August had the rare luxury of an entire day off today. The factory wouldn't need him until the following day, giving him ample time to rest, think, and make plans.
The events of this morning still lingered in his mind, and the decision he had been postponing now demanded his full attention.
After a quiet breakfast with Sophia, who left for school with a promise to be careful, August found himself alone in the apartment.
He had hidden the Fruit of Corruption beneath his bed again.
He decided to head out to a nearby cyber cafe to do more research.
The cafe, "Digital Haven," was a small but popular spot frequented by gamers and tech enthusiasts in the area.
The sound of clicking keyboards and the soft vibrations of computers filled the air as he entered. He could smell the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the background.
He approached the counter, where Remi, the cafe's owner, was busy serving another customer. Remi was a young woman with bright blue hair and an infectious smile. She had always been friendly with August, and he sometimes noticed her lingering looks.
"Hey, August! Long time no see," Remi greeted him warmly as she handed the customer their change.
"Hey, Remi. Yeah, been a bit busy," August replied with a smile. "I need to use one of the terminals for some research."
"Sure thing! Your usual spot is free," she said, pointing to a corner terminal. "Anything special you're looking into?"
"Just trying to figure out some things about a game item I came across," August said, trying to keep it vague.
Remi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A game item, huh? Sounds interesting. Let me know if you need any help."
August nodded and made his way to the terminal. He logged in and began searching for information on the Fruit of Corruption.
Numerous articles and forums discussed its incredible value. According to the most reliable sources, a single fruit cost around twelve million dollars.
However, in an auction, the price could skyrocket due to the demand from wealthy individuals eager to gain real-life abilities.
August scrolled through testimonials and news articles about people who had sold or consumed the fruit. Those who sold it often became instant millionaires but were also targets for theft and kidnapping.
There were countless stories of individuals who had to go into hiding or hire extensive security just to stay safe.
The other option, consuming the fruit, was equally transformative but carried different risks. The abilities gained were random, but they often provided significant advantages.
One would also gain 25% strength from their in-game avatar. Although there was the possibility of it being lower.
Some people gained enhanced strength, others telekinesis, and a few even developed the ability to manipulate elements.
These abilities allowed them to secure high-paying jobs or protect themselves from threats.
August leaned back in his chair, weighing his options. Selling the fruit would provide immediate financial relief, enough to pay off all his debts and secure a comfortable future for him and Sophia. But the danger of becoming a target was too great. If he put the fruit up for auction, its existence would no longer be a secret, and he wouldn't be able to hide it effectively.
On the other hand, consuming the fruit would grant him a random ability that could significantly increase his options, especially outside the game. He would be able to protect himself and Sophia better, and if he ever acquired another fruit, he would have the strength to guard it should he choose to put it up for sale.
The decision became clearer as he thought about the future.
As he was engrossed in his research, Remi approached him with a cup of coffee. "Thought you might need a little boost," she said while placing the cup on the table next to him.
"Oh I don't have any money for that," August said with a wry smile.
"It's on the house," Remi replied with a gentle gaze.
"Thanks, Remi. This is perfect," August responded while receiving it and taking a sip.
The coffee was rich and flavorful, exactly what he needed to stay focused.
A customer from the side made a low "Tch!" While internally screaming about how much of a lucky bastard August was since he happened to be so good-looking.
Remi pulled up a chair and sat down next to August not paying any heed to the surroundings. "So, what's this game item you're looking into?"
August hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit more. "It's called the Fruit of Corruption."
Remi's eyes widened. "That game item that grants real-world abilities?"
"Yes, that..." August replied.
"I have heard it is incredible. Are you thinking about selling it?" Remi stared at the screen that displayed price points.
"Oh no no, I heard a person came into possession of it in the game and wanted to see just how much money they could make," August immediately denied.
"How lucky. I would immediately buy the spa downtown if I gained such a sum," Remi held her cheeks in delusional delight.
August chuckled slightly as they kept discussing until a new customer came in and she had to go attend to them.
August later left the cafe to head back home. The instant he returned, he headed to his room and retrieved the box from under his bed.
He unlocked it and took out the Fruit of Corruption. The fruit glow seemed to pulse in response to his touch.
He sat on the edge of his bed with the fruit cradled in his hands. This small object held the potential to change everything.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do.
"I hope this is the right choice," he murmured to himself.
With a decisive motion, August bit into the fruit.
The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced—sweet and tangy, with a burst of energy that spread through his entire body.
He continued to eat, finishing the fruit in a matter of moments. As he swallowed the last bite, a warm sensation filled him, followed by a rush of sharpness.
Almost immediately, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. The room began to spin, and he struggled to keep his balance.
The sensation grew stronger, and he felt his consciousness slipping away. He managed to stumble to his bed before everything went black.
---
August awoke hours later, feeling groggy and disoriented. He sat up slowly with his mind still foggy from the intense experience.
He looked around the room, trying to piece together what had happened. The memory of consuming the Fruit of Corruption came rushing back, and he felt a thrill of anticipation.
"I ate it... What ability did I gain?" August wondered out loud while the image of a man in a red cape and blue tights appeared in his mind.
"I guess that would be too much?"
He jumped out of bed and began to test himself, hoping to discover his new ability.
He tried lifting objects with his mind, focusing on manipulating elements and even attempted to move at superhuman speed. But no matter what he tried, nothing happened. He felt normal, just as he always had.
"What is going on?"
Frustration began to set in. Had the fruit not worked? Was there something he had done wrong? He paced around the room, growing more agitated with each failed attempt. The anticipation he had felt earlier was quickly turning into disappointment.
He stared at the clock and noticed it was already morning. He really slept for a long time and missed logging into Enders Light.
He had work this morning so he wouldn't be able to play till he got back from work later in the evening.
August sighed and headed to the kitchen to fix himself breakfast.
He took a few items out of the refrigerator and In a moment of anger closed the door hard. "Why didn't it work?" he shouted as his voice echoed in the small apartment.
He stormed out of the kitchen afterward not noticing the faint purple glow that began to envelop the fridge.
Moments later, a loud crash echoed through the apartment. August turned back to see the refrigerator in pieces, its parts scattered across the floor as if it had been taken apart by an invisible force.
His heart raced as he took in the scene. "What... what just happened?" he muttered to himself while walking back into the kitchen.