The line was taking forEVER.

The video game store in the mall was worse, I knew, but plenty of other people had the bright idea to crowd into THIS store instead, spreading the population density pretty evenly. I shuffled uncomfortably on my feet; I wasn’t wearing my most comfortable shoes, since as one of those people with a bright idea, I thought the line here wouldn’t be so bad. I definitely wasn’t going to go home to change them, of course.

The only reason anybody would endure this horrible boredom is to acquire the payoff at the end of the tunnel; the latest and greatest in video game technology, the Maximum Immersion Neurolink Device, or the MIND! Suddenly announced one year ago by King Studios, they claimed their revolutionary programming could simulate 80% of actual reality. The recently released Nintendo Sii could only boast about 40% realism, and that was currently the best the market had to offer, so of course that statement raised a commotion. The only game King Studios said they would release for the new console was a grim fantasy RPG they called “Path of Exile.” It seems to be a reimagining of some old computer MMO from the 2010s, but the lead developer of King Studios was a well-known eccentric, as well as a superb talent. If a genius wants to release a game dated 10 years ago, he’s going to release that game, and it’s still going to be excellent; hence this major clusterfuck happening all over the world, since everyone wanted to play first. I sighed and pulled my smartphone out of my pocket. I had time to spare, so rather than stand here being completely bored I’d rather stand here and catch up on my web novels.

Three hours and fifteen web novel chapters later, I was finally third from the front of the line from hell. For the past fifteen minutes, the line started advancing more smoothly. Did the clerks finally work out some sort of system to move customers along faster? Whatever, it didn’t matter so long as I got my game and could get the hell out of here.

The person currently at the desk was throwing a fit, though. “That’s outrageous!” she sputtered, I instinctively rolled my eyes. Even from behind I could recognize the classic “I want to see your manager” haircut, and this lady wasn’t fighting the stereotype at all. The clerk stammered some apologies and the lady stormed off. I wonder what the fuss was about?

The person in front of me stepped forward, and now I was close enough to overhear *cough* eavesdrop *cough* the conversation. “Welcome to GameHaven, sir, are you here to purchase the MIND that was released today?” the frazzled clerk asked tiredly. God, she’d been here all day, hadn’t she? This was a small store, so there was only one register. I felt slightly bad for deciding to come here and increase her workload.

“Yeah, I am. My son wants the Standard package version,” the dude said. He was already pulling out his wallet.

The clerk sighed. “I’m very sorry, sir, but our store has just run out of Standard package units.” Wait, what? “We do still have a stock--“

“Forget it,” the guy rudely cut her off. “I’ll just get one online later.” He left without any further words. Geez, it’s not the clerk’s fault!

But wait, forget him! It’s my turn now! The clerk girl reapplies her business smile when I step forward. “Welcome to GameHaven, are you here for the MIND?”

I nod. “I am, and I heard the talk earlier. Did you say there was another option?” I feel genuinely bad for her. Plus, I already came this far, so I might as well hear her out.

“Yes, there is! We have a stock of Advanced packages, would you like to hear about it?” She beams. Heh, she’s rather cute when she’s not being hassled.

“Sure, why not?”

“As you know, the Standard package from King Studios contains only the MIND and one copy of Path of Exile,” she said, switching to business mode. “The Advanced package contains a limited-edition version of the console, one copy of Path of Exile, a custom figurine of your account character, and an account upgrade disc.” She pulls a figurine from beneath the counter. It’s a burly man with tribal tattoos and a fierce grimacing expression, brandishing a barbaric war-axe. It’s incredibly detailed.

“I do admit, I’m interested. How much more is this Advanced package?” I asked. She beckoned me to lean forward so she wouldn’t be overheard. I nearly spat blood --  that’s freaking expensive! I mean, the Standard package was high-end already, but this --! “I need a moment to think,” I gasped. I did have the money in my account, but spending it now would mean homecooked meals for the next eight months.

The person behind me spoke up, though. “Hurry it up, we’re waiting here! If you’re gonna take too long, go to the back of the line,” he growled. I paled; the line was still around the block! Screw that!

“I’ll take the Advanced package!” I quickly decided. I nearly cried as I handed over my account card and tried not to think about the hard-earned numbers draining away. The clerk hurried to fetch the box from the safe in the back room, and in minutes I was riding the bus home clutching my prize tightly. This didn’t really go as planned, but I apparently got a nice upgrade at least.

-

Back at home, pieces of packing tape and filler paper were strewn around my bedroom. I was staring blankly at the small pamphlet that was included in the box of my shiny Advanced package. In plain black text, it read --

Thank you for purchasing the Advanced Package!

