up and exited the building. The pain in my leg was still there, but it no more forced me to limp badly. At least when I walked slowly.


    The ambiance outside was eerie. As the town was underground, there was no wind. Only small clouds of dust raised from my steps, muffling the sound. The cave was humongous compared to the earlier ones. Also unlike the tunnels I came from, the walls, roof and groud was grey coloured stone. Colored streaks were limited to white ones in the roof, and those were wider.  I stopped and raised my hand to my chin.


    "I should find a vantage point to have a better view of my surroundings. In most games and movies, ruins are usually nestled with monsters, so i have to be vigilant. Especially as I can''t exactly top my records at the moment. This place is definitely interesting."


    Nodding to my thoughts, I looked around. The floor of the cave was flat, but I could see a worn out three storey building short distance away. Although it seemed it could topple down in any given moment, I would need to take my chances.


    Surrounded by silence, I started feeling solemn. It''s not often when you can find places and moments like this. A dead town void of any disturbances. Signs of civilization without any presence of the people who built it. And no sounds of nature, nor culture. I closed my eyes now and then to enjoy the soundless song of history.


    After walking for few hundred meters I arrived to the building. As I thought, it was in a bad shape. Not as so as I initially thought, but still it might not stand much longer. Since it was my only option, I had to make do.


    There was stone-made spiral staircase leading all the way to the roof. Also, there was some intact stone-made furniture close to the stairwell. Roof and the floors were supported by ornate pillars around the staircase, but about 80% of the building was rubble on the ground. Safe to say, I should be able to reach rooftop without much problem.


    While climbing up I still had few mishaps. Some of the steps were cracked or missing, and couple times a step crumbled under my feet. Quick reflexes kept me from falling, but I was concerned about the noise as the stones hit the floor.


    "I Have to get out fast, just in case there''s someone around."


    Frankly I was as worried about meeting people as meeting monsters. I''ve seen enough apocalyptic content to know how people turn into total fucktards when presented into hopeless, demanding situations. Even if this was a game, I already knew myself how easy it is to forget that fact. More so with the realistic pain, although I think it has been tuned down. Essentially there''s nothing to differ the game and reality, besides the mana. But if I hadn''t discovered that? I bet my next guess would be that I had been spirited away, or abducted.


    Arriving to the rooftop, I was panting a little from the exertion. It was becoming more and more difficult to move around with my leg. I would need to find a way to fix it as soon as possible.


    In the rooftop the walls continued about one metre upwards, forming a protective wall around it. I crouched and made my way to  the only side I could reach and examined my surroundings carefully.


    The cave was round, about four kilometers in total diameter, and I was half-way away from the center. The town was divided in four quarters, and in between those quarters were partly crumbled walls. On the left side buildings were smaller than in the quarter I was in, and the one right to me had majority of taller ones. On the opposite quarter the ruins had buildings of both sizes. Style was like the cubic white cement houses on the sides of mountains in Latin America.


    In the said center, there was a clearance from buildings, possibly a marketplace or a town square. I saw few more intact buildings, and I tried to look for landmarks to go around the area. I would have to look into those for any kind of useable material.


    "Like they say in the site, you can''t make miracles if all you got are your fists and cock." I smiled. Miracles indeed. Being sent here, with almost nothing, to help out or even save the village. What a joke. Many of the players had already probably died, some might even be on their second round around.


    I once more glanced towards the city, and gasped. There was small trail of smoke coming from the quarter opposite of me.


    "Players? Or more probably monsters? I wonder what they are burning." I mused while feeling tense. I decided to explore the two other quarters before investigating the source of smoke. If there''s monsters in the other quarters, they''re at least separated. And while exploring I would have a chance to acquire a weapon or something else useful.


    Taking few more looks into the left quarter, I started descending. I would first explore left quarter and then return here. After inspecting the right quarter and the trail, if everything still seemed safe, I''d proceed there. After arriving, I would find another vantage point and examine the last quarter.


    Making my way outside, I set out towards the left quarter. There were still few intact buildings which I planned exploring. Going along the road, I arrived to the broken walls, but the gates were still standing. I looked for a way over, and luckily there was a breach just a few dozen metres away. Going over to the left side, everything looked pretty much the same.


    Not wasting any time, I searched through the few buildings, but couldn''t find anything besides rubble and some stone furniture. Sighing out of disappointment and shaking my head, I exited the house to return to the three-story building.


