Like most days, Drake Castro sat in front of his plasma screen TV, watching his absolute favorite show on the E-Sports channel. Today, however, was not most days. Today a lottery would be drawn, and the winner would receive Drake’s most desired prize in the world: VR technology.
VR had come a long way, and instead of helmets that only simulated virtual reality, there were now capsules, which contained the user while they played. The reward for this lottery was a brand new VR capsule, that allowed players to stay in the game longer by having them sleep while they played. Drake relaxed in his plush recliner while he waited for the drawing, and reminisced on the first time he won the lottery.
3 years ago Drake had just turned 18, and on a whim bought a lottery ticket. That must’ve been one hell of a whim; that ticket turned out to be a winner, worth over 800 million dollars! Drake immediately had the realization that he didn't need to work ever again, and he had enough money to comfortably support him for the rest of his life. As such, he had decided to pursue his favorite pastime, video games.
"Attention all viewers, and welcome to the raffle!" the host opened as Drake slipped back into reality from his daydream.
"For all of you joining us to see the raffle draw, we have good news! The corporation "Natura" has offered a bonus prize to the winner of this raffle: there is now a new grand prize… If you win the runner-up prize, you will receive the previous reward of 1 brand new NVR capsule. However, if you receive the grand prize, you will get not just one VR capsule, but FOUR MORE to share with friends and family! And, as sponsored by Natura, the grand prize winner will also receive five premium packages for Natura's new game "GreenTree Online" that will allow you to start off with any basic class and any race, while others will have to play to unlock them!" The announcer beamed gleefully at the screen, showing his radiant white smile.
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Drake's thoughts reeled at the idea. Whoever won this raffle could get a huge boost against other players depending on what race they picked! He quickly poked his head around the corner of the staircase and in his loudest voice, he called his friends downstairs. ”Guys! Get down here and look!"
With that yell four other men of varying ages from 21 to 34 came downstairs. First came Matthew Dixon, an English youth who moved to America when he was 8 and had lived next door to Drake for the ten years before Drake had turned 18. Next came Nikolai "Nick" Maximovich, a 34-year-old Russian who had moved to America on Drake's insistence and funding. After him came Kyle "Kai" Gekko jumping down the stairs three at a time. At 25 years old Kai was far more energetic than even Matthew was, and was always cheerful and ready for excitement. Lastly came Jason Easton, Drake's best friend and next door neighbor since birth. The four of them huddled up next to Drake as he explained to them the new reward for the drawing, and watched eagerly as the announcer drew the tickets.
"And the runner-up of our great raffle is..." the announcer paused, before finally exclaiming "Ivy Hartfield! Congratulations! Your new capsule will be brought to your home within the next few days! And now, for the draw that you've all been waiting for, the grand prize winner!" The announcer reached in and fumbled around before finally pulling out a ticket. Drake could feel his breath stop and his heart skip a beat.
“Drake Castro! Congratulations on your win! You will receive your capsule, as well as the other four if you should want them right away, at your house in only a few days! Thank you very much to our viewers at home, and good night!"
Drake sat stunned in his chair. "I won?" he asked. Then it set in. "I WON, GUYS!” he proclaimed in delight, and the cheers and celebrations echoed down all the hallways.
"This calls for a party!" Kai exclaimed, and nobody disagreed.