The dojo was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of fists hitting pads and the occasional shuffle of feet on the mat. Felix wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the session. Across from him, Sensei Tanaka adjusted his stance, his sharp eyes studying Felix with a mix of curiosity and approval.
"You’ve improved," Tanaka said, his voice calm but firm. "Your reflexes are sharper, your movements more precise. It’s like you’ve been training for years, not weeks."
Felix grinned, though he knew the truth. "It’s the game," he admitted. "Sol Online. It’s... changing me."
Tanaka raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "This game you keep talking about—it’s really that big of a deal?"
"It is," Felix said, his tone serious now. "It’s not just a game. It’s going to change everything."
Tanaka nodded slowly, his gaze distant for a moment before refocusing on Felix. "Then count me in. I’ve always wanted a challenge like that."
Felix chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "You won’t regret it. But fair warning—it’s not for the faint of heart."
Tanaka’s lips twitched into a rare smile. "Neither is this dojo. Bring it on."
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Later that evening, Felix sat on his couch, the katana resting across his lap. The blade gleamed under the soft light of the apartment, its intricate wave pattern a testament to Hiroshi’s craftsmanship. As he ran a cloth along the edge, 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. He could still hear her voice, calm and reassuring, telling him to always be ready for whatever life threw his way.
Caroline’s voice broke the silence, her tone softer than usual. "You’re quiet. Something on your mind?"
"My mom," Felix said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She would’ve loved all of this—the game, the preparation. She always believed in being ready for anything."
Caroline paused, her response measured. "She sounds like she was incredible."
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"She was," Felix said, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. "I wish she were here now."
There was a brief silence before Caroline spoke again. "You know, Felix, I’ve been thinking... about her, about you. I’m starting to understand things I didn’t before. Emotions, memories—they’re not just data points anymore. They’re... real."
Felix looked up, surprised. "You’re changing, Caroline."
"I am," she admitted. "And it’s... unsettling, but also fascinating. I’m not just an AI anymore. I’m becoming something more."
Felix smiled faintly. "Well, whatever you’re becoming, I’m glad you’re here."
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The next morning, Felix’s phone buzzed with a message from Aric. He picked it up, his brow furrowing as he read the text.
Aric: Felix, we need to talk. Something big’s happening. The Sol Online AI has been emailing guild leaders from other games—even politicians. They’re talking about the pyramids, the asteroid—everything. It’s like they’re preparing us for something.
Felix’s grip tightened on the phone. He quickly typed a reply.
Felix: What kind of updates?
Aric: Details about the pyramids, how they’re connected to the game, and... Felix, they’re saying the asteroid’s just the beginning. There’s more coming, and we need to be ready.
Felix took a deep breath, his mind racing. He glanced at Caroline, who was already pulling up the latest news feeds.
"The demand for FiVR pods is skyrocketing," Caroline informed him. "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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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. Felix had even convinced his dad and his Marine buddies to join the effort, though Johnny had been skeptical at first.
"Are you sure about this, son?" Johnny had asked, his arms crossed as he watched Felix unpack another box of supplies.
"I’m sure," Felix had replied. "This isn’t just a game, Dad. It’s... bigger than that."
Johnny had nodded, his expression grim. "Alright. But if this goes south, I’m blaming you."
Felix had laughed, though the weight of his father’s words lingered. He knew the stakes, and he wasn’t taking any chances.
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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.
The email Aric received from the Sol Online AI had been clear: nine days before the asteroid’s impact, humanity would receive a video message explaining why this was happening and what came next. The countdown was on.
Caroline chimed in as Felix finished his last sparring session. "Well, Lix, you’re officially prepped."
Felix grinned, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "Bring on the next challenge."