ã€ŠPvPer Casualã€‹


 Welcome to Gamer Central

    Prologue + Chapter 1 Part 1

    Prologue

    In the not so distance future, an artificial island was built 30 miles off the coast of California. A massive state of the art city was built on this island. But it was void of any people, a ghost town where the untouched city dwelled. No one knew the purpose of this city or the island just that it was off limits to the public. Years have passed and the world forgot about the island until an announcement of the latest and hottest new technology. BioTech Inc., is the frontrunner company in this new developing field of science, a combination of bio engineering, neurology along with modern technology. The virtual reality visor (VRV), with the System Terminal Electronic Membrane (STEM) are the latest invention from BioTech. It is a combination of smart glass, wearable and interfacing technology all in a pair of glasses along with a small strap that goes on the back of the neck that allows the user to put their conscious and brain into a computer. At its announced release of these gadgets, the truth behind the forgotten and mysterious island was revealed. The island and city was a testing site for these devices. The name of the city was Axis and it was home to Axis Terminal Station the very first NEURONE NETWORK. The NEURONE NETWORK is a system for the brain allowing the user to access information or dive themselves into a computer. The world went into frenzy with the release of this new device. It was the second coming of the smart phone. Everyone needed to have one and it slowly became a household device. However, being a new piece of technology it lacked a foundation to support it. The number of uses and the absence of a network were very limiting but that did not stop the masses from buying. A year after its launch another shocking announcement came. The city of Axis was opening itself up to the world to everyone and anyone who will come. For a hundred thousand people they will get the right to live in Axis and use Axis Terminal Station as the first users. On the day of the migration the world believed scientist, programmers, business people would be the ones that would populate Axis.

    However, the unexpected happened, droves and droves of people from diverse backgrounds and races flock to the city. The one burning passion they all shared which connected and gave them the strength to uproot their lives. The all loved to play games. With the majority of the populace having this in common the city of Axis got an unusually nickname, Gamer Central.

    Welcome to Gamer Central a city built upon virtual reality. In this city the citizens have the privilege of using Axis Terminal Station or what they call Terminal. Terminal, is the internet for the brain allowing the user to have more of a direct interaction with the virtual environment. All the residents of Axis based their lives around Terminal for their everyday duties. The previous evicted occupants the scientist, created three massive virtual worlds with almost limitless possibilities. C-Space, the space simulator where one can get lost in the vastness of space. The pristine earth like world Eden, which has been ravaged by anyone and everyone. Along with, The Wastelands, which is a futuristic post-apocalyptic pile of dirt with nothing but radiation.

    With the grand opening and the arrival of the gamers a new era of freedom, order and chaos engulf the worlds. In their wake anarchy descended the worlds, as anything that happens in the worlds stays in the worlds. Any grudges, disputes or unlawful acts are allowed but keep them only in the worlds and out of Axis and reality. With the rules established that there are no rules everyone was ready to play. The results so far were a multiple of changes in the worlds and the birth of the two new ones. Major Arena, the world of coliseums filled with blood and V-Sports and The Projects the platform for the new and upcoming prospects, a great way to waste ones time and money. With no end in sight for this game there is always something happening. So let¡¯s play.

    Chapter 1: Welcome to Gamer Central Part 1

    War.

    War has broken out in Axis.

    The incursion of Forsaken threatens to destroy everything we hold near and dear in the worlds. This warmongering community will not ease up their aggression on the innocent denizens of Axis.

    We at Digital V-Sport Community, have been forced to take part in this meaningless conflict.

    Every men and woman at Digital is contributing in the war effort to drive back Forsaken. Even V-Sport super star Swagger is doing his part.

    ¡°We must all come together and stand up to Forsaken. Or they will not relent but escalate their campaign of terror.¡±

    If they are not stopped, it will be the end of Gamer Central. Become a legend. Become a hero. Become the one who will save us. Enlist today at a nearby Digital recruiter. Paid advertising by Digital Inc.

    A week later

    The sound of the screeching seagulls could be heard under a fragmented lit sky. A massive ferry from the mainland finally reached the port. Hordes of people hurried off as if they were late. After a few moments the ferry was bare of travelers as they crowded the pier. They swarmed the shops which sold varieties of assortments. The shops sold what one could expect to find from a costal market, however this port was a little bit different. This port was the southern security check point for the city of Axis.

    Which, meant besides the normal sea trinkets which were sold, one could buy the latest BioTech and the hottest trends from Axis. Everything from the newest gadgets, tours of the city and latest merchandise was sold here. Some shops took pride as they displayed these items by placing them in the front.

    Despite it being early in the morning it was sunny enough for one to navigate without much issue. The shops were all open displaying their wares for the day. It was clear, which business owners must have gotten up really early in order to set this up in order to meet the early rush. With such a thriving business there was little complaint as more ferries could be seen approaching the port. It could be described that port was finally waking waiting for what the day could bring.

    The vast majority of travelers did not stop here, but preceded further inland. A sea of thousands of people were contained by no more than a dozen pavilions. The ones who manned them were issue with the task of vetting all those who wanted to enter Axis. Each day brought something new and unique for these brave men and woman who had to face the unknown. For them this was the starting, midway and ending point between the rest of the world and the city of Axis.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Nextttttt! Yes, you gray hoodie and blue jeans! C¡¯mon Kid get over here!¡±

    As the security guard vigorously wave his hand at the boy in line to come up to the counter. The guard wore an officer¡¯s uniform, with a ceremonial hat which was dark blue and his shirt was adorned with colorful patches and a badge signifying his position as a security guard. The guard had tremendous dark patches under his eyes and did not show any signs of emotion. This was due to being fatigue and overworked from a very demanding job.

    ¡°Welcome to Axis. Reason for visit? Business? Pleasure? Other?¡±

    A pale youth with scruffy short brown hair carrying nothing but a red backpack walked up to the counter. The pavilion was a simple a security check point, the final one before entering Axis. His eyes and expression were beaming with excitement but with a certain level of confidence as he slam his hand down on the counter. The youth looked directly into the eyes of the security guard who was completely unfazed by this action.

    ¡°Hi, my name is Cris Philips and I want to go Gamer Central. I¡¯m one badass gamer. I have been playing games for years, got the highest rank in some of the most competitive popular online games. Also, I beat tons single player games. I saw the ad for Digital, calling for everyone to rise up against Forsaken. I saw this as a sign, that the time is right. That Gamer Central is ready for me, the one who will save it.¡±

    The security guard stared blankly as Cris¡¯s face could only show a discontent look as Cris finished his introduction in one breath.

    The guard could not help but sweat profusely as he saw how the kid was dress. His blue cotton uniform made him itch which he was resisting the urge to scratch. The crowd made it unbearably hot, everyone cramp together carelessly chatting like it was nothing. The only blessing was it was a windy day and the occasional sea breeze made this hell tolerable. Now, he was reluctant to do his job not because of the hellish environment but because of this kid. This kid was the one type of visitor that all security guards station here dreaded processing.

    ¡°So your one of those¡­ Do you have any ID, hero?¡±

    Cris quickly took out his wallet from his side pocket of his hoodie and pulled out his driver licenses and handed it over to the guard.

    ¡°Just a moment¡­ Cris Philips. Age 17. Resident of San Francisco, USA. Height 5¡¯-11¡¯¡¯. Weight 165 lb. Hair and eye color both brown. Gender male. Ethnicity Caucasian. Hmmmmm¡­ is that correct?¡±

    As the guard punch all the information into the computer which was built into the counter, he shot Cris a quick glance for confirmation.

    Cris nodded.

    The next part was the worst part of being a security guard for Axis, especially when dealing with an overzealous kid. This one phrase made everyone quake in fear who worked here. However, they all had a job to do no matter how unpleasant.

    ¡°Do you¡­ Do you have anything to declare?¡±

    The guard couldn¡¯t even say it and had to stutter because he knew he was going to receive an outlandish response.

    The kid straightens his back, puff out his chest and boldly declared.

    ¡°I am Cris Philips. The best gamer ever. I am going to be¡­ NO will be the best champion Axis has ever or will have known. On this very morning is a birth of a legend. Mine. So I declare I WILL BE THE BEST!¡±

    Cris¡¯s declaration reverberating through the pavilion like thunder, causing a brief pause of silence. He had a bit smile on his face after getting that off his chest. The guard looks behind the kid and a saw a few people snickering and giving Cris strange looks. It was obvious, that the crowd and other employees overheard what he had to declare. It wasn¡¯t the best or the worst declaration the guard heard just average. Taking a moment to clear his throat and the atmosphere everything return to normal as if nothing happened.

    ¡°Okay that¡¯s done. You have visitor statues which means your allow to stay for the next 60 days. If you want to extension you must file the proper paperwork at the main office or obtain citizenship.¡±

    As he quickly and flawlessly explains the rules as he done a thousand time before but this time he took the liberty to try something new. Maybe the job and heat was finally getting to him. Or the fact he wanted the gossip on Chris¡¯s declaration to die down a bit more. The guard weigh his options on if he wanted to hold a conversation with one of these.

    ¡°You, said something about Digital and joining them?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I want enlist and fight against Forsaken.¡±

    ¡°Forsaken and Digital, just a second.¡±

    As the guard was looking up something on the computer Cris saw what look like a thick pair of sunglasses hanging by the guard¡¯s collar. They had octagonal shape frames and a slight dark tint to them.

    ¡°Those shades look awesome! Is that the newest VRV? Can you link from here?¡±

    The guard couldn¡¯t help but put a faint smile as he heard those words. His expression lighten up a little bit, maybe his risk paid off. A thought passed the guard mind that just maybe this kid isn¡¯t so bad.

    ¡°Like them, huh? Nah, you can¡¯t access Terminal from here only within the city. But these shades are the latest from OakNeo. They are quite popular now in Axis should check them ouuuu¡­ ah, found your war. Digital vs Forsaken. It¡¯s been over for about a week now.¡±

    Cris face froze as his heart drop into his stomach when he heard the news. His face had a twitching smile as he was muttering something under his voice.

    ¡°Over how? Who won? Did Digital lose? What would I do if they were wiped out?¡±

    Unable to contain his sporadic thoughts, Cris continue to mumble his true feelings. Venting for a minute, Cris shakily looked up at the guard. Taking a breath, he timidly asks the guard who seem not to care about this grim news.

    ¡°Whhoo whhoo Who won?¡±

    The guard shifted his eyes from the monitor to see Cris. The guard looked upon Cris with unabashed awe and loathing. Yet, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to fully hate the kid, in fact he was starting to feel a bit of pity for him. Cris was still in shock as he was gazing at the ground in terror, devoid of any energy and excitement he once had moments ago, waiting to hear further news about his precious Digital. The guard couldn¡¯t help but smirk as he thought just maybe you are normal.

    ¡°No one did, Forsaken withdrew their war dec 24 hours after they issue it. So in a way you can say Digital won.¡±

    ¡°Really?!? I guess, that is expected after all Digital is the best and soon I will join them.¡±

    Cris¡¯s demeanor did a complete reversal when he heard that Digital won the war. He tried to hide his nervousness and uncertainty by passing it on that there was nothing to worry about, the guard couldn¡¯t help but smile at him. Now, Cris was raring to go as he got his spring back in his step, with the news that Digital was still around and kicking, he wanted to join more than ever.

    The guard saw the crowd behind grow even more and Cris renewed excitement. He had to hurry this up, as he took out a pamphlet with one hand and a marker in the other.

    ¡°I guess you want to know where to go to enlist. Right? Here.¡±

    He opens up the pamphlet revealing a map and circles an area.

    ¡°That¡¯s where you need to go. Everything you need to know about Axis is in this pamphlet. I highly suggest you READ EVERY WORD on the ride over. Any questions?¡±

    Cris shook his head as he took the pamphlet and his ID.

    ¡°Good. The shuttle to the city is in the back follow the signs. It leaves every ten minutes. It¡¯s a short ride. When you get there you¡¯re on your own. Welcome to Axis. Enjoy your stay.¡±

    As Cris cleared the last security check, he could not help but blurt out a few departing words.

    ¡°You saw it here. A legend. When I make it big I¡¯ll tell them about this day. And how this security guy helped me out.¡±

    The guard frowns as he retorted. Any pleasant thoughts about Cris disappeared in that moment.

    ¡°I rather you not.¡±

    As the guard went back to handle the next visitor he came to the conclusion. That they will never change. I guess it¡¯s in their nature.

 Welcome to Gamer Central Part 2

    Chapter 1 Part 2

    After clearing the final security checkpoint, Cris was home free, he could finally enter Axis. Beyond security, he found himself in front of what looked like a small town, it was a wide street filled with shops and stands, crowded with people coming and going. Cris did not get the chance to browse the costal shops and this was the first time seeing some of these gadgets. Unfortunately, he had a place to be and something to do, resisting the urge to window shop he shoved his ID and pamphlet in his pocket and made his way. Not being distracted by the shops and other lures of the bustling street, Cris was elbowing his way to the shuttle departure, unfazed by the temptations.

