Syra
"Before you start adventuring in new worlds, we would like you to sign waivers and a permission to access your psycho-neurological privacy. This is so we can monitor your health status in case something happens to you during the duration of the gameplay. Can I have your full name please?" Faena asked.
My heart thumped a bit. Psycho-neurological privacy? This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing. Is this game really legal? Or is this roleplay? GemiUni was known to collaborate with multibillionaire AI companies for experimental game ideas. I think they collaborated with MEdna and Solaris to enhance the monitor features of their virtual simulating neurotransmitters.
I started to feel my sweaty palms. I'm in a game and I can feel sweat. Gross. I guess this is how realistic this game is.
"I'm Syra Alina Yin," I said.
She typed in her holographic computer and continued.
"Is this your first time using a hyper-immersive virtual reality device?" she asked.
"Can you explain the difference between a normal virtual reality device and a hyper-immersive virtual reality device?" I asked.
"A hyper-immersive virtual reality device enhances and utilizes all your senses using neurotechnology to connect your senses to the virtual reality worlds. This includes the realistic sensations of the virtual world. In the past, virtual reality devices only had access to connecting the mind to create movement and simulate interactions in games rather than allowing the body's senses to fully sense emotions and touch while interacting with the virtual world," she said.
"Then, yes this is my first time," I answered.
"Please note that everything you sense in the game can and may affect your body in real time. This kind of technology uses psycho-neuro stimulation and analysis to simulate real life experiences," she said.
I felt a little anxious hearing that. I could feel my body growing a little cool.
"Don't worry. At this time, we are able to control pain sensitivity and provide medical attention if you are ever in trouble," she said.
Medical attention?!
"Um, so you're saying there are risks to playing this game?" I asked.
"Depending on the kind of world you want to visit, you may experience variable sensitivities to a world like a difference in gravitational pressure or sense of taste. Of course, with our technology, it should calibrate the intensities you are able to take and adjust to your sensitivity levels; however each individual has variable sensitivities so we are still working on that," she said.
"So you're saying if I get cut in the game, it might hurt a lot because the game simulates real life?" I asked.
"Yes. The hyper-immersive virtual reality simulates real life interactions and uses biobridging to allow different mechanisms to interact with each other," she says.
"Wait, sorry, this is a lot to process. So you're saying I should sign a waiver because there might be a risk to my health when using this device?" I asked.
"Yes. This device has been tested but because of the immersive sensory stimulations, many people may have different reactions to the sensory and content they will encounter in playing the game. People have different tastes and sensitivities to things. Some people like experiencing the real life sensations and some may lower the sensitivities, And sometimes there are small accidents like tripping and you will feel the real life sensations of tripping," she said.
"Okay, so you're just saying the waiver is to acknowledge I may experience uncomfortable senses," I said.
"Yes, but it's also to bring awareness that the stimulations from the game can affect your psychological mindstate," she said.
"Oh..okay. I didn't know there were such dangers," I said.
"The game is safe for playing. People just have different sensitivities to what they feel and experience," she said, "So if you could sign this, please."
I sign the digital paper and look at her. I felt a little nervous. What did I get myself into? It's just a game right?
"Now if you could write up qualities in a soulmate you are looking for, we could help improve the likelihood of you meeting your potential soulmate in the new worlds," she said.
"Uh… what if I don't know what to put?" I asked.
"It's okay. You can take your time. I can also help you brainstorm what kind of partner you are looking for," she smiled.
I smile nervously back and reply, "Okay."
It took a moment but I wrote qualities I appreciated in one of my characters I wrote about. Someone who is kind, honest, intelligent, and loves music.
"Okay, next, please choose from these sets of pictures of the kind of physical preferences you would like and we will help you connect to a persona that might meet your preferences," she said.
I swiped through the pictures and checked on the ones I liked. I think colored hair is cool. Blue eyes are nice. I like a guy with piercings and good fashion sense.
"Now you can look through these sets of pictures to see which world you would like to visit," she said.
She projected beautiful images on the screen. There were funky buildings that looked like a hive or anthill, jungles and rainforests, colorful mountains, deserts, futuristic cities, and strange disproportionate landscapes. I chose a more modern and futuristic world. The image was of a huge brown building with black tinted windows and a beautiful glass fountain beside a lake.
"Lastly, would you please provide me with your phone number?" she asked.
Her holographic computer screen floated towards me then I typed in my number.
"Thank you. You should be able to interact with your phone's notifications even if you are in game. Now, if you would follow me this way, we can show a way to the world you would like to visit," she said.
She led me to a door and typed something in her floating digital holographic computer and said, "I pray for your blessings."
She clicked a button and the door opened.
"Um.. Thanks," I said and walked through the door.
As I walked through the darkness, I watched the world digitally construct itself and I found myself near the area of the picture. It was pretty empty. I guess no one would be up right now. It's 3AM. I found the fountain and walked around the manmade lake. It was a perfect square of wavering shadows surrounded by bushes of white flowers. They look like Gardenias.
Hmm.. I wonder how far this lake leads.