It's Not What i Always Dreamed It Would Be

"What the hell is THIS!!" Justin exclaims with panic. The strange words float in a blue screen in front of him. He can't just read the words, he can FEEL them.

"I don't understand...am I dreaming?"

He waved his hands at the blue screen trying to get rid of it. A slight static feel runs down his arm everytime his hands go through it.

Deep down a part of Justin hopes this isn't a dream. What gamer wouldn't want life to be an rpg. But he know that with games there are always enemies. With RPGs there is ALWAYS monsters.

Breathing heavily in panic he tries to slow his breathing. "Don't panic. Don't panic. It's just a dream. This can't be real." he tries to reassure himself. But the headache, it grabs his attention again with its dull ache. It's not a dream and he knows it.

"Ok I need to pick a class. If this is anything like a game the sooner I do the better. I bet I can't get levels or experience either until I do. how do I pick the one I want?"

It's hard to choose for Justin. Over the years he had played a form of all the choices. He never did have a favorite play style. Liking to change things up for each gameplay.

"OK first what do I need...I need to survive. This is the real world. I doubt there are respawns. So...a class that can help me survive."

As he looks over the list he narrows it down to a few choices.

"Cleric sounds like a healer but they are generally squishy. Juggernaut...maybe a tank or damage build? I need something to survive though...Paladin...aren't most paladins tanks/healers in games? I think...I need this one." he hesitates over the choice. Wondering if it's the right one. The screen suddenly prompts him as if it knows what he is thinking.

[Would you like to choose Paladin? Once chosen it cannot be reversed]

He thinks "yes" to the screen and is only mildly surprised when it acknowledges his choice.

[Congratulations on your new class Paladin! A paladins job is to protect the weak. A stalwart fortress of healing...and punishment. As an advanced class you will receive +2 str, +1 end, +1 int for every level. As well as 3 free Stat points to allocate where you choose. ALERT For starting over 400 miles away from civilization you will be given a one time advanced beginners equipment package.]

The message fades with a DING. Justin sits there, waiting for a package of some kind to appear but nothing does.

"Oh God please don't tell me it's broken. Hmmm...let me try something."

"Stats" he thinks focusing hard on what he wants. A status screen blooms in front of him showing his stats.

Lvl: 1 Paladin

Race: Human

Health: 400/400

Mana: 300/300

Strength: 13

Endurance: 14

Agility: 10

Intellegence: 11

Wisdom: 10

Charisma: 10

Luck: 10

Stat points: 5

Exp: 0/100

Skills: Minor Heal, Minor Remove Curse, Counter Strike

"Ok that's not too hard to figure out...where should I put my stats points though" he thinks for a long minute and decides. "I need to survive while sticking to my class. My class gets str, end, and int every level so those must be important."

He decides to put 2 in str, 1 in end, and 2 in int. His head pounds suddenly with one more throb then fades away completely.

"Interesting. I can actually FEEL the difference" he mumbles to himself while massaging his arm. The muscles feel slightly tighter and denser too. If he hadn't been looking for it he wouldn't have noticed immediately.

"Ok now the package."

"ummm...Inventory?"

A seperate window opens up in front of him showing the stereotypical rpg rows of boxes.An 8 by 8 grid lays before him carrying a single item in the first box. Mentally clicking on the item Justin is rewarded with a prompt.

[Open Advanced Beginners Package?]

Affirming it, a pile of items suddenly drop in front of him seemingly out of thin air. On the ground in front of him are several items, a set of rusted but sturdy looking armor. A rusty looking shield and sword. A belt with 3 glass vials hanging from it with red swirling liquid in them. And a pair of leather boots.

"Well...could have been worse. if this is what I get with an advanced package what do you get with a basic one?" Justin asks himself as he rummaged through the pile. Several minutes later he is wearing everything that the package gave him. As he was putting each item on a description presented itself.

[Training Paladin's Rusty Iron Armor]

Armor: 30

Durability: 79/120

Enchantments: lvl 1 Curse Ward

Description:A Paladin may be powerful alone but a Paladin who wears his trusty armor is a rock against the waves. Dropped by an unlucky Paladin in training this armor seeks a new owner hoping to defend the weak.

[Training Iron Sword]

Damage: 10-12

Durability: 100/100

Enchantments: lvl 1 Minor Self Repair

Description: A simple training sword used by young Paladins in training. While not very sharp its sturdiness and reliability has served many paladins.

[Simple Leather Boots]

Armor: 5

Durability:45/50

Enchantments: None

[Rusty Iron Shield]

Armor: 30

Durability: 90/120

Enchantments: none

[Simple Potion belt]

Potion slots: 3

Durability: 30/50

Justin whistles to himself in appreciation."I guess I'm starting to look the part. Now what do I do?"