Chapter 2: Cog in a Machine

Every day, I woke up to the monotonous sound of my alarm clock. I would stumble out of bed, get ready for work, and head out the door with a heavy heart. I was a government servant, and working as a clerk offered stability, but it lacked excitement or fulfillment.

The routine tasks and paperwork consumed my days, leaving me feeling like a cog in a never-ending machine. My salary was modest, barely reaching $30,000 a year. It was enough to provide for my family, but there were always financial worries looming over us.

With five kids and a loving wife who worked tirelessly to make ends meet, our lives revolved around making every penny count. Brought up in a religious environment, we always fulfill our daily prayers together as a family.

Weekends were spent in the humble comfort of our home. We would gather around the living room, sharing stories and laughter, finding comfort in each other's company. Despite the simplicity of our lives, the love we shared was immeasurable, a guiding light that brought warmth to our humble abode. A balanced life. A grey life.

But deep down, there was a spark within me, a desire for something more. I yearned for a life beyond the mundane, where passion meets purpose. I dreamt of breaking free from the shackles of routine, to explore new horizons and pursue my true passions.

As I sat at my desk, organizing files and stamping documents, my mind often wandered to these dreams. The quiet hum of the office became a distant buzz as thoughts of adventure, creativity, and personal growth danced through my imagination.

Reality would pull me back, reminding me of the responsibilities that tethered me to this mediocre existence. The thought of taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone seemed like an impossible feat. Fear and doubt gnawed at my spirit, whispering that I was not capable of breaking free from the routine that had become my identity.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, as I continued to live my life on autopilot. I watched as my children grew before my eyes, their dreams and aspirations taking shape. With each passing day, their excitement fueled my dormant ambitions.

As I continued to navigate through the monotonous routine of my life, a phone call from a lawyer's office unexpectedly disrupted the familiar rhythm. They informed me about an inheritance that awaited me, sparking a mix of curiosity and intrigue within me. Eager to uncover the details, I made my way to the lawyer's office at lunch break. My mind was swirling with anticipation.

The office projected erudition with its polished mahogany furniture and shelves piled high with legal tomes. The attorney gave me a warm welcome and led me to the conference room.

Mr. Rayyan Davis was his name; he was a tall, eminent man with a salt-and-pepper beard that gave him an aura of wisdom. A confident and competent man. His pristine white shirt and navy blue tie offered a splash of color, and his well-cut charcoal-gray suit emphasized his dapper demeanor.

His warm smile and gentle manner immediately put me at ease as he extended his hand in a firm handshake. His eyes, framed by a pair of wire-rimmed glasses, sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. It was evident that he had a wealth of experience and knowledge within the legal field.

As he guided me into the meeting room, I noticed his attention to detail. The room itself was impeccably organized, with neatly arranged documents and files on the table. The walls were adorned with framed certificates and legal accolades, serving as a testament to his expertise.

Throughout our conversation, Mr. Davis displayed a remarkable ability to listen attentively and ask insightful questions. He patiently explained the intricacies of the inheritance, providing clarity amidst the complexities of legal jargon.

His calm demeanor and soothing voice conveyed a sense of trust and reassurance. It was clear that he genuinely cared about his clients and their well-being. He approached the matter with empathy, understanding the weight of the situation and the impact it would have on my life.

Beyond his professional competence, there was a genuine warmth and sincerity in Mr. Davis' presence. He took the time to understand my concerns, offering guidance and support throughout the process. It was apparent that he valued integrity and ethical conduct, instilling a sense of confidence in his abilities as a lawyer.

Mr. Davis later presented me with a red box that seemed to hold secrets within its sturdy exterior. As I opened it, a glimmer caught my eye. Inside were a few ancient-looking gold coins, each one bearing an emblem I had never seen before.

A sense of history as well as mystery filled my mind. Nestled among the coins was a card, seemingly aged and weathered. Its surface had a soft sheen as if touched by countless hands over the years.

Intrigued, I reached out and touched the card, curious about the story it held within its delicate folds. As my fingertips made contact with the card, a strange sensation coursed through my body.

It started to glow. Absorbing every ounce of energy inside me. Colors began to blur and swirl around me, and my surroundings faded. I experienced total darkness. Like a television turned off, my vision goes completely blank.

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[ Absorbing Genetics Data…

Successful ]

[ System Reboot…

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Server: Aena

Status: Online

Number of Players: 8,192,042,778 ]

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[ Entering Character Creation Process…

Race: Human. ]

[ Setting Primary Attributes…

Physique: 5

Mind: 5

Soul: 5 ]

[ Acquiring Primary Attributes Bonus…