Rowan and Lilly led Andy into the small cottage. It was warmly lit, not too bright, with an elegantly aged hardwood floor of the deepest brown color. Several leather sofas with ample cushion surrounded a grated fireplace. The burning wood cracked and popped intermittently.

  Cozy.

  "This is the living room," said Lilly. "And just through there is the guest room for new arrivals. The water closet is at the end of the hallway," she added, pointing.

  Lilly and Rowan gestured toward the seats and passed around a tray of small cups of steaming liquid. It looked like tea and filled the entire room with a fragrant, citric aroma.

  Andy sat down on the couch in his fluffy robes.

  "So," Rowan began, shifting around to find a stack of papers that thudded on the table when he dropped them. "There are some orientation materials here that we've been told to go over with new Visitors."

  He began shuffling through the papers. It became clear that it would take a few minutes for him to find the page he was looking for.

  "Well, while he's getting the material straightened out," said Lilly, standing up, "how about I bring out some more food? I was actually baking some pastries this afternoon."

  She disappeared around the corner and came back with a tray full of danishes, fruit jellies, and remarkably ordinary looking chocolate chip cookies.

  "Are you players… or… NPCs?" Andy asked, unable to detect anything that might give away their status. The chocolate chip cookies were too close to Earth's culture to be a coincidence.

  "We are native to the Infinite Plane,” she said. “Many Visitors use the term NPC, which I’ve always found odd. We were born here, and we will grow old and die here. We are people."

  This simulation is so real, Andy thought. Rowan and Lilly are just as real as… me or anyone else.

  Andy grabbed a large, fruit-glazed danish. He bit into it and several layers of hot butter hit his palette simultaneously, followed by a full-bodied cream cheese frosting and the crisp, tart sweetness of the peach and honey glaze. It was perhaps the best bite of food Andy had ever eaten.

  "Holy shit," he whispered under his breath.

  Rowan raised his eyebrows as he found the right page. He cleared his throat.

  "Yes, first a general introduction," he said. "It's been ages since I've read this stuff… would it be alright if I just read from the script?"

  “Fine by me,” said Andy.

  "Ok," he cleared his throat. "Welcome, Visitor, to the Infinite Plane. This is our home, and it will be yours for as long as you desire to remain here. Your time on the Infinite Plane is yours to do with what you wish, but most Visitors choose to advance according to the System, a powerful, impersonal entity that governs the distribution of powers and abilities."

  "Is the System, like… a god?” Andy asked.

  "An excellent question," said Rowan. "Though the System has an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent status in our world, it is not a god per se. We have many gods here on the Infinite Plane, in fact many new ones are born every day. Gods can be petitioned. They can change their minds. They can be flattered. But the System is an impersonal force that works rigidly according to relatively stable laws."

  "Think of the System like laws of nature that govern an individual's ability to access power," Lilly summarized.

  "Well-put," said Rowan. "The System has been studied for centuries by our scholars and sages, and the rules of the System were first expressed aeons ago in an ancient manuscript known as The Verses."

  Rowan shuffled through a few pages and reoriented himself.

  "So the game rules are written as a philosophical tome?" Andy asked.

  Rowan let out a gentle, polite sigh.

  "Visitors, for whatever reason, have a preoccupation with viewing the Infinite Plane as some sort of game. If that is how you must view your existence here, then so be it. The Verses comprise our foundational philosophical and scientific texts. Knowledge of the System and our best understanding of its effects have been passed down through The Verses and various commentaries, as well as class guilds and institutional sources of knowledge. It is a way of life for us."

  "Well, we are in a game, though, right?" Andy said.

  "Many Visitors insist that they are, and if that is your belief, then more power to you," said Rowan. "For me, this is simply my home, and the System is just part of it."

  Andy nodded.

  "In The Verses," Rowan continued, "the topic of the System is divided into five subtopics: skills, spellcasting, classes, titles, and feats. And I'll give you a brief orientation on all five. Don't worry, there is no test. This is for your own benefit, and it's meant to be a light introduction. You'll learn more details later."

  Andy took a sip of the citrus-floral tea, which combined delectably with the lingering sweetness of the danish, and leaned back into the couch.

  Although he hadn't been a hardcore gamer, he had played his fair share of fantasy video games, and he was familiar with many sections of the D&D manuals he used to reference for drawing. He had always been fascinated by game mechanics. Now, he was getting the chance to engage in the most realistic version of a fantasy adventure he’d ever imagined. For a moment, he felt pure excitement unadulterated by worry, fear, or grief.

