In the dead of night, a lone man sits in the midst of a luxurious study in contemplation. A blackened symbol above his head.

A large white marble fireplace blazed behind his back. The flames flickering away, filling the air with warmth. Unique items and treasures sit with care upon the mantle. Not a speck of dust to be seen. A tribute to the past.

Bookshelves line the walls, filled with an abundance of various tomes. On their spines are a set of initials, ordered alphabetically, each with it’s place. Each with it’s memories. In a digital world, there remains a place for these few material copies.

A majestically carved mahogany desk dominated the room’s centre. The detailed grains of wood displaying the craftsman's effort and devotion. Amidst the carvings are depictions of epic battles against mythical creatures, such as dragons and phoenixes. While, in the centre is an awe inspiring symbol. Simple, but eloquent. A blood red raven upon a perch with eyes as dark as night.

An oil lamp burns atop the desk, casting a faint flickering light over sheets of parchment. Sitting behind this desk is a young man. His appearance is that of a male in his mid to late twenties, but there is wisdom in his eyes that one can only obtain through countless struggles. He has shoulder length brown hair with a short trim beard. His body consists of lean muscle without any unnecessary fat. On his person he wears sleek, custom made, black dragon-skin leather and on his head sits a leather headband with a black metal plate protecting his forehead. Engraved on this metal plate is a blood red raven, serving as a symbol of power.

He exhales a deep breath.

"Our previous world was one of abundance. Of convenience. Everything we ever wanted was at our fingertips. Science and technology were steadily advancing, free from religious persecution and interference. We could live out our lives within the comfort of our own homes. Sitting indoors. Wasting away."

*Sigh*

"And I was no exception." A deep sense of regret is evident in his voice.

“In a peaceful country, we didn't have to struggle to survive like our ancestors. While they fought with weapons, we fought we words. Thinking back, it was an easy life.

“The year 2026: the dawn of a new era, the virtual age as some might call it. A golden era in it’s infancy. Yet, already ideas once thought impossible were now available to the population. The prime example of this was the first ever virtual reality MMORPG game. Hundreds of thousands joined in to celebrate it’s debut. . .”

The man stands up from the desk and slowly walks over to the fireplace.

"Oh, but how foolish we were...” Staring into the fire, he continues his monologue. “We like to think that we are separate from the beasts. That we are superior. However, when civilized individuals from all walks of life are thrown into a world of conflict and hardship, those hidden primal instincts will begin to emerge. Similar to the lord of the flies."

At this moment the man takes in a deep breath. The warm air filling his lungs.

“I have borne witness to countless acts of cruelty. And committed many myself." He pauses, "There is no redemption for what I have done. No salvation. But, everything I did was for survival."

The man looks up from the fire.

"And now here I stand. Will there ever be an end? To think that I started out like everybody else..."