It all started after I decided to check out something I saw on a poster during the summer break. You see, there's this company called Noodle part of the CDE group that specialises in technology, and recently they have had some breakthroughs in immersive technology.

Yes, they declared "Full dive is finally here!" at the beginning of summer. On one of their posters, you can scan a QR code, and if you're lucky, you can go to one of their offices to try it out for free.

Guess what, lucky me! I scanned the code and noodle maps opened with a planned route from my home to the edge of the business district. Soon after, noodle mail sent me a notification I received a mail containing the date and time.

...

It's a Saturday afternoon, I just entered an inconspicuous office building and arrived in a medium-sized hall.

It's a standard room for an office building; white-ish walls, white foam squares with irregular grey spots on the ceiling, neon lights that lightly hum, and a horrible blue carpet with some coffee stains.

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The room is empty except for an angular out-of-place asphalt counter with a man dressed in a dark suit reading a book on artificial intelligence seated behind.

I approach him and before I can open my mouth to speak, he leans forward and says.

"Can I have your name please?"

"Yes, it's Paul Fort, how does it work here?"

"Ah yes, we've been waiting for you. I have a few questions before we can get started. What is your strong point as a person?"

"Hmm, that's a bit unexpected... I guess I'm quite good at maths and science."

"Ok, an analytical type of person. Hmmm, if you had to pick, would you consider yourself strong, or endurant?"

"Well, I'm not that strong, so I'll go with the latter."

"Thank you, if you agree to our terms, place your palm here please." He grins and points at a shallow groove forming on the counter.

I hesitate for a second but eventually start moving my left hand. The closer I get to it, the cooler the surrounding air becomes. It starts faintly glowing yellow and when I finally place my hand in the groove, a chill suddenly creeps up my arm, reaches my shoulder, then slowly circles round to the back of my neck, making me shiver.

What's happening?

My ears are ringing.

I feel dizzy.

My vision is blacking out.

"Enjoy your trip!"