“Welcome to Shadowed Dawn,” a voice intoned. Deep, resonant, echoing from everywhere and nowhere, carrying unnatural weight, devoid of emotion.
Luke staggered as his feet suddenly touched an invisible, yielding surface. Bizarre, like standing on solid air. “Shadowed Dawn…” he repeated, voice small in the oppressive emptiness.
“Shadowed Dawn,” the voice continued calmly, “your new home. Your new reality. As a migrant to this existence, you are offered certain… allowances. Choices, afforded by the foundational will of the Universe.”
“Choices?” Luke asked, barely a whisper bouncing back. “What kind of choices? And who—what—are you?”
A pause, long enough to stretch Luke’s nerves thin. The voice returned, measured, precise. “I am that which was created to facilitate. I am the governing Matrix, the bridge between realities, the architect of safe passage. I am the tunnel that pierces the veil. I am… the Entity.”
Luke frowned, the term offering little comfort. Sounded powerful and disturbingly neutral. “The Entity,” he muttered. “Right. Got it. Corporate jargon even out here? So… what now?”
“When you are ready,” the Entity said, tone unchanging, devoid of discernible emotion, “proceed to character creation.”
Before Luke could respond, or even process ‘character creation’ here, a shimmering interface materialized before him. Translucent edges flickered faintly, unstable, like it struggled to hold form in the void. Simple text glowed:
Would you like to enter character creation?
Yes / No
Luke hesitated, instinctively swiped his hand. Fingers passed straight through. “Of course,” he muttered, a dry chuckle escaping. “Mind control. Gotta think it.”
The moment ‘Yes’ formed in his mind, the interface dissolved into receding light, and the abyss subtly shifted. Luke stumbled as the invisible ground rippled like liquid glass. Faint shapes coalesced in the darkness, swirling like smoke. His chest tightened, an unshakable, primal feeling of being watched creeping over him. Not by the Entity. Something else. Older.
“Wait,” Luke said sharply, suspicious. “Why do I feel there’s a hell of a lot more to this than you’re letting on? What was that transition? What did it do?”
The Entity remained silent. But for a fleeting moment, Luke thought he felt a faint vibration ripple through the void—a thread of tension, barely perceptible, like the echo of a distant, powerful voice, or the Tribunal’s judgment.
“Hello?” Luke called out, unnerved. “Still there? Hear me?”
“When you are ready,” the Entity repeated, voice somehow softer, almost reluctant, as if constrained. “Proceed.”
The shimmering forms swirling around him solidified abruptly into a new interface. Words scrolled before his eyes, sharp, clear:
Choose Your Race
Just like that, the abyss stilled, the unsettling presence gone, leaving only Luke and the menu. He exhaled slowly, deliberately pushing aside the unease. Whatever this place, whatever the Entity was, it wasn’t offering straight answers. Not yet. He had choices to make.
The darkness remained, but the new interface pulsed with soft light. Rows of shimmering text floated before him, each word etched with a faint glow.
Choose Your Race:
Human
Elf
Dwarf
Treant
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Harpy
Minotaur
Aquarian
Gaian
Luke raised an eyebrow, scanning the list. Each option pulsed faintly as he looked, acknowledging him. “Well, that’s… quite the selection,” he muttered, the fantasy momentarily distracting him. His gaze lingered on “Human” before flicking to the others. “Guess I’d better see what I’m working with.”
Responding to his thought, a glowing description box appeared beside Human:
**Human**
Humans are considered a major faction in Rahu. Diverse in culture and form, humanity is a cornerstone of this world’s population. Humans possess no inherent affinities or advantages but can excel in any path through determination, adaptability, and grit. No class or skill is inherently forbidden, though mastery often requires greater effort than for races with natural predispositions.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“You are not born with greatness, but greatness you can become.”*
Luke tilted his head, rereading carefully. “So… basically the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ starter pack,” he thought. “Hard work and grit. Sounds depressingly familiar. Just like old Earth.” He snorted softly. Average felt safe. Predictable. But was safe enough? Was average enough to save Jason?
