Chapter 1: Chapter 1: FIRST TOUCH IN THE SECOND WORLD
The savory aroma of porridge made by the private chef still lingered warmly on his tongue. Even though his appetite had almost completely vanished due to chemotherapy, this morning he forced every spoonful into his mouth. A new fire burned in his chest, the fire called hope.
After the bowl was taken away, his two older brothers approached. The eldest brother, who usually led board meetings with a stern face, now looked at his younger sibling with softened eyes. The second brother, usually relaxed and eccentric, had already rolled up the sleeves of his expensive shirt.
"Ready, champ?" asked the second brother with a wide smile.
The young man nodded slowly. His body was too frail. His two brothers carefully supported his back and knees, as if moving a fragile porcelain statue that could shatter at any moment. His body felt far too light too light for a twenty-year-old. His father, standing at the doorway, briefly turned his face away, his jaw tightening.
Gently, they laid him onto the ergonomic padding inside the Game Capsule. The nerve-protecting gel immediately adjusted to his shape, following every curve of his body and providing a comfort he hadn’t felt in the past two years. Wireless medical sensors adhered smoothly to his temples, chest, and wrists, syncing the capsule with the room’s medical equipment.
The hydraulic glass door descended slowly. Dim lighting reflected off its glossy surface. Before the transparent barrier fully closed, the young man looked at each member of his family one by one: his father, mother, two older brothers, and his younger sister who waved with teary eyes.
"Thank you... for everything," he whispered. His voice was hoarse but full of gratitude.
Click.
The door locked. The outside world instantly fell silent. The air intake worked quietly, filling the pod with pure oxygen. Blue neon indicator lights on the capsule ceiling blinked rhythmically.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and spoke the words he had been waiting for since yesterday.
"Link In."
His consciousness plunged into pitch-black darkness. His weak heartbeat disappeared. Silence lasted for a few seconds, then a blinding white light exploded and filled everything.
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer inside the capsule.
He was standing.
Truly standing on his own two feet in a boundless empty space entirely colored pure white. There was no floor, walls, or sky, only an endless expanse of white.
The sensation of planting his soles on "ground" made his chest rumble. How long had it been since he could stand upright like this?
Before euphoria could swallow him whole, a soft and melodious voice echoed from all directions.
"Welcome, Newcomer, to Second World Online. I am the System Guide AI that will assist you through the initiation process."
The young man looked up. "Hello," he replied. His voice sounded clearer and stronger here.
A large holographic screen appeared before him.
"SWO is designed with the principles of Absolute Freedom and Boundless Realism. Therefore, there are no fixed class or job systems like in conventional RPG games."
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "No classes? Then how do players determine their roles?"
"Players are free to use any weapon, wear any armor, and build their own body attributes. Everything depends on your choices and daily actions."
The screen changed, showing an animation of a silhouette practicing swings with a wooden sword. The percentage numbers above its head rose until it reached 100%.
"The Skill System is adaptive and organic. If you practice swinging a sword correctly and consistently, the system will automatically unlock Sword Mastery. That skill can continue without limits."
"So... all abilities are gained through real training?" he asked to confirm.
"Correct."
The young man nodded. This system felt very fair.
"But... where’s the character creation menu? I haven’t seen any options to change my face or body."
"In Second World Online, there is no character modification menu. Your in-game appearance will be 100% replicated based on your real-world body structure and face."
He jolted. "Wait... my real body is severely ill. Will I enter with the same condition?"
"You don’t need to worry. The system replicates genetic structure and basic visuals, but ignores all diseases, disabilities, and muscle atrophy. Your in-game body will be in the most optimal physical condition for your age."
A very long sigh of relief escaped his mouth. The heaviest burden in his heart instantly vanished.
"For now, the system only provides minor cosmetic customizations such as hair and eye color, which can be purchased later."
Hearing that explanation, he smiled faintly. "What about transactions? Is there Pay-to-Win?"
"Negative. Second World Online is anti Pay-to-Win. The Game Shop only sells cosmetic items. All progress must be achieved through your own effort."
"Good. I actually like that."
"Next is Race Selection. There are three major categories."
The holographic screen split into three columns:
Humanoid — Races with human-like structures (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Beastkin, etc.).Non-Humanoid — Animals, mystical creatures, ancient plants, etc.Monster — Zombie, Slime, Goblin, Orc, Undead, and the like.
"Players who choose Non-Humanoid or Monster races will gain access to an unlimited Racial Evolution System. However, their movement and perception will change radically."
The young man nodded firmly. "I’ve decided."
"Please enter your identity name (Nickname)."
Without hesitation, he typed the name he always used in every game:
Syl
He then chose the Humanoid category and selected one of the sub-races that caught his attention the most.
Elf.
"Registration successful. Player: Syl. Race: Elf. Transferring consciousness to Beginner City. Let’s begin!"
The white space shattered into pieces. A swirl of colors sucked his consciousness at the speed of light.
A moment later, Syl opened his eyes under a bright blue sky. The scent of wet soil and wildflowers filled his nose. A gentle breeze brushed against his skin. He could feel power flowing through his entire body.
"I... I can really move again..." he whispered, his voice trembling with happiness.
But when he looked down, his breath caught.
Two large, prominent mounds were clearly visible on his chest beneath the thin beginner’s robe. They swayed gently with the rhythm of his breathing.
"W-What is this?!"
The voice that came out of his mouth was not a young man’s voice. Instead, it was the soft, clear, and very feminine voice of a girl.
In panic, he jogged toward the nearest adventurer supply shop that had a large glass window. He stood in front of it, staring at his own reflection with wide eyes.
It wasn’t the skinny, frail young man he saw.
Standing there was a perfect-looking Elf girl. Skin as white as snow, long pointed Elf ears, long straight silver-white hair that shimmered, and a pair of deep, ruby-red eyes that glowed like gemstones.
Syl stood frozen in place, staring at the beautiful Elf girl in front of him with an indescribable expression of shock.
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