The world of Dyrathis was alive with the hum of urban activity. Towering skyscrapers lined the streets, interspersed with vast parks and tranquil water features, creating a perfect blend of nature and technology. People bustled about, glued to their smartphones, using advanced AR glasses to overlay information on the world around them. This was a modern city in every sense of the word—except for one key difference: today, the virtual and the real would merge in a way never seen before.
It was the day the new VR game, Soulbound, was launching.
Sam sat at his desk in his dimly lit bedroom, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. He wasn't like the rest of his peers. While they were out living their lives—partying, socializing, and forming relationships—he was stuck in the routine of his university studies. He was always the quiet one, the one who spent more time reading books than interacting with others.
And yet, today was different. Today, his world would change.
The ad for Soulbound had been everywhere. It was the most talked-about game of the year, a revolutionary VR experience that promised players a complete immersion into a new world—a world where anything was possible. The game's tagline had been simple yet bold: "Step into a world where your body is free, and your soul is limitless."
Sam had heard whispers about the game's groundbreaking technology. The game had been developed by a mysterious company that had kept its details under wraps until the release date was near. No one knew much about the technology, but what was clear was that it was set to change the world of gaming forever.
Soulbound wasn't just a game; it was a global phenomenon. It had already taken the world by storm, with millions of players worldwide eagerly anticipating its release. People from every country, every culture, and every walk of life were preparing to enter the world of Soulbound. The game was set to offer an experience unlike any other, allowing players to train, grow, and battle their way through a world brimming with cultivation, monsters, and untold treasures.
But the game wasn't just about escaping the real world; it was about becoming someone greater. Players wouldn't just be adventurers—they would become cultivators, mastering the art of cultivation to grow their power and overcome the challenges of the world.
Sam had heard about how the game would allow players to advance their cultivation through different realms. People would learn techniques, fight powerful monsters, and gather resources that would help them grow stronger. The world of Azure Heaven—the virtual world within Soulbound—was filled with ancient secrets, mysterious factions, and rich lore waiting to be discovered.
This was what Sam had been waiting for—a chance to leave his ordinary life behind and step into a world where he could be more. Be someone great.
With trembling fingers, he clicked on the "Register" button. A new page flashed before his eyes, confirming his registration with the game. His heart raced, a sense of anticipation building as he read the final lines of text: "Your journey into the virtual world of Azure Heaven awaits."
Azure Heaven… the name of the virtual world that would serve as the backdrop for his new existence. It was said to be a land of great power, filled with vast continents and powerful factions, where ancient cultivation techniques were waiting to be rediscovered by the players. Sam's excitement surged. Today, he would begin his journey.
The hour had arrived.
After finishing his dinner and quickly brushing his teeth, Sam made his way to his desk once more. This time, he wasn't here to study. He was here for something far greater. He pulled the VR headset from its sleek box, its black-and-blue design gleaming in the dim light. The headset was designed to be lightweight, ensuring comfort even during long play sessions. He connected the wires to the console beneath his desk and adjusted the straps to fit snugly over his head.
His fingers trembled slightly as he slid the device over his eyes. The world around him dimmed, and a soft hum filled his ears. Then, without warning, everything went dark.
When Sam opened his eyes again, he was no longer in his room. The faint sounds of his computer humming, the smell of his bed—none of it was present anymore.
Instead, he was standing on soft grass, the blades of it cool beneath his feet. The air smelled fresh—like the sweet scent of flowers mingled with the crispness of the wind. He glanced around in awe. Before him lay an expanse of vibrant green fields, the grass swaying gently in the wind. Tall, majestic trees lined the edges of the meadow, their thick trunks stretching upward into the sky. In the distance, towering mountains loomed, their tops shrouded in mist, giving the scene a mysterious and magical quality.
His mind raced as he took it all in. This was Azure Heaven. He had read about the world, but no amount of research could have prepared him for the sheer beauty and scale of it. It felt real—more real than anything he had ever experienced. The wind blew against his skin, the light from the sun kissed his face, and even the sounds around him—the chirping of birds, the rustle of the leaves—felt alive.
It was as though he had stepped into a dream.
Sam breathed deeply, feeling a strange sense of freedom wash over him. It was as though all the burdens of his real life had vanished in an instant. The stress of school, his personal struggles, the awkwardness he always felt around people—it was all gone.
For the first time, Sam felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
He looked down at his hands. The usual weakness in his arms was gone. Instead, he felt strong—his muscles firm and supple. His body felt light, but at the same time, there was a strength to it, a resilience. He could feel his body moving effortlessly, no stiffness, no fatigue.
For a moment, Sam wondered if he had truly left his physical body behind. But then he remembered—the game wasn't just about escapism. It was about using the most advanced technology to create a hyper-realistic experience. His avatar was designed to reflect his true potential, an extension of himself in this virtual world.
But it felt real. Too real.
A holographic blue screen appeared in front of Sam, causing him to pause. He had read about these in the game's manual, but seeing it in person was still surprising. The text shimmered in front of him, and a familiar voice spoke:
"Welcome to Soulbound. You have successfully entered the virtual world of Azure Heaven."
He could feel the game's system reaching out, recognizing him. The voice continued:
"Please proceed to the Gate of Ascendance for your first task."
Sam didn't hesitate. He knew that the Gate of Ascendance was the first part of the game—where every player would receive their assessment, setting the course for their journey. His footsteps were light, quick, as he began walking toward the distant golden gate ahead.
As he approached, he could see a figure standing beneath the arch. It was an NPC—an elderly man with a flowing white beard, wearing robes of the deepest blue, with gold patterns etched into the fabric. The old man turned to look at Sam as he neared, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Ah, you've arrived. Welcome, Player." The NPC's voice was smooth, calm, and welcoming.
He waved a hand, and a stone platform materialized beneath Sam's feet.
"Please place your hand on the stone to begin your assessment."
Sam approached cautiously, feeling the pulse of energy in the air. He had heard that this was the point where your cultivation path would be determined, where the system would decide which cultivation path you would take. Would he be a warrior? A scholar? The possibilities were endless, and Sam's heart raced with anticipation.
He placed his hand on the stone. The moment his fingers touched the surface, a surge of energy shot up his arm, filling his chest, and spreading through his body. It wasn't painful—but it was powerful. He could feel his muscles expanding, his senses sharpening, and his mind clearing. His body responded as though it was unlocking something hidden deep within him, something primal.
And then, it happened.
A voice echoed inside his mind, causing his heart to skip a beat.
"Assessment complete. You have unlocked the Divine Physique."
Sam froze. The Divine Physique—the rarest and most powerful physique a player could possess. He had heard rumors, whispers of its existence, but never did he expect it to be him. The Divine Physique wasn't just a boon for combat—it was known for its ability to absorb resources at an accelerated rate, digesting herbs, pills, and energy without side effects. It would allow Sam to cultivate faster, grow stronger, and overcome obstacles with ease.
The NPC's smile faltered, just for a moment. It was subtle, but Sam noticed it. The NPC's gaze lingered on him longer than it should have. For just a moment, the old man seemed to weigh Sam up, as though seeing something that no one else could see.
But then, as quickly as it had come, the moment passed.
The NPC spoke again, his voice steady.
"Congratulations, Player. You have received the Divine Physique. Your potential is limitless. Now, please proceed to the Training Grounds to begin your journey. The world of Azure Heaven awaits you."
Sam's mind was racing. The Divine Physique. He couldn't believe it. His potential was endless in this world, and the NPC's odd reaction only made him more curious. What was it about his physique that had caused such a stir?
No matter. The world of Azure Heaven awaited him, and his journey was just beginning.
To be continued…