Ethan opened his eyes. Not to the fluorescent lights of a hospital. But to a large golden lantern hanging above him. He shot up from where he lay on the floor. A moment before he closed his eyes, he was in a hospital room being put under for a special operation. He had been lying on the operating table as several doctors and men in suits stood over him.
Granted, he had consented to all of it. He hadn’t been in some horrible accident that left him injured. Nor had he been struck by some virus or incurable disease. He had simply accepted an offer from an organization known as Wealth of the Mind. Or as he’d seen in most of their documents, simply W.O.T.M. The offer was to eject his consciousness from his body and into a simulated world of his own making. Somewhat at least. There were many world formats he could choose from. But after choosing a world, he could make modifications to it as well as his own body and other aspects. He wasn’t sure on the specifics, however.
Why he’d accepted such an offer, however, was a much less fanciful story. His life sucked. At least for the past several years, it had. When he was out of college, living with his parents and looking for work, his parents had gotten into a car accident. His mother had died in the crash, and his father was left paralyzed from the neck down and kept in a care facility for those with disabilities. For all he knew, his father was still there, being taken care of by professionals. By people far more qualified than himself to do so. Not that he hated his dad, he simply didn’t want to spend his life taking care of him. He’d fought the feeling for some time shortly after the accident, but his father insisted he go live his life. So that's what he did. He moved away to a big city, got a full-time job when he could- though it was only as a cashier at a gas station- and even found love. For a time at least.
Fate wasn’t kind to him. Only two years after becoming a couple, his girlfriend broke up with him over the simple fact that she didn’t want to be ‘tied down’ by Ethan’s habits. Those habits being that he was a shut-in, more or less. He didn’t hate going outside, but he rarely did beyond his job and groceries. His free time was spent reading and playing video games. In particular, RPGs and fantasy games, or Eastern Fantasy books. Anything to drift his mind away from the real world. Ultimately, Ethan and his now-ex had separated on good terms, but for a long while after that, Ethan had hated life. But now, at the age of 27, he was given a chance to rid himself of the mundanity of the normal world thanks to W.O.T.M.
Ethan looked around from his spot on the floor. He was in a rather spacious room that looked like something from ancient China. Which fit with the world type he had decided on. He’d been given three options for world types. Technically, there were ten, but he’d narrowed it down to 3 specific ones, as it had taken him quite some time to decide.
The first, and the one he’d ultimately choose, was called The Realm of Enlightenment. It was described in the pamphlet he’d been given by the W.O.T.M. Ethan recalled the text it had shown.
The Realm of Enlightenment is a massive world, many times larger than Earth. Its culture varies, but is very similar to ancient Asia at various points in human history. This world is filled with all manner of mystical creatures, humans who can harness their own internal and external energy to perform superhuman feats, and powerful entities known as Cultivators who are akin to gods to the common folk. This world focuses on combat and personal growth of both the physical and magical variety. The tone of The Realm of Enlightenment varies based on the modifiers chosen it ranges from a benevolent world full of abundance to a world plagued by war and disease at its worst. But regardless, one can still attain power akin to a god within this Realm.
Ethan had always enjoyed Wuxia and Xianxia stories and had always loved the idea of becoming some sort of martial warrior. But on top of that, he had always had a fondness for East Asian culture, likely due to the stories he enjoyed. That, and he’d always been very unathletic but had never thought it was that useful to ‘bulk up’ in the real world. In The Realm of Enlightenment however, the results would be shown as day and night. With a few months of proper training, he could probably punch through walls or run faster than most real-world humans could.
The second option presented reminded him of a particular grimdark universe plagued by all manner of galaxy-ending empires and forces: The Endless Astral War
The Endless Astral War spans across the entirety of an unknown galaxy, stuck in an endless war among several factions. Each wants to conquer the galaxy for their own means, and peace has long since fallen from the table. The world is filled with planet-spanning cities, massive naval spacecraft fleets, and military battles spanning billions of troops across millions of light-years of space. From the humble expendable soldier to powerful casters who harness unknown astral magic, to mechs and machines the size of skyscrapers and ships the size of cities, The Endless Astral War is the grandest in terms of sheer scale. The tone of The Endless Astral War varies slightly based on modifiers chosen, but offers a faint glimmer of hope for a future to the galaxy at best, to an unending hellscape that will fall to ruin with no chance of survival for any party at worst. For those who wish to fight the odds and battle in galactic wars.
