Creation Online

Aether was something the Creator avoided using many times and for good reason. In her battle against the Void wolf, she'd seen its first strength. An energy that could go tow to tow with a higher power and come out standing.

Yet Akasha had long been itching to test it out. The description from the game system showed it as something that served as the boundaries of the universe. Well at least one of them. It had raised questions. Why not Will, divinity, or even whatever this One-Spark was that just remained quiet inside the Creator?

Why Aether? The system had given a basic description of it. Trying to understand and denote a difference in each Akasha tried getting the system to explain all three to her. As a lower-tier entity that worked for the Creator most of the System's actions were either explained to her before, during, or after they happened.

Which was why the answers coming fast wasn't something surprising for her. From will to divinity and finally aether. It was a struggle but finally, the system gave a bit of a summary of each.

[WILL - The very expression of one's desire and intent made manifest either mentally or by use of other means. It is expressed physically, spiritually, or by use of various energies. This does not give you insight into what you control]

[AETHER - Breath and inner essence of the Creators. All creators were once only made of an existence called the ?*#*?#*&. Forging solid, physical forms for themselves they encased these energies in these husks. Processes and reactions as such formed the essence of the breath as a form of air into their universes. This is Aether]

[DIVINITY - Depending on the being differs. To the creators, divinity is simply waste. Useful waste. To others and also the creators selected husk divinity is ichor, lifeblood. Carrier of various traits and capabilities. Not just a liquid that runs life through higher entities but also a tool]

That had been the best understanding Akasha had derived from the system. Everything else was either blank or just unpassable. Whilst she felt the urge to keep dabbling in the understanding of will and divinity since she used them often she decided to atleast try studying

Yet I realized that no matter how I tried I couldn't do anything with it. So I adjusted and tried one more thing simply because of a new thought in my head.

*

[Realm minerals]

[These are minerals, ores, and metals already existing within the 9 Realms, the Bands, Spheres, and the River.

[Solistone] - [Sol ore]

[Celestial Silver] - [Aetherheim ore]

[Abyssalite] - [Netherheim Realm metal]

[Divinium] - [Torheim Metal]

[Aetherium] - [Aether Sphere ore]

[Obsidian Ice] - [Glacial metal]

.

.

.

.

The resources that the Creator had made me create to fill the realms. With resources like this being in all the realm it was definite that the players who would wish to expand for it would do so. War after was usually for a resource or posturing or just ego.

With Thargrim and his brothers already done with the main items and making more of the various random items Akasha sifted through their work. The elves, tall beautiful creatures that were similar to Moonborns and yet lacked the serenity and immense height they possessed, swept most of the completed tools away into the warehouse.

A Trident in the hands of an Elf caught her eye. It was large, similar to that of Tora's but vastly different. The strings around that one were thick and shot straight down into the rivers. Five strings attached it to The Atlan.

It was the same with a few of the weapons the Creator has made personally. All tethered to the realms. But there was more than just the strings. There were thinner and less translucent strings of gold weaving through the realms themselves.

Some like the black hammer pulsing with cracks and its group were intertwined in a Lode. And the strings were not just from the weapons. Certain things from several realms were intertwined with various lodes. She couldn't help but shake her head.

'It will be a mess'.

I checked on the Creators Monolith status checking out the funds she had. Then brought up her status.

[MONOLITH OF PASSAGE]

[MARKED BY CREATOR HILDELITH]

[Lv2 - 2000.8 ORP]

[AVAILABLE...]

[TARTAREAN RIFTS] - 10 ORP

[...]

[RETURN]

[CENTER OF WORLDS] - 20 ORP

[...]

[CONVERT ]

[ORP >> MVC]

[ORP>>EXP]

[MVC - 2660 MVC]

Mentally Akasha set the coin amount to always appear with the Creator's status. 'Best to make sure that she kept tabs on her expenditure'. Then she turned to the status panel to see what was different and not.

'While the Creator did a lot, she still hasn't used her tome yet".

