CH1

Ring!

My phone rang when I was just laying down on my end and scrolling through my socials. It was the usual boring day on summer.

Hi, my name is Zeke Eros!

Two years from now, I'll be on my thirty's -- unemployed. I started working and living the adult life when I only turned twenty four. I know, I started late.

After four years of working the same job, I was only able to buy an iPhone that's already about to be outdated from the latest models that's being released throughout the years. Seriously, what have I been doing with my money and my life?

This was the question that struck my mental health hard after life screwed me over and over when I decided to leave my job and looked for a new one.

Things were actually planned out at first, after I finally decided to quit. I was confident and secured on leaving since I was able to sign a new and better job that will replace right away on the final resignation date of my old job.

My resignation was already finalized but two days prior the end date, the new company called to inform me that they are cancelling the employment as for the reason that they are downsizing.

It was..shit! I never knew that a company can do that. I thought that once you have already signed the contract of the job offer, you're already good to go. When that happened, things started to go downhill.

It took me a month to find a new job. I was already glad when I started processing my preemployment requirements but basically the same thing happened -- the company called and retracted my employment. I could not care less for the bullshit reason that they told anymore.

I got resentful to those two companies. I should sue them, shouldn't I?

It's not easy to find a job despite your qualifications and experiences. It was mental draining everytime you get rejected during the job interview. It makes you feel like you are a total worthless being. It makes you question yourself and your abilities in life.

After those series of unfortunate events, my mind have developed some kind of trauma where it taught me that life can take back its decision despite it's already final.

Sigh.

It took me another three months to find another new job. Summer came during that time and it was literally hell. I was only able to survive it due to my loving partner. She was the one who always kept me away from being pessimistic. I'm always thankful to her for being here and there on the lowest point of my life.

Eventually, the storm have temporarily subsided. I was able to land a contractual job for six to nine months. The pay was much more comparing to the annual salary of a tenured employee can get. Plus, the earlier that I can finish the project, the more incentives I can get. That's why I went for it, and at this point of my life, beggars can't be choosers.

"Hello." I answered the call.

"Hi, this is Angel of Immortalization Company." A deep yet feminine voice sounded over the phone. Thank you for answering my call. Am I speaking with Mr. Zeke?"

"Yes, hi, Angel." I replied with enthusiasm.

"I just want to make sure if the equipments that wev'e delivered to your place have already been setup?"

"Yes." I looked at the matte white massage-looking chair that was placed adjacent from the bed where I'm on. The chair was actually can be considered as an advanced gaming console wherein its monitor would be the helmet that have to be worn to cover your eyes and your head to synchronize with your neuro brain signal..whatever, just think of it like Professor X or Magneto's helmet.

Nonetheless, it will really give you a sense of futuristic awe when looking at it especially on how the font style of the company IMMORTALIZATION softly glows as it naturally connects with the overall design and glowing linings of the chair.

"Well, how was it?"

"It's amazing! Stunning!! I have no other sophisticated words for it. It is simply gorgeous and immaculate." Sigh, I answered with full of passion.

"Silly!" Angel can't help but chuckle at the foolishness I was not aware of. "I meant, did you already run its test to see if everything is functioning properly?"

"Oh, of course, of course." I laughed wryly.

"The built in internet connection is stable. Its CPU is not overheating nor even heating up. The motion sensor of the chair, it's just spectacular how it's able to automatically adjust itself whenever a part of my body is feeling strained or stiffed from sitting for long hours."

"That's good to hear." Angel replied. "We just want to make sure that we've properly done our part."

"We are thankful for going through this despite not being a hundred percent sure that this machine can cause any possible health damage towards the user. However, as long as you stick to the manual instruction, there will be a high percentage that we can avoid any problem."

"Thank you, Angel. I understand that this is also part of the job."

"No problem. Don't forget your objectives inside, okay?"

"Definitely!" I laughed. "I still question myself even now though whether I'm really suited for that kind of role."

"As long as you answered the personality assessment truthfully then you'll have no problem about it." Angel replied with a hint of humor on her voice.

"I'll be going now, Mr. Zeke. I recommend for you to just enjoy it. After all, it is what originally made for."

"Got it, thank you, Angel!"

After the conversation over the phone, a text message prompted notifying that the first partial payment was deposited to my bank. Checking on it, the huge amount was like a fish bone stuck in my throat was removed. I can finally pay the past dues of my loans and credit cards and still have enough to pay for the house rent, electricity bill and groceries.

It was already almost nine in the evening when my partner arrived in the house.

"Daddy, I'm home!" My partner's usual announcement whenever she opens the door.

"Mommy!" I welcomed her with my arms wide open as I hugged her petite body and caressed her wavy brunette hair while wagging my butt as if I'm a dog. This has been our daily routine from the start of my unemployed life.

"Wow!" We only lived in a condo style house where as you open the door, it would be the living room area and just twelve to fifteen steps away, it would be the kitchen slash dining area already hence by the time my partner opened the door she was able to see my simple preparation that I did to our foldable table.

"What's all this?" Her eyes sparkled. I always adore her reaction to something that makes her genuinely happy. She reminds me of a two years old kid that has seen something amazing for the first time.

I took off her blazer, bag and sandals before escorting her to the table and take a seat. "I received my first payment."

"Due to that..." I carefully uncorked the wine bottle. "...I was able to payoff the past dues of my loans and credit cards."

The fruity smell of the wine was refreshing and revitalizing. I poured the wine to the glasses that came with the wine bottle as I continued with my narration. "I've also paid Auntie Kath for the electricity and the house rent."

"Thank you for sticking with me, my love." I looked at her with full of affection as I kissed her in the forehead sincerely.

"I understand the situation of your father now hence, I want you to use your salary to somewhat help him with the expenses for the operation that he needs to undergo." Hearing my sentiments, her pupils were starting to become shaky as her eyes started to become watery. I can only sigh in my mind as I offered her the wine glass for her to be distracted and not really cry.

"Thank you, daddy.." She sincerely replied in a soft manner."

I kissed her and emphasized, "Thank you!"

Our romantic dinner was not that long and not that short. We only drank one bottle so that it will be enough for her to have a very good night sleep and enough to calm down my eager nerves to face and do my job as the demon lord.

That's right, the job that I landed was very unique. I was hired to be the demon lord for the first ever virtual realityrole playing game that will ever be released to fhe world soon.