Included in this package:

1 Collector’s Edition MIND console

1 copy of Path of Exile, the Virtual Reality to end all realities

1 proof-of-purchase receipt to order your custom character figurine (see instructions)

1 account upgrade disc

To install the account upgrade disc, first install Path of Exile on your console and create your character. When the tutorial ends, log out and install the account upgrade. The next time you log in, the account changes will be automatically applied and detailed in-game.

Best fortune, Exile.

“Why the hell would I install the upgrade without knowing what it does?!” I shouted at the empty apartment. My lazy cat, Luna, sent a glance my way, before curling up in the other direction to better ignore my ire.

I spent a few more minutes being upset at King Studios before I decided it wasn’t worth the mental effort anymore. Instead of being angry, how about focusing on something positive. Like the fact that my console was Collector’s Edition! The clerk must have forgotten to mention it, which I could understand; she was under a lot of pressure. I pulled the thing from its box to see what made it so special.

In the console preview images online, the MIND was a silver headset like a visor that wrapped around the eyes. It was plugged into a deceptively small silver box with two LEDs, labeled “Power” and “Connected.” The box only had a power button, disc reader, and plugs for power and the headset input.

This one, though, what the hell were the designers thinking? This is too different!! The visor part was black with futuristic-looking red rune-shaped lights, and the connection cord was a weird dark transparent red material. The box was also black, and was shaped like an old book. The sculpted “cover” had intricate scrollwork, and a skull shape with two inlaid LEDs in the eyes; don’t tell me those are the power and connection indicators? The power cord was normal enough, but the disc reader was under the “cover” and the power button was cleanly set into the “front page.”

“Who the hell would think of turning a book into a console,” I muttered. “But this is a really cool design…did they base it on the Necronomicon or something?”

“Well, whatever…” with a shake of the head, I pushed the thought away and focused on the now. That’s right, who cares what it looks like? I finally get to play the first real virtual reality game! Plus a mysterious upgrade of some kind! “I bet it’s just extra gold or a cosmetic change, anyway,” I reasoned out loud. There’s no way they would unbalance the game by giving only certain customers special treatment. That would just be insane for a game studio.

I rushed around my moderately messy room, setting up the console. It was past dinnertime now, and I had to skip lunch to stand in that Line from Hell, but who had time to be hungry when there were video games to be played?!

With everything properly plugged in, I started the game disc installation and pulled the visor over my eyes. Obviously, I couldn’t see anything; the revealed information said something about the technology reading and intercepting brainwaves before they reached the spine, or something? It was definitely a step up from the old screen-based headgear of the past.

After a minute of nothing happening, I was about to lift the visor to check that the console was on when a message appeared in front of me, floating in the darkness.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Installation complete.

Launch Path of Exile now?

Y/N

“Yes,” I said out loud. I knew the commands would be vocal, but it still felt a little embarrassing to talk to my empty apartment.

I wasn’t given any time to feel awkward though. As soon as I spoke, the message grew until it covered my vision and started glowing white. I had to squint my eyes shut at the intensity of it, and when the light faded, I was in what appeared to be an old stone room. There were iron chains and shackles lying around, and the only source of light was a torch flickering on the wall. I bet my face looked really silly just then; I could smell the freaking mildew and feel the dampness of the air on my skin! Technology is amazing.

Another floating message popped up.

Welcome, New User.

Please register your account:

Beneath that, there were empty boxes for my name, gamertag, email, and other such standard information. A virtual keyboard appeared at chest level, and I quickly filled out the registration. Honestly I wouldn’t have cared if they asked for a blood sample and the sacrifice of a virgin, I just wanted to make my character already.

Welcome, User

Your account has been registered.

Please proceed through the dungeon.

What? I guess there’s a different approach to character creation in VR than I’m accustomed to from PC games. Normally one would expect a posturing avatar they could rotate and edit with sliders or selections, but apparently that would be too “game-y” for this advanced console. “So long as I can customize enough,” I grumbled. “Who wants to play a game looking like themselves? Nobody. Or at least nobody sane.” Talking to myself wasn’t making my character for me, so I followed instructions and walked forward.