[Welcome to the Rack Of Life Creator 79]

[Record position - Absolute]

[SCREEN 1]

[Host - Hildelith 'Fearghal' Ironstone]

[Moniker - The Warrior One]

[Feats - Creation's Witness, Motivated, Source Point Creator, Striking Out, The Wild Hunt, Winds of Conquest

[Titles -One of the Speakers, Ender of the Beginning, The Persistent

[Entity - Creator 79]. [Race - Nothing]

[Racial Type - Primordial Nothingness Entity]

[Level - 20(2000/2000). (HEALTH - 28/28)

[Core - One -Spark]. [Karma - #]

[Cultivation Base - Null]

[SCREEN 2]

[Higher Energies Used - Nothingness/100%, Aether/100%, Primordial Chaos/90%, Divinity/100%, Akasha/100%]

[Lesser Energies Used - Null]

[Elements - Life, Earth, Space]

[Physicalities. [Abstract

Might - 275+(50) Focus - 316(347.6) + (20)

Mobility - 335+(30) Perception - 20

Physicality - 280, Abstract - 255(249.9)20

Defense - 20(30+20). Soul - 10

MOA - # Akasha - #

[Free Stat Points - 100]

[SCREEN 3]

[Racial Perks- Absolute Nothingness Authority]

[Racial Perk Skills - Form of Nothing, Nothingness Empowerment/5%, Primordial Nothingness Generation

[Racial Perk Skills - Nothingness Handblast, Sword Beam Cut, Nothingness Saturation, Nothingness Removal, Existence Erasure,

[Racial Ability - Balance Aspect]

[Racial Skills - Spellcasting, Balance Magic,

[Racial Skills - Non-existent

[Racial Ability - Universe Force Manipulation]

[Racial Skills - Astronomical Object Manipulation, Astronomical Matter Creation

[Racial Skills - Subatomic Manipulation

[General Skills - Eye of The Unseen, Aether Projection, Extra Sensory Perception, Godform, Primordial Chaos Generation, Eye of Fate, Divinity Generation, Aether Generation, Divinity Emission, Divine Cloak/10%, Aura/5%, Sword Might/13, Dagger Master/18, System Creation, Soul Erasure Resistance, Akasha Generation, Mystical energies generation, Energy Storage, Divine Devour, Divine Empowerment, Energy Metabolization, Holy Breath, Flame of Life, Primordial Ice, Primordial Flame, Divine Fist, Golem Armor, Dungeon Creation III, Mind Aegis

[Akasha Magic - Life, Death, Elemental, Space]

[Arts - Primordial Chaos Arts, Soul DaoArts, Elemental Arts]

[Insights - Divine Purity, Earthen Grace, Earthen Forge, Spark Splitter]

[Inventory - SHARDS, 145(Lesser), 2000(Minor), 65(Great), 1(Greater), 1(High), 1(Higher), 1(Divine). ITEMS - Xena's Chakram, Harbinger, Bane of Heroes, Mask of the Fortunate, Ring of The Lost, Primordial Ice Spear, Shield, Tome of Insight, Uliloc Helm, Boots of Hermes, Vulkans Prize, Hera's Gown, Cloak of the Absolute, Crown of the Supreme, Atlas Belt]

[Equipped - lt]

[Shop]

[EYE OF THE WORLDS]

It was weird that even after using the Spear the Creator was yet to gain any general skill related to it. Especially with the chakrams she used. It didn't make sense.

'She's not made the cultivation steps yet either'. Akasha sighed as she foresaw the grumbles the Creator would have.

*

1 DAY TO ALPHA TESTERS LOGIN...

"A pleasant evening to everyone, it's the moment you've all been waiting for. The Game Night Talk, I'm Amy Wright speaking live from the city of Budfest where we have several high-ranking dignitaries and professionals in the game world gathered. It's already turning out to be one hell of a night with faces like Oraon Rotolock and Esmelda Buenavista already headed in. Stay tuned to this fascinating night as the hand ticks down."

A buzz of voices and the little soft drone of music in the background made the event look less like a talk show and more like a party. A high socialite party it would seem.

With smiles and looks of regality, various folks trudged to their seats even as they chatted and smiled at passersby.

With the clock ticking down to game night the number of people standing gradually reduced until just two minutes were left before the show talk began.

The host, a lean but curved lady in her mid-twenties with a long lock of brunette hair took her position adjusting the wavy strands that kept trying to unfurl from their arranged setting. Her simple long jacket and shirt make her presentable to everyone. Seated she tried peeking past the little gap in the red curtains at the audience while eyeing a timer ticking down.

Then she exhaled and flashed a smile just as the timer ticked down to all zeroes. The curtains obscuring her from the audience parted with a flourish just as the camera set up both within the stage, above and around the hall whirled to life. Lights flooded the stage and dimmed within the audience section.

