-oOo-

-oOo-

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

The rhythm of an electrocardiogram was heard over the medical machines. A breath filled his lungs. The air was like claws tearing painfully down his respiratory passages. For months, this agony had been Henry's most diligent companion.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Taylor, but your participation in the trial was not approved."

A doctor sat beside Henry, a friendly expression on his face. Fake. Always fake. He hated it. The cold, sterile world. His weak, frail body. The muscles and skin rotting on his bedbound form.

"It wouldn't have worked anyway," Henry croaked cynically. His pessimism was a putrid defense against ruinous despair called hope. He gazed up at the hospital ceiling. "How much longer?"

"That depends on you," the doctor answered.

Not long then.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Is there anyone you'd like us to call on your behalf?"

"No. There's nobody left," Henry answered.

There were those who'd come if he asked. But Henry's end had been strung out too long already. Their care and concern had become as plastic as the smile on the doctor's face.

It hurt too much to watch them pretend. It'd hurt more to tell them he'd die. Let them forget. It was better that way.

"Can I be alone now?"

"Of course, Mr. Taylor. If you need anything…."

Henry ignored the doctor. Hand shaking, he lifted his mask. Oxygen filled his lungs, a purity of life. The pain remained, but his world became clearer.

Just you and me now.

Above the dying man floated a blue rectangle. A plain window like one from a 1990s video game.

Are you ready for your next grand adventure?

Yes / Ask me again later

An illusion. A dream. A vile promise. For a dying man, there was nothing more insidious than false hope. The window was the Devil's whisper, luring him to his doom. But was he not doomed already? What did it matter if he spent his last few days raving mad?

He breathed. Oxygen was like cold fire. The blue window hung, an ember challenging the darkness.

Yes.

His shaky hand raised to push the button. Before he could reach, Henry's will had already registered.

Bee~eee~eee~eee…

Just like that, Henry Taylor's heart stopped.

-oOo-

Darkness.

An atramentous void held him for an eternity. A timeless emptiness that spanned between infinite moments. Then the nothingness broke. Henry's eyes opened to a world of space, matter, and consciousness.

"I'm alive?"

The words came too easy. Too clear. He felt numb. The lack of pain was deafening. Agony had clung to him so long that the absence left the whole world feeling unreal.

Dizzily, Henry stood. His limbs moved with strange strength.

Confused, Henry gazed down to see hale hands. He turned them, taking in their front and back. He wiggled his fingers, then clenched them into a fist. He could feel the muscles moving. Powerful. Were these his hands? The color was wrong. The pale touch of death had surrendered its hold, instead his skin had a healthy, bronzed glow.

Fake.

It had to be fake. A mockery. A fraud.

But it felt so very good.

"Even if this is a dream, it's better than rotting away on that bed."

Henry's gaze rose, taking in the room surrounding.

The space was small. There were no doors, with a breadth measuring three meters on either side. The walls and ceiling curved as though he were in a sphere instead of box. The floor, however, was perfectly flat sporting a cheap rug like those seen in commercial buildings. The interior was very yellow, broken only by a window that cut along the sphere in a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree strip.

Drawn to aperture, Henry stepped close and gazed out into the dark city beyond.

Towers rose from the streets below, the gray cores like the poles of a lamp. From those trunks extended horizontal branches, each gripping colored spheres. To the right was a greater structure which dwarfed all the others, a skyscraper seeming built from thick, twisted cord. The peak pierced the shroud of night, the tip a giant bulb glinting with rainbow light.

"I guess I'm stuck here, then," Henry concluded.

Ding!

A bell rang. Blue light flickered. Henry turned to see a giant screen in front of the far wall.

Welcome to the System! Congratulations, Henry Taylor, you've been selected for the System beta test. As a beta player, you'll have the privilege of being one of the first gamers to enter the Cloud Island Wilderness. Treat life like a game! Level up! Complete quests! Go on adventures! Build the future! In the Cloud Island Wilderness, you will have complete freedom to pursue any life you desire, from the bold and the dangerous, to the boring and mundane.

Being one of the first players, you have a unique chance to leave your mark on the new world. Struggle for glory, and perhaps you might even become a legend.

All beta players receive the following starter pack: * 500 hours of general training * 500 hours of class based training * Carnivorous consumption, regardless of class or class advancement * 30 silver pieces * Free character customization (A 300 merit point value!)

Note: 232 users have logged in before you.

…

"Did I just get isekai'd?" Henry sounded in disbelief. He shook his head at the silly thought. "If that happened, wouldn't there be a god offering me a cheat?"

The room remained empty. Rather than a cliché web novel, this was more akin to the start of a game. After a long moment, Henry tapped the continue button to see what was next.

Ding!

Character Creation: Class Selection

The System offers three exciting classes to all new players. Every class comes with its own chain of advancements, letting you tailor your experience to your personal preference. At Tiers III, VI, and IX you'll even have an opportunity to evolve your class into a rare or unique form!

Warrior A warrior is a master of weapons and a skilled manipulator of ki. Your greatest ally is your body. With mighty strength, smash through a horde of enemies! Outside of combat, a warrior is no less able. You'll be capable of heavy labor such as mining and logging. With your ki and steady hands, you can forge all manner of supernatural tools and equipment.

Notable Traits * Heart of Courage * Overflowing Life * Fluid Ki

Hunter A hunter lingers in the shadows, crossing through the dangerous wilderness in ways no other would dare. With sharp senses, you'll be able to spot threats long before others. With mana thick with runes and life, spells will become a natural extension of the self. Versatile and capable, a hunter is a jack of all trades, able to handle tasks of many shapes and forms.

