Author's Note

Please don't be shocked by the large word count of this Chapter that is about 'Character Creation.'

This Chapter is solely dedicated to John's personal feelings about the situation he has fallen into aswell as the discomfort he experiencing while dealing with the entirely new and alien tasks to chose certain aspects of his new body. For a simple man with no previous grand desires or choices given in life, to now have to make permanent decisions that could very much so influence his life and goals, would make this the first big step and challenge on his journey.

Prologue: 'Character Creation'

I did not expect what happened shortly after, there really is no other way to describe it, perhaps it was just because everything that was happening was clouding my judgment, like the cocktail of bad mixed emotions that was brewing inside of me, making me want to vomit, or the constant shock that I was living through, but those were simply speculations about my lack of words. Other than that, everything was just peachy.

Not long after the GAME, or should I be just calling him Game, perhaps give him a real name? I digress. After Game here 'merged' with me, I lost conscience yet again and woke up to this, though, at the moment of euphoria I was living, it didn't seem to bother me, but at that time I also was completely unaware of what he exactly would do to me. No, the seemingly celestial being didn't back out of our deal or put me through endless torture, his action was actually very much so lovely sight for sore eyes. Whatever he has done allowed me to have a moment of peace and made me overthink the last event, sadly only for a short amount of time, as thinking was a bad idea.

The Game didn't put me on ice for a long time by the looks of it, as when I awoke, I saw nothing, but a pure white realm, no fluffy clouds or flying angels mind you, just vast emptiness with one detail painfully sticking out. There was yet another floating text box with 'Modification in process, please be patient' written on it. You might think this to be a forthcoming note after waking up, but if you take into account that for me, it was literally just a second that passed as if a switch has been flipped from being touched by light to being stranded literally nowhere, you might understand my confusion. I was not given a second to think about the possibility of it just ripping me off or it having stolen my body, as it was then I realized that I was bodyless.

The moment I looked down, I saw nothing, right-left and up showed nothing either, and the fact that I couldn't even feel anything made it all the worse. The realization of no longer breathing was unpleasant, my instinct kicked in and screamed at me to breathe, but there wasn't a mouth to open anymore, my heart didn't act upon my senses, and no adrenalin was there to calm me down. The lack of everything that made me feel alive, this depending and dulling experience, tormented me as if I had been turned to stone. Frozen still, I was forced to endure the horror. Seconds? Minutes? Hours? I don't know how much passed as there was no way to identify the flow of time, but I eventually calmed down, but it helped my nerves little as now dark thoughts crept in.

What did that bastard do to me?! Oh sure, at first its the whole sweet talk bullshit before you walk up in some ditch in Mexico without money or wallet. What did that thing even do, did it just body-nap me? It's probably currently walking through whatever is lying outside the big ass door with a massive grin on my face thinking how easily it ripped me off. Did I perhaps free some kind of great evil that was locked away, and I just helped it out? It would explain all those corpses. Man, I'm such an idiot, haven't I watched enough movies to know that you should not trust a freaking anomaly?!

I would've gritted my teeth in anger at everything, including myself, if I could at the very least, but it was then that the text box disappeared, crumbling away into shard that then turned to slowly vanishing particles. Out of the now free space, the 'air' slowly turned a vortex through which an all familiar non-carbon based lifeform came out, the small anomaly closing behind it shortly later.

Greetings Boss. There was no reaction that I felt when he suddenly appeared, not shock or surprise, neither physically or mentally. Modifications have been completed, though I am sorry to inform you that your physical form was not able to withstand the strain. It informed me with neutrality.

Not withstand the strain?, there was nothing that surprised me, although it clearly should have, and as such, I asked with curiosity. "What do you mean with that? What happened exactly?" Please don't tell me what I think you're going to say...

When I attempted to create and or implement the following Ethereal Organs: Soul Space, Mind Space, Aether Heart (Me), Magic Core, and the complementary Primordial Lines and Primordial Nodes, your body was not able to withstand the power and thus was destroyed, or more precisely, burst apart. Its voice, I don't know what it did to me, but I could feel something growing inside of me, and it was nothing nice. Whatever was calming me down failed.

