Chapter 3 The Start Of a Legend

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[SYNCHRONIZING PROCESS FINISHED] 

[WELCOME USER DANIEL U. FERRER]

 [DETECTING DATA FROM PORT 1] 

[DATA ANALYZED] 

[REWIND ONLINE INSTALLATION COMPLETED]

 [DOES USER WANT TO LOAD PROGRAM?]

 "Yes," He responded aloud.

 As the pop-up window closed, the surroundings glowed brightly. When he opened his eyes, he saw a giant majestic tree. It was a dark oak tree but bigger and taller. Maybe even reaching the heights of Everest itself. Some of its big roots jutting out of the floor. Its leaves, Daniel was mesmerized by its leaves, iridescent multicolored leaves. Glowing even inside the white expanse he was in.

As he was stuck under the grandeur of the tree, a stoic British voice took him out of his daze. 

"Welcome, Child. I will be your guide in your process of integration." Daniel looked around, realizing he wasn't alone. 

He was then greeted by a sight of a squirrel standing on a root by his side wearing a top hat. One arm at his back, and in his right is what seems to be an oak wood pipe. The posture of the squirrel was like a dignified magister. It realizing the boy was looking at him, looked back.

"I'm sorry if its rude but, was that you talking?" Daniel questioned the squirl. The squirrel hearing the question multiple times before, moved to look at the newcomer.

"My name is Ravagnr," it answered, lifting its top hat and bowing with as much elegance as a squirrel could muster. Daniel reciprocated the bow with disbelief at the seamless animation and, for the lack of a better term, being of the AI. His filled mind with childish wonder. 

He talked to animals when he was a child, but never in his life did he thought that one would answer him back. There was a gleam of unhidden glee in his eyes, in which the squirrel saw.

The squirrel, Ravagnr, questioned his odd behavior. "First time seeing a Ratatoskriyt, child? Well, I won't blame you. Not may could revel in our presence." It amusingly quipped. 

This was the first time the Ratatoskr saw joyful emotions from an adventurer's eyes. Most new adventurer would've just called him cute or outright ignore him, seeing him as nothing but a character of unimportance. Yet, this one is defferent.

Seeing the amused expression of Ravagnr, now known as a Ratatoskriyt. Daniel composed himself.

"Nice meeting you, Sir Ravagnr." He opted to reach for a handshake, but realized the problem of the action. "I apologize Sir Ravagnr, for my oversight." Ravagnr chuckled at his antics.

"It is fine, do you have any questions before we proceed?"

He nodded in response still slightly embarrassed. He was then told to look at the full body length mirror behind him. Daniel did as he was told, turning to look at the mirror as hesitant as he was to see himself.

But what he saw shocked him. With him being overwhelmed about the things around him, he failed to see a fact that should have been important to him.

He. Was. STANDING!

He suddenly collapsed, falling to the pristine white floor. His heart was pounding, threatening to pop out of his chest. His ears were ringing as he was dry heaving for air. 

Ravagnr, taken aback by the sudden dilemma, casted a green glow on Daniel as he fell on the floor. After knowing the situation, calmly and swiftly casted another green glow onto Daniel, but this time it was more potent. A deeper vibrant green.

Then the Systems overbearing robotic voice resounded in Daniels ears. 

[USER IS EXPERIENCING GREAT SHOCK AND BODY PARALYSIS. MEASURE 3039 INITIATED.]

A soft calming melodic voice resounded from the tree, replacing the voice of the system. As the music penetrate the panicked mind of Daniel, his body started to calm down. Muscles from his lower body twitched and itched. The feeling of tightness in his chest settled and was replaced with a euphoric feeling.

[USER ANOMALY DETECTED, MOTOR SKILLS AND MUSCLE MEMORY GIVEN TO PLAYER]

[INTEGRATING PHYSICAL MEMORY TO THE USER, DOES THE USER AGREE? ]

[YES/NO]

[DESCISION OVERIDEN, CODE ALPHA 0000]

[INTEGRATION FINISHED]

As the system announced the completion of this process, strength returned to his body.