Ethan did enjoy Sci-fi books and stories, and being in a war was an interesting prospect if nothing else, but he was put off by the glum tone of the option. While he could brighten it slightly with whatever modifiers the world offered, overall, the world seemed worse off than the real world. The only reason he’d considered the option was the idea of being some sort of super soldier or ‘space wizard’. Or a mix of both. Nonetheless, he decided to reject the option.
The final option was also futuristic, but much more grounded. Rather than a massive galactic war, this one revolved around a single super-advanced city the size of a small country: The Neon Metropalis.
The Neon Metropolis revolves around a massive hyper-advanced city surrounded by barren wasteland. While the smallest in terms of scale of all the worlds, it is the most densely packed in terms of content to explore and live within. Many gangs and powerful corporations fight for power across the city in a constant tug-of-war between control and chaos. While no side is generally ‘good,’ there are ups and downsides to being a part of both factions. The Neon Metropolis is filled with cybernetic technology, advanced machinery, and highly augmented humans that can perform superhuman feats. The tone of The Neon Metropolis varies depending on modifiers, but can be a little more than a crime-ridden city with a righteous police force, to a den of corruption and crime that would require the system to be destroyed and rebuilt to ever hope to be fixed. For those who wish for small guerrilla combat or a loner-type mercenary, or even a common man attempting to live in a world of chaos.
Ethan did think about what the future would look like in the real world quite often, how technology would develop for better or worse. To an extent, this satiated that desire for futuristic tech without space travel. But he wanted to explore more than just a single city. Even if that city was utterly massive.
Concentrating back on the present, Ethan noticed several decorations on the walls. They were each embroidered with golden dragons and bright red colored wood. The room was also lit with all manner of lanterns and candles.
On one wall was a massive map depicting, what he assumed, was the world of The Realm of Enlightenment. Above it was a language Ethan had never seen before, but vaguely resembled Chinese characters. Regardless, he could understand the writing flawlessly. ‘Realm of Earth, Dai’Gyu’.
The world consisted of 5 continents. Four of them were closely huddled together in the center of the map, only separated by a small fragment of the ocean. With one outlier far to the west that was nearly twice as large as any one of the four other landmasses. Though collectively they dwarfed it by nearly three times.
On another wall was a full-length mirror that reflected Ethan’s form in a perfect A-pose regardless of how he looked at it. Though he did note that he was naked in his own reflection. It reminded him of a game character without its assets attached.
Another wall was simply blank except for a painting depicting some sort of crest Ethan didn’t recognize; a golden eastern dragon coiled around itself.. The final wall had something he didn’t expect to see in ancient China. A massive screen was attached to the wall. Like a massive flatscreen that was nearly 15 feet wide and long.
Ethan got to his feet, but before he could decide where to go first, the screen turned on. The tune of flutes and other wind instruments he’d expected of an Asian aesthetic echoed through the room as the screen depicted a birds-eye view of massive mountains that pierced the clouds. A second later, the camera shifted to a large city that seemed many times larger than any that would have been on Earth. One whose largest buildings were as tall as the tallest buildings in the modern world, if not larger. The camera shifted again to what looked like a palace floating in the clouds with small figures Ethan couldn’t properly make out flying to and from it. Finally, the camera returned to the wide shot of the massive city as text appeared over the screen in the same characters as the map: The Realm of Enlightenment.
Below it were several closed tabs. The tabs were as follows:
Region Selection
Personal Attributes
Equipment
Then, under a set of tabs labeled ‘Modifiers’, more followed:
Scenario Modifiers
World Modifiers
Personal Modifiers
Ethan walked up to the screen somewhat hesitantly. Despite knowing his true body was on the operating table and, likely, brain-dead, all of this felt incredibly real. Then again, that is exactly how this system was described.