"You fucking twat killed me?!" I screamed, I may not have a mouth, but I knew that thing was reading my mind, and given the way it shrunk when it heard my thought, it must've at the very least understood my irritation. "Of course, my body wouldn't have survived it if you planted a second heart in it, not even mentioning all the other things you stuffed me with like a damn thanksgiving turkey!"

...

Have you calmed down? it asked slowly. This comment almost ignited my anger again, but that thing must've had a pretty damn good reason if it wanted a host this bad and still blow me up. The chances of your physical form surviving the process were slim from the beginning of the procedure, had it succeeded then there wouldn't be any complications.

"But why didn't you just tell me all of that from the beginning?" I asked the anger was leaving me far too fast for my standard, but acting upon it wouldn't do me any good, I have already put too much distrust and anger into the being probably keeping me alive right now.

You didn't ask. Are you kidding me?! I have looked through your memories to further understand you, user John Weaver and come to the conclusion that you wish more than a simple answer as you seem to have little understanding of the purpose and power of Aether. Answer me this, what would you have chosen if I warned you of the dangers in advanced?

I remained silent, the game only replying with a single grey blink.

Should you have refused and acted based upon mortal instinct, you would've died in my chamber in a matter of days. Then we would communicate with one another here anyways I looked down already feeling kind of stupid and somewhat ashamed, not for mistrusting it, but instead not trusting it as much as it deserved at the moment. Please be aware of the fact that I wish no ill upon you, my duty is to ensure your growth and survival. To ensure you would not decease during the operation, I extracted your spiritual form and stored you in myself during the procedure as you would otherwise be dead, and I hostless.

"But, you are aware that... you've blown up the host, so to say." I slowly said, unsure if I sounded like a complete idiot to the supernatural being or not, what it thought about me was beyond me, waiting in some dusty chamber for god knows how long only to see a naked monkey with no clue about the very basics while, people or the hell those abominations were, with tons of experience died all around it.

You are misunderstanding the term host and the way I am using it. I am not a parasite, and although we share a symbiotic relationship, I am no symbiotic creature in the way you might think. I am only able to manifest in the mental and spiritual space, while you, with my help, can take control of a physical form, and as such, nothing of great value has been lost. The Game blinked rapidly while explaining this to me, I did not understand what it really meant, was it perhaps like some kind of gesture or something like that?

Wait, did that thing just said me straight in the whatever-I-am-looking-through-right-now that my body was not much of a loss when it blew it up? That... That actually hurt, and to think that this was the way the first conversation between humans and aliens would go... Wait, I'm the first human to talk to an alien right now, and I didn't even realize it yet!

I am no alien, you are not originating from my plane of existence. Ohh, right...

"But wait a moment, what do you mean with taking control? You're not just going to steal the body of someone and then get rid of them like trash, are you?" I asked, as convenient it would be to just suddenly become some king or president, I just could not bring myself to do that, ruining someone's life ain't something I could live with, hell, I am barely able to pick up pennies I find at a shop.

If Master wishes, you could add specific conditions to the host search to find a body able to withstand the power of pure Aether. The Sphere lighted up in yellow, blue, and green. With this statement, it had gained a lot of my trust, it didn't mean I would put my life in its hands, metaphorically as it already did that literally, but seeing as we were hanging on the same threat, it risked a lot just to listen to my demands.

"I want a nobody, someone no one would expect to be anything special, An individual that would not miss being alive or has anything worth living for to himself or others." I said, him or her, please let it be a guy I don't want to have to live with periods, to be a no one first as I put my survival in front of that of the person I would take over. One person would die anyway, as much as it pained me to think that I was at the very least honest with myself and the game. I had no intention for the game and me to join that note of death.