The music slowly died down. With his mind calm and filled with new information. He started to stand; it was wobbly at first, though after only seconds, he stood upright once again.

He was dazed. He was standing. On his feet, on his own. He was full of joy, shock, confusion, a mix of so many emotions. He felt his cheeks getting wet; however, he did not mind. He was standing for goodness' sake!

Alas, he had to end his revelry, as he remembered he was not alone. He wiped his tears and apologized to the calmly waiting guide.

"It is of no bother adventurer; tears are nothing to be apologizing for. It is natural to cry whether from joy or sorrow." He said to the boy. He was awed at the man in front of him. Having such strong personality.

"Yes, thank you, Sir Ravagnr." He replied, still apologetic about his unbecoming. 

The Ratatoskriyt sighed at the man's attitude. "Just call me Ravagnr, adventurer. Now please, look at the mirror and pick a racial body in which your soul will rest in."

Breathing deeply, Daniel looked at the mirror again. This time analyzing himself from head to toe. Done with the shocking realism of the game, after everything that had happen. He saw himself, unsurprisingly, fully detailed.

Now seeing himself stand, made him reminisce of old memories. Running through the forest, playing fields of flowers, and… his mother. He quickly dismissed the incoming onslaught of memories instead focusing his attention on the game.

"The Mother Goddess was given permission by the higher beings, to give adventurers like you a chance to change your appearance. Of course, if you made your body structure too different from the original, your soul will not be able to efficiently control your body. Making it hard for you to fight and to contain any sort of energy for your use." Ravagnr then walked closer to the mirror.

Contemplating whether he wants to change anything, he just told Ravagnr to change the color of his right eye to green. Ravagnr nodded and was pleased that the man heeded his advice. Ravagnr turned to the mirror and tapped his pipe to the glass.

As he did so, Daniel saw his right eye changed. Heterochromia was something he was fond of, seeing them mostly in his favorite animals.

"Then Adventurer, you must select the race of the body you want to inhabit. Do not worry, these bodies are created personally for you in your likeness. They were not dead people." As Ravagnr said those last words, Daniel was intrigued if anybody asked about the origins of these bodies.

"Many, good Adventurer. I only thought of them as crazy. Why would they think that the rulers of life and death are cheap? I myself don't know."

After that a window pop-up with the race selection:

====================================== 

RACE SELECTION:

1. Humans:

Central Humans: Diverse and adaptable, Central Humans form the heart of human civilization, displaying a broad range of cultures, skills, and ambitions.

Western Humans: Known for their religious conquest and feats of civilization are blessed by the deity of light.

Eastern Humans: In tune with ancient traditions and mysticism, Eastern Humans are skilled practitioners of arcane arts and are deeply connected to their ancestral heritage. They are closer to the fauna of the world. Their mysticism stemming from their martial arts.

Southern Humans: Resilient and resourceful, Southern Humans thrive in diverse environments, from deserts to jungles, showcasing versatility in survival. Also known as Piscarian they navigate both land and water with ease. Inhabitants of coastal regions, Piscarians are skilled swimmers and often form communities near bodies of water.

Northern Humans: Masters of craftsmanship and engineering, Northern Humans are renowned for their technological innovations and strategic minds.

2. Elves:

Wood Elves: Inhabitants of lush forests, Wood Elves are attuned to nature, skilled archers, and guardians of the woodlands.

Dark Elves: Resilient to the shadows, Dark Elves are often associated with underground realms, possessing formidable magical artificing abilities and stealthy skills.

3. Dwarves:

Mountain Dwarves: Residing in expansive mountain strongholds, Mountain Dwarves are expert miners, blacksmiths, and warriors with a strong sense of community.

Hill Dwarves: Thriving in hilly terrains, Hill Dwarves are known for their agricultural expertise, resilience, and affinity for the earth.