To the side of all of the tabs was what Ethan assumed was the ‘currency’ for his modifiers: Fate Points, which currently totaled 100.
He reached his finger forward and tapped the top-most tab: Region Selection. From the tab, a text box as well as five other tabs opened up.
You can choose to spawn in any region you choose, with further specification requiring Fate Points to determine. The region you select alters what modifications you may be granted for the world, scenarios, and your person.
Celestial Empire
Eastern Ports
Northern Steppes
Mystic Wildes
Far Lands
It was as Ethan expected. Despite being flung into the world, he still had a high level of control over where he would ‘spawn’ into the world as well as the world itself. Utilizing Fate Points, he could even elevate himself within the world before he even spawned in to effectively be the ‘main character’ of the world.
Regardless, Ethan opened up the first tab, which revealed another paragraph of text.
The Celestial Empire is the central seat of power across the Imperial Domain of the Celestial Empire and Eastern Ports. The Celestial Empire is a haven for even the common citizen, away from vicious creatures. The most threatening thing within their territory is the occasional bandits and corrupt officials. Choosing this region as a starting location grants a much higher chance to spawn into a city or in a place of work, depending on your background.
So the Celestial Empire was essentially the core of civilization in the world. At least as far as most of the world was concerned. Overall, a strong option, but Ethan decided to look through everything. Next was the Eastern Ports.
The Eastern Ports are the major trade hub between the Celestial Empire and the continent on which they reside. The Eastern landmass is home primarily to a variety of large lakes, streams, and rivers that connect to the grander sea. The Eastern Ports are home to a mix of civilized cities and wilderness that is home to most of the common mystical creatures and predatory life. The Eastern Ports have a high probability of spawning you in a city or on a trade ship, with a minor chance to spawn you in the wilderness, determined by your background.
Of the two regions Ethan had looked through, the Eastern Ports was the top contender as it offered cities as well as wilderness to gather materials and kill mystical beasts to aid in his progression. Though that was on the assumption his progression worked like he thinks it did with the cultivation of internal energy and marital skill. Regardless, having access to ships that could take him from one point to another was a good thing to have on hand.
Next was the Northern Steppes.
The Northern Steppes are home to sprawling lands filled with all manner of nomadic tribes. From pacifistic hunters to savage barbarians, all manner of people can be found in the steppes. So too can all varieties of dangerous and valuable beasts. The Northern Steppes are partially cut off from the Empire and, as such, don’t have a high likelihood of spawning in any civilized area. However, regardless of this, you will spawn in a generally safe area within the vast wilderness of the Steppes and will likely be taken in by a wandering tribe.
Ethan nodded along as he read the description. He, personally, would pass on this option. While the prospect of valuable beasts wandering the wilderness is tempting, it wasn’t worth spawning in the wilderness without preparation. Ethan didn’t fancy himself a survivalist even when push came to shove. He would much rather find his way around a city than the steppes.
Then there was the Mystic Wilds.
The Mystic Wilds is the largest mass of uncivilized lands in the entirety of Dai’Gyu. As such, many powerful beasts and ancient ruins with valuable treasures reside within the crevices of the wilderness. The Mystic Wilds spans a variety of forests, swamps, jungles, and similar biomes, each with treasures to be found and beasts to be fought. Due to its dangerous nature, you will spawn in an area of wilderness near a reasonably weak set of ruins, a beast nest, or a similar location of interest that houses valuable materials. Though expect danger around every corner.
Another region Ethan would decline. Though it would certainly be on his radar later on, when he was strong enough to reliably face whatever beasts lay within the Wildes.
Finally, there were the Far Lands.
