Volume 1: Arc 1: Chapter 2

Date Unknown

David Peterson opened his eyes and saw nothing. For a moment, he thought it was the darkness of night but it could not be. There was nothing. A blank slate of black. Confusion and fear began to course through him as he whirled around looking for anything he could grasp onto as a sense of reality.

He patted down his body reflexively, thankful for the smooth texture of his skin against his hand. This was not a dream. For that, he could be thankful. His memories slowly trickled back to him as he calmed himself down. This was the program. David knew this. It took time to transfer data and this was a loading screen. Right!

He paced around in a circle trying to calm his ailing mind. While he believed, mostly, this was part of the program, a small but ever growing portion of his mind feared he would be stuck in the blackhole forever.

David’s fears were never realized as the black slowly began to pull back from the edges from his position revealing a small office overlaid with books and loose leaf paper. A corner desk, attached to the wall, had a small laptop open playing classical music.

The light was too much for David’s eyes. Pained, he clasped a hand over both eyes, shielding them from the brightness of the room. It took a minute before David felt comfortable enough to open his eyes once again. When he did, there was a small woman sitting at the desk looking at him with a bemused expression.

Small golden ringlets flowed down from her head partially covering a thin scar lining her brow. “Welcome, Mr. Peterson, to Renewal Eternal.” “This is not Thantos?” David coughed. He felt as if he had not used his voice in ages. “No, Mr. Peterson.” The woman said smiling benignly. “This is a void station that is connected to Renewal Eternal. As of now, Tel-North is using it as a way point for character creation and renewal of all clients.” “What is Tel-North and who are you?” David asked stupidly. Brushing a hand over her lips, the woman said sweetly, “It’s the parent company of Renewal Eternal and, as for your second question, I’m Abigail Edwards, a board member.” She made a face as if annoyed. “We have too few people working as agents and everyone has to spend a few hours a week here to keep up with the traffic.”

“You may call me Mrs. Edwards.” She said a sassy note in her voice. David shivered inside. This woman made him uncomfortable. He had not flirted with anyone in years and, off-the-bat, she went that direction. “So,” David hesitated, unsure of what would happen next. “I create my character…?”

“In a way.” Mrs. Edwards said. Rifling through the papers on her desk, she picked out a manila folder with a corner turned down and handed it to David. “In here, there is a list of suitable races. Once you have chosen, we can move onto families. Note, you will have this race hereafter. If you don’t like it in the future, too bad.”

David remembered what Ryan told him about data becoming corrupted if a client changed races. He would rather not experience that fate but he had always had that urge to tempt fate. It was the reason, afterall, he joined the military. There was a common aphorism about military men in this day-and-age. 'Soldiers are only one of three things, patriots, murderers, or thrill-seekers.'

David mulled this saying over in his mind as he began to peruse through the races. The first race he looked at was human and to his surprise there were stats associated with the small description on the bottom.

Human MaleAverage Height5’10”Average Weight160 lbs.Strength10Wisdom10Stamina10Luck10Diplomacy10Dexterity10Sub-Skills:Technology20GrowthExp. * .15Faith40Special Characteristics:Stamina Grows at .5 times Normal RateStrength Grows at .75 times Normal RateWisdom Grows at 1.5 times Normal RateDiplomacy Grows at 2 times Normal RateTechnology Grows at 2 times Normal RateHumanity is a rather well rounded race. While not the strongest race, nor the fastest, it excels in technological innovation and the production of elemental mages.

“What is this?” David spluttered gripping the folder in his hand. A tight crunching sound greeted him as the thin paper crumpled in his hand. “Watch it!” Mrs. Edwards shouted. “I don’t have a printer in here yet. Do you know how hard it was to transport all these documents here?” David’s face turned a pale shade of pink. “Sorry.” He muttered. Never one who was great at apologies, he averted his eyes, annoyed at himself.