    It didn¡¯t take Cris long to reach the shuttle departure, all he did was follow the crowd and it led him there. It was a huge glass building with the words [LANDING ZONE] written on a sign in front. Once inside it was pristine state of the art train station with numerous large screens and monitors all in different shapes. The first image that caught Cris¡¯s eye was a large IMAX size screen hanging from the ceiling that was curving around in the center forming a semi-circle. Getting closer he saw that multiple videos were flashing on the screen of news, highlight reels, live feeds of what was happening in Axis and arrivals and departures. Looking for the earliest possible shuttle to the city, he found out where he had to go. Before leaving, the entire screen changed and flashed a message [TO FURTHER INCREASE YOUR EXPERIENCE PLEASE VIEW SCREEN WITH YOUR VRV FOR MORE OPTIONS OR ASSISTANCES]. He wanted to try it out so bad but he would have time to play after he enlists.

    Despite it being somewhat early, the crowd was forming as a torrent of tourists were streaming in. Deciding to get ahead of the mob he moved quickly to departures. He could not help but shoot passing glances at his surroundings, mostly the monitors on the wall that were decorated as posters, which most of them were bare.

    I guess, they are waiting for more things to happen in Axis. Heh, no problem my face will fill them.

    After a minute, Cris finally reach the shuttle.

    The shuttle was a mix between a tram and train with large glass windows. Climbing onboard Cris saw the inside was very similar to how the trolleys back home looked like. Not caring how it looked he took the seat nearest to the door. Within seconds the shuttle got packed with people. The crowd that was behind him came rushing in, there was no breathing room left when the doors shut. This did not bother him, being cramped like this would be a typical day for him when he went to school. Currently, he was on spring break but if things went well he might not return home.

    There is no going back. This is my new home.

    The shuttle begun to taxi out when it exited the building it show what look like an airport below. The shuttle tracks were place above the airport leading into the city. A female voice could be heard over the intercom, giving a tour about Axis. Cris did not care about this, all he could think of was what to expect when he got off.

    The tram left the airport and was now on the coast with the ocean on one side and what looked like residential buildings on the other. Cris, was staring mindlessly at the ocean trying to drown out the noise, his mind started to drift of what this day could bring.

    Finally, I am heading into Gamer Central. I will finally be with my people. Fellow gamers who love to play games as much as I do. But this is just the beginning.

    The chatter in the tram intensified and broke Cris train of thought. He took a quick look around him he could tell the vast majority here were tourist with the way they were dressed and snapping pictures of everything. Ignoring the sudden disturbance he went back to his day dream.

    When I arrive, I will go the recruiter and show off my achievements. They will be begging me to join. They might give me the rank of officer right off the bat. Sucks that the war is over and I can¡¯t show off my skills. Whatever. Guess Forsaken heard I was coming and ran scared. I wouldn¡¯t blame them, after all I am the best and the world is just waiting for me.

    [ARRIVING IN AXIS IN FIVE MINUTES. PREPARE TO DISEMBARK]

    The view of the city¡¯s skyscrapers was now coming in sight. The announcement caused everyone to get on the edge of their seats.

    Cris couldn¡¯t help but get more excited, he was a bit nervous but the trill of being here overpowered any uneasiness. His thoughts were going out of control as he was getting closer to entering the city. The idea of his arrival being leaked crossed his mind.

    I am almost here. What should I expect? If Forsaken did withdraw because of me does that mean the people in Axis know I am coming? Will there be someone waiting for me when I get off? Maybe other communities will be there as well. They might try to recruit me. What should I do?

    [NOW ARRIVING IN AXIS. PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP]

    Everyone on the shuttle rushed off as Cris sat there trying to compile his thoughts. His heart was pounding, as he prepared himself for his grand welcoming. He slowly got up and managed to exit the shuttle, loud music blasted him as he made his way off. A bright light blinded him for a moment preventing him from seeing.

    This is it!

    Recovering from his temporary blindness, Cris saw that there was no one, the platform was completely empty. He frantically look around, searching for any signs or indication that someone was waiting for him. After a minute he calm down and regain his composure. He ran his hands through his short spiky brown hair.

    ¡°I guess, there is no one. Well, I guess the exact details of my arrival were unclear. And those damn speakers are too loud. When I get to top I¡¯ll have someone head getting my hopes up for nothing.¡±

    As Cris storm off the platform and into the station all of expectations were shattered or so he thought. The station was identical to the other one, only things that were different was that it was more festive and had a wide variety of restaurants. Once outside his disappointment and frustration reached the boiling point, he could not help but openly berate the city.

    ¡°What the hell is this?!?! How is this state of art city! It looks like so plain and boring. It¡¯s a dump. The train station looks a billion times better. This is a pile of garbage.¡±

    Cris gazed up at the skyscrapers which were mostly glass buildings with a few big screen TVs on the sides which were running ads. The streets were void of any cars but filled with a lot of foot traffic. A few trolley tracks were laid out but were vacant. The only distinguishing feature that was obvious was that it was jam pack with people. Beside that nothing stood out, to make sure he did not miss anything, Cris took another long look.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Not even modern day San Fran is this behind and the NYC makes this look like the stone age. Where are the holograms, the space ships, the hovering cars¡­ or at least a robot? Did they miss name it?¡±

    Cris could not believe it, this city was so hyped up, ground zero for the VRV, STEM and Terminal. That it just looks like a normal city with nothing justifying its name of being state of the art or futuristic, he expected a lot more.

    Sighing as he had his fill of disappointment, Cris pulled out the pamphlet with the map.

    ¡°Whatever, I am going to be the best. At least there is room for my face up there. Now where do I have to go?¡±

    Cris looked up and down then around and after a few minutes he figured out where he was and where he had to go.

    ¡°Sweet! Its close by. Wait for me Digital, I am coming.¡±

    As Cris went off into the city, putting his lackluster arrival behind him. The main purpose for him coming to Axis pushed him forward as he ran towards the Digital recruiting office. Taking the chance to shoot a passing glance at each street he passed in hopes that his first impression of the city was wrong, they all looked the same not impressive. About 10 minutes later he found a tall building which had a sign outside ¡°Digital Recruiting Office¡±. [DIGITAL RECRUITING OFFICE]

    ¡°Guess this is the place, it¡¯s so big. But that should be expected, Digital is number one. Okay, ready for this!¡±

    Standing in front of the glass doors, taking a moment to mentally prepare. Loosing up his body getting ready for his big entrance, he remember something was still in his hand, it was the pamphlet. Crumpling it up and discarding it in the waste bin near the door thinking he did not need it anymore, with that done he was ready.

    Taking a final deep breath, Cris slam open the glass doors and fearlessly announce his arrival.

    ¡°I have come! Cris Philips has arrived!¡±

    The interior gave off a ritzy hotel lobby vibe. Fancy marble and granite tiles neatly placed on the ground covering the entire ground. Round wooden tables with large vases elegantly placed near the entrance to add to the decor. On the walls were large monitors displaying Digital cube symbol with long cylinder lamps hanging from the ceiling. A large ornate Persian rug leading into the back to multiple hallways and what look like two reception desks in the middle.

    There was a woman dress in a sleek black receptionist uniform, with short reddish orange hair, who was smiling as she waved for Cris to come over. The lobby was empty and she was the only one who heard Cris as he made his way over. Upon getting closer, Cris noticed the receptionist was wearing the latest Cyber Junkie Glass VRV model, which was a tinted glass cover the top half of her face only exposing her mouth.

    Is this a hotel? It is really clean and fancy. Doesn¡¯t matter it will do.

    Cris march over with his chest puff out not showing any signs of fear as he slammed his hand on the reception desk.

    ¡°I am here!¡±

    ¡°I see, Mr. Philips, what can I do for you?¡±

    ¡°Hi, my name is Cris Philips¡­¡±

    After giving the same introduction he gave to the security guard, the woman smile weakly as she heard it. At the end, Cris was smiling savagely as he nailed his intro and thinking he made one hell of an impression.

    ¡°So your one of those¡­ You know, our war with Forsaken is over.¡±

    Again, with that remark. Whatever, I¡¯ll let it go.

    ¡°I know, but I still want to join. It pains me, that I couldn¡¯t do my part in the war. But I am here now and let Axis know, I fight for Digital.¡±

    Cris clench his fist showing remorse deeply regretting that he was not here to defend his new home. Showing unyielding loyalty and a bit of compassion while continuing to boast about his online accomplishments.

    I¡¯m shoo in. There is no way she was not impressed with that. Also, I saw a security camera near the door. The higher ups got a peak into a legend in the making. They cannot deny me now.

    ¡°Your achievements are impressive and you look strong. Based off this¡­¡±

    Yes, praise me more, I know I am awesome!

    ¡°¡­you are too much of an elite for us.¡±

    Yes, I am elite. WAIT WHAT!

    Cris almost blurted out what he was thinking and was on the verge of losing his composure. The revelation of him being denied because he was an elite came as quite a shock. Taking a moment to clear his throat, he inquire the reason for his rejection.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, you said I am too good for Digital?¡±

    ¡°That is what I am saying.¡±

    She had a fearless smile, not showing an inch of emotion or retracting her previous statement. Before probing more into the matter, Cris held his next question to evaluate the situation.

    What is going on here? This has to be some test. The camera up there is watching¡­ I get it now, a community like Digital may say they welcome everyone but they only want only the best. But she said she was impressed, I don¡¯t get it. Maybe, I have to demonstrate my capabilities or something? Now the question is how do I do that?

    Taking another moment to finalize his next move, Cris turn to face the receptionist and gave a devious smirk for the camera, he was ready for his attack.

    ¡°I see, but isn¡¯t Digital a V-Sports community, so in that capacity it has to be competitive at some degree. Swagger, is a superstar and he is in Digital, how come?¡±

    Yes, that is right. My superior skills and gamer instincts have no equal. Your move.

    ¡°You are correct, Digital is part of the V-Sports community but that is not our primary role. We are a friendly social community, which welcomes everyone and anyone. If you are interested in joining our V-Sports division, then please talk to one of our sports recruiters.¡±

    I see, so I applied at the wrong location. A common mistake.

    ¡°Where do I go for that?¡±

    The woman looked at the desk next to hers and side step over and gave Cris a pleasant smile.

    ¡°I can take you over here, sir.¡±

    Are you kidding me¡­?

    Cris¡¯ left eye was twitching and he return the smile with an annoyed grin. He could not believe of how absurd this receptionist is being with his enlistment. Following suite he sidestep over to the other desk.

    ¡°Well, I want to join Digital V-Sports.¡±

    ¡°Ok, may I see your VRV or the one you intend to use?¡±

    Cris put his backpack on the floor and pulled out a thick pair of gray metal goggles almost like wielding goggles. They had dark tinted lenses and had large frame covering each eye. This was his pride and joy, his partner this was his VRV. He shoved it in front of the receptionist face, she took it exam it for a moment and hand it back.

    ¡°I am sorry, it is not up to pro standards.¡±

    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with it? It is only like a year old, I got it when it came out.¡±

    ¡°Digital V-Sports requires each member to follow the regulation and use the necessary equipment. If you are still interested we can give you loaner. May I see your tag?¡±

    ¡°My what?¡±

    The woman gave a slight disturbed look as she slowly tilted her head to look behind Cris. Cris wonder what she was looking at and turn around.

    There is no one. What is she looking at?

    ¡°I am sorry, sir. You do not meet the standards to apply for Digital V-Sports.¡±

    Wait, what is going on here? One side I am too qualified, other side I don¡¯t meet the standards. This is ridiculous.

    Cris gritted his teeth while trying to maintain his composure in front of the camera. He would hate for his first impression to be ruined by him losing his cool. Swallowing his pent up emotions, he question why is this happening, unfortunately he could not hide his frustration in his voice.

    ¡°How can this be, you said I was elite and now you¡¯re saying I am not standard? I will not stand for this. Elite gamers like me don¡¯t always come walking in, willing to join.¡±

    ¡°Calm down, sir. Once you present the necessary requirements to join, I can accept your application.¡±

    ¡°So, if I get this pro visor I can apply?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Where can I find a shop that sells them?¡±

    ¡°The next street over is sports memorabilia shop that sells the necessary equipment. They are associated with Digital.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Then I shall return.¡±

    ¡°Have a nice day. Thanks for visiting Digital.¡±

    Cris picked up his bag and threw over his shoulder and calmly walked his way out of the lobby. Once outside he broke out into a mad dash. After Cris left, the receptionist lowered her head and whimpered.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we get normal people?¡±

 Welcome to Gamer Central Part 3

    Chapter 1 Part 3

    Cris saw himself out from of the recruiting office while maintain his cool. Once he got outside he was looking for the quickest possible way to get to the shop. He spotted a shady back alley leading to the street over. With no time to waste he would have to run if wanted to strike while the iron was hot.

    What an oblivious front desk they couldn¡¯t just tell me that at the start. But I guess, I can¡¯t be too mad, Digital called me an elite. They have a good eye, I am an elite. Now I to have to upgrade my gear, was going to wait until after I join but guess I have no choice.

