Chapter 0011 – Meeting Lunara, The Moon Goddess
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50
A robotic voice suddenly resonated within Xylen's ears.
But since he had already experienced it exactly like this once before, he wasn't startled. Instead, he closed his eyes, his brows furrowing in both expectation and unease toward the unforeseen.
Before he could reflect further:
49
The countdown progressed in the still emotionlessly robotic voice, then:
48
…
40
…
30
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20
…
10
…
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3
2
1
0
The moment the final number was counted, Xylen's consciousness plunged into a state of emptiness.
It was as though he had suddenly blacked out, his body going limp within the gaming pod.
This sensation, however, lasted only an instant before suddenly:
Xylen felt the sensation of floating…
It was as though he had suddenly materialized in a place devoid of gravity and having previously experienced this peculiar feeling, he wasn't scared.
Instead, he cautiously cracked open his eyes, and just as he expected, he was dressed in white boxers and a white singlet, currently suspended before a small temple amidst a void.
It was still the same as his first encounter in the game during his previous life.
Aside from this small sanctuary radiating a faint glow that resembles that of the moon, the surrounding expanse was devoid of anything else—only an endless, misty, star-filled abyss that seemed to stretch indefinitely.
In his past life, Xylen had been petrified by this surreal environment, uncertain of his whereabouts or what he was supposed to do next.
Now, however… he waited patiently as if waiting for something.
Just barely after two seconds passed;
A sudden, serene, harmonious voice, akin to an angelic melody, resonated through the void, seemingly coming from nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
Even though this was the exact voice Xylen was waiting for, the one he had heard in his past experience, he couldn't help but flinch slightly, his heart skipping a beat.
But since he was in a state where his physical form was imperceptible, he could only swallow hard.
Just at that moment, light began to coalesce, and before his very eyes, the figure of a woman whose beauty and figure far surpassed anything mortal or immortal emerged.
She appeared otherworldly, her presence radiating calmness, with a soothing aura perpetually radiating from her.
She wore a white gown that perfectly adorned her form, enhancing her ethereal image and giving her the semblance of a divine entity. On her forehead, there was a gentle glowing tattoo of a half-moon
Unlike Xylen, who just remained suspended in place, this woman floated effortlessly, her gown rippling as though in a gentle breeze despite the absence of air.
Xylen couldn't help but swallow hard upon seeing her.
'I still can't fathom how Rex Corp managed to design such a flawless figure,' he thought, shaking his head to compose himself.
Meanwhile, the woman regarded Xylen with a calm gaze, a subtle hint of astonishment flickering in her eyes—something Xylen would have found astonishing had he noticed.
The soft, melodic voice sounded again, drawing Xylen's attention.
But he did not respond. Why?
He already knew this information.
To the Moon Goddess, however, this was unexpected. At this moment, most of the other earthlings were still gawking at her other avatars in a state of awe, and the few who had already regained their composure were throwing never-ending questions at her, while Xylen... he was just simply too calm.
Once again, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, though it was almost imperceptible, then she pressed on:
Hearing this, Xylen made a sound that showed he got her.
With this, the lady gracefully waved her slender, sculpted hand.
In the next moment, a glowing screen with a questionnaire appeared before Xylen, shimmering like the moonlight.
[ Player's Creation Form ]
This was the heading of the form, and reading it, Xylen lowered his gaze to the first question.
[ Name: ] he read silently.
As soon as he saw this, a faint smile spread across his face. Then:
"Xylenia," he murmured.
This was the same name he had used in his previous life, and its meaning was straightforward: Xylen and Aurelia—the fusion of their names.
Back then, Xylen had spent hours pondering over this single question, struggling to choose the right name until inspiration struck. Ever since, he had felt nothing but joy whenever he was addressed by it.
Many had asked him about the name's significance, but only he knew it symbolized the person dearest to him.
Thinking of this, the gentle smile on Xylen's face deepened. Then:
"Xylenia," he repeated softly, this time, in response to the question.
The very next instant, as though written by an unseen hand, the name materialized in the blank space beneath [Name].
"Yes," Xylen affirmed without hesitation, and upon hearing him, the Moon Goddess fell silent.
Taking this as a sign to proceed, Xylen shifted his gaze to the next question.
[ Race: ] He read silently and just then:
Nodding, Xylen began to carefully read the options that followed.
[[ The Human Race—The default option if the player skips selection. ]]
[[ The Elf Race ]]
[[ The Beast-Like Race ]]
[[ The Celestial Race ]]
[[ The Demon Race ]]
[[ The Hybrid Race ]]
[[ The Giant Race ]]
…
…
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|| End ||
Xylen read through the extensive list of races, his brows knitting together as he deliberated over his choice.
In his previous life, he had chosen The Human Race without hesitation. However…
'While the human race possesses commendable battle prows and balance, they lack inherent strengths unless acquired through effort or purchase,' he mused.
Like himself, many had opted for this option back then without hesitation, yet others had selected far more powerful options—choices Xylen later regretted not making.
Among them were The Elf Race, The Hybrid Race, and The Celestial Race.
"These three races," Xylen whispered to himself, his eyes moving to his first choice.
'The Elf Race has an innate connection to nature and is often referred to as the children of Mother Nature. Also, their Song of Elves: a powerful area-of-effect (AoE) skill—is one of the best AoEs, beneficial to allies and devastating to enemies,' he reflected.
Next, his attention shifted to The Hybrid Race.
'This race's potential hinges on its combination. It can yield an unstoppable powerhouse or an utter failure,' he thought.
Finally, his eyes landed on The Celestial Race.
According to his recollections, this race was simply the best… unparalleled.
Regarded as the purest, they boasted incredible classes, all of which were exceptional.
Most notably of all, members of this race easily earned the trust of NPCs, unlocking missions—including hidden ones—that offered invaluable rewards and they were usually liked by the other race, the enemies constantly fearing their battle prowess.
Recalling this, Xylen's pulse quickened.
"What am I hesitating for?" he muttered to himself. "I came here for the rewards—to convert them into money that could heal me and give Aurelia. And no other race aligns better with that goal."
With his decision solidified, Xylen turned his gaze to the Moon Goddess, who had been watching him intently, her gaze patient and composed.
"The Celestial Race," he declared, his heart racing in anticipation. "I choose The Celestial Race."
As soon as Goddess Lunara heard his choice, her eyes sparkled faintly, though her demeanor remained calm. She nodded.
To his astonishment, however, the words [[ Are you sure you want to select The Demon Race? ]] appeared instead.
Staring in disbelief, Xylen whipped around to face the goddess.
"The Celestial Race! I chose The Celestial Race!" he exclaimed in alarm, his heart pounding in panic.