Chapter 1- Part 3 "The Awakening Era"
[In a different realm: - Inside a room.]
A person is sleeping on the bed. Time: 5:48 am, Date: x-xx-2360. On the bed, there is a 16-year-old girl sleeping in her night boxers. The room is so advanced it looks like a room from a sci-fi movie. It has everything that should be present in a girl's room: cupboards full of clothes, soft teddies, an expensive TV, flowerpots, paintings, chandeliers, and a table. On the table, there is a computer, a laptop, an iPad, an iPhone 30, and an iWatch. On the other side of the table is a separate room made from soundproof glass inside the main room. Inside the glass room, there is a gigantic home theatre and many more things.
The girl has silvery-red hair, C-cup breasts that have matured before her age—normal in this (2360) century. Her breasts defy gravity and fit perfectly in the hands. She has a zero-figure, a perfect ass, white skin, and smooth, long legs that every man wishes for. The girl is like a true goddess that everyone wishes to have.
The door of the room opens, and a maid, age 30, enters the room.
"Lady Elaina, good morning! Did you sleep well last night?" said the maid. From the dress she is wearing, which is a bit revealing and shows her D-cup breasts, she must be the head maid.
"Good morning, Rebeca. I had a good sleep, but not like every day. I'm so excited that today EQUAL is going to launch. I can't stop thinking about what I'm going to do when I play it today at 12 AM," Elaina said excitedly.
Today at 12 AM, a game is going to launch for the first time in history: a fully immersive virtual reality massively multiplayer online game (VRMMO) called EQUAL. It is a virtual reality multiplayer video game capable of supporting hundreds of millions of players simultaneously. It is going to be the next reality for everyone, where everyone is equal. But if you don't make improvements in yourself, then everyone will leave you in the dust. Then you can't complain or blame anything because you are the reason for your own happiness and sadness.
"I've never seen you this happy before. It's just a game—what's there to be so excited about? It's a bit different compared to other games, but a game is still a game, even if it's like a new world," said Rebeca.
"You know how I've been treated in this world wherever I go in this country. Everyone is respectful and caring toward me, but that's because they want to take advantage of me because I'm the daughter of one of the most powerful families in the world. That's why I can't trust them or make real friends. I can't do anything that normal girls do. But in this game, where everyone is equal, and most importantly, I'm not the daughter of a marquis in the game—I'm going to be a normal girl. So, I'm about to do everything I've wished a normal girl would do," Elaina said, both sorrowful and excited at the same time.
"I understand what you mean. So, what are you going to do in this new world, Lady Elaina?" asked Rebeca.
"Come over here. @! #$%^&*" whispered Elaina into Rebeca's ear.
"What! Lady Elaina, you can't do that. If the marquis and marchioness found out, they would be very angry. What if they stop you from playing or control how you play the game?" said Rebeca, worried.
"And who's going to tell them what I'm doing? Where I am in that big world? So, how will they control my movements if they don't know where I am in that world?" said Elaina mischievously but in a serious tone. Rebeca didn't realize Elaina was joking because she was so worried.
"But Lady Elaina! If the marquis finds out what you're planning, he will kill me because I'm responsible for taking care of you."
"You don't need to worry, Rebeca. Except for falling behind in levelling up or not becoming stronger in that world, I have permission to do everything I want. Father himself told me what I can and cannot do. And I know what I'm doing—I will not destroy my new life by doing something foolish. After all, I'm still the marquis's daughter," said Elaina.
"Lady Elaina, you made me worry for a second. Were you really going to do all that you told me?" asked Rebeca.
"If it's a real world, just like our world where we can do anything, then yes, I'm going to live like how I've always wanted. I'm going to do everything I can in that game world," said Elaina excitedly.
"To do that, you need to get ready and complete your morning routine first—sword fighting, problem-solving methods, how to deal with unexpected problems, and how to deal with boys. School is closed for six days because of EQUAL's launch. Lady Elaina, I will update your schedule accordingly when I have time. Now get changed and come to the bathhouse. I'll tell the maids to be ready for your arrival so they can help you get ready quickly." After saying this, Rebeca turned to leave the room, but Elaina stopped her.
"Wait, Rebeca. Tell the other maids that they don't need to help for now. I want to get ready on my own. It will help me in the game world—that way, I'll learn a new way to do things," said Elaina.
After thinking for a second, Rebeca responded.
"But Lady Elaina, common girls get ready that way, and you are a marquis's daughter. I can't let you do that," Rebeca refused.