"For those not present today a warm greeting from me. This is your one and only Bertha Ernie live from the Esports - Game Night Talk. ESGNT. I'm glad to be your host guys and I'm certain you're all as glad to have me since I have a people's favorite medal" she winked making the audience chuckle as they knew she was right.

Bertha was a host that many liked when they were off stage and hated when on stage. Her penchant for asking uncomfortable and difficult questions without batting an eye and simultaneously diffusing any nervous or heated feeling from her guest was the main reason she'd been holding onto for almost three years since her first talk show back in Reims City.

As much as many who had gone through her interrogations disliked her insensitivity they had to admit that the tension, fun, and drama she brought to the show was always appreciated. Especially her ability to get her guests talking.

It was no wonder she was the host for tonight. After all the topic of the day was the main reason so many high-end figures were attending live and so many people were equally watching from their homes. A reason why most were indeed glad to have her up there on the stage tonight.

Bertha felt shocked to hear the live view was a whooping 21,345 and still climbing. The audience was a mere 3,000 folks due to the hall's size. Only so many tickets could be sold after all. She couldn't help but be glad for tonight's show landing on her plate.

Shaking her head mentally Bertha focused on the task at hand and not on the fact that she just broke her late-night talk attendance and view records.

'I'll make sure to thank my guests very well for this. By asking the unwanted questions' she thought as her lips stretched in a grin. One that had the audience cheering on seeing.

Her guests themselves sighed in defeat as they realized their questions wouldn't let them breathe. Still, they had expected it before coming so they could only suck it up.

"Once again welcome to Es-GNT, I'm Bertha Ernie for those new and just joining. We have our guests with us please do welcome them." applause went through the audience but Bertha wasn't waiting.

"To my left, we have Mr. Pete Comfey, who y'all know is the owner of the currently falling Helm Crusade. The game of the last season and the holder of so many awards. " Bertha clapped just as the crowd did. Me Pete was a thin man with large window glasses on his nose, black hair, and green eyes.

"Thanks for the welcome and just call me Pete my dear Bertha". He waved.

" He called me dear. My cheeks are on fire" she muttered to the mic while fanning her face. Laughter rose from the audience at her antics while Pete and the second man chuckled.

"To my right, we have Mr. Reith. J. Who I honestly know less about, which just means he has fewer accomplishments or is well hidden." she chuckled as did the said man while also shaking his head at the joke.

"Just kidding, Mr. Reith, can I call you Mr. Reith?"

"Jameson is fine"

"Thank God. That's a point. If I was giving points.".

"Jameson here is a pro manager for most virtual reality players. Currently working for and with, wait for it, that certain company responsible for the Creation Online game ". A buzz soaked up the crowd while Bertha grinned. Jameson and Pete gave her the eyes. Both realized she had put the male in the light. Not like it mattered seeing as it was unavoidable.

"First though I know most of you just like me want to rip open the can of worms that is Jameson here. Let's be considerate and give him a chance to consolidate his company's lies and secrets. No offense Jameson" Her face morphed into an apologetic one while the crowd died of laughter.

Jameson was too busy shaking his head in mirth to bother assuring her he wasn't offended.

Turning to Pete who had a grin on his face as well she launched her first question.

"So Helm Crusade held the seat for best game of the year, how many times? That was five or six ehh, Pete. Feels exciting doesn't it?"

"Five and yes. It was." Pete corrected while nodding

"What do you think are your chances this year?" she asked.

"We're good to go. It's already in the bag" he assured confidently.

"Oooh. The confidence. I like it. " Raising her hand with the thumb and pinky stretched out in opposite ends and the rest folded to meet the palm she made a call sign and winked "Call me". Pete shook his head. " I have a wife" Her face scrunched.

The audience just laughed. If one thing about Bertha was known since she became popular on talk shows it was to never take her words seriously.

She was known to fall deeply in love on stage and not bat an eye off stage. The perfect art.

"What do you think are your chances against Creation Online?" she asked a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

"Wait, wait first of all. Is it Creator Online or Creation Online? I've heard so many variations I'm unsure which is which". Pete asked genuine confusion evident on his face.

Bertha turned straight up to face Jameson who looked up with a peachy smile.