Notable Traits * Heart of Harmony * Living Mana * Keen Senses

Mage A mage is a master of spells and magic. They command the elements and transform the world with a simple incantation. With staff in hand and a snazzy set of robes, they can set the battlefield alight. Outside of combat, mages are well-suited for all forms of magical craft, from enchantment to alchemy.

Notable Traits * Heart of Wisdom * Elemental Palace * Inner Grimoire

*Special Option* – Starlight Witch Congratulations, you've been given the chance to take the hidden class, starlight witch! Only one in a thousand players will receive this opportunity.

A starlight witch is born from the astral world. Weaving every form of magic, their versatility exceeds even that of a mage. With their jewel like eyes, they can glimpse the deepest secrets of the world. Become a starlight witch. Enter the magical fantasy you've always dreamed of!

Notable Traits * Astral Core * Starlight Eyes * Ultra-fine Mana

"It really is like a video game," Henry noted. He pondered the selection, eyes pausing on the hidden class. Was this his cheat? A moment later, he huffed. "I pity the over eager fool who falls into that trap."

Henry contemplated for a moment, then casually picked warrior. Simple was often the best. Plus, after being bed-bound for a year, what he wanted more than anything was a healthy body and great, mighty thews.

Ding!

The blue screen changed again.

Character Creation: Elemental Affinity

Killing monsters isn't the only way to collect experience points. You can also level up through meditation or the consumption of special resources. By selecting your element, you are selecting the energy preference of your soul.

As a warrior, your affinity is not particularly important. However, it may alter which traits emerge during class advancement. Choose wisely!

Lightning Elements: Lightning, Fire, Wind Meditation Rate: 150% Resource Rate: 75% Metal Elements: Metal, Fire, Earth Meditation Rate: 80% Resource Rate: 110% Wood Elements: Wood, Earth, Water Meditation Rate: 100% Resource Rate: 100% Ice Elements: Ice, Water, Wind Meditation Rate: 120% Resource Rate: 90%

Henry pondered. Finally, he chose metal. Mostly because of the balance between meditation and resource use. After being stuck in a hospital, the last thing Henry wanted to do was spend countless hours stewing in his own head.

"It's not like I have enough information to make a good pick regardless," he said to himself.

Ding!

A fourth window appeared. This time, the blue box showed a series of sliding bars on the left. On the right was a three-dimensional picture of himself, stripped down to nothing more than a loincloth. His skin was on the lighter side of bronze, while a layer of fat hid most of his muscle definition.

Despite his excess weight, his overall impression was that of a tall and lanky man. One with short brown hair and muddy eyes.

Compared to life, he also looked younger. Almost ten years younger than he'd been before death.

Character Creation: Appearance selection Age <==||==========> 25 years Height <======||======> 178 cm Weight <========||====> 85 kg ... ... <Reset To Default>

Metric. Henry grimaced. He had no intuition for metric.

"Is there a way to get this in American units?"

The screen flickered. Suddenly, his height was measured in inches and his weight in pounds.

Convenient.

Henry toyed with the bars, watching as his form grew fat and slim. Age could be set as low as 20 or a high as 50. Height could be shifted up or down by 4 inches. There were similar limits for his other features. There was even a button to switch his sex, but it'd been grayed out.

He tapped it out of curiosity. The System let out a buzz.

System Notice: If you wish to change your sex, please take the class: Starlight Witch.

"I knew that class was a trap," Henry huffed.

He shifted the bars again to get a better feel for how they worked. Then he reset everything back to the default.

"No need to change much. I was pretty good-looking in my twenties," Henry decided.

Even though he claimed this, Henry quietly tweaked a few bars. His height was pumped by two inches, leaving him at six nothing on the dot. A few light touches slimmed his weight while adding muscle definition. Finally, he adjusted the color of his eyes, changing them from muddy brown to sky-blue.

He paused, finger hanging in midair.

Then, as though pulled by magnetic force, his hand drifted over to the beautification filter.

…

Henry eyed the image. "I'm quite the handsome fellow, aren't I?"

He tapped 'done'.

Warning: Character creation cannot be reversed. Are you sure these are the selections you desire?

Yes / No

The tall, lanky warrior hesitated for a moment. His eyes flicked back to the 'Reset To Defaults' button. Eventually he mustered his courage and picked 'yes'.

Darkness followed.

-oOo-

Henry dreamed.

He dreamed he was a student sitting in class. A teacher lectured at the head of the room. A faceless instructor who told him about the netherworld, the three eras, and the six hundred and sixty-six planes. He learned of phantasmal beasts and phantasmal objects. He was quizzed on essence, ether, mana, runes, ki, and magic.

He was taught to meditate and learned cultivation techniques. Information was poured into his head from multiple sources, consumed by a mindless avatar that knew neither sleep nor distraction.

Then the subject matter changed.

Now, Henry was a warrior. He learned to wield sword, spear, fist, and feet. The training covered a dozen weapons introduced over two hundred hours. Finally, he was allowed a specialty. A two-handed sword. With a claymore in hand, he practiced.

One hundred hours later, his lessons turned to mysticism. He moved, feeling the inner flow of his ki. He struck, heart, mind, and body moving as one. Then, fifty hours later, his ki boiled over. Suddenly, it flowed outside his body. He learned how to give this aura structure and shape.

Finally, the last fifty hours came. He fought. He battled against warriors, hunters, mages, and phantasms. Sometimes, he faced enemies alone. Other times, he fought in groups and parties against powerful foes and weak swarms. In the battles, he died. And died. And died. And died.

Then he woke up.

Henry gasped. Pungent liquid flooded into his mouth, pouring down his throat. He choked. He thrashed in panic. All around him was a sea of luminescent green. He flailed, stirring water. Then somehow, in this madness, his head breached the surface.

