Earth Time (IRT): Day 7.5
Ethos: Day 15
News Outlets: Scrolling banner: Asura of the gaming world Ethos expected in second live interview @ 8pm Eastern Standard Time.
This busy schedule has the the days blurring by. I work every day to improve my skills i.e. not have my ass kicked. I constantly cycle my power and essence to increase my stamina in that area. I get better at making invisible shields to keep most attacks from cutting me. I still miss blocks, take punches to my head or I miss a leg sweep... whatever, everyday I end up taking a beating and landing on my ass.
I notice my self-healing improving. Glad to see that focusing my thoughts during meditation is working. But, my stupid lizard mount is a pain in the ass. Fucking lizards crossed with a cat.
My valiant steed, ‘Liz’, purposely rolls me in water by pretending to drink. Sneaky bitch slowly walks into the water as she drinks. Then she drops for a roll. I end up scrambling out of the saddle so the damn beast doesn’t squish me. After having spent several days riding in wet clothes, I am learning this as one of her favorite tricks.
Another trick is hopping when she runs. She bucks her hind end and I go over her head. Callisto or Effrion chase the damn thing down so I can remount. Of course, these two think Liz’s antics hilarious. I don’t, but I am determined to prove my dominance over that irritating beast.
After our lunches we spend time with Ishtar and discuss the current politics within the demon ranks. Discuss the gossip circulating about myself and the future endeavors to recruit FIs to the elder races. On that note, I haven’t received another message from Ms. Harb, the bitch. But, Peter’s information finally pops up in my contacts as approved.
I can’t wait for the Ethos test phase to finish. Then I will have access to the FI game mechanics. I send Peter a message for news about the game and of the AIs asking for digital migrants... crazy. I bet the corporation reads all of my emails while I am still in the test phase. Oh well, can’t be helped and I don’t blame them, I am an employee until the official game launch. It's not like I need to do anything but stay alive and prove that humans can live here. They aren’t too concerned if they sent the other three test participants in-game and ahead of schedule.
I learn more about my three mentors. Slowly wild stories about their youth come out and I stay in perpetual shock at Ishtar’s antics, even Effrion’s but I know that Callisto’s are all true. He is too damn wild for them not to be. I also learn of several noble women chasing after each of them. Not Callisto so much, but Effrion and Ishtar are higher up the social ladder.
It seems they are the ‘most wanted’ bachelors. With Ishtar, a certain noble woman chases other women away. They refer to her as “The Countess”. As the highest ranking single noblewoman she believes Ishtar is hers... no matter what. These tidbits have the men rolling their eyes and laughing.
We discuss little about the other champions and their respective races. This is frustrating me because I want to arrange a meeting. I want to find out their strengths, fighting style, how they feel about the whole situation. Hell, thoughts about the way forward. Learn from each other.
And during this blur of time, Callisto and I find time away to train my succubus powers or have tremendous hot sex. He is mischievous, sensual and considerate in his lovemaking. Callisto enjoys my ability to reflect sensations and feelings into our sexual interaction. We explore my ability to project images into a lover’s mind. Callisto doesn’t wait for me to call him and doesn’t confine our sexual liaisons to the caverns. He loves the outdoors is all I can say.
More important is learning the Elder Races truly except all sensual and sexual experiences as a given. There isn’t shame in the acts between consenting beings, it is enjoyment. My mentors have others they sleep with and I am not bothered. This isn’t a bad gig; the whole succubi thing. It’s training I now gladly look forward to. Hell, just the dominance fights with our auras is hot as hell. I can use this against higher powers and it’s stupid to ignore it.
