The auditorium buzzed with an undercurrent of disinterest. Rows of reporters tapped at their keyboards, waiting, though not with any real enthusiasm. After all, MMORPGs had become a dime a dozen, sprouting like mushrooms in a world already saturated with games. The banners displayed around the stage proclaimed the launch of Ascension: The Path of The Reborn, but it wasn't the game that had drawn the press. It was the man behind it.
Ethan Soren.
At just 15 years old, he had founded his first tech company, taking it public in a year, and had recently secured a spot in the top three of the world's richest entrepreneurs. His achievements were as much myth as they were reality, and the rumor of his cancer diagnosis a year ago only added to his mystique. Curiously, instead of tanking his company's stocks, the news had driven them higher—a fact that had puzzled analysts and kept the business world on edge. Today, that same boy-genius, now 21, was about to reveal his next big move.
But most of the reporters were here for the story, not the game.
They continued typing away, some tapping out snarky intros for articles they had half-prewritten before even hearing what Ascension Corp had to say. Still, they glanced up now and then, eyeing the clock, waiting for the show to begin.
The door swung open, and suddenly, the room came alive. Cameras flashed in rapid succession, the soft murmurs of conversation drowned out by the snap and click of shutters. The representatives from Ascension Corp had entered.
"Thank you for joining us today," began one of the executives as he stepped onto the stage. His polished voice was businesslike, measured. Behind him, a massive screen flickered to life, displaying an immersive montage of dark forests, glittering cities, and sprawling battlefields. The world of Ascension came to life in flashes of swords clashing, monsters roaring, and magic crackling.
"As you can see, Ascension: The Path of The Reborn offers players the chance to step into a world threatened by darkspawn. Players will embark on adventures, quests, and battles to defend the world of Erendath."
More camera flashes. More shots of the screen, the game visuals capturing just enough attention to keep the audience from drifting entirely into their emails.
"Players will earn points and coins after completing quests and defeating darkspawn," the executive continued. "And these Ascension Coins can be exchanged for real-world currency."
For a second, the air was sucked out of the room. Reporters straightened, their fingers pausing mid-type. A murmur swept through the crowd, rising as they exchanged quick glances and hushed words. This was new.
Real money? From a game?
One reporter's hand shot up. "Why would you do that? Pay players instead of charging them to play?"
The executive on stage was about to respond when a pale, thin figure at the center of the table reached for the microphone. Ethan Soren himself. The room fell dead silent, save for the whir of camera shutters capturing the young man's every movement.
"Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming," Ethan said, his voice surprisingly strong despite his fragile appearance. His eyes were sharp, burning with the same intensity that had made him a legend in the tech world.
"My name is Ethan Soren, and I'm the creator of this game. Ascension wasn't just an idea—it was born from a dream I had. A dream so vivid, it felt more real than the world around me."
He paused, as if recalling the dream itself, his gaze distant for a moment before locking back onto the crowd.
"In my dream, I saw a world called Erendath. A world full of danger and hope. I could feel every step, every breath, as if I lived there. I felt alive, more than I have in years. And that dream gave me something I had almost lost—hope. It inspired me to create this game, not as an escape, but as a chance for others to feel the same."
The reporters were no longer typing. All eyes were glued to Ethan, their skepticism melting into something else. Curiosity? Perhaps even a flicker of admiration.
"You may have heard of my illness," Ethan continued, his voice steady. "The truth is, yes, I've been diagnosed with cancer. And I've spent much of the last year fighting it. But in that time, I've been building this game, pouring my heart into it. Ascension is more than just a game—it's a world where people can find their own second chances. Whether it's overcoming real-life challenges or simply finding a place where they can belong."
He took a breath, a small smile touching his lips. "That's why we decided to pay players. The coins they earn in-game can be exchanged for real currency, because Ascension Corp believes that hard work—whether in life or in a game—should be rewarded. It's my will to create something that not only entertains but also gives back."
The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by the hum of cameras capturing Ethan's every word. The reporters, once disinterested, now leaned forward in their seats, their minds racing with questions. Hands shot up across the room, reporters eager to dive deeper into this revolutionary concept.
"Mr. Soren—" one began, but before they could continue, one of the company's executives stepped in.
"Thank you, everyone, for your interest. We'll be sending out press kits with all the details, and we welcome your questions through email."
The conference ended as abruptly as it had begun, but the excitement lingered. Reporters continued snapping photos, their minds already racing with angles for their stories, new titles forming as they began to type furiously once again. No one was bored anymore.
As the crowd dispersed, Ethan rose from his seat, wobbling slightly. His assistant, Corey, hurried to his side, concern etched into his face.
"Are you alright, Ethan?" Corey asked, reaching out as if to steady him.
Ethan smiled, brushing off the concern with a wave of his hand. "I'm fine, Corey. Don't worry about me. I've felt worse, trust me."
Corey frowned, not convinced. "Still, you looked pale up there. Maybe we should—"
"I said I'm fine," Ethan repeated, though his voice was gentle. He glanced toward the emptying room. "Let's hope the launch tomorrow is successful. That's what matters now."
As they exited the room, Corey kept a watchful eye on Ethan, his heart heavy with worry. He couldn't shake the feeling that his young boss was pushing himself too far, too fast.
The launch was less than 24 hours away. And despite the buzz of excitement surrounding Ascension, Corey couldn't help but feel that something else was brewing beneath the surface—something much bigger than just a game.
And Ethan? He was the key to it all.