Chapter 3: Entering the Game & A Promise to Emma

Liam adjusted the final details of his character's appearance, fine-tuning the facial structure to resemble his real-world self but with sharper features and a more imposing gaze. He wasn't here to roleplay as some fantasy hero, he was here to win.

[Finalizing Character Customization…]

A soft hum echoed through the void as the system processed his choices.

[Character Name: Revenant]

[Base Class: Rogue]

[Confirm Character?] (Yes/No)

Liam took a deep breath and selected Yes.

Instantly, a surge of data rushed through his mind, and his vision blurred as the game's world rendered around him.

The next moment, he stood in the middle of Velantir, the Starting City of Eternal Dominion. Towering medieval structures lined the cobblestone streets, banners swaying in the wind as NPCs and new players bustled about. The air smelled of freshly baked bread from a nearby stall, and the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoed through the alleyways.

He was back.

The weight of reality settled over him as he clenched his gloved hands, feeling the immersion technology at work. Every sensation, from the chill of the wind to the roughness of his leather armor, felt real.

In his past life, stepping into Velantir had been filled with excitement and curiosity. Now, all he felt was calculated purpose.

Liam wasn't here to explore, he was here to dominate.

Before he could move, a notification flashed before him.

[Welcome to Eternal Dominion, Revenant.]

[You have received 10 Silver Coins as a starter bonus.]

[Beginner's Tutorial Available: Would you like to activate it?] (Yes/No)

Liam scoffed and dismissed the tutorial. He didn't need a damn tutorial. He knew this world better than anyone.

His first objective was clear, secure an early advantage before the masses caught up. Most players would waste hours in the Novice Training Fields, but Liam already knew where to find hidden quests, secret merchants, and early stat-boosting relics.

But just as he was about to move, a thought struck him.

Emma.

His fingers twitched. He had been so focused on revenge and securing power that he hadn't taken a moment to check on her.

Grinding his teeth, he force-logged out of the game.

A Promise to His Sister

Liam's consciousness snapped back to reality, and he removed the VR headset. The sterile white walls of his apartment greeted him, but he barely noticed as he grabbed his phone and checked the time.

6:42 PM.

Visiting hours at the hospital ended at 8 PM.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his jacket and rushed out.

The hospital was only a short train ride away, but it felt like an eternity as he sat in silence, thoughts racing. In his past life, he had always been too caught up in the game to visit Emma as often as he should have. Now, he wouldn't make that mistake.

When he arrived at her room, he found her exactly as he remembered, frail but smiling, her long brown hair resting over her hospital gown as she looked out the window.

"Liam?" Emma's voice was soft, but her eyes lit up when she saw him. "You came."

Liam forced a smirk. "What, you thought I was too busy grinding XP already?"

She giggled, the sound fragile but genuine. "That's exactly what I thought."

He pulled up a chair beside her bed, exhaling slowly. Being here, seeing her like this, reminded him of the real reason he needed to become strong.

"Emma," he started, his voice unusually firm. "I'm going to fix this."

She tilted her head, confused. "Fix what?"

Liam clenched his fists. He couldn't tell her about the World Fusion Update... not yet. It would sound insane.

But he knew that once the update happened, Eternal Dominion would no longer be just a game. And in that new reality, power would mean everything.

He had six months before the game's mechanics bled into the real world. That was his deadline.

"I'm going to find a way to get you out of here," Liam finally said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Just trust me."

Emma smiled softly, reaching out and squeezing his hand. "I always do."

Liam swallowed the lump in his throat. This wasn't just about revenge anymore.

This was about ensuring Emma survived the world that was coming.

Back to the Game – The First Step to Power

The moment Liam returned home, he logged back into Eternal Dominion.

His body materialized back in Velantir, where thousands of players had now joined the server, flooding the streets with excited chatter.

He didn't have time to waste.

Liam immediately broke into a sprint, weaving through the crowded streets and heading straight for the Market District. Every second mattered, if he was even a few minutes late, someone else could take what he needed.

He stopped in front of an unremarkable alleyway, ignoring the bustling main shops where clueless players were buying overpriced beginner gear.

Instead, he slipped into the shadows and knocked twice on an old wooden door tucked between two rundown buildings.

Silence.

Then... a click.

The door creaked open, revealing a hunched, hooded NPC with sunken eyes.

"You're early," the NPC rasped.

Liam smirked. "I know."

[Hidden Quest Discovered: The Merchant's Secret Cache]

[Quest Details: An underground merchant has access to contraband weapons and artifacts. For a price, he will provide you with rare gear far beyond what beginner players can obtain.]

[Quest Rewards: Shadow Dagger (Uncommon), Rogue's Cloak (+5 Agility), 200 XP]

Liam wasted no time.

"I want the Shadow Dagger and the cloak," he said, already pulling out his 10 Silver starter coins.

The NPC grinned. "Smart choice."

The transaction completed, and Liam felt a rush of power as the items materialized in his inventory.

While other players were running around with rusted daggers and cloth armor, he now had gear that wouldn't be available for at least another five levels.

With this, he could move on to Phase Two of his plan, securing the Mythical-tier dagger hidden in the Forsaken Ruins.

But as he stepped out of the alleyway, his eyes caught something, or rather, someone.

Standing near the town square, chatting with a group of new players, was a familiar face.

Jason Miller.

Liam's blood ran cold.

Jason had no idea what was coming.

Liam took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't let emotions cloud his judgment.

This wasn't the time to confront him. No, this was the time to strike from the shadows.

Smirking to himself, Liam turned and walked away.

The game had just begun.

And Jason wouldn't even realize he was losing until it was far too late.