A man stood where the smoke had gathered. He appeared young, no older than twenty. Pitch-black hair framed his face, his deep green eyes gleaming like polished jade against the gloom. His features were sharp yet harmonious, carrying a beauty that demanded notice.
His physique spoke of discipline: a lean, athletic build that suggested years of steady training rather than excess bulk. He seemed sculpted, not by vanity, but by persistence.
The darkness embraced him, but he no longer resembled smoke. He was flesh, bone, and presence once more.
He looked at ease, as if an unfathomable weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He stretched leisurely, unbothered by the absence of clothing.
After a moment, a voice echoed through the chamber. Old, commanding, and undeniably male.
"The human known as Lucareth Losipe," it said, "you have been selected to participate in the Newbie God event. All details regarding the event will be provided to you shortly."
Luca listened with rapt attention. Mere moments ago, well, for the past few centuries, he had been burning in what could only be described as Hell.
And now? He stood, God only knew where, alone in the dark, waiting for instructions.
"Not bad. Not bad at all," he thought, with a smirk. "Major improvement. Seems like I'm getting a second chance."
If he were honest with himself, the pain hadn't been the worst part of his eternal damnation. It was the boredom. And the incessant, maddening noise.
Now? He could do whatever he wanted. In perfect silence.
He put his muscles to work, especially after millennia of inactivity.
Running. Squats. Push-ups. Luca did it all.
Just as sweat began to form, the voice returned.
"Human candidate, we request that you watch this recording explaining your task."
A holographic screen materialized in front of him as he sank to the floor. The previously dark chamber was now bathed in the soft glow of the video.
The recording revealed everything: his task, the setting, and what would be expected of him.
The recording opened with a view of a distant star cluster. Slowly, it closed in on the system furthest to the right, then further still onto a vast planet of oceans and sprawling continents, tinted in deep blue and green.
"This world is called Centrion. You, along with nine other candidates, will descend upon it as prospect gods. Your task is simple.
Gain dominion through faith. Bend its people to your will and prove yourself the one true god. How you do so is your choice: through war, through science, or through belief alone.
Each of you will be granted authority over a single aspect, a divine boon that will define your path. Use it well, for it will be the key to outmaneuvering your rivals.
Centrion itself is home to only one species: the Kramlins. They are unchallenged by predators, yet far from advanced in knowledge or craft."
The video displayed the anatomy of the Kramlins. They were something between panthers and iguanas. Scaled, upright beasts towering at 180 centimetres. Their frames were nearly pure muscle, built for speed and endurance.
The colour of their scales varied from a deep purple to a light brown. They also had a tail for balance.
"Your time will begin shortly. Good luck."
The recording ended. The screen flickered out of existence.
In the now-dark room, a narrow path glimmered into view about ten meters ahead. With no visible light source, its glow felt otherworldly, almost alive.
Luca followed it and soon found himself before a pod straight out of a sci-fi film. Sleek, metallic, and humming faintly. He didn't need instructions. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.
The pod sealed behind him with a soft hiss. Darkness swallowed him, then dozens of screens blinked to life, bathing the chamber in cold light.
"Appearance modification system engaged," an artificial voice announced. "Welcome, Lucareth. Please edit your physical body however you wish. Note: changes will not affect your performance in the event."
Luca smirked. "Now, this is fun."