The Far Lands, to the people of the Empire, are a mystery with many theories around as to what they may hold. Some believe it is where ancient beasts capable of facing even ancient Cultivators reside. But in truth, it is a reasonably civilized and untamed in equal measure. Within resides a land of western industrialization that has just begun to make pre-industrial era firearms and basic steam-powered machines. While they are far less skilled in the ways of martial arts and cultivation of internal and external energy, the civilization of the Far Lands does implement fragments of the mystical arts into some of their technology to enhance it. They have even recently discovered how to make augmentations to the body fueled by internal energy. Given its nature, the Far Lands offers an equal chance to spawn in civilization and wilderness, depending on your background.
Ethan’s eyes widened slightly as he read through the region’s description. He hadn’t expected industrialization within this particular world, and was a good option had he wanted to live as a craftsman or something similar. However, Ethan wanted to become a cultivator, eventually at least.
Ultimately, his choice was rather easy due to the weakened mystical beasts and the abundance of cities within it. He reached out his hand and selected the Eastern Ports. The name of the region glowed, and the rest became greyed out. At the side of the screen, his fate points hadn’t changed. Then again, he doubted they would.
Having chosen his starting region, he closed the region selection tabs and opened the next set of tabs: Personal Attributes.
As he pressed the tab, the mirror on the other side of the room teleported next to him, startling the man slightly. It now stood propped on a stand facing him. His ‘reflection’ still stared blankly back at him with a deadpan expression, stuck in an A-pose.
Looking back at the screen, Ethan saw several more tabs pop up.
Race
Body
Background
Skills
Ethan hadn’t expected to be able to choose his race. Though there were a myriad of races in various fantasy novels he’d read. He hadn’t thought of being something non-human, but he enjoyed the option. He pressed the tab. Several more options dropped down from the tab, each with its own description.
Human: The most common amongst the various races in Dai’Gyu. It makes up over 70% of the citizens of the Celestial Empire. They are overall average in size, physical, social, and mystical ability. The average lifespan of a human is around 70-80 years.
He didn’t know what he expected. It was a human, plain and simple. He selected the race simply to see if there were unexpected changes. Next to him, his A-posing figure in the mirror glowed faintly. As it dimmed, he did notice slight differences in his appearance, but nothing ‘magical’. It simply made him look of a general asian decent.
He continued on, looking at some more unique options.
Wild-Kin: Wild-Kin bear a large similarity to humans, but with noticeably reduced intelligence. Not to say they are simple-minded, but rely more on primal instinct than humans. Wild-Kin are of average size, but are below average in both mystical ability and social ability. Though they have above-average physical attributes. Wild-Kin live slightly longer than humans, around 110 years.
Once again, Ethan selected the race and turned to his form in the mirror. It glowed again before dimming. His new form did, in fact, look mostly human. Though his body was slightly taller by a few inches, and he had put on more muscle. Not that that was saying much. His hair had gotten longer by a few inches, giving him a rugged mullet down his neck. Additionally, his eyes had changed to be feline; his pupils slitted like a cat. He also noticed his nails seemed slightly sharper.
Ethan noted the changes, but moved on to the next option.
Spiritual-Kin: Spiritual-Kin bear many similarities to humans, but are more in tune with their own internal and external energies. Spiritual-Kin are of average size and social skill, but have below-average physical ability. They have above-average mystical capabilities. Spiritual-Kin live as long as humans.
Ethan clicked the option and waited for his image in the mirror to dull. His body had returned to its original size, and his hair was back to its shortened state. His body seemed slightly thinner, but he could notice a faint glow in his veins, primarily around his wrists. Additionally, his eyes now sported a vibrant purple color. Ethan didn’t bother thinking of this decision too much. While mystical abilities were interesting and something he intended to utilize, he didn’t want it to be a core part of his ‘build’, so to speak. He wanted to be a martial artist skilled in physical combat. Hence, why the Wild-Kin interested him, but he decided to see all his options as he moved on.
Dragon-Kin: Dragon-Kin are humanoid descendants of celestial dragons and are the race of the imperial bloodline of the Celestial Empire. Dragon-Kin are average in size and physical attributes, but are highly above average in both mystical ability and social ability. Dragon-Kin live far longer lives than humans due to their draconic blood, often having a lifespan around 300 years. (Cost: 20 Fate Points).