“To answer your question,” Mrs. Edwards said as she smoothed her dress, “This is the character creation. I’m sure your agent told you about the level, skill, quest part of the program.” When he nodded his head in acquiescence, she continued. “Each race will have certain characteristics that will make your life easier or harder based upon what you want to do with in the future. “Alright.” David said slowly. “So, when I die again, will I keep my statistics?” “Yes and no.” Mrs. Edwards said. “When you die, you automatically have your level and stats reverted to the level 1 version; however, you have the ability to keep one stat of your choosing if you have 10000 gold.” David opened his mouth, working it silently. That was a preposterous sum. In any situation, ten-grand was a rather larger amount of money. Frankly, it was the sum he paid to sign up for this program but he no longer had any access to that money.

Anger began to course through him at this woman and her company. It felt as if they were toying with his life. But no, it was not that. They were toying with his immortality. Every century or so, they would make him start over, all the while, having the ability to construct a realm where he lived forever.

But it would do no good to voice those opinions now. It was his army training, first and foremost, that had conditioned him to shut up at the right times. As a kid, his mouth would run before any thoughts came into his head. Now though, he shut up and looked, once again, at the crumpled races.

Akiean MaleAverage Height6’3”Average Weight220 lbs.Strength30Wisdom5Stamina20Luck5Diplomacy-10Dexterity20Sub-Skills:Technology-10GrowthExp.Faith75Special Characteristics:Diplomacy <= 0Strength Grows at 3 times Normal RateIf Wisdom >= 1000, Technology + Technology * (Level/10)A humanoid race that fervently worships their god Nikoman; however, they are isolated from other races due to their horrid diplomatic tactics.

David frowned. He did not think the Akieans were for him. They were all muscle and no brains. His eyebrows shot up when he saw diplomacy could never go above 0. No matter what, they would be isolated. Frankly, he would not be surprised that in a century or two they were wiped from existence. He flipped the page to the next race.

Raven MaleAverage Height2’Average Weight15 lbs.Strength5Wisdom20Stamina30Luck50Diplomacy70Dexterity20Sub-Skills:Technology-10GrowthExp. - Exp. * .15Faith25Special Characteristics:Stamina Grows at 3 times Normal RateStrength Grows at .1 times Normal RateWisdom Grows at 3 times Normal RateIf a Client reaches level 100, he has the ability to choose a special skill that will not be removed or reduced when they die.A black-winged bird that learned, from an unknown source, the ability of speech. Due to this surprising development, the race has become the primary messengers for all other races.

David sneered down at the paper. He would rather not be a messenger for eternity. Although, a special skill at level 100 was intriguing. He put it on the bottom of the pile and took out another race. This one read as Elves. He skipped it automatically. Who the hell wanted to be an elf for eternity?

He skipped a few more uninteresting or bizarre races until he came to one he found marketably interesting.

Ventros MaleAverage Height6’1”Average Weight180 lbs.Strength8Wisdom30Stamina30Luck-10Diplomacy10Dexterity50Sub-Skills:Technology5GrowthExp.Faith15Special Characteristics:Dexterity Grows at 6 times Normal RateStrength Grows at .25 times Normal RateWisdom Grows at 2 times Normal RateEarth Elemental Affinity +50%Fire Elemental Affinity +50%Luck <= 0Technology <= 5 unless the requirements below are metIf a Client reaches level 100, he has the ability to create a new Auxiliary Element. The Client will have +50% Affinity with the Auxiliary Element. The skill will not be removed or reduced when the Client dies. The Client can share the Auxiliary Element with other races. If the Client chooses this path, Diplomacy growth * 5 and Technology growth * 3 until death.Ventros are one of the many minor races within Thantos. At present, they number 5. In the past, they produced many champions of the sword; however, that was long ago. It is doubtful if any in their rank remember the old ways. Their present location is currently unknown.

