The room lay in silence, swallowed by shadows that mirrored the heaviness pressing down on Alex's chest. Curled beneath the weight of a thick blanket, he clung to the dark, as if it could shelter him from the world's cruelness. His classmates' jeers echoed relentlessly in his mind, each word cutting deeper, amplified by the cold apathy of his teachers. It was like being invisible—except when he wasn't, and then it only hurt more.
A faint creak broke the stillness as the door edged open, spilling a blade of warm light into the gloom. Standing in the doorway was Jones—Alex's father and, perhaps, the only person who truly saw him. Concern flickered across his face as he took in the defeated figure hunched on the bed.
He stepped closer, his footsteps soft, but steady. "Alex," he said, voice tight with concern and resolve. "You can't stay buried in here forever. I know it's been hard, but we've got to find something that helps you reclaim your spark."
Alex stirred, lifting his eyes slowly. They were dull, drained. "What's the point, Dad? Nothing ever changes. They treat me like I don't exist. Like I don't matter."
Jones exhaled, slow and heavy. "I may not understand everything you're facing, son. But I refuse to believe that this is it for you. Sometimes life throws a wild card when we least expect it."
Reaching into his jacket, Jones pulled out a small box, his eyes glinting with a spark of hope. "I got you something. It's not a miracle, but… maybe it's an escape. A new world. One where you get to decide who you are."
Alex hesitated, curiosity tugging at him despite the skepticism thick in his voice. "What is it?"
Jones placed the box beside him. Inside lay a sleek VR headset. "'Realm of Ascendance,'" he explained. "A virtual reality RPG. I thought maybe—just maybe—you could find something there. Strength. Confidence. A different way to see yourself."
A flicker of interest lit in Alex's eyes, faint but growing. The idea of stepping into a different life, even for a little while, was tempting.
"But if it mirrors real life," Alex murmured, "wouldn't I just be weak in there too?"
Jones's expression softened into a grin, the kind that held faith. "Ah, but that's the twist, isn't it? Sometimes, the strongest power comes from the places we least expect. Don't ever let what's outside decide what you've got inside."
There was a pause, and then a small nod from Alex. "Alright. I'll try it."
Jones gave his shoulder a firm, proud squeeze. "That's all I could ask. Just remember—this isn't about slaying monsters. It's about finding something in yourself that's been there all along."
As his father slipped out of the room, Alex exhaled slowly. With slightly trembling hands, he slid the headset on. Reality blurred. And then, it vanished.
He opened his eyes to find himself standing before a signpost that read: Welcome to Village Tervana. Colors popped like brushstrokes on a canvas—vivid, intricate, alive. A gentle wind tousled his hair. Everything felt so… real.
Drawn forward, he approached the tall wooden gates guarding the village outskirts. Two guards stood sentinel, clad in shining silver armor, their posture alert yet not unfriendly.
One guard gave him a nod. "Good day, traveler. What brings you to Tervana?"
Alex took a steadying breath. "I'm new here. I came seeking adventure… and maybe something more. A chance to prove myself."
The other guard looked him over, then smiled faintly. "Then you're in the right place. But remember, the trials here don't test only strength—they test your will. Your wit. Your heart."
Alex gave a short nod, their words lingering in his mind.
"Before you enter," the first guard continued, more serious now, "know this realm is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Prepare well—gear, allies, skills. And don't forget: true power comes not just from might, but from the fire that keeps you moving forward."
They stepped aside. The gates opened, and Tervana revealed itself.
The air buzzed with life—merchants shouted over the clink of coins, laughter bounced off stone walls, and adventurers darted through the cobbled streets with purpose. Every corner whispered of possibility.
Drawn by the urge to prepare, Alex found himself in a blacksmith's forge. The air was thick with heat and the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal. Behind the anvil stood a burly man with soot on his skin and fire in his eyes.
"Welcome, traveler," the blacksmith greeted, wiping his brow. "Looking for something sharp?"
Alex nodded, his gaze scanning the glinting blades along the wall. "I need a weapon. Something that'll stand with me through whatever's ahead."
The blacksmith smirked. "I see a warrior's spark in you. Let's find the right match."
After some thought, Alex chose a gleaming longsword that pulsed with quiet strength. It felt right—as if it had been waiting for him.
He held it steady, then called aloud: "Status."
A glowing screen flickered to life:
[STATUS]Player Name: Alex Walker | Level: 1 | XP: 0/100Health: 10/10Mana: 50
Attributes:STR: 5 | AGI: 3 | INT: 10 | VIT: 4
Skills:• Magic Bolt (Inert) – Launch a magic projectile.• Healing Touch (Unique) – Restore minor HP.• Dash (Common) – Quick burst forward.
Equipment:• Steel Longsword – ATK +5• Novice Robes – DEF +2
Inventory:3x Health Potion | 2x Mana Potion | 10 Gold
Quests: NoneParty: NoneAchievements: NoneHours Played: 00:30
He paid 5 gold for the sword, feeling a new weight at his side—not heavy, but grounding. Outside the forge, the sun bathed the village in gold. Sounds of the world greeted him like a calling.
For the first time in a long while, something stirred in his chest—possibility, purpose, maybe even courage.
This wasn't just a game.
It was a second chance.
And as he stepped deeper into the world of Ascendance, Alex had no idea how far his journey would go—or how much it would change him.