Ethan didn’t need to see that the race cost fate points to understand it was powerful. He selected the option and saw the Fate Points counter on the side of the screen tick down to 80.
In the mirror, his form now sported golden scales on the sides of his face, legs, and chest. Additionally, he had a scaled draconic tail of gold and white fur just above his rear. His eyes were now a fiery orange and held an odd presence that Ethan couldn’t place. His nails were sharpened again like claws; they seemed more durable and deadly than that of the Wild-Kin. Overall, the option was tempting. Being a dragon-kin was a good option, especially if he wanted to play himself as some sort of royal. Ethan wasn’t sure if he wanted to go down that route, though, as it undoubtedly required a large sum of Fate Points.
The penultimate option was up next.
Oni: Oni are humanoid creatures from the lower spirit realm. They are shunned by humans due to their stereotypical savage nature. They host highly above-average physical attributes and size, but highly below-average social ability and mystical ability. Oni have very long life spans and can be sustained by consuming souls of innocent beings. (+10 Fate Points).
Ethan raised a brow as he selected the option. He wasn’t going to choose it, as being shunned by society didn’t seem like a smart move, but he was intrigued by the fact it gave him fate points for choosing it. As expected, his total of Fate Points ticked up to 110 as he chose the race.
His form in the mirror stood a full foot taller than it had previously. His skin took on a red tint, and he could see a set of crimson horns jutting from his forehead. His body had gone from a frail modern human to that of a bodybuilder. His face had grown more rugged, and he’d even grown tusks on his lower jaw. His eyes were a pure milk white.
Ethan admitted to himself that Oni did look cool, but he moved on to the final race option.
Death-Walker: Death-Walkers were previously humans or a similar humanoid race that had perished long ago. Regardless, their mind and bodies have melded with their spirits that refused to move on. Due to their ghastly or corpse-like appearance, they are rejected from most societies within Dai’Gyu, and some are even attacked on sight by shamans who wish to keep the dead dead. Death-Walkers have average size, but highly above average mystical ability. Though it has highly below-average social attributes and physical attributes. Death-Walkers are effectively ageless as long as they regularly consume souls to sustain themselves. (+10 Fate Points).
Once again, Ethan doubted he’d choose this option. But it was interesting. Choosing the option kept his Fate Point total at 110. His appearance in the mirror had reverted to his normal size, but with a few differences. The most obvious as that he looked like a corpse. His skin was pale and sunken, and his body looked malnourished. His eyes didn’t seem to have the familiar glow of life within them.
After some brief consideration, Ethan decided to stick with ‘Human’ as his race of choice. While the most boring option to some, he enjoyed its well-roundedness. It was also what he had intended to play when he’d entered this world anyway.
He was about to close out the Race tab when he noticed there was a sub-category below the race tab.
Racial Modifiers
Opening the tab, he was met with a plethora of modifiers he could bestow upon himself. Most were beneficial in one way or another, but others seemed more a detriment than anything.
Spiritual Ancestry: Your ancestors were blessed with heaven-defying spirits or were powerful spirits themselves. You now hold a fragment of their great power. Grants additional mystical ability regardless of race. (Cost: 5 Fate Points)
Monster-Blood: Your ancestors were once ancient and powerful beasts who passed down their lineage to your forefathers, and now to you. Grants increased awareness and senses as well as physical abilities, regardless of race. (Cost: 5 Fate Points)
Demonic Heritage: Your ancestors were powerful creatures from the lower spirit realm and have since passed on their bloodline to you. Grants increased physical attributes and grants you the ability to burn your blood to increase physical ability even further for a time. This effect drains vitality. Can be used with any race. (Cost: 5 Fate Points)
Ancestral Awakening (Requires one of “Spiritual Ancestry”, “Monster-Blood”, or “Demonic Heritage”): You are a far more direct descendant of your ancestors than most others of your heritage. Increases the beneficial effects of any of the required modifications. Also increases your natural lifespan by 50 years. (Cost: 15 Fate Points).