Water spat from his mouth. Coughing, Henry sucked in a breath. The air was cool and sweet.

Fear abated.

The warrior floated in the pool, waiting for his nerves to calm.

Then he looked around.

The brown-haired man was in a chamber of white stone. It was vast, maybe thirty meters long and twenty meters wide. Marbled columns rose around the rectangular basin. Streams of sunlight entered through skylights cut into a step ceiling. The sun's glow was augmented by stone lanterns hung from columns and walls.

He was not alone.

Nine additional bodies were in the pool, a mix of men and women. All of them wore plain, beige robes. The clothes clung to the skin, soaked by the pungent water. After a moment, Henry swam forward. Soon his feet found hardened white rock. The lanky warrior emerged from the pool, green liquid rolling off his back.

It was both disgusting and strangely refreshing.

Feet planted on the marble floor, Henry gazed up at a giant sign then chuckled.

Please exit the pool in an orderly fashion.

Adjusting his dripping clothes, the man stepped outside the building. The warm sun was like a blanket of bliss.

"If this is death, it's better than I expected," he said. Henry spread his arms to drink the rays. "And if this is a dream, I never want to wake up."

With a wide grin, Henry looked around.

Figures emerged from the building, beige robes dripping with sticky green. From the outside, the structure looked like a Greek temple. A street of tiled stone ran up to the stairs that marked its entry. Green grass and empty space continued for half a kilometer before stopping at a small village.

He looked up.

Color filled the sky. Beams of brilliant light pierced a canopy of luminescence leaves. Beautiful colors cast their radiant hue, nestled in layers of gorgeous gradients. Thick branches carried it all, so distant they looked like thin arms at first glance. Only when Henry's mind had a moment to compute, did he realize their grandeur.

A tree.

The brown-haired warrior turned, blue eyes growing wider. Behind him, immense and distant, was a massive trunk cocooned in crystal. The great tree jutted up with impossible majesty. Its branches spread above, covering all of heaven.

"There's no way this isn't a game, right?" Henry said in disbelief.

His head throbbed.

Henry winced. Faint memories floated up from the depths of his mind. The tree's name was Yaalon. This was the Cloud Island Wilderness, one of the countless minor planes in the netherworld. As for where he stood? This was the Beginner's Village, a town on the western side of Axis.

He massaged his temples. How did he know that? The dream class? Weird. It felt as though he were recalling facts he'd studied five years past.

An excited voice broke his daze.

"It's just like the pictures Cutie posted on the forums!"

To Henry's right was a short, pudgy man. He had black hair, piercing hazel eyes, and a rounded face that was almost cute with its youthful complexion. The pudgy man's joyful smile held a strange charm.

"You sound like you know what's going on," Henry stated.

"You weren't on the boards?" the black-haired man asked. He stuck out a hand. "The name's Timothy Cooper. I went by HaremGod on the forums, but you can call me Tim. And, as you might've guessed, we're in the netherworld."

"Henry Taylor," Henry offered, taking the hand. "The netherworld, you say. Does that mean we're dead?"

The two exchanged a firm shake.

"There's a lot of debate on that," Tim laughed. "Personally, I think we're dead. I still remember that rock rushing up toward my face. But does it matter? As long as we can post on the internet and enjoy cute girls, what's the difference?"

Henry considered the question seriously. Then he offered a nod. "Even if I'm dead, I'm more alive than I was before coming here."

At the very least, he could move and breathe. And feel the air on his skin. That was more than Henry could do stuck on a hospital bed.

"Sounds like we're in agreement," the pudgy man said happily. "Cutie posted a lot of information on the forums, so you can ask me anything. But, she's a troll, so you can never fully trust what she says. Oh! I hope we get to meet Cutie. I'm her biggest fan."

Henry nodded, ignoring the babble. Information was important, and it seemed Henry had less of it than some.

Before he could ask another question, Timothy pointed and shouted.

"Cutie!" he said excitedly, hazel eyes lit with fanatical fire. "Look, it's Cutie. Cutie is flying in with two other witches on a broom!"

Henry followed his chubby companion's arm.

Three witches swept above the street in a V formation. One had soft, pink hair tied up in shoulder-length tails. The style was girlish and cute. The other was a woman with locks of forest green that spilled down her back in a rippling fountain. Both witches wore robes of black, clasped at the chest with a medal over a pink bow. Beneath was a dress of pure white.

This pair came to a stop. The witch in the center flew a few meters closer then jumped off her broom.

Like a dark faerie, she descended on a wave of pink petals. The girl's pale skin was resplendent in the sunlight, shining with otherworldly purity. Long streams of curled silver trailed behind her, the tresses like ribbons fluttering in the wind. Her dress, black like midnight, was embellished with white lace, pink ties, and silk flowers. Her skirt was a puff of feathers, daring and delicate.

Glossy, pink pumps settled on unworthy dirt, silken locks drifting down around her.

Henry had never seen anything more beautiful outside of a painting.

"Cutie, I love you!"

Timothy's shout ruined the perfect moment. Whomph. The silver-haired witch flicked her staff in the man's direction. Sparks swirled into a blazing ball of fire.

The chubby fellow hit the dirt.

Rolling flame flashed over Timothy's head, shedding heat so intense Henry could feel his skin burn from the mere radiance.

Foof!

Flame struck stone then unraveled, fire rising in a ragged blaze. A blackened scar marred the marble, the charcoal slowly fading.

'Cutie' adjusted her crooked witch's hat, the crescent silver moon dangling from the conical tip.

