Welcome To Celestia

* * *

"I'm sorry, everyone. I'm late…" Val smiled apologetically at the others who were seated at the table.

"Yo, bro. It's fine, it's fine. We're just arriving ourselves…" Eric smiled at him. He was Val's good friend in college for almost four years. Typical playboy with his handsome face and rich upbringing.

"Tch, what's 'just arriving' about? We're already here for fifteen minutes. Here, yours. Finish it…" a beautiful girl with her long, sleek black hair angrily gave Val his assignment.

"C'mon, Chyntia. Not again. Why are you always angry at him…" Emily at her side whispered to her ear, couldn't hold back it anymore to know the reason for her day-to-day behavior toward Val.

Chyntia just glanced at her friend without replying.

The four of them were currently in a library where a professor had assigned them to a group task about Virtual Reality. They were currently at the last step to finish and filed the report.

After more than three hours, it was finally completed.

"Finally done. Woohoo!!!"

Eric jumped in his seat, hands stretched above in jubilation, drawing many eyes from this quiet library.

Realizing this, he immediately put his hands down amidst the glare from Chyntia, who somehow also glaring at the innocent Val.

'What did I do this time…'

Val then dismissed it inside his head, having already gotten used to her acting cold only to him.

'Who knows what wrong food this princess has eaten…'

After a swift packing, Eric directly grasped Val's shoulder and pulled him quickly to his car.

"Quick, we must hurry…"

"Wait, what about my bike…"

"Nah, just leave it."

"What if it's stolen?"

"Goddamnit Val, how many times do I tell you to get rid of that broken junk. You underestimate me too much. I'm a rich guy. If it's stolen, I buy you a thousand of that same model."

"But…"

"No, but. Just come with me. You promised me yesterday, remember…"

"Alright…" Val could only helplessly agree and let himself be dragged to his car.

After seated himself in the comfortable chair that cost more than his organ combined, the car lifted off the ground.

It shoots powerfully off the distance, crossing many streets and signs.

* * *

Fifteen minutes later, they were now at the police station, caught directly by a police car that happened to be nearby, as not only was Eric past the speed limit, but he was also crossing a red light.

A reckless combination to say the least.

Beside the obedient Val, Eric was currently fuming, scolding the police officers who apprehended them.

The two of them were handcuffed. On the other side, the police officer was yawning, while lazily writing the report, not even bothered by Eric's incessant rambling.

"You are crazy, damned crocodile pig, blood sucking mosquito who catch the innocent and relent against money and corruption. How dare you bring me here, an innocent, obedient, law-abiding member of society?" Eric raged, his voice rising.

"There was no one in the street. I passed it because there is no one. You hear me. Arrrgggghh, damn it. Just you wait. My father will hear about this."

"You are with him?" the police guy finally reacted, raised his head, and lifted one eyebrow while looking at Val instead.

"Yes, but I'm in the passenger seat. We're not under any influence from any substance, officer. I assure you. So, the blame is entirely on him," Val politely explained.

"Whaaa, I thought we bros forever…" Eric's jaw dropped, eyes in disbelief toward Val.

Seeing that, Val rolled his eyes. "It's our sixth time already. Your father had told me to reprimand you if you did it again. And here we are. You were speeding again…"

"M-my dad really said that?"

Eric stammered, his bravado faltering as he began to fidget nervously in his seat.

The police officer then chuckled at his sudden change of demeanor.

"What are you laughing about?" Eric snapped, glowering at the officer.

In response, the officer pulled a piece of paper from his drawer and handed it to Val and Eric. As Eric glanced at the document, his face drained of color.

It was a photo of him, accompanied by a stern message:

"If any of you find my son breaking the law, feel free to beat him, handcuff him, throw him in jail—whatever it takes. I don't care. Just make sure he learns his lesson."

The paper bore the official stamp and signature of the Governor, who was Eric's father.

"Oh no…" Eric muttered under his breath.

Val shot him an unsympathetic look.

* * *

Only at midnight did they finally arrive at Eric's home.

After showering, Eric excitedly showed the two futuristic headset gear to Val. Gone was the anxiety, and his white as a ghost complexion. It was now replaced with his initial liveliness when they finished with the project.

"See this. Ahhaha. It's not even in the market yet, you know. The newest VR Headgear from Universe. There is also their new trial game already installed inside. Let's go, let's go. We need to try this."

