"I've hacked into the most thorough security system in the world during a lunch break. A constantly evolving, goal-driven, malicious AI might be a challenge." -Rick Moore (Former Security Programmer for World Virtual Visions)

Seattle, Washington

United States

20 hours before launch of PADW

Athena. Karin. Mei Mei. Parvati. Sarasvati. Vishnu. Zeus. Metatron. Sakuya. Siegfried. Pandora. Satan. Hera. Valkyrie. Verche. Guan Yu. Cao Cao. Ra. Hades. Bastet. Sonia. Lilith. Tsukoyomi. Haku. Odin. Anubis. Isis. Idunn & Idunna. Persephone. Tearju. Apollo. Michael. Freyja. Noah. Alraune. Amaterasu. Raphael. Shiva. Cleopatra. Neptune. Da Qiao & Xiao Qiao. Venus. Okuninushi. Thanatos. Lu Bu....

Ray scrolled through the extensive list of monsters presented to him on the screen. He swiped to the next page on the tablet and scanned through a new column of names. He'd forgotten how many God Monsters there were.

It would've been nice if they listed them in their numerical order. Or at least alphabetical. Maybe by monster type or attribute? It was as if the developers just decided to throw them all together in a random number generator.

The information and stats were also meager in presentation: name, attribute, type, health, and attack. These were some basic bits of information needed to understand any character in a game, but a Puzzle and Dragons Player knew that several pieces of crucial information were omitted.

For example, monsters in PAD had an active skill and a leader skill. The leader skill is passive, and only triggers if a monster is assigned the position of leader on a team. The active skill is used after a certain amount of turns pass or, in this new game, could be implemented after other instances. Both of these skills were not listed.

Why?

They are really leaving us in the dark aren't they, Ray thought. Guess I'll just have to adapt.

The man sitting at the desk in front of him glanced at his watch as Ray swiped through another page.“You know you only pick five, right?”

Ray answered the man without looking up, “Yes, I know.”

He didn't push the conversation further with an explanation as he maintained focus on the screen. The man unsuccessfully attempted to stifle a yawn and pretended to rifle through some papers at his desk.

Ray reached the last page and scanned to the bottom.

What the hell? She isn't here.

He scrolled back to the first page and frantically analyzed every monster that appeared. He looked at the name for each at least a whole second before moving to the next one.

Why can't I find her?

Possibilities dawned on him as he weighed reasoning. One of these disheartened him immensely.

Did they remove her from the game?

Impossible. There was absolutely no way they could remove a character like her. She was immensely popular with the new meta, and her skills complimented many endgamers.

He convinced himself that she was still in this game as well.

Okay. So the Chinese gods are: Mei Mei, Karin, Sakuya, Haku, and Leilan.

Ray went through the list again, searching for all the names of the Chinese gods. He first happened upon Karin on the second page, followed by Mei Mei. Sakuya was on the next page, and then Haku a few pages after that. There was still no sign of Leilan.

What the hell...

He reached the last page. His hands were slick with sweat and it was difficult to move his finger across the screen. For a moment, his vision blurred and he rubbed his eyes, even though the motion might be the worst course of action. The haziness probably stemmed from staring at a screen for so long.

When he reached that last page again he leaned back in the leather chair. He tried to force himself to relax, but found this to be impossible. Sitting hunched over had actually blocked off his airways slightly, and he noticed his labored breathing. The encounter with the asthma was brief at least.

The bored man behind the desk heard him. “Everything okay, kid?”

“Yeah, just didn't get enough sleep last night.”

The man laughed humorlessly. “Nervous or something?”

Ray let out a soft chuckle. The truth was, the fact he was going to be in this game with the entire world watching him was a little unsettling. He didn't need that added on to the desperation and disbelief he fought with right now.

Sanctuary

Pirugan Continent

20 hours before launch of PADW

“I am afraid, we are out of time,” Metatron announced.

She stared at the God Monsters seated around the long stone table. The illuminated archways surrounding them exposed their defeated faces. A normal moon hovered in the sky with its sister celestial bodies.