Curious, David looked up. “Can you show me pictures of a male and female Ventros?” Mrs. Edwards adopted a look of concentration and began to thumb through the scattered folders on her desk. “Ventros…Ventros…What continent are they on?” “I’m not sure.” David said shrugging. “It doesn't say.” “Hmm.” Mrs. Edwards said pensively. “That’s common. Although, I hoped otherwise. The AI systems created so many different races it’s hard to keep track of them all.”

With a quick motion, Mrs. Edwards stood and nearly ran to the other side of the room, brushing David aside, almost roughly. “Ventros…Ventros…” She continued to mumble this as she scanned the shelves. “Ah…Found something.”

Unfurling a small pamphlet, no more than a page, she scanned it briefly before handing it over to David. “This has all the information the AI has given us.” Opening the pamphlet, David scanned it and saw a small, graphical image of a Ventros man and woman standing together as if posing for a picture. The woman was pale-skinned, two small horns jutted through black, almost purplish hair, while she wore a cotton smock over a shapely body. The man was thin, yet, there was a gleam in his eyes that David had in his own eyes. He resonated with the man as he saw the thin, but corded muscles, smooth completion and the longer and thicker horns that curved upward as if reaching towards the heavens.

There was only a single paragraph under the picture. And as David read, he could not keep his hand from shaking. This was it. He had already decided whom he wanted to live as. A Ventros. Although their luck was pretty bad, as well as their technology, he could live with it. He would help his race out of the ashes. He grinned as he read the small paragraph.

The Ventros were one of the most renowned races on the Vashin Continent. Their prowess with the sword made them famous throughout the lands; however, due to their fame, they were targeted by many of those they defeated, eventually succumbing to the pressure and secluding themselves in an unknown location. Historians of the land lament their loss while all others have forgotten they ever existed.

This must be one of the near-extinct races Ryan spoke of earlier. They were a danger to his future. If those few members died, he would not have a chance to reincarnate. Yet, that thrill-seeker mentality began to rebel against cold and cruel logic. A small twinge of sadness enveloped David. He felt a connection to these people already. Their fight was noble. A race, once great, now torn asunder. He felt like he could make his mark with them. If he chose the Human Race or Akiean Race, even, he would be one among millions. A mere statistic in a book. Even with the dangers associated with choosing this race, David felt like the Ventros called to him.

A smile enveloped his lips as he looked up from the pamphlet. “I have chosen Mrs. Edwards.” “Oh.” She said surprised. “The Ventros then? How interesting.” Mrs. Edwards said with a small smile. “You like lost causes then.” She took a step closer to him. David felt his heart flutter. No. He shook his head and backed up a step. He doubted he would ever see this woman again. A feint look of disappointment crossed Mrs. Edwards’ face before she stepped back. “Very well then.” She frowned slightly as she said, “Now all that’s left is to choose your parents and location.

Moving smoothly through the mess of the small room, she, once again, sat back down at her desk and quickly perused what looked like a map on her laptop. “Hmm…This is interesting.” David remained silent. It was easier for her to explain when she finished rather than interrupt her. After a minute of constant clicking, Mrs. Edwards turned to him. “It seems that due to the low volume of Ventros of child-bearing age, you only have one option and one location to choose from. Akain Reshak and Mala Reshak. As the location is unknown, the AI will locate them for us and send you there automatically.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Edwards.” David said gratefully. While he was still annoyed with the company for constantly making him start over, he had eternity to do whatever he wanted. It was truly a blessing. “David, I doubt I’ll ever see you again as your next death will most likely be after I enter the program. So, I wish to say, it was pleasant meeting you.” “And you, Mrs. Edwards.” David said cordially.

“OK.” She breathed in deeply, turned to her computer, and did some quick typing. “Close your eyes. I’ve been told this can cause extreme nausea so try to remain calm.” David did as instructed. “In 5…4….3…2…1” A flash of light smashed all his senses into smithereens as David felt like he was riding the world’s worst roller coaster. He no doubt threw up more than once but he was too nauseous to even think at that point. After what felt like eternity, he stopped moving and an infant’s cry rent his ears.

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