Theo 0
Theodore let out a sigh of relief. It was finally over. Goddamn. That was long. The event took place over a course of 4 hours. It had no business being so lengthy.
A man called for his attention. He grimaced, suppressed another sigh, and went over. This had better be the last thing.
The official took out a file of documents, flipping through it to the last paper. He gave Theo a pen, before saying, “Sign this, please.” As if noticing his discontent, the man added, “The last procedure, I promise.”
He flipped through the dozen papers or so, barely registering the words. If there was one thing they did right, it would be their commitment to immersion. Rather than pages of white office paper, these were rough parchment papers, as if ripped straight out of an ancient archive. The pen seemed to have been made from ivory or made to look like it. He dipped it into the provided ink bottle before writing down his name. It was the first time he had ever used something like this. Suffice it to say, it was incredibly wriggly.
Just as he returned the pen and ink, his signature glowed bright golden, the ink surging out like molten metal. He blinked at the harsh light, but once he opened his eyes, the ink was black and the parchment remained dull. His eyes darted around, grasping for any signs of change. There was nothing. His gaze rested upon the official, who returned him a gentle but nonchalant smile as if nothing had happened. Maybe that was indeed the case, and he had had too much to drink that night.
Curbing his suspicions, Theo gave the man the piece of parchment, before walking out of the room as quickly as possible. All his excitement for the upcoming VR game had been somewhat subdued, his mind still racing with the sight from before. Once again, he told himself not to worry so much. After all, barely anyone would get to experience such groundbreaking, some would even say era-defining, technology. And to get that opportunity through luck alone? That was something to be celebrated. The last thing he wanted to do was stain his memory of the event.
As one of the first to test the product, he was offered money to provide information for other companies and governments. This mainly came about because Pantheons was very tight-lipped about… literally everything. Prior to this, no one even knew of its existence, so it was shocking to see this unknown player enter the field. All were determined to find out more.
Theo had rejected the offer, as he had no intention of losing this chance. He didn’t know if Pantheons particularly cared – in fact, their clauses did not even mention corporate subterfuge - but he had no intention of taking unnecessary risks. And really, his value wouldn’t be very high, considering how many were here. Still, he did want these corporations and organizations to uncover the mystery of this company and its tech. Competition meant things would improve more quickly and that was good for everyone.
Theo wondered how long it would take before someone successfully copied the company’s VR. Perhaps a few years? The technology was as complicated as it was, and from what he had seen, what Pantheons possessed wouldn’t be easy to replicate.
His pondering came to an end when he reached his designated room. Situated on the 34th floor, it offered a view of the blue ocean below, glittering under the shining sun. The sandy white beaches along with the sea were a sight to behold. The choice of location was a bit ironic, considering the company’s product had the potential to completely wipe out real-world experiences.
He paid little heed to it, though. Those sorts of problems were not for him to contend with. He was simply here to test out a game and get in on the ride. Pantheons seem to think the same, considering they were squandering VR’s potential by focusing solely on gaming. The company’s heads must be super obsessed with RPGs, to the point of not caring about anything else. Why else would they utilize their technology in such a careless manner?
From what he’d been told, the project was very ambitious. With so many things going on at once, it was no wonder they needed so many testers, a few hundred to be specific. Theo let out a wide grin. He very much looked forward to the whole thing.
“What are you smiling about?”
Theo glanced at the door, now open with two people standing beside it. They were his roommates here and also his friends. The fact that all three of them got the chance was a small miracle all in itself.
The one who had just spoken up was Markus, his cousin. The one beside was his adopted younger brother, Donald. Both were close friends of his.
Theodore opened his mouth, considering telling them about his hallucination. He ultimately decided against it. “Nothing, really. I was just thinking about how ridiculous this is. This company, I mean. What could possibly be their motives.”
Markus laughed at that. “What’s there to gain from people like us? Just selling their tech would make them billions! What need is there for unnecessary worry? We can worry about that stuff if things turn south, but for now, just relax.”
