Boom!
Crack!
Explosions and magic filled my room as my fingers flew across the keyboard. My computer screen glowed with flashing lights, fireballs, swirling water, magic arrows, and swinging swords.
"Damn it! Kill that bastard!" I shouted, leaning closer to the screen. My teammates and I were deep in a boss fight, and every second counted. The massive creature in front of us roared, swinging its claws and summoning minions.
The boss's health bar was already low, glowing red at the top of the screen. I jumped high into the air, holding my sword tight. With one last mighty swing, I struck the boss. The blow was so strong that its head fell, and the health bar dropped to zero. The battle was finally over!
[Victory!]
"Yes!" I yelled, punching my fist in the air.
Beep!
My smartphone buzzed with notifications.
"Yoo, nice one, Malachi!"
"That was epic!"
"Good job, guys!"
"Malachi always carries the team!"
Messages from my teammates in our Discord group flooded in.
I replied, "Wish we could meet someday and play together."
Beep!
A private message popped up on my phone. I smiled and tapped the notification from my best friend, Claude.
"Malachi, that was insane! You crushed the final boss and carried us all!" he messaged.
A rush of pride hit me. I'd spent countless hours practicing combos and memorizing strategies, and tonight it had paid off. I had done the most damage and helped the team land the finishing strike on the boss.
Leaning back in my chair, my heart still racing, I grinned at the screen. "Yeah, we did it," I muttered.
The chat was filled with jokes, laughter, and celebration. Moments like this made gaming worth it because of the teamwork, the thrill, and the rush of victory.
Ping!
I looked at my computer and saw a notification. Curious, I clicked it, and it took me to a YouTube live stream.
"Hello everyone! We're here to introduce the newest game from ArcanePixel Studio!" a voice-over host greeted the viewers.
The live stream was packed with viewers, over a hundred thousand people watching despite the late hour.
"This game is something new. You won't need a computer, a console, or a phone to play it. We bring you our first virtual reality MMORPG, Arcane Weapon Online." The screen flashed as the game logo appeared.
Swords, daggers, wands, staves, shields, and bows spun and clashed around it, sparks flying from their tips. Trails of light shimmered and twisted through the air before fading away.
The effect grabbed my attention, and I couldn't take my eyes off it.
The host paused as the live chat erupted with reactions. "This introduces a new kind of gaming experience, letting you enter the game world directly rather than just looking at it on a screen."
"Arcane Weapon Online is a game that uses a virtual reality headset that lets you experience the game with your mind," the host explained.
"This announcement is going to shake the entire gaming world. Once you put the headset on, you won't just be playing. You'll be inside the world itself."
I leaned closer to my computer screen, raising my eyebrows slightly. "Using a VR headset, huh?" I murmured.
The whole idea sounded insane, almost impossible, yet the live chat was exploding with excitement. Even I could feel my curiosity growing with every word the voice-over host spoke.
"This MMORPG is a fantasy adventure game where you embark on epic quests, fight fearsome monsters, and deal with all kinds of surprises. Duel other players, team up for battles, try tough trials, or join massive guild wars. Every challenge tests your skills and teamwork as you struggle to survive in a dangerous world."
The live stream erupted. Messages flew across the screen:
"This looks unreal!"
"I'm in!"
"Trials? Guild Wars? Party Battles? "Heck yes!"
"Sign me up!"
"I can't wait to play the game!"
Everyone was typing like crazy, and you could feel the hype coming off the screen.
"Let me introduce the game's lore, along with a cinematic trailer."
Suddenly, the lore unfolded on the live stream, accompanied by the cinematic trailer.
Centuries ago, mortals and magical creatures lived in peace and harmony.
These creatures were far more than mere guardians; they were companions, mentors, and protectors.
In villages and towns, they guided farmers to fertile fields, kept travelers safe from dangers lurking along the roads, and even healed the sick.
Their bond with mortals was built on trust and respect, a connection so strong that it shaped the balance of many kingdoms.
But in the shadows of the Abyss, an envious presence watched.
The Abyssal Lord, a being of darkness and malice, could not bear to see such unity between mortals and their creatures. He schemed to tear apart the bond, for their harmony threatened his influence.
In secret, he spread chaos. Whispers of doubt slithered into the hearts of some magical creatures. Shadows tainted their spirits, twisting noble forms into monstrous shapes.
These once-loyal protectors had fallen to corruption, turning against the mortals they had once sworn to protect.
Villages burned.
Rivers ran black.
The bond between humans and the creatures… shattered.
Yet not all was lost.
Many creatures resisted corruption, standing firmly by their mortal allies. Together, they protected the innocent.
Through this sacred pact, a mortal and a magical creature joined forces to defeat the Abyssal Lord and his spreading darkness. The remaining magical creatures poured their essences into forging multiple Arcane Weapons—powerful tools, each capable of destroying any evil.
Even as the Abyssal Lord's darkness spread across the land, hope endured. In the courage of mortals. In the loyalty of the creatures. In bonds that could not be broken.
But the Abyssal Lord raised countless armies—his corrupted creatures, legions of monsters, and other unnameable horrors.
I finally finished watching and reading the full lore story on the screen.
"Woof… that lore just blew my mind!" I muttered, leaning back in my gaming chair, heart racing.
"I know you're all excited! Tell me in the comments—which magical creature would you choose as your weapon!" the host exclaimed.
The viewers flooded the comment section with their favorite magical creatures.
"Before we end today's stream, I have an important announcement for all of you!"
"Arcane Weapon Online is still in beta and isn't out worldwide yet. But here's the cool part—we're looking for 100 pro gamers to try the game first! You'll get to explore the world, dive into battles, and try out magical weapons before anyone else."
"And yes, there will be cash prizes for those who participate in the beta. So if you think you have what it takes to be among the first to step into this world, sign up and show us your skills!"
"That's all for today's stream. Thank you so much for joining us! Keep an eye out for our next announcement tomorrow about the 100 pro gamers, and we'll see you at the actual launch of the game!"
The stream ended, but my thoughts didn't. I couldn't stop imagining what it would be like to enter that world myself. My heart raced just thinking about it.