Striking Air: Elements Online, #1

By Amanda Swanson

Elements Online is a virtual reality game that promised to be more real than life itself. Delivering on this unwavering pledge, they included death. If a player perishes in the game, their body dies in real life. There is no other escape for 124,105 players who entered without this knowledge, unless they beat the Corruption.

Ella Swan entered the game trying to escape her family's curse; instead, she is in greater danger. Monsters, storms, and cataclysmic events await in dark dungeons and mysterious trials. As a minor Mage, Ella blends in until she unlocks her true potential as the Element of Air. Now, she must solve three trials and open the doorway to the final boss. If she doesn't … no one can proceed. Only the Element of Air has the ability to press forward on Caeli.

Guardians are assigned to protect her as an aiding game mechanic. However, the love they feel for her, is it genuine or generated? The Lord of the benevolent guild, Alexander Jones, keeps her too safe. While the Lord of the malevolent guild, Angel Vorona, plunges her into peril. Unsure of her feelings, Ella has more questions than answers. She must embrace the power within herself to save the world of Caeli or be consumed by the growing Corruption, thereby trapping any survivors for eternity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Swanson
• Release date: Jan 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201204471

Amanda Swanson

Amanda Swanson is from Houston Texas and currently lives there with her husband and two young children. She graduated from University of Houston with a degree in English Literature and a minor in business. Her passion for fantasy started when she was a girl and lived in the jungle of Costa Rica. Her parents created a sports lodge, where Amanda and her family lived for four years without electricity. Amanda read books, played video games, and rode horses. Today Amanda loves to play D&D, MMOs, and is a PC and console gamer. She has a full time job and loves being with her family.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Lottery

My seatbelt tightened as the car rocked. Its powerful engine humming as it sped through the night. Out the window, a cement wall loomed as we drew closer. Search lights piercing the darkness revealed patrolling armed guards, barbed wire, and weapons. Was this a prison more than freedom?

The car stopped, and mechanically my silent driver held out his hand. Strange, I was groggy, like how it felt after dentist gas. Honestly, I didn’t remember how we got here. The last time I looked out the window, we were in the city. Shaking my head, my fingers found the small stub that was my ticket. My admittance to a virtual world was a small square of flimsy old-fashioned paper. Fumbling, the paper shook, and I laid it against the driver’s steady hand.

The driver’s window lowered, and the curiously cold night air pervaded the warm car. He handed them my ticket and shut the window. An alarm blared, sending the shadows of birds into the night shrieking as they rose. A giant steel gate slid back revealing a dark road that vanished into a tangled murk of trees.

For ten years I waited for a true game of magic and monsters, an escape from my populated and polluted city. A shiver ran down my spine; I wasn’t in the game yet.

The black Audi hugged the road, curving and swaying, carrying me into the unknown dim. Its high beams split the untroubled darkness. Seconds felt like hours, and then the car emerged into a pristine park of topiaries, pruned trees, and ponds. There stood a thirty-story black building with reflective glass panels, completely concealing what was inside. TFIG, The Future of Gaming, and the makers of Elements Online, built hotels across the world just like this one, their locations a guarded secret.

The road circled four stone statues of a fairy, mermaid, dwarf, and dragon. Between them glowed a brilliant orb. The flicker of excitement grew, suddenly overwhelming.

A week ago, I was alone inside my grandmother’s attic, in twelfth grade English class bored to death, and at my job listening to a customer ramble to the beat of the beeping checkouts. It didn’t sit right with me that TFIG more than reimbursed the cost of my winning ticket and promised my grandmother, Gramme, even more money after I signed their pages of paperwork. Like I sold my soul. Resting a hand over my racing heart, was I going to have a heart attack even before we reached the front of the hotel?

The driver’s eyes flicked to mine via the rearview mirror. Relax. There’s a line to reach the entrance.

Resting my hands against my jeans, I forced myself to lean back into the seat. Every movement, as the car crept forward, made my stomach twist. Unsure of what to say, not knowing if my thoughts would sound normal, I tried to focus on the perimeter wall still visible in the distance.

I took two planes to arrive at Chicago. From there, the airport had a special passage, that led to TFIG security. Painstaking and intensive. I touched the red dot on my arm where they took a blood sample.

Finally, we neared the building where golden lettering above glass doors was TFIG ELEMENTS ONLINE AMERICA HOTEL with the four elemental symbols Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. I bit the inside of my cheek and slid a finger across the inside of my sweaty palm.