The nights spent at the Warehouse are glorious. Training with the new thieves is a challenge. I start by consistently losing, but I grow in my skills. I progress fast. I am powerful compared to the other new thieves. Jumping through the air from one landing to another, scaling inclines with only my fingers, and various methods to move from one level to another ends up becoming a rush. The thrill of the chase and showing off my skills as they progress is its own high. I improve my boosting technique for propelling myself and learn to enhance my fingers and toes holds. The finger and toes ‘sticky’ enhancement improves my grip of various surfaces. I feel like I am ripping off Spiderman... but who cares? If sticky Spiderman skills fail... I have my bubble.
My bubble turns into its own game at the Warehouse. The thieves purposely put me into situations to push me past my maximum abilities. If I have to use the bubble, then a game of catch the bubble starts and I end up bounced all over the place because they won’t stop to let me out. This usually leads to several rounds of shots in celebration of a crazy evening.
Now it's fifteen days into my new life and I have another interview coming up. I am glad the corporation gave me a full week in-game prior to this next interview. But, Pete’s message is disturbing and exciting. The potential FIs are pushing for negotiations to the lands of their choice. The other three test subjects’ reports have everyone screaming to take part in the game... now. It frustrates gamers with the lack of information of game mechanics and the religions are up in arms over people leaving to become evil creatures i.e. demons.
Forums for guilds are up and running. Property is purchased to house FI pods for the gaming guilds that plan to live in-game to the fullest. Protestors clash in front of the corporate headquarters. This game and ability to live digitally is creating havoc in the real world... no Earth, that is no longer the real world for myself.
I have received an IM from Harb with the time and date for my next interview and this time it is with more than Peter Suciu from TechNewsWorld. She happily set up back-to-back interviews with The New York Times and Fox News. So my day involved three interviews.
At day fifteen in Ethos, it is only one week for those on Earth. In one week and with my one interview people are shitting themselves over this opportunity and technology. This second interview will be interesting.
They gather us on Queen Lillith’s garden island. Instead of the lake and flora backdrop, I stand near a small water fountain in front of a large willow tree. I am dressed in a less formal outfit. Luckily I do not have to wear the very formal two-layer dress. They wrap my hair into a bun on top of my head and I wear a top that is nothing but material wrapped around my chest with the low hanging gathered pants and sandals. I have the same amount of gold jewelry. This outfit is sexier and I know I look hot with exposed shoulders and stomach.
I open the short IM from Harb and toggle open the attachment. The large window-like screen opens midair, hanging center to my eyes. Peter doesn’t let out an explicative as he had the first time. He is better prepared for the new me.
“Hi Asura, did you get my IM?” Peter asks.
“Yes Peter, I did, and it sounds crazy.”
Peter laughs, “You could say that. That you have a new appearance, a new life and may live forever has a certain appeal for many people and they do not to want to wait the full six months to start transition.”
I nod my head, “I can understand. If I was waiting, I would want to transition as soon as possible.”
I see Peter’s eyes flick to the side, “And we are going live in three, two, one...”
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“Hello. I am here with Asura, our first FI in history. She is here to discuss life in RoE.” Peter announces.
“Hello Peter and hello to your audience out there.” I answer back.
“You are at day fifteen in RoE, how do you feel about the experience at this point and what have you been up to this last week, your time?”
“My experience is great. I am having a blast. It's hard to explain. This world is prepping for the coming event and I mostly train every day. The fact I gain abilities quickly is amazing. It's like Earth fast forward.”
Peter says, “Explain what you mean, it’s like Earth but fast forward.”
“In Ethos, your direct focus on skills and abilities speeds them up. The skills and abilities include things unheard of on Earth and my progress in these fifteen days is amazing at. I am faster, stronger and absorb information easier. If I were to learn these weapons skills on Earth, it would take three to six months to every week here.” I elaborate, “That’s my rough estimate. Probably dependent on the time spent on training or questing.”
Peter asks, “Is the offer for immigration to the Elder Races still on the table?”
Nodding my head I answer, “As far as I know. Varuna hasn’t interfered and I haven’t heard a peep from the corporation... best guess, they are rolling with it. Heck, at this point you can probably get more information about that from the corporation rather than ask me.”