    Cris was smiling that his new home acknowledged his skills and that they labeled him as an elite. Replaying that word over and over in his head, he turn into the alley and ran into something hard knocking him back.

    ¡°Hey watch where¡­ O SHITTT!!! YOU¡¯RE SWAGGER! I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN!¡±

    Looking up Cris eyes widen, a well-built tall young man wearing a sports jersey covered in sponsorship patches with a Digital hat worn backwards stood over Cris. He was wearing the latest OakNeo¡¯s sunglasses and had a scowl on his face.

    ¡°Yo. You Watchit!¡±

    The collision did not budge Swagger as he was dusting himself off. Noticing that Cris was still on the ground still star-struck was not getting up.

    ¡°Get up. You are making me look bad.¡±

    Swagger extended his hand out, Cris took it and could not help but shake it as he got up.

    ¡°Hi, my name¡­¡±

    Cris had to properly introduce himself. This was his idol, his role model, his future teammate. Swagger stood there calm and stoic as he listen carefully to Cris¡¯s introduction. At the end Swagger cracked a smile and put his hand on Cris¡¯ shoulder.

    ¡°Heh, your one of those, huh. So why the rush, knocking me down and all?¡±

    Why does everyone keep saying that about me? What is it supposed to mean¡­ Ah does not matter, this is fate that Digital and I are meant to be.

    ¡°I am your biggest fan. Crap I said that¡­ I want to join Digital. Ahh, you¡¯re awesome. You¡¯re like the best.¡±

    What am I even saying? I don¡¯t even know.

    ¡°Hah, not like, I am THE BEST. Don¡¯t forget it.¡±

    Swagger lower his glasses and was now staring daggers at Cris as if he hit a nerve. Cris face froze as his body tensed up, he needed to salvage the situation or he was done.

    Shit, I offended him. I have to make amends.

    ¡°I am so sorry. You¡¯re right, you are the best.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, you sorry? One word from me and you chances to make it in Digital are gone, maybe even in Axis.¡±

    Cris broke out in a cold sweet when he heard that. His mind was racing as he tried to figure out a way of this predicament.

    Shit! Shit! Shit! How the hell do I fix this!

    Swagger busted out laughing, while Cris stood there like a deer staring into the headlights, waiting to see what will happen next.

    ¡°Hahaha, take it easy. I am just messing with you. Gotta lighten up, if you want to make it.¡±

    Cris started nervously laugh along with Swagger as he wiped the sweat from his brow, breathing a sigh of relief that he dodged a bullet. Swagger then slap Cris on the back, confirming that he was joking around from the start.

    ¡°Well nice meeting you, Cris. When you get in hit me up. I wanna see whatchu got.¡±

    ¡°Of course. But eh before you go can you uh¡­ Can I get your autograph?¡±

    The tense atmosphere that was cleared now was replaced with a moment of awkward silence before Swagger finally broke it.

    ¡°How much do you got?¡±

    ¡°What money?¡±

    ¡°Yeah money, I am a pro. I cannot give away memorabilia for free. Have to treat all my fans fair. You know what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Swagger speech was fast and forceful as he slowly approached Cris backing him against the wall.

    ¡°Of course. Of course. Just a second.¡±

    Damnit, I need to stop messing up. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is the fated meeting, between a current legend and the upcoming one. I have to document this no matter the cost.

    Cris pulled out his wallet and check his pockets for any loose change.

    ¡°I got $23.78.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a little short. I usually charge 25. But since you¡¯re such a big fan and future comrade I will give you a discount.¡±

    Swagger pulled out a picture of himself and a marker from his back pocket. He put the poster up against the wall and started to write on it.

    Does he always carry those around? Of course he does. He is the best and the best is always prepared no matter what. I have to take notes for when I get there.

    As Cris was day dreaming of his future fame, Swagger rolled the signed picture shoved it in front of Cris. Before Cris could take it Swagger jerk the poster back and stuck out his other hand demanding for payment. Giving all the cash he had, Swagger look at it counting to make sure it was all there, then he tossed the poster over.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Well, I gotta go. Later.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah. Cya.¡±

    Did this really just happened?

    Cris open it up and look down at the picture which was a headshot of him along with his avatars geared up and it read. ¡°To my biggest fan. Regards Swagger¡±

    Quite a plain autograph, but it is real. This could be worth a fortune to the right person.

    Cris could not help but snicker as he thought he got the better of his idol. Rolling up his new prize and throwing it in his backpedal, he continued on his way.

    Well nothing will stop me now. Forward to my future and all of its glory.

    Departing from his fateful encounter with his idol, Cris made his way to the next street over where he saw a huge store called [AL¡¯S V-SPORTING GOODS] and a small sign near the entrance [AFFILIATED WITH DIGITAL INC.,]. He was about to enter but a person was blocking the entrance, a large fat man cover in sport swag with a thick monocle over one eye sitting on a stool. The man was abruptly waves his hand around making it impossible to pass. Peaking over him, Cris could see what look like hundreds of VR equipment. Everything from VRVs, STEMs and other accessories in all kinds of fashions and upgrades were on display on the walls.

    Trying multiple times to pass the fat man, each attempt ended in failure due his chunky arms blocking the path. Cris tried waving and gesturing that he wanted to enter but the fat man did not notice and continued wobble on his stool. The odor of alcohol was coming from the fat man and multiple beer cans were scattered by his feet. Running out of options the possible choice left was to ask him to move.

    What is he doing? And he reeks of booze. Is he the mascot for the store? Move you drunkard. I have to get in.

    ¡°Hey, can I get by?¡±

    ¡°Hiiiiii. Welcome to AL¡¯s. Looking to buy somethin eh. Whatchu need?¡±

    ¡°I need you to move, can you?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    He gave Cris a jovial and innocent looking smile, not understanding what Cris meant. Swallowing his next words and the urge to yell at the fat man, Cris went with more of a diplomatic approach.

    ¡°I just came from the Digital recruiting office, the lady there said I needed a better visor. Can I get through?¡±

    Cris was trying his best to maintain his cool while being polite.

    It was important to maintain a professional and friendly relationship with a supplier and employees. Since they could hook me up with the newest tech later once I become famous.

    ¡°De red hed, huh. She a beaut aint she¡­ Lemme take a looook. Im a pert with dis stuff.¡±

    Cris doubted this guy could count to ten let alone be an expert with the VRV, hesitating for a moment before he realized this guy will not let him. He took out his VRV and handed it over.

    ¡°Yup, er gear is seriously lacking. Need git a new one. Whats er price range?¡±

    He almost smacks Cris in the face as he swipe his hand towards Cris, trying to return his VRV.

    ¡°I¡¯ll like the one that all the top level pros are using. You know like Swagger.¡±

    ¡°Hip¡­Heh, alright. That¡¯s PTX 340 bout two grand.¡±

    ¡°Ok, then I will take¡­ the hell, $2000, why so much.¡±

    ¡°Haha, I kno crazy. But he rocks de best. Want somethin a bit more, affordable?¡±

    Cris gulped as he nodded.

    The man move his bear paw like hand up and down like trying to knock down a bee hive.

    ¡°Welp wes gots ones before which is about a gran. Used bout 800.¡±

    ¡°What is up with these prices? When I got my VRV it was a few hundred bucks.¡±

    ¡°Haha, you must be new. The retail modolls are made for the average folk. Em pros go by diff stan dards they need more powa.¡±

    ¡°So eh, what is your cheapest you have?¡±

    ¡°Lowest 700. And I have the best hardware and the cheapest prices.¡±

    The drunk said the last part perfectly as if he sober up and was ready to do business. He gave Cris a stern look wanting to know if he was going to buy something or haggle on the price.

    Crap, I used all my money on Swagger. But this will not stop me.

    ¡°What about if I trade in?¡±

    The man took a few moments as he move his paw wildly trying to fight off the invisible bees.

    ¡°Il give you 100 bucks cash or 150 credit.¡±

    How is he getting his numbers? Could he be lying?

    ¡°What if I threw in my phone and¡­¡±

    The man shoved his bear like hand right in front of Cris¡¯ face stopping him from finishing his thought.

    ¡°I aint nu pawn shop.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you lower the price?¡±

    ¡°You tagged?¡±

    ¡°No?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t then.¡±

    Damnit, still short $550.Guess, I have no choice.

    ¡°You deal with V-Sport stuff. Then how about an autograph from Super Star Swagger. This should be more than enough to cover it.¡±

    Cris reluctantly handed over his treasure he just acquired. He could not bear to watch that he trade such prize for so little.

    ¡°Is dat a joke? Somethin wron with er hed?¡±

    The fat man was not amused and looked annoyed with what Cris had to offer as he batted away the poster.

    ¡°He is the best, I¡¯m sure his stuff sells for a lot.¡±

    The man looked at Cris strangely and then pulled sign from behind him. It read.

    Today: Meet and Greet with Digital Super Star Swagger.

    Autograph Poster $15.

    Picture with Star $50.

    $15?!? I got scammed by my idol... worse than that my autograph is only worth $15. This cannot be happening.

    ¡°If er got nothing else then¡­¡±

    ¡°WAIT! I am Cris Philips a future legend and champion in Axis. If you give me¡­¡±

    In his final desperate plea, Cris had to sell himself and tell this guy he was an elite. That if he helped him out now that when Cris got to the top he would repay the favor. However, the fat man will not hear any of this, he stomp his oversize foot and shot him a menacing look, stopping Cris in his tracks.

    ¡°Stop, right errrr. I didn¡¯ kno you were one of those. I have to ask you to leave the store.¡±

    I¡¯m not even in the store! How can he ask me to leave? And why was the last part spoken in perfect English?

    The large man got up from his stool and gave off an intimidating presence as stagger towards Cris.

    ¡°Hold ON!¡±

    The large man tried to pick up Cris but failed only hugging the air next to him. His second attack came swift and hard as it smack Cris on the side of the head throwing him into a daze. The man did not intend to hit him but using the chance to grab the stun Cris he threw him to the curb.

    ¡°When you get monies we do beezness. But leave er ego out. I gots no time for et.¡±

    The large man left Cris lying on the ground as he went back to his stool.

    How dare him. You fat fucking pig. When I hit it big. Your crispy bacon. One bad word and review you and your shop are done.

    Cris got up and brush himself off as he gave off a rude gesture to the large man. The large man saw it and got up at abnormal speed giving pursuit. Seeing this Cris quickly ran before he could close the gap. After running for a few minutes Cris was panting heavily after successfully losing the fat man.

    ¡°That pig just wait huff, I should sue your ass and Swagger how could heee. After our moment he stabs me in the back. Just wait Swagger¡­ when I¡¯m geared and ready. I am joining Digital and will be better than you. Then when I am at the top I¡¯ll toss you aside.¡±

    Taking a moment to catch his breath, his panting turn into a weak cackle as he devised his plan for revenge. But before he could put his evil scheme into motion he needed one thing, the bare minimum standard VRV to compete as a pro. With the remaining of his money being hustled by Swagger, Cris came to one final conclusion.

    I need money. Ugh, guess I have to get a job¡­

    He shivered at the thought of it. Someone like him, a future champion cannot destroy his career by being forced to work like a commoner. Most of his money he had was invested in games and his VRV. Even though he decided not to return home, he could not sell off his games they were a part of him and he would have gotten ripped off on the price. The last remaining cash he had was spent on the ticket to get here and on this shitty overpriced autograph.

    Assessing his current situation and what transpired, Cris couldn¡¯t help but feel discourage and frustrated at the lack of progress. This is not how the day should have went, the residents of Axis should have greeted him with open arms but instead he got turned down at each turn. The urge to return home, forget about this day and go back to playing his games tempted him to give up.

    Maybe I should go home. NO, I can¡¯t think like a loser now. I just need enough for gear and to get by. With my skills it shouldn¡¯t be hard to find a job. Every legend has troubles they have to overcome, this is mine.

    Refusing to give up and accept reality, Cris pumped himself up as he set out to find a job.

 Welcome to Gamer Central Part 4

    Chapter 1 Part 4

    After spending most of the morning job hunting, Cris was exhausted. He must of talk to about a dozen business owners all over the city. They all rejected him not because of his skills or attitude but the fact that he was not tagged. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore, he was beat. It was noon and his stomach was not helping. With no food or good news his resolve was slowly crumbling.

    ¡°This sucks! How the hell am I supposed to show what I got if no one is going give me a shot.¡±

    He continued to wander around aimlessly looking for any signs of work or food that could lift his spirits. The only silver lining he could find was that this situation was giving him an in depth tour of Axis. He did not care how the city looked anymore, just that wanted something to eat.

    He found himself in front of a restaurant /caf¨¦ ¡°Loco¡¯s¡±. It was a small establishment hidden away from the main road. His hunger must have instinctively brought him here.

    I¡¯m broke, there is no way I can afford lunch. But I need fuel to keep going.

    Cris stood in front of the door staring and thinking what he should do. After a few rumbles from his stomach he cave and entered.

