[This game is called 'Grand Pathways. ' And you are one of the people that god has chosen for the game's impact. You will become an NPC, a Non-player Character, who will support the game's storyline.]
[These options are available paths that you can choose from. However, I have a new recommendation based on your personality.]
"What is it?"
I have a bad feeling about this.
[It is called 'Hidden Neutral. ']
"'Hidden Neutral'!!"
I am more than dumbfounded. Not because of the option, but because of Olivia, which is a board that cannot express an emotion, just make a cheerful sound.
[Yes, it is a rare hidden path. Based on your decisions, avoidance of family conflicts, and secretive nature, you are an ideal fit.]
So my personality matches with something called 'Hidden.' What are the paths anyway?
[Paths are similar to the jobs or professions; to be precise, they are the way to your wishful future]
Wishful future, huh? What is the use of it? Since god decided to turn this into a game and merge it with that so-called 'Earth'.
Wait? When it says merge, where is the connection? Since this is a world-breaking event, no way goes unnoticed.
[Merging will not happen even after the connection is completely]
[Players will be required to complete the story that God has created]
Well, that's a relief. I don't need to worry about it for now. Right now, I need to accept what's happening in front of me. Okay, let's do this.
[The host's intentions are acknowledged.]
[Host has chosen the path of 'Hidden Neutral']
[Host's information has been updated.]
[Name: Daniel Ra Vindaloo]
[Path: Hidden Neutral]
[Status: Strength 45 (C)
Agility 40 (C)
Stamina 43 (C)
Vitality 50 ©
Intelligence 55 ©
Magic 4 (by circles), 556]
I see my abilities, strength, speed, and magic levels in numbers on the board. I also see myself in it: my slim and fit body, black hair with white stripes, and my face.
I always knew I was good-looking, but seeing myself like this—perfectly rendered on a glowing status screen—feels unreal. Almost like I'm a character in someone else's story. Wait! I am already one. What a foolish way of thinking.
[The host has chosen his path and become an NPC.]
[Time before game's first beta launch: 3 years, 5 months, 29 days remaining]
That's it. No turning back. I'm no longer just Daniel Ra Vindaloo—I am an NPC, bound to a fate I didn't choose. A game piece in some divine play. And yet I will remain Daniel Ra Vindaloo, no one will change that.
It said I am one of the NPC who got chosen by God. I guess I am not alone in this. Who will they be? What roles will they play? What paths do they take? So many questions. A smile tugs on my lips, my mind is filled with curiosity.
***
In front of the faceless statue, a figure kneels and prays. A woman with hair like blonde silk. Her ruby eyes stare into blank air, but she's not staring at blank air. A golden board, just like Daniel's.
"O' God"
She mutters.
"Eri, your humble servant, will follow your will and do your bidding."
Eri smiles brightly, her expression just like a person whose dream has come true.
Texts on the board in front of her show,
[The host's intentions have been acknowledged]
[Host has chosen the path: Saintess]