[1ST POV INITIALLIZE]
As I neared the entrance of the cathedral, I noticed that the grand doors stood wide open, inviting me into a world of opulence and beauty. The interior was decorated with intricate woodwork, showcasing the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. The pristine floor gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, casting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Just outside the entrance where I was currently at, a picturesque garden unfolded, tended to by a fleet of small domestic robots. They went about their tasks with unwavering diligence, meticulously cutting the grass, sweeping the roads, and effortlessly collecting any litter they encountered. Attached to their backs were mini trash cans, ready to receive any rubbish they encountered along their path.
These helpful robots have become a common sight worldwide, liberating humanity from mundane tasks. With these robots taking care of the daily chores, people were free to focus on more meaningful pursuits which I wanted to believe in, but most people do nowadays just live their lives filled with lust and greed in all corners of the Solar system.
As I approached the cathedral's entrance, I couldn't help but notice the gathering of people from the eastern dorms.
Some engaged in lively conversations, while others held up holographic signs, advertising their second-hand items for sale or seeking volunteers for a new event. Their attempts to strike up a conversation with me went unanswered as I walked past them, my focus undeterred by their efforts.
Whispers circulated among those who had witnessed my battle with Loran, their words swirling in the air. Girls giggled, their curiosity piqued, while boys wore expressions of admiration or perhaps envy. The mixed signals of their reactions didn't hold my attention for long, and I chose not to dwell on them.
What I hated the most in life was gossiping, I hope people could just mind their own business.
Stepping into the cathedral, I was greeted by a grand hall that stretched out before me. Its spaciousness was accentuated by the multiple rooms branching off to the sides, inviting exploration. My gaze was drawn to the center, where a magnificent staircase stood in all its elegance, beckoning me to ascend and discover what awaited on the second floor. But sorry, not today.
Turning my attention to the right, I saw a hall decorated with a large, gleaming window. Through its glass, I caught sight of a bustling dining hall filled with teenagers. Their youthful energy permeated the air as they formed orderly lines, patiently awaiting their turn at the vending machines. Laughter and animated conversations filled the space, creating a vibrant atmosphere that spoke of camaraderie and shared experiences.
As I entered the cathedral and took in the sight of the grand hall, a feeling of enchantment washed over me.
The atmosphere seemed to transport me into a world of magic and wonder. What caught my attention the most were the statues positioned in the middle of the staircase. A woman and a man stood side by side, their hands clasping a holy grail. From within the grail, a fiery blue bird ascended, soaring towards the sky.
When I first arrived in the cathedral's dorms, I was compelled to delve into their religious beliefs. My homeroom teacher, a sister, emphasized the significance of the holy grail, explaining that it held our souls, while the fiery bird symbolized our understanding of our own souls and the liberation we could achieve from them, becoming beacons of light in the darkness.
The concept struck me as romantic, yet somewhat illogical, so I didn't fully embrace it. However, Ethane had a different perspective.
As I found myself lost in thought, a guy named Ethane approached me, holding a gospel in his right hand. He suggested, "Einsamer, let's grab something to eat."
I smiled and gladly accompanied him towards the bustling dining hall. Laughter and lively conversations filled the air, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. What struck me most was that the majority of teenagers present were dressed in simple, unassuming attire. It brought me a sense of relief, as when I ventured beyond the cathedral's confines, the outside world seemed engulfed in a chaotic frenzy, with people abusing their freedoms in foolish ways.
As I waited in line, my turn finally came to order food from the towering vending machine. It stood at a height of two meters and stretched almost 1.5 meters wide. The familiar holographic display appeared before me, showcasing an array of dishes and drinks to choose from. Today, I decided to choose my favorite: curry rice with a refreshing glass of lemon juice. In the past, when I was in a hurry, I would go for a simple chicken sandwich and coffee.
However, on this particular day, I made a conscious effort to let go of the troubles that had plagued me, especially the event of the explosion in TWOD. Dwelling on problems beyond my control only led to anxiety and fear. So, I focused on relaxation and detachment.
After placing my order for the curry rice and lemon juice, the vending machine sprang into action. A plastic-like material plate materialized from a slot, designed to dissolve itself into clean oxygen after two hours.
Next, a bowl of rice dropped from another opening, followed by a cascade of flavorful brown curry. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, making my mouth water. Moving to another slot, a paper cup formed, ready to be filled with the freshly squeezed orange juice that sprayed from the top.
With my meal in hand, I exited the queue and discovered an unoccupied seat by a window that offered a breathtaking view of a garden adorned with cherry blossoms. Before long, Ethane approached and took a seat opposite me.