    A bell rang as soon as he opens the door. Once inside he was greeted by a waitress who gave a small bow and was standing behind a podium near the entrance. Cris¡¯s eyes immediately darted over to waitress.

    She was a sensual beauty with porcelain skin and had lustrous purple hair which was tied up in a ponytail. She was dress in an elegant hostess uniform, with a black tuxedo vest, white shirt, long black pants and a black apron around her waist. She was a little bit taller than Cris, with a slender build. Her uniform hide her womanly qualities but did not affect her overall appearance in fact it made Cris ponder what she could be concealing. She was attractive and gave the impression of being graceful and kind.

    ¡°Welcome sir. Table for one?¡±

    She greeted Cris with such a radiant smile that matched her light blue eyes that he could not help feel like he was staring at the sun. She had a bit of funny accent which gave Cris the impression she must be from someplace from Eastern Europe.

    O damn¡­

    Cris was baffled, he did not expect such a woman to be in such a small caf¨¦. Without much thought he nodded. He was led to a table and before he knew it he was seated.

    Shit, I was so distracted I let my guard down. What now?

    Before he could get up and escape, the waitress handed him a menu cutting off his retreat.

    ¡°Hello, my name is Loco, I will be serving you today. Can I get you anything to drink?¡±

    ¡°I uh, I¡­¡±

    He couldn¡¯t put words together. If he had one weakness, it would be dealing with attractive women. Using the menu to break line of sight to hide his uneasiness, he needed a moment to pull himself together. Cris had no money, there is no way he could afford anything, but he didn¡¯t want to disappoint the waitress who took the liberty to seat him. A moment of awkward silence descended as he could not bring himself to even look at her. Understanding the moment the waitress seized the initiative.

    ¡°I can come back when you¡¯re ready. Pardon me.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ I uhhhhh¡­ my name is¡­¡±

    Without thinking Cris gave the introduction he has been pitching the whole morning. He fumbled and rushed over certain parts due to embarrassment but he managed to get through the entire intro and the events leading him here in less than a minute.

    The woman stood there silently, deep in thought processing what she heard.

    Crap, I made myself look like a loser.

    The woman took a seat across from Cris, she gently lowered the menu and was looking straight at him trying to establish eye contact. This action caused Cris eyes to run wild. He had no control on where they were going or what they were staring. She gave a graceful smile putting Cris a little at ease but her next words shattered him.

    ¡°Your one of those.¡±

    That again. What the hell is that supposed to mean, is it bad? The way she said doesn¡¯t sound bad. BUT NOT LIKE THIS.

    ¡°But it sounds like you had it rough. An elite like you should not go through such burdensome tasks.¡±

    IT¡¯S OVER¡­ Wait is she being nice?!?

    ¡°I believe you, you have what it takes to climb to the top.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Cris could finally look her in the eye. He had to make sure that what she said was true, in the past he was scammed before, he would not fall victim again so easily.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    She gave a gentle but soothing smile.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Philips is special. Not all new arrivals could have made as far as Mr. Philips. I believe you will be the next champion in no time.¡±

    Cris mind went blank as he just sat there staring. Any uneasiness or frustration he accumulated had suddenly vanished. He could not believe this was happening that someone actually believed in him.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s quite admirable, that you are willing to sacrifice so much in order to achieve your dream.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah. It hasn¡¯t been easy but it¡¯s something I must do. I will be the best in no time.¡±

    Sitting back and relaxing a bit, Cris started brag about telling about all he accomplished before coming to Axis. At the end, the waitress clasps her hands together as she stated.

    ¡°Yes. Yes. A legend has truly come to Axis. You will be known by all and there will be a lot more fans like myself who will see Mr. Philip for his greatness.¡±

    ¡°Yep, I am greaaaaat. Did you just say you¡¯re my fan?!?¡±

    ¡°Of course. After hearing what Mr. Philips accomplished who wouldn¡¯t be a fan? Mr. Philips is awesome.¡±

    Are you serious? My first fan and she looks like this.

    ¡°But for Mr. Philips to continue on his journey he must eat.¡±

    ¡°Yup. As my fan I think I am entitled to a meal.¡±

    Cris was back to his old self, for some reason he could casual talk to her now without fumbling his words. He couldn¡¯t help but let a cheeky grin that things may finally be turning around for him.

    Finally, someone sees me for what I am.

    ¡°Of course. However I don¡¯t believe in a free meal. I am a business woman after all. How about a trade instead?¡±

    ¡°Trade?¡±

    ¡°Yes, unfortunately I couldn¡¯t make it to Swagger Signing Event because of work. I am such a huge fan but I couldn¡¯t meet him.¡±

    Loco frowned as she lowered her head as if she was about to cry. She shot Cris a pleading look in hopes he would comply with her request. Without a second thought, he pulled out the unwanted poster that now finally could be put to good use. He unrolled out on the table displaying its authenticity in front of Loco, who was slowly inching her hand towards it.

    ¡°May I?¡±

    Cris nodded.

    ¡°Yes, how can I let my first fan down? But you sure¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    She quickly snatched it and pulled it to her side and swapped it with the menu.

    ¡°You can have anything on the left side and one beverage.¡±

    I could get more out of this, but she looks so happy now.

    ¡°Ok.¡±

    Cris open the menu and browsed thought his options.

    What is this? These names¡­ TriHard Burger, Baby Rage Ribs, Scrub Sliders.

    Cris double check the menu to verify what he saw was right. He looks over to the waitress who was admiring her recent acquisition. He question why would someone write a menu like this and it was only on the left side. His stomach rumbled as he did not care anymore nor would he pass up the opportunity to get rid of that shitty autograph.

    Whatever, this is for my fan. I will not let her down.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get the TriHard Burger and the chill bro shake.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Right away!¡±

    She got up taking her prize autograph with her. As she was walking away she turn around holding up Swagger autograph.

    ¡°One day. I will ask for yours.¡±

    She gave a gentle smile as she left to go place the order.

    Cris could not contain his joy. He cracks a smile and small laugh.

    Fan. Food. Future. I should not have never doubted myself, I owe it to her. My future fans. I will not give up EVER. I am awesome.

    With the distraction of the waitress gone, Cris could finally take a look around. The restaurant was not big but could fill a few dozen people. Near the entrance was a small lounge fill with leather sofas and arm chairs with a glass table in the middle. In the back there were booths and tables with a hallway leading to the back and restroom. On the other side of him was a bar with a few large TVs hanging from the ceiling and some planks hanging on the wall. The waitress looks like she was hanging something on the wall.

    Seeing her again, Cris couldn¡¯t help but replay of what just happen in his head over and over again. Then he heard a loud thud, his order came out. Instead of the waitress it was a man this time. He was a short, tan, brawny man wearing the same style uniform but for men and without the sleeves. On his right arm he had a tattoo that look like a panther bearing its teeth. He had a bald tan head which seemed to reflect every light in the caf¨¦, he did not even look at Cris. He placed the plates and glass nowhere near Cris and left without saying a word.

    Rude, Peanut Head. Bring back that hot nice waitress.

    Cris didn¡¯t care, nothing could destroy the way he was feeling now. He pulled the plates and glass over in front of him. Plate one potato wedges with a small plastic cup of ketchup. Plate two the burger split in two with the patty and bun left side, right side bun, tomato, lettuce, bacon. Last dish the shake with wipe cream and a cherry on top.

    Drooling a bit in his mouth as he assembles the burger, he took one final look to savior the moment before taking a bit.

    I¡¯m gonna enjoy this. I¡¯m sooo hungry.

    Cris shoved the burger in his mouth without any hesitation. The size of the burger was small enough to fit in his mouth but something stopped him from taking a second bite.

    Something is missing? Sauce? Topping? No, I don¡¯t know what.

    The burger was good and Cris was too hungry to complain but it felt incomplete. The burger was missing something that could take the taste to the next level from good to great. He took another bite and another until it was gone.

    Still, it was good.

    He took his time with the wedges and shake unlike the burger. After 15 minutes he finished up.

    Do I need to leave a tip?

    The waitress came by to clean up.

    ¡°How was it? Did you enjoy it?¡±

    ¡°It was soooo good. I definitely needed that.¡±

    Could have been better, but I was on the verge of death so I can¡¯t complain.

    ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t worry about a tip. I would hate to delay the future champ anymore.¡±

    Returning the compliment with a smile, Cris got up and collected his things and was ready to resume his quest to find a job or a way into Digital.

    She¡¯s right. I have to get going. Just like a fan to always be supportive.

    ¡°Yep. Thanks for the food. I¡¯ll make sure everyone will know about this place when I get to the top.¡±

    She gave a big smile as she bid farewell to Cris.

    ¡°Looking forward to it. Come again!¡±

    As Cris departed the restaurant, with a full belly and a reaffirmed resolve. It gave him the necessary push to continue forward.

    This time will be different. With a fan cheering me on. I can¡¯t fail.

 Welcome to Gamer Central Part 5

    Chapter 1 Part 5

    What the hell. Nothing changed.

    Cris collapse on a park bench and slump his head back. He was staring at the darken sky trying to figure out what went wrong.

    I¡¯m exhausted. I did everything right and I still don¡¯t have a damn job. Why is it so hard to find one?

    All the business owners said the exact same thing ¡°No tag. No Job¡±. At least he learned what that meant.

    A tagged person is a resident of Axis or in other words people who can stay here without visitor status.

    Apparently, all the residents that live in Axis are all citizens who pass some test allowing them to stay in the city without the threat of deportation. There were other benefits for being tagged that each owner mention but that was the gist of it.

    This sucks. Something is wrong with this city and the people. It shouldn¡¯t be this hard. I got top 5% in some of the most popular online games¡­ Speaking of online¡­ I didn¡¯t try that.

    Mustering what little strength he had left he reached over for his back pack. Bringing it onto his lap he open it and started to digging for the item he wanted. Pulling out his phone, Cris turned it on to check for any new updates.

    Full bars and service¡­ NO NEW MESSAGES!?! They don¡¯t care if I¡¯m gone?

    He threw his phone back in the bag and continue to look for what he really wanted. Frowning as he continue to search, none of his friends or family did not care he was gone.

    Who needs them? Friends. Family. School. That¡¯s my old life. It¡¯s all about the now. And now, the people in Gamer Central and Terminal will finally notice my greatness.

    Cris pulled out his VRV and a small box. He open the box and a small plastic strap connected to a wire was neatly wrap around it. He took the wire and plug it on the side of his VRV and put it on top of his head. Carefully placing the strap on the back of his neck he felt a small prick. With that pain he pulled down the VRV and press a button on the side.

    Should be safe to dive here, right? I am just going in for a moment to check.

    Cris was breathing a bit irregular as he could not help but get excited. This would be the first time ever he would use Terminal. In the past he played some VR games where he had to dive in, but from what he read from online, Terminal is a 100x better. His VRV finished booting up and new screen which he never seen before popped up.

    NETWORK DETECTED: AXIS TERMINAL STATION.

    His breathing increased as he was getting closer. Motioning his eyes he selected the network. Another screen popped up this one a bit strange.

    INPUT LOGIN: GUEST OR RESIDENT.

    Login? I don¡¯t have a login?

    Sitting there for minute Cris took a deep breath to calm down and selected Guest.

    A bright flash of light blinded Cris forcing his eyes shut. His body felt a chill like a glove being removed from a hand, he could not help but shiver. After a few moments, he felt a bit nauseated and a bit woozy, opening his eyes he saw nothing but darkness.

    Did it work? That didn¡¯t feel like a normal dive. Why is it dark? Wait something is happening.

    Small multiple light blimps which looked like pixels filled Cris¡¯s vision, an image slowly was rendering as the surroundings were also coming into view.

    I can see something¡­ it is¡­ the same?

    As Cris frantically turn his head looking for any signs of where he was or what happened.

    ¡°This looks like the same park. Nothing changed everything is still hereeeee¡­.. WHERE DID MY BAG GO? MY VRV IT¡¯S GONE.¡±

    Cris started to panic as he was desperately searching his body and the bench for any signs for his things.

    ¡°WHERE THE HELL IS MY STUFF!!!¡±

    Screaming that he been robbed, he saw a blue flash of light from the corner of his eye go up. Looking up, his eyes widen as he realized he was no longer in reality.

    ¡°No way! It work!¡±

    Cris looked up and saw what look like ripple crystal clear water with the reflection of the city that covered the sky. Blue flashes of light were going up and down through the water. His jaw dropped as he gawked at a once in a lifetime sight.

    Ping

    ¡°Something pinged?¡±

    The sound broke his focus as a pop up appeared in his face obstructing his view of the sky. It read.

    [Term of Use.]

    Cris quickly using his hand in a chopping motion to scroll down to the bottom and tap agree. Another pop up came.

    [Beginner and Tutorial Guide.]

    Cris even faster than last time using a flicking motion to exit the pop up. Another one came up.

    [Would you like to turn off new user mode? (Hints, Warnings, Tips and Permissions will be disabled. You can turn this back on in the settings.)]

