Lucas Kane steadied his breath and tapped on the details under Rules.
Rules:
• The ratio of game time to real time is 2:1.
• Attributes, equipment, and items obtained in the game can be brought into reality.
• Players can enter the game for 12 hours every 24 hours, with flexible scheduling.
• Game currency is connected to the real world, with all financial institutions bound to the Universal Bank.
• The real world has been invaded by demonic energy, causing monsters to appear randomly.
⋯⋯
There were hundreds of such rules.
Each line hit Lucas Kane like a nuclear blast, shaking his heart again and again.
If this rulebook was accurate, then from the moment the game began, Metastar had stepped into a new era—one that would reshape all of human society.
Lucas Kane took another glance at his Soul Talent, and a thought crossed his mind.
With such an ability, shouldn't he aim higher?
Still, there was no need to rush. He could plan goals later.
Right now—enter the game!
Lucas Kane selected Enter Game.
A surge of white light surrounded him, pulling him upward into the air.
Outside, his body was wrapped in a white sphere of light, hovering weightlessly before vanishing.
With a flash, Lucas Kane found himself standing on a vast ancient bronze square, surrounded by an endless starry sky.
Streams of light drifted from the stars, merging into a dazzling aurora above him.
At the center of the square stood five statues, each emitting faint light.
From left to right:
a man clad in armor with a greatsword, a man in leather wielding a longbow, a man in twin daggers, a robed figure holding a staff, and another in a robe grasping a scepter.
To his surprise, each statue's face was his own.
Information floated before his eyes:
Warrior (Basic Class)
Archer (Basic Class)
Assassin (Basic Class)
Mage (Basic Class)
Priest (Basic Class)
Below each name were detailed descriptions—just like in traditional MMORPGs.
Lucas Kane blinked. So even the Universe Online Game had these typical classes?
He had expected something more cosmic, perhaps advanced professions with strange powers.
But if these were only basic classes, then that meant there must be advanced classes later.
He shrugged. It didn't matter for now. With his Soul Talent, any path would eventually lead to greatness.
In his past gaming life, he always chose Warrior.
There was a line he liked: "Heaven to the left, warriors to the right."
Of course, the real reason was simpler—warriors were tanky and harder to die.
He had played fragile classes like Mage before, and every time he over-pulled mobs, he ended up face-down in the dirt.
So yes, reckless and durable suited him best.
Lucas Kane reached out and selected Warrior.
The bronze statue before him turned into a stream of golden light, rushing into his chest.
Warmth flooded his body, like soaking in a hot spring.
A clear mechanical chime echoed in his ears:
[Ding! You have become a Warrior. Strength +2, Endurance +2.]
Lucas Kane's eyes widened.
"Free stat boost? I'll take it."
No wonder his body suddenly felt stronger.
Before he could enjoy the sensation, the voice returned:
"Congratulations, player. We've detected you are a human from Metastar, located in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way. You will now be transferred to the Orion Novice Continent. The races available on this continent are: Metastar humans, Ge'na humans, Banxuan Star stonemen, and Blackwood tigermen. May you fight for the honor of Metastar!"
Lucas Kane froze.
"Wait—what about my cool name?! I had one ready! 'Ye Aonaiwohe!'"
He sighed.
"Guess not."
And… a Novice Continent? Isn't that just a Novice Village with better graphics?
Also—fight for Metastar humans? Does that mean inter-race wars?
Before he could make sense of it all, the square beneath him dissolved.
His body plummeted into a kaleidoscope of aurora, wind rushing past his ears.
"Hey—this isn't teleportation! This is free-fall delivery!"
He broke through the radiant light and saw it—an enormous continent stretching beyond the horizon.
Towering mountains, colossal trees scraping the clouds, rivers of molten fire, and in the southern regions—billowing black fog, pulsing with evil energy.
Even from high above, the fog sent chills through him.
As he fell, Lucas noticed countless islands dotting the vast ocean below—each massive enough to be mistaken for continents themselves.
He gulped.
"If those are islands, how huge is the main continent?"
He inhaled sharply, contributing his small part to global warming.
That must be the Orion Novice Continent mentioned by the system.
Then another thought hit him.
"Wait… where's my parachute?!"
Before panic could take over, a white light enveloped him again, slowing his descent.
When the glow faded, he found himself standing in another square, crowded with people.
Excited voices filled the air.
"Whoa! Is this really a space game? It's too realistic!"
"Nonsense! This isn't sci-fi—it's divine tech! The gods made this!"
"Anyone wanna team up? Couples welcome!"
"Looking for a partner!"
"Haha, smart players are already out grinding XP!"
Lucas Kane glanced around.
All the players wore the same gray cloth outfit—men and women, young and old. Some looked in their fifties, others barely fifteen.
He looked down at himself—same clothes.
No bonuses, no stats. Just plain starter gear.
His inventory displayed:
Worn Iron Sword (Common) — Attack +1
He sighed. "Behold, the mighty Newbie Artifact."
Still, the realism of this space server stunned him.
He could feel his heartbeat. His skin was warm. His body felt… real.
Then a dangerous thought crossed his mind.
"Wait—uh, is there… a censorship system here?"
He quickly shook his head. "Lucas Kane and drugs are mortal enemies!"
Pulling up his Status Panel, he noticed a new entry:
[Skill: Heavy Attack (Common)] — Launches a powerful strike, dealing 120% damage.
Lucas Kane grinned. "Oh yeah, magical skills acquired. Time to dominate."
With a smirk, he blended into the crowd of players and strode toward the edge of the square—ready to begin his new life.