"Welcome to the Cloud Island Wilderness," the girl greeted. She pinched her skirt and offered a slight curtsy. "I am Sylvia Swallows. You may call me Governor Swallows. And until you can gather ten thousand citizens and end my tyrannical reign, I alone hold true authority on this plane. Which is to say, I can create quests, make laws, issue fines and punishments, or otherwise make your lives pleasant or miserable."

The dark faerie had the voice of an angel, celestially sweet yet flavored by dry monotony. She sounded like a bored idol reading the news, drawing hidden humor from the world's absurdity.

"My companions are Willow Hunt and Natalie Ward," Sylvia continued, gesturing. "Willow will accompany expedition parties to the woods and quarry so that you won't tediously die upon meeting a phantasm. Natalie is our acting head for the Guild Hall. She'll be your chief contact regarding quests, rewards, and government affairs."

The forest-haired witch gazed down upon them proudly.

"As you are the first beta players to arrive from Earth, I will show you around town personally."

With that, Sylvia turned. Her skirt fluttered with the swish of her hips. The group started to follow.

The pudgy man, Tim, scrambled up off the ground, hurrying to catch up.

"Oh my god, she's even prettier than in Npc72's pictures," Timothy whispered.

"She threw a fireball at your head," Henry reminded in disbelief.

"That means she noticed me," Tim said proudly. His hazel eyes showed a fanatical devotion. "I'm going to capture her and make her my waifu."

Led by the charming faerie, the group walked down a smooth road. The street was paved with large stone tiles, two meters in breadth. Occasional lamps dotted the path, the hooded crystals without color. The small town ahead grew larger.

"If you're planning to chase girls, why make yourself look like that?" Henry questioned after a moment.

Tim tapped his head with two fingers.

"Think about it," he said. "The first thing everyone is going to do is use the Character Creator to make themselves better looking. Me. I look like myself. When there's a thousand handsome fellows running around, there will be only one Timothy Cooper."

Henry gave the shorter man a strange look. The hypocrisy was amazing.

After a while, they reached an intersection. The signs named the streets 1st Avenue and Adventure. The silver-haired faerie came to a stop, spinning to face the group.

"This is the main square of the Beginner's Village. Beside us, you can find the Item Shop and the Smithy. Across the street is the Guild Hall," Sylvia said. "Merit and money based quest rewards are automated. However, if you need to borrow equipment, collect a physical reward, or turn in a physical object, the Guild Hall is where you go. You can also visit the desk to resolve legal matters or make requests to the government. Think of it as a community center of sorts."

Sylvia pointed to each building as she spoke. Henry took in the architecture. The structures had a rugged feel to them. He could tell, at a glance, they'd been built by hand.

"The bridge leads to the Beginner's Forest," the witch continued. "The parts near the river are the safest. I wouldn't go deeper unless you want to experience what poverty feels like. The minimum recommended levels for hunting are 300 solo and 100 with a party. For now, I suggest you stick to daily quests. If a minor quest sends you out of town, join an expedition."

Dreamlike memories trickled through Henry's mind. The brown-haired man recalled that level 100 marked the first class advancement and 300 the second.

"Hey, Henry," Tim whispered. "What class did you take?"

"Warrior," he answered. Henry saw no reason to hide it.

"Mage," Tim said proudly. "I'm a lightning mage. I've read that lightning magic is the strongest. Plus, this way I can save money using meditation."

Henry frowned. "I went with metal. Is that going to be a problem?"

Tim's expression looked tight. "Cutie's post said cultivation resources would be short during the beta, but also that resource-based cultivation is better, if you have the cash. So…."

Metal was a bad choice, Henry realized. More importantly, he needed access to this forum. There was a lot of information to be found there, and without it, he'd be at a major disadvantage.

The gothic faerie led them away from the river and down Adventure Road. The street wound through rising hills. Here Henry found three buildings. The first, set on the highest point, had walls of wood and stone. The second had an elegant style but was hidden behind brick walls.

The third resembled a modern apartment complex.

"This is the residential quarters," Sylvia explained. "As of now, there are only three buildings. The Inn, the Starlight Residence, and Sunset Terrace. A room at the Inn costs 30 coppers a day. You can also rent a place at Sunset Terrace for 15 silver a month. One warning, the Beginner's Village doesn't let anyone sleep in the streets. If you do, you'll be fined by the System. And if you run short on money, it'll cost merit points instead."

"Merit points?" Henry muttered.

"They're important. Don't waste them," Tim said firmly.

While they discussed, a hand shot up. Sylvia's right pigtail gestured in the woman's direction, the fluffy tip comically like a hand.

"How are we supposed to earn money?"

"By completing quests. Most minor quests offer a cash reward," Sylvia answered. "Dailies won't pay anything direct, but when you finish you'll sell the resources you harvested to the Guild Hall. Beyond that, the sky is the limit. Private transactions are legal, and we fully encourage anyone and everyone to create their own business. From shops to restaurants, we need them all."

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

The tiny, silver-haired witch paused, then added.

"But there's only thirty of us here at the moment, so I suggest you get your feet firmly beneath you first."

Tim's hand shot up. Sylvia's impossibly cute, pastel pink eyes narrowed, lending her a sharper style of ethereal beauty.

"Cutie, you wrote – "

"Governor Swallows or Sylvia if you must," Sylvia coldly corrected. "And my network handle is CutestSilverBird, not Cutie."

Tim gulped.

"Then Syl – Sylvia," he stuttered. His sharp, hazel eyes showed a wild excitement. "You wrote on the forum that we could earn around 4 to 6 coppers an hour. Is this true?"

"Yes," she answered. "Which means a common wage amounts to 40 coppers a day, barely enough to buy yourself a room then rent a meditation spot for an hour."

"Wait," another man sounded in horror. "You aren't expecting us to live hand to mouth, are you?"

