THE CHOSEN ONE

2 - Another World

"Absolutely! I can't wait to meet you again, Dael. I genuinely hope they decide to make a sequel to this game. It's astonishing how immersive it is; it’s the only game that truly feels real. I can feel the power surging within me, and the emotions are so vivid that it’s like everything around me comes to life."

Congratulations, player Zero, for successfully clearing the game!

As Vin was lost in his thoughts, a figure in a flowing white dress gracefully descended from above, startling him with her unexpected appearance.

"Where did you come from?" he exclaimed, his curiosity piqued. "Are you the game master? Are you the NPC that represents the game master?"

Game Master?

The woman’s expression shifted, a flicker of recognition illuminating her features.

"You mean the person who created this game? That's the game master," she clarified, a knowing smile appearing on her lips.

Ah, you mean God of Creation, Aramid?

Vin chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Haha, so they really call themselves God, huh?"

God Aramid was a true God, though.

"Okay, fine, I don’t really care what they call themselves—God or not." Vin leaned closer, still trying to process the surrealness of the moment. "But how can you converse with me so fluidly? You’re just an NPC! I mean, come to think of it, the Demon King of Destruction, Dael, was also able to have a real conversation with me, even laughing at my jokes. Is this some kind of advanced AI? The responses feel so authentic."

That’s because I am real. Enough with the chit-chat; I'm here to present you with the prize for clearing this game. Whether you choose to accept it or not is entirely up to you.

Vin, feeling the anticipation bubble within him, urged, "What are you saying? Just give it to me! I cleared the game, after all—of course, I want the prize!"

Why are you so impatient? The woman replied, taking a deep breath. Before we proceed, let me introduce myself. I am—

"Forget the introduction! Just give me the prize. I've been stuck on this game for three days straight! The only time I've logged out was just to grab a bite to eat!" Vin’s impatience bubbled over, his need for a refreshing shower becoming more pressing by the moment.

(This guy! I might just lose my patience.) The woman took another deep breath. Please be patient, or I won’t give you anything! I’m Cassiel, a God’s apprentice, and I will be the one presenting your prize. There are two options you can choose from; it's entirely up to you. The first option is a staggering $1,000,000,000 that will be directly transferred to your bank account. The second option offers you a unique opportunity to be transported to a new world.

"What? A new world? Are you talking about a new game or another version of this game?" Vin's curiosity was piqued once again.

No, the New World is just a term referring to the entirely new realm that the winner will enter once they’ve cleared the game. I honestly thought that once you heard about the first option, you would jump at it, but surprisingly, you seem more captivated by the second one.

"What would happen if I chose the first option?" Vin queried, trying to gauge his options.

(So, he’s actually interested in the first prize. I had thought he was unlike any other human, but it looks like I was mistaken.) As I mentioned, the funds will be transferred directly to your account as soon as you log out of the game.

"And what about my memories from here? Will I lose them?" Vin asked, a hint of anxiety creeping into his voice.

Eh? Of course, you will forget everything related to the game, and your B.O.M. (Battle Operating Module) will also be deleted along with your account.

"Then I choose the second prize!" he declared firmly.

Wait… what? How did it turn out like that? The tone of Cassiel's voice shifted, beginning to reflect her surprise. I expected you to choose the first prize without hesitation!

"First, I was considering creating a game like this with the kind of money I could acquire from the first prize. I imagined how incredible it would be to experience another game that shares similar features to this one but with entirely different powers. However, if I lose all my memories of this experience, how can I create something so meaningful? So, it seems far more valuable to embark on another adventure in a different version of this game, with all my memories intact."

(So, does he want to create a game similar to this? He’s opting for the second prize because he thinks he can retain his memories in that scenario. I'm genuinely delighted to have met someone like him… or am I?)

And with that, the scene was set for the unfolding of new adventures, choices, and the exploration of friendships and power in the realm beyond the game.

10 Minutes Before Transferring to a New World

Now that you've chosen the second prize, let me introduce you to the God of Creation, God Aramid.

As Cassiel's words hung in the air, a man with a long, flowing beard appeared seemingly out of nowhere, as if he had always been present, waiting for this exact moment. His presence was both commanding and serene, filling the space with an aura of divine authority.

Congratulations on clearing the game, Zero! I’ve been watching your journey for the past five years, and I am fully aware of all the hardships you’ve faced up to this very day. I understand that you are opting for the second prize, but before I bestow it upon you, is there anything else you desire before you step into this new world?

Pausing for a moment, Zero pondered deeply, his mind racing with possibilities. "Let me think first... is this new world similar to the game we've just played?"

Indeed, everything will be the same as you experienced within the game, but I must clarify: this world is the real version of what you played. The stakes are higher, and the experiences will be infinitely more profound.

*(What kind of item will he choose? A secret method to enhance his powers? Perhaps a legendary weapon to aid him in his quest?) *

"Yes! Okay, there's one thing I want!" Zero declared, excitement bubbling to the surface of his thoughts, eager for the treasure that lay before him.

...

Back to Present

This is what I told you earlier—why did you choose to retain your character's appearance instead of opting for a more useful item or a skill?

"Don't talk like you're of more use than me when you can't even figure out which way we should go to leave this forest! You boast too much of being an apprentice of a God, but look at you now—you can't even help me!" Zero shot back, frustration etching his features.

Apprentices can't oversee a world. Let's head in that direction for now; at least I can feel that there are low-level monsters in that area. Cassiel suggested, trying to remain composed despite Zero's outburst.

"Yeah, I can sense it too, but there's something lingering behind us—something ominous—that I don’t want to face right now. Speaking of which, this sensation is completely different from the game. In the game, I never felt genuine pressure or the presence of monsters. Not even from the Demon King of Destruction. This means only one thing..."

One thing? Cassiel prompted, intrigued.

"Yeah," Zero replied, his voice low and steady, "this world is real."

The implications of his realization settled heavily upon them. The game, while intricate and immersive, had been just a simulation, a mere prelude to the reality they now faced—an adventure that would test not only their skills but also their very will to survive. The gravity of their situation began to sink in as they prepared to navigate a world far more treacherous than they had ever known.