Alpha [ α ] / Beta [ β ] / Gamma [ γ ] / Delta [ Δ ] / Omega [ Ω ].

  Aftar remembered those symbols clearly. He saw them in a fade to black after creating his character while connecting to the global server of “Monsters World.” He could also remember the message that came next, one with much more impact. Those strange words... for a moment, he doubted their veracity. Perhaps it was a joke, as this trope was very popular in the collective consciousness. So many works with this same plot... But the logout button was blacked out, blocked by the system. He then looked at his interface, because there was a symbol that he didn't remember from the beta: Ω. It wasn't a buff or debuff, it was a tag. Its text: “ Omega Warlord ”

  “Damn, man. What a mess I've gotten myself into... Have I really been chosen to be one of those fucking captains?” thought our warlord aloud, crossing his arms as the holographic interface closed. Aftar's avatar was not human, but a short-legged demon of simian proportions. With blue skin and red eyes, he inspired a certain terror, which was only fitting, as he was embodying a [ Night Terror | Dark ], an [ R3 | Rare ] monster.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  At least he already knew pretty well where he was: Biscuit Island. It was named that by the community because of its curious shape, as it looked like a round biscuit on a green plate. But of course, as it is a fairly well-known place, there are probably more players in the vicinity. His plan was to form a civilization, a kingdom under his control, as they used to do in the closed beta: a community controlled by the players, role-playing as different monster citizens. But now this was no longer a game, because now anyone could be his enemy. Thinking about this, our demon looked at his hands, whose fingers were tipped with powerful claws. Will he be up to it? Not that he has a choice, though, as he felt a rush of adrenaline while clenching his fists.

  “I'm not going to screw it up this time.”

  Aftar then began to move, using his extendable arms as grappling hooks, swinging from tree to tree. He knew the best place to start, but he had to do it quickly. Otherwise, they would get ahead of him.

  The server's “Early Game” had begun.