Her fellow God Monsters avoided eye contact as the grim mood settled over them. Despite their recent victory against Satan and the other unknown dark knight that appeared at Caramoc Cove, the past few days had finally taken a toll on all of their spirits.

Even though they successfully escaped with Pandora's box, Satan's power confirmed another force was at work. The unexpected discovery of Pandora was a testament to this. His information network and influence extended far beyond their expectations.

Metatron's black half-slip dress had been matted with dirt in a recent engagement with dark mystic knights that attacked Sanctuary during the engagement with Satan. The caricthmian-style fabric, formed from the volatile metal of the same name native to this world, was torn in multiple places. Her cloak was completely incinerated from fighting a pyro demon, and the right sleeve of her dress was torn off. Her rose-colored hair was disheveled even more than usual. That once-radiant face still retained its beauty, but was now worn with heavy, tired eyes.

She stared down at Pandora who slept calmly beside her. When Pandora arrived in Sanctuary, she'd been on the verge of passing out from the amount of energy that the box stole from her. The chains of the chest had awoken once more and wrapped themselves around Pandora, feeding hungrily on her life energy. It took three of them to pry the chains off and place her a safe distance away. Metatron felt a small bit of relief when she heard Pandora's labored breathing settle down to an even pace.

She shifted attention to her weary comrades. “The Reversion has deprived us of our power. Most of us. It would seem that the Creator who came to us a few days ago was correct. That being said...” She paused for a moment to collect herself. “They have some force that is working alongside them. Something we cannot even fathom. I would say it is quite possible we have lost our only advantage.”

She rested a large blue book on the stone table. At its center, a golden eyeball with a rare magic stone at its center emitted a soft glow.

The other God Monsters waited patiently as she rifled through some of the pages. They knew not to disturb her during these random moments of inspiration.

“I say it's time we relocated.” A big male monster wearing a green cloak and eye patch broke the silence. He hid his eyes under a large, pointed hat.

A monster seated next to him with long black hair and an anchor beard, shook his head. “We've been over this, Odin. Satan's forces have cut off Vesta Cave. There is no way to break through his defensive line.”

“Perhaps a diversion,” someone chimed in. “Odin is right. They know about Sanctuary. If our enemy has Players prepared in advance, then they will strike here first when they seize even a slight advantage.”

Another monster in crimson armor crossed his arms in irritation. “I will go. I have some forces to spare before the Player entry. This is also an opportunity to deliver our message to the Valkyries.”

The black-haired monster stared at him incredulous. “Cao Cao! You're a general. It's too risky. If you were banished to a dungeon-”

Cao Cao's steely gaze fell on the one who spoke. “Do not speak of my status as something to be coddled, Izanagi. I belong on the front lines. If I should fall, then I hold faith that you will all free me from whatever cursed dungeon I'm sent to.” He turned his head as a dismissal on the matter.

A young female monster with emerald green hair and milky white armor made her placid voice heard. “My soldiers stand ready.”

Cao Cao closed his eyes and nodded. “Thank you, Athena.”

More God Monsters rose as volunteers.

“Then the matter is settled.” Metatron stopped writing in her book. Her allies didn't realize she'd been listening. Her uncanny ability to multitask and maintain focus was remarkable.

“We make for Vesta Cave once we are prepared. Those who avoided The Reversion will move in separate groups.”

Most of the monsters seemed pleased with the decision.

Before the topic shifted to other matters, a timid girl with long, flowing blonde hair rose from her seat and clasped her hands behind her. She wore a white skin-tight outfit laced with gold that extended just past her thighs. It reached towards her hands and wrapped around her fingers to fit like a glove.

Nervous hands played with the end of her white-gold serpent tail as she spoke, “Metatron, um, I just have a quick question to ask.”

Metatron gave the girl her full attention. “Yes, Sakuya.” She noticed her trembling hands. “What's the matter?”

Sakuya released her tail and allowed it to settle on the floor behind her. “Do we, well, do we actually have to-partner with one of these Players?”

