ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝟛: 𝔑𝔢𝔲𝔯𝔬𝔇𝔯𝔦𝔣𝔱 ℌ𝔢𝔩𝔪𝔢𝔱

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The sun had barely risen over the horizon when Eevi Heikkinen left for work, the early morning light casting long shadows across the front yard.

Their house stood on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, surrounded by snow-dusted pines and open fields that stretched as far as the eye could see—a spacious, well-built home that spoke of a comfortable life earned through years of hard work.

Noel had been successful in his career, accumulating enough wealth to ensure that he and his family could live securely without worrying about the future. He no longer needed to work, but Eevi, despite their financial stability, was driven by more than money.

As a professor specializing in ethics at the University of Lapland, she valued her profession deeply and couldn’t imagine giving it up, especially when her work focused on the consequences of emerging technologies—concerns that made her especially wary of things like the Neurodrift helmet.

Before heading out, Eevi kissed Noel on the forehead and ruffled Leon’s hair, her touch filled with the tenderness of a well-worn routine. “Have a good day, both of you,” she called out, her voice warm and comforting.

Noel watched her leave, a small smile surfacing on his lips. He admired her dedication and strength, knowing how much she balanced between work and home.

Despite the comfort their financial stability provided, Eevi never eased up, driven by a passion for her work and a deep sense of purpose. She valued contributing in her own way, something Noel respected more than he often expressed.

Once she was gone, the house seemed to expand in its quietness. The high ceilings and wide rooms felt vast yet empty, the echoes of past conversations lingering faintly in the stillness.

Noel wheeled himself toward his room but stopped midway, his mind drifting back to the conversation they’d had during breakfast. Leon’s description of the game had sparked a curiosity in him that he couldn’t quite shake.

With a determined look, he called out to his son. They both made their way upstairs, a process made easier by a special track system installed in the house—a sleek, automated lift that smoothly carried Noel’s wheelchair along a railing.

The chair itself was equipped with a control panel, a set of buttons allowing Noel to move effortlessly throughout the house. It was one of several modifications made to accommodate his mobility needs, ensuring he could access every part of the home despite his limitations.

Leon led the way, his thin frame moving quietly ahead as they reached the upper floor. The house was large by any standard, its rooms spacious and filled with light—a contrast to the often dim and overcast days typical in northern Finland. Yet even with its size, the home had a certain warmth, a coziness born from familiar routines and shared memories.

They made their way to Leon’s room. The space was dim, with no windows to let in natural light, instead bathed in a soft glow from the RGB lighting subtly embedded in every corner.

The shifting colors highlighted the array of gaming gear—an elaborate setup complete with a high-end PC, multiple monitors, a PlayStation, and more. The room was a carefully crafted retreat, designed entirely for immersion, a world of Leon’s own making.

Noel hadn’t been inside for a while, but it was clear how much the room had transformed—a paradise for someone who had chosen to live online rather than offline.

Noel smiled faintly, a mix of nostalgia and curiosity in his eyes. He couldn’t help but think about how different his son’s life was from his own growing up. While Leon was surrounded by high-end gear and a setup tailored perfectly to his interests, Noel had grown up in a lower-middle-class household, without the resources to chase his passions until much later in life.

He had to fight hard to convince his parents to let him pursue a career in racing, building his dreams piece by piece when he was well into adulthood. Seeing Leon in his element, surrounded by everything he cared about, brought a quiet satisfaction alongside the bittersweet memories of his own struggles.

Noel brushed those memories aside, refocusing on why he was there.

“So, how exactly does this game work?” he asked, curiosity lacing his tone. “You just put on the helmet, and that’s it? You see through the goggles and hear everything through the headphones?”

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Leon gave a small, knowing smile. “It’s not that simple—it’s way more immersive than just visuals and sound. When I said you wouldn’t believe it unless you tried it yourself, I meant it. Just give me a second—I’ll grab a spare helmet.”

