The transition into Astralis is seamless. One moment, I am in the character creation screen, surrounded by floating lines of code. The next, I am standing in a vast medieval-style village, the scent of earth and wood filling the air.
The sky glows with warm hues as the sun begins its descent. That alone makes it feel more real than any game I have ever played.
I glance down at myself, noting the rough linen clothing and simple boots. There is nothing modern about my attire, but when I flick my wrist, a digital interface materializes in front of me.
Ether Balance: 50
A glowing blue number, hovering in the corner of my vision. Fully integrated into the game's mechanics, Ether can be transferred instantly with a thought or touch, making transactions seamless.
No physical coins. No manual exchanges. Just pure digital trade, accessible through the player's GUI.
No armor. No sword. Just me.
I begin moving through the village. My body still feels slightly strange, adjusted for this world, but at least I am no longer sluggish like in the tests.
My first stop is already decided.
The forge is easy to find, its chimney puffing smoke against the evening sky. The interior is thick with the scent of molten steel and burning coal.
A burly man stands by the anvil, his muscular arms crossed as he watches the glowing embers. His gaze shifts to me as I step inside.
"New here?" His voice is rough, but not unkind.
I nod, scanning the weapons hanging on the walls. Most are basic tools of war, daggers with chipped edges, rusted axes, crude short swords. Then, I see it.
A sturdy longsword. Well-balanced, slightly worn, but reliable.
"How much?"
The blacksmith scratches his chin, thinking. It is clear he is unfamiliar with the true value of Ether yet.
"… Five?"
I blink in surprise. Five Ether for a weapon like this? That will not last long as players begin to set the economy in motion.
I tap the GUI, selecting the transfer option.
[Send: 5 Ether → Blacksmith]
Transaction Complete.
Instantly, the number updates. 45 Ether remaining. As the sword becomes mine.
I do not hesitate. I strap the weapon to my belt before stepping back into the village.
Prices will not stay this low.
The village has come to life as more players settle in. The inn is small but comfortable, its wooden walls bathed in candlelight. The murmur of conversation fills the air.
I approach the innkeeper, pulling up my interface.
[Send: 30 Ether → Innkeeper]
Transaction Complete.
She nods as my Ether balance adjusts to 15, sliding a room key across the counter.
I look around, taking in the faces of players, some excited, others anxious. This is the point where I would normally consider teaming up. It would be smart, safer even.
But I need to see what I am capable of first.
I leave the village behind, stepping into the open plains where the tall grass sways gently under the evening breeze.
The landscape stretches wide, its soft terrain sloping gently into a small field. At first glance, it seems peaceful. But then, I notice movement.
A small creature, bouncing lightly with fluid motions, its semi-transparent form catching the last glow of daylight.
A slime.
I grip my sword, steadying my breath as I observe.
The creature shifts quickly, rolling forward with surprising speed. My pulse quickens.
It lunges.
The impact barely registers, like being hit with a dense wave of water.
I check my status instinctively.
245/250 HP.
There is no pain.
I shake off the distraction and adjust my stance, watching its erratic movements. The next swing is cleaner, my sword slicing through the gelatinous form with ease.
The slime dissolves instantly, leaving behind a single Slime Core. A small, round crystal with a green tint.
I pick it up, rolling it between my fingers before looking back at the open field.
I need more.
One slime becomes two, then five, then ten. With each kill, my movements feel sharper, more instinctual.
When I finally stop, I count the cores.
Thirty-five in total.
The village is noticeably more crowded when I return. Players are beginning to set up market stalls and small trading posts.
I push through the bustle of conversation and step into the appraiser's shop, placing my collection of cores onto the counter.
The man behind the counter adjusts his spectacles, inspecting each crystal closely before murmuring to himself.
Some shine brighter than others, their purity affecting their value.
After a brief calculation, his fingers flick through the air, pulling up his own GUI interface before sending the payment.
[Receive: 55 Ether → Player #1]
Transaction Complete.
I check my new balance: 70 Ether, before making my way back to the inn.
The meal is warm, filling, settling in my stomach in a way that makes this world feel even more authentic.
I drink slowly, savoring the sensation of hunger being replaced by contentment. The detail is unnerving, a reminder of just how perfectly crafted Astralis is.
I am exhausted, my limbs growing heavier as sleep pulls at me. But just as I begin to drift, a sudden glow fills my vision.
A bright screen materializes before me.
"Dear players, I hope you are enjoying the game as much as I am enjoying you."
The inn grows silent.
Another screen appears.
"I am sure most of you have noticed the log out button is missing…"
A sharp tension spreads through the room.
"I have done this on purpose, it's not a bug nor a glitch."
My stomach tightens.
I check immediately. The log-out button is gone.
The next screen appears.
"9863 players remain. 137 of you have been careless."
"This game has permanent death. You could call it a death game."
A hollow weight settles in my chest.
Another message.
"Complete all 10,000 floors and you will be able to go back."
Then, a final screen.
"Do you accept?"
Two choices.
A red circle —No.
A blue X—Yes.
For the briefest moment, I hesitate.
Then, I press X.
The screen responds instantly.
[Receive: 25 Ether → Player #1]
Transaction Complete.
My balance updates to 95 Ether.
I blink, barely noticing the alternate text that would have appeared had I chosen no.
"Too damn bad ;P"
My breath steadies.
There is no turning back now.
Sleep takes me quickly, my body sinking into the mattress.
Tomorrow, survival continues.