New World, which was hyped for months as the epitome of alternate reality gaming, has seamlessly fulfilled the lofty expectations of its eager player base within just three days of its grand opening. Players playing the game found themselves undoubtedly, experiencing the game as real integral citizens of New World's diverse countries or kingdoms. And astonishingly, the NPCs were lifelike and environment were as real as earth itself or maybe even more, coupled with unparalleled immersive senses, New World has become a magnetic force, captivating both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. The initial surge saw millions delving into this unique virtual universe, and now, after a mere four days, the player base has skyrocketed to nearly billion active players.
The seismic impact of New World's launch reverberates across the gaming industry, inducing a cascade of declining player rates and diminishing stock values for many other virtual games. Noteworthy celebrities and esteem gamers of various powerful guild, once heavily invested in other gaming ventures, also have abandoned their previous pursuits in favor of the irresistible allure offered by New World. Even retired gamers were lured back by the promise of a genuine "new world".
Presently, on various forums and interaction platforms, every conversation within a day has steered toward the mysterious players, 'Rem' and ‘Elsa Granloe’. No one knows the fact that Elsa is an NPC, and Rem is actually a boy. Speculation runs rampant, with many assuming they are sisters, gaming friends, or renowned players from other VR games under new aliases. There were also baseless theories abound, suggesting they might be emerging talents from a special guild or retired gamers making a comeback. The community is also divided into treating them either as revered goddesses and also as subjects of harsh criticism, painting them as unsightly witches.
The surge of aggressive, zealous, and analytical comments stems from Rem and Elsa's newfound fame within the gaming community was started by the world announcement of their conquest of the level 10 Black Mountain dungeon on Hell Mode – a feat beyond the dreams of ordinary players. Even the renowned American Guild, Lost in Prayer, which recently defeated a level 5 dungeon on Hell Mode pales in comparison, as they conquered it with a 6-man party. Rem and Elsa extraordinary accomplishment of clearing the level 10 dungeon with only two players has elevated them to unprecedented popularity.
At this moment, Ryou, the focal point of global gamer discussions, was in Shinma Hospital, seated in a doctor's office.
"Dr. Akizawa, are you implying that Shinma Hospital might lack the essential resources for my sister's treatment?" Ryou asked in shocked as his gaze fixed on the white-haired doctor across the table, after a moment of silent, he said, "I value your honesty doctor, then I would want to transfer her somewhere... But first please support me in persuading my mother that transferring her to a larger hospital is necessary for her well-being." Ryou then turned to his pale-faced mother, seeking understanding in her eyes.
Dr. Akizawa touched his monocle, nodding solemnly as he looked at Miyako, Ryou's mother. "Furuya-san, your son is speaking the truth. Treating your daughter exceeds the medical capabilities of our hospital. She suffers from a rare brain disease, and without timely intervention, she may experience more severe symptoms," he stated, allowing a moment for the gravity of his words to be absorbed.
His eyes flickered as if engaged in an internal debate. He shook his head and continued, "Keeping her here would only postpone the inevitable. I suggest considering Sapporo. Yes, the admission cost, even in a government hospital, might be substantial, but if you genuinely want to save her, you'll need sufficient funds for her treatment." His furrowed brows and another shake of his head reflected his awareness that those turning to Shinma Hospital often lacked financial resources.
Miyako, her face now paler than paper, took a moment to calm herself before asking, "How much time do we have before there are no lasting consequences if we admit her to a larger hospital, before my daughter's illness…” Her voice quivered as she continued, “before my daughter's illness becomes irreversible?" Her concern was evident.
Dr. Akizawa sighed and confessed, "I'm uncertain. It could range from a month to a year; we lack the necessary technology for a brain scan." Fingering his monocle, he cautioned, "I strongly advise initiating the transfer procedure as swiftly as possible, before it's too late.”
With tears filling her eyes, Miyako stuttered, "B-but we don't have the money to..."
Before Miyako could finish, Ryou interjected, "Dr. Akizawa, please begin shifting nee-san to an ambulance and initiate the transfer procedure to Shinoda Cyber Hospital." Ryou's heart was trembling, as he grapple with the weight of Dr. Akizawa's non committal words, he didn't know anything about this in his past life.
Maybe this was one of the reasons why his mother worked herself harder than him in his past life.
“Ryou-kun, what are you saying, we don't have the money to…” His mother, like at this very moment, must be consumed with concern for him in his past life. If she had communicated his sister's deteriorating health, she likely fears he might overexert himself. Only in his later years did he discovered his sister's worsening condition.
"Oka-san, please don't worry. As I told you earlier, I have the means to transfer nee-san to a bigger and more advanced hospital," Ryou reassured his mother with a soft voice, in truth, he currently didn't have the funds for her treatment but he had enough to transfer her and admit her to a better hospital. No matter the situation he was going to save his sister this time.
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His mother remained stumped, her gaze fixed on Ryou with a mix of uncertainty yet there was hope in her voice, "Ryou-kun, can you really earn enough money in the game each day to cover your sister's treatment?" she inquired.
Ryou remained silent, opting to convey his actions by grabbing his phone and after typing and swiping for a while he pocketed the device and stated, "I've already transferred 300,000 yen to your account. You can check your phone."
“3-300000 yen” Miyako was taken aback, she fumbled in her purse, retrieved her phone, and her eyes widened as she processed the large amount.
