Molotov grew up in a downtown boxing dojo, guided by her single-parent father who trained her after hours. Hoping to follow in his footsteps, her dreams were shattered when he tragically passed away. Lost and without guidance, she rediscovered her passion and embarked on a journey of resilience and healing. Through solitary training, she channeled her sorrow, reconnecting with her father's spirit. Fuelled by determination, Molly entered the ring to honor her father's legacy and rewrite her story in the boxing world, and that was when Omicron called out to her.
___
Back in the lobby, Vaelin sat quietly as he expected yet another surprise from Molly. It wouldn't be a mind blowing sight now that he felt he was seated amongst ninjas.
___
-VR ass. lvl 02 -Bo$$-
The obstacle course was buzzing with anticipation as Molly prepared herself for the challenge ahead. Her eyes glinted with excitement as she stood before the obstacle course. The gap seemed insurmountable, but Molly was not one to be deterred easily.
"Let's get this over with in a heartbeat." She grinned.
With a quick assessment of the strategically placed platforms and bouncing pads, she knew exactly how to conquer this obstacle. Taking a deep breath, she sprinted towards the edge of the chasm. As she approached the edge, Molly launched herself with all her might, her muscles flexing and propelling her through the air.
With graceful precision, she landed perfectly onto the first platform, her body absorbing the impact effortlessly. Without wasting a second, Molly quickly analyzed the movements of the obstacles ahead - sliding platforms and levitating boulders scattered along her path. She knew she had to navigate through them swiftly if she wanted to maintain her momentum.
Molly began to sprint across the sliding platforms, adjusting her stride to match their erratic movements. She then leaped over a levitating boulder, her agility on full display. Her colleagues watched in awe as she effortlessly maneuvered through the chaos. It was as simple as running and leaping over boulders like a jumping-jack
Finally, Molly reached the last part of the obstacle course - the swinging pendulums. Most players would carefully avoid each pendulum that swung their way, but Molly had a different plan in mind. With a mischievous grin on her face, she sprinted towards the first pendulum and leaped onto it.
Using her strength and perfect timing, Molly hijacked the pendulum's movement, swinging it further and higher than it was meant to go. As it reached its highest point, Molly released herself into the air, flying through the obstacle course like a shooting star.
With gravity as her accomplice, Molly effortlessly soared through the air, using the pendulum's mighty swing to launch herself towards the next one. Time seemed to slow down as she arched her body gracefully, her hands outstretched to grab onto the next pendulum.
In a seamless rhythm, Molly continued this pendulum-to-pendulum slingshot technique, each swing sending her higher, faster, and closer to the finish line. A rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins as the obstacles blurred into a whirlwind of motion.
With a final swing, Molly defied all expectations, propelling herself with power towards the last swinging pendulum and she landed smoothly on its swinging body.
Breathing heavily, Molly glanced at the finish line. With determination burning in her eyes, she sprang forward, sprinting the final stretch, leaving her mark as a true champion of the course.
"That's how it's done." She mused with pride.
___
Up next was the laser Grid maze an obstacle course often failed. Although the lasers were deadly, that was only in the virtual reality game. And all participants are provided with laser repellent vests that withstands only five hits. Upon exhausting all five, it becomes useless and the individual must take the rest of the course cautiously without protection.
The Laser Grid is an intricate maze of intense lasers that tests agility and problem-solving skills. Participants must maneuver through narrow gaps, avoiding beams of light by bending, crawling, and squeezing. The pulsating lights and complex obstacles heighten the thrilling experience, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. This immersive challenge pushes individuals to their limits, showcasing their physical prowess and delivering an unforgettable adventure.
___
Vaelin walked into the level 3 portal with dark clouds hovering over his head. He felt a mixture of emotions within, about the menacing course ahead and that he felt alone than ever.
___
-VR ass. lvl 03- Neo-Shogun-
Vaelin entered then obstacle course, determined to keep up with the rest of the crew.
"I won't be left behind." He declared, with a steeled resolve.
Before starting, he navigates through the maze-like laser grid, analyzing the pattern of the lasers and how fast they came out.
Ones he was somewhat familiar with its movements, he smoothly ducked under the initial beams and maneuvered through a narrow gap. His agility was impressive for a first timer, showing precision.
However, as he reached the middle section, his judgment failed him. Misjudging the distance between two lasers, he failed to crawl low enough, and suddenly, two lasers swept across his body from opposing angles in quick succession.
