MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist

A myriad of stars started falling out of the new eternal twilight that was the sky, as if fleeing the heavens.

Some went dark forever, others crashed violently upon the Earth. The sky, now empty of stars, seemed to retreat, abandoning Creation to a chaotic reality devoid of rhyme or reason.

Landmasses crashed into each other, becoming one and the same. New quakes of apocalyptic intensity shoved, dragged, and ripped the rock foundations of the known world.

Lands, deserts, mountain ranges lost all semblance of natural balance as islands crashed into continental shores or drifted out into oceans.

Many lands were lost to chasms and abysses, others covered by waves. The world shrank, reduced to a third of what it had been, and lost all recognizable shape.

In that moment of terror, death, and uncertainty, the last humans felt the inevitable looming vise of otherworldly powers. They were bearing witness to the power of the elements, a display of its superior force upon Creation.

They knew nothing could escape the Lord's Plan, as it rewrote the map of Creation and life itself.

Still, the more steadfast and strong-willed were able to flee to caverns and nooks found between cliffs and mountains.

They prayed to Earth itself, as if it was their God, for protection from divine fury. They discovered, once more the depths of the fear of the End, the roots of all ancient beliefs.

Ren observed the chaotic scene unfolding from atop the Tower, the only structure seemingly untouched amidst the devastation below. It stood resolute, a lone beacon of stability in a world consumed by chaos.

"That's because this tower is one of the key transportation points. It won't get destroyed. Not yet, at least," Joker explained. Lying sprawled on the ground, his back pressed against the cold concrete, he rested with his eyes closed.

"Not yet?" Ren repeated.

"Not until the interdimensional train arrives," Joker clarified.

"When will it arrive?"

"With that much destruction outside, I'd say any moment now."

Ren fell silent, his gaze sweeping across the bustling activity within the Tower.

People — evolved beings, to be precise — moved about with an air of nonchalance, as if the cataclysmic events unfolding outside were nothing more than routine occurrences.

Despite the rising waters and sporadic earthquakes that rattled the building, an eerie calm pervaded the atmosphere.

Amidst the throng, Ren noticed newly evolved individuals huddled in corners, their faces contorted with despair and shock.

Others wandered aimlessly, their countenances devoid of expression, as though the very essence of life had been drained from them.

Had it not been for Joker and Angelica, Ren might have succumbed to the same sense of hopelessness that gripped these lost souls.

As Ren surveyed the crowd, he couldn't discern who among them was evolved and who was not.

However, he could sense the weight of experience emanating from those who had undergone the process of evolution longer than the others.

"Is it possible for us to teleport to this Nexus without waiting for the train?" Ren inquired.

Angelica answered while brushing her teddy bear without care. "Nexus is extremely difficult to find. The dimensional pocket it occupies is outside the realm of any universe's planar space, but curiously, not time, and beyond the reach of spells such as gate or planeshift. Even deities struggle to reach Nexus without the aid of the Great Lighthouse."

Deities? Ren frowned. "Like Gods?"

"Yep," Joker chuckled. "Don't let it surprise you. There are numerous races in Nexus, so be prepared to see those creatures from the game in real life."

"What's this Great Lighthouse?" Ren inquired.

"You'll know once we arrive in Nexus. It's very hard to miss," Joker laughed slightly.

"To give you a brief context, the Great Lighthouse is just a big giant burst of magical light. This is where all interdimensional trains converge, and through this burst of magical energy, Nexus can power up the city.

"These trains, however, only travel to dying worlds. But if you want to leave Nexus, there are other ways. However, if you want to enter Nexus, there can only be one way, and it is through this interdimensional train."

Before Ren could ask, Joker suddenly jumped to his feet and patted his pants for dusts.

"Looks like the train is here."

Just as he said those words, a low hum filled the surroundings, a distant sound that seemed to emanate from nowhere and everywhere simultaneously.

At first, it was just a faint vibration, barely perceptible beneath their feet. Then, as seconds passed, the vibration grew stronger, pulsating through the Tower and resonating in Ren's bones.

The very air seemed to shimmer with anticipation, as if it were holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.

Then, in a flash of blinding light, the interdimensional train materialized out of thin air, appearing as if conjured by some magic.

It was a sight to behold, a sleek and futuristic marvel that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Its metallic surface gleamed in the ambient light, reflecting the myriad colors of the surrounding chaos.

The train itself was unlike anything Ren had ever seen before. It was long and streamlined, with smooth curves and sharp angles that gave it an otherworldly appearance. Strange symbols and connecting circuit lines adorned its surface, glowing with an energy that pulsed with every beat of Ren's heart.

As the train came to a halt before them, the air crackled with static electricity, sending shivers down his spine.

The doors slid open with a hiss of pressurized air, revealing the interior of the train bathed in an ethereal glow.

Then a peculiar figure emerged from within. Ren's gaze was drawn to a small lizard, walking on two feet and adorned in a crisp uniform.

Despite its diminutive size, there was an air of authority about it, its demeanor exuding a sense of no-nonsense efficiency.

The lizard wore a pair of glasses perched atop its snout, giving it a scholarly air despite its rather unassuming appearance. With a bored expression etched on its face, it trudged forward like a dwarf, its footsteps echoing softly against the metallic floor of the tower.

"Alright, you know the drill," the lizard announced in a surprisingly deep voice, wisps of smoke curling from its nostrils with each word. "Prepare your [Green Card] as you line up."