Chapter 2: Gates of Ardion

Gates of Ardion is a massively multiplayer online game released almost a decade ago. The game was designed with the intent to give challenging and long-lasting gameplay to its players.

Since the game used AI to process responsive communication between players and NPCs, it soon became one of the most popular games on the market. Although it was artificial since it was able to provide a crude but still working connection between players and the environment, it was an exciting first impression for everyone.

However, its uniqueness came from many sources, not only from its usage of AI. It had a special system titled "The Consciousness". Every character in the game remembered certain events which were caused by the players. Monsters counted how many times they had been slain by players and, over time, developed a certain connection with them.

Bosses at first attacked players without hesitation; however, after being beaten multiple times, they changed their attitude, depending on the interaction between them and the players. Although monsters and bosses respawn, they learn from their past defeats and will slightly change their fighting style. Of course, they are unable to get stronger or attain new skills. Still, it makes them a bit more challenging every time.

Gates of Ardion was designed with the intent to allow players an unchained, worry-free experience. There are no limitations on skills, as someone who plays as a warrior can also learn magic. Of course, it comes with a particular drawback. One year after its initial release, Gates of Ardion announced a new levelling system, which slightly altered the gameplay. They introduced a recent sort of currency. It was called "Banked XP". Every time a player killed a mob, they not only gained XP but also Banked XP, which they could spend on a multitude of things, such as purchasing and upgrading skills.

Players can plunder materials, money, items and Souls from slain monsters. Materials can be used to craft or improve equipment; money is used to buy almost anything in the game. In addition, players are allowed to settle down, purchase land and build houses, which can be expanded as the owner sees fit. As for Souls, there are two types; ordinary Souls and Alpha Souls.

Alpha Souls are extremely rare; it can take many thousands of attempts to get one finally. Also, every mob has their own unique Alpha Soul. Although they only give a tiny boost to certain races; still, players are trying to plunder at least one, as once the very first Alpha Soul has been obtained, players will be allowed to create their companions tailored to their preference, using ordinary souls and Banked XP to level them up.

Usually, players only farm to get a single Alpha Soul, as they are incredibly rare, yet, the top thousand players are attempting to attain all collectable Alpha Souls. And among them, Adam is currently the first on the leaderboard. He has killed so many mobs that the AI started calling him "The Grave Walker". He has killed the most mobs so far and collected all but one Alpha Soul, the final boss'.

The reason he was given that title is for the sole fact that he was a solo player. He always fought alone, even after creating companions; he only used them to carry items for him. While others formed guilds and raided bosses together, he did everything alone. On top of all that, he has never been defeated and maxed out every aspect of the game; smithing, fishing, farming, crafting, enchanting; and many more.

It was said that even the creators of the game had congratulated him on his performance and sent him a special gift; however, they have yet to learn what it was. Some speculated it was just a figure or poster of his character. While others believed it was a hidden warning. But the most well-known rumour is that he was given some sort of privilege. However, these speculations were true; in reality, he was sent an offer.

He was offered to have full control over his companion creation without restriction. However, it came at a price; his companions would be purely cosmetics, and he would be prohibited from having them help him in fights or even follow him outside of his domain. As he was never really relying on them, Adam instantly agreed. It happened on the day he was about to challenge the final boss of the game, but due to this opportunity, he spent about two months farming and creating an entire army of companions who were just stationed in his area.

"Finally, this is finished as well... Now all I have left to do is kill the final boss, Ardion!" Stated Adam.

He was standing in a cave with dozens of sliced monsters behind him. Before him, on the ground, he could see a large, dark blue magical circle, which had enough power to light a portion of the cave. Without hesitation, Adam set foot in the circle, and a smile grew on his face. The moment his feet touched the ground, he was teleported away into a land where he had never been to. It was a plain, barren, rocky area. Everything was about the same level, and not even structures were present.

"A unique arena, huh... Well, for the final boss, this much is expected..." Mumbled Adam.

Suddenly a powerful wind started hurling towards him, which started playing with his clothes; however, he was unphased.

"Welcome to my trial, Adam... Or should I call you... Grave Walker? Which do you prefer, choose one?" Spoke up a strange, calm voice of a young boy.

"Adam Is fine..." Adam stated.

Suddenly Adam's eyes widened and dashed to the side, and he quickly looked back. Not far from where he previously stood, a young boy stood with a wide smile on his face. The kid had messy blond hair, which was being moved by the wind. Also, his eyes were yellow, and as he looked at Adam, it glowed up. As for his clothes, he was wearing black shorts and a green polo without any sort of pattern or design. He held a blade in his hand, which he rested on his shoulders.