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⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.
On a day like any other, you're checking your email when one in particular catches your eye. We invite you to Fragment, the subject line reads, and the sender is a name everyone is familiar with: CyberConnect Corporation.
It doesn't matter whether you signed up for Fragment's closed beta months ago or simply found the mysterious email sitting in your inbox. The fact remains that you are one of the select few chosen to participate, and in a word gone fully digital, you can't afford to turn down such an opportunity.
Those who accepted the invitation were given much more than a free pass to beta test the latest and greatest MMO. Upon confirming their participation, employees of C.C. Corp arrive at their homes and outfit them with top-of-the-line internet — a must to play such an advanced game — a brand new PC, and a state-of-the-art VR headset created by C.C. Corp themselves specifically for this beta test. You may call it excessive. They call it necessary.
When the morning of July 29th rolls around, you're finally able to access Fragment and create your character. By default, your avatar resembles your real world appearance, but naturally you're able to fully customize your look from head to toe. Want green skin? You got it. What about twintails that stretch down to the floor? You won't have to worry about those clipping through your armor in a game as advanced as Fragment. The sky is truly the limit!
Once you've settled on your avatar's appearance and class, you log into your home Root Rown: Mac Anu, a city forever at twilight with a series of canals snaking through it. It's done up in a series of flowing banners and balloons, glitter and confetti carried along by a gentle breeze you can feel along your cheeks.
Players are given some time to wander around the Root Town and acquaint themselves with the feeling of being fully immersed in a digital fantasy world, but after some time, a soft, playful voice echoes all across the Root Town.
When everyone gathers for the meeting, they're greeted by the cheerful face and pitchy voice of an enthusiastic young boy. Unlike you, a level 1 newbie without a single GP to your name, targeting the boy reveals a few things: his name is Zelkova and he's level 100. Huh. Is he cheating? Maybe he's someone important?
In either case, you'll have your answer when Zelkova begins to speak, sweeping his arms out wide to greet all the new beta testers.
With a wave of his arms, a table pops into existence before Zelkova. Sprawled out on the table is an immaculate collection of... shabby level one weapons and equipment. Yikes. What, did you think you'd be fabulous from the jump? That's not how MMOs work!
Zelkova encourages everyone to step up and grab the set (or sets, if you're an Adept Rogue) to outfit themselves.
YOUR NEW ARMOR AWAITS.
Blade Brandier:
Rusted Blade 
Leather Cap 
Ugly Cuirass 
Deft Gloves 
Worn BootsTwin Blade:
Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsWavemaster:
Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesMacabre Dancer:
Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesEdge Punisher:
Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsFlick Reaper:
Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsHarvest Cleric:
Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesLord Partizan:
Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsShadow Warlock:
Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesSteam Gunner:
Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsTribal Grappler:
Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsIt's... not very impressive, sure, but beginner sets in MMOs never are. Better get dungeon crawling if you want to step up your glamor game.
What better way to celebrate your acceptance into Fragment's prestigious beta program than a blowout party? Every inch of Mac Anu is decked out for the occasion, and once everyone has picked up their armor, Zelkova's armory disappears to reveal a vast banquet table piled high with food, drink, and party favors.
There's cuisine from every corner of the world just waiting to be devoured, and what's more, you'll taste the food like you're really eating it! Zero calories never tasted better. The drinks work much the same way, and there's even alcohol that will get you drunk in no time flat. Take it easy on the cocktails!
Still, maybe you're not feeling adequately dressed for the occasion. Never fear! There are a set of armor skins to pick from. Feeling a bit peckish? Dress up as a vegetable. If veggies aren't your style, how about this sleek little number? Those are just a few of the silly party costumes available for the occasion, and when it's time to depart, Zelkova will graciously allow you to keep your favorite skin to wear whenever you please.
Finally, don't forget to pick up some party favors! There's a foam weapon that, when equipped, takes the form of your class' weapon of choice... but what does it do, exactly? Well, hit another avatar with it and find out for yourself. There are also an array of paint ball guns, nerf guns, and water guns for use in Root Towns. Pick up one of each! Be the annoying friend no one wants to invite on a dungeon run.
