Felix groaned as he emerged from the FiVR pod, the cold air of the real world snapping him back to reality. The stream’s overlay lingered in his mind, a cascade of comments ranging from glowing praise to classic internet trolling. He stretched, his muscles stiff but tingling with an odd energy.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Caroline chimed from his earpiece. "Well, relatively speaking."

Felix chuckled. "How’d we do?"

"The stream peaked at 1,150,000 viewers," Caroline replied. "Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Let me read you some highlights." Her tone shifted to a cheerful announcer’s cadence. "‘This game is so immersive, it’s like watching a movie.’ ‘The graphics are insane!’ Oh, and my personal favorite: ‘The AI companion is the real MVP.’"

Felix smirked. "Nice to know you’ve got fans."

Caroline continued, "Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Trolls gotta troll. Here’s one: ‘Why’s the player so bad? I could’ve taken out that mini-boss in half the time.’"

Felix rolled his eyes. "Oh, really?"

"And another: ‘The AI is carrying him harder than a raid healer.’ Oh, here’s one that made me laugh: ‘When can I replace my real-life best friend with Caroline?’"

Felix laughed. "They’ve got jokes."

"Of course," Caroline said smugly, "the truth is, none of them would have survived that mini-boss without me."

As Felix stepped into the debriefing area, the sleek design of the Sol Online facility greeted him once more. Waiting for him were Nina Anderson and Liam Bennett. Liam exuded authority, his sharp suit and piercing gaze marking him as someone important.

"Felix," Nina said warmly. "Great job in the tutorial. The feedback has been phenomenal."

"Thanks," Felix replied. His attention shifted to Liam. "And you are?"

"Liam Bennett," the man said, extending a hand. "Government liaison overseeing Sol Online’s integration."

Felix blinked. "Integration?"

Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Let’s cut to the chase. The game isn’t just a game. There’s a direct link between what happens in Sol Online and the real world."

Felix frowned. "What kind of link?"

Nina stepped in. "Your stats, for one. Your Constitution, Dexterity, and other attributes from the game are now reflected in your physical body."

Felix’s jaw dropped. "You’re kidding."

"Test it," Liam said. "Run to the end of the hall and back."

Skeptical but curious, Felix sprinted. His movements were fluid, faster than he remembered. When he returned, he was barely winded.

"See?" Nina said. "The effects are subtle now, but they’ll grow stronger."

Felix shook his head in disbelief. "But the skills don’t work?"

"Not yet," Liam admitted. "But we suspect they will after the pyramids activate in 365 days."

Felix’s stomach tightened. "The pyramids... they’re real, aren’t they?"

Liam exchanged a glance with Nina. "Very real," he confirmed. "And we believe they’ll play a crucial role in what’s to come."

----------------------------------------

BACK HOME

Later that evening, Felix reclined in his apartment, the conversation with Liam replaying in his mind. He picked up his phone and dialed his dad.

"Hey, Dad," Felix said as the line connected.

"Felix! How’s my favorite gamer?" Johnny’s gruff voice came through.

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

"Pretty good," Felix replied. "Just finished testing Sol Online."

"The game you’ve been hyping up? How was it?"

Felix hesitated. "It’s... more than I expected. Honestly, Dad, I think you should try it."

Johnny chuckled. "Me? In one of those fancy pods? I don’t know."

"You’d love it," Felix insisted. "It’s got everything. Adventure, challenges... and maybe a little more."

"A little more?" Johnny asked, his tone curious.

Felix took a deep breath. "The game isn’t just a game. There’s something bigger going on. My stats in the game—they’re affecting me here."

"Affecting you how?"

"I’m faster, stronger... it’s like I’m carrying the game with me. And there’s more. I talked to a government guy today. He said the pyramids we’ve been hearing about are real, and they’re tied to the game."

Johnny was silent for a moment. "Son, are you saying this game is connected to... everything that’s been happening?"

"That’s exactly what I’m saying," Felix replied. "You should watch the news tonight. The president’s giving a briefing."