"Rebeca, do you want me to get embarrassed in front of everyone in that new world? If I can't do the basic things on my own, then how will I play the game and become stronger?" Elaina couldn't understand why Rebeca didn't want her to try something new.
"That's not what I meant. You don't need to worry because Ren will be with you to handle all your basic needs," said Rebeca.
"What? That's not what father told me before. He told me I'd be on my own and…" Before Elaina could say more, Rebeca interrupted.
"His Lordship, the marquis, did not plan it for you. It was the marchioness who arranged it because she cares for you and doesn't want you to get more stressed over trivial matters."
"…"
"Lady Elaina, you have permission to order Ren around as you like. If you have any problems, you can tell Ren or ask me when you log out of the game. Now, don't make that sad face and try to get ready on your own."
"Thanks, Rebeca! You're the best!"
"But the maids will still be there if you take too much time getting ready. Eventually, they will have to help you."
"Okay…" Elaina said in a disappointed manner. After changing her clothes, she headed towards the bathroom
---
[Somewhere else on the same continent]
Nestled deep within a remote mountain range, there stands a colossal fortress, a marvel of both ancient architecture and cutting-edge technology. The structure is 800 meters high and 1,000 meters broad, with 70% of its mass hidden underground, extending deep into the heart of the mountain. Only the uppermost battlements and towering spires breach the mountain's surface, making it nearly invisible to all but those who know where to look.
Inside this fortress, in a top-secret underground chamber, a lone man sits before a massive screen. The room is dimly lit, the only light coming from the glowing holograms that dance across the air, illuminating his weathered face. He appears to be in his fifties, with a salt-and-pepper beard and a physique that suggests years of hard labor—perhaps as a mercenary. Yet, his demeanor exudes the cold, calculating air of a genius scientist, one who has long mastered the art of control.
"Zero, show me the requests made by the people of the Third Realm," the man commands, his voice steady and devoid of emotion.
In response, a small fairy materializes beside the screen. She is only three inches tall, with delicate, transparent wings that emit a soft, divine glow. Her white-purple hair cascades down her mature, graceful form, and her elegant demeanor is a stark contrast to her diminutive size. Despite her ethereal appearance, there is an air of precision about her, as if she is more than just a magical being—perhaps something closer to an advanced AI with a soul.
"As you wish, sir," Zero replies, her voice calm and melodic. A chart appears on the screen, displaying percentages.
"It will take approximately three hours to analyze every request," she continues. "There are currently 60 billion requests, 90% of which are asking to become 'Stronger.' The remaining 10% vary."
The man's brow furrows slightly. "I don't have that much time. Skip the analysis and show me only the unique requests—filter out the common ones."
Zero nods, and the chart shifts. Only three requests remain on the screen.
"I want a pouch that is always full of gold coins and mana potions," reads the first request.
"Grant it, but add level five restrictions," the man orders without hesitation.
"As you wish, sir," Zero responds promptly.
The man then reads the next request, and a flicker of irritation crosses his otherwise composed face. "What nonsense is this early in the morning? 'Fu*k off, whatever you are. Not even Tier 8 wizards or scientists could do anything they want." His voice hardens, and his eyes narrow as he speaks. "Zero, make him a slime when the game launches. Let's see how much he mocks me then."
Zero hesitates for a moment, sensing the tension in the room. "As you command, sir. But please, don't let this affect your mood. We are on the brink of a historical moment."
The man takes a deep breath, his anger dissipating as quickly as it had flared. "You're right, Zero. I shouldn't let a fool like that get under my skin. Show me the next request."
Zero offers a small, reassuring smile, a rare display of emotion from the typically stoic fairy. "It's my fault, sir, for not screening it first. You've done nothing wrong."
The man nods, and his eyes shift back to the screen.
"God of Control; I want my parents back. If that's not possible, then I want a power as unique as yours or the same as yours. Nothing more, nothing less. I want to live a life with no regrets, to live like a god. That is my request. I am not a greedy boy, just desperate to become strong. If this is not a prank, then prove it by granting my request."
The man leans back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Now this... This is interesting. A unique request indeed. Zero, find everything you can about this lad. I want to know who he is."
Zero's wings flutter as she nods, her expression now serious and focused. "Understood, sir. I'll gather all the information you need."
As Zero begins her task, the man's mind races with possibilities. This request—so different from the others—has sparked something within him, a challenge he is eager to accept.
In the shadows of his hidden fortress, the wheels of fate begin to turn.
---
To Be Continued….