The car stopped, and the door opened. Bright lights, cold air, and the swirl of noise rushed around me. Stunned, I sat in the backseat until a hand touched my shoulder. Like an electric shock I reanimated. A porter, dressed like a 1950’s bellhop, smiled and tipped his hat.

Instinctively, I reach for my mask and realized I didn’t have one. It was confiscated along with my phone and ID.

The porter whistled while grabbing my suitcase from the trunk then walked to the car window, snatching the manilla envelope that the driver held out. Without missing a stride, the porter was back at my side in less than ten seconds. Congratulations on winning the lottery and welcome to TFIG! He held out his arm. Ella Swan.

The crisp red velvet of his suit crunched underneath my hand. Together, we walked up the red-carpeted stairs. Behind me, my car vanished, replaced by another one. Another porter rushed past us grinning.

Above the door, set in large circles, the Elements glowed. The Element of Air was grey with lines and leaves fluttering. Ignis was red, a flame. Aqua was blue and had water droplets falling. Terra was green with a triangle. They represented a level within the game, called islands, one for each element.

Tripping over the top step, I laughed awkwardly, the noise undiscernible due to the dryness in my throat. My face turned hot. Here I was living my dream, and all I could do was make squeaks like the birds outside.

The porter continued like nothing peculiar happened. Sweeping his hand forward like an extravagant performer, he smiled broadly. I’m proud to present the hotel of Elements Online America. Then we were inside. Ella Swan Number 10,987 welcome! He beamed joyously as he pronounced my number like ten nine eighty-seven.

10,987? I found my voice.

Yes, you’re assigned a player number. You’re player 10,987. His teeth were so white when he smiled, they didn’t look real. Please this way.

A blast of warmth fanned around us, and the air smelled of vanilla. Everything expensive and pristine glowed, including the white walls, oil paintings, and plush furniture. Koi fish swam under the transparent floor. Inside the lounge, a quartette played. In the middle of the main floor sat five receptionists. Their appearances uncannily similar as they touched keyboards that only they could see.

My scuffed sneakers, blue jeans, and plaid overshirt looked as out of place as I felt. I lived in my grandmother’s attic and used virtual reality gear that I salvaged and fixed. This elegance was the life of my best friend Mira, whose family had the money to buy her hundreds of lottery tickets compared to my two. My grandmother struggled, as all of our family did.

If you could, this way Ms. Swan. My porter was polite and perfectly at ease as he waited for me.

Is this ... real? I stammered, not moving.

The porter shifted uncomfortably. Ms. Swan? His smile faded. Are you ... alright?

Taking a deep breath, people were staring. Me ... just Ella, the girl who blended into the walls. I never wanted to disappear more in my entire life, but I never wanted to be a part of something more. I... I. I couldn’t speak. Frustrated at my ineptitude, I didn’t know what was wrong.

The porter straightened. Is there a problem? We need to stay on schedule.

Hey. A man who walked past me turned. He probably was an athlete due to his height and build. Are you okay? His golden hair framed a masculine face.

My eyes met his, dark green and unwavering. A spark shot through me, revitalizing me. Y ... Yes. I stammered.

Don’t speak with other- His porter started, but the man held up his hand silencing him.

I’m speaking to the woman. He turned back to me. You sure you’re okay? You look as green as a seasick dragon.

Swallowing to avoid making another strange noise, I said, Yes, I’m good.

He shrugged. It’s a lot to take in.

Yea. I responded surprised at my ability to maintain my voice.

See you in the game Ms. Swan. He winked at me moving forward.

I look forward to it. I replied softly.

He glanced over his shoulder. So do I.

Every part of me froze. Guys like him didn’t talk to people like me. Was I already in the game?

The porter touched me, and I jumped.

Continue please. He gestured forward.

Taking his arm once more, I followed behind a tall brunette. The heels of a striking brunette click-clacked then there was silence.

We waited in the quick moving line. The chivalrous stranger calmly entered the elevator and whizzed away. Then a man wearing jeans and sneakers was next.

The unsure feeling returned, as if the weight of the building pressed down on me, increasing as we rode the elevator. The door chimed.

The tenth floor’s foyer had three couches that looked soft with many fluffy pillows. They encircled a table whose centerpiece was a massive vase of lilies and a feast of figs.