As he settled into his chair, his demeanor shifted to a more serious tone. "Have you heard about the Tower of Eternia explosion in The World of Dawn?" he inquired.
Caught off guard, I assumed he was unaware of the incident. However, considering the magnitude of the news, it was likely that the entire world, or even the entire solar system, was buzzing with this unprecedented event. Remembering the advice from Shan in our group chat, I decided it would be best to play dumb.
"Yes, I found the news on the gaming community forum this morning. But I have been in the loop lately, so I didn't have time to play." I replied, feigning ignorance.
Ethane let out a sigh and continued, "This morning, some of our dorm mates were caught in the explosion. They were immediately rushed to the hospital section of the cathedral. It appears they lost consciousness, and blood was flowing from their ears, eyes, and nose."
Pretending to not be surprised or overly dramatic, I responded with an unbothering tone, "I'm glad I didn't log in. I have many things going on and don't have much time for grinding in TWOD."
He looked at me with a curious expression. "Why didn't you log in? Isn't your avatar stationed in the Eternia city summoning rift?"
My heart raced, but I managed to compose myself.
"No, the Eternia city is for low-tier rankers. I'm a gold ranker, so why would I be there?" I replied firmly.
Of course, I stationed my avatar there to buy items and runes that could be found cheaply. However, I lied with a straight face.
Moreover, my avatar's location and online status could only be seen by those who added me to their friend list. As for Ethane, he wouldn't be able to discern where my avatar was stationed since he didn't have a friend with me in TWOD.
Suddenly, his serious expression morphed into a playful one, and he chuckled. "Right, I tend to overthink things." Then, he locked eyes with me, his serious gaze catching me off guard. "If you have any information about the explosion, please share it with me."
Is this dude trying to play a mind game with me? All right, I would play along.
Leaning closer, I spoke in a hushed tone, "Ethane, I've heard some rumors circulating among the higher-ranked players on the Kangaroo sanctuary continent forum. There are topics of a glitch in the Tower of Eternia, something much more sinister than a mere explosion."
Ethane's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. "A glitch? What kind of glitch? Is it related to the brain damage caused by the game?"
I nodded cautiously. "It's possible. Some believe that certain players were intentionally targeted, their avatars manipulated to cause harm in the real world. But these are just rumors, Ethane. We can't jump to conclusions without concrete evidence."
He frowned, his concern evident. "If there's even a slight chance that it's true, we need to be cautious. The safety of the players should be the game developers' top priority."
I nodded in agreement, relieved that Ethane was taking the situation seriously and stopping suspicious of me as he probably came to the conclusion that I was just another weird person who believed in conspiracy theories.
"Absolutely. We should keep an eye out for any unusual patterns or behaviors in the game. And if we come across any solid information, we'll share it with the authorities." I said.
He simply nodded and continued eating his meal while my heart raced. Fortunately, after finishing his food, he waved goodbye and left the table.
I let out a sigh as cleaning robots approached my table, their slender robotic arms reaching out to collect the dirty dishes and place them in the bin at their backs.
Once I finished my meal, I swiftly exited the dining hall. However, before I could leave, giant holographic displays lit up in every direction, showcasing footage from the game TWOD where the explosion occurred.
Hovering above everyone, the displays began playing a news report about the explosion and the victims who remained unconscious, possibly trapped in a vegetative state where they were alive but unaware and unable to act. The urgent tone of the female commentator warned, "Please refrain from logging into the VR game. The world government is currently shutting down the server and investigating the culprits behind this act of terrorism."
Terrorist attack? It seemed like a convenient excuse from the world government.
"What? Unbelievable! Can a VR game really put us in a coma forever despite we have advanced technology?"
"I always knew playing this game was foolish. Reality is much better."
"I don't have a job. How can I earn coins if I can't play? I refuse to participate in AR PVP. Who knows how long the maintenance will last?"
Various opinions and discussions echoed throughout the dining hall. As for me, I knew the truth. This wasn't just a game, and the cause of the explosion was a self-aware demon lord, not a terrorist attack. In this era, many people relied on the game as a source of entertainment and income, making this news a shock to everyone.
I quickened my pace towards the exit, passing through the cathedral gate and arriving at a vast land stretching for hundreds of meters. Walking along the paved road, I headed towards the main gate of this territory. My mind was filled with numerous thoughts, reminding me of how ignorant I had been. I knew I had to seek answers from Shan sooner or later, who was more knowledgeable about these matters.
-Damn it, all I ever want is a peaceful life. And hopefully the divine judgement or the fourth dimension doesn't really exist.- I pondered with a frown as I approached the gate.