Ryou swiftly intervened as Miyako was about to speak, hushing her with, "It's the money I earned in the game over the past four days. I've also sent you screenshots during the coin and money transfers." He chuckled and added, "I don't want Oka-san to think I've resorted to looting or selling organs or doing nasty thing for the money," he concluded with a reassuring smile.
"Ryou-kun," Miyako sobbed as she gazed at him, and Ryou, too, somehow couldn't help as his eyes glistened.
Finally, the moment he had longed for in his past life had come, Ryou spoke the words he always wanted to say, "Oka-san, everything will be alright. Nee-san will be fine," He could finally show his confidence and assurance.
Miyako smiled, a real genuine smile that he had forgotten if it even existed in his mother's expression.
“Ahem” Dr. Azkizawa's deliberate cough resonated through the room, breaking the emotional family moment. With a calm demeanor, he addressed. "While I truly don't want to interrupt this heartfelt family time, I must inform you that I have an examination scheduled for patient room no.17 in 10 minutes. Could you kindly confirm your decision or not, to shift Furuya Remi to another hospital?"
Ryou, with a firm tone, affirmed, "Yes. We would like to transfer her to Sapporo, specifically to Shinoda Cyber Hospital. Dr. Akizawa, please take good care of my Oka-san, as I would be unable to accompany her at the moment.”
"Why can't you come with Oka-san, darling?" inquired Miyako.
Ryou explained, "Oka-san, I need to attend to something crucial in the game first. But don't worry, I'll log out soon and head to Sapporo as fast as possible, around 8 o'clock I would be there. It's currently 14:32, so it'll be approximately 17 hours later."
Understanding the situation, Miyako nodded and said, "Ok, son. Whatever you must do, I could only say 'good luck'."
"Thank you, Oka-san. That is all I needed," Ryou replied.
A rough voice insinuated again, "Did you say 'Shinoda Cyber Hospital' though?" inquired Dr. Akizawa with a thoughtful look.
"Yes, Dr. Akizawa. Don't worry about the price; we have the funds to treat her there," reassured Ryou.
Chuckling, Dr. Akizawa remarked, "Of course you do. 300,000 yen is not a small amount, and from your tone, I'm wondering if you'll earn more. Must be quite a lucrative game you’re playing. Anyway, if you're choosing Shinoda Cyber Hospital, I was just wondering if you intended to undergo cyber enhancement for your sister." He rubbed his monocled eye as he said so.
The monocle adorned by Dr. Akizawa featured a round design, with a silver base complemented by intricate golden textures. Notably, it defied convention by being seamlessly embedded into his eye, eschewing the traditional chain or hanger.
In today's world, the practice of integrating cyber mechanics into the human body for enhanced functionality was termed "cyber enhancement." Even individuals with injured limbs could opt for cyber replacements, such as having mechanical arms, offering not only restored functionality but also increased strength. In Dr. Akizawa’s case, his cyber monocled eye might have advanced capabilities, possibly enhanced vision or zooming abilities.
"No, doctor," Ryou began, "Cyber enhancement is only a last resort for treating her. We would first pursue conventional treatments for Nee-san."
Miyako chimed in, expressing her disdain, "Cyber enchangement or whatever is just people wanting something they don't need. Those scientists would transfigure and convert humans into something more like robots. I don't think we need to turn Remi into one of them." Her tone reflected disgust at the thought of modifying human bodies with technology.
Dr. Akizawa ruefully smiled and corrected, "I think it's modifying, not transfiguring," he subtly pointed out his own ocular modification for enhanced surgical vision while Miyako continued discredit the cyber enhancement.
In Ryou's humble perspective, cyber enhancement treads a fine line between transformative and modifying. While it leaves the essence of the human heart untouched, its impact on physical and mental capacities is profound. The augmentation grants individuals unprecedented strength, speed, and abilities akin to those previously reserved for robots. With each upgrade, however, there's a perceptible shift away from human-like attributes, a gradual loss of what some might consider a piece of the soul.
Ryou is reluctant to resort to cyber enhancement for his sister, and viewed it as a last option in case of unforeseen health complications. Despite acknowledging the moral and ethical concerns, he recognized the advanced technology's potential to heal and transform the human body, cyber enhancement even offered hope for those facing difficult health challenges and could even make the disabled, abled.
"Please stop," Ryou intervened, halting the polite yet assertive exchange between his mother and Dr. Akizawa regarding the pros and cons of cyber enhancement. "Dr. Akizawa, I'll be going. Please, in the meantime, do not delay my sister's transfer," he requested as he stood up from his chair.
Turning to his mother, he continued, "Oka-san, I'll meet Nee-san first before I go. Please take care while I'm away and have a talk with Dr. Akizawa about paperwork and everything else." Ryou hugged his mother as he walked to the exit of the room.
Before exiting the room, Miyako voiced sounded, “Take care son”
As Ryou walked through the hospital corridor, thoughts swirled in his mind about whether to accompany his sister to Sapporo. However, he knew he had unfinished business in the game – finding the resting place of the lesser demon and devising a counteraction plan. First, he still needed to level up to level 10, then he needed to sell equipments, monster materials, herbs, potions. He also needed to forge equipments and subsequently sell them while also hiding from the people whom he knew would be trying to find him and Elsa.
‘So many things to do’ Ryou inwardly sighed
This time, he planned to fastly and not gradually secure the necessary money for his sister's treatment and he would crush every problem from HKG or Blooms Guilds or even the lesser demon or the Demon of the Sky herself.