“Ah yes, we have heard that the Hunnington Corp is excited at the development of the AIs and EIs. The fact they want the option for recruitment prior to the game launch is a little crazy.”
I chuckle, “I know it shocked me when asked to represent the Elder Races.”
Peter then asks, “Is this a race-based event? Where Humans fight other races?”
I shook my head no, “It isn’t all humans. It’s a contingent of Humans, on a seperate continent who hate the Elder Races and, according to lore, started the original conflict. They live far away from my current location. This game world is the launch of the Elder Races facing their enemies once again... and whatever else the governing EI/AIs have for us.”
“Many people are asking what happens to the FIs if the games fails or Hunnington Corp pulls the plug?”
I shrug my shoulders, “It doesn’t matter if the games lasts 10 years, I will have gained 20 years with a new body, new life and adventure. I am not willing to convince people that they need to do this, they will decide on their own. But, I will take every day I can in a new world of adventure and danger instead of living as an out of work cripple.”
Peter nods his head, “That is the consensus from the disabled community. They want this badly and want to join you in an early start to a new life.”
I ask, “And what has the corporation and government said? The original intent is allowing a handful of us to test this system for the viability of sustaining life. Will the government allow early admission?”
“Good point, you won't know this, but people here are picketing the capital in DC to push that exact issue.” Peter explains. “Guilds are buying buildings and filling them with long-immersion pods. In fact, pods are back-ordered an estimated year and they expect this to grow.” Peter answers.
I shook my head in amazement, “This is moving so fast. I can't believe the amount of excitement Ethos generates. I appreciate this opportunity knowing how many are waiting to experience Ethos.”
Peter changes the subject, “Lets move on to questions that our audience sent in.” Peter looks down like he is examining a list. Looking back up Peter smiles, “The top questions involving Ethos itself, not gaming mechanics are job opportunities, questing, and options for non-adventure types. Then there are the ‘sin’ activities at the top of the list; sex, drugs, drinking and smoking.”
I laugh, “I can’t answer about drugs.” And looking to the side, I give Ishtar a questioning glance. He nods his head yes and murmurs, “If he means substances that inhibit mental and bodily perceptions and functions, then yes.”
“The answer to drugs is a yes.” I answer Peter.
Peter looks surprised, “You have others there with you now? Who are they?”
“I have my three mentors and a senior advisor to Queen Lillith.”
Peter looks excited, “Can we meet or see them? I know our audience will love the opportunity to see more than the beautiful landscape behind you.”
I wonder if this is a good idea? Screw it.
I look at my three mentors and ask, “Do you mind letting people met you or at least see what you look like?”
Callisto laughs... as usual. “Why not? Who else can say they spoke to a different civilization?”
I see a calculating look in Ishtar’s expression. I know that Effrion will go along with whatever Ishtar decides. Ishtar nods his head at the other two and the three rise from thier cushions.
Ishtar walks around to my right while Effrion and Callisto stand to my left. The floating screen moves back and I assume it's to fit the four of us into the video feed. I introduce the three men and wait for Peter’s reaction. I am not dissapointed. His mouth drops and becomes speechless for a few seconds.
I can understand his reaction. Ishtar is the tallest at six and a half feet. Effrion is a few inches shorter and Callisto stands just under the six foot mark. Ishtar’s broad shoulders look massive and with his height he radiates power and authority. Quiet Effrion’s athletic build and great looks could cause a car crash and then there is Callisto. His presence is different with his quirked lips, sparkle in the eyes and mischievous look. You know he is the practical joker.
It’s not only their presence that gains a person’s attention, but their features. Our reddish skin, accentuated cheekbones, cat-like eyes, and slightly pointed ears give us an exotic look. Their clothing is Thailand meets Arabian Nights. Topping it off is the amount of gold they also wore. It makes an impression.