Seeing his excited look, Val couldn't help but also get curious about it. He never played a game even once in his life. But thanks to Eric, he went directly to try a virtual game instead.

After a moment passed with Eric teaching his first not game-savvy friend how to activate it and what he would encounter later in the game, they went to the huge, vast room already prepared and lay each on the specialized bed that was already five in total.

Activated the gear, the two of them went full dive inside the game.

Everything was dark at first. But then, it felt like Val's body was suddenly thrust to the front, and the light started to appear from the distance.

It's getting closer.

Finally, Val arrived at a majestic temple. Grand and tall, reaching up to the sky where Val couldn't see the end, enveloped by a royal and ancient air.

This structure, made from stone with the countless gems inlaid in many parts, shimmers against the stars. Dignified and solemn in bearing.

"Wow…" like a kid, Val looked to the left and right, up and down, in awe.

His mouth hung wide, eyes carefully looking at each detail. He even bent down to touch the grass.

The sensation. It feels real, just like grass in the real world.

"Ah, I should have played this kind of game sooner if I knew everything was this amazing," he said with much regret.

Above his head, there was a glowing golden arrow pointing to the door of this temple.

Remember the brief explanation from Eric; Val walked toward the twenty-five-foot stone door.

As his hands made contact with it, the door slowly opened.

Inside, there was a vast hall, with many symbols etched on the ground and the walls.

There was a sun symbol at the end, with eight huge stone statues facing the door, each with its own attire and weapon.

Arriving at the middle of this hall, a fairy descended from above Val's head and floated effortlessly in front of him. Her presence alone illuminated the dim surroundings.

Golden hair and golden eyes, draped in a delicate white dress that seemed to be woven from the very essence of moonlight, the fabric flowed around her like a gentle breeze, accentuating her ethereal form.

"Welcome to Celestia, Champion from the Earth. My name is Kaylessa, the personification of the Goddess of Light and Order. And once again, welcome to the Earth and the Abyss," she smiled faintly at Val.

"Please decide on your name."

In front of Val, a holographic screen suddenly manifested. There was an option to use voice, sign language, or the usual QWERTY keyboard.

Narrowing his eyes, he seriously thought about it for a brief moment.

In the end, Val chose 'Voice' and stated his name.

"Valentine…"

A prompt showed up below the panel.

[Are you sure?]

"Yes…" Val replied.

Next, it asked about his preferred gender and appearance options, where he could customize his facial features.

Naturally, he chose to be himself: male and original.

At last, another panel appeared.

[Please select your designed class]

Warrior

In the vast world of Celestia, Warriors are known for inheriting the combat knowledge from the God of War himself. They fight to protect the land and seek honor in battle. The Abyss is now their enemy to kill and vanquish.

Mage

These groups, once believed to be defiers of the order and cursed by the gods to be hunted down, have shown resolve and intelligence beyond what hatred confounded them into during the fight against the Abyss. Now, they stand as allies, and their magic rains down upon the enemies.

Cleric

The enigmatic Church of Light and Order has existed since ancient times to fight against the Abyss. Many times, they have been the voice of reason, the light that brings hope and salvation. But this time, they will become the fire that brings ashes to their foes.

Rogue

Once a simple association formed to fight for the rights of the common people against greedy nobles, the Rogue has long evolved into a mysterious organization. With their cunning and agility, they have become symbols of reliability in the team against the Abyss.

Archer

Vigilant hunters in battle, these professionals originate from the distant land called Sylvanshard. When the Abyss invaded Celestia, they quickly armed themselves, ready to protect their beloved land in the name of the Goddess of Nature.

Pugilist

Through fight, struggle, and resistance, these individuals have honed their bodies to become even stronger than blades. Blessed by the Goddess of Nature and tempered by the Eternal Flame of Celestia, they are ready to face anyone who stands in their way.

Mechanic

One invention is never enough, and it never will be. This mindset is the reason why Mechanics are respected throughout Celestia. Knowledge combined with intelligence breeds marvelous creations called technology, and they fight to protect the legacy of the land.

Gunner

The term "Gunner" originated from the Crazy Mechanic, Magnum, and the Explosive Enthusiast, Rex. Together, they created powerful guns that rival even the most ancient magic. Once they heard about the Abyss, they eagerly joined the fight, excited to test their new inventions on these new targets.