Affirmative, configurations have been added to the search. Please select one of the three worlds. Please note that these worlds are the only ones close enough to this plane of existence while still having a population of creatures able to sustain the great strain of the modifications.

[Krrag'nugk] [Slane] [Equus]

If I could, and by all goodness in the World, I would, then I'd lift both of my eyebrows at the sheer stupidity of these names. Also, who chose these names? The first one sounded like some Irish drunk choking on a chicken wing, the next one might as well be the title of some edgy teen rock band, and the last one was just the word 'equine' pressed into a name.

"So... is there like some kind of brochure or-?" I began to ask, slowly even as again, I had no idea if I was not buying the probably simple goods he was selling me.

Picking a world once will show you a short description, a second and third choice will be required to move onto the next step. I couldn't even finish my question before he answered, I just wished customer service worked as fast as he did.

"Sure..." I muttered, before realizing that I had no idea how to actually do this, so I tried a verbal command. "Kr-. Kra-. Kr-r-a-a-a, oh screw this, I pick the first one once." I shouldn't be impatient and all that, but putting the whole situation into account, then please don't have a heart attack over me having a trigger finger... Talking to your self in your own thoughts become so much less weird, and at the same time uncomfortable, if there is a telepath in front of you. The Game blinked once. Yes, I'm talking about you.

Krrag'nugk

This world is an incredible dangerous wasteland of sand and rock in which powerful monsters roam free, some of these beasts have been collecting and honing their power over Aether and magic for many millennia. The planet is also populated by the Shi'gan and Hap'nut, two warrior races that have been brutally fighting with one another for over ten thousand years over the scare resources available.

And that going to be a big fat no, I have no interest to die in some space fallout nightmare that decided giant mutants weren't enough. Sure, the creatures have no doubt great ways to survive, and given the fact that the Game just told me that I became more powerful with killing stuff, I could reach my goal much faster. It was a huge risk and reward situation, but I had no interest in dying by being stomped on or have my throat slit in my sleep. Next one!

Slane

Unlicked Krrag'nugk, Slain is quiet the opposite- Uhh~ -in the few good things it has. aww... Slane is a world that is brimming with much vibrant life of both plants and animals and is in its most basic form a paradise nearly untouched by all sentient lifeforms. The world does not possess species, only small packs or hives of a certain mutated creature called 'Shane.' The creatures on this world constantly change and evolve, the most powerful and oldest ones have been collecting power for millions of years. They are eagerly waiting for another creature to reach a certain threshold of power for them to slay and thus enable their next evolution.

Yes, I see the Games point, Shane is much, much worse than the first one that I can't speak out. Number one would allow for an incredibly hard start, but if I were to play my cards right, then I could use the most likely tribal system of theirs to make me really popular among the natives and basically build a wall of bodies around me. In other words, a hard beginning but an easy once I become powerful enough not to go down with a single punch.

Slane, on the other hand, is, as previously mentioned, the opposite. I could easily evade the dumb animals using my, for mortal standards, and not disco ball standards, high intelligence to survive and gain strength really easily and quickly. The problem was the risk of dying at the end by eon old beasts who quite literally are longing for my power. The very fact that these monsters have the same ability as I, even in a weaker form, hopefully, still gives them more reasons to kill me and makes them unpredictable. In other words, number three, don't fail me, I'm too young to die twice... or is it thrice now?

Equus (Recommended choice)

Equss is a peaceful world that has been saturated by the powers of Aether while balancing on a thin threat between staying at its current position and colliding with this realm. Although there are great monsters in this world, most of them are either locked away or far away from civilization. Most creatures in this world are sentient, while the most dominant is the pony race that is guided and protected by an immortal being who moves sun and moon. It is worth mentioning that the majority of the pony race is not welcoming of other creatures, but has the highest chance for survival.

I believe I have found my pick. The first and second one simply promise death, sooner or later, while this one sounds like some Disney movie world. The fact that they are ponies, or that I will most likely be a pony in the future, is a painful thought, I will not lie. Being some kind of animal, even if it's smart, is not something I am looking forward too, but I rather choose that than risking my hide, humility for safety, or whatever that one company slogan was.