" Honestly that issue came up with the company too. We have a bit of a thing with sending out a message with names as most of our current players will realize. Creator Online was the original thought but we figured it wasn't best for what we wanted. So we decided on Creation Online". Pete nodded a hint of fascination in his eye.

"You look interested Pete. Some say you actually think this game is better than yours." Bertha fired.

"Honestly. I'm not one to judge a game still hidden. I make games less for the money and more to bring fun and joy. Of course, I won't say no to the money either " he grinned at the chuckling audience before continuing.

"It's hard to feel anything since I've seen nothing." He finished.

"Not even the streams of most players currently in the game." Pete seemed nonplussed at the question.

"I have seen those. I love the graphics. I love the realism like it's a movie and less of a systemized play. But that's it. There's magic obviously, it seems medieval and there are monsters. What other games have as well? I don't see the catch. But if they're still hiding things then I'm sure it's just the surface and as such, I can't decide anything until the whole game is out".

Bertha nodded her face serious.

" Love your honesty, Pete. it's refreshing. I feel like I should have you, maybe steal you from your wife. " she grinned before turning to Jameson.

"So what do you have to say, Mr. Jameson? I beg you to leave some truth for us here tonight. Be like dear Pete" " She blinked animatedly.

" Well. Firstly no lies. I assure. I'll be like Pete" The crowd laughed again though it died faster as it was clear everyone wanted to get as much info from Jameson as possible.

"This is information I actually can and should release. Creator Online alpha testing is starting tomorrow. Beta testing will be in two weeks and then we're already making plans for mass players"

"Okay. But why the short time in between? I figured most games should have some sort of large time gap in between to test out the games." Bertha looked at Pete for confirmation who nodded in agreement as did most of the audience.

"Well yes, which is why we had the Alpha player's time extended to give more room for finding and managing any error. It should have been a week but was extended."

"Wait the alphas are there to find the errors and test our the game, Isn't that for the betas," Pete asked. Bertha smiled as she looked at Pete.

"Taking my Job Pete?." the said man just smiled before both turned to Jameson

"Well honestly. What I can say is this the alphas are there to test out the game and see what it has, errors are reported as well. The betas will do the same. "

"You haven't told us anything juicy Jameson. Wait. What about the very first group of players? What were they called? Creator players. ?. What is their purpose in the game."

A smile broke out on Jameson's face.

"That's the I can't tell smile. It's popular among the company's high staff. We're getting nothing tonight" Pete murmured into his mic. A groan and mix of laughs came from the audience.

"Fine fine Jameson we get it. Company secrets. So what can you tell this beautiful audience? Don't break our fragile hearts. " Bertha pouted.

Jameson stifled a laugh before he looked around actively.

"I heard this from my superiors. So I'll just say it. Though it's hard to believe as even I don't know how it's possible and I know a lot about the game. All I heard was, that Creation Online is unlike any other game. I'd advise all gamers out there to get themselves ready for these pod sales if they haven't already gotten in on the alpha and beta tests. You all don't want to get left behind. "

"That's you just marketing Mr. Jameson" Pete argued with faux rage. Jameson smiled for just a moment before he leaned forward to the mic on the table.

"I can say this too. Pete, Bertha, and my dearest audience. For those who actively follow and maybe passively follow the streams. I ask. Have you seen any of the first group already in-game quit? " his eyes roamed the suddenly silent audience.

"Sure, I'd say new things garner interest. But it's been what, a month? That's long enough to have at least one person lose interest. But all one hundred are still in-game. Their streams still coming. Well not all, probably hiding their secrets now. But the point is what is so interesting about Creation Online that keeps them in. " Looking at Pete he smiled again.

"This is a better sales pitch" he grumbled.

Bertha laughed while the audience descended into excited murmurings.

" It seems I'm not the only one who's gonna be aiming for a pod. Hopefully, my boss will let me have some in-game time off. I'm getting a look from him that says no. Right. Bad luck" Bertha made a pout while a few of the audience laughed while the others still kept murmuring amongst themselves.

Covering her mic with her palm she leaned back and spoke.

"You dropped a nuke there. Got them even more curious."

"It was obvious from the start. I just brought it to light". He responded. Pete to the side seemed in deep thought as well.

In his head, Jameson smiled. 'Hopefully, this earns me a bonus. Ah, tomorrow can't come any faster?'

The End - Book 1 = Records of Creation