Kurt Allester was not the type of man who planned to change the world, but somehow he did, using paper, ink, and a worn keyboard. His web novel, Hearthia, a vast fantasy filled with sword-wielding heroes, demon lords, political intrigue, and magical races, had captivated the internet over the past five years. What started as a simple passion project, written late at night after long shifts at a thankless journalism job, had become a phenomenon. Readers praised its emotional depth, intricate world-building, and the bittersweet journey of its hero, Aaron, the chosen one who came from Earth to save the supercontinent of Amasia from demons.
Kurt never imagined his words would spread so far.
He never expected the day he received an email from someone calling themselves "Yoru," claiming to be an indie developer.
"Hey! I'm a huge fan of Hearthia. I'm creating a single-player AAA-style fantasy RPG based on your world. It's a solo project. Kind of wild, I know. But I was wondering if I could include an easter egg—a tribute to you. Just a small NPC, maybe even a quest giver, that honors the author who created this incredible world."
Kurt raised an eyebrow as he reread the message. He wasn't sure whether to laugh or feel flattered. Still, it was nice to think someone was passionate enough to build an entire game based on his creation. He decided, why not?
"Sure," he replied. "Do you want me to describe myself?"
"Please. The more details, the better!"
So, Kurt sent a list of his personality traits and quirks. They were honest but a bit exaggerated for humor: introverted yet outspoken when passionate, a neat freak who worried about cleanliness, a perfectionist who often struggled to finish anything, and someone curious about science and invention but too lazy to follow through.
An hour later, he received the developer's reply with a screenshot attached.
On the screen stood a character in a village plaza. The face looked unmistakably like Kurt's—complete with slight under-eye bags and a perpetual expression of thoughtful annoyance. But the real surprise? The traits Yoru had added to the character's profile:
- Lazy Genius (Max)
- Critical Thinker (Max)
- Public Speaker (Max)
- Understanding (Max)
- Perfectionist (Max)
- Germaphobe (Max)
- Curse of Immortality (Max)
- Money-Hungry (Max)
"What the hell is this?!" Kurt typed angrily. "Are you mocking me?! I asked you to make a powerful version of me, not roast me!"
Yoru replied:
"Well… kinda. But I did ask your permission to mirror you."
"You gave me Germaphobe (Max) and Curse of Immortality! What kind of joke is this?"
"Come on. Just try the game. I'm uploading the build now. Let me know what you think."
Kurt grumbled as he downloaded the file. His desktop blinked, and the title screen shone with crisp, high-res animation: HEARTHIA: THE IMMORTAL CODEX. It felt surreal to see his world fully realized in 3D—the villages of oak and stone, the Elves' World Tree glowing ethereally, the fiery caverns of Hibok-Hibok where Dwarves mined magical alloys, and the dark mists over the poisoned lands of Antarctica, now a forested jungle since the demons returned.
The story followed Aaron, of course—the protagonist Kurt had created and loved. The player can control Aaron, though. Only the author can play as the mirrored character, Arken, a nameless scholar and eternal wanderer. He was a side character, a mystery, never interfering with the main plot but always watching from the sidelines. An NPC found in villages, constantly inventing or commenting on the foolishness of humanity while cleaning dirt from his robes.
To Kurt's surprise, he found himself enjoying the experience of playing Arken.
Despite the silly traits, the gameplay was addictive. Arken couldn't cast spells but had max magic sensitivity. He couldn't fight, but he could analyze everything. Monsters wouldn't attack him unless he made the first move. He was a passive observer but had world-changing potential if he found the right items. His story didn't revolve around combat—it was about creating: science, invention, and knowledge.
The dialogue felt authentic. Yoru had captured his voice perfectly.
He laughed harder than he had in weeks.
Then, around midnight, he received another message.
Yoru: "Did you like the game?"
Kurt: "Yeah. I have to admit, it's incredible. Silly traits aside."
Yoru: "Be honest. If you could choose... would you live in Hearthia? Or stay in this world?"
Kurt blinked. The question caught him off guard. It was an odd thing to ask, but he was too tired to think too deeply.
Kurt: "Hah. Well, obviously I'd pick Hearthia. Real life sucks. I'm broke, lonely, and bored."
He didn't really mean it.
Well… maybe he did, a little.
Yoru replied a moment later. Two words, and a smile.
"Very well :)"
The lights in Kurt's room flickered.
Then they blazed. Blinding white light burst from his monitor, engulfing the room. His coffee mug shattered. The desk began to bend. Papers flew everywhere. Before Kurt could even scream—
Darkness.
He awoke on the cold stone of a village street. The smell of freshly baked bread mixed with the scent of animals and unwashed humans. His body ached, and his limbs felt wrong—too light, too flexible.
He stumbled to his feet.
Villagers stared at him. A passing child pointed and whispered.
"Kurt?" he murmured, brushing dirt off his cloak—wait, cloak? He looked down. He wore robes, leather boots, and a belt full of tiny vials and tools. He rushed to the nearest puddle.
There, in the reflection, was Arken's face—his in-game character.
"No. No, no, no. This is a joke. A really weird lucid dream."
He opened his mouth to speak, and a floating blue screen appeared before him, just like in the game:
*----------------------------------*
[SYSTEM INTERFACE INITIALIZED]
Name: Arken
True Identity: Kurt Allester
Race: Human
Class: Immortal Scholar
Magic Affinity: 0
Magic Sensitivity: Max
Level: 1
Trait Slots: Full
- Lazy Genius (MAX)
- Germaphobe (MAX)
- Critical Thinker (MAX)
- Perfectionist (MAX)
- Curse of Immortality (MAX)
- Understanding (MAX)
- Money-Hungry (MAX)
- Public Speaker (MAX)
Main Quest: None
Side Quest: Observe the world. Understand its flaws. Repair what is broken.
Note: You cannot die. You cannot use magic. But you can still change the world.
*-------------------------------*
"What the hell?!"
His voice echoed down the empty street. A young woman approached, dust-covered and holding a basket of herbs. She looked concerned.
"Are you okay, mister? You're… not from around here, are you?"
Kurt turned to her. Her eyes were kind, suspicious, but curious.
"No. I—I don't know where I am."
She smiled. "Then maybe you need a guide. My name's Aria."