"Wait, I just remembered something. You told me I get stronger by killing other creatures, but wouldn't that imply that I have to go around and murder these Ponies? Do they even look like ponies, or is that just a name?" I asked I had no interest to become a mass murderer, I loved my sister, but I wouldn't murder children to get closer to her.

Negative. The reason for choosing a world is not to harvest it, but to find a suiting body, as well as a resting place. Yes, the pony race, like the name implies, is made out of pony and pony-like creatures. The power of this realm we are currently located at is far too powerful to be exposed to for too long. We gather power by slaying creatures, correct, and you may even siphon the power from the mortal creatures, but it is highly inefficient. It is advisable not to gather much attention and instead focus on slaying the monsters of the nightmare realm who are saturated by the Aether, driven insane, or are manifestations of its power fused together with psychic energy.

"And I won't go insane, right?"

Affirmative

"Okay." I nodded, or rather just looked up and down as I don't have a head anymore, not that I am still angry or anything, no, absolutely not. "I choose Equus Once, twice, and a third time."

The world has been selected. Please choose a race. Species are ordered after my opinion, where the one on the far left is most advisable, and the one on the far right is unadvisable to choose from. It is also mentioned that the races listed are those that have the highest psychic energy surrounding them and fit your beforehand specified criteria, there may still be more.

"Psychic energy?"

The energy required to sustain your form in me not infinite; should you not chose quicker, I will be forced to make that decision for you as otherwise, it would result in the death of both of us.

"Right, sorry." I quickly replied, there was a time and a place, having a death clock above you isn't either of those previously mentioned criteria for discussions.

Please chose a race.

[Pony] [Dragon] [Minotaur] [Griffon] [Water serpent] [Diamond Dog] [Yeti]

Oh, dear fucking god, what did I sign myself up for... No time to drown in despair right now, there is always a later. Yeti and Diamond's dogs already sound like a problem, given that the first one probably lives in a frozen wasteland wich just invites death and not wanting to be some kind of shepherd dog or chihuahua is self-explaining. Water serpent sounded like creatures you would find in the ocean, but given the fact that I know practically nothing about it other than the saying that there is always a bigger fish, I'm going with a no. Griffon? As is the one from the myths? Why is it so far down? From what I know, it's supposed to be a mighty creature, isn't it?

The griffon's legendary power is sadly little match compared to the strength other creatures impose, it is also worth pointing out that the mortality rate of this race is incredibly high, caused by what seems to be a crumbling country. I'd like to mention that my ability to observe the inhabitants of this world is linked to how much they believe in said fact. Errors may occur.

Okay, I can see the pros, and they are by far not outmatching those of the cons. Next, there was the Minotaur.

Monotaur are creatures with incredible strength and prowess, and in times long gone, they were frightening warriors. After the fall of their clans, only small factions remained while the majority has fleed their homeland. Although they are alone, the work of a minotaur is most often very welcome as their craftsmen ship is legendary to the point that it nearly evens out the lack of natural Aether control. However, it can be acquired at a later point in time, but it will be severely more laborious.

That sounds really promising, and from what I know, I can keep some parts of being human, even if it comes for the price of looking like Frankenstein's creation. Still, Minotaur seems like the right choice. Now, tell me about the dragons.

Dragons are mighty creatures that have high potential once they reach adulthood. Their resistance and control of Aether are remarkable for mortal standards, though it is much harder for them to grow in strength beyond those of muscle mass. They are less intelligent creatures who are driven by their instincts like greed, and it can take several hundreds of years for them to reach adulthood, those few variations that d mature faster sadly posses a short live span.

I have no idea why you prefer that one over the Minotaur. I mean, sure it sounds compelling and all that, but for me, it seems like the fastest way to have a 'legendary knight' visit my cave. That is a big fat no for me. Please show me the last one.

Affirmative, please select a pony tribe.

...What?

