While Alec was getting ready for bed, his smartphone dinged, which indicated a new message. Alec checked it and noticed it was from an unknown number. Confused, he connected the call but didn't speak.
The caller seemed to realize his cautiousness and spoke first. "You're smart. From your silence, I guess you know who you're talking to", the caller said, with a smile in his voice.
"What was your intention in giving me the headset?", Alec asked coldly. "I have no I'll intentions at all believe me. I am one of the thousands all over the world that was tasked with recruiting new players to the game. The requirements, however, to join the game were steep.
"But you happen to meet these requirements, congrats by the way. That was why I chose you for this special privilege", the caller said it all in one breath. Alec wondered if the caller was human.
"How did you know me, and most importantly, how did you know I was going to pass that street? Have you been stalking me?" Alec asked angrily. "Woah hold on there mister. We don't stalk anyone at all, we can't stoop so low to do that, but that's not important.
"What's important is that you completed your first game, which was no surprise if you ask me. The main reason I was calling you was to inform you of the upcoming event that was set for the first day of next year. The event is more like a competition between teams. The winner is rewarded with an attractive price", the caller said.
Alec stayed silent for a moment, before realizing something. "I see what's going on. Apart from the fact that you forced me into a game, I didn't want to play, you want me to join a team of people I probably don't know and might risk my life in a game I might not even be prepared for. Good one Mr… Nobody, but no thank you", Alec said, intending to end the call.
"You have no choice here Alec Norman", the caller said, causing Alec's heart to skip a beat. "What do you mean by I have no choice?" Alec asked coldly.
"Let's understand something here, alright? Once you've joined, you can't opt-out. You have to play a game at least two times a month", the caller spoke in a way that sent chills down his spine. "What would happen if I don't?" Alec asked slowly. "Alec, you honestly don't want to know, listen, Alec, this is not why I called you. I simply…" Alec loudly interrupted the caller
"You have to explain everything to me right now!" Alec almost screamed agitated. He had no idea what trouble he had gotten himself into. If this was how others were forced to play this game continuously for the rest of their lives, how miserable would that be?
The caller seemed to ponder for a moment, before finally speaking. "You're upset, I understand. Why don't we meet somewhere more convenient? Let's talk about these things face to face. Maybe we can iron these out", the caller said, but Alec wasn't having an easy time here.
"Why are you doing this to me? I already have a life planned out, and just you came and jeopardize everything", Alec said with a hardened voice. He wished he could choke the caller through this call.
"Let's talk about this when you close for school today, okay?" The caller concluded and ended the call, leaving Alec stunned for a moment. Does it mean that his life was over?
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
The next day, Alec packed the VR headset in a safe place near his study desk and left for school. Ever since that unknown caller spoke to him, he hasn't slept a wink. As of now, his mind was puddled as he groggily strolled to class.
As he was walking, a Lamborghini zoomed past him and blocked his way. "Hey d***ass, I see you are glowing this morning", the student driver said in disdain. Alec as usual chose to ignore them and walked past the vehicle.
This time, the blond student walked out of the Lamborghini and approached Alec with ferocity. Alec didn't expect this, and so, he couldn't react faster. Before Alec could turn around, the blond student shoved him hard to the ground.
Thanks to his quick reflex, his nose was saved from smashing down to the ground. He stood up and faced the blond student with fire spewing on his eyes. "Oh, you wanna fight me because you took down two students yesterday, is that so? You're seeing yourself as a hero then huh?" The blond student sneered and threw a punch at Alec's face.
Alec dodged it and was about to grab his neck when someone held his hands. It was Ji Hoon. The blond student stopped attacking and faced Ji Hoon, then sneered. "What are you, his boyfriend? Get outta here, otherwise, you'll get hurt", he said coldly.
"Please, cut this out. No one has to fight today, please", Ji Hoon pleaded and grabbed Alec's hands in an attempt to drag him away from the fight circle. "Come on man, let's go. There's no need to continue fighting with these low-lives", a male student said inside the Lamborghini.
The blond boy seemed hesitant, but he finally decided to back down. He gave Alec a stabbing glare, before entering the Lamborghini and driving away.
Ji Hoon looked at Alec and felt worried. "What's going on with you Alec? You don't do this before", he asked worriedly. "Nothing", Alec simply said and walked past Ji Hoon, but Ji Hoon quickened his pace and walked along with him.
"I hope that whatever you're facing, I'm always there for you. You don't need to push me away", Ji Hoon said solemnly. Alec felt conflicted a bit. It wasn't that he couldn't tell Ji Hoon, but how would it sound to him if he was explaining it to him?
Alec felt guilty for cutting Ji Hoon off, but he immediately shook it off. He had bigger problems to solve than some friendship that probably won't even make it out of this school.