> Location: Erasthia – Downtown, Genesis Lobby
Chosen Username: Hakaijin
Class: Warrior – Saber Disciple
Race: Human
Level: 1
A pure white light engulfed everything for a few seconds… Then the world formed. Slowly.
Footsteps, voices, the echo of a vast city. Holographic screens broadcasting quest scenes, ranked duels, calls to guilds… Thousands of players had just logged in.
And among them, a young man with silver hair, cold gaze, upright posture. He stood there, observing in silence.
> "Welcome to Genesis," declared a synthetic female voice.
"You are now connected to the ORIAS system."
The HUD opened before his eyes, in augmented reality.
> Name: Unknown
Race: Human (default)
Starting class to select:
— Warrior
— Mage
— Ranger
— Monk
— Artificer
— Blacksmith
— Apothecary
— Scout
— Relic Hunter
— Rancher
— Merchant
A slight smile touched his lips.
> — "Warrior. It's simple, straightforward. It suits me."
The system equipped him with a basic uniform: leather armor, standard sword, backpack. Then a new prompt appeared.
> Choose a nickname:
(This name will appear in all your in-game interactions.)
He closed his eyes for a moment. Childhood memories resurfaced.
The old Japanese manga he read in secret.
The fighting games he played at night in his room, away from his parents.
> — "Hakaijin."
A name derived from the Japanese: "Destroyer."
He confirmed.
> Registered username: Hakaijin
Genesis connection confirmed.
He opened his eyes again. Erasthia, the players' home capital, stretched out before him.
A vibrant, living city, a blend of medieval fantasy and cutting-edge technology. Engraved stone buildings merged with floating neon lights, and an aerial tram sped above a crowded market. Mechanical mounts crossed paths with magical creatures, in a joyful, controlled chaos.
Hakaijin moved slowly, analyzing every detail.
His body reacted instantly. No lag. His mind was completely immersed.
He went to a central fountain, where other players were chatting or already forming groups. But he preferred to remain alone for now.
> "What do you really want in this world?"
The question resonated with him.
He opened his menu, then the Active Skills tab.
> Available skills (level 1):
Slashing Strike — a high-speed horizontal attack.
Defensive Stance — reduces damage by 20% for 5 seconds.
Tiger Leap — short dash towards a target.
> Inventory:
— Shortsword
— Basic Rations x2
— Healing Potion x1
— 15 Bronze Coins
> "No pets, no guilds, no imposed script… This game is a perfect escape."
In real life, Ren Daiki was trapped in a pre-ordained life.
The son of a South Korean politician, educated in elite schools, a debate champion, a kendo practitioner since he was 5… he had to succeed, represent, and be respected.
But here... he could be himself.
Or at least... become who he wanted to be.
He headed towards the eastern exit of the city, ignoring the introductory quests.
> Notification: Unsafe area detected nearby.
Perfect.
> Objective: Reach level 3 before dusk. Recruit or not? To be decided.
As he approached the forest, he drew his sword. A figure watched him in the foliage.
A first test?
He smiled.
> "Show yourself, monster... Or player, it's the same. I'm ready."
✦ End of Chapter 5
💬 Chapter 6: First Blood, First Choices
Two beginners, two paths... but soon, their paths will cross.