    Cris a bit annoyed by this question press yes.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t a noob. Also, this is not my first game. I am elite. I don¡¯t need help to figure out the obvious.¡±

    With that business done a final pop up appeared.

    [Enjoy Axis Terminal Station.]

    Cris crack a smile as the tedious business of new user intake was finished. He then swung his arms side to side and jump up a few times.

    Feels so realistic. It¡¯s almost that this my body. Wait is it¡­

    Cris tugged out the top of his pants and took a peek inside.

    How did they know? Not even games go that much in detail. Eh. Whatever. 10/10 for being realistic.

    ¡°Now then, let¡¯s check Terminal out.¡±

    Cris ran out of the park into the main road.

    ¡°Wow! This is now what I call Gamer Central.¡±

    On the main road, Cris gaze up at the skyscrapers but unlike the ones he saw in Axis these ones were vastly different. Massive holograms the size of the buildings were line up next to them. The holograms were either of a person talking, a small clip that repeated after a few seconds or what look like a live feed of what was happening in Axis. Around each building were flying screens that rotated around the building.

    Cris raise his hand towards one and a screen pop up in front of him. It had the list of the shops, their locations and a clickable button next to each one. Upon further inspection he noticed that each shop had an assortment of pictures after clicking view. The pictures were of the shop and how it looked like in Axis and reality. From this Cris came to the conclusion that Terminal was just a mirror of the city of Axis.

    Then Cris saw it.

    How could I miss that?

    A massive white tower soaring into the sky towering all the other skyscrapers and what look like it was touching the watery sky. Such a skyscraper did not exist in Axis, after running around the whole day Cris would have surely notice such a building. It gave off the impression that whoever lived there must be someone of great value or worth, which pique Cris¡¯s curiosity.

    I want to go there. Whoever is there is surely is important. Finally, a place worthy of me. They must have a job or two. I mean it has so many floors. I will definitely get to the top.

    Cris ignoring everything else ran towards the tall white building, the streets were completely empty making it easy to navigate. The streets were an exact copy of Axis confirming his thought that Terminal and Axis were identical but something was not right. The closer he got to it the building it switch direction forcing him to stop.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°What the? It¡¯s behind me now?¡±

    Cris turn around and run towards it again but the same thing happen. The building got behind him again, he slowly retrace his steps this one street was odd. He place one foot forward and the building was gone. He brought the other foot over and the tower was behind him. It was like the path towards it was being skipped. That there was no direct means to it.

    Repeating this action a few times he reached an impasse, Cris had no idea what to do next but was not ready to give up. Perplex by this Cris saw what look like a shop with a flashing screen saying ¡°OPEN¡±.

    Maybe they know?

    Cris enter the shop to find it completely empty. It was a bright white room with nothing but a desk in the back. As he made his way to the desk he saw what look like a serving bell on the desk. When he got closer a screen pop up above it reading ¡°Ring for Assistance¡±. Cris rang it.

    Ring Ring.

    The pop up change to ¡°Please Wait¡±.

    After a few seconds a bright flash of blue came down and a young woman appeared behind the desk. She wore a bright yellow summer dress with pictures of sunflowers on it. This cause Cris to stumble back a few steps and fall over.

    ¡°Hi, welcome to Mary Ann¡¯s Clothing. How can I help you?¡±

    ¡°It spoke? Hello?¡±

    Not entirely convinced of what just happened he kept his guard up. Getting back up Cris approached the desk.

    ¡°Hello. How can I help you?¡±

    She greeted him with a bright smile waiting to be asked a question.

    ¡°Yeahhhh¡­ Hi¡±

    Is she real?

    ¡°Hello. How can I help you?¡±

    Same response and no change in facial expression. She has to be a bot.

    ¡®Yeah. Hi, my name is Cris¡­¡±

    Wait, if she is a bot she might not understand everything. I have dealt with interactive NPCs in games before. They had limited responses and only pick up on key words. However, I needed to speak loudly, clearly and slowly for them to understand. It¡¯s worth a shot.

    ¡°Hi. My. Name. Cris. I. New. To. Axis. I. Elite. I. Important. I. Need. Help. Need. Direction. To. Big. White. Building.¡±

    There was a small pause. Her expression did not change as she continue to smile.

    I guess she is processing.

    ¡°You¡¯re one of those.¡±

    Even her?! Something is seriously wrong in this city. But it got through. I think.

    Cris couldn¡¯t help but face palm at the current situation. He saw that the woman eyes follow his reaction. He sway his head to right then left. The woman eyes followed accordingly.

    Motion reactive. Maybe a visual will help her to understand.

    Cris repeated everything he just said but this time he added in hand gestures to emphasize each word.

    I think that did it.

    ¡°Would you like to buy something?¡±

    ¡°No. No. No. No, Buy. Need. Direction.¡±

    This is hopeless. I am getting nowhere. Wait, I can do that.¡±

    ¡°Customer. Support. Speak. To. Boss. Manager. Supervisor. Human¡±

    Nothing happen. As Cris was about to give up and go, the bot spoke up.

    ¡°Just a moment. I¡¯ll put you in touch with human.¡±

    ¡°Thank. You.¡±

    Again nothing happen.

    ¡°Hello Sir. I am sorry about my bot.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She is quite slow and doesn¡¯t understand well.

    Again another pause. She took a deep breath and gave a small bow to apologize.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ Again I do apologize for my bot. How can I help?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, can you tell me how to get that tall white building?¡±

    ¡°Central building? Did you not read the new user guide? Or have new user mode on?¡±

    ¡°Why would I. I am an elite.¡±

    ¡°You cannnnnnnn¡­ Of course I can tell you.¡±

    She crack a mischievous smile.

    ¡°When you exit make a right. Continue, until you see a subway entrance. It has to have the letter ¡°W¡± on it. When you see it get a running start and jump in. It is perfectly safe but you have to hurry large lines form and its first come first serve.¡±

    ¡°Really? Thanks! And I don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t write anything bad about your shop or its malfunctioning bot.¡±

    Cris turn around and ran out of the store. The woman wave at Cris as he ran off, bidding farewell to Cris while maintaining her act.

    ¡°Hehe. Come again. Hehehahahaha.¡±

    Leaving the shop and turning right, Cris followed the woman direction. It didn¡¯t take long to find the subway stop. A bit closer he could see the letter ¡°W¡± at the top.

    That must be it. Faster! I will be first.

    Seeing this as an opportunity, Cris pick up the pace and went into a full sprint. When he got close enough he jump into what look like a blue portal. Just before he made contact a pop up appeared but it was too fast. When he made contact pop up disappeared without showing its contents along with all the light.

    ¡°Ughhhh, what was that? Huh? Grass? Dirt?¡±

    After hitting the blue portal Cris got the same feeling like when he came into Terminal. Instead of the cement and concrete of the city Cris was lying on a patch of dirt. He could taste the wind as it blew the smell of something putrid. Cris puke a bit at the rancid smell as he try to force himself up.

    It was dark, the air was hot, heavy and humid it was almost sickening of how bad it felt. He could barely see the ground which was damp and mushy, but his vision had something added to it. In the top left corner of his sight show what look like a status bar.

    Cris Philips. A bright green bar and yellow triangle with an exclamation point blinking?

    An HP bar? Where am I?

    Cris moved his head side to side. His name, HP bar and triangle did not move as if they were glue to the top most left corner of his eye. Wanting to know about it, the flashing triangle stop and answered his request, a screen popped up.

    [RADIATION SICKNESS: WARNING PROLONG EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE LASTING EFFECTS. STAMINA AND HEALTH REDUCE BY 25%]

    Realizing that he was no longer in Terminal but one of the worlds, he let out a smirk. This was nothing like any VR game he played, it felt real. Even though he felt terrible but this feeling and sensation is something he would never have experience with his real body. The games he played felt like he was walking around in a space suit and could never truly feel anything. Taking a few moments to muster enough strength he managed to push himself up. Once up he heard some rustling and light footsteps off in the distance.

    Grrrrrrr.

    ¡°Is someone growling?¡±

    Cris look around for the cause of the noise then he saw it. Glowing yellow eyes in the not so far off distance. It belong to a formless figure hidden by the darkness, Cris froze as soon as he noticed them. They were following his every move as he tried to slowly back away.

    Stay calm. This is not real. I can¡¯t really die here. It¡¯s far away maybe it hasn¡¯t¡­ O SHIIITTT

    At lighting fast speed the eyes close the gap between them in no time. Cris tried to run but by the time he turn his back and took a few steps it was too late. A tremendous amount of force hit his back causing him to tumble forward.

    By the time he stop rolling the eyes were again closing in but they did not attack. They kept a bit of distance as it slowly circle around him.

    Cris¡¯s body was burning as the green bar in the corner grew a bit smaller. With his face in the dirt Cris slowly shift his gaze up. The formless figure finally reveal itself. A large, mangy, green wolf was about a meter away from his face. Cris started to laugh as he push his self-up.

    ¡°Hahaha. I see I must have enter that Wasteland world. That woman can¡¯t human¡­ no human would do this. It had to be the malfunctioning bot. No human would get the directions this wrong. What a lazy shop owner letting her broke bot run retail. When I get out of here, I have to write a bad review¡­ But first.¡±

    Cris brought his fists up to his face and took a fighting stance. Staring directly at the wolf with a serious expression knowingly he would have to beat down this wolf with his bare hands.

    ¡°You will be my first kill, wolf. You should be grateful that you are the first stepping stone for something great.¡±

    Focusing all of his attention to the wolf a status bar appeared on top of the wolf along with a name.

    [MANGY MUTATED WOLF]

    Letting out a satisfied grin knowing that this is exactly how the other VR games he played worked.

    If this is like any of the VR RPGs I played, there should be a command system. Which means no matter my action the game will translate it a move. So as long as I perform the motions, I will win. But to make sure I should call it out to make it register.

    ¡°You ready? SUPER MEGA ULTRA ONE HIT KO COMBO PUNCH!!!!!!¡±

    Cris charge head first into the wolf, in turn the wolf did the same. As both of them were barreling towards each other, Cri pour all of his energy into his punch to make the system accept it, thrusting his right arm out it was almost a guarantee hit. However, his punch never register or even landed¡­ before impact the wolf side step it completely dodging the punch.

    ¡°IMPOSSIBLE!!! NO ONE CAN AVOID MY SPECIAL MOVE!¡±

    A second later the wolf clamp down its jaws on the expose arm, throwing Cris off balance and forcing him onto the ground. Placing its paw on Cris¡¯s shoulder and using super natural strength, it yank the arm off in one swift stroke, tearing it off causing blood to gush out. The blood rushed out spraying the wolf in the face and pouring onto the ground. The wolf retreated with his prize, leaving Cris down and out trying to get to his knees screaming in agony. He brought his remaining hand over in attempt to cover up the wound, but the blood was still trickling through his fingers.

    ¡°AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! MY ARM IT¡­ doesn¡¯t really hurt?¡±

    Besides a slight burning sensation at his arm socket and the awkwardness of not having his arm, it didn¡¯t really hurt. A pop up appear in front of Cris as try to get back on his feet. He felt a bit woozy and sick now, maybe the injury affected him in other ways.

    [CRITICAL DAMAGE TAKEN. RIGHT ARM DISABLE. CURRENT STATUS: BLEEDING, RADIATION POISON AND INFECTION. SEEK MEDICAL AID.]

    Seeing that pop up, Cris brushed it aside refusing to accept defeat. The wolf was a few feet ahead of him, slowly enjoying his prize. The wolf was gnawing and biting at his arm while ripping off his fingers one by one. Witnessing this, Cris stuck out his remaining arm and pointed directly at the wolf.

    ¡°Alright, bitch. ROUND 2.¡±

    The wolf not amused by Cris¡¯s remark as if it understood what he said, dropping his arm it wanted to take the other one. Once again they slowly circle each other, the wolf sizing up Cris¡¯s currently strength and gauging whether or not if he was still a threat, while Cris threw light air punches. After each punch the wolf snarl and took a bite at him in hopes he would recklessly rush in again.

    ¡°Dumb AI. I thought so, it only reacts to my moves so if I don¡¯t call it out then I should beeeee¡­.¡±

    Having enough of this dance, the wolf ran at him leaping into the air. Cris seeing this was prepared, he tried to dodge but his body would not respond more like his wobbly legs could not move as intended. A huge force struck Cris as the wolf¡¯s attack made contact tackling him on the ground. The wolf had him pin and Cris was face to face with the wolf.

    He could not move, it wasn¡¯t the weight being pressed against him or the lack of strength to fight back, it was the paralyzing yellow eyes. He felt helpless, all he could do was watch. They were looking straight into his waiting and observing. No VR RPG game he played had this sort of fighting mechanics or intelligent AIs.

    NO! NO! NO! THIS CAN¡¯T BE HAPPENING. I am going to die here. To a starter monster. If this gets out, my career would be over.

