Alexander, Sabella called him softly. Are you certain? Or are you talking based on the drugs we were fed? That should be the only explanation for why we are currently in our room. And this an offence for which I am calling the cops.
Alex grabbed her hand when she tried taking out her phone. Listen to that. She heard voices—people were patrolling in armed uniforms. What is going on? She asked softly. This feels like we are in a military camp. She said, looking through the window. She saw men and women in green coats. Their shirts tucked in what look like skinny pants tucked on their tummy, each holstered guns to their sides
Let's take a look, he said. When he touched the doorknob, a hologram appeared. Hello, my name is M. I am your instructor. Sabella stared at the hologram in awe. She saw a lady with a porcelain body standing in front of her. She looked masculine and had tattoos on her body. She wore a white shirt, combat pants and blue-rimmed glasses. This is Level One of 'The World of Mars'. This was a revolutionary period. The villagers have taken up arms to take down the tyrant king. For aeons, The Mouziz have ruled the land of Mars with iron hands until your arrival Dr Alexander Mouziz a descendant of the Mouziz, to right the wrongs with your partner Ms Sabella who is one of your most trusted confidantes.
Strange, Alex said. I am pretty sure my name is Alexander Vic, not Mouziz. For the first level, you will be trained in combat and ammunition. You can reach the side of your bed for your weapons.
Alex clicked the button beside his bed to find guns placed in sizes and types. Hand pistols and machine guns and glocks. He signalled to Sabella, who was still in a daze. If I am right, you should have a crossbow. What was that? she asked, her voice shaky.
An AI, this game was built to interact like humans. So the AI will come in the form of a dummy human. Do you mean that someone poses for this to work? Yes, just like art. All they needed to do was take a picture of a muse and design it.
Bella, he sat beside her. What do you know about video games? That they are often graphic, she murmured. Alex prayed for patience. Is that all you know? Seeing his reaction, she smiled wittily. Please, my brother and my father lived on video games. What do you think makes me?
Great then. What are the first things to look for in games like this? Instructions, weaknesses and strengths. Good, he stood up. We should find those around here. He clicked a panel close to the window. I found the instructions. Tap your left arm, he said gently. Your strength and weakness will be there. This should be known to you alone.
I need to find- he turned, but she grabbed his hand. What is going on Lex? You've been paranoid ever since we got here. He shifted uncomfortably. Don't give me that, she said stubbornly. I have known you for a week but I can tell you are bothered only if the situation is bad.
I don't know how to put it, he murmured. This was my work and my brother's. When I designed the settings for this game I was happy knowing that I would be helping my brother lift off some of his burdens.
But the game itself is Cal's design and I don't understand how this was possible. He never worked at a gaming centre. I am sure I didn't tell him about my side jobs either. The game called me Dr Mouziz, only my brother knew I took a doctorate.
How did the game that I entered on a whim know that? Did you see the people outside? They are the ones we saw on our block yesterday. How did they get inside this game? Their movement is controlled too. You can't tell me a dummy was created for them while they were here because this game has been in existence for Five years.
I think all this is tied to me somehow but I can't place my hand on it. Sabella cradled his face. You thought all these in what hours that we got here? I don't know what to say to that, what if you are reading too much about this?
No, I have a notion since we got to the foot of that mountain. I saw something on Daisy. I told you once that Daisy seems to be controlled by something. I went only to look her up. She wasn't always chatty. A serious-minded businesswoman. She has a clothing line business in an uptown close to Salima. She came to Mars last week. Her post has been consistent online talking about the wonders of this place. Does she have a phone with her when she was with us?
No, she frowned listening to him. She has no phone. Sabella looked up at him understanding. She's in the game. Camille? He's a staff here, Alex told her. I hope it is not what I am thinking. But I want you to stay clear of any harmful things. You need to learn how to use your bow perfectly. That is how we can get out of here.