Metatron sighed with a mixture of exasperation and sympathy. “Sakuya, you told me you already finished with the book.”

“Y-yes, I did but, um, I closed it before I made my choice. I'm sorry.”

There was a long silence that settled over the room. Some of the other gods exchanged awkward glances. If what Sakuya said was true, then it might already be too late for her to choose a Player from the book.

Leilan, who'd been silent up until now, stared at her fellow Chinese god and rose as well. “Metatron, I have also not chosen a Player as my partner.”

“You too, Leilan? Do you know what this means?”

“Yes. I deemed the situation at Caramoc Cove to be a more pressing matter, so I forfeited my choice.”

Metatron hastily flipped through the pages of her book and stepped away from it to give Leilan some room. “This is probably your last chance.” She eyed the two Chinese gods. “If you don't choose, then you are leaving your fate up to those beyond.”

Leilan and Sakuya exchanged an uneasy look. It was true that if they didn't take this opportunity now, then they could end up with a Player they didn’t desire, or cast off into some forsaken dungeon. Leilan hoped to avoid either outcome.

“Trust your instincts,” Metatron pleaded.

The other gods leaned forward. A wind bearing ill omens swept past them, and even the circling leaves seemed to not break the uncomfortable silence.

Leilan was weary, and contemplation felt like slogging through water. All of her weight rested on her hands. Her eyes attempted to etch the solution for her in the stone table.

She did recall a Player's name when she first examined the book. It sat concealed somewhere in the back of her mind. If she could find that name again, then maybe, just maybe...

She shook herself from her reverie and approached Metatron. Her eyes bore into the book. A list of names. The Players.

She felt another presence beside her as she read the Player profiles. She glanced up to see Sakuya fidgeting next to her.

Leilan reached the end of the Player profiles and realized that none of the names had triggered any recognition. She flipped back to the front and scanned over the list again. Even though she was pressed for time, she mouthed each name and scrutinized the details to ensure she didn't miss a single word that might jar her memory.

She flipped the last page, and still she didn't recognize any of the names.

Leilan motioned for Sakuya to read the book. “Give me a minute to think.”

Sakuya nodded and stared at the book as if it was going to snap at her like a snake. She rested her hands on the book and took a deep breath before gently turning each page.

The name, Leilan thought. What was his name? Yes, that's right. It was a male. Definitely a male. A young male. What was his name?

Two men in matching black suit and tie checked through the pages of the tablet. They were skeptical when Ray told them that a name was excluded from the list. He insisted that he checked to make sure, but they still felt the need to see for themselves. After a few minutes, one of the men exited the room to fetch a tech expert.

Ray didn't even have time to blink before another man, this one dressed in casual wear, entered the room with an air of calm and took the tablet from the man in black. Ray noted the graphic t-shirt with the name of some heavy metal band and black beanie he wore, despite being in the middle of Summer. A complete contrast from the other staff.

The man glanced at Ray and gave a short smirk. “Looks like you're right, pal. Leilan is not in the roster.” He handed him the tablet. “Looks like someone in my department is getting an earful. Let me check and make sure Leilan is in the character pool of the main system.”

“Thank you,” Ray replied.

He went back to analyzing the list of monsters. He might as well take the time memorizing all he can with the extra time, even if it did encourage an enhanced feeling of apprehension.

The silence in the room settled around him as the two men in black stood to either side of the door, hands clasped behind their backs with shoulders perfectly straight. Ray found it strange how these people acted. He recalled other men and women in comparative attire who seemed to walk through the halls with similar robotic fashion. Their eyes appeared glassy as they carefully analyzed each person they came in contact with. They even ate like robots, methodically chewing their food with the same amount of time between bites and lacking any sort of conversation.

After a few more minutes, Leilan's name appeared on the last page.

Sakuya stepped away from the book and returned to her seat. The look of horror was plain on her face. Leilan felt sorry for her. She didn't want to end up with one of these Players. She didn't trust them.