The faerie in black spoke, her angelic voice sweet apathy.

"If you don't like it, level up. The higher your level, the more work you can do in a day. The more you work, the more you'll earn. If that's intolerable to you, then burn down the capital the System provided."

"Don't," Tim hissed. "Daily quests give merit points, and with those you can buy System features or skill books."

Henry nodded. He didn't fear hard labor. He feared having a body so weak he could do nothing at all. If quests gave him a chance to catch up with players like Tim, he'd put his back into it.

The question and answer session continued for another ten minutes. Henry listened closely, gaining a better grasp of the Cloud Island Wilderness. These pieces of knowledge interlinked with the lessons he was taught in his dream, making them clearer and more real.

When silence fell, a pretty smile blossomed on the witch's lips. The gentle curve was bright enough to heal a wounded soul. Yet, underneath, Henry sensed a poisonous hint of sadism.

"Now that the tour is complete, I have an exciting gift to cap off your day. If everyone would follow me."

The dark faerie turned. The witch led them down the road, a happy bounce to her step. The angel's glee gave Henry an uneasy feeling about future events.

Still he followed.

Whereas 1st Avenue was paved with tile, Adventure Road was closer to cobble. They traced the winding path away from the village and were soon surrounded by nothing but grass and rolling hills. Finally, the faerie led them off to the side. There, in the knee-high emerald expanse, was a wooden box. The walls were solid with no slats.

To the side were racks of weapons. Swords. Spears. Staves.

Atop the box, a freckled blonde waited, her legs kicking in the air. Compared to Sylvia's otherworldly, doll-like beauty, this witch showed the charm of a kid sister or a sporty girl next door. The blonde had a slack manner and a rough-and-tumble energy that defied her dainty size.

The new witch jumped off her perch when the group approached. "Everyone grab a weapon. You're going to need it."

"I wanted to see them scramble," Sylvia quipped, walking up beside the blonde.

The cute, freckled girl smiled, bright green eyes dancing with light.

"You're too cruel," she jibed back. The blonde witch looked at the group. "I'm Riley Smith. Take a minute to get acquainted with your powers. Afterwards, we'll end this tour with a bang."

Henry gave the box a wary look, then went to the rack as instructed.

The brown-haired warrior browsed the weapons for a moment before grabbing a bastard sword. The handle was thick and heavy, long enough to be gripped in two hands. The blade was made from stone. An echo of knowledge told him not to discount it. The principles of this world were different from those of Earth.

Henry twirled the weapon, feeling the play. The hilt was comfortable in his hand. The weight of its movement, smooth and natural.

"What do you think is in the box?" Tim asked. The chubby, black-haired mage carried an unadorned staff.

"Monsters," Henry answered.

The lanky warrior closed his eyes, banishing the outside world. He felt for the pulse of life within him. Ki. An invisible strength. It pooled inside of him like blood pumped by the heart. It was ki that flowed through his veins, transformed by phantasmal muscle into motion and force.

But it was not limited to this.

He pushed. The flow in his body changed. Like a river, it rolled down his hand then filled his weapon. Then the current turned back, guided into his body anew.

For a warrior, mastering the flow of ki was just as important as learning how to control the weapon itself.

Henry opened his eyes. There was no sign of the energy humming in the stone blade. For that he required externalization.

The brown-haired man took a breath then pushed harder.

The thick river overflowed. Life extended beyond the edge. Without essence to hold its shape, the faint aura wanted to dissolve into the ether surrounding. With his will, Henry held it.

Then he let it relax. The aura vanished.

Externalization had been easier in the dream. He was too weak and inexperienced. For now, this method was beyond him.

Putting aside the mysticism, Henry gripped his weapon. Woosh. A hard swing cut through the air. With a nod, Henry turned the sword before thrusting the point into the dirt.

Done, the lanky man gazed at the mage beside him. A flash of light and heat flew from Tim's wooden staff. A ball of fire hit the grass, spreading out in a smoldering blaze. The flames chewed through a three-meter circle before fading into embers.

"Magic is so cool," Tim said to himself. Hazel eyes turned to the warrior, filled with excitement. "Did you see that? I'm a wizard, Henry!"

"I saw it just fine," Henry said. He looked toward the box. "I suggest you save your mana."

"Good call," the chubby mage said, shooting a thumbs up. "I should prime my grimoire too before the big fight."

Henry took the chance to study his companions.

There were six men and four women in his group. Omitting Timothy and himself, there were two mages and a mix of six hunters and warriors. It was difficult to tell the latter classes apart.

The men, Henry noticed, were quite tall. The shortest was within three inches of Henry's height. The tallest stood a full hand higher. The women followed more reasonable proportions, except in their hips and bust. Henry was quite sure a group of ladies so abundant was rarely encountered by random chance.

In terms of fitness, only Timothy stood out. The rest had a body weight far closer to the human ideal.

"They've had enough time to get acquainted," Sylvia stated, her high tones cutting through the chatter. "Riley, open the gate."

The blonde witch shook her head. "I almost feel sorry for them."

Shuff.

Wood rubbed against wood. The box's nearest face was raised by Riley Smith, revealing the dumb-looking bird trapped inside. The creature had a broad, hooked beak and a fat, fluffy body. Its legs were long and thin, like those of an ostrich. Though the beast was far smaller, its head was well below Henry's chest.

The brown-haired warrior guessed the bird's mass was half his own.

"Whawk, whawk," the creature noised, gazing about curiously.

The bird stepped out, fluttering its stumpy wings. The feathers were a deep, Maya blue with the tips having a white highlight.

Grinning, a blond-haired giant sauntered forward. He had skin of pure bronze and bulging muscles that would've put a bodybuilder to shame. The giant hefted a heavy battleaxe, placing it on his shoulder.

