Felix stood in front of the gym’s floor-length mirror, sweat dripping down his forehead. The faint hum of machinery and the rhythmic pounding of gloves hitting punching bags filled the air. He wiped his face with a towel and turned to his sparring partner, a wiry instructor with years of experience in martial arts.
"Again," the instructor said, motioning for Felix to adopt his stance.
Felix exhaled and positioned himself. His movements were sharper now, more deliberate. Weeks of training had honed his reflexes. The punches came fast, and Felix ducked, sidestepping before landing a clean counter.
"Much better," the instructor said with a nod. "You’re starting to move like someone who’s been doing this for years."
"It’s the stats," Felix muttered under his breath. "This isn’t just me."
Caroline’s voice buzzed in his earpiece. "It’s mostly you. The stats just make you a little less terrible."
Felix smirked, shaking his head. "Thanks, Caroline."
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SHOOTING RANGE WITH JOHNNY
The smell of gunpowder and the sharp crack of bullets echoed through the shooting range. Felix adjusted his stance, his sniper rifle steady in his grip. Johnny stood behind him, his arms crossed as he watched his son line up the shot.
"Take your time," Johnny said. "Breathe."
Felix inhaled deeply, the crosshairs steadying over the target’s bullseye. He squeezed the trigger, and the rifle kicked back slightly as the shot rang out. The bullet punched cleanly through the center.
"Not bad," Johnny said, stepping forward to inspect the target. "You’re a natural."
"It’s the game," Felix admitted. "My Perception and Dexterity feel like they’ve been dialed up."
Johnny nodded thoughtfully. "Stats or no stats, you’ve still got to put in the work. Game reflexes won’t save you out here."
Felix glanced at the other end of the range, where a group of Marines—Johnny’s old squad—were testing out their weapons. They had all agreed to play Sol Online after Felix’s call to action, intrigued by the possibilities.
One of the Marines waved Felix over. "Hey, hotshot! Think you can outshoot us in the real world, too?"
Felix grinned. "Bring it."
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STOCKING UP
The next few weeks were a blur of preparation. Felix visited supply stores, purchasing everything from non-perishable food to camping gear. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the world might not function the same way in a year.
"You’re really going all-in, huh?" Caroline asked as Felix loaded a box of water purifiers into his car.
"Better safe than sorry," Felix replied. "If the pyramids are real, who knows what else could happen?"
Caroline hummed in agreement. "Fair point. But don’t forget the snacks. Apocalypse or not, nobody wants to live without chips."
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STREAMING AND CHATTING
Felix sat in his gaming chair, adjusting his headset as he prepared for another stream. His contract required him to stream two to three days a week, and tonight he was diving into a competitive shooter to entertain his audience.
"Alright, everyone," Felix said, his voice cheerful as the stream went live. "Welcome back to the channel. Let’s see how bad I can embarrass myself tonight."
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The chat exploded with comments:
* "Finally, he’s streaming again!"
* "Where’s Caroline? We demand Caroline!"
* "Bet he’s still thinking about Sol Online."
Caroline’s voice piped through the stream. "Don’t worry, I’m here to keep him in check."
"Yeah, yeah," Felix said, laughing. "She’s been running my life lately, so you can thank her for any wins tonight."
As the game progressed, Felix’s skill showed, his precision and reflexes clearly influenced by his increased stats. The chat reacted with enthusiasm:
* "Is he even human anymore?"
* "This is why we watch Felix!"
"Not bad, Lix," Caroline said during a break between matches. "Though I still think you could’ve handled that last round faster."
"Remind me why I let you talk on my stream?" Felix replied, grinning.
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A SWORDSMITH’S CRAFT
Felix wiped his palms on his jeans as he stepped into the workshop. The smell of hot metal and the rhythmic clang of a hammer greeted him. The swordsmith, a grizzled man in his sixties, looked up from his forge.
"You must be Felix," the man said, his voice rough but warm. "I hear you’re looking for a katana."
"A real one," Felix said, glancing at the swords displayed on the walls. Each blade gleamed under the workshop’s lights, a testament to the smith’s craftsmanship.
The smith nodded. "Not many people ask for a proper blade these days. Most just want something for show."
"Not me," Felix said firmly. "I want something that’ll hold up if it ever needs to."
The smith grinned. "You’ve come to the right place."
Over the next week, Felix returned to the workshop to watch the blade take shape. The smith worked with meticulous precision, explaining the process as he went. Finally, the katana was complete. Its black handle was wrapped in silk, and the blade shimmered with a subtle wave pattern.
"Beautiful," Felix said, running a hand along the hilt.
"Functional, too," the smith said. "Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you."
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MARTIAL ARTS AND A NEW PLAYER
Felix’s martial arts instructor had been watching his progress with growing interest. During a sparring session, the instructor finally asked, "This Sol Online game you keep talking about... it’s really that big of a deal?"
"It is," Felix said, wiping sweat from his brow. "It’s not just a game. It’s going to change everything."
The instructor nodded thoughtfully. "Then count me in. I’ve always wanted a challenge like that."
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A PAINFUL MEMORY
One evening, as Felix sat on his couch sharpening his new blade, his thoughts drifted to his mother. Elisabeth had been a constant source of strength and encouragement in his life until the day she was taken away. A drunk driver had run a red light, ending her life when Felix was just sixteen.
Caroline’s voice broke the silence. "You’re quiet. Something on your mind?"
"My mom," Felix said softly. "She would’ve loved all of this—the game, the preparation. She always believed in being ready for anything."
Caroline paused before replying. "She sounds like she was incredible."
"She was," Felix said, his voice steady. "I wish she were here now."
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THE GUILD’S CALL TO ARMS
Phoenix Reborn, Felix’s old guild, had taken his warning seriously. Aric had rallied the entire team, ensuring that every member purchased a FiVR pod. Their influence extended beyond the guild, encouraging other players to prepare.
"The demand for pods is skyrocketing," Caroline informed Felix as he scrolled through news feeds. "Gaming houses and companies around the world are ordering them in bulk. Supply is getting tight."
Felix smirked. "Good thing I’ve got connections."
"True," Caroline said. "Thanks to Sol Online’s management, your friends will get theirs in time. Can’t have your Marines and guildmates missing out."
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MOVING FORWARD
By the end of the 80 days, Felix’s routine had become second nature. Martial arts in the morning, shooting practice with his dad and the Marines in the afternoon, evenings spent researching Sol Online’s mechanics, and regular streams to fulfill his contract. His apartment was stocked with supplies, and his body felt stronger than ever.
Caroline chimed in as Felix finished his last sparring session. "Well, Lix, you’re officially prepped."
Felix grinned. "Bring on the next challenge."