by Terry Schott
“That’s right.” Isaac tapped the picture and shook his head. “This used to be a full page ad in many of the comic books I read as a kid. I would look at this and want to buy a kit, have a little family of creatures like this living on my bookshelf. It’s one of the first things I ever spent my money on. Paid twenty dollars and sent away for the kit. I was so excited.”
Xander pushed the picture back at Isaac. “I’m guessing the sea monkeys did not look like this.”
“You’re right.” Isaac frowned. “I followed the instructions, poured the packet of sea monkeys into the water and waited. A few days later, I saw them.” He shook his head. “Tiny little squiggly things crawling around in the water. My dad said they were called brine shrimp. Disgusting little creatures.”
“Not what you were hoping for.”
“I flushed them down the toilet.”
Xander laughed.
“I’m glad I ordered them, though. I’ve never wanted to be one of those companies that promises one thing and delivers another. And we never have.”
“That’s true.”
Isaac leaned forward, his expression serious. “Xander, I’d like to offer you a beta account for the new VR Blades.”
“That’s kind of you.” Xander shook his head, “But it’s not allowed. My status as a professional gamer excludes me from playing until it is available to the public.”
“I know it says something to that effect in your contract.”
Xander laughed. “It’s a core clause. I break that and I’m permanently kicked from the league.”
Isaac raised an eyebrow.
“It’s not worth it, Mr. Chase.”
“Isaac.”
“But thank you for the offer.”
Isaac nodded. They sat quietly for a few seconds. Then he reached into his desk and removed a contract.
“What’s that?”
“A way around the rule.”
“Is that possible?”
“Of course. It’s my game, Xander. I can modify the rules.”
Isaac pushed the contract closer to the professional gamer. “Take it to your agent, to your lawyer. Tell them that it is the only contract of its kind and I am willing to abide by it for you, only. If they agree, then sign it.”
Xander took the contract and skimmed it. His eyes narrowed and he looked up. “Okay. I’ll have them take a look. If it’s legal—”
“Then you’ll play?”
Xander nodded. “Then I’ll play.”
7
Shale leaned back in her chair and swallowed the last bite of crème brûlée. “Mmm.” She smiled. “That was delicious. Who would guess that making it with earl grey tea would add such a cool flavour?”
Aleron tapped his own plate with his fork. “Want another bite of my cheesecake?”
She sat up straighter and nodded. “Please.”
He cut the remaining cheesecake in half, then laughed as her fork came streaking in to snag one. She chewed slowly and closed her eyes. “So delicious.”
Aleron finished the last bite and wiped his mouth before reaching for his coffee. “This week has been awesome. Thank you so much.”
Shale lifted her tea cup and winked. “My pleasure, studly. I’m glad you finally relaxed enough to enjoy the tour.”
He nodded. The first day of her visit had been difficult, but she had convinced him to relax and enjoy himself. After that, the rest of the week had flown by in a flash of activities and meals. She had wanted to see all the sights, and he had made sure to do just that. They had flown on a helicopter tour around the city, travelled to the tallest buildings, visited historical landmarks, and sampled some of the best food around. “I’m serious, Shale. This has honestly been the best week of my entire life.”
“It’s right up there for me too.”
He laughed. “Yeah, right.”
She frowned. “I mean it, Aleron.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve done a lot of cool things, but spending the week with you—having you plan and arrange the entire thing—this has been beyond fantastic.”
“Too bad it has to end.”
Shale grinned. “Who says it does?”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember I told you that I had a surprise?”
“Yeah, that you were coming to visit for the week.”
She laughed. “I told you I was coming to visit, and that I had a surprise.”
“How come you didn’t tell me sooner?”
“So we could enjoy ourselves.”
“There’s nothing you can say that would have made me not enjoy this week.”
Laughter again.
“Is it bad news?”
“Not at all.”
Aleron frowned. “Can you tell me what it is now?”
“Yep.” She leaned back and crossed her arms, a wide smile on her face and her eyes sparkling.
He waited for a second, then raised his eyebrows. “Well?”
“Blades VR.”
“What about it?”
“Big investors get a beta account.”
“Yeah.”
She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows.
He frowned for a moment, then his eyes widened. “Oh my god. Your dad is an investor?”
She nodded. “And?”
“And you get to go in and play on a beta account.”
She clapped her hands and squealed.
“Oh wow, Shale. That is beyond amazing.”
“Exciting, right?”
“You have no idea.” He shook his head and laughed. “Or I guess you totally have the idea.” He stood and moved to hug her. “Wow. Did I already say wow? This is insane. When do you start playing?”
“Tuesday.”
He settled back in his chair. “My mind is spinning. Think of all the advance info you’re gonna be able to get. This is such a huge advantage for when the game goes public.”
