With humans thrust into their first war, the anticipated outcome of staggering casualties made them finally grasp the severity of their situation. This planet was far from a safe haven; it was hell.
In the aftermath of the war, the elves made their first official appearance to the humans, extending an offer to unite in order to vanquish the vile creatures plaguing their existence. With the elves' mastery of magic and the humans' strong grasp of science and technology, they saw a glimmer of hope. However, there was an urgent need for the human population, which had dwindled to just four-tenths of its former size on Earth, to reproduce—fast.
Fate smiled upon them when humans discovered that the anatomical structure of the elves bore a striking similarity to their own, allowing for intermarriage. Years flew by like cars speeding down a highway, and ten years later, another war erupted. But this time, humanity was prepared. Humans and elves fought valiantly, united by a common goal: to end the threat once and for all.
The war took longer than expected, stretching over a year before significant progress was made. The creatures were relentless, their elusive nature resembling wild animals with impenetrable hides. A year later, the creatures were almost completely extinct, save for a few alpha-tier specimens. This was believed to be the last of their kind on the planet, though it remained unconfirmed. However, as they continued their assault on these creatures, something horrifying came to light.
The adversaries they had battled for so long were never the real threat; they were merely the pets of a greater power, or so the general proclaimed. These creatures were nothing but experiments placed on the planet to test their resilience. The true threats were on their way—the real conquerors poised to reclaim their dominion over the world. A desperate call to arms echoed among the humans and elves; they needed something beyond the ordinary, something extraordinary that could tip the balance of power in the impending war.
Thus, the Terium Nexus was born—a facility designed to train humans and elves to superhuman capabilities. This was the only criterion that guaranteed a chance for survival in the looming conflict. It was law, and even the wealthy could not defy it. Whenever a child reached the age of ten, they were taken to the Terium Nexus, where they would remain until completing their service in the military. This meant sacrificing about fifteen years of an individual's life for a battle against threats that were still only theoretical. But, as the founders insisted, the potential war that would determine the fate of all races loomed ever closer, and they had to be ready at all times.
High noon. Year 8 of the Lunar Class.
I was seated near the window, my favorite spot, gazing at the cherry blossoms outside. Classes were in session, and the lecturer was explaining some form of mana liquidation, but I cared little for that; something else consumed my mind, something I couldn't quite grasp.
'Where am I?'
That very question ran through my mind.
I couldn't remember why I was here or who I even was.
My mind was blank.
Completely blank.
Well, except for the vague understanding that I was in a game.
How do I know this?
I don't know.
I really don't.
It's just right there in my head.
That...
...and whatever this is...
[Mission in progress...
Death looms around the corner.
Objective: Survive until tomorrow [00:17:34:32].
Reward: An affinity.
Failure: Death.
Respawn: 4/5]
Someone tell me what's going on.