The morning sun blazed down on Liam Wayne as he darted through the bustling streets of downtown. His tall, athletic frame moved with ease, weaving through clusters of people. Dressed in a snug black hoodie and faded jeans, paired with white sneakers that were just a bit scuffed from wear, he looked effortlessly casual. The hoodie's sleeves were rolled up, exposing his sun-kissed forearms, while the hood itself flapped lightly as he ran. His chiseled jaw tightened with determination, and his straight nose flared slightly as he controlled his breathing. Despite the rush, his boyish charm and sharp features drew more than a few glances from passersby.
Liam's heart raced—not just from running but from the weight of what he'd just been told. Nexus Corp had selected him as one of the Alpha testers for their mysterious new game. He hadn't even heard of this game until this morning, yet the instructions were clear: no questions, no discussions, and absolute secrecy. It sounded like a dream come true for a gamer like him, but something about it felt... off.
"Future of all gamers," he muttered under his breath, repeating Nexus Corp's words. "Why does that sound more like a threat than a promise?"
His pace slowed as he suddenly halted, scanning his surroundings. The familiar smell of the alley nearby pulled him back into focus. Pivoting, he jogged back for a few seconds and slipped into the narrow, dimly lit alleyway.
There, as always, was the old man. His wiry frame lay curled on the cold pavement, clutching a strange pendant tightly against his chest. The pendant immediately caught Liam's eye. It was a deep, translucent blue, shaped like a teardrop, encased in an intricate silver frame that seemed to ripple like flowing water. A faint, almost imperceptible glow pulsed from its center, as though it had a heartbeat of its own.
The sound of Liam's boots on the pavement stirred the old man awake. Sitting up, he flashed a toothy grin, his yellowed teeth barely catching the light.
"Morning, old man," Liam said with a smirk, pulling a sandwich from his hoodie pocket and handing it over.
The old man took it but didn't unwrap it. Instead, he lifted the pendant from around his neck, holding it out to Liam. "My lucky charm," he said, his voice gravelly yet steady. "I'm giving it to you."
Liam chuckled, his rich, playful voice echoing in the narrow space. "You have a lucky charm, and you're still sleeping outside? Old man, you're shameless as ever." He gently pushed the pendant back toward him. "Sorry, but no. It's your stuff, I won't take it away."
The old man simply smiled, his expression a mixture of sadness and something unspoken. "Someone I loved very dearly gave it to me," he said after a moment. "She died that day."
Liam hesitated, his teasing demeanor faltering. He wanted to ask more, but before he could, the old man waved him off. "Don't you have somewhere you need to be?"
Liam frowned, tilting his head. "I never told you about th—" His eyes widened. "Crap! I'm late!" He turned and started sprinting toward the alley's exit. "Catch up with you later, old man!" he shouted over his shoulder.
The old man watched him go, his smile fading as he murmured, "Make the right choice this time, friend."
The room was tense as the four Alpha testers waited, their patience wearing thin. Jason, the oldest at 24, paced back and forth, his wiry build moving with restless energy. His hazel eyes burned with irritation as he glanced at the door for the hundredth time.
"Where the fuck is this dude?" he finally snapped, his voice echoing in the sleek, high-tech lobby.
Sophia, a blonde with striking blue eyes, rolled her eyes from where she leaned against the wall. "Relax, Jason. He'll show up."
Marcus, tall and broad-shouldered, shrugged. "Twenty minutes late though? Not exactly a great first impression."
Eleanor, the composed military tactician, said nothing, her pale gray eyes fixed on the clock.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Liam burst into the room, his hoodie clinging to his back from sweat. He bent over, panting heavily, his breath coming in sharp gasps. "Sorry... I'm late!" he managed to say, his voice strained but apologetic.
Jason gave him a single glance before shaking his head in frustration. "Great, you're here. Let's go. We're late now, thanks to you," he barked, heading toward the elevator without waiting for a response.
Liam straightened up, wiping his forehead and chuckling softly. Jason's irritation wasn't misplaced; he was the one to blame for oversleeping. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered under his breath, trailing behind the others with an easy smile.
They all crammed into the elevator, the silence thick with anticipation. The hum of the machinery filled the space as the elevator ascended to the third floor. When the doors slid open, the group stepped out and into what felt like another world.
The third floor of Nexus Corp was a marvel of cutting-edge design. Rows of sleek workstations filled the open space, each equipped with holographic monitors displaying vibrant, ever-changing graphics. The walls were lined with concept art, futuristic landscapes, and alien creatures. Large glass panels offered a view of a vast laboratory, where developers and technicians worked on state-of-the-art equipment. The floor itself glowed faintly, with strips of LED lights tracing geometric patterns that pulsed in time with the soft hum of the machines.
"Impressive," Sophia muttered, her eyes scanning the space.
Before anyone could reply, a cheerful voice called out. "What took you guys so long?"
A striking woman approached them, holding a sleek tablet in one hand. Her dark hair was tied into a neat bun, and her business-casual outfit somehow matched the futuristic vibe of the space. Her bright smile was at odds with the group's nervous energy.
"Come on, let's get you guys loaded," she said, gesturing for them to follow.
The group fell into step behind her as she led them down a glass-walled corridor. As they walked, she began to explain. "What you're about to experience is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Elysium isn't just a game—it's the future. Everything in the world you'll enter is designed to feel real. You'll be able to touch, smell, and even taste as if you were actually there. This isn't just virtual reality; it's a new reality."
Liam exchanged glances with Sophia, her eyes wide with intrigue. Marcus cracked his knuckles nervously, while Eleanor remained stoic. Jason walked ahead, his curiosity hidden behind a mask of skepticism.
As the group continued forward, Liam could
n't shake the feeling that this was more than just a game.