“Right?”
“Wow. Seriously, Shale, I couldn’t be any happier if I tried.”
“You sure?”
He nodded. “I know it’s gonna be difficult, but try your best to remember as many details as you can. I’m gonna want to hear all about it when you come back out.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Of course I will. How long does beta go? Will I have to wait days to hear from you or weeks?”
“Neither.”
“It goes longer?”
She laughed. “They say it lasts for a few weeks.”
“Then I’ll hear from you in a few weeks.”
“Nope.”
He frowned. “Why not?”
She smiled.
“What?”
“I haven’t given you the best news yet.”
“Of course you have. What could be better than playing Blades VR beta?”
“Great question. What could be better?”
“Nothing.”
She laughed again and he frowned, considering the question. “Seriously, there’s nothing better than hearing you’re gonna be playing.”
“What if I said that you’ll be playing as well?”
Aleron scowled. “Well, yeah. That would be beyond awes—” He froze.
She raised an eyebrow. “There it is.”
He frowned.
“It’s starting to dawn on him now.”
He tilted his head and squinted at her.
“My dad invested enough to get two beta accounts.”
Aleron’s mouth opened and closed without making any sound.
“He has zero interest in playing.”
“But—”
“I always talk about you. Dad says he feels as if he knows you, like you’re part of the family.”
“That’s kind but, Shale, there’s no way I could ever accept such a gift.” Aleron shook his head. “Two million dollars…”
“We don’t expect you to pay us two million, silly.” She laughed. “He didn’t invest in ARC Gaming for the beta accounts. It was a business dec
ision and he’s already made millions from it. Once Blades VR goes live, he’ll make even more.”
He looked at her, not knowing what to say.
Shale grinned. “So, yeah. I’m going to play Blades VR. And you’re gonna join me. That sinking in?”
He smiled. “Oh my god. This is gonna be epic.”
8
Character customization in Blades VR is different from every other game.
Instead of a high degree of customizability, the player’s character will have a preset appearance which cannot be altered.
Some have complained about this, while others feel that it adds to the realism to the gaming experience.
Why has this restriction been created? Because as a player you inhabit, or ‘take over’ an existing life-form within the game. Each character has already lived years inside the digital world of Preu Treya, building a backstory that is unique and genuine to the game world.
Should you select a male dwarf of the warrior class, then your consciousness will enter the body of a young dwarf who has lived from birth to late teens and is now eligible to begin his training as a warrior.
Gaming News Weekly – “An Inside Look at Blades VR with Tonya Ropkin”
Kara rapped on Isaac’s open door. “Got a minute?”
He looked up from his computer and squinted at her. “I assume it can’t wait?”
She shook her head, shut the door behind her, and took a seat across from him.
Isaac turned to face her. “What’s up?”
“Xander Vallenhall.”
“Nice kid.”
“He is. We’ve got a slight problem with him.”
“Will it affect his ability to be immersed?”
She snorted. “Yeah.”
“What is it?”
“Before the beta testers enter, they receive orientation to prepare them.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“Xander wasn’t given any.”
Isaac narrowed his eyes. “I see.”
“It must have been an oversight. Can we push his immersion back by a couple days and schedule the sessions?”
“No.”
Kara frowned. “Pardon?”
“He has to go in tomorrow.”
“But he isn’t prepared.”
Isaac turned toward his monitor. “He’s the best Blades player in the world, Kara. I’m sure that his play will go splendidly.”
“The VR version is very different from the PC, Isaac. He might be the best at one, but without orientation, he doesn’t stand a chance of succeeding in there.”
His fingers stopped typing on the keyboard. He pursed his lips together.
“You know I’m right.”
“I don’t.”
“But—”
“He’ll figure it out, Kara.”
She frowned. “No. I don’t think he will.”
Isaac leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “We are in the beta testing stage of the game, Kara. The experience of each player is to help us improve the game and make certain that it’s as perfect as possible before the thing goes wide.”
“So you’re telling me that keeping Xander one hundred percent in the dark is being done on purpose.”
“That’s right.”
“You want him to fail.”
Isaac laughed. “Not at all.”
Kara closed her eyes.
“Look. He’ll be fine.”
“I don’t agree.”
“You’ve made that clear.”
“This isn’t a game, Isaac.”
More laughter. “Of course it is.”
“He could die.”
Isaac made a tsking sound and shook his head. “You’re being dramatic.”
Kara considered him for a moment, then stood. “All right. You’re the boss.”
“How kind of you to remember.”
“Will we be sending anyone else in this way?”
“Depends on how well Xander does.”
“I’m calling it a night.”
“See ya tomorrow.”
