บท 12: Hall of Armageddon

Adrian decided to return playing the game tomorrow after breakfast since the patch would be finished by the time he is scheduled to sleep according to his schedule. He slept that night with excitement since he was vaguely aware that he may have triggered an event.

The next morning....

Adrian got up early and helped his mother prepare breakfast though al he did was set up the table. He quickly finished his meal and thanked his parents with wishing them a good day. His parents can only look at each other and smile wryly since at least their son's spirit is high. They were now questioning their decision if buying the game pod was useful or destructive.

It was already 9:12 A.M. Adrian was about to log in the game when his best friend Marlon was attempting to video call him with his haloswatch or Highly Advance Logical Operating System Watch. Haloswatch has replaced the need for cellphones by the year 2050. Because of the convenience and advance tech of the haloswatch, people around the world jumped at the chance to own one. Thus, phones became obsolete and became a thing of the past.

Adrian answered the Marlon's call. The haloswatch projected a 3D image of Marlon's head all the way to his shoulder. He was a bit on the chubby side in terms of physique and wears glasses. He was his best friend since 3rd grade. He was a gamer just like him so they clicked right away. They been playing this monster catcher game that was already on generation 25 or something so it had about tens of thousands of it to catch.

"So how was the game? Tell me" Marlon asked.

"It was fun" Adrian replied.

"That's it. It's fun. Care to be more specific" Marlon said with a sarcastic tone.

"I started as a summoner and picked a dog as my first soulbound creature. I got logged out before I got out of the town of Genesis. How's that for specific." Adrian said with a smirk.

"You told me you are going to choose the Mage job. Why did you choose the Summoner? It gets very difficult to level up since you share exp with your soulbound creatures" Marlon asked.

"Well, since I already started late. I might as well choose it. You already got your secondary job advancement right? Do not worry, I will catch up to you in no time" Adrian replied.

"I created an elf priest character and I am a level 50 oracle since I just started playing about seven months ago. Just don't forget to pair you haloswatch with your game pod so I can call you in game and vice versa. Don't be shy to ask for help. Marlon out" Marlon replied.

The call ended so Adrian hopped into the pod and set his haloswatch in the slot designed for it. He forgot to do it when he first got the game pod because of his rush to play the game. He closed the pod and booted it.

Zzzt....

"Welcome user MyCraftySon! Would you like to pair the device with the ID 03011998 to this game pod? " the pod's AI asked.

"Yes" Adrian replied.

"Pairing successful. User can now use the call function of the game pod. Thank you for your patience" the AI answered.

"Initiate Pandemonium" Adrian commanded.

The AI followed the command and Adrian's vision blacked out. When Adrian regained his vision, he saw his form and his avatar became smaller and looked like a cute ghost like the well known friendly ghost that was popular in the 1990's. He looked at his surroundings and noticed that he was standing on top of a pentagram and with each corner of the pentagram showing a hologram of demon-like entities each.

"Welcome chosen one to the Hall of Armageddon. What is your name chosen one?" A deep voice suddenly said.

"I go by the name Equinox. May I know who is talking and what is the Hall of Armageddon?" Adrian asked.

"I am the Hall's essence given sentience by the Twin Gods, Gaea and Abbadon. The hall is meant for the champion chosen by the twin gods as a way of reincarnating when the champion falls for the first time in battle against the forces of destruction." the hall answered.

The hall continued, "You have been granted the boon of reincarnation in order to combat those who wish to harm the balance of the world. You will choose between the five races that has been tied to the first borne races of the world which was tasked in protecting the world, the Asmodians. The Asmodians have been tasked to prevent the collapse of this world. Sadly, they are no more than relics of the past for they have fallen in battle during the first siege of the Corruptants. Though they have passed their blood and powers, it has been diluted due to the passage of time and intermingling of species."

"Please choose between these five races that have closely resembled their progenitor" the hall's voice said.