Jayce stretched as he looked around the small cabin he had bought just yesterday. He let out a satisfied sigh.
"Finally… I can play the game I've been dreaming about and start my great adventure," he said to himself. "I just hope my friends didn't leave me too far behind. They've already been playing for five years. I'll make sure to catch up as soon as possible."
He sat on the edge of the bed and went over his checklist."Let's make sure I did everything before logging in. I already ate, visited my parents to tell them I fulfilled my promise, and even exercised so my body won't get stiff lying down in this capsule."
Just as he was about to lie down and start the game, his phone rang.
Caller ID: Carl.
Jayce answered with a smirk. "You calling to wish me luck?"
"Luck?" Carl laughed from the other end. "Buddy, I'm calling to check if you've finally started playing. We're already so far ahead that you might just eat dirt the moment you see us in-game."
Jayce rolled his eyes. "I'm literally about to log in. And you called just to make fun of me? How am I supposed to start if you keep disturbing me?"
Carl chuckled. "Alright, alright. But listen carefully… DO NOT play the Versatile class. I know you and your fantasies, but everyone who tried that class quit. It's way too hard. Too much to handle."
Jayce frowned. "Don't tell me what to do. Just because others can't do it doesn't mean I can't. I've dreamed about this since I started reading about all-master and versatile classes. Now that I can finally play it, you want to discourage me? Dream on, buddy. I'll play this class, reach the pinnacle, and trash every single one of you in the arena."
Carl whistled. "Confident, huh? Fine. But don't come crying to us for tips on how to change classes later. We'll meet you once you reach the capital city of your continent."
"Just wait for me," Jayce said. "I'll reach the capital in no time. Make sure you're ready to witness my glory."
"Hahaha! Good luck. Let's see if you still have that enthusiasm when things get messy. Later!"
The call ended.
Jayce's mood soured slightly. His best friend had always been supportive, but this time he sounded genuinely worried. Still, Jayce clenched his fists.
"I'll shut their mouths when they see me become the greatest versatile player there is."
He lay down inside the cabin capsule and closed the lid.
A soft mechanical hum filled the space.
"Retina scan in progress… Confirmed: new player.Do you wish to begin playing New Reality?" the AI asked.
"Yes," Jayce replied. "Start the game."
"Game initiating…"
Darkness swallowed his vision.
And then—his adventure began.