    *Grumblegubmel meogrr*


    I dashed back inside the building. Outside, about hundred metres away, there were a pair of green, short humanoids. Fortunate for me, they were inspecting something in a dark alley, instead of looking towards the main road where I stood. I sneaked to the window and took a peek on the creatures.


    About 1.40 metres tall, wearing only a dirty loin cloth. They had couple thin ropes tightened over their chests, from shoulder to waist. Also they were wielding crude stone made daggers and had pouches knit on their loin cloths.


    "I wonder if they''re intelligent. At least they could make some simple items and clothing. I should observe them for awhile to see if they''re hostile." I mused curiously.


    My thoughts were answered soon enough as they turned around. Both of them had a human skull made into a heavy amulet. I was disgusted and frowned, but decided to see if I could manage to surprise them.


    Whatever was in the alley didn''t seem to interest them anymore, and they turned away from the alley. They were still about hundred meters away along the main road and started walking towards me. I hid from the window and dashed inside to see if I could make my plan work.


    Inside there were just a table, two chairs and a bed, all made from the same grey stone. The roof had half collapsed, and next to the wall was simple stairs to the roof.


    I wasn''t feeling certain about this, and worriedly shrugged my shoulders.


    "This should work, I guess I have to take a risk to prevail!"


    _______________________________________________


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Having made my preparations, I laid down to the roof and crawled to the edge to take a look. The goblins, as I named them, were now about ten metres away from my building. I checked my "trap" and readied myself.


    After 30 seconds, I threw three small rocks into the rubble inside the house, making some noise. The goblins grumbled outside in surprise. I couldn''t hear any steps due the dust, so I just crouched on the inner edge of the roof.


    Five seconds, ten passed. I kept counting to not become overwhelmed. At twenty nine I saw first goblin to come into view from the roof. I let it pass, and waited for the second. First one was scanning the house with his eyes, trying to identify what made the sudden noise. Right after the second came into my sight, I dropped a heavy rock on it. Even before the first rock had landed, I picked up a second, lighter one, and threw it towards the first one.


    The first, bigger rock landed straight on the second goblins head, popping it downwards. Then it smashed the whole body on the ground, crushing the neck and shoulders of the creature. The second rock didn''t hit as precisely, but still crushed the right leg of the first goblin. It barely had time to assess what was going on before toppling over its broken leg. As it opened its mouth to scream, it saw one more rock flying towards him, this time towards head. It was already too close to dodge and with the voice stuck into its throat, it died.


    Gasping a little for the effort, I was boiling with joy, relieved smile creeping to my face. The risk was worth it and I finally could have some equipment. I quickly climbed down the stairs to reap the rewards of my work.


    I picked up the dagger of the goblin number one and slit its throat for a good measure. Zombie horrors teach you to treat everything and anything as alive until personally made sure otherwise. I used the dagger to cut the purse from the loin cloth, and I removed the small ropes it had around it.


    Turning towards the second goblin, I gave it the same treatment, only that its dagger had shattered. Apparently it tried to brace the impact with its hands with little luck, leaving the dagger under both its small body and the rock.


    "Too bad I didn''t risk keeping them alive. I''m getting really tired of this pain." I thought regretting a little.


    I tied all but one of the ropes together into a longer one, and tightened it around my body like the goblins had. I tied last of the ropes onto my waist and my pouches into the rope. I kept the dagger in my hand, but I could put it on my waist rope if the need arises. After looting the goblins, I made sure to drain the mana from them. Serves well to reinforce my mana, and to hide any evidence from other scouting parties. I finished dug the skulls into the rubble pile.


    Making sure everything is secured well in their places, I set out to continue my exploring. Only this time I more often used smaller alleyways and rooftops to move around when possible. Stopping to look around here and there, I safely made my way through back to the big building.


    "Whew. Have to pick up the pace now.. If the skulls really were from the players, there''s a possibility that there''s still some alive."


    After climbing to the stony eagles nest, I surveyed the right quarter for awhile. But since I couldn''t see over the taller buildings, I decided to just go and try to avoid trouble. Moving down the staircase to outside, I started walking towards the right quarter.


