Chapter Seventy six
Atharva woke up after completely logging off from the game
Inspite of being thrifty and poor, he had collected quite a luggage in four years of college life.
And he turned so shameless that he walked and carried the said luggage to the posh hotel, the place where Mrs Briggs had booked the room for him. He mentally gave a solid A for the hospitality in the hotel. They didn't hide their mirth and disbelief at the sight of him but they turned solicitous and welcoming soon enough, even before he opened his mouth. The aplomb or deadpan manner of accepting everything, the most desired state of Butler's were absent. What can you expect from still young people?
The hospitality sector was the service sector which used AI and human resource extensively. They still had people working, having the so called 'human touch '.
The security guards didn't behave rough at his attire or the way he came to check-in.
One of them, the older one , with hairs greyed at temples, even talked nicely. "Checking in, sir?"
Atharva nodded, he didn't have strength to talk. He had been carrying the luggage till here from campus dorms where he had his loft.
"Let us help you," he continued.
Atharva just waved off. But the older guard just looked at his younger buddy who finally came out of stupor.
"Don't worry sir. We shall take care of you and your luggage." He turned to one side and magically pulled some contraption.
It was one of the miniature golf carts. "Please get in sir. It will take you to the front desk."
It was only after he piled his luggage there and stood next to it, did Atharva realise that he was going to front desk, alone.
The young one smiled briefly, "I have marked to end point as front desk. Please rest and enjoy your rise. Kindly forgive us for not escorting you personally. We can't leave our posts. Hope you understand."
Oh, he did. He more than understood. The behaviour didn't look bad, even good but the hint of snobbishness came through clearly.
The human guards were classy way of showing that this place was posh, catering to the rich. The whole security was managed by AIs. And there were not just two security guards at the gate. There bound to be more.
Atharva didn't say anything and moved towards front desk, with all his luggage traveling with to him, rather than on him.
The front desk was already primed by security, so the bafflement, mirth or condensation was hidden away after they watched his entry.
"Hello sir, Welcome to Ma Til Da hotel. How many I assist you?"
"Hi, I am Atharva. I have a room booked here. Can you please check?"
"Most assuredly, sir. May I know further details?"
Atharva could not help. He actually not had booked himself. He was here courtesy of Mrs Briggs. So how to proceed...?
Thankfully, the receptionist found his room details without his input. He just showed his ID and he got his room key. A bellboy came in to show the way. Guess the rich prefer old fashioned way, he thought.
He got a luxurious suite. Granted even the simplest room here would be luxurious, but this was a suite. The bellboy showed all the features. The rooms, dining area, living area, the bathroom, the balcony. Oh, please don't forget to use the amenities here, all inclusive of suite rent.
Okay, let's have a calorie laden breakfast then. He ordered the same and went to see the amenities in detail. The entertainment system - latest model- check. The VR pods - latest model. Scratch that. The latest model of Dream N series were present ordered, and used for gaming. But Dream KL series were still better. And this suite had 3, 2 in bedroom and 1 in living area. He could understand the logic of 2 in bedroom but why in living area?
The bathroom was obviously bigger than his parents' home, with a big gap between dry and wet areas. The robes- super soft. The towels- soft, absorbent and large.
Atharva apparently offed his brain, so he got weird ideas like what would people do in such a big bathroom, why would they even need such a big bathroom. But such questions did not stop him from doing 'quality check' on all the amenities present. By the time he finished, he received a piping hot and heavy breakfast. He served himself, disliking someone standing and satring at him when he ate.
Then, he enjoyed the scenery at the balcony.
He had made lots of vids of the place and food he had. Just something he could use to tease his siblings. If he had this room, due to his merit, he would have called everyone and shared the news. But this time, it was due to courtesy of someone else. No need to be proud and no need to show off.
He checked the bank account. Money still safe and sound. They he went down to swim. And exercise. Anyone as he was still adjusting to the pace of life where he didn't have to spend every single moment reading and learning.
As he was running, he decided to come out of his self imposed social media exile and saw the top news. Still talking about the game
Now the estimated players were more than 50% of the population. Remaining have not yet started as there was lack of VR gears. The VR game gear makers were raking in profits, their shares at all time high.
Still not a prep from the conglomerate which launched the game. If they had IPO, they could get back 3-5 times the money spent within a day.
The trending news were mostly related to the players. Few click bait type of healines. Wow, the share rise in these social media and news media had not subsided yet. Should have purchased few shares, could have made some money. This was from someone who made millions inside the game. Wonders never seize.