Brightly colored doors were spaced evenly down the hallway. Long black tubes and wires covered the ceiling and ran seamlessly into the rooms. The electrical energy made the little hairs on my arms stand on end. What are those? I pointed.

The direct connection to Elements Online. No lag, latency, or disconnection. My porter placed my manilla envelope into an obscure black box on a little table in the corner.

What’s that for? The disheveled black box was out of place and ominous, like a black hole. It’s so ... old and broken?

The porter politely responded. Old and disheveled things are part of tradition of a lottery. Afterall, we all have our strange rituals. His eyes lit up excitedly. Oh, and how strange they can be.

Confused, I nodded, not sure why.

The best of luck to you. Have a great game Ms. Swan, player 10,987. He stepped into the elevator. It was a pleasure assisting you.

Wait ...

He was gone.

Wrapping my arms around my chest, the room was incredibly cold. The air had weight like a funeral. From the corner of the room, the black box stared at me. The unease swelled around me.

Hello? I stepped towards it.

It said and didn’thing.

Now an arm’s length away, I leaned forward. My fingers reaching towards its lid.

Hello. A brunette woman wearing jeans and a pink and white striped shirt startled me. She checked her old timey watch on her wrist. A few minutes late ... Her eyes flicked to me and then to the box. Oh ... She walked past me, not waiting for an answer. She touched her digital clipboard to the black box, and it populated with my information. Ella, is it?

Yes. I muttered.

Hold out your hand please. She removed a scanner from her pocket. Don’t be nervous, just need to confirm your identity. Her wrinkle-free face waited patiently as her eyes zoomed over me. A blue light scanned my right hand. She then held the scanner to the clipboard, and it chimed loudly before turning green. The glow brightly turned the edges of her hair the same color. Wonderful. She put her scanner back.

What’s ... how is ... I have so many questions. I stammered my voice soft.

Simple. She kindly smiled. You’re here because you won a ticket to play a new game with the best artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

I know what AI and VR are. I swiftly responded.

As you should. Her kind remark was beyond reprisal. TFIG is the best in the world. We make sure to not have our recipe stolen. Then she shrugged. Pardon the old reference, but like Willy Wonka. TFIG protects their recipes.

I was no snitch, and I liked the reference.

She laughed and went to the table. You have been under a lot of stress, but the hard part is behind you. She touched one of the lilies. Come on, let’s get you to your room. I’m Isabella, but everyone calls me Liz. I will be taking care of you during your stay. She grabbed the handle of my suitcase and pulled it behind her.

Following calmly, we passed a man and woman in the exact same clothes as Liz. They checked their watches and moved towards the elevator.

Liz peered at me from over her shoulder. Her red lips bright, her round face joyous. I bet you’re starving. The food is delicious. Whatever you want.

My nose wrinkled. The hallway smelled like a hospital, the scent of sterilization cleaner and latex stung the air. The lights from between the tubes blinding bright.

I need you to answer a few questions. Liz’s eyes thinned as she stared at her clipboard. How old are you? She asked.

Eighteen.

Birthdate? She continued.

October 1st, 2016.

Your birthday was twelve days ago. Happy belated birthday. She commented. What was your lottery number?

X10987B22. Upon saying it, I realized where my player number came from. 10,987. I studied the number extensively after winning, still in disbelief that Gramme bought me a winning ticket.

Perfect. She turned the corner. There’s a total of 12,251 players at this location, roughly one thousand people per player floor where there are thirty-five attendants, twenty-two RNs, fifteen doctors, and the rest are technicians. We’re here in case you need something or ... She paused. Well in case something happens.

My curiosity bubbled despite her confidence. Why doctors?

She hummed kindly before stopping in front of a purple door, #987. She double checked her clipboard and curiously examined me. Some players have ailments; others may have a reaction to the software ... all sorts of things can happen in Elements Online. Since our location is secret, and we plan to keep it that way, we treat on site. Better to be safe and prepared. The door opened when she laid her hand against it.

Makes sense. I bit my lower lip and went to go inside.

Liz blocked me. Before you go in, are you sure? There’s no going back.

What? I hesitated.

Liz shook her head, brown curls bouncing around her face. Her smile returned. Let me explain. After you enter your room, the contract you signed is legally binding. Are you sure? The game is long. It could be years.