***
Isaac knocked on the door and pushed it open, a smile on his face as he entered the room and stood beside the table where Xander was lying. The world gaming champion was bare-chested, covered from the waist down by a thin white sheet. Tubes and sensors had been attached to various spots on his torso and skull.
Isaac touched his shoulder. “Excited to get in there?”
Xander started to nod but winced as cables tugged his head. “I sure am.”
“Good.”
“I’m not sure what to expect.”
“Don’t worry.” Isaac patted him on the chest. “A guide will meet you inside and show you the basics. Piece of cake after that for a pro like yourself.”
“I don’t know. Everyone says that the VR game is very different from the PC version?
“I’m sure you’ll see the similarities quick enough. Few have your skill. No biggie.”
Xander reached up and rubbed his eyelid. “Okay.”
“I bet you’ll be leading the Death Strykers in no time.”
“Is that what you’d like me to focus on?”
“Not unless you want to. For the most part, all I want is for you to play the game as hard as you can and have fun. Immerse yourself in the virtual world and play for all you’re worth. Still, knowing what I do about you, I’m guessing you will try and level through the Death Stryker ranks and become their Primus.”
Xander nodded. “Yeah, that will be my goal for sure.”
Isaac laughed. “I figured. Now as soon as you enter, you’ll appear in a small white room. That’s where you will meet your guide and get started.”
“Thanks, Mr. Chase.”
“Isaac.”
“Thanks, Isaac. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity.”
“I’m glad you agreed to give it a try.” He stepped back and raised his right fist to eye level, then spoke the traditional war cry of the Death Strykers. “Victory through death.”
Xander smiled. “Victory through death.”
Isaac nodded at the medical attendant, who came forward and placed a black mask over Xander’s mouth and nose. “We will begin immersion now, Xander. Close your eyes, relax, and count backward from ten to zero.”
Isaac heard the gamer mumble the numbers through the mask. When he reached four, there was silence. “Is he in?”
The attendant removed the mask from Xander’s face, placed two fingers against the gamer’s throat, then nodded. “He is.”
Isaac exited the room and pulled out his cell phone. He dialled a number and placed it to his ear. “I just came from Xander Vallenhall’s room. Immersion is complete.”
He listened to the voice on the other end of the line and stopped at the elevator, pressing the button to summon it. “That’s right.” He smiled. “Consider him permanently removed from the world of professional e-sports.”
9
Ezref pressed a thumb against the skin of the fruit, then raised it to his nose, sniffing before nodding and placing it in the basket.
“Those are from the Smightly’s place,” the vendor said. “They had an excellent season with their crops. You can expect fruit like that for the rest of the winter, young master.”
Ezref nodded and reached for a plump tomato.
“How’s things at the tower?” The vendor reached for a basket of cucumbers and began sorting through them.
“Same as always.” Ezref placed the tomato into his basket and plucked two small onions from a nearby pile.
“Haven’t seen any big storms, lately.”
“You’re complaining?”
“No, not at all.” The vendor smiled. “Last month there was a lot of storms over there. Figured your master must be working on something big, but now there’s none.”
“He has changed focus of late.”
“Ah, yes. The attack.”
Ezref frowned and looked up from the vegetables. “What attack?”
<
br /> “You haven’t heard? There was a tribe of goblins causing trouble near the Geminen place. Killed six livestock and one of their dogs.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Aye.”
“Was the village militia able to scare them off?”
“They were set to try, but a group of adventurers was passing through and they volunteered to take care of things for us.”
“I see.” Ezref reached for an orange and pretended to examine it, but scanned the square instead.
“They sent their ranger out to track the evil buggers while the rest of the party gears up in the village. Apparently the buggers are hard to find when they’re raiding. Tough to see ‘em until they strike.”
“They like to tunnel.”
“What’s that?”
“Goblins.” Ezref set his basket in front of the vendor and tapped it. “They tunnel underground which makes them tricky to find.”
“Huh. I didn’t know that. Thanks for the information.”
“My pleasure. This is all I need today.”
The vendor accepted the silver coin from Ezref and handed him back three coppers. He dropped the coins into his leather purse and tucked it into the fold of his robe. “Good luck with the goblins. I hope the heroes are successful.”
“Thanks.” The vendor bent down and placed a basket of vegetables on an empty section of his stall. “I expect one of them will be knockin’ on your door today or the next.”
Ezref frowned. “Why?”
“One of them is a crafter. He needs spell components and whatnot and was asking if there were someplace to buy what he needed.”
Ezref raised an eyebrow and gave the vendor a flat stare. “And you told him that would be at my master’s tower?”
“Well, no.” He shook his head. “I didn’t. But someone did.”
“Where is this group of adventurers?”
“They are staying at the Floating Cork.”
“And their crafter, you’ve seen him?”
