2. Journey to the New World

Night had fallen when Ryota closed his door, letting out a long sigh. The trip to the VR shop with Hinata earlier was still ringing in his mind. The crowded store, the strange challenge he finally won, and the surprised faces of the crowd. Even the store manager seemed hesitant to hand over the high-end VR cabin he was supposed to get for free.

"That was... weird," Ryota muttered, remembering people's reactions. But those weren't the things that made him feel strange. It was Hinata who was on his mind.

Hinata, with her bright smile, always had a way of making everything more lively. However, what confused Ryota was the change in her expression when they arrived in front of their respective houses. He didn't understand why Hinata looked upset, then suddenly smiled gently before saying goodbye.

"Did I do something wrong?" Ryota muttered under his breath while staring at the ceiling of his room. But before he could think further, his eyes fell on a large box in the corner of the room. The VR cabin that had just been delivered a few hours ago stood majestically, with the "AetherTech" logo prominently displayed.

Ryota stood up and approached the cabin. "Well, maybe it's time to try that game. Takashi and Hinata seem really interested, and I'm curious too." He turned on the system and began reading the included manual.

Meanwhile, in the house next door, Hinata sat on her bed looking out the window that overlooked Ryota's house. Her face flushed slightly as she recalled her trip with Ryota earlier.

"He really didn't notice anything," Hinata let out a long sigh. Still, her smile appeared, warming up the dimly lit atmosphere of her room. "But maybe that's one of the things that makes him... interesting."

....

After changing into school clothes and eating dinner, Ryota decided to read the cabin's manual. The cabin was made by AeonTech Industries, a company recently famous for making the game Ethereal Odyssey.

Ryota decided to enter the cabin, after Ryota entered the cabin a holographic screen lit up, displaying the Ethereal Odyssey game logo slowly appearing in the air.

When the bright light disappeared, Ryota found himself standing in a vast space that looked like an empty dimension with a sparkling sky full of stars in the background. In front of him, a woman slowly appeared. The woman was of extraordinary beauty, with long silver hair that emitted a soft glow, gold-colored eyes that radiated warmth, and clothes that looked like a combination of elegant robes and light armor.

The woman smiled gently, making the cold atmosphere feel warm. "Welcome, new adventurer," Her voice was soft but full of authority. "I am Aurelia, an early guardian of the Ethereal Odyssey. My job is to introduce this world to you and guide you in your first steps."

Ryota stared in awe, but before he could ask, Aurelia continued, "Ethereal Odyssey is a world with nine interconnected realms. Each realm has unique characteristics, and each is ruled by one dominating race. However, your journey begins by choosing one of the following four base-level races." With a gesture of his hand, four holograms appeared in front of Ryota, each displaying a race symbol.

Race Explanation:

1. Human

Description: Humans are versatile creatures with relatively small bodies compared to other races. They have exceptional creativity and learning ability.

Pros: Have a high Intelligence stat, allowing them to learn magic more quickly. Their main energy is mana.

Weaknesses: Humans are highly dependent on mana. If their mana runs out, they become extremely weak and unable to fight effectively.

2. Dwarves

Description: Dwarves are small but strong creatures, with thick beards that characterize them. They have dexterous hands and a hardworking spirit.

Strengths: Very creative in building and creating technology. Their world is rich in natural resources, allowing for the development of advanced tools.

Weaknesses: Their bodies are slow and lack agility, making them vulnerable to ranged attacks. Also, their technology relies on certain resources that are hard to find on other worlds.

3. Undead

Description: Undead are immortal beings with bodies that are no longer alive. Their appearance varies from skeletons to creepy zombies.

Pros: Can't get tired, aren't hungry, and don't feel pain. They have very high endurance.

Weaknesses: Highly vulnerable to holy magic and natural energies. The aura of darkness that surrounds them makes it difficult for them to gain the trust of other races.

4. Beastman

Description: Beastmen are creatures with animal-like physical features, such as ears, tails, or claws. Their appearance depends on their bloodline.

Advantages: If they have the bloodline of a mythical beast, they can possess extraordinary strength equivalent to that of a high-level race.

Weaknesses: Difficult to control wild instincts, especially in high-stress situations. This makes them sometimes unstable in battle or teamwork.

Aurelia continued her explanation calmly, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each race. Then she said, "High-level races such as Elves, Giants, Angels and Demons are still locked in. So is the Dragon race, which is called the highest race. However, don't worry, your adventures in this world will bring you closer to those secrets."

Ryota looked at the holographic screen carefully. After considering, he said, "I'll choose human."

Aurelia smiled. "A wise choice. Humans have tremendous potential. Now please create a name for your character." Aurelia said.

"Hmm, a name... Let's keep it simple, let's call my character Xeons." Ryota thought for a moment.

"No similar names detected, name can be used. Naming is complete. Now I'll start scanning your body data." She raised her hand, and a soft light enveloped Ryota.

"Alright, I've finished scanning your physical body data. Here is your status." Aurelia waved her hand and a screen appeared before Ryota.

[Player: Xeons]

[Level: 0]

[HP: 100/100] (required 1 point physique for up 25 hp)

[MP: 50/50] (required 1 point strength for up 10 attack point)

[Physique: 5]

[Strength: 5]

[Magic power: 5]

[Endurance: 5]

[Agility: 5]

[Potential Points: 0]

[Attack: 50] (required 1 point strength for up 10 attack point)

[Defense: 25] (required 1 point endurance for up 5 defense point)

[Skill: Appraisal]

[Appraisal]

[Level: 0]

[Cooldown: 1 sec]

[Consumption: None]

[Attributes: Investigate the attributes of monters, NPC, and props that are not higher than level 5 of their own level.]

[Details: the skills given to all players at the beginning, cannot be improved.]

After the race was chosen, Aurelia waved her hand, and a large roulette wheel appeared in the air, filled with various symbols and unknown prizes. "As a welcome bonus, each player gets one draw on this wheel of fortune," Aurelia said. "Who knows, maybe your luck will bring you something extraordinary."

Ryota smiled confidently, knowing his reputation for luck. "Alright, let's give it a try."

He spun the wheel enthusiastically. The wheel spun quickly, releasing colorful sparkles of light. Everyone in the virtual room, including Aurelia, watched intently. As the wheel slowed down, it finally stopped at a symbol with a large question mark.

Aurelia looked a little surprised but smiled nonetheless. "That's wonderful. You got something very rare."

A small bottle with a rainbow-colored liquid appeared in Ryota's hand. On the bottle was written "???". Aurelia explained, "This bottle can change a player's race to something... unknown. What will happen if you drink it? That's a secret you'll have to discover for yourself."

Ryota held the bottle curiously. "That's interesting. I'll put it away for now."

Aurelia smiled gently. "A wise decision. Well player, your adventure will begin in the world of Terranova. May luck be with you."