[Unicorn] [Pegasus] [Earth Pony] [Hippogriff] [Thestral] [Changeling]

"Why did you color them?" I asked with confusion, it was unlikely to do it just for fun. Do I even have to ask for anything anymore, or should I just think about anything and wait for an answer if the game was already reading my mind anyway?

The options of Changeling and Thestral are subraces, lesser races or unknown in the eyes of ponies, they are likely to be met with hostility or outright violence. I am also not able to encrypt their thoughts as their minds seem to be hardened, and under complete control, lack of knowledge can mean death. The hippogriffs are barely emitting any psionic energy, although they don't seem to be met with hostility, they seem to be very much so displeased with pony kind. Earth Ponies are the labor force of the ponies and are not seen with much respect to the point that most of them are either not educated or have a well earning job outside of farming. Although their physical strength and resistance are admirable, the arts to learn them have been long forgotten. Pegasi are an excellent choice as they are often admired for their ability to fly and are responsible for the management for the wheater, thus often receiving much respect. Unicorn is the optimal choice as they have the highest control and resistance of Aether or the watered-down form they refer to as magic. Most of their tribes are living well and receive an excellent education, which can lead to a fast improvement in all categories.

Ouch... That fucking hurt... Apparently, it isn't talking to me, it is just pumping the information into my brain, and that was really painful. Okay, I get it. First three on the left are a no, I am not picking anything that I have no idea about, Earth Pony sounds like the life for someone who does not have a colossal task strapped onto his back. Pegasus seems nice at with the whole flying stuff, but Unicorn had the ability to control Aether, the very thing I needed to somehow save my sister- how the hell am I even supposed to do that?

Please hurry, time is running out at an excessive speed.

Oh, it had reread my thought, but it was right. Unicorn or Minotaur, the later sounded like the better choice, but I cannot forget that ponies are apparently the humans of their world, and unicorns were the best choice it seemed like. But hands... No, I'm making the right choice now. "I'm choosing the Unicorn."

Understood. Please be aware that you are unable to choose the look of your new body as you are not creating your own form. Though it is important to point out that the power of Aether under our control will eventually lead to physical changes.

"Okay, and that means what?" I asked the information that less choice was put upon me was, despite the possibility of looking like one of those show ponies, so relieving. This whole thing about choosing and everything felt like I was making every wrong call, well, maybe I was, and now I am currently ruining my entire life somehow, the hell do I know at this point.

It means that the power of Aether will empower your form, though it will sooner or later lead to appearance changes like height or coloration... I have found only two ponies who fit your criteria, one choice is clearly superior to the other so I would like to inform you about it... I must apologize; the opinion I was about to inform you about has just perished, though, on a bright side, it seemed like your new form does allow you to chose coloration at the very least.

Pleae select coloration of coat, mane, and eyes. Please note that these options are not permanent, but are likely to remain for a certain amount of time.

"What?" I was about to ask what the game meant before the memory about the rapidly shrinking time limit reawoke shortly after the colorful Sphere blinked once brightly. "Okay, fine, j-just, let me think." I thought with haste, I had no idea about ponies other than all the stuff my sister used to tell me about as a child. "O-okay, I-I ehm, damn is this hard, I take a light grey coat, silver mane and ehm, ehm damn It, I just listed off the details of Amber's favorite childhood toy. Urgh, fine, I go all the way then, deep navy blue eyes!" I shuddered inwardly at the thought of looking like a children's toy, literally like the Mr gray hay horse figurine, but at the very least I didn't choose pink in my rambling

nearly all choices that are available at the moment have been made. Please note that classes will be picked at a later time as the new body will be unable to absorb the powers anyways, as well as we are unaware of the inner working of the world we are about to enter. Making any hasty decisions should be avoided at all costs.

That seemed like a smart idea, and my opinion admittedly. It also had nothing to do with the fact that my brain was burning right now. I am not a decision-maker; otherwise, I would work in an office, instead of on the street. All of this is so new to me, and I am betting that the Game is just keeping me extremely calm and collective to make these choices.