He walked over to the wardrobe and opened the top shelf, revealing five neatly packed boxes labeled Neurodrift Helmet with the sleek branding of the F.U.T.U.R.E. Conglomerate. He pulled out one and brought it to his father.

Noel’s eyebrows lifted as he took in the sight of multiple helmets lined up in the wardrobe. His voice was calm but tinged with curiosity. “What’s with all the helmets? Did you really need so many? And does your mom know about this?”

Leon’s gaze dropped, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face. “I bought them with the money I earned in the game.”

Noel’s brow furrowed as he shook his head. “It’s not about the money. But why so many? I’ve heard F.U.T.U.R.E.’s products are top-notch—one or two would do the job, don’t you think?”

Leon fidgeted for a moment, his fingers nervously tracing the edge of the helmet box. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. “I got them so that maybe one day you and Mom could play with me.”

Noel’s expression softened, a mix of surprise and something deeper—an ache he hadn’t fully acknowledged in years. He hadn’t realized just how much Leon wanted them to be part of the world he felt connected to, a place where he didn’t feel so alone.

Memories flickered through his mind—how they used to spend hours together, playing video games, board games, or even just kicking a ball around the yard. Those moments had once been the heartbeat of their bond.

But after the accident that took his legs, those days became a distant memory. The weight of that loss had pulled Noel inward, turning him into a shadow of the man he used to be, more of a fixture in the house than an active part of it.

He realized, painfully, that if he’d found a way to heal emotionally sooner, maybe their relationship wouldn’t have grown so distant. Yet, despite the time lost, there was still a chance—better late than never. The thought of rekindling that connection, even if it was through a virtual world, filled him with a quiet determination. Perhaps in that shared space, he could start to mend what had frayed between them and find a way back to the closeness they once had.

Noel wheeled himself closer as Leon carefully cut open the box, revealing the sleek, futuristic device nestled inside. The Neurodrift helmet was light and compact, its design sleek and refined, as though crafted straight out of a high-end sci-fi film. Its surface was smooth, contoured to fit snugly around the head with perfect ergonomic precision. The padding inside looked almost organic, designed to mold seamlessly to the wearer’s head, offering both comfort and a sense of immersion.

Despite its advanced tech, the helmet had a minimalist elegance, as if every detail was purposefully designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The streamlined shape, the matte finish that seemed to absorb light just right—it all contributed to a device that was as much a work of art as it was a piece of technology.

Noel ran his fingers along the surface, appreciating the way it effortlessly balanced functionality with aesthetic appeal. The helmet wasn’t just a piece of equipment; it was a gateway into another world, crafted with a precision that made it feel both inviting and awe-inspiring.

“So, how does this thing work?” Noel asked, still trying to wrap his head around the advanced tech in his hands.

Leon grinned, his enthusiasm ever so slightly bubbling over as he began to explain. “It’s pretty simple, but there’s more to it than just putting on the helmet. First, you’ll need to lie down—”

“Lie down?” Noel interrupted, eyebrows raised.

“Yeah,” Leon nodded. “Once it’s activated, it puts you to sleep in seconds. Your consciousness drifts straight into the game. The helmet connects directly to your neural network for full immersion.”

Noel’s expression shifted, half intrigued, half wary. “Connects to my neural network? That sounds… intense.”

“It does, but trust me, it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds,” Leon reassured him. “Once you’re in, it’s all pretty intuitive. You start with character customization—not much to tweak, just some basics.”

“Okay, and then?” Noel asked, trying to follow.

“Then, there’s a quick tutorial on how to manage your status screen and a brief introduction to your randomly generated Innate Talent,” Leon continued. “After that, you’re dropped into a survival scenario. You might find yourself in a jungle or some deserted wasteland. The main objective is to adapt and survive. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it fun.”

Noel took it in, still trying to piece it together. “Status screens and Innate Talents, huh? I’m not sure I get it yet.”

Leon smiled. “You will once you’re in there. It’s not something you can fully grasp until you experience it firsthand.”