"Damn it! I should have been more careful." He grunted as he impact jars him, but he continues determinedly.
He kept moving, calculating his every step. It was difficult, and if not for the vest, that could take five attacks from the lasers, the one earlier would have sent him out of the game.
He moved meticulously, hoping for not mishaps, but as though jinxed by the first one, he arrived at a particularly tricky section, Vaelin momentarily lost his sense of direction, becoming disoriented. Panic seized him, and he moved too hastily, unintentionally stumbling into another laser. It caught him off guard, momentarily halting his progress.
"Ahh! That laser got me good. Guess I underestimated its speed." He said, wincing in pain. "Seriously?! How many of these lasers are there? I need to stay sharp."
He had only two more lives from the vest, and he wasn't even halfway to the finish line. This meant he seriously had to think something up, else he was surely going to fail this one, and he knew that very well.
"How did I get turned around in here? Focus, Vaelin, focus!" uttered Vaelin in frustration, "I can do this. Just need to time it perfectly..."
As he approached a sharp turn, Vaelin saw an incoming laser, "it's slow, I think I can get past it in time."
He took a step but he was wrongly mistaken. He had miscalculated the timing and speed of a laser.
"No, no, no! One wrong step and it's chaos! I can't afford any more mistakes!" shouting in frustration, but he was desperate to continue. He attempted to squeeze past it, only to be caught off guard yet again by another laser that struck him from the side.
The impact of the beams threw him off balance, "These lasers are relentless! It's like they know exactly where to hit me. I've got to be faster." He said, grimacing, but he pushed on with only one life left in his vest.
However, as though all the previous hits had dulled his sense and swiftness, Vaelin's focus wavered for a fleeting moment. In that split second, he accidentally brushed against one of the lasers.
An alarm immediately blared, and a cascade of lasers engulfed the area. Vaelin was caught from multiple angles, unable to evade the onslaught.
"Ouch! These guys keep knocking the wind out of me." He said, coughing.
He was about to move when he heard what he feared most in every game. The blaring red lights that flash after a certain word beeps into sight.
[Game over!]
The obstacle course had defeated him.
"I gave it my all, but these lasers got the better of me. Time to regroup and try again." He said solemnly, still left with 3 minutes 35 seconds to complete the entire assessment, but at the moment something unexpected happened.
The time left was sapped away to 0:00, causing Vaelin to almost faint.
"Everything disappeared." She shouted. "But I have more time to take the test again, didn't I?"
"Perhaps, a level must not be failed even ones, " he thought, "but what do they take us for? Robots?"
Lost in the depths of his thoughts, the system screen popped up.
[Quest Failed]
[-10%]
"Shut up!!!" Vaelin yelled while living the obstacle course.
___
Vaelin was not alone in his struggle through the treacherous obstacle course.
Grimshire, with her graceful ballet techniques, exhibited a mesmerizing display of precision and artistry. Every graceful pirouette and elegant plié enabled her to nimbly navigate through the dance of lasers, making her fare a bit better that Vaelin, amidst the chaos.
Zenith, on the other hand, relied on his acrobatic prowess to execute breathtaking backflips, agile cartwheels, and daring somersaults. His nimbleness bestowed upon him similar, albeit slightly more successful advancement.
However, despite their finesse and dexterity, each seemed to find themselves trapped in tight corners, their movements questioned by the maliciously shifting lasers. Persistence alone was not enough to overcome the daunting challenge it presented.
As for Molly, her robust figure and physical strength became a hindrance, as her attempts to maneuver through the narrow gaps was full of stumbles and fumbles. She just wasn't flexible enough for it.
Ultimately, the cruel and unyielding Laser Grid was victorious, as it shattered the dreams of Vaelin, Grimshire, Zenith, and Molly. It had proven its might, exposing the fallibility of these once-promising contenders.
___
This existed the virtual reality assessment feeling numb in several places.
"You tried you best kids." Mistletoe greeted will some words of confidence, but none of them showed any sense of joy or happiness in them. The early quiters where already devouring some tasty delicacies in the dining space at the corner.
"Your designated universities will be released tomorrow." Mistletoe revealed, "until then, get sometimes to eat and get some rest for tomorrow's journey to the mini-cities where the universities are located."
With that they dispersed, got their bellies full and carried on with other activities for the rest of the day.
***