"Alright," Johnny said. "I’ll tune in. And Felix... take care of yourself."

"You too, Dad," Felix said, hanging up.

----------------------------------------

CALLS TO ACTION

After hanging up with his dad, Felix hesitated, then pulled up his contacts. He dialed a familiar number, his ex-guild leader, Aric. The call connected after a few rings.

"Felix? Didn’t think I’d hear from you again so soon," Aric’s voice was warm, but surprised.

"Aric, I need to talk to you about Sol Online," Felix said, his tone serious. "You need to start preparing for it."

"Preparing?" Aric asked, confused. "I thought you were done with the guild and all that."

"I am," Felix admitted. "But this isn’t just a game, Aric. There’s more to it. A lot more. You need to get Phoenix Reborn involved."

"What are you talking about?" Aric asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"I can’t explain everything over the phone," Felix said. "Just watch the news tonight. The president’s going to address the nation, and trust me, it’ll all make sense."

Aric was quiet for a moment. "Alright, Felix. If you’re serious, I’ll tune in. But this better not be another one of your crazy theories."

"It’s not," Felix said firmly. "And one more thing—get everyone in the guild ready. Sol Online is going to change everything."

"Understood," Aric said, his tone more resolute. "I’ll see what I can do."

After ending the call, Felix immediately dialed another number. This time, it was Stals, the gaming commentator and streamer who had hosted Felix’s last big interview.

"Felix! Back so soon?" Stals greeted him with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, and this time it’s big," Felix said. "You need to make a move on Sol Online. It’s going to be the next big thing, but it’s also tied to... other stuff. Watch the news tonight, and you’ll see what I mean."

"Other stuff? You’re being cryptic," Stals said, intrigued.

"I know," Felix replied. "I can’t say more now, but trust me, this isn’t just about gaming. Just keep your eyes open."

"You’ve got my attention," Stals said. "I’ll be watching. And Felix... good luck."

Felix hung up, letting out a long breath. "Alright, Caroline," he said, "think I’ve done enough rallying for one night?"

"For now," Caroline replied. "But don’t get too comfortable. The world isn’t going to wait for you to figure this out."

----------------------------------------

NIGHTFALL

Felix settled onto his couch, the weight of the day pressing down on him. His phone buzzed with notifications, social media feeds alive with speculation about the president's upcoming address. "The asteroid… the pyramids… what does it all mean?" one post read. Others debated the connection between Sol Online and the unfolding global events: "Is this game a simulation or preparation?" and "Can we trust the government about the pyramids?"

Caroline chimed in. "Public reaction is all over the place, Lix. Some think this is a ploy to sell more pods. Others think it’s humanity’s last hope."

Felix sighed. "Guess I’m not the only one with questions."

On the screen, the news broadcast began, the presidential seal displayed prominently. The anchor’s voice was grave. "Tonight, President Cory will address the nation regarding the recent discoveries tied to the asteroid and the ongoing Sol Online project."

The broadcast cut to President Cory standing at a podium. His expression was calm but serious, the weight of his words palpable. "My fellow citizens," he began, "tonight I speak to you about the asteroid, Sol Online, and the discoveries that will redefine our understanding of the universe."

Felix leaned forward, his breath catching. The president continued, "We have confirmed that the asteroid heading toward Earth is not a singular object. It will break into eighteen separate pieces upon entering our atmosphere, though their exact landing sites remain unclear."

The screen shifted to a NASA scientist. "Furthermore," she said, "our analysis of the asteroid's trajectory aligns with the message intercepted last year. Each planet in the Sol system will experience a similar event. These asteroids are deliberate, carrying structures we now believe to be the pyramids mentioned in the system’s message."

President Cory resumed. "Let me be clear: these pyramids are not natural phenomena. They are creations of an intelligence far beyond our understanding. NASA’s data confirms that we are not alone in the universe."

Felix leaned forward, his heart pounding. Whatever was coming, he knew it would change everything.