    However, despite what he thought his body could not hide his true feelings, the fear of death gripped him. His body was trembling under the might of the wolf and no matter what he told it, it would not move. As a last ditch effort he shifted eyes and was looking for anything that could turn the tide. The sudden break of eye contact caused the wolf to move in its face closer to investigate. Being this close, Cris could feel the warm breath of the wolf breath and could not help but take notice to its distinguishing features. Its face covered in Cris¡¯s blood, had decomposed flesh rotting with maggots coming out of it and bone being revealed around its jaw with an empty slot where its nose should have been. It was now bearing its teeth taking a moment to savor before the kill.

    Salvia dripped from its teeth hitting Cris in the face forcing him to look at the jaws of death. Not wanting to die, Cris forced himself to move out of terror. The wolf seeing this as a threat moved in for the kill. The wolf quickly move its fangs towards Cris¡¯s neck and in one swift nip tore out his throat.

    Cris HP bar disappeared and everything went black. Cris had died.

    End of Chapter 1.

 EXTRA: Leak Chapter: The Art of PvP: Chapter 6 Fundamentals

    The Art of PvP: Chapter 6 Fundamentals

    ¡°Learning how to play is like, Rock, Paper, Scissors with a twist. Where Rock rips through Paper, Scissor cuts Rock and Paper binds Scissors. It¡¯s not always clear who will win but each has their strength and weakness. Also, it¡¯s important to remember how fast you draw and think about what you pick.¡±

    -Unknown, The Art of PvP

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> QUERY LOG<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    [NAME: QUERY]

    [RANK: LEET COUNCIL, SOVEREIGN]

    [SECURITY ACCESS: LEVEL 5]

    [INTERPRETATION ACCESS REQUIREMENT: LEVEL 1]

    PENDING¡­ ACCESS GRANTED

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BEGIN INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Fundamentals are important no matter the form of fighting. In PvP combat fundamentals are key for foundation and basis of PvPer. With the lack of fundamentals, PvPer may develop burdensome habits, unnecessary growths and/or reliance on meta crutches. In Sovereign, fundamentals are define into three unique categories/styles and two distinguishing characteristic traits. Names may vary depending on areas and locations but still refer to the same base principle and general understanding. Rationale of the three categories/styles and traits system define in earlier Chapter of Law.

    ACCESSING LAW INTERPRETATION¡­REQUIREMENT LEVEL 1¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS GRANTED

    Law of System for Categories/Styles: Defines a game using the law of resource/input and effect/output system.

    [RESOURCE/INPUT]: A stock or supply that can generate an effect. Can be define as mana, cooldown, item, personnel, material, etc. REQUESTING FURTHER ACCESS TO LIST¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

    [EFFECT/OUTPUT]: The product of the input producing the intended or unintended results. Can be define as spell, ability, strategy, outcome, execution, etc. REQUESTING FURTHER ACCESS TO LIST¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

    Knowing the basic understanding of Law of Categories/Style essential for comprehending fundamentals. Lack of knowledge may result in baseless assumptions and unwarranted speculation in later chapters.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Law of Traits defines all PvPers are born with two unique characteristics which defines PvPer¡¯s skill, mechanics and capabilities. Essential that both traits are built up for growth and progress, in later stages dominant trait may become more apparent than other.

    [REFLEX/INTUITION]: PvPer uses their gut or unconscious impulse to solve a problem by either reacting or using instinct. Capability of movements and reactions may vary based on PvPer current physical ability level and whether if it is the dominant trait. REQUESTING EXAMPLES¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

    [JUDGEMENT/REASONING]: PvPer uses their head or logic to solve a problem by either calculating or using probability. Understanding the data and coming up with suitable conclusion may vary based on PvPer current cognitive capability level and whether if it is the dominant trait. REQUESTING EXAMPLES¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

    Both traits are crucial for PvPer, need both at reasonable level and within certain acceptable gap between each other to main balance. If dominant trait becomes too strong may cause recessive trait to be overshadowed or rendered useless resulting in imbalance and impairing PvPer.

    With growth, dominant trait may easily change depending on certain circumstances; experience, time, age, favoritism, adaptability, training. The important matter is that there is a harmony and balance between both traits.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>RESUMING INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Laws established proceeding with fundamentals

    [CATEGORIES/STYLES]

    BURST: Other names: Aggro/Alpha/Etc.: Tremendous use of resources to generate a short but a massive output. DRAWBACK: Use of resources leaving very little or none left. PREFER: Short fights. ULTIMATE GOAL: One Shot.

    REQUESTING FORMULA AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    PRESSURE: Other names: Greedy/Economical/Etc.: Manage resources to sustain or grow the output over a period of time. DRAWBACK: Vulnerable during early stages. PREFER: Brawls and long fights. ULTIMATE GOAL: Unlimited Value

    REQUESTING FORMULA AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    CONTROL: Other names: Safe/Counter/Etc.: Bare minimum use of resources to influence the output of self or others. DRAWBACK: Limited and diminishing output. PREFER: Manipulation of fight. ULTIMATE GOAL: Dead Zone

    REQUESTING FORMULA AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    [CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS]

    REFLEX: Refer to Law

    JUDGEMENT: Refer to law

    Previously, mention in the laws, the system makes categories/styles quite flexible in all situation. Applying this can solve multitude of problems, develop new tactics and create new builds for fighting. This is not limited to one designated role such as damage but can be utilized/classified in a wide variety of areas such as; weaponry, win conditions, stats, strategies, non-damage roles, etc..

    In this system categories tend to defeat each other due to the fact of how the resources are used to create the effects. However, this is not always predetermine or finalize who will win but shows who the favorite is in the match up.

    BURST>PRESSURE>CONTROL>BURST

    This is not linear but more circular with the categories on the side of the circle. Each sector represents the definition of the said category based off the INPUT/OUTPUT system. At the ends of each sector the polarity of the INPUT/OUTPUT shifts based on its definition and what other category it¡¯s approaching. This leads to a mix and combination of categories and the creation of sub categories.

    REQUESTING VISUAL AIDS, EXAMPLES AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

    REQUESTING SUB CATEGORIES AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    No further interpretation required.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 An Unusual Bet Part 1

    Chapter 2 Part 1

    Darkness. Stillness. Emptiness. Those were the only words Cris could use to describe death as his conscious floated in the abyss. Then a blinding bright light shined on him. It was a pop up.

    [Death Report. Killed by Mutated Wolf. World: Wasteland Location: Great Wilds. Killing Blow: Laceration Neck. Death Timer: 1:00:00¡­ Returning from Terminal. Please Wait¡­ Thank You for using Axis Terminal Station. Enjoy your stay in Axis.]

    Then a sudden surge as if he was being pushed out from underwater to the top. The closer he got to the surface the more he got the feeling back into his numb body. At the top he could hear what sounded like sea gulls. As his eyes adjusted to the light he could not see clearly. Then it hit him. The memory of his death. The image of the wolf yellow eyes forever imprinted in his mind.

    Cough. Cough.

    As Cris was coughing, he quickly moved his hands to his throat to check for a hole. There was none then he patted his right arm with his left hand to reassure him that nothing happened to his real body. However, something was not right he was way too calm after having such a tragic death. He still retained the memories of what happened but the intense fear and emotions he felt were suppressed or gone. Freaking out that something might have gone wrong on his returned, he jump up off the bench to only find himself on his knees after tripping on something. Panicking from not being able to see what trip him he desperately move his arms and legs trying to find what tripped him.

    Feeling around the bench he found what he hit, moving his hands all over it to get a better image.

    What is this? Rough. Squishy? Hairy?!?!?

    After touching what trip him, Cris instinctively push and kick it trying to distance himself from it. Pushing off from it Cris pulled in his legs in, hugging them and curl into a ball. He sat there freaking out refusing to believe what happened.

    What is that thing? It felt disgusting! Did it do something to me while I was in Terminal?

    Cris started to rock back and forth as he thought of the possibility that thing might have molested him. He could now hear some low pitch moaning coming from the direction of that thing.

    What is it?! I don¡¯t like that sound. And how come I can¡¯t see yet¡­ wait how come this is the only thing that¡¯s bothering me?

    A bit perplexed of how that thing had him so worked up and yet his death he didn¡¯t feel anything. He felt a little bit of rage and maybe frustration but that was after the fact of him dying. No stress, anxiety, fear that he normally experienced in his VR games that would carry over with him but after leaving Terminal he felt nothing. He clearly remember everything that happen and how he was feeling but now it felt like all the bad emotions were removed when returned. At least no one was around to see him get mangled by that wolf, if that got out he would be done as an elite.

    As he sat there trying to figure out the mystery behind his death his vision returned. He could finally identify that thing now.

    I can see. Now what is that thing¡­? A RED HAIRY CAVEMAN HOBO? I GOT RAPED BY THAT¡­.

    A man wearing ripped heavy dark baggy and raggy clothes lay on the ground in front of him. His face was cover in an unknown dark substance making it impossible to tell how he was feeling. He had a large red tangled dirty bread that went down to his chest and gave off the aura and impression that he was homeless. He was moaning as he cupped his arms around his stomach and closed his eyes in pain.

    Did I hit him? No, it was self-defense. Yeah, I had to protect myself. He must have perform lewd acts on me.

    Cris hugged himself and shiver at the thought of what could of happen. He closely exam his body for any signs of tampering while he was away. He got up and tip toe around the man to grab his things on the bench. The man¡¯s moaning grew louder as if he could sense someone was nearby crying for help. Looking down at him, Cris could not help but feel a bit sorry for him or so he thought.

    Sorry, looks like that really hurts. I shouldn¡¯t have been so rough¡­ Yeaaah right you deserve every little bit of that and more. How dare you touch an elite like me? A screw up like you shouldn¡¯t even be near me. How did you even get here? Stowaway?

    Cris spit at the ground near him and was about to give him a kick to the gut as a good bye gift. Before he could something shining caught his eye in a tree. Looking over it was the lens of a camera.

    What is that? A camera? Is he that much a sicko that he needs to¡­ huh more of them?

    Cris look around and saw what look like multiple cameras in the trees, rocks, benches and fences. These were not regular cameras they were surveillance cameras. He was so tired when he came here to notice that the park was filled with them. Cris gave the hobo a twisted smile as he gloated over his misfortune.

    ¡°Today, is really not your lucky day caveman. These bad boys caught all your criminal actions. Now how do I call the cops? Does 911 work? Is there even police here?¡±

    Cris took out his phone to look up the police number for Axis. Before he could dial the number a lingering thought stop him. The thought slowly festered into doubt as he closed and put away his phone.

    Just a second¡­ my stuff was not moved and I didn¡¯t find anything wrong with my body. What if. IF! If he is innocent? Which means? Which means I would have assaulted a homeless person on CAMERA!!! NO, NO, NO. Not like this! I can¡¯t think like that.

    Not ready yet to dismiss the possibility that this hobo was guilty, he double check everything to make sure he had all the facts and did not miss anything. Staring at the hobo was now rolling around in pain and was putting on a good show for the camera by playing the victim. Cris had to do something, he could not leave a person in need not after being caught on camera.

    Crap! If I leave now and this guy didn¡¯t actually do anything, this would be hit and run. My career. My stardom. My life. Would be ruined.

    Taking another long look at the guy again who was still moaning on the ground. Then an idea pop up in his idea.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    That is it! I will take this guy with me to boost my image. I will carry him off and seek aid. People will see me as a caring and compassion person. And, if he did do something to me I can use it to build pity for me. Either way I am guaranteed to make headlines. Who knows maybe Digital will waive their pro VRV bullshit and let me in? Or at least I will get enough PR to get a job. It¡¯s perfect.

    As Cris fantasized of how this could play out if it worked, the groaning intensified. Cris shot the hobo an annoyed look who was trying to his plan.

    ¡°Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Hold a second. I need to figure out where we heading¡­¡±

    OF COURSE! I should take him there. There should be a ton of people who will see me.

    Cris pick the guy up, placing his arm over Cris¡¯s head. The hobo reeked of all sorts of disgusting smells and he felt gooey, on top of that he was heavy and breathing heavy in Cris¡¯s ear. Trying his hardest not to vomit, Cris started to make his way to only place he knew he would receive help.

    ¡°Hang in there, buddy. I know a place nearby that can help. Happens to be where my first fan works. You are going to love her.¡±

    Best that I act the part of a good and concern person to improve my rating.

    <hr>

    Managing to carry the hobo out of the park and onto the main road, Cris was met with an onslaught of onlookers. They were whispering and trying to avoid eye contact when Cris shot passing glances once in a while. Playing the Good Samaritan, Cris was eating up all this attention, people were taking notice of him and the word was spreading fast. Staggering after each step he did not expect carrying a person was this hard and the putrid odor did not help. However, he was able to maintain his ruse of the caring and concerned person doing a good deed.

    That¡¯s right. Look and be amazed of how an elite like me has a heart. But¡­ this guy smells so bad like shit, a dumpster and rotten eggs thrown into a blender. Just gotta keep going if I drop him now all this would be for nothing. Just a little further.