"I got him," the giant man said arrogantly.

The creature's beady eyes suddenly fixed on the blond giant. The bird's posture shifted, revealing anger and hostility.

"Whawk!" it squawked in warning.

"I'm not afraid of a stupid bird," the giant man spat, taking a step closer.

The bird shot forward in rage. A sudden, shimmering coat condensed on its body, glinting in the sunlight as though it were crystal. Fearless, the blonde man met the beast's charge with a mighty swing of his axe.

Thud.

Even from where he was standing, Henry could feel the meaty blow. Water rippled on the skin of the beast, ki blasting a portion of the barrier outward in a liquid spray. The bird dipped, driven down twenty centimeters by the axe's weight.

Not a single feather had been ruffled.

The beast rose, pushing against the heavy, stone battleaxe. The blond giant stepped back.

"Whawk!"

The creature jumped.

The bird's screech echoed. It rose into the air, wings flapping to extend its flight. Long, taloned feet raked the air ahead of it. Henry barely had time to witness the haze of mist spiraling around its legs before the creature grew blades of water. Shlup-lop. Just like that, two swirling swords tore through the blond's flesh. In slow horror, the muscled giant fell in four parts, meat scattered in ten-kilogram chunks.

Everyone froze in fear.

Terror.

Before this moment, Henry had never known the true meaning of the word. The brown-haired warrior could feel it. Cold. Visceral. The reaper's hand wrapped around his heart. Confidence fled, replaced by clammy panic.

Against a sea of still gamers, the wet feather dodo charged. As it dashed, a sphere of water took form above its head. Pfft. Before anyone could react, the bullet punched through a woman's chest, leaving a hole the size of a softball.

A dark-haired hunter screamed, breaking free from the paralysis. He raised his spear desperately. A haze of mana stuck to the weapon, lending it supernatural strength.

Too late. Too wild.

The phantasm swayed, slipping around the point. A short and brutal kick sent the beast's taloned foot through bone and flesh. The dodo jerked back, tearing out a fistful of red meat. The hunter bent in agony. A second taloned foot rose. Then it smashed down, driving the man's head into the grass, toes piercing through his skull.

"Whawk!" the creature cried its victory.

Chaos descended. The frigid stillness broke, only to be replaced by a brand-new style of panic. People screamed and fled, running everywhere.

A dull, dry voice with tones as heavenly as an angel's rose above the din.

"It's a lot funnier watching from back here," the silver-haired faerie commented. The witch twitched a finger, sending a frightened warrior flying back toward the battle's center.

The blonde witch sat stooped on the box beside her companion, bright green eyes like the promise of death.

"You know, watching this, I kind of feel like shit."

Sylvia stifled a laugh, her charming giggle like the tinkling of silver bells. "Better they face reality now."

"I know," Riley sighed. "I get what Isabella was aiming for. And, I'll admit, it's hilarious in retrospect."

With the spear hunter dead, a brave new soul charged in. His sword sang through the air. It was hopeless. The blade struck clean, only to skitter off the phantasm's liquid armor. The wet feather dodo retorted with fury, water blades shearing through the swordsman's arm. As he flailed back, the bird drove its beak straight through his chest.

Then – whomph – a ball of fire came flying in from the right. A shroud of flame swallowed the phantasm. Water sizzled, devouring the blaze. The shield of water thinned to near nothing.

Henry's eyes widened in realization.

"Warriors pin it down!" Henry roared at the top of his lungs.

Gathering his courage, the lanky warrior charged. A woman stepped in first.

Her gladius struck, piercing the weakened barrier. But the shock made the blade slide, slicing through feathers instead of cutting deep.

Enraged, the wet feather dodo jumped. Bare claws tore into flesh. With two strides, it climbed the warrioress as though she were a mountain. Its beak reared back as it reached the peak, ready to plant the flag of conquest straight through her skull.

Henry's sword smashed into its neck.

Alas, the film of crystal liquid had already thickened. The hilt jerked in his hands. It was as though Henry had struck a boulder instead of a beast. Grunting, the lanky warrior put all his weight behind the blade, two hands gripping the handle tight. The bird's unnatural mass gave. Rather than fall back onto its back, the phantasm jumped, dorky wings fluttering in an attempt to regain balance.

Henry's bastard sword twisted in the air. Smooth as silk, he transformed his swing into a thrust.

Thud. The sword smashed into the dodo's chest. The bird took a half step back.

"Whawk!"

The dodo kicked.

Henry's sky-blue eyes narrowed.

A ghost of a memory teased him. Henry skipped to the right, driven by the rusted instincts of a player who had fought this boss three years past.

Just in time.

Whoo-whoosh.

Two swords whipped up, passing deathly close to the lanky man. But the chain was incomplete. The wet feather dodo flapped its wings, gaining half a meter of height before slashing back down.

Henry dove, sword raised in a hasty parry.

Whoo-crack!

Somehow, Henry slipped around the third attack but the last struck his weapon. Though reinforced with his aura, the blade gave way to the phantasm's watery sword. Magic sheared through dense rock, cutting an inch from the edge. The magic didn't end there. A ripple of power followed Henry's ki into his chest. The lanky warrior shuddered from the shock.

"We can't beat that thing!" somebody cried in panic.

Henry's expression was grim. He knew those words held truth. With each passing moment, his memories from the strange dream became clearer. Within that fog, Henry recalled this foe's shape. He had fought it a dozen times.

And in his dreams he hadn't won, not even once.

Whomp. Sizz.

Fire flew in from his right, wrapping the wet feather dodo in a haze of crimson and orange. The flames died in an instant as the elements clashed. Ten meters back, Tim held out his staff, the tip still sizzling.