The last remaining decision is optional and was implemented by my creator. You can choose to receive a random flawed trait; in return, you'll receive a perk. Please note that although the flaws can be undone after a certain time or power threshold has been reached, they can harden the beginning.

Okay, this seemed like a bizarre situation to be in. I played games before, and one of them had this very system, so I was aware of how powerful and yet dangerous this was. Once I had a character that had so little luck he couldn't beat the lowest level enemies while my second account was borderline overpowered to the point certain perks had to be nerves... but this was real life, I could die here, but the reward was too good to just pass up...

"Fine, I will play your slot machine once," I informed the game, who began to rapidly blink, speeding up to the point someone with epilepsy might've received a seizure. After a few moments after turning into a real disco ball, it slowed down before blinking once in purple. Its voice also became dull, almost grey as if it turned into a real machine.

Trait gained
[Unatractive]
Although some of your kind see you as beautiful, they will have no interest in having any kind of romantic or sexual relationship with you.
The Charisma stat is reduced by 10%

Perk gained
[Lucky Charm]
You are more likely to find treasures in the artificially created challenge, training, and proving grounds.

?

In what way was that a 'Flawed trait'? That was fricking awesome! I have no interest in these animals anyways, so them not having any interest in me is a blessing, not even mentioning the perk, this sounded like I was... in... a... Game... Right, my life is a game now; it seems like, but the perk is still awesome! Should I try it again? Most likely not, b-u-u-u-t, one more try can't hurt, right?

Trat gained
Asexual
You are unable to have any sexual interest in any other being.
The Charisma Stat is reduced by 10%

Perk gained
Aether blessing
Your growth in intelligence is doubled

Okay, the second one sounds incredibly impressive, and the pay off is practically nothing. That's it, I'm happy, and I am stopping right here and right now-

The traits [Unactractive] and [Asexual] complement each other and thus become a new flaw.
Flaw created
[Different]
Without having any love for anyone and none of them for you, you are likely to be seen as weird. Other creatures are less likely to want anything to do with you. Ponies are incredibly social animals, and thus you are ignored or seen as suspicious.
The Charisma Stat is reduced by 30%

Okay, this-I can work with that. I mean, it sure sounds awful, but hey, at least they'll leave me alone, right? I mean, I'm a nobody, or rather will be, so what will they care about, right?

...

"Why are you so silent?"

The chosen host already possesses a flaw and thus will be added to your flawed trait list.
[Weak]
Your body is weak and feeble from birth on.
Health, Stamina, and Health regeneration have been halved. Benevolent creatures are likely to either pity you or chose to help you in times of need.

For receiving another flawed trait, you received another Perk
[Former Human]
Although Humans have little ability in Aether, They have the potential to achieve excellent control and resourcefulness if given a chance.
Aether can be assimilation, and modification has been enhanced, allowing for a 25% increase in Aether gain.

"Oh, this is really bad... no, I take it back; this is pure shite! Game, what the hell has happened?" I shouted, I didn't care if it was in my mind or out of an actual mouth, he could hear it anyways. What did he talk about earlier again? Both of ourselves is on the line? Has he become suicidal, or was this all just a game now?!

I am sorry, I am forced to follow specific rules and restrictions that were given to me by my creator. I am unable to restrain these commands, and I am sorry, but I cannot control it. It spoke, and I could only brace myself for the next thing that was about to happen.

The traits [Different] and [Weak] complement each other. The Trait [Differen] has been transformed into a new Flaw, while [Weak] will remain.
[Outcast]
You are physically weak and don't fit into the life of a pony. Not only will the effects of [Different] be forced upon you, you will not be able to have any senses of pony, as well as instincts that define your new species. You will remain with human instincts and are unlikely to act like a real pony, other members of your kind will take notice of that and are unlikely to want to befriend you.
The Charisma Stat is halved

... Ouch...