Donald nodded, “Their VR could extend time, right? The maximum limit currently is ten to one, which is to say that our lifespan has been extended ten times. Just think about it. How did they manage it? The energy required; the processing power! It’s just plain impossible. And don’t let me start on how realistic it all is. All the senses are activated, it’s just-”
Theo cut him off. “You’re rambling.”
“Oh.” He smiled. “Am I, though? I haven’t even started!”
Markus chuckled. “Don’t provoke him. But you’re right, Don. When I entered the demo, I was prepared to have my expectations shattered. After that, let’s just say my mind was blown.”
“Aye, I have to agree. It was just a field with a lake in the middle, but the whole experience was… surreal. Didn’t think it would be even more realistic than the real world.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Markus’ eyes widened. “You think so too? I thought it was just me.”
Donald said. “It shouldn’t be so surprising. The world there is likely perfect, with few flaws. And without the limitations of our flawed physical bodies and health problems from this polluted world, it is natural that our perception is heightened. They probably also enhanced stuff, just for the awe factor.”
Markus said in a serious tone, “That is impossible. Do you not know that I am the perfect human specimen? And you say it’s flawed? Such audacity! Such insolence!”
Theo and Markus’ faces twitched. Theo did not bother to entertain the guy. “Anyhow, what time did they set for the start?”
Markus replied. “9.30.” His tone suddenly changed, becoming more sombre, sprinkled with a hint of melancholy. “Ah…the Great Change is coming, my dear friends. The Leap between Ages, a new Step in the journey of Mankind. I dread it, but I cannot help but await it with anticipation. My good comrades, let us toast to the beginning of the new Era!”
They stared at this friend of theirs, before shaking their heads in helplessness. This was something Markus picked up when he had still been in some Drama club. Despite having quit for some years, he still had the tendency to be like this. They both wondered if he continues only to annoy them, because yes, sometimes it gets on their nerves. Sometimes; however, his enthusiasm was indeed effective.
Theo grinned. “You weren’t dramatic enough, Mark. Those words don’t have… the flair to them. You should be more like me, with my flowing words and my immortal eloquence that is the envy of all.”
Markus smiled wolfishly. “Oh, you want to fight, don’t you? You think you have what it takes to take me on, don’t you?”
Before the two of them could go on with their nonsense, more fit for an online roleplaying chatroom than real life, Donald stepped in. “Stop. I’ll resolve this. Being the impartial judge that I am, I let you know my verdict, which is of course perfect in every way. You two both sound stupid. And Theo, you lack eloquence in every possible way. I don’t even think you used that word right.”
He held up his hands in front of him, stopping them from saying anything else. “However, you dumb asses had one good idea from that whole spiel. Or rather, Markus had one. You, my good friend Theo, have nothing.”
Donald slowly walked over to a cabinet, taking out a bottle of wine and then pouring it into three crystal cups. He did it like a brute, splashing the liquid around the surface. Ignoring the mistake, Donald offered them to his friends. They toasted to the future, and also to what lay in front of them. Smiling, they downed the glasses, before sitting back down.
Theo briefly wondered why they were even doing this. He had to admit the wine was good, though if he was completely honest, he could never tell the difference between expensive wines and their cheap cousins. Markus was the one with the most experience, not him. Pantheons really had money to burn, though, if they prepared not just one, but a dozen bottles in every room. He was not about to complain though.
“Now that I think about it, were there any rules forbidding the consumption of alcohol before going into the virtual world?”
They stared at each other with a nervous smile, before all saying, “Nah, that can’t be an issue.”
Markus glanced at the clock. “There are only a few minutes left. After spending time doing dumb things, I think we should stop. What characters you are assigned to? Actually, I’ll start.”