It was a weird feeling, moving my body naturally in this gloomy dungeon, even though I knew logically that I was laying motionless in my bed…but I tried not to think about it too hard and just focused on my surroundings. I passed through a stone archway fitted with a thick, medieval wooden door and found myself in an equally gloomy hallway. One wall was lined with cells sectioned off by iron bars as thick around as my forearm. I approached one cell out of curiosity, and was genuinely sent reeling from shock. A skinny girl slumped listlessly against the back wall, her unnaturally white hair drooping around her face, with rats scuttling around her. Her ears were slightly pointed, not to an elfin degree but certainly not human. As I peered in, she somehow snapped her head up to face me fully, and stared straight at me with fiery silver eyes. She was captured and worn down, but she wasn’t broken.

I managed to break her gaze, but I could feel her watching me. Was she here for ambience? Then, just to prove me wrong, a screen popped up to my right.

Nameless Demihuman (Lunar Nymph)

Nymphs, a fae race, are physically weaker than a majority of other sentient species,

but they compensate their lack of muscle for a much larger mana pool.

Choose this race?

Y/N

I normally don’t make hasty decisions; heck, I’m borderline indecisive. But the way this frail girl stared me down…I was captivated. The thought of having such a strong-willed entity as my avatar was enticing. I gulped down my nervousness and whispered, “Yes.”

Customize this avatar?

Y/N

“Yes,” I stated more surely this time. The girl stood up from the floor and moved to the center of the cell. A panel appeared in the same place the confirmation box had been, and I nearly laughed. Looks like the devs didn’t completely eliminate the customization sliders after all!

I didn’t change much, since she was attractive enough and surprisingly close to my height. I toned up her muscles slightly just so she wouldn’t be so extremely willowy, and shortened her hair into a feisty pixie cut. She already had a moderate tan (somehow, could you tan in moonlight?) which contrasted her light hair and eyes. Her bust was already modest, and I left it alone. There would be enough perverts toppling over top-heavy without me, thanks very much.

There was one slider that confused me slightly: Glow. It was turned all the way down, so I didn’t know what it did. Experimentally, I pulled it all the way on. Immediately, the girl emitted a cold blue light from every inch of her; her hair, her eyes, even her skin radiated icy light. Startled, I pulled the slider back almost completely off, leaving it on just enough so that her silver eyes would glow softly.

The skinny, beaten girl slumped in a corner had become a fierce, if small, adventurer. I tapped the box marked “Confirm,” and was prompted:

Name your avatar.

I took a moment to ponder. Lunar Nymph, so ties to the moon, physically weak but more mana, meaning increased intelligence, now a huntress…My eyes widened when I realized. I had the perfect name. Wait, I’d better alter it so it’s not so obvious. Alright, perfect.

“Artymia.”

The prompt changed to a text box with a keyboard, and I spelled out the name, and pressed “Confirm” again.

Lunar Nymph Exile

You will now be transported to the tutorial.

I felt a weird tingling in my hands and feet and glanced down, only to see that I’d become semi-transparent. Two guards in half plate armor clomped out of the door I entered from and actually marched right through me to open the door of the cell my avatar, Artymia, was kept in! That was one of the weirdest feelings I’ve ever experienced, I mused absentmindedly, as the guards roughly grabbed my delicate avatar and pulled her out of the cell and down the dungeon corridor.

They were leaving my line of sight, so I tried to follow them, and was pleased that I could despite being incorporeal. I tailed them into what seemed to be a holding cell, where they unceremoniously clapped iron chains on Artymia’s wrists and left her in that room with other chained prisoners. I felt a sharp tug, and my view went dark. I blinked a couple times as my vision slowly cleared, and suddenly my whole perspective was different. I was in the room with the other prisoners, and slightly shorter than I was used to; on top of that, I couldn’t move my arms very well due to the tight manacles.

“Wait, already?!” I gasped. Artymia’s voice was surprisingly robust, a deeper and huskier tone than mine, but I liked it. Wait, not the point! I thought there was a tutorial!

No sooner had I spoken up than yet another message blinked into existence.

Greetings, Exile .

For the duration of this tutorial, you can take no damage, but do not rely on this function; it will not last forever.

In this world, there are only three attributes:

Strength, Intelligence, and Dexterity.

Strength determines how much damage melee attacks deal, and directly influences your Health.

Intelligence determines how much damage your magic attacks deal, and directly influences your Mana.

Dexterity determines how much damage your ranged attacks deal, and directly influences your speed.

Your current attributes: STR 5, INT 15, DEX 15

Talk to to continue.

“That's different,” I stared at the panel. Only three attributes to determine everything? Even classic RPGS had six! Though, now that I took a second to think about it, these attribute descriptions covered all the basics.

I shrugged, deciding that the attributes were a non-issue and that it would be more prudent to learn the rest of this game's mechanics before complaining about them. Guess I’d better find this Calvin guy then.