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7. Jaeden vs. the Puzzling Box

Jaeden and Xander, still curious about the interference from their previous gaming session, track the source to the attic. Amidst the piles of old gadgets and tech, Jaeden, narrating dramatically for his stream, uncovers an ancient device. The relic, buried under dusty boxes, seems to be the origin of the anomalous signals. As they bring it down to their workspace, Jaeden uses his XR rig to perform a detailed scan, revealing the internal structure in real-time 3D.

Examining the device, Jaeden and Xander are amazed by its unusual design. Though it's decades old, it appears "future compatible" with multiple connection ports, suggesting a visionary approach to tech. Jaeden accidentally triggers the device by placing his hand on its glass surface, which lights up and greets him by name. Stunned, he realizes the screen has embedded buttons, a feature phased out long ago due to interference issues.

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The brothers can’t locate any obvious power source, and Jaeden speculates it’s using ambient energy to function. They decide to test it more fully, setting up their full XR rigs to explore the device’s capabilities. Xander is hesitant, concerned about the risk of grid shock, but Jaeden reassures him, and they agree to go in together.

Settling into recliners in the living room, they activate the device simultaneously. After a brief, dazzling visual experience, Jaeden finds himself in an infinite, white void, signaling they’ve successfully entered the system.