Some part of me screamed, telling me to run, but why would I return? For so long, I sought a way to escape. This was my chance. I walked inside.

The room was fantastic like an apartment rather than a hotel with a waterfall shower, large master bedroom, fully furnished living room, and small kitchen.

Do you like it? Liz brushed past me.

This is for me? I wondered out loud, flabbergasted.

Liz chuckled. Of course. Now let me show you how to manage your room. Liz pulled a remote off the wall, holding it out while explaining the features.

I nodded.

Very good. Liz checked her watch. Oh ... I need to go ... running behind. Your suitcase is in the entryway. Need anything?

I wasn’t sure.

Your mouth is open. She laughed kindly. Please don’t hesitate to call. Just say attendant into your button. Her finger touched the button on my remote. She waited for me. Try it.

I lifted the remote and spoke into it. Attendant.

A bracelet on her upper arm glowed with the number 987. She pressed it, and the number vanished. Easy as pie. When she moved her arm, I saw a row of identity cards, at least fifteen were visible. As if she could read my mind, she rested a small, firm hand on my shoulder.

You’ll be okay. You belong here. Giving my shoulder a squeeze, she let go. I enjoy it here. She cunningly smiled. Call me if you need anything. Liz left without another word.

Frozen like a statue, this evening was the most exciting and daunting of my entire life. Holding my hands to my chest, I wondered how I was standing here. Was I going to break into a million pieces if I moved? The phrase from my favorite video game repeated in my thoughts. Curse the fiends. Their children too. And their children, forever, true.

This was my rendezvous with destiny to break the chain that bound my family. I wouldn’t break, the curse would.

CHAPTER TWO

Welcome to the Game

Aknock woke me. I groggily rolled over and reached for my alarm. Coming Gramme. My hand missed; I fell off the couch. The floor was not hard like I remember, plush soft carpet softened my blow.

It’s Liz. A kind voice spoke. Just a reminder, one hour until you enter the game. Please prepare.

The haze from sleeping faded; I was at the TFIG hotel. Startled, my heart immediately went into panic mode. Jumping off the floor, I rubbed my face. A clock on the wall said 11 a.m. I slept almost ten hours.

After taking care of myself, I dressed in a pink blouse and black leggings. Wiping the toothpaste from my chin, I looked at my green eyes in the mirror and put my blonde hair up in a ponytail. I was a pro at virtual reality. I knew what to expect, but that didn’t help me control my nerves. Re-toothpasting my brush, I cleaned my teeth for the fourth time.

Someone knocked.

I opened the door to a new staff member. She was short and had black hair and dark eyes. Hello Ella, I’m Sara.

After making an undecipherable noise, I pulled the toothbrush out of my mouth. Hi.

Sara casually strolled past me not noticing. She handed me a stretchy full body suit that ran all the way from toes to neck. Put this on. Her dark eyes scrutinized me. You’re going into this world like you came into this one ... plus the suit I handed you.

Nervously, I put my toothbrush down. Taking a long look in the mirror, I nodded at my reflection. It was time.

The suit was light and flexible. The material felt like metal but moved like elastic. Slipping out of my clothes, I pulled it on. It was baggy and had strange tube holes, looking like a tighter black version of an astronaut suit.

Within thirty seconds, I was back at the front door. When I opened it, a strident bald man with an angry set of scratches on his cheek was waiting with Sara. Down the side of his lab coat was fresh blood. Without a word, they went straight to my living room.

The man held what looked like a glass of milk. His mouth twitched ominously. Drink this. He thrust the glass at me.

What’s going on? I nervously asked.

They ignored me, and the man impatiently waited.

My fingers wrapped around the glass. It was hot and smelt revolting, making my stomach churn. What’s this? It sluggishly slopped like thick molasses. Smells like burnt plastic?

He carried a white container with a red biohazard sticker on it. Obviously noticing my gaze, he moved it behind him. His attempt at smiling was akin to a poster for the deranged, making me hesitant.

No thank you. I went to hand the glass back to him. I’m not drinking whatever ... this is.

Sara grumbled and stepped in, clearing her throat, that’s a polymer consisting primarily of nanobots, nutrients, protein, and micro receptors. The nanobots bind to the autonomic, motor, and sensory nerves for seamless integration. Sara’s voice was flat, her words rehearsed. If you don’t want to drink it, we can inject it into your neck. You need it to get into the game.