  This adventure was going to be a welcome diversion from the waiting room. He closed his eyes so he could visualize what Rowan was saying.

  “Now, your System progress is measured in levels. Every time you gain ranks in a skill, in spellcasting, or in a class, you earn a level. Feats can gain you anywhere between one and four levels, depending on the rarity. Currently, you are level zero.”

  “Makes sense,” Andy said.

  “You begin by earning skill ranks through training. There’s no way around it. You have to work hard to earn ranks in a skill. If you find a guild of some kind, they can often teach you the most efficient way to earn skill ranks, but the work will be yours to do.”

  “What are the skills I can earn ranks in?” Andy asked.

  Rowan began flipping furiously through the book. “Give me a second,” he said.

  “I can do this one,” said Lilly. “There are twenty basic skills,” said Lilly, “including [athletics], [armor], [martial weapons], [combat], [acrobatics], [sleight of Hand], [stealth], [investigation], [observation], [deception], [empathy], [performance], [persuasion], [survival], [medicine], [deities], [nature], [occulture], [history], and [crafting].”

  “Yes, thank you Lilly,” Rowan said. “She’s good about the details.”

  “Now,” Lilly said. “Spellcasting is its own unique subsystem. While you don’t necessarily need spellcasting abilities to use magic items, generally you need spellcasting ranks in order to cast any spell that’s C-tier or above. Typically, earning a spellcasting rank involves a combination of training, study, and an initiation ritual conducted by a high-level spellcaster. It can get complicated, but that’s the gist.”

  Andy nodded. It sounded like the spellcasting mechanic had its own nuances, and he just wanted to get a high-level view of the System for now.

  “Once you earn enough skill ranks and complete any other necessary prerequisites, you can begin earning class ranks,” said Lilly.

  “And what are the classes?” Andy asked.

  “There are some variations on classes by region, but in the Cresthaven region, there are the following: Druid, Sorcerer, Monk, Warlock, Paladin, Alchemist, Tactician, Cleric, Bard, Rogue, Berserker, Scholar, Psychic, Fighter, Charlatan, Wizard, Builder, Farmer, Forger, and Enchanter.”

  “Now, as you gain class ranks, you become eligible to earn titles. With your first class rank, you’ll earn the Neophyte title. But you can also earn specialized titles too. Typically, specialized titles, in addition to having class rank prerequisites, require you to accomplish some great deed.” Rowan gestured toward the bookshelf. “After you’ve achieved your Neophyte title, feel free to pay us another visit and I can show you the various specialized titles we’ve recorded in our lore. Maybe you’ll find something that interests you. But that’s a ways down the road…”

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  “Okay,” Andy said. “So I earn skill ranks and undergo training in order to qualify for class ranks, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Once I earn a class rank, I can begin earning titles, correct?”

  “Yes, that’s correct.”

  “Alright, just making sure I’m keeping up.”

  “But the last thing you should know for now: you work hard to earn skill ranks and class ranks, but when you earn a title, the System gives you a special ability known as a feat.”

  Andy perked up. So far in the explanation, the System seemed only to recognize hard work. With the feats, it seemed to reward it.

  “There are different tiers of feats, and as your titles increase, so do your chances of earning a rare one,” said Lilly. “There’s no such thing as a bad feat, though.”

  “Can you give me an example of different feats at different tiers?” Andy asked.

  “Sure,” said Lilly. “So a common Neophyte feat for a Fighter or Berserker would be [Wallop], an activated feat which empowers the combatant to deliver melee attacks with extra strength, subject to a small cooldown window of course. An uncommon feat might be [Tough as Nails] or [Uncommon Luck], both helpful feats for those often in combat.”

  “Do I get to pick which feat I get when I become titled?” Andy asked.

  “No,” Lilly said. “The System gives you your feat, and there’s some degree of randomness to it. Although Scholars over the ages have done our best to discern the patterns associated with feat reception, nothing is guaranteed. We have been able to discern three basic laws, though: First, the higher your title, the higher your probability of gaining a rare, legendary, or mythic feat. We’ve got probability tables recorded in The Verses, though they’ve been debated through the years. Second, your feat seems to be at least somewhat related to the class rank or achievement that earned your title. So, a Rank 1 Fighter who earns the Neophyte title is more than likely to receive a common or uncommon feat that would assist them in combat. It’s always possible that their feat could be rarer, or that it could seem unrelated to fighting, but that’s the general trend. And third, the System only grants you feats that you can actually use.”