Peter clears his voice and says, “The demon race makes an impact. Wow. Ok, these three are training you in weapons skills?”
I smile, “Yes, these are the people kicking my butt every day.”
Peter nods his head, “I can imagine.” Then Peter shakes his head, like he is trying to clear his head and smiles. “You know this will bring in more questions from our audience for our next interview?” And continues to speak.
“May I ask them each a few questions?” Peter asks excitedly.
Ishtar nods his head and I answer, “Sure.”
Peter starts with Ishtar, “You are the lead mentor and trainer for Asura?”
“Yes.”
“Can you describe how you complete these tasks daily?” Peter asks.
Ishtar answers, “We discuss politics, how her weapons and fighting skills are improving and observing her creativity with magic.”
Peter gets an inspired look, “Yes, magic. We understand Asure magical training is on hold until the launch of the game... or, uh, the prophesied event?” Peter looks flustered referring to Ethos as a game.
Ishtar answers again, “That is correct. We may help with general information and guiding her weapons and fighting styles.”
Peter thanks Ishtar and looking back at his paper asks Effrion the next question. “Effrion, can you explain your role?”
Effrion explains his role, “I train Asura in weapons and fighting on a battle mount.”
Peter asks, “What is the exact weapons training?”
Effrion responds with a small upturn of his lips, “That is a question for Asura.”
I inject, “Hey Peter, you know that I don’t want that discussed.” I finish my statement smiling.
“Ok. Can’t blame a guy for trying. You know our audience is dying for more specific information.”
“Yeah, I get it.”
Peter looks at Callisto, “And your specialty?”
Callisto answers, “I teach hand-to-hand, agility and an assortment of other skills. Call me a jack-of-all trades kinda guy.”
Peter asks, “Sounds rather roguish... or maybe a bit of thieving?”
Callisto shrugs his shoulders as his only answer.
Looking back at me Peter continues the interview, “Please explain your continued experience in Ethos. The sensations, realism and such.”
“I am still blown away with this whole experience. My senses are better, I have opportunities for skills that only happen in Hollywood and I live in a time like our American wild-wild West. My issues with PTSD are improving and losing the anxiety, depression and chronic pain is mind blowing.” I answered.
Peter then asks, “What about the pain?”
I roll my eyes, “Yeah, that really sucks. But the fast healing and working daily on my fears has improved my entire outlook on life. Even with the full pain level I wouldn’t change a thing.” I continue excitedly, “Floating palaces, giant cat-like lizards for riding into battle, and healing. And that’s a drop in the hat.”
I then summarize, “I know everyone’s gaming or FI experience will be different, but I hope people try this magical realm. I am happy here in Ethos.”
Peter goes back to the question prior to ‘meet the mentors’. “And the job and training opportunities?”
I answer, “The queen has offered a helping hand in the Elder Lands. Specialized training in crafts and other various skills are available.”
“Trainers like your three?” Peter asks.
“Probably not this high a level... dependent on the job opportunities.” Is my answer.
“Exactly how high-level are your trainers?” Peter curiously asks.
Ishtar answers, “We are lords within our lands. Meeting with the first of you newcomers in our best interests. We decided that upper level interaction a benefit for both parties.”
Peter looks at me, “This is an advantage that others will not have.”
I nod my head, “Don’t forget the prophecies forbids help with my magical training and I lack access to gaming mechanics during the interim. My only advantage is the level of contacts I have access to.”
“Speaking of high-level contacts. How often do you see the queen?”
Smiling I answer, “Once.” And then explain. “I may have higher level trainers, but that doesn’t mean I am rubbing elbows with the queen daily.”
Peter finishes the interview with one last question, “I know the audience will have questions for your mentors. Will they take part in the next interview?”
I raise an eyebrow at Ishtar and he answers, “Yes, we will take part if requested.”
Peter actually claps his hands together, “Great! Thank you all for the interview. We look forward to our next visit.”