The man reached behind him.

I pinched my nose and drank. Burnt, thick plastic slid down my throat in hot uneven globs. My stomach heaved like I drank a bowling ball. Mouthwatering in a bad way, I had to vomit.

Say ahh. Sara put a small white pill under my tongue. Don’t move.  She counted to twenty as her eyes remained on her watch. Perfect Ms. Swan. She checked my eyes and nodded. You should have a good integration.

My nausea stopped, but the taste remained in my throat. That was unpleasant. The room became very hot, extremely sweaty. My heart was pounding in my ears. I don’t feel right.

Sara looked back at me as she moved towards my remote on the wall. Just wait. She ominously whispered under her breath. You’re fine.

What? I gasped and everything blurred. The floor moved like the waves of the ocean, and a headache burned behind my eyes. The glass I held fell, and I with it.

The ominous man caught me. His arms like steel bars, cold and unrelenting. At least the fifteenth that I caught today.

Sara was speaking to someone through my remote. Player 10,987. Yes. Yes. No. Integration please. One minute. Countdown pending. No reactions. Seamless. Her voice was clear as a bell.

Then shivering and jerking, it was like my body didn’t belong to me anymore. I tried to lift my hand; it didn’t work. My head pounded. My heart slammed like a jackhammer.

Sara knelt in front of me and set the remote down. We’re ready. Calm down Ella, the pill I gave you’ll kick in in 3 ... 2 ... 1.

My limbs stopped jerking, and the pain in my head ceased. I was in control. Gasping, I flung myself from his arms and fell to my hands and knees. The ground, when I touched it, felt unreal. It was like I could reach through it if I wanted to. Wow.

Sara picked up the remote and continued her conversation. Her voice visible, like I could see its waves the air. X10987B22. She touched the wall, and several keyboards came out. Sara entered information into the login screen and pressed enter. Code complete. Next. Next. She returned to scan my right hand. Commence the game.

As her hand touch on my skin, it prickled, as if she was made of ice. Gasping, I wasn’t sure what this meant, but it was like I could see its imprint on my skin. I reached towards her, going to follow her, but the man moved me back. The living room floor split open. The couch lowered, and a hydrotherapy immersion tank rose in the center of the room. Tubes lowered from the ceiling and draped around it, like a man-made willow tree.

He scooped me up.

Put me down. I protested. He was so cold.

Don’t. Sara commanded. The next stage is sleep.

I yawned. My eyes were heavy. What’s happening?

Several other figures were in my room. The nanobots are settling in your brain. As they bind, you’ll feel a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional changes. Your brain is reacting perfectly ... no need to worry.

Oh. I yawned again. Okay.

A stethoscope was on my chest and a light in my eyes. There was counting. Are you itchy? A distant voice asked.

Just tired. I yawned again.

Can you remember who you are? Cold rough hands touched my throat.

Rolling away from them, all I wanted was sleep. I’m just Ella.

Did she lose consciousness, show any signs of confusion? The blurry figure before me asked.

No. Sara responded dryly.

Her pulse is slowing. We need to get her into the tank.

My vision cleared. Several people held clipboards and were checking off lists. The young doctor reached towards me.

Jerking back, I vainly fought against the vice like arms of the ominous man.

Easy, The doctor’s smile provided me with no comfort. Sara come look at this. He calmly touched my face, his fingers rough and cold. Peculiar ... her eyes. The nanobots are binding faster than normal. She’s an exceptional host. I wish we could have used this one in the trials.

We’ll monitor her closely. Sara’s voice remained indifferent.

Oh yes. The doctor was exceptionally excited. Into the tank now. He stepped back and clapped his hands.

Being carried up a ramp, I was at the edge of the tank. Then the desire to sleep returned with a vengeance. Blinking, there were needles coming out of the tubes. Strange symbols and writing scrawled on them like hieroglyphics. Sara opened a silver briefcase.

Delicately lifting a glittering face mask like it was a newborn infant, Sara smiled at the shimmering light generating pixels. Cradling it in her hands, she was speaking to it. To see a World in a Grain of Sand, and a Heaven in a Wildflower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, And Eternity in an Hour.

Below me, dark liquid vibrated.

Stay alive player 10,987. She slipped the mask onto my face.

