The Frozen Sorceress Returns.

--Going back back to the day of the Game Release.

Another lady was hurriedly walking back home, happiness evident in her eyes. She got home and locked the door behind her as she entered.

She quickly greeted her mom who was in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

"Hey, Mom, good evening."

"Good evening," her mom replied, focused on preparing dinner.

Without delay, She went to her room, dropping her bag onto her bed. She was a woman who preferred to stay low-key. By day, she worked as a secretary in a clinic, but by night, she transformed into a pro gamer.

This lady was Alexandra Rosen.

To some, she was known by her legendary name in AGP Online: Aurelia, the strongest ice sorceress and a force to be reckoned with. Ranked seventh on the leaderboards, she was a name many feared, especially if she was given time to cast her spells.

Her gaming setup reflected her dedication. A high-end competition PC stood near her bed, equipped with everything she needed. Reclining on her gaming chair, she browsed forums about the new game that had taken the world by storm: Eden's Legacy.

Her new VR helmet sat next to her, ready to boot up. She glanced at her phone: 5:43 p.m. Only two minutes left until character creation began. Quickly, she texted her mom:

Alexa: I'll be trying out a new game, so I might stay up late.

Mom: Okay, just don't stay up too long. Make sure to eat dinner when you're done.

Alexa: Okay, thanks. Love you.

Mom: Love you too.

She watched the clock, the seconds ticking by. At 5:45 sharp, the helmet powered on.

'This is my chance to be the best,' she thought, clenching her fists.

'I won't stay in seventh place anymore. It's time to surpass everyone!'

She launched the game, feeling her body sink into the chair as the world faded to black. Moments later, the void around her began to transform, slowly materializing into a breathtaking landscape.

Her mouth fell open in awe.

"Lost in the view already?" a deep voice spoke.

She turned sharply, composing herself as her gaze fell on an old elf clad in golden robes. His posture was regal, his eyes twinkling with wisdom.

"Welcome to the world of Eden, young maiden," he said. "Are you ready to conquer your enemies and experience the adventure of a lifetime?"

She nodded confidently.

"Good," the elf continued. "You look resolute. That's a good trait, as your journey will be filled with unknown dangers and enemies beyond mortal comprehension. Are you prepared to face such challenges?"

"I am," she answered firmly.

"Ah, but first, what shall we call you, young maiden?"

A floating text box appeared before her, displaying the words: Enter your name. Without hesitation, she typed Aurelia.

"Aurelia," the elf mused. "A fine name for a young and ambitious woman. Tell me, Aurelia, would you like to choose a different race to begin your adventure?"

A window appeared before her, listing the available races. She carefully read through the descriptions, weighing her options.

The elves tempted her with their affinity for nature, but their limitations on nature magic versatility turned her away. The undead were intriguing but unsettling. Humans, though ordinary, offered balanced stats and access to her desired starting class.

'I'll stick with humans,' she decided, selecting the option and confirming.

"Congratulations on finalizing your avatar, young maiden," the elf said with a smile.

"Remember, your journey will be shaped by your choices and actions. Now, go forth and make your mark!"

With a wave of his hand, the scene dissolved into darkness. A countdown timer appeared, marking the seconds until the game began.

As the timer hit zero, the void exploded into vibrant colors. Aurelia soared over a vast landscape, taking in the sprawling cities, dense forests, and towering mountains.

A booming announcement echoed in the sky:

"WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF EDEN. MAY YOUR JOURNEYS BE GLORIOUS, YOUR ENEMIES MANY, AND YOUR VICTORIES SWEET. LET THE ADVENTURE COMMENCE!"

In a flash, she was transported to the bustling streets of a medieval city. People moved about, seemingly unbothered by her sudden appearance. She took a moment to absorb her surroundings before snapping back to her mission.

Spotting a female merchant in a nearby stall, Aurelia approached her.

"Good day, ma'am. I'm a traveler unfamiliar with this area. Could you direct me to the closest mage tower?"

The merchant looked up, thoughtful. "Hmm, the closest mage tower? That's a bit far—a week's journey at least."

"A week?!" Aurelia blurted out.

There was no way in hell that she would go on that journey, she started the game to be the best, not to travel a seven days long journey.

"There's no need to panic," the merchant said with a chuckle.

"If it's magic you're after, the capital city, Eldoria, has a renowned magic school. It's not as far, maybe a day's travel."

"Thank you so much, ma'am. Is there any way I can repay you?"

"Well, you could buy some potions. They're of the highest quality and at the best prices!" The female merchant said with so much enthusiasm.

"I don't have much, but what kinds do you have?"

"Mana potions, magic boosters, healing draughts, everything an adventurer needs."

"I'll take two of each," Aurelia said after a moment.

"That'll be 30 silver. But since you're a first customer, I'll make it 27."

She handed over the coins, accepting the potions gratefully. As she turned to leave, the merchant stopped her.

"Wait, take this," the woman said, handing her a rolled-up map. "It's a map to Eldoria. And don't forget to get a valid identification, it'll save you trouble later."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

As she walked away, the merchant called out: "The name's Tyra! Don't forget to come back for more potions!"

Aurelia smiled as the crowd around her exchanged awkward glances at Tyra's enthusiasm. Clutching the map, her expression hardened with determination.

"Just wait, Ragnar," she muttered under her breath.

'You'll feel the rebirth of a leviathan.' She said clenching her fist.

She pushed through the crowd, her resolve stronger than ever.

------

Merry Christmas to you all.