    Ten minutes of walking and I reached the gate to the right quarter. Half of the gate had broken down, so I could easily enter. Slipping in to the nearest alley I began navigating towards the biggest building on the quarter. It was also fairly intact, so I would have no problems, if just the staircase is intact too.


    While on the way, I encountered two patrols of two goblins, but I wanted to have a look around the area before doing anything drastic. On the left side I could see most what was going from the first quarter, but here buildings were taller, thus they blocked my vision to many areas.


    Arriving in front of the building I quickly slipped in and crouched to the darkest corner. Listening to my surroundings for awhile I was safe to proceed. I made haste all the way to the rooftop and started surveying.


    The area was similar to the first quarter. Straight roads besides the circular main street, which circled through around the city. Even though I couldn''t see everywhere around the right quarter, I had clear view over to the origin of the smoke.


    As I expected, it was a goblin camp. The green humanoids had occupied few smaller stone huts and had a campfire in the middle. Last quarter was more open and randomly built than other three, that had pretty systematic architecture.


    I couldn''t see anything clearly besides small humanoid creatures walking around. The green colour helped me distinguish what they were.


    "There''s no better vantage point, but I need better view to the camp." I thought, scratching my head.


    "Wait, I used mana to strengthen my body, can I use it for senses too?" I hit my palm with my fist. I sat down to the ground and focused.


    At first the mana didn''t obey my will, trying to scatter back to the stream from my eyes. After few moments of frustration, I tried hooking up some thinner strands into them, one by one adding more. After I had 10 strands connected, the mana started flowing into my eyes naturally. It didn''t take long until the stream stopped, but the mana still was contained in my eyes.


    I opened my eyes and looked around. My vision didn''t change so much to make me amazed, it was more like a small correction which I didn''t know was there. Even so, I got up and once again surveyed the surroundings.


    Still, It was impossible for me to see much more of the camp, but something else caught my attention. Coming from the center, just one block away, I saw five goblins escorting two humans in a leash, other man and other woman. Both of them had only the starting clothes on, which were dirtied with blood and dust, but other than that they didn''t look too bad.


    "There''s definitely more players in the camp, but I don''t see any way to save them." I sighed and shook my head. I took one more glance and gasped in surprise.


    "Oh hell, that''s the old guy from the store!" He was easy to distinguish from the scar on his face. My brows were lifted up to my hair now, I never imagined that he really plays a games like this. I would had rather bet for him to use other, more sensual programs that the receiver offered.


    "On the other hand, this could be a nice opportunity to pay back. I''d rather do it on my own terms than wait him to come up to me later on in the game. Who knows what he would want." I mused. Definitely, aiding a little in early on was a lot more convenient for me than give out high level item''s, or do a favor that I don''t know the price of.


    "Alright, the goblins aren''t too hard to take on, even if they''re numerous. I already have some equipment to make some tricks. I won''t be making any miracles, but I do stand a chance." I felt a lot more confident after looting a weapon and the rope.


    "Only problem is how to create a proper distraction. Should I topple down a building, or just get some goblins and hand them screaming to the walls? There''s also the scout parties I have to avoid, and I have no idea where we could escape to." My confidence started crumbling the more I thought about it.


    "Well, for now I think ill try to sneak into the camp and see what I can find up. Also I should start disposing of the scouts. Actually, If I keep killing the small parties, they might make bigger parties Or better yet, stay in the camp. That would leave me a lot more breathing room while making my final moves."


    Finally coming to conclusion of sorts, I was again feeling the excitement risin. It''s getting more and more impressive how immersed I am with this game. Until I heard something that made me instantly shiver.


    *Squeak*


    ******************


    Right on! Goblins and other players! Will he become a hero, an amulet or rat food! Let me get couple more beers and I will find out! ^^


    Rate & review peeps, even if i use time to proofread myself, I know there''s alot to improve.


    Also let me know if you feel the jumping between saying and thinking is too confusing! I wanted to use it to portray the mc a little better.


    Ever had a moment when you''re thinking of something, and you say the conclusion out loud?...


    Cheers! :)

 Rewrite notification!

    Heya! Just wanted to drop you heads up that i rewrote the chaps prolog-3. Like i commented before, i tried to make some kind of inside the head present narrating thingy, but it didn''t come out too well. So i changed the tense to what i''ve been using recently, and did some light proofreading while I was on it. Feel free to check it out if there was something that came out weird!


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Cheers! Be back with chap in day or two~