The other options beckoned, faint glows tugging his attention. Curiosity overriding cynicism, he focused on Elf. Another description appeared.
**Elf**
Elves are a major faction in Rahu, known for ancient wisdom, connection to nature, and inherent grace. Long lifespans and deep affinity for arcane arts grant natural advantages in magic and dexterity. However, their typically delicate forms and often scattered communities can challenge survival.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“Power flows from within and without. The world is the lock, knowledge the key.”
Magic affinity and dexterity bonuses sounded incredible. Potent advantages. But the drawbacks paused him. Fragile? Scattered? Isolated? Solitude hadn’t worked out well, and being physically weaker felt like painting a target on his back. “Pass,” he murmured, moving to Dwarf.
**Dwarf**
Dwarves were once a dominant power in Rahu, their subterranean nation now largely ruined. Known for resilience, strength, and mastery of craftsmanship and engineering, Dwarves excel in constitution and stamina. They generally lack strong aptitude for arcane magic, relying instead on rune based enchantments and crafted artifacts.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“Within the earth’s bones and the heart’s forge lies power untold, waiting to be shaped.”
A flicker of interest. Crafting sounded useful, maybe profitable. Strength and stamina were good. But starting as part of a fallen faction? He’d spent too much life struggling out of wreckage. Why start over in another hole? He needed to rise fast.
One by one, he considered the rest:
**Treant**
Treants are an ancient, sentient plant based race with unmatched mastery of Harmony Magic – Rahu’s life force energies. Deep connection to nature grants control over earth and flora, significant vitality, and unique regeneration. Their path is often one of patience, solitude, and introspection, far removed from faster civilizations.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“Through understanding of Harmony, one mind can unite the forest or unravel the mountain.”
Luke frowned. Harmony Magic sounded strong, but the description screamed ‘slow burn’ and ‘loner.’ Not spending eighteen months as a patient tree person. He needeeded speed. Interaction.
**Harpy**
Harpies are fiercely independent, avian humanoids, often a rising faction, adept at wielding volatile remnants of Divine and Demonic magic. Unique dual affinity grants access to potent, often forbidden powers, offering immense destructive potential and flight. Maintaining the delicate balance is perilous; leaning too heavily can tear their essence apart.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“Reach for the heavens and be shackled to the abyss. Let go of one, and be consumed by the other.”
Divine and Demon magic sounded incredible. Flight was a huge plus. But the trade offs were terrifying. Literally “ripped apart”? Too risky. Unstable.
**Minotaur**
Minotaurs, largely a fallen faction, draw physical power through Aura Synthesis, channeling magic into brute strength and resilience. Once a proud nation, many now exist in fragmented tribes or servitude, heritage and power fading under oppression.
As the Old Gods of Rahu have spoken:
“The greatest power erupts from within. Forge your spirit into an unbreakable force.”
Intrigued. Aura Synthesis sounded cool – magic fueling muscle. But the baggage… fallen, servitude, oppression? Couldn’t afford the added struggle, the disadvantages. Time was too short.
The list continued: Aquarians, water masters, agile and smart in their element but penalized on land. Gaians, tied to earth like Treants but maybe more mobile, immense vitality but often slow. Interesting, but neither felt right.
At the bottom, a small note:
Note: Many other races, sub races, and lineages exist in Rahu. Through significant quests or rituals, it may be possible to alter one’s nature and change race.
A faint smile. “Good to know.” Options were always good.
He leaned back metaphorically, mind swirling. Other races sounded incredible, potent advantages, unique powers. But each came with drawbacks, limitations, baggage he couldn’t overcome quickly enough.
Humans… pure flexibility. No perks, but no restrictions. Blank slates. And that phrase… “You are not born with greatness, but greatness you can become.” It stuck with him, resonating deeper than expected, echoing Jason’s sacrifice. Felt less like a tagline, more like a direct challenge. A promise.