Even though he was a God in name, he wasn't omnipotent. He couldn't set out into the real world, and he couldn't even explore the places on his own will.
Before he could even begin to explore the places, he had to make a choice. Depending on the choice he made, he could either become omnipotent or disappear without a trace before he could even spread his religion.
Ethan was given four choices: four possible candidates for the apostle.
Ethan lifted one of his legs and rested his hand over it before leaning closer to look at the screen with a solemn expression.
[Hunter and Gatherers]
[Race: Human]
[Forge by will, Boundless in Destiny]
[A race defined by adaptability, ambition, and relentless progress. Humans rise through struggle, crafting empires and breaking limits.]
[Current Status: A nomadic band wandering in search of food and shelter.]
[Would you like to take charge of the pack?]
The first option for him was to take charge of a pack of hunter-gatherer humans who wandered from place to place in search of food.
Before selecting, Ethan could observe their state and numbers.
The pack of humans was primitive, and most of them wore clothes made from animal hides and leaves to conceal their private parts. This pack of humans had tools made out of stone and wood.
"Twelve adult males, eight adult females, and six children. The pack isn't too large. But humans are one of the most intelligent creatures."
Being a human himself, Ethan was aware of the limitless possibilities of the human race. However, the human race wasn't the sole race on this planet. Hence, he didn't want to make a decision based on his previous judgment.
"This world feels familiar to the Aeon Realms. But this role of God wasn't there. Even though you could take charge of a Kingdom, this role of God wasn't available to the players." Ethan mumbled.
Ethan had come to an understanding that he had been transported to a game-like world he was familiar with. Though players could inherit different classes, the class of God wasn't available. Hence, despite being familiar with the game mechanics, Ethan found it challenging to navigate the game.
"Perhaps in the new update, you could become a God. Then that must mean new elements might be added to it. Could one of those new elements be the addition of some new species? Before, the game had four major species: Elves, Humans, Dwarves, and Demons."
Ethan recalled his memories. The game hadn't seen a massive update for years. However, the developers had announced a tremendous update scheduled for this year. But before he could even get his hands on the game, he was sucked into this world.
"It was an open-world role-playing game. But now, I can't tell what else this game has to offer. Just what are we even supposed to do?"
The more Ethan pondered, the more confused he felt.
"Well, whatever, let's just select a race first."
[Tribe of Elves]
[Race: Elves]
[If you treat nature with care, then nature will treat you with care.]
[Elegant and ancient, the Elves draw power from nature and wisdom from ages past. Graceful in peace, deadly in war.]
[Current Status: A woodland settlement attuned to mana and the spirits of the land.]
[Would you like to take charge of the Elves?]
Ethan's vision shifted.
High among the emerald canopies, homes built of woven wood and glowing crystal shimmered like moonlight on still water. Elven warriors practiced fluid sword forms beneath towering trees, while others chanted softly around glowing stones — drawing mana from the air like it was breath.
Ethan's lips curled into a small smile. He had always admired the Elves in Aeon Realms. Their mastery over magic. Their grace. Their affinity with nature.
"Elves are the race that used to have the best aptitude for natural mana. I used to select Elves before because of their aptitude for magic. But even so, I should look at other options before deciding…"
Despite being a human, Ethan liked to play as Elves before because of their high aptitude for magic and also because of their elegance, since he lacked one in real life.
But now, despite being presented with this option, he felt hesitant about choosing it.
"There might be newer races now… I need to see more."
The next option was the dwarves. He could take charge of a pack of dwarves who were rather skilled in forging tools. Dwarves also possessed raw strength that far surpassed both humans and elves.
"Well, Dwarves are a great race too. Their raw strength is greater than that of humans and elves, and their aptitude for magic used to be high, too. But let's look at the fourth option before deciding," Ethan pondered.
The fourth option was rather unusual. He had expected the fourth option to be the demon race. But that wasn't the case.
[Pack of Wolf-Kin]
[Race: Demi-human]
[We hunt as One. We die as Few.]
[Fierce and untamed, the Wolf-Kin live by the laws of the wild and the strength of the pack. Half-man, half-beast — all predator.]
[Current Status: A scattered pack recently driven from their territory. Survival uncertain.]
[Would you like to take charge of the wolf-kin?]
Ethan blinked.
Wolf-Kin?
He hadn't seen them before. In the base game, there had only been four main races — Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Demons. But this… this was new.
"Demi-humans, huh?" he muttered, curiosity lighting in his chest.
The scene shifted as he went on to inspect the pack.
A lean, agile group moved through snowy pine forests, their ears perked and tails twitching with alertness. Their eyes glowed faintly in the darkness — amber, silver, crimson. Their bodies were humanoid, but their gait was animalistic.
One wolf-kin crouched near a bush, sniffing. Another signaled with a low growl. They worked like a unit — instinct and brotherhood blended into strategy.
Their coordination seemed perfect, and Ethan couldn't help but muse.
Unlike the dwarves and elves, the wolf-kin had no mighty cities. Unlike humans, no written language.
But they had something else.
Pack.
Unity.
Fire in their blood.
Ethan leaned closer. "So, you're the new element…"
This race wasn't just a blank slate. They were something else. He knew nothing about them. Considering the difficulties, he should go with the other three options. But he couldn't help but get the urge to explore new things.