Elemental Adaptation: Grants you an unnatural affinity for one of the 5 elements (fire, water, wood, metal, or earth), decreasing the amount of internal or external energy required to perform techniques that use the element. Also grants various bonuses based on the element chosen, such as fire resistance, seismic sense, or waterbreathing. This modification can be taken up to 5 times. (Cost: 5 Fate Points).
Efficient Biology: Your unique physiology allows you to naturally heal wounds much faster than the average being of your race. This effect will not make lethal wounds any less lethal, but will increase the speed at which lesser wounds are naturally healed. Also grants immunity to the most common diseases. (Cost: 5 Fate Points)
Inept: For one reason or another, you simply can’t learn as fast as others, regardless of how good your teacher may be. Doubles the time it takes to naturally learn a skill, technique, or mystical ability. This does not affect the growth of your internal or external energy. (+5 Fate Points)
Heavy Appetite: Your body tends to burn calories even when you’re sitting still. Making you hunger more often and require larger meals to be properly sated. Doubles the amount of daily calories or other resources you need to keep yourself sustained (+5 Fate Points)
Profitable Parts (Requires one of “Spiritual Ancestry”, “Monster-Blood”, or “Demonic Heritage”): Due to your heritage, your blood, skin, bone marrow, or similar vital part of your body to your well-being is a valuable resource for alchemy, or its simple inherent market value. As such, some may seek out to harvest such a resource from your body, often lethally. However, only those who can make use of those parts and can reasonably take it from you with force will attempt to kill you for these parts. (+10 Fate Points).
Unstable Instinct (Requires “Monster-Blood”): During certain semi-common circumstances, such as a full moon, consumption or proximity of a certain drug or material, your monstrous instincts take over, turning you into a savage beast. While not inherently violent, your bestial nature may not take kindly to being around those with weapons, even if they mean it no harm. This instinctual effect can be suppressed with sufficient mental fortitude. (+10 Fate Points)
Hallucinations of the Past (Requires “Spiritual Ancestry”): Your vision is often muddled by partial glimpses of past events from your ancestors. While brief and random, they are often very distracting. However, on rare occasions, they can offer insight in some situations. (+10 Fate Points).
Dark Urge (Requires “Demonic Heritage”): You gain a slight, but persistent urge ot partake in a dark urge (such as murder, sadism, or rape) that gradually amplifies until you cannot hold back the urge any longer, being forced to partake in the urge. After partaking in the urge, the effect subsides until it once again becomes unbearable. The rate of growth of the urge is determined by mental fortitude and can be suppressed for a time, even if being overwhelming. (+10 Fate Points).
Ethan’s eyes widened as he scanned over all of the options. He knew he wanted to make his new self something unique to the common warrior, but now realized he would have to take quite a few detrimental effects to have enough fate points to become a true heaven-tier talent in Dai’Gyo.
After a while of contemplation, Ethan made his decision. He chose all three of the ancestry modifiers as well as the “Ancestral Awakening” modifier. He also took the "Efficient Biology” modifier, and healing quickly seemed like a great boon. To balance out the immense Fate Point cost, he also chose “Heavy Appetite”, “Unstable Instincts”, and “Dark Urge”. This brought his total Fate Points to 90. Though he intended to take more detriments down the line for greater personal benefits.
While “Unstable Instincts” and “Dark Urge” did have some pretty drastic drawbacks, especially “Dark Urge”, Ethan made a note to himself to see about any modifications that could increase his mental fortitude to lessen their effects.
Ethan took a glance at his form in the mirror, noticing slight changes to it as he had chosen the various ancestries. He still came off as human. But he noticed that his teeth were slightly sharper, and his eyes now had heterochromia; one was a light blue while the other was a blood-red. His muscles were also slightly more toned, and his skin was smoother.
With the decisions made, Ethan closed the race tab and moved on to the next. It was time to make his body something worthy of the main character.