4. Gnomes:

Forest Gnomes: Inhabitants of dense woodlands, Forest Gnomes are skilled illusionists and alchemists, often using their magic to protect their territories.

Tinker Gnomes: Inventive and curious, Tinker Gnomes are renowned engineers and inventors, creating intricate devices and machinery.

5. Orcs:

Noble Orcs: Known for their honor, leadership, and martial prowess, Noble Orcs often form powerful alliances and excel in chivalrous combat.

Tribal Orcs: Rooted in ancient traditions, Tribal Orcs are fierce warriors and hunters, deeply connected to nature and primal forces.

Beast-Kin:

Feline-folk:

Cat-like beings with agility and mystery, Feline-folk often display traits reminiscent of various feline species.

Lupine-folk:

Wolf-like beings with strong pack bonds, Lupine-folk exhibit loyalty and teamwork, excelling in tracking and hunting.

Satyr (Southern Goat):

Playful and harmonious with nature, Satyrs blend human and goat features. Often found in forested regions, Satyrs are skilled musicians and revelers, celebrating the beauty of the natural world through music and dance.

Bisonkin (Western Bison):

Native to the western plains, Bisonkin are sturdy and powerful, resembling the resilience of bison. They form nomadic communities, following the natural rhythms of the plains.

Tumbleweed Trekkers (Western Rodent):

Inhabiting the arid western plains, Tumbleweed Trekkers are small, agile, and resourceful, using their rodent-like characteristics to navigate the challenging terrain.

Mountain Rams (Northern Ram):

Resilient and sure-footed, Mountain Rams are well-adapted to the rugged terrain of the northern mountains. Known for their strength, they form tight-knit communities in high-altitude regions.

Snow Hares (Northern Hare):

In the snowy landscapes of the north, Snow Hares are swift and agile, utilizing their hare-like features to navigate the frost-covered terrain and evade predators.

Bamboo Sojourners (Eastern Panda):

In the tranquil eastern bamboo forests, Bamboo Sojourners embody the gentleness of pandas. They are peaceful beings, often found meditating and practicing martial arts.

Firebrand Nomads (Southern Salamander):

In the volcanic regions of the south, Firebrand Nomads are resistant to heat and have salamander-like traits. They are known for their ability to harness fire in various forms.

Eternal Nomads (Eastern Yak):

In the serene eastern plateaus, Eternal Nomads embody the endurance and strength of yaks. They traverse high-altitude regions and are known for their resilience in extreme conditions.

Sandstorm Nomads (Southern Sand Cat):

In the southern deserts, Sandstorm Nomads are adapted to withstand sandstorms, resembling sand cats. They are skilled trackers and nomadic traders.

Jungle Roamers (Southern Panther):

In the dense southern jungles, Jungle Roamers exhibit panther-like characteristics, blending seamlessly with the shadows and navigating the labyrinthine vegetation.

Glimmering Stalkers (Northern Lynx):

In the northern woodlands, Glimmering Stalkers are elusive and agile, resembling lynxes. They are skilled hunters and often associated with ancient forest magic.

These land-dwelling Beastkin inhabit various regions across Areth, each adapted to the unique challenges of their environments.

Avian Beastkin:

Thunder Talons:

Bearing the appearance of fierce hawks, Thunder Talons are known for their swift and precise strikes. They thrive in the open plains, using their keen hunting instincts to catch prey.

Cerulean Sojourners:

Resembling vibrant and exotic birds, Cerulean Sojourners bring a splash of color to dense jungles and tropical regions. Their melodic calls echo through the treetops, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Sable Swifts:

Resembling swift and agile sparrows, Sable Swifts thrive in urban environments and bustling cities. They are known for their adaptability and the ability to find food amidst human settlements.

Lustrous Skylarks:

Exhibiting the characteristics of vibrant songbirds, Lustrous Skylarks bring melody to open meadows and grasslands. Their songs are said to carry positive energy and bring good fortune.