    Holding his breath for the last few minutes, they arrived at the restaurant where Cris made his first fan. Not wasting a moment he open the door and made his way in. The restaurant was packed but not full. There was no line or waiting seeing the waitress at the podium Cris seized the moment to put his plan in motion.

    ¡°Loco, glad you¡¯re here. I need your help. This guy is in bad shape he needs help.¡±

    ¡°Whhhat is that?¡±

    She was surprised to see Cris so soon and with unwanted company this time. She caught the scent of the hobo and quickly took a few steps back while covering her face with a napkin.

    Odd? Not the intended response, but I can still work with it.

    ¡°I found this homeless man in trouble and your place was nearby. I thought you could help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your reason?! I¡­I¡­I can¡¯t help¡­ He would trouble the other guests. Please leave.¡±

    Loco eyes was twitching from the intensifying smell and how absurd that sounded. Her voice was muffled but it sounded like a strangled cat.

    ¡°Please Loco. You¡¯re my fan. Let us stay here, just until help comes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want that thing in here.¡±

    She turn her head around away emphasizing how she felt about the matter.

    The front door open and a group of people were coming in. However, the scene at the podium caused them to hesitate at the doorway. Loco noticing the customer reluctance to proceed, removed the napkin and put on a big smile.

    ¡°Right this way Cris. I got a special table for you.¡±

    Loco lead them to a booth in the back by a corner isolated from the rest of the tables. Cris put the hobo on one side and sat across from him.

    ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll deal with you in a minute.¡±

    ¡°What about the guy? He¡¯s in pretty bad shape. He needs help.¡±

    She shot Cris a disturb look while trying to main a wearily smile. She clench her fist wishing to say something but she swallow her words and went over to inspect the hobo. His face was contorted with pain as he was breathing heavy. At first, Loco was reluctant to touch and took out a napkin to avoid direct contact but this needed to get done so she proceeded. After a moment, she back away and glare at Cris and in a stern tone she informed him of her findings.

    ¡°He will be fine. He just needs rest. As for you¡­.¡±

    Before she could finish, the front of the restaurant was getting a bit noisy. Loco turn her head to see what was going on. A massive line was forming and a few people were leaving due to a lack of a hostess or server.

    ¡°Just wait here.¡±

    Loco quickly left to go attend to the customers, leaving Cris and the hobo at the booth. Cris crack a mischievous smile as Loco left. Everything was going according his plan, Loco reaction was a bit off que but that hobo is really disgusting so he could not completely blame her.

    I love it. Now everyone can see how much I care. This table is perfect, exclusive enough to show how important I am, but far enough for everyone to see. Now, all I have to do is sit tight and¡­ what the hell is that hobo doing?!

    The hobo was violently banging his fists all over the table like he was trying to squash a moving bug. After a few miss hits, he found his target and look down. While looking down he begun to murmur to himself as if he was doing some sort of chant. Cris look over to see what was going on.

    What is he doing? He¡¯s going to ruin everything¡­ is that Loco¡¯s menu? This is not a normal table? Is this one of those smart tables? Can you order with this?

    Cris copy what the hobo did earlier and after a few misses, Cris finally hit the correct one. A portion of the table in front of him lit up and screen appeared.

    [WELCOME TO LOCO¡¯S. MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?]

    Pictures of food appear in front of him. At the edge of each picture was a small little green return arrow. Cris tap it and the picture flip and took up the entire screen. On the other side details of the meal, calories, carbs and other information related to the dish were all there. At the bottom were a bright green box ¡°Order¡±.

    His stomach was rumbling as he saw all this, he was famished from all the job hunting he did today.

    This is so cool. There was nothing like this back home. You can actually order on the table. HOLD ON! That hobo is making an order I should stop him. I don¡¯t have any money not like I¡¯ll treat him anyway. But I can¡¯t blow my cover now I came too far for it to be screw up now.

    Cris was about to get up and go yank that hobo¡¯s scruffy bread away from the table in the most subtle way possible, then he had an epiphany. What if he could take his charity to the next level?

    Just a second, maybe I don¡¯t have to pay. Loco is my fan and a business woman. Surely this is a chance for her to promote her restaurant, while supporting me. I can see it now, this is the special table. Caring elite superstar and hot waitress fangirl feed and care for the homeless after a tragic accident.

    Maybe hunger or his own delusion about including Loco in his scheme made Cris forget what really happened to the hobo. Cris looked over at the hobo who was finished placing his order, he was now sleeping drooling a bit over his beard.

    Anyway, I don¡¯t know when I will get the chance to eat like this next time. So I better not hold back. After all this for charity.

    Cris place a large order on the table, taking this moment of peace he shut his trying to rest before the food arrived. After 10-15 minutes an unmanned large cart of food stop at their booth waking both Cris and the hobo. It line up with the table and slow moved towards it. After a few seconds a clicking noise was heard and the cart dock with the table. Green circles appear on the table with the name of dishes in the middle. In response to this, the meals on the cart slowly moved to their matching green circle as if an invisible hand was guiding them.

    This is more like it. From the looks of it the hobo ordered a lot as well. Heh, eat up buddy it¡¯s for charity.

    The table was packed with food not leaving an inch of vacant space visible. Drooling a bit, Cris and the Hobo dug right in. The food wasn¡¯t great but that did not matter. The satisfaction of filling ones belly was more than enough. As Cris and the hobo stuff themselves they were oblivious of their surroundings as if they did not have a care in the world.

    It feels great to do the right thing. I am awesome.

 An Unusual Bet Part 2

    Chapter 2 Part 2

    ¡°Ugh I think I ate¡­ hip too much.¡±

    Both Cris and the hobo were belching as they paying respects to chef by not holding back any of their compliments. The table was completely void of any food. They clean their plates leaving nothing left and stack them up. A few moments later the cart came back and they put the empty dishes on it. Now with both of them having their fill they were sitting back relaxing.

    A screen pop up on the table.

    [WOULD YOU LIKE THE BILL?]

    Crist tap [YES], a piece of paper printed out at the edge of the table. Cris grab it and took a peak at the damage they done.

    Oooooh, we went a bit overboard but whatever it¡¯s for a good cause. It¡¯s good to keep business records for events like this. Hip. I ate too much. I am so tired now.

    Stretching and yawning Cris looked over at the hobo return the yawn with his own as he slump his head forward. Cris put down the check and tried to slide it to the middle, the check overshot its intended location and landed in front of the hobo. The hobo picked it up burped and put it back down. He slide right back at Cris and put his hand on the table trying to get up. After a few attempts he came crashing back down and just lay on his side of the booth.

    Where did he want to go so fast? Bathroom? O damn, look at the time. Its almost 11.

    At the end of the table where the check came out was a digital clock on the table. Cris never noticed the clock before and move closer to the open end of the booth. He stuck his head and looked around. The restaurant was empty and a few sections were dark.

    Guess they are closing. Crap, I need a place to stay. Maybe Loco will knows a place or I can crash here¡­ Where is Loco? This smart and VIP table was cool and worthy for an elite like me, but at least check in. I think plenty people saw me caring for the hobo. But now what to do we do with him.

    Brisk footsteps could be heard as they were closing in on Cris¡¯s booth. Loco show up, she stood over the table looking for anything out of the ordinary and then she looked at Cris.

    ¡°What did you do? I got a notification from the table.¡±

    Her voice was low but strict due to the fact there were a few remaining guests finishing up. Cris with his belly full and a bit tired was sluggish to reply to Loco.

    ¡°Hey Loco, thanks for the awesome table, food was good. Do you know a place where I can stay?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Loco pick up the check which was at the end of the table. She stared in horror at the amount, her nostrils were flaring as turned her gaze to Cris.

    ¡°You¡­you¡­how? You ate this much?¡±

    ¡°Not just me. But don¡¯t worry you will make that back 100x over when it goes viral. By the way did we get any positive feedback?¡±

    Cris tried to reassure Loco the cost was worth the future gain. He stretch out and yawn as he was getting sleepy. He look at Loco with drowsy eyes and couldn¡¯t help but stare at her.

    How did I get so lucky that I got such a pretty and awesome fan?

    Loco took a deep breathes trying to calm herself. The last remaining guests left the restaurant leaving them alone.

    ¡°How could you¡­ one of those¡­ use this table?¡±

    ¡°Ah, that goes to our hobo over there. He figure it out in no time. He is not as bad as he smells. Guess he was useful in more than one way.¡±

    They both look at the hobo who happen to be rolled over sleeping snoring like a boar.

    ¡°Yup, I kept the hobo in line and made sure he didn¡¯t do anything strange¡­.¡±

    Loco slam both of her fist down almost breaking the table, it was the final straw that broke the camel¡¯s back, and Loco would not have any more of this.

    ¡°I DON¡¯T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT SOME HOBO.¡±

    ¡°I know he smells but you should be nicer.¡±

    She turn to her heard and stare intensely at Cris, he was confused about the sudden outburst. Loco taking notice of how dense and clueless he was with the current situation, slowly approach Cris until they were a hairs breathe away.

    Cris became extremely nervous of how forward Loco was being now. She was putting him in an uncomfortable position by being this close. He could feel her breath on his face and her piercing passionate eyes staring into his. His heart started to beat fast as the urge to sleep quickly faded.

    What is going on? Why is she so close? Is she going to confess?

    His mind was racing with all the possible outcomes this could lead to and how he should react. She open her mouth and in a very calm, soft but direct voice spoke to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s my job.¡±

    It¡¯s my job?

    ¡°It¡¯s my job to be nice.¡±

    It¡¯s my job, to be nice? It¡¯s my job to be nice. It¡¯s my job to be¡­ O SHIT.

    Cris gulp, it finally hit him. The look on Loco was very sweet with a pleasant smile but to Cris it was a menacing expression. His heart was still racing but for a different reason, a sinking feeling in the pit of stomach was slowly crawling up, choking his next words. He broke out in a cold sweet and felt like he was going to hurl of how bad this turned out.

    ¡°So, I am going to have to pay?¡±

    Loco was still smiling as she nodded.

    Cris looked over to hobo for any signs of hope, he was still sleeping knocked out cold. Cris pointed at the hobo as he made his last ditch attempt to save himself.

    ¡°It was all that hobo¡¯s idea I¡­¡±

    As Cris try to sell out his buddy but Loco would not hear any of it, she slammed her hands on the table again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I HATE GIVING AWAY FREE MEALS MORE THAN ANYTHING!¡±

    Any image Cris had of Loco before was completely destroyed in this moment. She looked extremely pissed and was almost ready to strangle Cris if he said one more stupid thing. Bringing over a chair from a nearby table she planted it right in front of the booth.

    ¡°Looks like nothing change since this morning. Which means you¡¯re still broke. And I highly doubt the fuzzball over there has anything of value.¡±

    Loco took a seat and stared off in space, Cris sat there in contempt waiting for what she was going to say. The hobo still snoring in the background did not help ease any of this tension. Loco let out a big sigh and crossed her arms as she looked over at Cris.

    ¡°What to do. It¡¯s too late to put you to work. Too late to call your parents to come pick you up. The ferries are close until morning. Too late to sell off your stuff. Too late to turn you over to the cops.¡±

    Hearing the last part Cris cried out, pleading with Loco not to pick the last option.

    ¡°NO! Anything but that. My life and career would be over.¡±

    ¡°SHUT UP! You¡¯re in no position to talk¡­ ugh¡­ so I guess it¡¯s just too late. Guess it can¡¯t be helped. BRUNO GET OVER HERE AND BRING SOME STRONG ROPE!¡±

    Something came running towards them at incredible speed. Within a few seconds a short person show up holding some rope.

    Peanut Head?

    In a funny accent the short man offer Loco the rope that she demanded.

    ¡°Here it is Ms. Loco. What do you want me to do?¡±

    Loco nodded acknowledging Bruno and that the he brought rope would be adequate for her next part of her plan.

    ¡°Tie them up and toss them in the basement storage room. We will solve this in the morning.¡±

    Cris getting up objected to this idea.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tie us up and toss in the basement we are huuuu¡­¡­.¡±

    Bruno tackle Cris to the ground before he could finish. Within seconds Bruno hog tie Cris and did the same to the hobo. Loco walk over and to check the ropes. She tighten and loosen some areas making it easier for Cris to breathe but harder to move. She did the same for the hobo.

    ¡°Make sure you lock up, Bruno. I¡¯m heading home. Also, lock the basement after you drop them off.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Loco. Are you sure about the basement?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I have no problem leaving someone there for the night.¡±

    Bruno pick up Cris and the hobo placing them both over his shoulders.

    How can a little man be this strong? What is going on!This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Cris was terrified, he had no idea what was going to happen to him. Squirming and flailing around he was trying to break loose of Bruno grip. It did not work and before he knew it they reach a door. Tossing the hobo aside Bruno open the door and took both of them downstairs. It was a dusty with no windows and only a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling for light. There were a few boxes and old newspapers off the side but beside those it mostly empty.

    Bruno laid out some newspapers and laid both Cris and the hobo next to each other.