Leilan approached the book only after Metatron beckoned for her to mirror Sakuya.

With a forced, steady hand, she flipped through the pages once again.

There it was. The name. She recognized it with one look. The physical details, the biography, the stats, everything. His eyes. That's what triggered this recognition the most. There was something in those eyes she couldn't quite place, but they put her at ease. He was the one she wanted.

She placed a hand over the page.

Ray placed his hand over Leilan's page and the screen began its scan. After a few seconds, a message appeared that read: Monster Selections Complete. He handed the tablet to one of the men in black.

"Thank you."

Seattle, Washington

United States

3 hours before launch of PADW

“Today is the day, ladies and gentleman! Allow me to take this time to congratulate all of you. Through careful consideration, you have been chosen to embark on a journey through a vibrant world the likes of which nobody has ever seen. Congratulations!”

The large man scanned the crowd of Players who eagerly awaited the rest of their instructions. Their enthusiasm pleased him.

“Upon entry, you will select three starting pieces of equipment. Then, you will be instructed by the artificial intelligence, Lo, on how to proceed from there through a brief tutorial so that you may adapt to the game's new mechanics.”

He paused to make his next announcement even more dramatic. “After completing the tutorial, you will then meet your starting monster partner.”

The crowd erupted into cheers as they finally received this confirmation. The Players had been wondering if they would meet their partners immediately, and now their prayers had brought reward.

The man waited until the cheers died down. “In this world, your sense of time will be altered. One day in the game world is equivalent to a single hour. You may enter and exit the virtual world at any time you please. Manage your time wisely. As your Gamemaster, I will ensure that you are logged in and out safely with the help of your designated supervisor. Does anyone have questions?”

One individual raised his hand immediately.

“Yes?”

The young man's friends snickered around him. He attempted to stifle his own laughter.

“How do we know when we need to take a shit?”

The audience erupted into uncontrollable laughter and even the Gamemaster, in all of his professionalism, couldn't suppress a grin.

He answered, “Oh believe me, you'll know.”

His answer brought forth more laughter.

Ray stood in the audience and joined the positive atmosphere. He felt a nudge on his shoulder and turned to see Lucy motioning to him.

“We are going to meet at the Gods Descended Arena,” she whispered.

Ray nodded. “There's an event scheduled on the database, right?”

Keiichi suddenly threw an arm over his shoulders and barreled into him. “This is it man! This is it! Let's kick some ass!”

Lucy jumped in on the hug and they rocked back and forth as Ray tried to stay steady on his feet.

“We got this!” Lucy shouted along with the cacophony from the other excited Players.

Ray felt the enthusiasm of his friends seep into him. He wanted to maintain an air of calm and collectedness that was a little more to his character, but he just simply couldn't suppress his excitement either.

“To PADW!” Keiichi shouted.

“To PADW!” Ray and Lucy replied in unison.

The time for entry was nearly at hand.

Two men sat in a closed-off office, separate from other sections of the building where the Players received their final instructions. The sound-proof walls and sensors implanted around the room disabled any technological devices that entered the set area. Others from the outside were unaware of this room's existence. Only a select few were granted entrance, and even fewer were actually aware of their employer's intentions.

In the end, all that really mattered to these people was a paycheck and their involvement being strictly anonymous. The consequences of their actions were of no concern, just as long as they did not involve themselves directly. The suffering of a few Players was a necessary and expected sacrifice.

One of the men spoke, "It would seem that two SSS ranks have appeared that are not part of our assembled team."

"Is that so? Interesting. And the chances of this being a coincidence?"

"Considerably less than one percent, sir."

"Up the surveillance over in the supervisor wing. And begin the process for the LAN isolation. We might pick something up if someone strays from the schedule."

"Yes, sir."

"We still maintain control of the system, but I would prefer another once-over of Lo's fail-safes."

"It's already being prepped, sir.” The subordinate shifted uneasily. "And the others?"

His employer smiled. "Let events play out as they may. No need to risk exposure for a slight inconvenience."