Cold and sticky, gel stuck to my skin. Then the mask warmed. Something was pinching me, all over my arms, legs, and torso. The back of my neck burned. My throat was slick. Then I was weightless. The discomfort gone. An uncanny series of emotions made me laugh and cry. How strange? I thought over and over when a new sensation triggered.

Done, I floated. A void of darkness surrounded me.

At the bottom of my vision, a loading bar flashed. The four symbols of Elements Online blinked. There was a fifth, but it was scratched, faded, and torn. Reaching towards it, before I could get there, it faded.

Completely myself and not myself, in pitch darkness, the sleepiness and weightlessness ended. Steeping forward I called out, but there was no sound. My heart raced ... was I dead? Trembling I raised my hands. Nothing was there.

A cool grey mist swirled.

I called out louder. My voice didn’t work.

Welcome to Elements Online. A shadow figure appeared, speaking slowly, her voice familiar. You’re in the character selection mode. Please follow the directions. The shadow moved back. Until you do so, you’ll have no body or voice.

Resting a hand on my heart, I could feel it hammering away. I’m not dead. That’s good. Squeezing my hands, I proceeded forward.

Large brown buttons with text appeared before me. Even though I didn’t have a hand, which was disorienting, I was able to select what I wanted. Gender, age, voice, and appearance. I scrolled through images of myself like a slideshow. Endlessly customizable, I picked one face with a slightly smaller nose and fuller cheeks. My blonde hair, green eyes, and normal complexion remained. If I wanted to, I could be anyone, but it didn’t feel right being anyone else.

When I reached for the next button, I had hands. My body materialized like it was never absent. The shadow figure in front of me was my reflection. I twisted, surprised at how athletic I looked; that was a welcomed change. I wondered if I was always that way. Surely, I was?

Five class buttons floated before me with standard character information. Warriors blocked and used melee weapons. Clerics were support and healed. Archers shot arrows and were nimble. Mages used spells with high damage. Rogues were adept at finding traps and sneaking. There were finer details that I read over, mainly about skills and the possibilities once progression began. Technical and standard.

Hesitating, I wondered what was best. This was a permanent choice.

Reaching for Warrior, my hand faltered. I accidentally clicked Mage. Stepping back, not sure what happened, I waited to see if I could back out. Maybe the game would sense that there was an error.

Help? I called out. I’m a Warrior ... not a Mage.

Nothing happened.

I waited. Help? Return? Stop. Waiving my arms, there was no going back. Waiting for what felt like forever, finally I sighed and would make the best of it.

Four Elements floated around me, I had to pick two. Fire destroys, air removes, the earth grows, and water renews. Carefully reaching this time, I selected fire and earth. Air and water vanished.

The mist gathered and cleared. Words filled my vision that told me to run, jump, sit, stand, and so on. It felt like an hour of movement, but I wasn’t tired. I didn’t even sweat.

A wardrobe waited patiently for me in the darkness. Pulling open the old wooden doors, clothes materialized. I selected a white blouse with a brown leather half corset. Full length button-down pants and knee-high boots. My staff was a simple oak branch that shrunk to the size of a baton. When I needed to summon it, I would squeeze the center. The staff would shoot to the height of my body.

The wardrobe faded, and a tree formed before me for my skills. Branches for different spells expanded. I could increase a spell’s power and ability when I leveled. I would learn two spells for the first island. Then when I moved to the next, I was allowed two more and so on. There were other items and events in the game that let players learn extra spells and abilities. Touching my tree, I selected flair that would grow into fireball, and stone armor that would level up into stone skin eventually.

Finally, a floating red button appeared. I touched it. My pre-entered name blinked on a dotted line. Ella Swan. There was a confirmation button. I pressed yes.

Intricate golden words encircled me, obviously this was the introduction to the game. The ground underneath me descended, and I lowered into another world.

Ella Swan you are a Mage of Fire and Earth. You have come to the land of Elements Online to free it from the tyrannical rule of the Lord of Corruption.

Royalty ruled each of the four islands, kindly, justly, and peacefully. Of the four islands, the fifth linked them with its power. Harmony and light reigned on the fifth island for thousands of years. Then the Corruption manipulated its way inside and took control. Evil and trickery spread. The Royalty vanished, and the islands fell into ruin.

Five circles appeared. One north, south, east, and west with one in the middle. Ignis the northern island glowed red, Caeli the eastern island glowed grey, Terra the western island glowed green, and Aqua the southern island glowed blue. The center island was dark, like a chunk of coal.

