4) Analogic (II)

"Welcome to Analogic!"

'There is no way! How did I end up here? I am no way in hell going to be a Verser'

As the virtual world started influencing things like the economy in the real world, people were desperate to find if there were any side effects to the new technology. This is when the Virtual Research Companies or "VRCs" were created. These companies experimented on the players in exchange for money to order to test the limits of the virtual reality world.

They were deemed as immoral and were frowned upon but they were also necessary as people were still hesitant to use VR for extended periods. The people who they contracted were called Versers and they were desperate. It was better to be homeless than being a Veser.

Vesers were exploited by the VRCs. They spent entire weeks inside VR. Yes, they were given a house, food, and other services but they didn't need them as they spent most of their time online. And when you finally were allowed out, they did a thousand different tests in your body such as taking tissue from everywhere to see how it has developed, mental experimentations, etc.

Once you became a Veser, you died a Veser. And they died young. It was modern slavery. However, Luca knew he would not survive on his own. He had no job experience and has always lived a luxurious life, he didn't even know if he could sleep on the streets. Perhaps living in the virtual world would not be a bad idea.

Analogic was one of the most famous VRCs, it was known to be the most lenient one. It was a private company with a lot of money available. So the lesser evil.

"I think you know why you're here Luca. We want to recruit you to join our research group"

*sigh* "I never thought I would become a Veser. Can we at least go through the contract? I mean you are gaining an invaluable asset after all, so I expect fair compensation."

The lady laughed so hard her stomach was hurting.

"You're something kid. You might have been used to having a silver spoon but trust me, here, no one is irreplaceable. I'll tell you what, you have one month to prove you're "an invaluable asset" haha, and if you do I might consider giving you some benefits."

"A month?! Are you crazy b*tch? What am I supposed to do in a month? I don't even know what game I'll be playing"

*slap*

"Do not raise your voice at me you ungrateful child! Must I remember you, right now you have nothing, you are worth nothing, We are already making you a favor by giving you a place to stay and a second opportunity in the virtual world!"

Luca's anger was boiling! Mostly because all she said had hit home. He was pissed at her for telling him the truth.

"As for the game you will be playing, it is called Kingdom of Shadows. It is set in a post apocalyptic world where everyone has special abilities. It's an RPG. I know you used to play those games so this must be easy for a "pro gamer".

Of course she made sure to add the sarcastic tone to pour salt into the wound. She was really pissed by this teenager's character. But when she thought about the upcoming month, she couldn't help but smile devilish. After all, the best way to keep the Vesers in the company was by crushing their hope of getting out of the hole they were in.

"Fine" -said Luca through gritted teeth. He was reluctant to accept his predicament but he also knew he had no other choice. He would have redemption on Kingdom of Shadows and he would be the number one again.

"The game has just debuted so everyone should be starting. There won't be much level difference between you and the other ones. As for the rules, you will spend the next entire month in VR, if you prove yourself then you will be given a reward, if not, you will regret the way you spoke to me just now. After that month, we will conduct a series of physical and mental tests to see how f*cked up you really are. If you die in the game, you will respawn but be careful, only 25% of pain is reduced so you will feel 75% of the pain your character suffers. Dying is not the worst thing that can happen."

"Alright I get it. I ain't no p*ussy. When do we start?"

"Give me a few hours and I will set up your egg. You know the drill, yeah?"

"Yeah I know, only underwear in the egg."

He then looked down at his body, he was not in perfect shape but he was not bad either. That was the worst part about this experience, the fact that your body would remain visible in an egg for as long as you were inside.

Yes, there were laws to protect people from bad things but they were not always carried through. He would have to trust these random people.

After a few hours the lady came back.

"Your egg number is #108. Go now and stop wasting my time."

"I didn't catch your name by the way, if not for your character you would be a really good girlfriend."

"Shut up, my name is Amelia. Now go you bastard."

Luca chuckled slightly at her reaction. They had indeed hated each other but now it was playful banter.

He walked around 10min between the unnatural green glow of the eggs until he found the number #108 on the outside of an empty egg.

He put his hand on the smooth glass surface of the egg and a part of it slid open allowing him to go inside. There was a circle on the floor of the pod, when he stepped on it, it started to rise, out of the opening a green liquid started pouring out, filling the egg slowly.

'I hate this part'

When the liquid covered half of his body he started to float. He then took a deep breath and the liquid completely filled the egg. He held his breath until his lungs were burning, he knew he had to breathe in the liquid but it always felt like he was drowning.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath allowing the green liquid to enter his lungs and become a part of his blood. When the liquid reached his brain seconds later, he saw a shining white light that was slowly approaching him. He arched out to it and then six words were floating before him.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Shadows"