Before you leave, Zelkova hands you a Greeting Card that can be emailed to anyone on your friend list. "Try sending it to one of the new friends you made today! I promise they'll love it! Oh... but be careful not to accidentally send it to someone too."
⬣ Zelkova, this level one armor sucks! I want better stuff!
"Don't worry, new player! Better equipment is a button press away! Well... after you earn it. Why don't you give Area Exploration a try?"
⬣ I'm a social butterfly ready to spread my wings and take flight on the winds of friendship! Can I start a guild?"Heehee... About that! This is a beta, you know? We're still getting stuff ready! Maybe if you wait patiently, you'll be able to form and join guilds in... a week from now. While you're waiting, make some friends! You'll need guild members!"
⬣ I hate walking! My feet hurt! I want something that will do all the hard work of moving around for me!"What? Your feet hurt...? Turn off the pain sensors in your feet! As for alternative travel methods... well, there are "those"... Oh, that's a great idea! Give me some time and I'll see about finding some Grunties for all of us!"
⬣ How can I communicate with other players? I want to stay in the loop!"Great question! That's what the official forums are for! You can ask for help, search for parties, share interesting discoveries you've made and just about anything else on your mind! Give it a try, but be careful: the head admin is kind of a grump... but you didn't hear that from me, hehe!"
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[ Unless they totally beef it in a dungeon, but that's something to worry about when it actually happens. ]
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You ever fight anything before? Because uh... I haven't.
[ unless it has to do with card games. then yeah. but like... ]
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[ And he probably shouldn't be so enthused over it, but it's fine. ]
I'll turn off the pain sensors and hope for the best, honestly.
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[ the idea of getting smacked around and feeling it seems... crazy???
... ]
I guess it'd certainly increase the stakes, huh. And add some risk.
[ ... ]
Yeah, okay. Me too.
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[ He didn’t, actually, but he’s amused anyway. ]
It’s low stakes combat training… well, with magic included.
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[ hey. pain tolerance is a thing, right? ]
... it doesn't mean I won't take risks.
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[ He smiles a little. ]
But if you do something cool, I'd like to see it.
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[ doesn't hurt to pick up a new fan/friend. ]
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[ He laughs softly as he opens up the menu to send a friend request. ]
We'll have to party up often, then.
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Sure. I plan on pretty much being online all the time.
[ falling asleep in the game is probably okay. right??? ]
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...Please take a few breaks every day. Especially to eat and sleep.
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[ kinda sorta. probably. ]
I can at least guarantee I won't be on the news for it.
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[ Or is it because he's a total shut-in...? Look, he knows the kind of people who play these games. ]
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he smiles modestly. ]
Yeah. It'll be like when I was back in school, only more fun.
[ yeah. like that??? ]
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Fai frowns as he brings a hand up to his chin. ]
What was it like when you were in school?
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[ lot of time studying. unhealthy habits. at least now he goes outside like, maybe once or twice a week? the sun and him aren't enemies?? they're not friends tho ]
... but I thought it'd be more fun to make a hobby a job.
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[ It's what he chose to do, after all. ]
Ah, but be sure to take breaks so you don't get burnt out.
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[ he offers a hint of a smile. he's a nice guy, this one. not that he has to surround himself with friendly people, but it does make things easier. right? ]
You better do the same.
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I will! I haven't felt burnout creep up on me just yet, but I know I'll take things easy when it does. Maybe I'll even take a vacation.
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[ it's nice to be looked after. there's no limit to people like those in a life, right? ]
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You do have a good point... the city almost feels like some European cities I've visited.
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[ he's kind of convincing himself at the same time. ]
I haven't been in Europe in a long, long while. I think I was like...
[ holds out a hand and then lowers it. ]
... this tall or something.
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Don't remember how old you were, hmm? I moved from Norway when I was young, so I mostly travelled then. I barely remember a lot of it, but Venice stuck in my memory.
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[ he sighs, rubbing his shoulder. ]
Maybe after this beta test, I'll go back to a few of my childhood homes. See if they changed at all.
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[ There's always something sad about going back home to see things have changed, but maybe it'll be nice too. ]
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