Chapter 2 Leclentia

Leclentia is a game that holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a part of my life for many years. I can still vividly recall the excitement I felt, rushing home from school every day, eager to sit down in front of my computer and lose myself in the captivating world of Leclentia.

"Perhaps we have a lot in common..."

I placed the papers back on the table and reached for the nearby drawer.

"Empty..."

Unfortunately, it was completely empty. I also couldn't help but notice the thick layer of dust that had accumulated on its surface. It was apparent that the drawer had not been opened or used in a very long time.

As I rummaged through the other table's drawers, disappointment started to set in. Each drawer was as empty as the last one, except for the last drawer, which was slightly stuck.

Huff...

With some effort, I managed to pry it open and found a single piece of paper tucked away inside.

Picking up the lone document, I brought it closer to my face and squinted to make out the strange symbols written on it.

[ Name: Aiden Steele ]

[ Class: A ]

As I studied the strange symbols on the paper, I realized that I could also understand them. I also found the name of what seems to be this old apartment owner.

"Aiden Steele..."

I've never heard of such a dude, hence just skipped the line, continuing to read further.

The next line was something about class designation. I couldn't quite grasp the significance of this classification, but maybe Aiden was a student?

Shrugging my shoulders, I noticed a small paragraph at the end of the page. It was accompanied by a red stamp, which seemed to give the paragraph some significance.

[ An Orphan with a weak body and... ]

The text went on to describe Aiden's characteristics, but my attention had already been drawn to the red stamp beneath the text.

I realized that it was in the shape of a dragon's head with its mouth slightly open, revealing the monster's razor-sharp teeth. The stamp was impressive and well-detailed, giving off an air of importance and significance. It seemed to be some sort of official mark

"I recognize this design!"

My heart thumped and I froze in place, my fingers quickly touching the stamp's hard surface.

The stamp was very similar to the one I had seen numerous times in Leclentia, the stamp of the Director of the Mage Academy.

"Maybe Aiden also plays this game..."

As I studied the document, I suddenly noticed a photo that had been glued to the other side of the paper.

The image was of a young boy, no more than 16 years of age, with a strikingly distinct appearance. His raven black hair framed his sharp facial features. However, he was far from conventionally handsome, lacking the usual softness and symmetry that most would consider attractive. Despite this, there was a captivating quality to him, a certain enigmatic charm that emanated from his piercing, golden eyes.

I noticed that the boy's cheeks were slightly sunken, and his posture seemed off, as if he was scared of something. He reminded me of a frightened animal, ready to bolt at the slightest sound.

"..."

I read through the document a few more times, with strange thoughts beginning to invade my head. After placing the paper back in its designated position, I rose from the chair and walked towards the old wooden door that led to the bathroom.

Quickly running up to a mirror hanging on the wall, I glanced at my reflection.

Golden eyes... Check

Raven-black hair... Check

"Shit..."

Looking at my appearance, I cursed under my breath, feeling another headache coming on.

Since the pain I felt in bed, I knew that something was off. I had never felt such agony before, and I couldn't attribute it to the alcohol.

Leaving the bathroom, I approached the door that I knew led outside and pushed it open, stepping into the corridor. The space was covered with a long, worn red rug that ran the length of the hallway.

Quietly making my way towards the old, stone staircase, I descended to the first floor and was met with a cozy area. The room was decorated with plush couches and chandeliers that hung in the air, seemingly unsupported.

My heartbeat hastened as I scanned my surroundings, approaching the door decorated with intricate old ornaments and engravings of various reptiles that reminded me of a massive lizard.

Creak...

With a creak that indicated the door's old age, it slowly opened, sending a cold gust of air brushing against my face.

As I stepped outside, my eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, and I noticed a lone pathway illuminated by lanterns that I had seen through the window. The pathway led to a huge building, the details of which were somewhat visible due to the dim moonlight.

It was a massive castle, its towering walls made of dark grey stone, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and symbols that glowed with an otherworldly aura. The entrance was a massive wooden gate, with intricate metalwork.

"The Mage Academy..."

I murmured to myself, my eyes fixated on the massive structure in the distance.

Walking up to a bench that stood near the path, I took a seat and covered my face with my palms, trying to make sense of my situation.

It seemed that I had somehow been transported to the world of Leclentia and despite the excitement of entering the game's universe, it wasn't necessarily a good thing.

In all five years of playing, I had never managed to reach a good ending. I had always met my demise fighting against the demons that were trying to take over the world.

The thought of being trapped in a world where my every move could mean the difference between life and death was terrifying.

"..."

I might've seemed calm, but my mind was in turmoil.

'Let's start by checking my status...'