"Raven, you've created an avatar so overpowered that if you joined the player base at level 1 right now, you'd be treated like a boss monster, one that would require at least ten level 20 players working together just to stand a chance against you. Now, that's not a bad thing at all. After all, we gave you complete freedom to design your avatar however you wished. What's remarkable is that, out of the millions of players who purchased our game, you're only one of seven who've built a character this powerful and unique.
Because of this, we'd like to offer you a special opportunity to become part of an elite group within the game. You'd join a group of about a hundred people worldwide as a Shadow NPC. The AI that runs the NPCs relies heavily on real human behavior to make their characters feel alive and authentic. By becoming a Shadow NPC, your own actions and decisions will serve as a model to shape our other NPCS's behavior, making the game world richer and more immersive for every player.
Of course, this role comes with some responsibilities. You'll need to behave as if you don't understand any real-life terms or concepts players might mention around you, maintaining the illusion that you're a genuine part of the game world. To help with this, Terra Gaming Company will provide you with a fully developed backstory for your character, along with other resources and guidelines to study and embody your role perfectly.
And here's the best part: while working for Terra Gaming Company, you'll be paid $100,000 a month for your efforts. However, to take on this position, you will need to move to a Terra Facility equipped with specialized Shadow NPC gaming capsules designed to support your unique connection to the game. You'll need to sign a three-month contract, which gives you a chance to experience this new role fully. After that period, if you decide it's not the right fit, you're free to leave without any obligation."
"Im pretty I want to say yes on the spot, but I would have to rent a moving truck and clear out my apartment to move things etc, would you be able to help with that? Also, I mean I know I created a bad ass character but how do you know that, I just finished creating her?"
"Well, when the AI that monitors character creations scanned your finalized avatar, it immediately set off several red flags. It flagged your stats as way beyond what a level 1 player should have. That alert went straight to my supervisor, who then asked me to reach out to you personally." He said with a somewhat straight face, even though his lips kept trying to curl into a grin.
"Well, can I see my stats then, after all, they are what started this?"
A grin immediately took over his face as he summoned a large golden status sheet and started to narrate my status sheet and the craziness of it.
|Name: Raven Silver|
|Gender: Female|
|Species: Umbra Vitae|
|Titles: Shadow NPC (Hidden)|
|Job: Shadow NPC (Hidden)|
|Level: 1|
|Exp: 0/200|
|HP: 500/500|
|MP: 1000/1000|
|Rank: S|
|Threat Level: Extreme|
|Str: 45|
|Con: 50|
|Agi: 60|
|Int: 85|
|Chr: 70|
|Luck: 10|
|Will: 90|
|Attribute Points: 100|
|Inventory: 0/1000|
"Your physical attributes alone, dual hearts, mythrilshade skeleton, vineglass silk muscles, an aetherthread nervous system, and retractable wings, are extraordinary. And your magic abilities, innate skills, are next-level." The man said, his grin twitching a bit.
"Phoenix Rewrite (Regeneration): This skill, inspired by the Time Lords from Doctor Who, lets you instantly resurrect upon (instant) death by returning you to the character creation chamber. You keep all your skills and magic, but you'll have to recreate your avatar's appearance each time.
Shadow Step: Instantly teleport short distances through shadows—great for evading or surprising enemies.
Quill Barrage: Launch razor-sharp quills from your wings as ranged magical or physical attacks.
Mana Channeling: Optimizes mana flow to make your magic stronger and more efficient.
Enhanced Perception: Heightens your senses and magical awareness beyond normal limits."
"We gave players free rein to customize their avatars however they wished, but just your 'Time Lord' ability, Phoenix Rewrite, is seriously overpowered. The fact that you built such a well-rounded and powerful avatar is both awe-inspiring and a little terrifying."
"That's why we're inviting you to join our Shadow NPC program. Your avatar isn't just strong, it's perfect for making our NPCs feel truly alive and complex. And we will definitely craft an awesome background for your character, I know the boys in narrative development are already debating whether to make you a boss monster, a wise sage, a wandering quest giver… or maybe all three." He said with a grin, he seemed to really be looking forward to what my character would become If I decided to join, which I'm 99.99999999% sure I will.
Don't worry, we'll help you with everything you need to move to the Terra Facility and get started smoothly. We can have a moving truck to your place within the hour if you agree to become a Shadow NPC."
"Well, where do I sign?" I answered with a matching grin.