To defeat the evil, you must cleanse each island of Corruption by destroying the final boss. Once an island is free, you can travel to the next. The task sounds easy, but it is not. The most important truths can be and are forgotten. Fire Destroys, Air Removes, Earth Grows, and Water Renews...

Remember him well, The Lord of Corruption:

What was the price of your crown?

Do you feel its true weight?

Sitting alone atop your throne,

Laughing resounds, and shadows surround,

Was it worth something so ornate?

Was it pure once, a long time ago?

Before your hand struck it so?

Lord of Corruption, what was the price of your crown?

Sinking into the darkness, I was trying to grab something, anything, but nothing was within reach. Help! I’m falling!

Open your eyes. A soothing voice whispered.

Laying in soft grass, the orange and red leaves on the tree above fluttered in a midday breeze. Silky clouds lazily drifted in blue sky.

CHAPTER THREE

The Tutorial

Sitting up, I calmed my rapid breaths. Confused, I ran my fingers through the cool grass. I was allergic, but the itching didn’t start. I wondered if I awoke from a strange dream. Had I always been here? Examining my hands, my fingers, and nails ... everything was so clear. My skin flawlessly glowed in the rays of the sun.

A cart clanged loudly as the brown horse that pulled it stomped. I was in a field by a dirt road, a wooden fence separated me from the wagons that entered a quaint French village. Like a pastoral painting, smiles adorned comforting faces, children laughed, and a gentle breeze cooled the hot afternoon. Everything was a vibrant color of life.

Touching the tree, the bark was rough under my hand. I could smell the maple. Interesting. Was this always my home?

Towering, a massive wall encircled the village, protecting it. There was an arched entrance with a raised portcullis. Armed guards leaned on spears lazily talking as villagers passed them. Through the entrance, I could see houses, market stands, and busy merchants. Horses clopped down the village’s cobblestone streets, dogs barked, and music drifted in the air.

A child ran past me towards the farms that were only a few hundred feet from the wall. A couple companion dogs chased him. Not far from us a stream bubbled, and fishermen filled the pier.

Bubbles floated past me glowing brightly in the clean air. I laid back into the grass and smiled, reassured that my other life was just a bad dream.

Other players spawned under other trees. Players ... I paused. Then I remembered, I was inside a game.

Welcome to the Island of Caeli.

Jumping to my feet, an NPC, or a non-player character, was behind me. She was a fairy and part of the former royal family of Caeli. Her purple lips drew back into a welcoming expression. Her loose blue hair flowed around her pallid face. She wore an orange and red dress that matched the fall leaves on the tree. I’m Epi and here to assist with your menu tutorial. Epi held up her hands and pointed to different parts of my vision. Holographic icons appeared that I could interact with. Her light creating wings calmly flapped behind her.

Hit points or hp, mana, and stamina are your top left. Hp is how much damage you can take before you die. Mana is the source that allows magic or abilities to flow. Stamina is endurance and athleticism. My red hp bar filled, below that my blue mana bar did the same, and below that the yellow stamina bar. The map located on the bottom left will show your location. Map upgrades may be purchased or found. For example, a map upgrade can show monster locations, level of other players, topography, etc. She touched the corner of the icon, and the map vanished. Equipment and inventory are located bottom right. Chat window top right. System settings and user interface are beside the chat window on the top right. Click the right bottom corner to minimize the menu of your choosing or click the top left for zoom in or out options. She pointed to the very bottom of my vision. The hot bar is for instantly accessible items. You may customize or change your menu at any time. You can remove your menus for unhindered vision, but I don’t recommend this feature if you’re outside of the safe zone.

Safe zone? I asked.

Yes. Monsters, storms, and other dangers roam Caeli. I will get to that information soon. Right now, equip your weapon.

I touched my bottom right menu, and my inventory window opened. I selected equipment and grabbed my staff from the glowing half-translucent window. As I pulled my hand back, my staff materialized.

Follow the tutorial for casting spells. Epi instructed.

Holographic words streamed in front of me, glimmering when I touched them. Flair. I shouted. Flames jumped from the tip of my staff, and a tiny ball of fire shot into the sky. The smell of sandalwood perfumed around me.

Spell tutorials will appear across your vision until you master your weapon, or you disable this feature. Epi continued promptly. "Next and very important,