Silence envelopes the arena the moment those last words were said. The bright blue sky and puffy white cumulous above provide a sharp contrast to the gloomy atmosphere spreading among the players. A chilling wind sweeps through the colosseum, picking up dust and debris as it travels.

My eyes, wide open in shock, watch as those around me begin to break down. I can see tears rolling down the faces of children, once excited to join in this moment in history. Happiness and joy vanish in an instant. This day will be forever remembered as the day that our lives irreversibly changed.

The scene before my eyes plays like a movie where I am just an observer. My thoughts have become incoherent as I shut off communication with the outside world. Within my head, the event plays out in slow motion as tinnitus blocks out the sound.

What about my family?

What about my friends?

What about school? Work? Novels?

What about my... hard drive?

It is as if someone slammed on the brakes of my life, leaving my physical body in a state of perpetual stasis. It may be the middle of the night, but I will probably be sent to the intensive care unit at the local hospital along with the 99 other gamers from my city once my family becomes aware. The current provincial Liberal government has decreased health care spending while the annual costs only ever increase. As a result, there will not be enough available beds to accommodate the new admissions.

While I ponder on the effects this death game will have on my life, I come to think that this may not be an entirely negative experience. I still have one real life friend somewhere among the crowds in this game, but among this chaos it would be impossible to find him. My previous daily life had minimal excitement as I was stuck in an endless cycle due to school. However, in this world there will never be a dull moment in the fight to survive and become strong. Trying to find a positive light from this situation, I being to look around.

Beside me, Darkbond stands up and begins to shout at the character responsible for all this. Although I cannot comprehend his exact words, his facial expressions are hard to miss. The look of outrage, of fear, of despair. The burning sun reflects of the curves in his armour like a flame dancing, waiting to consume all in its path. Faced with absolute despair, his choice to fight ignites a spark within me. A spark to reach the apex of this virtual world.

When I look over my right shoulder the female assassin remains motionless; however, on closer inspection a fine tremor is seen in her hands. I could imagine what might be going through her head right now. I cannot see her expression, because her face is hidden, but her rigid posture and tremors give it away.

I reach out and place my hand over hers to comfort her. “It’ll be alright. We’ll make it out of here.” She is startled by my gesture, but quickly stabilizes herself before giving a nod in response.

This person is, like me, probably screaming on the inside. But perhaps through my actions I can help comfort both her and myself. I give her hand a squeeze before releasing it.

“Thank you.” She says in a faint whimper. Soon after, she gets up from her seat and charges off amidst the chaos pushing her way through the crowd in an attempt to flee. Before she is gone, I notice she turns around and looks back in my direction. I reply with a smile.

The two polar opposites beside me have already chosen their path. As she runs off, I become aware of those in my vicinity.

Stunned, I watch as those around me begin climbing over the seats in an attempt to get at the man in purple. Ten feet in front of me a large burly man knocks down a child around 13 years of age, and carries on oblivious to what he has done. The child falls to the ground and collapses as countless feet begin to trample over his body. The child's screams of pain turn into a soft whimper as his eyes go red. The sound of his cries soon fade to nothing as the light in his once innocent eyes disappears forever.

Similar events are occurring simultaneously throughout the colosseum. The situation in the stands has become a fight for survival with every man for himself. Occasionally, I observe a player simply collapsing without apparent reason. I hypothesize those in the real world have ignored the warning and tried to forcefully remove the headgear connecting us to the game. I can only hope that my family is not foolish enough to disregard the warnings.

The game was released at midnight pacific standard time; therefore, it was 3 in the morning on the eastern coast during launch. With three hours having past since launch some of those east coast residents would be waking up. I know that one of the things many people do in the morning is listen to the news. Otherwise, how else would so many players be forcefully disconnected within a short period of time.

The initial shock has passed and, at this time, the first shot gets fired.

Apparently one of the players has rallied up a group of mages to go on the offence against the man standing upon the pinnacle and the four robed figures. A quiet spreads across the masses as a lone fireball makes its way towards the centre. The spells of countless mages follows, but those figures are so powerful that the spells are ineffective. It’s like watching an ant try to bite an elephant.

