Adam stood on the soft ground of the spawn zone. It was a busy area. Eight other players appeared around him looking bewildered. They checked their own status windows. He noticed strange symbols floating above some of their heads next to the word "Anonymous." He remembered the feature well. It was a tag used by strategic players to avoid unwanted attention. Hiding their name made them harder to track a clever move in a world where powerful players were often hunted.
The other players looked at him with a mixture of awe and envy. His striking appearance and premium gear stood in stark contrast to their plain starting outfits. His clothes and dagger were trophies from his achievements in the game's previous version.
"They must think I'm rich," Adam thought a faint smirk crossing his face. His sleek black clothes and sharp dagger gave him an air of mystery and authority. The gear was not just for show. He remembered this specific set provided valuable stealth and speed bonuses. It was both stylish and functional.
One by one the other players began to disperse into the vast landscape. Some headed toward a dense forest on the horizon. Adam let out a quiet sigh. His gaze shifted from the players to the surrounding area. He recognized it immediately. He had spawned at the edge of the Beginner Village the exact same starting point from his past life.
The village was an island of safety in a sea of trees. To his left the forest loomed dark and imposing. He knew it held monsters ranging from harmless slimes to a ferocious Level 20 Boss Wolf. "I'll have to go there soon," he thought to himself. "But first I need to be certain." He had to confirm his memories were accurate.
At the center of the village stood a massive tree its branches casting a cool shade over the simple buildings below. NPCs went about their programmed routines. Farmers tended virtual fields. Merchants set up their stalls. Children played near the great tree's base. The digital community looked peaceful and alive.
The NPCs began to notice him. They whispered among themselves their eyes drawn to his unique white hair and black clothes. Adam smiled slightly and raised a hand in greeting. A few waved back politely before returning to their tasks. "At least they're not ignoring me completely," he muttered amused.
His quick survey was complete. He turned from the settlement and headed toward the dark forest. He had no time for beginner quests. Testing his new class and the mysterious skill Reality Manipulation was his top priority.
The atmosphere thickened as he crossed the forest's boundary. The ground became a treacherous mix of rocks and tangled roots. Towering trees blocked the sun casting long deep shadows. His keen blue eyes scanned the area. He needed privacy.
He found a small clearing and summoned his system window. The sleek blue interface appeared before him. He searched for a description of his unique class. A text box filled the screen.
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Administrator Class-
This unique class grants the player control over multiple aspects of Row Online. With this class the player's skill tree develops in relation to administrative abilities. Additionally the Administrator can access skills from other classes unlocking unprecedented versatility. The higher the level the greater the accessibility.
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Adam's eyes widened. His mind raced with the endless possibilities. This class was leagues above anything else in the game. "With this I could take on the top players in the future," he thought. The idea sent an electrifying surge of excitement through him. This was not just a second chance. It was a path to absolute power.
The excitement was cooled by a sudden wave of caution. "If anyone finds out about this class I'll be in danger" he murmured. "Not just in the game but in real life."
Memories from his past life surfaced. He recalled news reports of players being robbed attacked and even killed in the real world for their rare in-game items. The line between the game and reality was already dangerously blurred.
"I can't let that happen to me," he resolved his voice a firm whisper. "I'll keep my identity hidden at all costs. No one can know who I really am." In the game he would be AlphaBoss. The real Adam would remain a ghost.
He closed the system window. The quiet forest felt like a sanctuary the perfect place to test his new abilities. He focused on the most mysterious one Reality Manipulation (Level 1). He had no idea how it worked but he was eager to find out. He noted his low Stamina stat of 5. Powerful skills required energy. "I'll need to level up" he thought "and increase my Stamina."
Despite this limitation he felt a rush of confidence. This skill even at its lowest level held immense potential. He knew with practice he could unlock godlike powers. A renewed sense of purpose washed over him. He was not just a player. He was an Administrator.
He stood tall among the trees his piercing blue eyes scanning the forest. The real journey his second chance in this new reality had just begun. And with his future knowledge and impossible powers he was ready.