But this wasn't a dream and Henry wasn't fighting alone.

"Use fire to break the barrier," Henry shouted, bastard sword whipping around. Stone cracked against the thinned shell.

Whomp!

Another ball of flame flashed. This time from Henry's left.

"Whawk!"

The dodo hopped back, evading the shot. Water spiraled over its head forming a tight, crystalline ball.

Shit.

Henry dove forward, damaged sword sweeping up. Ki moved, rippling through arms and legs. He swung with augmented force. The stone blade crashed through the creature's barrier. The brown-haired man felt the creature's wing bone break.

The wet feather dodo's eyes snapped toward him. A bullet of water flashed, but Henry had already sidestepped. Spells could track, his memories told him. But that did little good when the distance was this short.

"Your opponent is me," Henry growled, bringing his bastard sword to bear.

The fight was on.

-oOo-

"How did it go?"

"Tch," Sylvia clicked unhappily. "They won."

Emily giggled, umbral eyes dancing. "Sylvia, it's better if a few survive. That way they can see the others come back to life."

She knew. She understood. It was just that….

"The System gave them five merit points for surviving," Sylvia grumbled. How unfair. She didn't get anything for her tour. Her gaze darkened. "I should've brought two birds instead of one."

Three players survived the battle. One, a tall brown-haired warrior. Another, a pudgy mage who, to Sylvia's regret, she knew the name of. Last, a huntress who'd earned Sylvia's respect by enduring her wounds for half the fight.

In the end, victory had been achieved through the most pathetic of tactics. They ran the dodo's mana pool out.

It was sad, really.

That's why, as a noble witch, she had to make sure the next group died in honorable battle. See. She was a kind-hearted woman. Not a sadist.

"There, there, Sylvia," Emily teased.

Sylvia returned a playful glower. Emily's gentle smile warmed her heart.

"I wonder how big the town will be when I come back," the emeraldette murmured. "Maybe it'll surpass Starport."

"We have another lot coming in a month, so it might be," Sylvia commented, tone easing into seriousness. The silver-haired witch sucked in a breath. "This is it, then?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to leave you here all on your own right when things are getting busy," Emily apologized.

"I'll have Riley with me," Sylvia murmured.

It wasn't the work that weighed on Sylvia's heart. Work the System rewarded. Instead, it was a heavier emotion. Change and loss.

Her gaze turned up.

Bright leaves formed the firmament, a cascade of color in shimmering gradients. The world tree's light fell upon the land, its glow as bright as a full moon on a snow-covered field. As the canopy stretched toward the edge of Axis, slips of true night slithered through the branches, a blanket of black speckled with twinkling stars.

But these were not the stars of Earth. They were the stars of Ayu.

Sylvia and Emily stood near the lake. The water glowed with faint green energy. A smooth, stone arch rose from a dais of solid rock, grass growing around the edges. To either side rested glowering gargoyles, both propped on podiums. These guardians had been set to ensure the waygate's protection.

Because Sylvia didn't wish to repeat her trek through the wilderness.

Though, if she were to try it again, the path would be easier. Her growing power and greater knowledge only served to amplify her strength.

And there were so many companions she could call upon.

Beside the frame was a small realm crystal. The jewel was just large enough to assist the waygate's opening. Ether channels had been buried in the earth below. Here, beside the world tree, chaos was as thick as that found in the starry void. However, the efficiency of the channels was lesser, the desired ethers crowded out by those from the domains of primordial and life.

"And all the girls from the Starlight Residence," Emily affirmed. Then her cheeks puffed, nebulous eyes stern. "Just remember, you have to keep the boys out. No boys allowed. You hear me. No boys in my Starlight Residence!"

The emeraldette shook her little fist.

Sylvia laughed. "I hear you."

Then a heavy breath flowed from her, taking with it the levity. Would she see Emily's cheeks puff up like that in the future? Or would the new girl born from the two keep Esmeralda's elegance?

"I won't be allowed to see you then?"

"I'm sorry," Emily whispered, lowering her head. "I know it'll be hard for you. It'll be hard on me, too. But Esmeralda and I need to sort out our memories and emotions. So, until the divide between our souls has fully healed, we will remain in seclusion."

Sylvia closed her eyes. They'd talked about this before.

There was a large gap separating Emily from Esmeralda. Maturity. Experiences. Feelings. One had a youthful crush transmuting into something more. The other had the kindness of a teacher and with it the formal distance that was proper for their station.

Until these differences were sorted, Sylvia above all others, could not meet 'Emmy Vallenfelt'.

Because if she did, Emmy's personality might split in twain.

And Sylvia wouldn't wish that on her dearest friend.

Thus, for the next year, Emily would remain in isolation digesting her soul fruit. Only Belkis would be allowed to meet her. An individual of the utmost trust for whom both Vallenfelts had near-identical memories and emotions.

"And when you're done, you'll eat the Apple of Idunn," Sylvia continued.

"Mmm," Emily hummed, nodding gently. "It'll be at least a year before we meet again. Possibly two."

The emeraldette stepped forward, dainty hands grasping Sylvia's. Sylvia could feel the warmth and the softness. Would Emmy share moments like this?

Her heart hurt.

Sylvia wanted things to stay like this forever.

"Before you return, I plan to Awaken," Sylvia said, holding her pain inside.

"Wonderful!" Emily sang, eyes alight. "I'm so happy for you. But are you sure you're ready?"

Ready? Sylvia wasn't sure. But she had to try. Sylvia had sworn that she'd have her own feelings resolved before Emmy Vallenfelt emerged like a butterfly from her cocoon.