Mystic Falcons:

Bearing the appearance of mystical falcons, these Avian Beast-kin are attuned to ancient energies. They often reside in hidden valleys and mountain sanctuaries, guarding secrets of the past.

Aquatic races

Siren's Seraph (Enchanting Melody Fish):

Residing in the Coral Cascade, the Siren's Seraph are ethereal fish with scales that shimmer like prisms. They emit enchanting melodies, captivating all who hear their songs. Legends speak of their ability to create illusions with their melodic harmonies.

Cerulean Marlock (Graceful Fish Kin):

The Cerulean Marlock are a diverse group of fish that navigate the ocean with grace and agility. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns make them a spectacle to behold. They include a variety of species, ranging from sleek barracudas to dazzling angelfish.

===============================================

Daniel was surprised of the length of the selection. Normally, mmorpg's tend to only have 4 to five basic races. However, truly, ReWined Online has different sets of rules. He then questioned Ravagnr about the different races.

"Well, I cannot go in detail for each one, however I can give a broad summary for all of them. Is that okay?" After seeing Daniel nod. Ravagnr continued, "Firstly we have the Humans, differentiated by their continent of origin, humans are widely flexible. Able to be any profession with perseverance. Their tenacity to survive are what made them equal to others. Next are Elves, known as one of the races loved by mana, the center themselves to places where nature thrive. Most see elves as upright and snobbish.

However, that is only true in the regions where they have, let's just say, very sour histories in." Ravagnr's tone changed only for a bit, but changed back and continued.

"Then we have Dwarves and Gnomes, known widely for the crafts they make, they have outfitted history itself with armors and gadgets. Sadly, due to excessive war, most ancient knowledge is only kept in select clans and burrows. After them, are the Orcs, ferocious warriors and fighters. The annals of history dictate they were made for war. However, a change in times show that they are not only great warriors but also talented clerics and medicinal experts."

"Lastly, are the various Beast-Kins. Beings that transform from Beast to Human and Vice-Versa. Once they transform to their humanoid from, most of their animal features recedes. Some retain their ears and tails; some retain facial features of their bestial forms." Ravagnr finished his summary. 

Daniel was once again in deep thought. On one hand being flexible is good, on the other…

Plagued with indecision, he opted for the choice that was more him. Ravagnr was intrigued about his choice, he asked Daniel of the reason behind it. Daniel only answered,

"I'd rather pick what I am happy with rather than what might make it easier." 

Though Ravagnr, would've wanted more information, he stopped himself from asking.

"Then Adventurer, you must have a name. It could be short or long." He said as he moved back to his previous place by Daniels side.

"I'll go with Kalun." Daniel answered.

"Ahh, Brave and Strong." Ravagnr quipped as he stopped at his side. "A good name."

Ravagnr the threw his pipe to the mirror.

Though Daniel was surprised, he remained calm. The glass on the mirror, instead of falling, was sucked in to it, forming a crystallin vortex.

Without looking at Daniel, Ravagnr announced, "A new soul has accepted the challenge oh God of Games. May you bless and guide him. Show him choices and a path to reach his goals." 

The surrounding started to glow in hues of earthen tones and colors. The white above the expanse were riddled with aurora borealis seemingly coming from a top the tree.

Ravagnr looked at Daniel, now Kalun. "Now Adventurer, go forth, and begin your story."

Before heading to the Vortex, Kalun bowed and thanked the Ratatoskriyt. After, he breathed deeply and ran to through vortex.

After Kalun disappeared through the Vortex everything suddenly became serene again. As if none of the dramatics happened.

"It is done Mi' Lord." Ravagnr said. A melodic voice, seemingly a whisper, sounded in his ears. 

"Well done my child, now rest, let your other brethren handle the others."

Ravagnr obliged to the order of the voice and walked to the giant tree.