I am deeply sorry for not haven looked into the body's energy, but I was very much so sure that further limitations would not be attached to us. We sadly don't have enough power to search for a new physical form, and the decision of the Traits and Perks are final. I apologize for my failure. The Game's colors slowly dulled, almost taking a gray tone, it must've felt like it failed its one purpose that it was made for.

"No, it's..." I tried to force out something, I was unaware of what exactly I was going to say, but all I knew was that it probably would sound dumb anyways. "Don't sweat, I'm sure we'll get though anyways, besides, I was the one dumb enough to roll the dice twice before." The Game's colors slowly brightened up, and despite everything that I have seen and heard since that Narious bastard stole me away, the only friend and ally I had was the Game. "Ready, partner?" I almost chocked when those words came out of me, I had nothing against it, mostly, but I am seriously not used to being nice to people outside of the family.

I appreciate your understanding and generosity, 'Partner.' The configurations have all been completed, starting spiritual translocation... Now. I watched with great interest as the Game came closer and closer to me and then sunk into me, yet again, but this time it was different. The first time I was overwhelmed by relaxation and inner peace, but now all my emotions were drained away, forcing me to a level of calmness I never felt before.

What was it doing? The answer to that question was answered not long after, as the realms around us cracked and shattered away, now leaving behind an ocean of colors, but unlike the gas and wave-like rays of the Game, these seemed like weaves of colors of astronomical size with uncountable miniature holes through which just as many white, transparent streams flowed, while a dark gas flowed out and passed us. I turned around, and to my surprise, I was able to do so, even when it was slow and tedious, but what I saw, I cannot ever forget.

A titanic orb of dark smoke, rumbling and shaking, reforming unnaturally and breaking apart in a matter of seconds while dark purple energy glowed around the sphere and lilac lines and cracks, dots and lines covered the whole construction. Despite the calmness, I was paralyzed with fear, and that was not to underestimate. There once was an anomaly that resembled a tine black smoke sphere the size of a golfball, floating stationary above the air, and vanished only hours later. All life, animal, and plant, withered away in seconds, the radius was so large in fact that it wiped out nearly all of North Korea's population. But this, I cannot put it in words, I just somehow knew that this thing made the very sun seem like rice corn in comparison. The fear was breaking through the work of the Game, the fear of dying that invaded my mind was replaced with the phantom feeling of death, and I could draw in my mind how I was slowly crumbling away to dust. Alone and forgotten in a dying world.

Before any more of the torment was able to gnarl on me, my vision was forcefully turned back into its original position. My vision blurring and almost making me sick, as I watched as the closest hole to us, was slow and carefully pried open. Suddenly, the creak stopped growing, and I shot forward, from zero to one hundred all the colors became blurry, melting into one another as if liquids were mixed, and yet, I felt nothing about this spectacle of psychic and speed. The hole came closer and closer, not even moving an inch as if I was flying with pinpoint accuracy towards in, and the moment we reached it, everything went black, not like before where I lost unconscious, but this time I was awake. I cannot really describe it, it was bizarre, almost as if all feelings, mentally, and physically, were slowly returning, slow but at an even pace, but I already knew it was completely different than being a human was, yet I should be grateful for every little flaw and perfection I got given my situation.

It was now that my adventure would begin, but despite the blatant attempts of the Game to forcefully make me ignore the sight I saw, I can never say that I would be the same man after that. Never have I felt fear so much to be destroyed like an ant, anger for weakness and desire to become more powerful, for a moment, it was like I stared at the exact opposite of me as if I were in my worst nightmare. I stared into an abyss made out of my worst fantasies, and it not only stared back, but it also reached out for me, in me, attempted to pull me in and perhaps make me a part of it. I cannot fathom how these insane thoughts came to my mind, but it was almost like when the Game talked to me, was this abomination perhaps alive? I don't know, and it scares me. What it was, if this is what the world outside of that gate was like, I did not know. But I knew one thing, it deserved a name of its own just for that...

...I believe I'll call this place, 'The Nightmare Realm.'