Cris raises his hand and a faint blue light covers his body. When the first fireball reaches its target it gets absorbed by this pale light. The remainder of the first wave of attacks has the same end result. Disappearing without having dealt damage. After those initial attacks get absorbed, the players begin to cry out in rage and disbelief.

“What is this?”

“I-Impossible...”

“What happened to our attacks? They just... disappeared.”

“This is impossible. There should have at least been some damage right? Right?!”

At this point Cris begins to laugh “Hahaha, you thought such feeble attacks would be able to damage me? Even if every single one of you joined in the result would be the same.”

“What kind of a game is this? This isn’t fair!”

““Ya!”” Many people are shouting in unison, cursing their own helplessness.

“Don’t listen to him!” The instigator of the initial strike raises his voice in an attempt to bring the people together. “Come on brothers and sisters. Let’s show them we are not pushovers! That we will fight!”

From the centre of the arena a chuckle can be heard “Hur hur. Let’s see what you’ve got.” The pillar in the arena lowers until it is once more at ground level.

“Everyone! On my mark! FIRE!!!!”

At this point thousands of attacks are launched.

Archers fire arrows, but all shots miss their mark. Although, that is to be expected since most people would not have archery lessons. While the system does compensate for a players, the players themselves are required to go through all the motions and aiming. Otherwise, if the system did all the work, it would not be a VRMMORPG. Considering the sheer number of archers, those stray shots that manage to be on target are similarly blocked. This brings to light the hopelessness of our current situation.

Countless level 1 magic spells light up the centre of the arena. Trying to use quantity to win against quality, but to no avail. I can clearly see the direction this is going.

Those with melee classes charge toward the centre with disregard for their own safety, but get blown back by an invisible force radiating from Cris.

“I shall enjoy watching as you all struggle to survive.” As Cris’s voice reverberates through the arena his body along with those four ‘GMs’ begins to fade. “I shall await you on the 100th isle. Do not disappoint me.” And with the last wisps of his voice ringing in the air, they are gone.

Things around here are going to get bad really fast. It would be best if I could find a hidden spot to do some grinding. My character is currently far too squishy for my liking, but I must make due as I am stuck with it. With this thought, I take off in the direction of an exit to get a head start on the crowd. Others have similar ideas as the exit soon becomes like an atherosclerotic artery as the mass of players push their way through this narrow opening. Having been slightly ahead of the crowd, I am one of the first ones to get out into the city streets.

The city of Fairhaven was built upon the edge of a mighty forest and is truly an extraordinary sight. Its charm is matched by the backdrop of these ancient trees, which has helped shape the city to what it is today. To the south, in the direction I began my journey, lies endless lush grasslands and gentle hills. Of course, if one went far enough they would come to the edge of the map where all that awaits is an endless fall into oblivion.

One could hardly imagine the terror occurring within the colosseum by looking at the streets in the city. The NPCs outside are busy going about their everyday lives, but that will soon change.

I pick up my speed and break into a run. The sooner I can get out of the city, the better. Seeing as I will be traveling out of town for a while, it would be best to stock up on supplies before they are all gone. The best choice would be to travel closer to the city walls before finding a general store, because I imagine I am not the only one with this idea.

As I am running towards the northern part of the city, I can see some of those who had left the arena early. Many of them have plopped themselves in a corner having adopted a fetal position rocking back and forth. I feel pity for them, but within my heart I also ridicule them for giving up already. In these troubled times, the players should be striving to increase their strength as much as possible if they want to survive.

After 30 minutes of running I stop in front of what looks like a promising store. Outside I can see an elaborate large sign with the letters ‘The Honest Swordsman’ decorated in bold. I make my way to the entrance and step into the shop.

It seems i’ve been noticed. A friendly voice can be heard from within. “Welcome esteemed customer! I have not seen you around before, you must be one of those foreigners visiting our wonderful city.”

I look for the source of the voice and can see an overweight middle aged man with a balding head and round stomach. A white apron spotted with dirt and grease hangs around his neck. He wears a huge inviting smile on his face as I approach him. There’s something bizarre about him, perhaps it’s his good will or perhaps it’s simply his composure. But nonetheless, he radiates a positive aura around him.