  It made sense. Lower titles received more common feats, and typically, the feats were associated with whatever it was you did to get the title. But third law was unclear… what would it mean to receive a feat you couldn’t use?

  “What do you mean by that last one?” Andy asked.

  “Well, for example, if there was a feat that improved your spellcasting, you’d need to be a spellcaster before receiving it.”

  “As far as we know, this law is certain. We have never recorded an instance in which someone received a feat without first obtaining its prerequisites,” said Lilly.

  “We’ve also recorded as many feats as we can in our lore,” said Rowan, “but we discover new ones all the time.”

  Andy nodded. He was doing his best to consolidate all the information. Earn skill ranks and undergo training to qualify for class ranks. Earn class ranks and accomplish great deeds to earn titles. Earn titles to receive feats. And, maybe some day, work on spellcasting…

  “Alright,” Andy said. “I think I understand.”

  “Good, and you’ll learn the intricacies of these things as you go,” said Rowan. “Now, it’s typically recommended that you have a class in mind before you begin your journey. That way, you can train in the appropriate skills and gain entry into your chosen class quickly.”

  “Do one of the classes resonate with you?” Lilly asked.

  Andy thought for a moment. Many of them sounded cool. If his gut was correct, being a Rogue or a Fighter would give him some combat advantages, though in different ways. But there were some spellcasters on the list, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard… they sounded like they could be more powerful in certain situations.

  “There are a few that stick out to me,” Andy said. “But I’m not sure.”

  “Well, let’s narrow it down,” said Lilly. “First off, we should mention that spellcasting classes take a bit of extra work up front, since they require you to achieve your first spellcasting rank prior to taking a class rank. Like I said, for spellcasting, you need to undergo specialized training and an initiation ritual. Think of spellcasting like its own extremely intense skill. Once you have completed your initial training, you’ll need to learn spells, which can take days, weeks, or months depending on your level, the spell, and whether you have access to a tutor of some kind.”

  “Is the payoff worth it?” Andy asked.

  “I would say that it is,” said Rowan, “but many Visitors elect to take a more practical martial class first and to learn spellcasting along the way. Then they take on some ranks in a spellcasting class later. Of course, the choice is yours.”

  Andy considered it. That wasn’t a bad strategy. He could ramp his power up faster at first by taking a class that didn’t require spellcasting as a prerequisite. That would give him some leverage in the world. He could add spellcasting ranks on his base martial build later.

  “I like that idea,” said Andy. “Which classes are martial classes?”

  “Monk, Rogue, Berserker, and Fighter are the most popular,” said Lilly.

  Andy thought for a moment. “And, like you said, I can take levels in a different class later, right?”

  “Yes,” Rowan said.

  Andy thought over each option and suddenly, he realized something. The drawings and imaginings he had done all those years ago, the exhilaration he felt creating heroes and worlds… he was feeling something very much like that. But this time, he wasn’t scribbling on paper. He was creating himself.

  He smiled gently.

  “So, correct me if I’m wrong, but a Monk focuses on unarmed combat, right? And a Rogue focuses on stealth, a Berserker on overwhelming strength, and a Fighter has all-around combat skills?”

  “Yes, that is remarkably accurate for a brand-new Visitor,” said Lilly, her eyes wide with surprise.

  “I’m leaning toward Fighter,” said Andy. “I want some versatility starting out.”

  “Fighter would be a great choice, then,” said Rowan, flipping through his tome before landing on a page and studying it closely.

  “Mhmmm,” Lilly said. “And what would he need for training?”

  Rowan slid his finger down the page, following it with his eyes. “It looks like… you need three ranks in [combat], three ranks in [martial weapons], three ranks in [athletics] or [acrobatics], and you’d need favored weapon training.”

  “How do I do all that?” Andy asked.

  Rowan looked toward Lilly. “We could probably get Morwen to help, right?”

  “Oh yes, I think so,” Lilly said. “I am going into Cresthaven tomorrow, I will be traveling right by her residence… I’ll send a {message carrier} to her tonight so she’s prepared.”

  “Good idea,” Rowan said.

  “Who’s Morwen?” Andy asked.

  “So,” Rowan said, “there is a great Fighter on the outskirts of the city named Morwen. She's typically more than happy to help beginners achieve their first level in Fighter. If that sounds like a good plan to you, and so long as Morwen doesn’t object, you may be able to begin your training as soon as tomorrow.”

