Before

“MATT, GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!”

To Matthew, it looked like tonight he was gonna need another ice pack after his ass gets chewed out by his boss John.

It was 11 pm. Closing time to John, but to Matt it meant ‘time to clean a bunch of stupid shit’. See, Matt never liked to clean. Ever. And so he always tried with all of his might to do something uninvolved with cleaning. Unfortunately for Matt, he had no other options for a job, and ended up working at the local family restaurant Smoky Pete’s Steakery.

What a stupid goddamn name thought Matt, reflecting on his choices. Some of Matt’s choices included dropping out of college as a freshman, and deciding to live alone and provide for himself. A fairly stupid idea, he realized now. Another was his decision to shirk his duties as a busboy.

“I’m coming!” he replied. Little does he know that I don’t give a shit. Matt quickly arrived at John’s office in the back of the restaurant.

John was sitting in his office, an impatient look on his face, signalling his evident displeasure with some shit or another.

“Come in, we need to talk” said John gruffly. Matt walked in and sat down in the chair in front of John’s desk. He asked, “What is it?” somewhat timidly. “Listen, Matt. You need to cut the shit, and start working earnestly. I did you a real solid when I employed you over everyone else; over people much more willing to do their jobs. So help me out, and get your ass in the game.” Damn John, calm down thought Matt. “Listen John, I’ve been having a pretty rough week at home. Its nothing to worry about, ok?” “Ok, Matt. We’ll see.”

***

Matt was by no means an ugly person. He wasn’t exactly hot, but he had some upsides. He had short dark hair, and a fair complexion, grey eyes, and an average sized nose. Oh yeah, he was tall. Really tall. 6’4” in fact. Being tall was his most defining feature, something that he simultaneously loathed and loved.

It could be said that Matthew Stafford was one of the most average people on the planet Earth. He wasn’t exactly displeased with this, but as with everyone, he did have a small spark of desire for fame and glory.

Unfortunately, the time of distinguishing yourself with heroic actions has passed, and now the only way to win fame is to be popular, or incredibly smart.

Looks like Matt’s out then.

***

It would be more apt to call Matt’s apartment a broom closet, for all its worth. Inside was the most simple of kitchens; just an oven, dishwasher, and sink, as well as an open area for his bed.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The bed was just a mattress sitting on the wooden floor, pillows spread around randomly. Next to the bed was a single window, and next to the window was the desk, where Matt’s computer sat.

Despite the poor state of things in his room, Matt’s computer was surprisingly advanced. Its cost could probably rival everything else in the room. Combined. It was his heart and soul. The subject of all of his care, and took up most of his free time.

Since his childhood, Matt ad always played games, a trend that continued to this day. He played every MMORPG he could get his hands on, and excelled at them. An easy feat for someone with as much time as him.

***

Matt walked into his apartment at 12 am after the lengthy walk home from Smoky Pete’s. Well, at least I don’t have to clean anything up here. Matt proceed to turn on the lights and sit down on the only chair in the apartment. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and looked at the computer screen, now shining brightly in contrast to the dim light of the apartment.

There was a notification indicating that he had received an email. Nothing out of the ordinary, really.

He opened his browser and checked his inbox. Within was a message from his friend that he used to go to school with. “Wonder what Jack could want?” he thought aloud. Matt opened the email and read its contents.

Within was news of a new game system that was to be released in a few weeks: the Iocrine Full Immersion System. It was developed after the creator, Edward V. Gibson, created an AI that constantly added onto itself, making a system that was always growing.

Edward used his AI, Iocrine, to make a game; one where anything was possible, one where there were no set limits on what could occur.

The news had just come out, indicating that the game has been in development for a very long time in secret.

This actually looks interesting thought Matt. He sent a reply to Jack thanking him for sharing the news.

One thing did disappoint Matt: the price. The IFIS costs nearly $3,000, more than even his beefed up computer was worth.

Matt had to figure out how to procure enough money in two weeks to pay for, what he thought, to be one of the most fun games that he would ever play.

Author's Note: this too, is probably going to be shitty. Its (technically) my first fiction. But i'll try to continue it to its end.