"[I have guided their development as you instructed. From here, they will evolve on their own. Time acceleration is maintained at a rate of 1 day equaling 1 year.]"
Dave leaned back, mulling over Spark's update. His brow furrowed as a sudden thought struck him. "Hey, Spark, I've been meaning to ask something. Are these people and beasts... real? I mean, are they alive?"
"[Yes,]" Spark replied matter-of-factly. "[These creatures are created from cosmic energy. Even though this is a virtual world, they possess consciousness, emotions, and instincts.]"
"Okay, then If they die, is that it for them? Gone forever?"
"[No. There is no true death in this simulation. I can restore them using cosmic energy.]"
"Hmmm…" Dave pondered the implications. Before he could explore the thought further, he was pulled back into the reality.
"Class dismissed!" announced Ms. Sanders. "Remember, unless you develop the basics of a life-sustaining planet, we'll keep repeating the same exercises. so, work hard!"
Dave groaned but quickly packed up. As he left the classroom, he bumped into his friend James. "Ready to head home?" James asked.
"Yeah. Let's go," replied Dave.
After reaching home, Dave found out that Roger was still recovering in the hospital. The events from a few days ago weighed heavily on everyone's minds, so no one brought the topic, it was as if Roger was completely gone from their lives.
Dave was about to dive back into his world-building when his older brother Henry called him.
"Hey, we're going out for a bit. Wana come with us?"
"Give me five minutes!" Dave shouted back, quickly changing and joining Henry outside.
As they walked to their meeting spot, Dave hesitated, then asked, "Hey, Brother Henry… I've been curious about something. Can I ask?"
Henry understanding Dave's current situation didn't make it difficult for him.
"What got you curious Dave? go ask it away" Henry said reassuringly.
You've already got your planet up and running, right? Why not just cash in on resource cards and make a ton of money? Isn't that the easy way out?"
Henry burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Oh, you've got it all wrong, kid. Planet-related resources are heavily monitored. It's illegal to sell cards or trade without registration. Plus, I'd need parental supervision to even try business deals, and that's not happening anytime soon."
He ruffled Dave's hair playfully. "But honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. It's more fun this way, don't you think? Now stop overthinking and let's hurry. The gang's waiting."
Dave nodded, his curiosity somewhat satisfied, and followed Henry.
Was it bad? Mehhh... who gives a f**k.
At dinner, Lila watched Dave closely. She'd noticed his strange behavior lately but decided not to press him—Roger's incident had everyone on edge.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Grandma Hera sat beside Roger.
"You'll have a meeting with a psychiatrist tomorrow morning," she said firmly.
Roger nodded without protest. Though his physical wounds had healed, the emotional scars lingered. He knew he had to face them eventually. Neither Lila nor the kids had come to visit him after that incident, it was heavily weighing on him.
The next day at school, Yasmin seemed back to her usual self, not mentioning the previous day's events. She was still glaring at him like always, if you can call it normal then everything was fine.
Dave overheard an animated conversation between classmates.
"Did you hear? Ten Level-B planets were completely destroyed yesterday!"
"Yeah, the lords of these planets are in coma and no one knows the cause. What do you think it was?"
"Probably an alien race," one student speculated.
"Don't be ridiculous! We haven't even discovered another civilization yet. Where'd you get that info, anyway?"
"Celebrity gossip tabloid. It's 100% reliable!"
"Sure it is," another student retorted. "You might as well say you're my father's ba**d son."
Dave choked when he heard the last sentence "Cough, cough, damn brutal"
Yasmin turned to him. "So, how's your planet development coming along?"
Dave scratched his head. "I still need another week or so, I think."
"Hmm," Yasmin said thoughtfully. "Mine should finish tomorrow. You can ask if you don't understand anything, alright?"
Dave nodded, he knew Yasmin was good at heart. So, there won't be any face-slapping event. Suprise moth***r, I have a virtual world.
Nothing like that was going to happen
He also learned something interesting today, there seems to be a global organization known as United Nation Defense Force, which is responsible for safe-guarding earth and its territory, from natural disasters like redirecting cosmic winds.
While no extra-terrestrial threat was identified yet, it was never too early to be prepared. Anyways, if someone says that there are no aliens, even dogs won't believe it
Elite of human race joined this organization. Despite the formation of this global organization, there was still tension on going between America and China, well at least things were peaceful on the surface.
In the cultivation dome, Dave couldn't wait any longer.
"Finally! Spark, show me how civilization's developing!"
A virtual screen materialized before him, displaying the hustle and bustle of his creation.
On continent of Aurivora, the Chieftain Devol of the Beast Tamers had formed an alliance with Sect Leader Xia of the cultivators after a year of negotiation.
"Chieftain Devol, your beast-taming techniques have been invaluable to us. Mount Hua Sect is in your debt," said Sect Leader Xia with a courteous bow.
"Haha, there's no need for formalities," replied Devol shaking his hands. "You've shared cultivation techniques with us—it's a fair trade."
The two leaders smiled, sealing their camaraderie with another agreement.
"We should become families; what do you think Sect leader Xia?" Devol suggested. "My daughter would make a fine partner for your disciple. Such a union could strengthen our alliance further."
Sect Leader Xia chuckled and nodded. "An excellent proposal. My disciple lacks a suitable dao partner. Let us arrange it—we'll be in-laws soon."
The atmosphere was festive. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves.
Elsewhere, Sir Isaac—a scholar from a scientific nation of Xentara—sent word requesting permission to study ancient ruins from Devol and leader Xia. His discoveries had sparked intense discussions among civilizations about their shared history.
Dave leaned closer to the screen, fascinated. "These NPCs are something else. Especially this Isaac guy, this guy might actually find about us. Say Spark, what will this guy do if he knew that they were living in a virtual space?"
He scratched his head, then grinned. "Well, we will see it when it comes to pass, now that they're established, how should we bring in the players, Sparky? Got any ideas?"
[Processing potential player interaction scenarios… Stand by for suggestions.]
Dave stared at the screen, excitement brewing. The stage was set, and the world was waiting.