Chapter 1: Decision

- I'm home! - said Sebastian in a loud voice. He had just entered his flat, and managed to take off his boots when he heard a female voice.

- You're late!

Sebastian looked in the direction the voice was coming from and saw a girl... no, a young woman, as he thought of her recently with a warmth in heart. The proof that his little sister grew up.

- You know I came as fast as I could, don't you, Clare? - Sebastian talked back.

- Hmmph, I know that, I know that. But you could suprise me this time and come earlier, couldn't you? - said Clare while puffing her cheecs cutely. - Come on, hurry up.

- Coming~

Sebastian walked into the room and to his suprise he saw two boxes with letters VRG printed on them in a line pattern.

- What's that Clare? Don't tell me th...

- That's VRG you know. And it wasn't cheap!

- But that thing costs a ton! How did you get money for it? - asked Sebastian in disbelief.

- It was the lottery ticket you bought after I told you I passed my graduation exam at full score – said Clare proudly. - You know, I kept it a secret for you since I wanted togive you a fitting present for your birthday. Didn't you always want to have a try at that game? You know it's...

- The 'best and most hardcore game ever created, going as far as taking out even 200% of VRG capabilities', right? At least accordint to the N.O.V.A. Corp...

- That's right!

- But we've got only VRG, without actually paying montly fee you won't be able to play the game, right?

- Of course you would! It's the new policy of N.O.V.A. that every player will get to experience it for a month compeltely free! After that you will have to pay monthly subscription of 100 USD, but so far nobody could resist temptation to play it after they had their first try at it. It's that addicting!

- Right. But still it won't be possible to play it for ever. Also, I have my work and you know that.

- In that case wait here for a moment – said Clare rushing out of the room. After five seconds she came back with an old laptop in her hands. When Sebastian came closer he saw that there was an auction site open. And what he saw there made his jaw drop.

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The things that were being auctioned were in-game items. And not from some random game. These were items from Rising, no more, no less. However what was the most stunning were prices of those things that were reaching unbelieveable prices reaching 50'000 USD. That shows how much people were willing to pay for some items. And how rich they actually were...

- I can't believe this – said Sebastian coming back to his senses. - How did you find it? - he asked.

- I stumbled on one forum about Rising that you could make quite the money using the fact that rich people were willing to pay a lot for good items.

- But... isn't that a gold mine you found?!

- Yep. That's why I thought that you could just resign from that work of yours. If you become a strong player, you would be able to fight strong enemies and loot strong items. That in turn means more money! Isn't that awesome?

- Give me a day to think it over, okay? Tomorrow's Friday so it will make perfect choice to play it during the weekend.

- Fine! Just one day. I won't let you take more time on it – said Clare. Then she went to her room, but before she closed door she came to Sebastian and gave him a kiss on the cheek. - Happy Birthday... brother – she said and they turned in for the night.

Friday passed at an antonishingly fast rate. However Sebastian didn't have to think about his choice at all. He already made up his mind when he woke up.

- I will do it.

The EndPrologueNext Chapter

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Thanks for noticing that one, changed now:

From: ...she came to Sebastian and gave him a kill in the cheek.

to: ...she came to Sebastian and gave him a kiss on the cheek.