A Majestic Awakening

As Ashen waited for his status window to update, he found solace in the midst of the muck, perched by the tree. He removed his shoes and dipped his toes in the sand, letting the ocean's touch cleanse his soul. The moon cast its glow upon the water, creating a shimmering dance of light that lulled his mind. The gentle waves and crisp night breeze played a symphony that soothed his senses, as his black hair swayed in the wind like a dancer lost in a trance. The chill of the night air seeped into his pores, cooling his sweat and awakening his senses.

As he gazed upon the planet he now ruled, its beauty bloomed even more splendidly with the arrival of the fireflies. In the hush of the night, as the ocean's waves whispered sweet nothings to the shore, a tranquil atmosphere enveloped everything. The moon's gentle radiance suffused the environment with an otherworldly aura, like a dream come to life. Amidst this serenity, a wondrous spectacle unfolded as the fireflies began their dance in the dark, illuminating the area with their soft luminescence. Their movements seemed choreographed, a symphony of light that entranced and calmed, like a balm for the soul. This magical display crafted a haven, a tranquil refuge from the frenzied chaos of the world outside.

As he sat there, he came to the realization that this day had been more than just a mere journey. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, each one distinct and unique. He felt as though he was wandering in a desert of loneliness, thirsting for connection in the real world. But then, like a beacon of light in the darkness, he stumbled upon the gameplay of "Kingdoms of the Unseen", which stirred up an excitement within him like a simmering volcano.

Later, he found solace in the shower, feeling his stress melt away like wax under a hot sun. And as he sipped on his warm coffee while gazing out at the pouring rain, he felt rejuvenated, as if his soul had been given a refreshing shower of its own.

Finally, he got to experience the thrill of the game itself, his heart racing with excitement and nerves as he chose the ball or orb, akin to a soldier preparing for battle. The impact of hitting the water after falling from the sky was like a punch in the gut, sending a wave of pain through his body. Yet, despite the stranger he had never met, he felt a sense of trust, like a flower blooming in the middle of a barren desert.

And then, like a bolt out of the blue, he discovered that the planet was full of water, with only the night for company. He felt a shock deep within him, like a fish suddenly finding itself in a pond that had been drained. And with this discovery came a sense of responsibility, like a caretaker tending to a precious garden, to help the planet advance and thrive.

Then come questions that highlight all of Ashen's actions. Was he truly escaping reality while playing this VR game, or was he shaping reality through the actions he took in the game? For instance, he had never spoken to anyone due to his loneliness, but after playing the game, he began to speak freely with Dominic, who claimed to be his butler and advisor. Was this newfound confidence due to the game, or was it something else entirely? Only time will tell.

While sitting near the Tree of Life, enjoying his stay and admiring the beauty of his new home, he realized that all of his events had happened during the day. As his eyes grew heavy, he felt the weight of his stress bearing down on him like a boulder. Slowly, he drifted off into a deep sleep, like a ship finally finding harbour after a long and tumultuous journey.

Soon, he awoke slowly, rubbing his eyes. His deep slumber had left them blurry, but as his vision cleared, he saw an ancient ceiling looming above him. It was as if he had been transported to another time. Suddenly realizing he was in an unfamiliar place, he bolted upright in bed. But the bed itself was just as ancient as the ceiling, and as soon as he hopped out of it, it crashed to the ground with a deafening roar that echoed through the room.

He surveyed the room, which was barely adequate for sleeping. Next to the dilapidated bed stood a table lamp and an antique fixture filled with fireflies, whose luminance provided just enough visibility. A large window with closed red drapes loomed in front of the bed. Beside the window was a rugged wooden armoire for clothing, and in the corner stood a towering mirror, whose reflection showed his full body with a hint of blurriness. The mirror boasted intricate designs, and adjacent to it, a small table held a regal-looking crown or turban-like object.

He was adorned in a regal, flowing robe of deep royal blue, with gleaming gold jewellery adorning his waist like a treasure trove. The intricate designs of the ornaments added weight to his already impressive presence. Beneath the resplendent robe lay a billowy white shirt, as if the clouds themselves had gathered around him, and loose cream-colored pants completed his majestic attire.

In the dimly-lit corner, standing tall like a sentinel, was the big wooden door with scratches and holes etched into its surface like battle scars. As he gazed at this unfamiliar setting, a sense of unease settled in his gut like a coiled serpent. Just then, a creaking noise pierced the stillness, like the groan of a wounded beast. The door slowly swung open, revealing a world beyond that he had yet to explore.

Dominic appeared, his robe draped over him like a shroud, though he had discarded his hood. Ashen breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of him and asked, concern etched on his face, "Where am I? Who brought me here?"

Dominic bowed deeply, his body resembling a willow branch swaying in the wind, and replied, " My lord, this is your palace, and I had the honour of bringing you here. I dared not disturb your slumber."

Ashen responded immediately, his words like a stone striking the calm surface of a pond, "I know this is a palace, just by the size of this room, but where is it located? You said there was no land on this planet?"

Dominic replied, "It is true that there is no land on this planet, and this palace is submerged in the spiral of roots, crafted by the tree of life." Upon hearing this, Ashen was struck with shock. "How can I possibly breathe underwater and converse?" he queried. With a gentle smile, Dominic answered, "Just as a bird spreads its wings and soars through the sky, you, as the lord of this planet, you were granted the ability to swim and breathe underwater like a fish, moving effortlessly through the depths like a sleek dolphin slicing through the waves."

Ashen was amazed by the possibility of breathing and moving underwater, akin to a fish in its element. It was a unique and surreal experience, and he eagerly anticipated exploring his new surroundings, even though it was mostly in ruins. He expressed his gratitude to Dominic for bringing him to this fantastical realm and asked him to guide him around this undersea palace.

With a joyful demeanour, Dominic led Ashen through the submerged corridors, where he was awestruck by the palace's stunning beauty. The walls were adorned with precious stones and iridescent sea shells, while the smooth white sand floor glimmered in the flickering light of fireflies, casting an enchanting spell over the entire place.

Dominic then proceeded to show Ashen the palace's various rooms, such as the grand dining hall, the majestic throne room, and the vast library. Along the way, Ashen was introduced to the fascinating creatures of the sea, such as the mermaids and the mighty sea dragons. They welcomed Ashen with open arms and pledged their allegiance to him as the planet's new ruler.

Ashen was overcome with gratitude for the sea creatures' warm hospitality and kindness. He felt a sense of belonging and wonder in this new world that he had never experienced before. Although he knew that he had much to learn about this planet and its inhabitants, he was excited to take on the challenge with enthusiasm and zeal.