Emile, under the moniker Void God, surveyed Oakhaven with a detached curiosity. The initial wonder of the fully immersive VR experience had quickly given way to his analytical mind cataloging the town's layout, the types of players milling about, and the various establishments lining the cobblestone streets. His billions of Gold Coins, a silent weight in his inventory, set him apart from the other wide-eyed newcomers clad in simple starting gear. He moved with a quiet confidence, an air of someone who possessed resources far exceeding his apparent level.
His first priority was information. The system notification had directed him to the Trial Grounds, but Emile knew that a little reconnaissance could go a long way. He approached a group of players huddled near a notice board, their animated discussions revolving around quests and early-game monsters. He listened intently, his calm demeanor allowing him to absorb their chatter without drawing undue attention.
"Heard the Spider Queen in the Whispering Woods drops some decent early-game gloves," one burly warrior type was saying.
"Yeah, but watch out for her web spray," another, a nimble-looking rogue, cautioned. "Sticks you in place for ages."
Emile gleaned some basic knowledge about the local area, but the Awakening Trials remained unmentioned in their conversation. He decided to try a more direct approach. Spotting an NPC clad in what looked like a town guard's uniform, he approached him with a polite nod.
"Greetings, Guard," Emile said, his voice calm and even. "I was recently informed about the Awakening Trials. Could you perhaps direct me to their location?"
The guard, a stern-faced man with a pixelated mustache, straightened up. "The Trial Grounds? Head east, past the marketplace. You'll see the ancient gateway. Can't miss it – it's been there since the founding of Oakhaven, testing the mettle of all who seek to carve their destiny in this world." He puffed out his chest slightly. "Only those who prove their worth are granted a class and the chance to awaken their true potential."
"Ten trials, the system mentioned," Emile inquired. "Is there any information available about the nature of these trials?"
The guard shrugged. "Each trial is unique, designed to test different aspects of a person's being – courage, intellect, skill. Some say they even delve into your very soul. Best to go in prepared for anything." He offered no further details, a knowing glint in his digital eyes. "Good luck, newcomer. You'll need it."
Emile thanked the guard and made his way east, towards the bustling marketplace. The sheer variety of goods on display was staggering, from basic weaponry and armor to potions and crafting materials. He noticed several players haggling with vendors, their in-game currency clinking as transactions were made. For a moment, he considered purchasing some starting gear, but then decided against it. Without a class, most equipment would be ineffective. He would rely on his wits and any inherent abilities he might possess.
He found Jin waiting for him near a fountain in the marketplace, observing the crowd with a keen eye.
"Void God! You took your time," Jin said with a playful jab. "Gathering intel already? That's the way to do it."
"Just trying to get my bearings," Emile replied calmly. "The guard directed me towards the east. Shall we?"
Jin nodded. "Lead the way, investor extraordinaire! I've already poked around this area a bit. The Trial Grounds are definitely past the east gate. You can't miss the big stone archway."
As they walked through the crowded marketplace, Jin pointed out various points of interest – the local blacksmith who supposedly crafted decent starting weapons, the potion shop with questionable concoctions, and the notice board Emile had observed earlier.
"So, ten trials, huh?" Jin mused. "Think we'll be facing hordes of monsters or tricky puzzles?"
"Likely a combination of both," Emile surmised. "The guard mentioned tests of courage, intellect, and skill."
"Well, you've definitely got the intellect part covered," Jin chuckled. "Me? I'm hoping for more of the courage and skill kind of trials. Though, that agility course I tried earlier… humbled me, to say the least."
Emile raised an eyebrow. "You've already attempted one of the trials?"
Jin shrugged sheepishly. "Couldn't resist. Saw the glowing portal near the east gate and figured, why not? Turns out, my virtual legs aren't as nimble as my real ones. Fell off a moving platform about halfway up."
"Perhaps with two of us, we can figure out the optimal strategy," Emile suggested.
"Teamwork makes the dream work, right?" Jin grinned. "Though, you being a super investor and all, maybe you just breeze through them."
"I'm not taking anything for granted," Emile replied, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Every challenge requires focus."
They reached the eastern gate of Oakhaven and stepped out into the open fields beyond. In the distance, just as the guard had described, stood a massive stone archway, ancient and imposing, radiating a faint aura of power.
"That's it," Jin said, pointing towards the structure. "The entrance to the Trial Grounds. Ready to see what awaits us?"
Emile nodded, a sense of anticipation building within him, carefully masked by his usual calm exterior. "Let's proceed."