Prologue

"My name is Gustavo Lopes, I worked as chief engineer in the technology sector at Multinational Wolrdtech. Even when he was just 30 years old, he was considered one of the greatest geniuses of processor development in history. I researched and created the most powerful processor of all processors to date. And together with my team, we did the computing miracle of creating a 200-core processor.

After the appearance of the I200 with 180 S3 cores, they thought they would be kings for a long time to come. But who predicted me? When I turned 24, I graduated from college and delivered my doctorate together. My thesis suggested a way to create smaller, more powerful cores. Even though it was only theoretical, it was revolutionary. But only one company decided to bet on me, Worldtech. They bet that at some point I would make my theory a reality. And they were never so right.

Now G2 processors are the best sellers on the market. By the way, G stands for Gustav. I received the Nobel Prize in Science. After virtual and augmented realities emerged on a large scale, the need for more fast processing cores caused a gigantic increase in this area of research. The old 4-core processors, which occupied a relatively large space, are now "giant" relics of the past. And I helped them become even more old-fashioned with my revolutionary fly-sized creation.

After creating this, what do you think I did? I asked for the bills. Yes, I resigned. Of course, it's not because I don't like to study processors or because they pay me little. He received almost 2 million credits as a salary. I had already agreed with the president of the WT about my departure when I joined. The truth is that I always wanted to be a professional player. Virtual reality games fascinate me so I was willing to drop everything for it. Even though I was only 30 years old and had a bright future ahead of me, I left.

I started playing the greatest Virtual Reality game in history, Reverie. And I thought I wouldn't have any support as a player, but Worldtech helped me when I needed it most. We allied the game that lasts to this day. If not for them helping me, I would have given up. But everything worked out and now I'm here. I made my dream come true. I conquered everything I wanted. And I hope to conquer even more."

— Then? What do you think? This documentary is going to be amazing, isn't it?

The person speaking is Earl Bravo, a reporter for WGS, the largest gaming media company today. He is offering Gustavo Lopes the offer of a documentary about his life as a player in Reverie, the biggest hit in the world of virtual reality games in recent centuries.

—I don't know, Earl. You know me, you know my opinion about documentaries. — Gustavo was never a fan of documentaries. Mainly about games. For some reason it feels like a poorly made movie — If it was another interview I would agree, but a documentary? Definitely not.

—Oh, come on. — Not wanting to give up, Earl presses the idea. — Don't you want to do a biography about your life as a Ranker? What was the name you said? Rise of a Noob? We can use it as a base, right? It will be fine, I promise.

— You know it was just a joke I made during the interview, right?— Gustavo became very famous after years of playing as a Magic Engineer and achieving feats that surprised everyone who doubted him and his class.

Raising his hands, Earl said: —Okay, I give up this time. I've done what I had to do. I'll leave my card here with you in case you've lost the other one. As well as I already presented the proposal to obtain that item and offered the documentary, goodbye. And don't hesitate, WGS is really looking forward to it and it's not the only one. If you change your mind about the documentary or item, call me.

Earl got up and left.

— See you later, Earl. I'll think about the WGS proposal. — Seeing Earl leaving, Gustavo collapsed on the couch wearily.

There were a lot of problems in one day. "If I find out who the fucker leaked this…"

— Ahhhhhh there's no use thinking about it now or cursing. It's already leaked. — Gustavo got up and went to the kitchen to eat something.

— Julius, are you there?

— I'm always here, sir. — Gustavo's personal AI Julius replied like a serious, emotionless butler.

— Can you compile my diary for me?

— When should I start?

— Before I start playing Reverie — thinking for a moment, Gustavo added: — Speak as if you were an Omniscient Storyteller telling the story.

— As you wish, sir. It will take me a few minutes to compile the first journal files.

— Perfect. In the meantime, I prepare Chocolate Fondue with strawberries, and a nice Martine to go with it.

After a few minutes and everything was ready, Gustavo sat down on the living room sofa again. He put on his headphones and sat down.

— Julius, you can start.

— As you wish, sir.

As soon as he arrived at his apartment...