Launch Game

When I awoke, I looked around, still dizzy while I adjusted myself to the physics of the world of Incaminália. I looked to my right and there was Sol, still trying to understand how the physics of that universe worked.

– Are you okay? – I asked.

– Yes… my head is spinning a bit, but other than that, I'm fine.

Sol seemed fascinated by the little things in that world. The insects on the window, the mold on the wood, the texture of the hay. He kept looking at his own hands as if trying to understand how it all worked. I, on the other hand, decided to get up.

– Wow, what a nostalgic feeling. – I commented. – It's been eight months since I felt this way.

– Wow, man… The tactile sensations, the senses like smell, touch, even the vision blurred by sunlight… It's all so incredible! It makes me wonder why I didn't play this game before.

– I'd even like to tell you that you'll get used to it soon enough. But the realism and attention to detail in this game still surprises me to this day.

In the other room were Zia and Chati, who had barely woken up. They were as disoriented as Sol.

– Wow! – Chaty said. – What a beautiful world!

Outside, carriages passed by, carrying goods to the city center. We were in the stable. The game's opening scene shows the local merchant coming to collect payment from the player for their stay. This forces the player to find a source of income in the game to pay the merchant. And this is the game's way of forcing the player to make their first choices and guiding them towards the first mission.

– What happens now? – Sol asked.

– Usually what new players do is join the adventurers' guild and look for beginner quests that pay enough. But I'm not interested in following the game's storyline.

– Me neither. – Zia agreed.

– This is the first city you can access in the game, called Naláquia. – I explained. – It's located on the first continent and is considered the cradle of civilization in this world. This is where everyone who has just entered the game starts. It's been a long time since I've been to this city, and a lot has certainly changed here. I'd like to explore the city more, but I don't have that much time. I need to focus on leveling up quickly.

– You're right. – Chaty agreed. – How much time did she say we have?

– Six months. – I replied.

Before reincarnating in Incaminália with the new Revir mechanic, I was given a mission by the author and Goddess of that world. And, of course, a time limit.

– You have about six months before I force-release the update. – The author said before I was sent back to this world.

– Why a time limit? – I asked.

– All the prerequisites for the ancient continent have been met. You yourself have completed the final stage. Not only that, but there are other reasons. The Herátio clan plans to request access to the data you sealed along with your old avatar.

– But then, you can just not hand it over.

– They intend to appeal, saying that the sealed content is the property of the group and that, therefore, they have a right to it. Some time ago, a player was banned for cheating while he possessed goods that belonged to the group and not just to him. Since the stolen items were in his account at the time of the ban, the clan was given the right to recover these items, which would usually be lost. Since then, there has been a rule that communal goods can be recovered as long as there is a plausible justification. And in this case, as in the previous one, there is… That's why they framed you. It was their plan B from the beginning, in case they couldn't take the maps and information from you by force.

At that moment I remembered that the notification regarding the compensation had arrived moments before the meeting with the Távola.

– That bastard had already planned everything!

– That's right.

– But can't you just prevent them from accessing the documents?

– I can, but that would raise a lot of suspicion. Why would the decision in a similar case be different? If I do something like that, the developer who helps them might suspect that I'm acting and investigating on my own. First, I need to find the source of the leak before I can punish them.

– And you think you can trust me?

– After analyzing every aspect of your life and your account, I've concluded that yes, I can. Don't disappoint me. You have six months. That's the maximum time I can give you. After that, I myself will release the continent.

– I got it! I'll do my best!

– I hope so. But first, do you have any idea what they plan to do with the elder continent?

Judging by the obvious change in tone, she's testing me to see how much I know or how useful I can prove myself to be.

– Money, as always. – I replied.

– What do you mean?

– Horicalcuz is a predictable man. All he seeks is the greatest amount of money in the easiest way possible. If he can monopolize access to the ancient continent, he can control who enters and who leaves. Clans, Empires, individual players… Everyone will have to beg for access to new and better resources…

– And how did you come to that conclusion?

– I've had plenty of time to think about why he betrayed me in these past eight months. But you already knew that… right?

Without answering me directly, she flashed a smile. I think I passed the test.

– Of course, whoever controls the elder continent will, consequently, control the progression of the game. And I'm not going to let those little shits control my grandfather's universe! That's where you come in. That's why I chose you. And now it's your turn to choose your special ability!

After that, I explained to her that I had a few people I wanted to bring with me. I don't know exactly what she talked about with each of them. But if I had to guess, I'd say each of them has a little surprise in store…

– Six months?! – Sol asked.

– Yup. That's right.

– So we have to run! Every second lost here is a second lost of XP!!!

– And the initial scenario?

– Forget about it! We don't have time to waste!

And so the four of us escaped from the stable before the merchant even showed up.

– What's the plan now? – Sol asked.

– I don't know about you. – Zia said. – But mine is to separate here.

– This is no time to act recklessly… – Sol argued. – We don't have time to waste on your nonsense.

– It’s clear you know a lot about this world, Noite. – Zia continued. – And I don’t want anyone back sitting me through the story, giving me spoilers, or interfering with my choices. I prefer to explore and discover this world for myself!”

– I agree with Zia. – Chati said. – I'll do the same.

– I understand. – I said. – So when are we going to see each other again?

– I think it will be in around a month from now. – Zia replied. – That should be enough time for us to learn about this world. At least enough time to get back at some idiots.

– Are you going to let them go like this? – Sol asked me.

– To be honest, I'd prefer if we were all together. It would be much easier to level up. But I trust them. And in this way, leveling up will be much harder. But on the other hand, much faster, since the experience won't need to be shared. That is, if we manage to overcome the challenges that this world has to us.

Sol's sullen face told me that despite being against our decision, he had been defeated in the argument.

– When you talk like that, it's hard to argue against it…

– And what do you plan to do now? – I asked Sol.

– As much as I'm interested in discovering this world in my own way, I also know that you have a lot of knowledge about this place. You'll definitely find a way to level up quickly and get the best items. And I'm not going to give you the chance to get ahead of me!

– That's fine by me. So it's just the two of us for now. And you girls, do you have any plans?

– I want to try something… – Zia replied. – I heard you have a great variety of elves. And from what I’ve seen, they look beautiful. I think this will be my first journey.

– I think my first adventure will be at sea. – Chati replied. – I want to see what I can find there. What about you?

After so much time apart, there was definitely someone I wanted to see again.

– Since Sol is staying with me, we're going to reunite with an old friend… It's time to bring some more allies to our side. It's time to go to the greatest alchemist in this world… The AnfiElementar mage Aucair!