Donald shrugged, and Theo followed his example. Each of them had been assigned a specific character inside the virtual world along with a whole set of background info and whatnot. It was slightly disappointing to not be allowed to create one’s own character, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. Moreover, it meant he did not have to waste time creating a background before he could experience the real deal.
“I’m a Norseman, a Viking to be exact, currently out at sea. 19 years of age, this Bjarni’s looks and strength are simply put, great. Oh… did I forget to mention this?” Markus looked at them smugly. “He’s the son of Tyr.”
Donald expressed his confusion with the classic. “Who?”
Theo resisted his urge to face-palm. “He’s the god of courage… or was it bravery? Doesn’t matter. He’s the one who got his arm bitten off by Fenrir.”
Markus gave Donald a look. “I’m slightly offended, you know. He’s not that obscure of a god.”
“Hey, it’s not like I care much for this sort of stuff. You know that mythology is not my thing. If you want that, ask Theo.”
Markus sighed. “I’m done. Both with my introduction and you. Let’s continue. What’s your character, Don?”
“Domnhall, the son of a lord who rules over land in the west of the Western Continent. Very imaginative name - I’m referring to the continent, by the way. The guy’s not even a spare, as pathetic as that is. The objective is probably to become the heir and do some sweet conquering. Does not seem to be any hard objectives or missions though, a bit unfortunate.”
“Doing whatever you want is what I prefer. And considering what they are giving us, this fits a lot better. But hey, you got an actual father this time. Congrats.”
Donald stared at Markus’ sickeningly sweet smile. The former then collapsed onto the table, hyperventilating. His body was shaking like crazy, before coming to a silent stop. Well, at least he attempted to do so. His friend was far too jittery to actually stay still, his legs and arms still vibrating.
“Huh.” Markus then kicked Donald, waking him up. The latter said, “I’d like to add that I collapsed due to how bad your joke was, rather than how hurtful it is.”
“No one asked.” Markus turned to Theo and said, “So, Theo, your turn to shine.”
“Well… I’m basically royalty!” Theo grinned. “The third son of the most prominent aristocratic family in Ephesus, one of the descendants of Artemis, my name is Theodoros. I wonder how Artemis has descendants, but it is what it is.”
Markus gave him a thumbs-up. “Good for you.”
Donald said. “You’re seriously lucky. I don’t think I have any divine blood, as sad as that is.”
“Well, good deeds result in good karma, don’t they? Lady Luck probably likes me.”
“She indeed does. You even got Greece. That’s kind of the best place, isn’t it? We simply know a lot about it, too much if you ask me. The history, the mythology, and even the literature. The content is probably the most fleshed-out out of any region.”
Donald turned to Markus, “Also, I should say that, since the two of us probably have to stay put in our region, it is up to you to go around and drop by. Searching for the aristocracy should not be too hard, right?”
“Well, I certainly will, not so much for your sake but for the sake of travelling the world. I’m planning to travel this whole world, and see what it has to offer. Maybe make a wiki along the way, though that is probably too much work.” He revealed a dreamy look. His mouth began to salivate. “I really want to see what their cuisine is like. It’s a fantasy world, after all, even dragon meat shouldn’t be impossible to secure.”
Theo also fantasized about that, before being hit with reality. “I mean, it’s not like they can create an entirely new flavour out of thin air, can they?”
Markus grinned. “With how things go, the sky’s the limit. By the way, go and consume as many things as you can, so you can recommend me once I reach the region.”
Before the two foodaholics could continue talking, Kevin butted in. “Hey, it’s ‘bout time. Let’s get ready.”
“Get ready by doing what. We don’t even know how they plan to activate it.”
Kevin speculated aloud. “It’s probably the room. Remember the chamber we used. It’s likely the same thing. Anyways, good luck to both of you.”
Markus said. “Likewise.” He gave them each a mock salute.
Theo jumped on his bed. He wanted to be comfortable once his body go unconscious. “By the way, guys. Try not to die.”
And the next moment, everything went black.