Alex's profile update:
USERNAME: 18INREHAB
CLASS: APPRENTICE
XP: 50
HP: 80
PL: 3
ITEMS: ----
BANK: 100 COINS
KILLS: 70
Outside the virtual realm, Alex closed his VR visor tiredly. Stretching weary muscles, he rose to answer the knocking at his room door.
"How was it?" Alex grinned, handing a fizzy drink to Avia as they were now seated comfortably.
"I have to up my game if not…" Avia replied a bit disappointed.
"We've got each other and Greta or…Ice. That's her username" Alex replied warmly, blushing slightly under her gaze. A ping interrupted their recap as John and Daniel went live.
"Greetings players! This is John with your progress report," the popular influencer greeted over thousands of viewers.
"While most teams cleared the opening facility quest within the 2 hours' window, it's sad to note almost 3,000 players perished along the way. Our thoughts go out to those who won't continue the adventure." John said solemnly.
"But for the determined 147,000 remaining, get ready for your second quest" Daniel continued.
"Before we go Daniel, what do you think about player 149,998 – 18inRehab?" John asked very much intrigued.
"Well, Mr. Montenegro commended him for showing great teamwork and combat skills but I think like everyone else in the game, he's got a game to play and boy is he playing it right" Daniel replied.
"So are you saying he's trying to gain as many allies as he can by faking kindness to his co players?" John asked.
"Kinda what anyone with wits would do" Daniel replied.
"Well, as always, I'm John"
"And I'm Daniel"
"And we are signing off"
As John signed off, Alex turned to Avia.
"I wasn't faking anything just so you…" Alex tried to explain but Avia interjected.
"Alex, you're a good person. I know you were just being yourself. Fuck Daniel and his opinions" Avia said.
"Thanks" Alex said as he sighed.
Minutes later, Avia waved goodbye as Alex closed the door, collapsing onto his bed with a sigh. Then a soft knock sounded, and his mother peered in. "May I come in?" she asked gently. Alex nodded, bracing for what criticism might follow. But instead, his mother sat beside him and spoke with rare softness. "I wanted to apologize, for how judgmental I've been since you left treatment. You've been doing so well. I should be proud."
Her words surprised Alex. After months of disappointment, this show of care weakened the walls around his heart. "It... means a lot, hearing you say that."
He longed to confide in her, to share this wondrous escape that fueled his day. But memories of past scorn stayed his tongue. Instead, he replied "Thanks, Mom. I'm glad we're okay."
She smiled, giving his shoulder a squeeze before leaving. As her footsteps receded, Alex gazed at his VR wistfully, wishing he could reveal the game he was playing to his mother, of course she wouldn't understand, he thought. But for now, its wonders must remain his secret alone.
***
As Aurelia refreshed her makeup before class, Greta and Catalina discussed about the game.
"So, how was it?" Catalina asked covered in excitement.
"There were robot hybrids. It was scary yet fun. And the guy Mr. Montenegro praised, we're allies. I really have a good feeling about this game" Greta replied.
"Daniel said maybe he was acting nice to gain allies" Catalina added.
"No, he's a nice guy. I saved him and we became allies. Then I turned my back on him but he still saved me when those robot hybrids wanted to kill me. he's a good person Cat" Greta said in his defense.
"Is someone falling for an avatar? He could be all hot in the game but he might be a dorky fifteen-year-old that has never even kissed a girl" Catalina jeered.
"I am not falling for anybody. I've got my mind focused on the money" Greta said sternly.
"Do you Greta, do you" Catalina wished then she headed out of the bathroom. Greta was about following her when Aurelia stopped her.
"I'm sorry for listening to your conversation. Aurelia" she introduced.
"What do you want?' Greta asked.
"Octavius grimoire. I want us to be allies" Aurelia answered.
Greta raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You play? I didn't think the captain had time for games"
Aurelia grinned. "Only the best make time. And from your gear, clearly you're elite material. We could learn from each other, care to join forces in the next quest?" she asked.
"And what can a cheerleader like you offer us?" Greta asked.
"I'm a daddy's girl yes, but I can do things. I made 30 kills in the mining facilities. How many kills did you make?" Aurelia asked so full of confidence.
"A hundred" Greta answered with her eyebrows raised.
"Alright, you don't need me. But I need you guys. Please, help me out here" Aurelia begged.
"Fine, but if you get in my way, I won't hold back" Greta said.
"Got it" Aurelia assured.
Later that day, the time for the next quest was drawing near. Within the virtual realm, players logged in frantically as John and Daniel's stream announced commencement in one minute.
"This is it folks, the big reveal! Sources say this quest tests teamwork like never before." John said excitedly.
Beside him, Daniel chimed in. "Hope you're ready to get your hands dirty players, because things are about to get bloody"
As the timer hit zero, Alex felt his avatar rematerialize into the game. The soundtrack changed to eerie song and screams in the distance.
"Welcome players, to the night of nightmare." A disembodied voice greeted grimly. "You've been granted a chance to rewrite history. Split into your assigned groups, fortify your zones, and may fortune favor the bold!"
Players scrambled to form their teams as Alex found himself leading Group 3, which to his surprise, had Avia, Greta, Aurelia and six other players.
"18 in rehab!" Avia called out as he rushed to them.
"You really need to change that name" Greta chuckled.
"Who are these?" Alex asked intrigued by their avatar.
"Okay, 18, meet Cersei, we go to the same school" Greta introduced Aurelia to the group. She had on a sleek protective suit.
"Hi, I'm Hackathon" he introduced. He had an intimidating figure, hard-earned muscles rippling beneath leather armor streaked with old scars. Broad shoulders strained at leather cords holding plated pauldrons in place and powerful thighs.
"Technomancer" Another player introduced. He had sleek mechanical limbs that augmented a lightly armored figure, blinking lights and whirring servos bringing steampunk vibes. Retractable blades spring from knuckles, mini-turrets pop from ankles as needed. Behind visored optics, keen intelligence that calculates tactics and outcomes at digital speed.
"Shadowdancer, kinda touched my avatar a bit from the money I won after killing a whole bunch of robot hybrids" Her avatar was a hooded mercenary clad in treated leathers that blended into utter darkness on command. She also had an arsenal of throwing knives fit for any range, a garrote for stealth takedowns.
"Terry108" He had night vision contacts to assist in low light situation processes.
"Medix" she had portable defibrillator pack.
And lastly, "Riko" he had a helmet mounted sensor that analyzed objects at a glance and scanned for energy signatures of interest rapidly.
"Great! Let's go stop Hanbity" Alex grinned.