“I just arrived in the area today and I’m looking to stalk up on some general supplies.” Being time pressured, I do not want to engage in small talk. “I’m looking for food that will last me a week, some rope, a flint and steel, a water canteen, a sleeping bag, and a tarp. Oh, and also I’ve gotten 4 small rat furs and a kitchen knife to sell”

“Right down to business eh? I like that!” He replies with a knowing grin, seemingly not offended by my frank response. “You seem to be in a hurry. I’ll go gather what you need”

He disappears into the back and after a short while comes out with the supplies I requested.

“Here you go. The total comes up to 124 Tor. Your rat furs will get you 16 Tor and adding the kitchen knife to that gives you 21 Tor. The cost has already been subtracted from your total.” He hands me the items while I give him the money. “Is that everything for you today?”

“Hmm. How much would a pair of leather shoes be? Quality doesn’t matter. As long as they can cover my feet and do their job it will be fine.” Remembering that the starter package did not include shoes, I feel it is best to get a pair while I am still in town.

“We have cloth wrappings for 12 Tor; that is our cheapest option. The next step up would be thin leather shoes for 35 Tor.”

“Alright, I’ll take a pair of thin leather shoes”

The shoes are made from a fairly common hide, but they will do their job. Before heading out, I take a quick look into my inventory to make sure I have everything.

Inventory Copper coins 4 Thin Leather Shoes Physical Defence 5 Magic Defence 0 Durability 100 Barley bread 7 Small map 1 Thin Leather Shoes 1 >>>>>>> Small Hammer 1 Iron Tongs 1 Disposable Phone 1 Rope 1 Sleeping Bag 1 Water canteen 1 Tarp 1 Flint and steel 1

Everything looks in order.

I quickly put the shoes over my bare feet and make my way to the entrance

After leaving the shop I make my way back onto the main street. There are more players around since I went into the store and a mob can be seen further in the distance. Frantic looks can be seen upon their faces as they make their way towards the northern gate. Feeling reassured having all my supplies, I take a moment to appreciate the city’s design.

This momentary pause allows me to take in some of the beauty of the city. Many of the older buildings lining the streets have a tudor style with wooden frames filled with wattle and daub. However, the majority of buildings are lain with a pure white stone and matching white wood trim. Their roof’s were made of red clay tile and ranged from towered points to slanted flat designs.

The street itself is set with paving stone and large trees chosen for their majesty line the sidewalks. It’s a miracle this world is so realistic, because it makes it feel more like a vacation at times rather than a game. I didn’t get a chance to admire my surrounding while running from the colosseum, but i’m glad I took a few seconds before setting off.

At this point the mob of players has almost caught up to me. I can see a wave of people pouring out from the direction I came. There are only four entrances to this town, one facing each cardinal direction, but the northern entrance is the most well guarded. Since the Pleylf forest lies to the north, it requires the heaviest guard. Therefore, should the beasts attack, the city guard will be ready to defend at any moment.

Currently, nearest hunting ground is within the Pleylf forest; therefore, it makes the most sense to choose this direction. There is no telling how difficult the game will get in the future, so it would be best to be prepared.

Each level of EndGame Online has one hidden dungeon entrance that leads to the next island. These dungeons are not in set points and require the players to find them. The levels themselves will have monsters to hunt, but those will generally be lower leveled and spread out.

If the dungeon’s entrance is not found within 30 days of stepping foot on the isle, the monsters within the dungeon will begin pouring out and attacking the nearby areas in hordes. This can be attributed to the continuous monster spawning within the dungeons. Once the number of monsters reaches a certain threshold of capacity, the weaker monsters will get displaced outside and begin to corrupt the land.

I am now approaching the northern gate.

Massive stone towers five stories tall stand on either side of the barbican. Battlements are place along the city walls and I can see guards patrolling in groups of twos and threes along the ramparts. The entranceway is wide enough to drive two carriages through side by side and has a squadron of soldiers guarding it.

As I walk through the gate I look up to see murder holes and arrow slits and I begin to imagine what it would be like to have burning oil falling down from above. I shiver at the thought. In addition to two massive wooden doors reinforced with steel, a portcullis hangs from the ceiling, ready to drop down should the gatehouse get attacked.

I’m finally out of the city.

Ahead of me lies the Pleylf Forest and plethora of monsters within.