"I am happy to present to you, [The Wizard's Tower]," with those words Sheriv Nazar sends the guests into an excited frenzy.
Everywhere I look, calls are being made, questions are being asked, and alliances being formed.
[This is crazy!] Sher blurts out.
I shake myself out of the excitement. She's right. The Outside is a nasty place where a slight sign of weakness can mean exploitation and death.
"I know what some of you might be thinking," Sheriv continues. "Yes, the 'Outside' has been lawless and dangerous for decades but do you not think that because of these conditions, those who live there are more pitiful than those who live in our junk yards? As citizens of the 'Inside', do you not believe that we have the intellect and resources to bring these people, no, savages, a semblance of society?"
Her words stir the hearts and minds of everyone in the room. Some whispers are more doubtful and hesitant than others but the pride of being a citizen of the Iron Walls overshadows any reason to refuse her offer.
"I see that this is something you have to think about," she says and gestures for someone to take her place in the limelight. "So, I'll have the president of Neo Constructions, Thomas Ashur, inform you of the tower's details."
My heart leaps from my chest. Tom? Why is he president? What happened to his dad? As my mind swirls, Tom takes Sheriv's place and addresses the guests.
"My fellow players, I am Thomas Ashur from Neo Constructions," he starts with an air of importance and charisma about him. "This project was started by my father, Nigel Ashur, in partnership with Medacorp. Now that it is completed, he decided that his legacy is secured and that it is time to make my own. Thus, I took over, no, he handed the reins to me."
He waves his hand and the hologram of the tower shifts and moves revealing parts of itself that were previously unseen.
"The tower is made of top of the grade materials that won't degrade easily," he continues. "Within these walls, you can find the adventure of a lifetime. Lakes, mountains, forests, volcanoes, towns, cities, all created through [Fractal] and [IRL] materials. There are 100 floors in total to conquer and each of them are available for purchase in their entirety or in pieces."
As he says those words, many entrepreneurs in the crowd gasp and start scanning their current assets. I would too if I had the funds. Since [Fractal] is now part of the flow of economy even I know that this will be damn profitable.
"The bidding for the floors will begin after this announcement," he finishes and gestures for Sheriv to take her place on the balcony once more.
"Now this is what I like to see," she smiles softly. "More excitement than anxiety. But I do understand that it is still quite the risk so I invited our head of military to address the safety concerns regarding venturing on the Outside."
A muscular man in his decorated formal military uniform steps up and addresses us.
"The government has issued a no-fault defense to those who venture Outside," he says in a stoic and stern manner. "The citizens of the Outside are considered armed and dangerous so if you come across one, please avoid them at any cost. However, we understand that it's sometimes impossible to do that so we've given you permission to defend yourself by any means necessary."
Damn, so they're basically giving anyone who goes to the tower a license to kill. Personally, I have mixed feelings about this. Being from there, I know that killing is sometimes necessary. But killing a human being is never pretty so I don't know how these guys can handle it.
Sheriv takes her place once more and her face is solemn and conflicted.
"This is a dangerous endeavor," she starts. "Nestled between multiple Walled Cities like our own, the tower is designed to be a foothold to reclaim the 'Outside' and bring civilization to those who do not know it. However, there will be resistance and I am afraid that it will be often violent. So, in preparation for such encounters, we at Medacorp decided to give a choice to you players."
She waves her hand and a screen appears in front of me.
+
[Pain receptor activation]
[Yes or No]
+
"Since our ancestors walked this planet, pain has been a deterrent for reckless behavior and motivation to acquire things to avoid it," she continues and waves her hand again. This time, graphs appear in the middle of the venue. "These are the player statistics since the DLC's launch. Since pain is not included in the Kaleidoscope sensors, many players put themselves in reckless situations. In addition, they do not care for their own well being as well as others. This increases [Fractal] related crimes, which the police right now is struggling to tackle."
I look at Barry when she says that and he just sighs.
"I believe that pain, or at least the threat of it, is necessary to foster safety to those who want to venture out of these walls. So I'm giving you a choice: agree and have a place in the gamble of the tower or disagree and stay in the safety of the city," she says and then her face shifts to an intensity and stern that even the head of military didn't show. "Reckless players who seek only death have no place in this mission."
Murmurs erupt from all around. This is quite shocking. Pain has been the core of human existence yes but in a game, pain is ignored. After all, why would you fight a giant demon if you'll feel pain along the way. Ah... I just proved her point for her. This is more than just a game. I should know better than anyone else in this room that reckless behavior out there spells doom for you. If players could learn to be more careful through the game, they'd be more careful out there.
"Wow, she's very smart," I whisper to Sher.
[I made it that way,] she replies.
"The doors of the tower will be open in a month," she says. "Prepare for it. I will be looking forward to seeing you there," she finishes and signals for Tom to take over as she exits through the darkness.
"Now, the bidding for the floors shall commence," Tom announces and suddenly, the excitement in the room bursts.
"Hey, kid. Isn't this interesting?" Barry clings to me.
"Very," I reply. "What're you gonna do?"
"I already clicked yes of course," he chuckles. "I've been shot by real bullets before. I'm not afraid of pain."
"Says the guy who creates barriers," I retort.
That statement earns me a noogie.
"So, what are you gonna do?" he asks.
I turn to the dodecahedron who's still shifting anxiously beside me and smirk.
"Of course I'll do it!" I reply and press the "Yes" button on the hologram.