  The rest of the evening unfolded quietly. Rowan retired and Lilly showed Andy to his room. It was a simple but comfortable suite with a small, well-made bed, a modest wooden chair, a wardrobe, and a dresser with a wash basin and towel on it, lit by an oil lamp. Lilly told him he was free to take any of the clothes or supplies in the wardrobe with him in the morning before she bowed and retired as well.

  Andy found an orange pair of pants, loose-fitting around the legs but perfectly matching his waist. It gave him free range of movement. He found a white tunic with blue floral embroidery and trimmings, as well as several fresh pairs of white cotton undergarments, shirts, and socks. He examined the available footwear until he found a pair of black canvas shoes, light and athletic, but sturdy enough to endure some wear.

  After picking out his outfit, he found a small, leather travel pack tucked away in the top shelf of the wardrobe. He placed a few pairs of undergarments, shirts, and socks in it, and laid out his tunic and pants for the next day on the small chair.

  As Andy got into bed, he imagined what lay before him. His mind began racing as he considered which weapon he would specialize in… a ranged weapon like a bow could be interesting, as would dual-wielding scimitars. On the brawnier side of things, he could opt for a longsword, or even a greataxe or greatsword. He recalled some of the heroes he had drawn in his youth, carrying swords nearly as big as their own body.

  Andy wondered how practical such a weapon would be.

  His mind began to wander as he closed his eyes. In his past life, he had never been able to get ahead. Either he was defective, the world was defective, or both. It had always seemed like a mystery… how to become excellent. But here, the rules were clear. If you worked hard to develop your skills, you’d grow more powerful.

  This world seemed to reward hard work. It seemed like an upgrade.

  He wondered, too, about Lilly and Rowan. They didn’t call him a player, they called him a “Visitor.” Clearly, they had a different understanding of this world than he did. For them, this wasn’t a simulation or a game, it was just their home. And as far as Andy could tell, they were real, sentient people with robust emotions and consciousness.

  Was he in a game, or in a new world?

  His mind wandered again to his mother. If the IT systems had been down for decades, she could be in the game... but it wasn't a sure thing, and it was a huge world. She could be on a different continent or planet for all he knew… He’d need to learn much more about this world before he could begin looking for her.

  Exhausted from the day, he fell asleep mid-thought.

  ***

  After showing the new arrival to his room, Lilly made her way back out to the patio. For some reason, {message carrier} spells tended to benefit from being cast outdoors.

  She didn’t have the spell prepared, but she had an old grimoire that would allow her to cast it as a ritual.

  She found a spot on the patio overlooking the city and paused, admiring the beauty of the vista below. It had been years since a new arrival had come. Was there something auspicious about today?

  “I’ll have to check the almanacs,” she muttered to herself as she opened the grimoire to the {message carrier} spell.

  She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, intoning the syllables inscribed in the weathered book. A small amount of magical energy flowed from her fingertips and into the ink on the page. It began to glow faintly.

  She maintained her repetitive intonations, reaching into herself to use the magicke she had in reserve. Scholars didn’t often need to use ritual magic, but Lilly relished the opportunity. She had always enjoyed the repetitive, calming quality of ritual casting.

  As her voice continued intoning, the grimoire’s ink began to flash brightly. Finally, Lilly felt a rush of magicke flow out of her and into the glyphs on the page. The glyphs then went dark as a blue, ethereal form coalesced before her. A short, blue humanoid figure with a boyish face and wings protruding from his ankles.

  “Lilly, good to see you again. What can I do for you?” the boy said in a tinny, helium-altered voice, bowing slightly before zipping into the air and doing a series of backflips. He was practically vibrating with energy.

  “Hello Ace,” Lilly said with a smile, trying to keep herself from having an anxiety attack at the ball of chaos in front of her. “I was hoping I’d get you this evening, you’re my favorite carrier.” She meant it, but she also wanted to ensure that the carrier was maximally flattered. {Message carrier} performance could… vary sometimes.

  “Aw, shucks,” said the blue spellform, settling back onto the ground and jogging in place. “Well I’m at your service up to 10 miles, and I go fastfastfast. What do you need me to say and who should I say it to?”

  “Please head to Morwen’s Grove and let Morwen know that I have a new arrival interested in taking a class rank in Fighter. I hope she’ll be available tomorrow, and willing to take on a new student.”

  The spellform closed his eyes and furrowed his brow. “Morwen’s Grove… Morwen… New student… tomorrow.”

  “Precisely,” Lilly said with a smile.

  “You got it, boss!” the spellform said. He turned around and crouched mid-air like a sprinter preparing for a race. The wings on his ankles began to flutter. Then, in an instant, he shot forward, leaving only a trail of blue light behind him.