The sterile white walls of Emile's newly purchased mansion seemed to mock the turmoil that had only recently begun to subside within him. Outside, the vibrant, bustling city of Heo pulsed with a life that felt a world away from his former existence. Here, in the quiet expanse of his study, the weight of his unexpected inheritance had finally settled into a manageable reality, a reality now shared with his newly adopted brother, Heo.
His parents were gone, their deaths orchestrated by those who coveted their land. The letter they left behind, a testament to their love and foresight, had guided him to sell everything and flee their grasping relatives. He had underestimated the worth of their properties, expecting a mere 300 million Credits, but his father's shrewd lawyer had ensured he received the true value: a staggering 25 billion.
With this newfound wealth, Emile had moved to this far-away continent in the city now called Heo, seeking anonymity and a fresh start. It was here, amidst the throngs of the city's underbelly, that he had encountered Heo, a street rat no older than ten, desperately trying to steal food. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the boy's fight for survival, Emile had offered him a home, a family. Heo, orphaned since birth after the death of the old man who had cared for him, readily accepted Emile's offer of food, shelter, and eventually, adoption.
In the quiet evenings, Emile had learned of Heo's past. The old man, despite their poverty, had imparted a surprising amount of knowledge to Heo, including the basics of economics and investment. Now, Emile found himself seeking Heo's advice as he looked for ways to manage his substantial fortune. He had already begun investing in promising startups and restructuring struggling companies in the real world, intrigued by the potential to build and innovate.
One evening, Heo, while watching Emile manage his digital portfolios, suggested a different kind of investment. "There's this game, Emile," Heo had said, his eyes wide with a youthful enthusiasm Emile hadn't seen since he'd taken him in. " 'Beginning Of The Universe END.' It's supposed to be huge, multi-planetary, and it's growing like crazy. People are sinking real money into it."
Intrigued, Emile had done his research. The VRMMORPG boasted cutting-edge technology and promised unparalleled immersion. Heo's insights, combined with the game's phenomenal growth and the rumors of its backing, had convinced Emile. He had poured a substantial 20 billion Credits – real money – into the venture, recognizing the potential for both financial return (a promised 3% monthly) and perhaps something more.
Now, seated in his study, Emile prepared for his full dive into "Beginning Of The Universe END." He knew his investment came with privileges: a significantly boosted chance for a Mythical or God-ranked class, an even higher chance for an SSS-rank talent or above, and a specialized set of Mythical equipment waiting for him. Yet, drawn by an inexplicable curiosity, he had chosen to start with an unknown class level.
He settled into his state-of-the-art VR immersion pod, the gentle hum of the machinery a familiar comfort now. He took a deep breath and initiated the connection. The world dissolved, and he found himself standing in a bustling virtual town square.
A notification greeted him: "Welcome to Beginning Of The Universe END, Investor Void God!" Below was his initial status:
[Void God]
* Level: 1
* Class: Unassigned (Rank: Unknown)
* Talent: Unawakened
* Race: Human
Vital Statistics:
* Health (HP): 100 / 100
* Stamina (STA): 100 / 100
* Satiety: 100%
* Hydration: 100%
Core Attributes:
* Strength (STR): 10
* Agility (AGI): 12
* Intelligence (INT): 15
* Endurance (END): 10
* Vitality (VIT): 10
* Wisdom (WIS): 13
* Luck (LUK): 8
Combat Statistics:
* Attack Power (ATK): 10
* Defense (DEF): 2
* Attack Speed: 100%
* Critical Hit Rate: 5%
* Evasion Rate: 10%
* Accuracy: 85%
Other Information:
* Reputation: 0
* Currency: Gold Coins (GC): 2,000,000,000 (20 Billion CR * 100 GC)
* Skills: 0 / 0
* Equipment:
* Head: None
* Chest: None
* Legs: None
* Feet: None
* Hands: None
* Weapon: None
* Off-Hand: None
* Accessories: None
* Titles: Investor (Tier: Galactic)
* Achievements: 0 / 0
* Realm Affiliation: Nytheris
* Faction Standing: None
* Cultivation Stage: None
Buffs/Debuffs:
* None
The sheer amount of starting gold was staggering. Another notification appeared: "As a high-tier investor, you have access to a selection of Mythical-ranked classes after completing the Awakening Trials. You also have a significantly increased chance of awakening a top-tier talent."
A private message window popped up. It was from someone named Jin.
[Jin]: Yo, Void God! You made it in! Where are you?
A small, genuine smile touched Emile's lips. Jin's enthusiasm was infectious, even through text. He quickly replied, his fingers flying across the virtual keyboard.
[Void God]: Just arrived in Oakhaven. You around?
The response was immediate.
[Jin]: Trial Grounds already? You're a machine! Yeah, I'm still in the newbie area. Whereabouts in Oakhaven are you? I can swing by.
Emile sent his coordinates. A few minutes later, a rugged-looking avatar with a determined expression approached him through the bustling crowd.
"Void God! Glad to see you finally took the plunge," Jin said, extending a hand for a virtual shake.
Emile accepted the handshake, a sense of connection forming even in this digital world. Unbeknownst to him, the friend he was meeting in this virtual realm was the same young man who now slept peacefully in a room down the hall in his real-world mansion – his adopted brother, Heo.
"This game is something else, right?" Jin continued, a wide grin on his avatar's face. "You ready to hit the Trial Grounds? Heard that's where you unlock your class."
Emile nodded, a calm determination settling over him. "That was the plan." The weight of the real world, the loss, the responsibility – it all felt a little lighter here, in this vibrant, digital beginning. He was ready to face whatever trials lay ahead, unaware of the true nature of the "ark" he had just entered and the crucial role he and his brother would play in the universe's impending end.