For real?

Sam stared at the glowing TV screen, his mind torn between disbelief and curiosity.

"$500 for a single question?" he muttered, his voice tinged with skepticism.

The screen explained the rules in bold, clear text: "Answer five questions. Each correct answer earns $500. Speak your answers aloud to confirm."

He ran his hand through his hair, his skepticism growing. "This has to be a joke. Nobody gives away money this easily."

Yet, curiosity gnawed at him. 'What if it's real? What if…?'

With nothing to lose, he pressed the "Start" button. The first question flashed on the screen:

"What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in a thousand years?"

Sam scoffed, a small smirk tugging at his lips. 'That's too easy. Is this even a challenge?'

"M," he said aloud, his voice steady.

The game paused for a second, then responded: "Correct."

At that exact moment, his phone chimed from across the room. Frowning, he got up and grabbed it. His jaw dropped as he read the notification: "$500 credited to your account. Sender: Unknown."

He blinked, then blinked again. "No way…" His pulse quickened as realization dawned. "This thing is real?"

Sam sat back down, gripping the controller tightly. His skepticism melted into cautious excitement. "Let's see what's next."

The second question appeared: "If two is a company, three is a crowd, what is four and five?"

Sam furrowed his brow, reading the question over and over. "What is four and five… Four plus five?" He whispered to himself, then hesitated.

'Don't overthink it, Sam.'

"Nine," he said aloud, his voice a little firmer this time.

The system verified: "Correct."

His phone buzzed again. Another $500. The proof stared back at him from the screen of his phone.

Sam let out a shaky breath, the rush of adrenaline coursing through him. "This… this is actually happening."

He straightened in his chair, a newfound determination lighting his features. "Alright. Let's finish this."

The remaining three questions came quickly, each one simple yet oddly specific. Sam answered them all correctly, his confidence growing with each passing moment. By the time he was done, the game displayed his total: "$2,500 earned."

He glanced at his phone. The money was there. Every cent.

A new menu appeared on the screen: "Do you wish to continue the game in another dimension and realistic realm?"

Sam leaned forward, reading the explanation carefully: "You will be transported into the game's world, where you will compete with other real players for larger rewards. Success will depend on your skills, decisions, and survival."

His grip on the controller tightened. "Another dimension? Compete? Survival?" He frowned. "This sounds insane."

But he couldn't deny the allure. The trial questions had been so easy, and if the rewards were as real as the trial, the career mode could solve all his problems.

He pressed "Yes."

Immediately, a tingling sensation crept over his skin. He looked down in horror as his body began to shimmer and dissolve, his form turning into translucent streaks of light.

Panic gripped him. "What the hell?"

Desperation fueled his movements as he lunged for the console, yanking the power cord from the socket. The screen went black, and the tingling sensation vanished. He collapsed onto the floor, panting, his heart racing in his chest.

He stared at the now-silent console. "What the hell is this thing?"

But the money was still in his account. That much was undeniable. And right now, it was exactly what he needed.

---

"I have to get this small cash to Mia; it might cover some of her hospital bills,' he thought quickly. 'I'll deal with this game later.'

Sam didn't bother washing up or changing. He grabbed his jacket and headed straight to the hospital. The brisk walk did little to clear his racing thoughts, and by the time he reached Mia's room, his chest was tight.

"Mia," he called softly as he entered.

She was lying on the bed, her face pale and gaunt. At 20, her illness had stolen the vibrancy she once radiated. Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice, a weak smile forming on her lips.

"Sam…" she murmured.

He pulled a chair close and took her hand. "Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling?"

She shrugged slightly. "The same. Tired."

He forced a smile, masking the guilt clawing at his insides. "Listen, I managed to get some money—$2,500. It's not enough to cover everything, but it's a start. I'll give it to the hospital to pay for some of the meds you need."

Her eyes widened. "$2,500? How did you…?"

"Don't worry about that," he cut in, shaking his head. "Just focus on getting better, alright?"

Before Mia could respond, the nurse entered the room. Sam stood and explained the situation, detailing his plan to pay $2,500 toward her treatment.

The nurse's expression was grim. "Mr. Thompson, while we appreciate your effort, $2,500 will only cover a fraction of the immediate treatments. We're running out of time. If we don't act soon…"

Sam didn't need her to finish the sentence. He glanced back at Mia, who was trying to hold herself together.

"I'll find the rest," he said firmly. "Just start with this for now. Please."

The nurse nodded reluctantly. "We'll do what we can, but the sooner you secure the remaining funds, the better her chances."

As she left, Sam sat back down beside Mia. She turned her head toward him, her gaze heavy with concern.

"Sam… you've already done so much for me," she said softly. "You've lost your job, your savings… everything. Maybe it's time you stop worrying about me and focus on yourself."

"Don't say that," he said sharply. "You're my sister. I can't just give up on you."

Tears welled in her eyes. "But where are you going to get the rest of the money? You've already given everything you have."

Sam hesitated, his thoughts drifting back to the console in his room. "I have a way. It's… unconventional, but it might work. I just need you to trust me."

Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain it now," he said, standing. "But I promise, I'll come back with the money. Just hang in there for me, okay?"

She studied him for a long moment before nodding weakly. "Okay. Just… be careful, Sam."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I will. You just focus on getting better."

---

Back in his room, the console sat on the table like an unspoken challenge. Sam stared at it, his heart pounding in his chest.

'This is insane,' he thought. 'But if it works, I can save her.'

With a deep breath, he turned the console back on. The screen lit up, the question waiting for him: "Do you wish to continue the game in another dimension and realistic realm?"

This time, his finger didn't hesitate. He pressed "Yes."

As his body began to shimmer and fade, he closed his eyes.

'For Mia. For her life.'

And then, he was gone.