NOVEL WEB Chapter 1: setting and story outline
The World After the Cataclysm
The world as humanity knew it was irrevocably changed by the Cataclysm, a phenomenon that merged Earth with the fantastical realms of the MMORPG Legends of the Five Realms. Boundaries between reality and the game dissolved, unleashing mythical landscapes, races, and creatures onto the planet. Humans found themselves struggling to survive amidst the chaos, faced with dangers that had once been confined to digital screens.
The New Order
The gods of the dark races, known as Hegemons, seized control, establishing their dominion over vast territories. However, they offered humanity a lifeline—a "Carnal" of survival. This boon was granted only to those who played the game before the Cataclysm, allowing them to fuse with their in-game accounts, carrying over their levels, skills, equipment, and even reputations.
For non-players, survival depended on luck and innate potential. Some awakened as one of the human race classes from the game, unlocking hidden bloodlines, talents, and the ability to grow stronger through trials. Others, however, remained powerless, relying on wit and alliances to endure.
Key CharactersThe Main Character (MC)
Name: Bakr Kael (formerly a hardcore gamer with the handle ShadowProphet)
Background: In his previous life, Bakr was not only one of the top 50 players in Legends of the Five Realms but also the CEO of NeoMiracles, a pioneering company that specialized in inventing innovative in-game systems and tools. His expertise in the game and leadership elevated him to prominence both in reality and the virtual world. However, he met a tragic end 10 years after the Cataclysm due to the betrayal of his board of directors. Reborn two weeks before the Cataclysm's descent, Bakr is determined to rewrite his fate.
Rebirth Strategy: With his second chance, Bakr uses his knowledge and authority to make crucial changes:
Transformed his Class: From ShadowProphet, a rogue-mage hybrid class, to the legendary Cosmic Architect, a class that allows him to shape reality using celestial blueprints. Hidden specialization: The Godking Architect.
Maximized his Level: Raised his character level to 390, ensuring a significant head start.
Monetary Preparation: Converted 75% of his wealth into the game's monetization system, acquiring rare resources and assets.
Grand Territory: Purchased a vast in-game territory to establish a kingdom, laying the foundation for his empire.
Traits:
Calculating and resourceful.
Struggles with guilt over his initial excitement for the chaos, knowing many innocent lives were lost.
A natural leader but hesitant to trust others fully.
Abilities: Cosmic blueprints for constructing powerful artifacts, fortresses, and armies; reality-warping designs; unparalleled kingdom-building capabilities.
Supporting Characters1. Mira Solen
Role: An awakened human with the Paladin class.
Background: Formerly a paramedic, Mira's compassion and resolve make her a natural protector. Her faith in humanity contrasts with Bakr's cynicism.
Abilities: Healing light, divine shields, and powerful smites against dark forces.
2. Kael Dorian
Role: A fused player with the Engineer class.
Background: A tech-savvy gamer who specialized in crafting intricate mechanical constructs in the game. Now, he builds defensive structures and innovative weapons to aid survivors.
Personality: Sarcastic but fiercely loyal, Kael serves as the team's strategist.
3. Liana Nyx
Role: An NPC from the game who gained sentience after the Cataclysm.
Background: Once a quest-giver in Evria, Liana adapts quickly to her new existence, offering invaluable knowledge about the game's mechanics and lore.
Abilities: Arcane mastery and prophetic visions tied to the game's storyline.
4. Rogar Thorne
Role: A dark player aligned with the Hegemons.
Background: A ruthless PvP player who uses the chaos for his gain. Rogar sees Bakr as both a rival and a threat to his ambitions.
Abilities: Necromancy, summoning, and life-draining attacks.
The Fused and the AwakenedThe Fused
Players who played Legends of the Five Realms before the Cataclysm and fused with their in-game accounts.
Advantages: Retain all stats, abilities, and gear.
Challenges: Must reconcile their digital personas with their real-world selves. Some succumb to megalomania.
The Awakened
Ordinary humans who gained classes and abilities randomly upon the Cataclysm.
Advantages: Unique talents tied to their bloodlines and personalities. Unlike the Fused, their abilities evolve more organically.
Challenges: Lack the initial power advantage of the Fused and face greater dangers early on.
The Dark Races and Hegemons
The dark races are otherworldly factions once considered villains within the game. With the Hegemons as their leaders, they now rule over regions of the Earth.
Key Races: Demons, Undead, Shadow Elves, and Abyssal Beasts.
The Hegemons: Godlike beings who thrive on chaos and destruction. Each represents a twisted domain, such as War, Death, or Corruption.
Plot Hooks
Bakr's Redemption: As a top-tier player, Bakr knows many of the game's secrets, but his past choices in exploiting loopholes and PvP domination come back to haunt him.
The Source of the Cataclysm: Clues hint at a hidden, higher power that orchestrated the fusion of realms.
Awakened Revolt: As Awakened humans gain strength, tensions rise between them and the Fused, with factions forming alliances or vying for control.
The Hegemon's Games: The Hegemons pit humans against each other in deadly trials, promising power and territory to the victors.
The Final Reset: Rumors of an "endgame" mechanic that could potentially separate the worlds again, but at a devastating cost.
Key Locations
The Five Realms:
Evria: Lush forests and hidden temples. Home to the Paladin order.
Tenria: A mystic, Eastern-inspired realm with floating islands.
Aethoria: Ruins of an ancient, technologically advanced civilization.
Nyxoria: Dark, gothic landscapes ruled by shadow creatures.
Elyria: The celestial kingdom of angels and divine beings.
Merged Zones:
The Shattered Spire: A towering nexus where Earth and the game realms physically intersect.
The Carnal Bastions: Cities ruled by Fused players under the Hegemons' influence.
Refugee Enclaves: Human settlements fighting for survival, often under siege.
Themes
Identity and Transformation: Exploring how people adapt to new powers and roles thrust upon them.
Morality in Chaos: Examining the choices people make in a world without clear rules.
Unity vs. Division: Can humanity overcome its differences to face a common threat?
This setup provides fertile ground for epic battles, intricate character development, and a world rich in mystery and danger.