"I've been saving up merit points to buy a soul fruit," Sylvia admitted. "In three to four months, I should have enough. Another four months after, my soul will have grown large enough to make the attempt."

Four years. When they met again, Sylvia would be four years old by the netherworld's measure. By the time she was five, she might well have crossed into the third consolidation.

Time sure flies.

Her lips quirked. Thinking about it, Sylvia might well be the youngest soul to ever reach that level.

Emily's expression was stern. "Don't rush it, Sylvia. Awakening comes from the heart."

"I know," Sylvia answered. "But I think I have a good idea who I am and who I want to be."

Emily's eyes were very serious, "Remember, any answer is fine as long as it's cute."

"And if it's not?" Sylvia deadpanned.

"Then it's the wrong answer!"

And just a second ago, Emily was telling her that Awakening had to come from the heart. Whose heart? Clearly, the emeraldette thought her heart should be choosing on Sylvia's behalf!

"I'm going to miss you."

Unprompted, Sylvia pulled Emily into a hug. She held her tight, fearing this was the last time she'd embrace the girl ever again.

"I'll still be me," Emily said softly, patting the other witch's back. "Remember that, Sylvia. No matter what happens, I'll still be me."

She would. But Emmy would never be Emily.

Sometimes the small lies were the cruelest.

"When I return, I want to see an extra, extra adorable Sylvia," Emily demanded, stepping back.

"Sure. I'll even show you my status screen as long as you reveal yours," Sylvia teased.

Emily giggled. "We can share screens and argue who has the cutest traits."

The little witch parted, her delicate frame half the height of the stone waygate. She smiled, free and adorable.

"I'll see you in one or two years, Sylvia."

Sylvia closed her eyes. She spoke her words, trying to hide the squeeze of her throat.

"Goodbye, Emily."

Realm ether stirred. A gate opened. A delicate, young, emerald-haired girl stepped through. Cheerful and sweet. Young and innocent. Old and wise.

Sylvia would never see that girl again.

But wasn't the same true for any child who became an adult?

Voomp.

-oOo-

Currencies of the Netherworld

The Soli

The soli is the primary monetary unit used in the netherworld. Soli is not only transacted throughout Hell but also in Heaven, the Fey Federation, and the scattered minor states. Even the Outsiders trade using the soli. In this sense, the soli fulfills a role in the netherworld similar to that gold served throughout the early history of Earth.

While all soli are forged from soul-space silver, the coins themselves come in many forms. Several of these are alloyed or capped to prevent leakage of the essence. Favored coins often vary by region. The common ones, however, are the enas (1 soli), the quint (5 soli), and the score (20 soli).

For larger transactions, rolls (100 soli) and bars (1000 soli) are typical. Values exceeding ten bars are often traded through letters of credit or bank exchanges, as soli have appreciable weight. Masses range from 300 to 1000 soli per drom. This also serves to add security to the transactions.

All recognized coins can be stored in the soul.

The Glint

A glint is an alternative form of currency forged from aetheric gold. Compared to the soli, glints have a value of around 550,000 to 600,000 soli per drom. This makes them lighter and more portable.

Despite this, glints are rarely used to purchase goods. Respectable establishments prefer the stability of bank transactions. The floating value of the glint is also a problem. Unless the customer has significant leverage, it's common for glints to be bought or sold at the least favorable value in their area of float. That is to say, glints are worth 550 soli when exchanging for silver and 600 soli when trading for gold.

Within the legal economy, glints are almost exclusively used by banks to settle their accounts.

Glints, however, are a highly prized currency in the underworld. They also see broad use in the far planes ruled by the Outsiders, where societies remain too unstable for reliable banking.

Cloud Cash

► Npc72 [Posted: 3 months ago] Cloudy McCloudface wins again!

► QuestBasher [Posted: 3 months ago] We aren't seriously calling it that, right? Please tell me we aren't calling it that.

► CutestSilverBird [Posted: 3 months ago] (Planar Governor) We aren't. I've closed the polls and named it Cloud Cash. This whole thread was a mistake. Don't like it? Then vote in a real government and change it then.

This topic closed.

► SecretProtagonist [Posted: 3 months ago] LOL. Is the Forum's biggest troll complaining about being trolled?

Edit: Yes, I prefer Cloud Cash over Cloudy McCloudface, but that doesn't make it any less funny.

► HaremGod [Posted: 3 months ago]

My waifu, laying down the law.

[Pic: A blown up chibi Cutie avatar, a pile of gold at her feet]

► FlameKeeper [Posted: 3 months ago] (System Administrator)

Thread locked. Per executive order of the governor, the System currency will be known as Cloud Cash.

Also, Cutie looks more like this (►_◄).

[Pic: Photo of Sylvia glowering at the screen. A pile of obviously digital coins at her feet, each imprinted with a cloud that has a smiley face.]

The Cloud Island Wilderness is rare in the netherworld for choosing an independent currency system. Cloud Cash is a digital currency. As the coins are entirely virtual, transactions are completed through the System agents running on the soul.

Cloud Cash follows the standard gaming pattern of value. 100 coppers to a silver and 100 silvers to a gold. There are no recognized System coins greater than a gold, though one could be easily added as the coinage is purely arbitrary thanks to its virtual nature.

While it's impossible to translate Cloud Cash directly into soli, a rough exchange rate can be estimated at 4 coppers per soli, or 2,500 soli per gold. New gamers can be expected to earn 5 coppers/hour or 2,500 soli/year. Which is quite poor even by netherworld standards.

However, wages will increase quite quickly as players raise their level. For those with a Tier II class, earning 10 to 15 coppers an hour is expected. Improvements to the Cloud Island Wilderness's tools and infrastructure could easily provide another doubling of income.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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