July 25
"Leo, wake up, Leo, it's time for school," his mother said, waking him up.
"Okay, I'm coming," Leo replied lazily.
On the way to Green Star High School
"Hey Leo, are you ready for the exam?" James asked as he guided Leo down the road.
"When have I not been?" Leo replied defiantly.
"We'll see who gets the higher marks, you big genius," James teased.
"Guys, guys, check out today's news!" a student came running up.
"Whoa, hold on a second," Leo said, but he didn't finish his sentence before the student bumped into him.
"I'm sorry, man, I'm just so excited," the student said, helping Leo to his feet.
"Do you think I'm helpless, Jack?" Leo said to the student who tried to help him, then continued, "I don't need help; blindness is nothing against my abilities, you know."
The three laughed for a few minutes, then Jack handed Leo and James each a paper.
***
Text of the Paper
"Welcome, players from all over the world.
Imperial Star Industries presents the world's first VRMMORPG, Cosmic Star.
Embark on adventures in a vast number of cities, continents, and countries, and make a name for yourself as a renowned warrior.
Fight enemies, craft your own weapons, and tame legendary beasts.
Destroy, heal, summon, and fix chaos everywhere.
Become a stealthy assassin, a brave warrior, or a famous wizard.
Make a name for yourself in Cosmic Star and uncover strange mysteries that determine the fate of entire worlds.
Help NPCs in countless quests.
Interact with them as if they were real people and build yourself from the ground up.
Are you ready, player? Cosmic Star launches on Sunday, July 28."
"What? Impossible. Imperial Star? We've never heard of this company," the three said simultaneously.
***
Leo's Thoughts
Will I be able to play?
And how will I even play?
Will my father buy it for me?
I've seen my peers see the world, but...
What is sight?
What does vision look like?
Will I be able to see in this game?
"Leo, Leo, we've arrived at school," James said, lightly tapping Leo's back.
"Alright," Leo said sadly.
"Leo, don't worry. I'm sure the developers have come up with a solution for you," Jack reassured Leo.
***
"Have you seen the rumor?"
"Yes, but is it true?"
"If it is, we'll make a lot of money."
"We need to find out what this game is all about."
"What will happen in a few days?"
***
"Minister, have you heard the rumors?"
"Yes, and what about them?"
"What do you think about covering the equipment for entering the game with the military budget?"
"Hmm, good idea."
***
"Our games are worthless now."
"Who will dare to play silly games like these if there are realistic VR games?"
"I suggest we switch our company to make money within the game."
***
"Oh my, will we be able to buy the equipment for our children to play?"
"I don't think my father has the money to buy me the equipment for this game."
"We are poor and can't even afford a meal; how will we buy our daughter the game? She has never enjoyed anything in her life."
University Announcement
"The university director announces that game equipment will be available in all dormitories."
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
"The school announces that all necessary equipment for the game will be available to its boarding students."
"The army announces that any soldier who does not have the equipment by then will be dismissed from the army."
***
"My son, I will pay for the equipment even if it costs me millions of dollars."
"Young master, the head of the family orders me to buy you the necessary equipment for the game."
"Your Highness, the king asks you to buy the necessary equipment for the game upon its release."
"Master, we are merely servants; how can we play?"
"Every servant must have one of these pieces of equipment and play during their free time upon the game's release."
***
"Leo, Leo, it's time for the exam," James said to Leo regretfully.
"Okay, okay, will you write the answers for me?" Leo asked eagerly.
"Your mood changed, you jerk," Jack commented from behind.
"Shut up, or I'll beat you up, got it?" Leo said.
The three laughed loudly in the classroom.
"Hello, students, I am Mr. Sam," the teacher said cheerfully.
"Hello, Mr. Sam," the students replied happily.
"So, you're as happy as I am, right?" the teacher asked.
"Yes, Mr. Sam," the students answered.
"Alright, listen up, I'll make the exam easier for you," the teacher said, then continued, "The exam will be a contest. Whoever presses the button first answers, and there will be no point deductions today."
"Yay, yay, yay!" the students cheered with joy.
***
20 Minutes Later
"You idiot, how many times will I have to envy you?" James said to Leo.
"I don't know, as many times as you want," Leo laughed.
"You answered 70% of the questions; leave something for us at least," James and Jack said simultaneously.
"Where did you come from, you fool?" Leo said to Jack.
"I don't know, I just like scaring you," Jack laughed.
The three students walked with a group of classmates back home, laughing and smiling.
***
"Sally, do you know what your brother will do in the game?" one of the girls asked.
"No," Sally replied honestly.
"You fool, as if you don't know him. What is this?" another girl said.
"I'm sure he will play it. My brother is persistent, Hana and Amy; he will find a way. And why are you so interested in my brother? Is there something?" Sally said angrily to the girls, then started to leave.
"No, but we don't know any other blind person, and we want to know if there's anything he needs," the girls said.
"No, thank you on his behalf. He won't need anyone's help; I know him," Sally replied, then left the school.
***
"Leo, Leo, did you hear the rumors?" Sally said as she climbed the stairs leading to the house.
"Yes, and what about them?" Leo replied.
"Will you be able to play?" Sally asked.
"I don't know, sister," Leo said.
"The teacher told us that tomorrow is a holiday, and next week is a full vacation," Sally said happily.
"I don't know, the teacher didn't say anything," Leo replied.
"Kids, your school sent a message saying that tomorrow is a holiday, and next week is a full vacation," their mother said, then continued, "Come to lunch."
"Okay, Mom," they both said and went to eat.
***
Sunday, Game Launch Day