    ¡°You guys stay here tonight. And don¡¯t try to escape, Ms. Loco is a bit crazy when it comes to her restaurant. I will get you in the morning, good night.¡±

    Bruno went back upstairs and turn off the light. Leaving Cris alone in the pitch black basement with a snoring hobo.

    <hr>

    The sound of footsteps could be heard, a second later it was dark and door slam shut. Leaving Cris and the hobo who decided now was the best time to stop snoring in the dark. With no windows it was pitch black and it was so quiet one could hear the sound of a pin drop.

    ¡°Why, just why.¡±

    Cris was sobbing he couldn¡¯t hold back his tears, maybe from the dust or the day he had. He could no longer contain his thoughts.

    ¡°This city, Gamer Central is supposed to be for gamers, I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    He managed to swing himself to his side. Tears were running down his face as he just lay there staring into the blackness.

    ¡°I¡­I¡­ I¡¯m good at games. I beaten pro gamers, I climb to the top. I¡¯m good. I¡¯m GREAT and yet¡­¡±

    He did not want to finish the last part. That thought, those words if he uttered them it would destroy him. Sporadic thoughts of what he achieved and accomplished flashed through his mind, making him question what he did wrong. With a small cry, he admitted he may have been wrong but it was not fair.

    ¡°I just want my shoootttt¡­ I know I been acting like a bit of an asshole but¡­butttt¡­but there is no other way.¡±

    He was getting angry, the system this city must be rigged there is no way someone like him could fail like this. He saw how his idols and role models acted and how the world opened up for them. They were like him but why was he being treated different. The severity of the current situation finally hit, he screamed into the darkness as he cried out it¡¯s not fair.

    ¡°You need confidence. You need skill. YOU NEED TO STAND OUT! AND NOW IM TIED UP IN THIS DIRTY ASS BASEMENT. NOT KNOWING WHAT THE HELL IS GONNA HAPPEN!¡±

    Cris slam the side of his head on the floor. It wasn¡¯t hard enough to cause it to bleed but it did give him a monster headache. After a few moments in pain down and staring at nothing he calm himself. Being pissed and hurting himself will get him nowhere or change his current situation.

    ¡°I came here to Gam¡­ Axis for a new start. I wanted to¡­¡±

    Having a moment of weakness, memories of his past flooded Cris¡¯s head, and his true reason for coming to Axis. The past he wanted to escape, the depressing cycle he wanted to break. The strict parents who thought games were a waste of time. The parents who always confiscated his games and force him to focus on real life. The friends he made online and always had to leave without saying a word. The friends who would question ¡°what happen to Cris¡± and then a second later would disappear forever from their gamer lives.

    ¡°I¡­ the one thing I love about games. No matter who you are or what is going on. When you start playing one. It¡¯s always a fresh start. An escape of how crappy reality can be or is, anything is possible. And that is one of the most exciting things about playing games.¡±

    Fatigue slowly crept into his body as he pour out his emotions. His thoughts grew hazy and his eyes were slowly shutting.

    ¡°I thought¡­ Gamer Central was like thattt¡­ a game¡­ a gameee waiting to be¡­beatttt¡­ I won did toooo beee¡­¡±

    Cris shut his eyes as sleep finally overpowered him in the end. He could not finish his final thought, the stress from today knocked him out cold.

    <hr>

    Tossing and turning in his sleep, Cris was rolling around and eventually hit a stack of boxes. After a few hits the boxes came crashing down on him. The impact woke him forcing him to react.

    ¡°The hell¡­ get off of me¡­ what I¡¯m not tied?¡±

    Cris pushed off the boxes and stood up, looking around to see what was going on. There was barely enough light for him to make out the loose ropes by his feet. Noticing that he was all alone Cris started to panic as he was trying to figure out what he should do next.

    ¡°The hobo, where is the hobo?¡±

    Cris look at where the light was coming from, the door up the stairs was wide open letting in the light.

    THAT HOBO DITCH ME? Wait, this is my chance. I can escape as well.

    Cris grab his stuff and ran up the stairs. At the top he peak into the hallway, it was empty, he quietly made his way out only the kitchen was standing in his way of freedom. There were strange sounds coming from it.

    Is there someone in there? Can I sneak by?

    As Cris lay low near the entrance to the kitchen he heard someone voice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to leave. Have a seat at the bar. I will be with you shortly.¡±

    Cris stomach sank he been found out. He broke out in a cold sweat as he stood up and slowly made his way to the bar. He did not sit down he stood there staring at the exit.

    What should I do? Who was that? Should I make a run for it the exit? It¡¯s right there¡­ I can make it if I make a run for it. I will be free and not go to jail. But what then? What if this gets out? I will be finished.

    Cris stood there racking his brain trying to figure out what to do which of the lesser of the two evils he should pick. His mind was racing did he really want to throw away his gamer career or go to jail or worse home for not being able to pay.

    Screw it! I am running. Prison is not worth this shit.

    Before he could take one step the door open. It was Loco wearing a black fur hat and fur coat. She drop her keys as she saw Cris. She was startled as she slowly move her left hand behind her back as if she was reaching for something.

    Crap too late. I¡¯m cornered.

    ¡°How, I checked the ropes! They were tied. When did you¡­ DID YOU DO SOMETHING TO MY RESTAURANT!?¡±

    Loco had her hand behind her back and slowly position herself as if she was about to grab something.

    ¡°Wait¡­ Wait¡­Wait¡­I¡­I¡­I¡±

    AM I GOING TO DIE!?

    ¡°Hey how¡¯s it going, what¡¯s up with all this? Come! Take a seat. I made waffles!¡±

    An attractive young man wearing a black tank top and gray shorts came out of the kitchen carrying two plates of waffles. His hair was red and tied back into a ponytail, with a neatly groomed red van dyke beard. He was well built with well chiseled arm muscles and gave off a certain sex appeal. He was tall and had jovial looking eyes as he place the plates at the counter.

    ¡°Who is that?¡±

    As both Cris and Loco asked in unison.

    ¡°Breakfast is served. C¡¯mon, before it gets cold, I promise it tastes good.¡±

    Cris went over and took a seat he would take his chances with this guy while Loco stood her ground observing and asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have waffles in the freezer. How did you¡­¡±

    ¡°Tch tch. That¡¯s your first mistake. I made these waffles fresh. Come taste for yourself.¡±

    As the mystery man raised his hand to stop and corrected Loco.

    Cris grabbing his fork was mesmerized by the sight he saw, this might be his last meal. Two waffles were stack up with syrup pour all over them with blue berries sprinkled on top. On the sides were cut strawberries and whip cream.

    Not needed to be ask twice, Cris dug right in. The waffles were warm, soft and came apart so easy without breaking. The fresh fruits enhance the maple syrup favor and the texture, made it melt in his mouth. He was smiling, his last meal was something really delicious, he would not hold back as he chomp down on his waffles.

    This is really good.

    Forgetting about the current situation, Cris continue to eat forgetting what happen moments ago.

    Seeing Cris reaction Loco concluded her observation and took a seat near Cris. She did not let her guard down but took a small bite. Then she took another quick bite to verify what she tasted. She approved it with a smile but not ready to let her guard down she question the new stranger.

    ¡°Delicious, but who are you. I would remember someone like you.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, you still didn¡¯t guess it. Then how about this.¡±

    The mystery man let his hair down which came to his shoulders and started to moan.

    After a few seconds both Cris and Loco figure out his identity. Cris, gag a bit on his waffles as Loco objected to the thought.

    ¡°How can you be the HOBO?¡±

    ¡°Hobo that¡¯s a bit harsh, I was one of your valued customers. My name is Blue. And I¡¯m the one you saved from hunger. You have my thanks.¡±

    To show his sincerity and gratitude, Blue gave a small bow to Loco. Not ready to fully trust Blue she acknowledge that he was not lying. However, she was a business woman she would not accept this gesture as compensation for last night meal.

    ¡°Well, yeah, you¡¯re Welcome. Ahem. As for the bill¡­¡±

    ¡°O, I am broke.¡±

    Blue shamelessly admitted his current financial situation without batting an eye. Any hope that the bill would be covered disappeared in that instance.

    ¡°Is that so? Then¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll work off my debt butttt. How bout we make this interesting?¡±

    ¡°Interesting? What do you have in mind?¡±

    Blue, gave a mischievous smile as he raise one hand up and slowly pulled something from behind the counter with the other. Loco, a bit hesitate let him proceed without taking any drastic steps. A second later Blue place a pair of extravagant looking sun glasses with something written on the side. Cris not caring continue to eat his waffles.

    ¡°This, I just got in town and need a place to stay for a while. Your basement accommodations are perfect for me. This is an autograph VRV of the Axis¡¯s Gladiator Champion Sovereign¡¯s RoadRage. You can hold onto these for now as collateral.¡±

    Loco jaw drop as she snatched the VRV to verify if it¡¯s true. Cris choked from hearing parts of the conversation. This time Blue handed him a glass of orange juice. Cris gulp it down trying to clear his throat.

    Champion¡­ RoadRage

    Loco inspected every angle of it and place it down and stare at Blue. He had a smug look daring Loco to question its authenticity.

    ¡°How did you get these? Did you steal them?¡±

    ¡°Steal? Noooo, I use to be a VRV tech and at the end of the championship a while back there was a lotto. I happen to win the grand prize, lucky right.¡±

    ¡°Grand prize¡­Win¡­Lucky¡­RIghtttt¡­ Well I can¡¯t confirm, but my employee deals with sort of stuff. He can authenticate it. But if it¡¯s real why not sell it to cover your debt... I might be willing to forgive you debt for it and let you stay for a bit.¡±

    Loco still had one hand on it like a dog not wanting to give up their favorite toy. Blue crack a big smile as he pour a glass of orange and slid it to Loco.

    ¡°It¡¯s real, but I¡¯m not ready to give it up just yet unless¡­¡±

    ¡°Unless?¡±

    ¡°How bout we make a bet. If you win you keep that and I work off the debt and you never see me again. Buttt¡­¡±

    Blue lick his lips as walk closer to Loco and took the VRV.

    ¡°If I win this stays with me and mine and the kid¡¯s debt are clear and we get to stay downstairs as long as needed.¡±

    Cris choke on his waffles again and reached for his orange juice. Loco face did not budge she was keeping a poker face until all the cards were on the table.

    ¡°So what are we betting on?¡±

    ¡°If this kid can pass the GLT.¡±

    Cris almost spit out his orange juice. After taking a big gulp he turn to look at those two.

    ¡°What? Why am I involve in this? And what is this GLT?¡±

    Loco face palm as Blue walk over to Cris and softly whisper in his ear.

    ¡°Cause you¡¯re my savior. After what you did to me in the park. I owe this much.¡±

    Blue detach himself from Cris and went back behind the counter. Cris shiver at how close a grown man got to him. He could not shake the thought that maybe Blue knew what he did to him and heard him last night.

    What¡­What is going on?

    ¡°The Government Licensing Test, or you may know it as the Gamer License Tag. The GLT a way for an outsider to become part of Axis. Pass it, and you can become a tester for Terminal which means you become a resident here.¡±

    ¡°I see, so that¡¯s what those business owners meant by if your tag. If I pass this I can get a job?

    ¡°More than that, you can enter the worlds without restriction. As well as the arena. Where all the glory, fame and riches awaits. And all that cool stuff.¡±

    Arena¡­Glory¡­Fame¡­MONEY¡­COOL STUFF that doesn¡¯t sound too bad. Perfect place for an elite like me.

    Loco started laughing as she heard all of this. After a few moments she settle down and look at Blue.

    ¡°You¡¯re on, if those glasses are real we have a bet.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, alright then.¡±

    ¡°However, I have two conditions you can¡¯t give the kid any advice or hints about the GLT. And that you two work until the test.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re from Axis, you know how it works. Also, I have to recoup what I lost. Think of it as it working for your current your rent. Have to make it fair, ok?¡±

    ¡°Done.¡±

    Both Loco and Blue shook hands neither one of them backing down. Both of them smiling thinking each other have won before the results were in.

    ¡°Undone, I haven agree to this.¡±

    Cris spoke up rejecting this bet and the fact he was being used on a whim.

    ¡°You wanna take your chances with the cops than with this chick? OK then I won¡¯t force you.¡±

    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to stay in the basement!¡±

    ¡°All great gamers come from the basement.¡±

    Weighing his options and what happened he had little choice on this matter. Taking a moment to convince himself he reluctantly agreed to these terms.

    ¡°Ehhhhhhhh¡­ uhhhh¡­fine. I guess I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    I don¡¯t want to go to jail.

    ¡°Goooood, Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    As they were eating breakfast, Bruno came in and saw Cris at the bar with Loco. He rushed over and slam Cris¡¯s head onto the table demanding how he got free and what he did to Loco. Watching this for a minute Loco interrupted and told Bruno about the bet and what happened. He inspected the VRV and unwillingly nodded that it was the real deal. With the glasses confirmed to be legitimate the bet was on.

 An Unusual Bet Part 3

    Chapter 2 Part 3

    In the back of the restaurant outside of the changing room in the corridor, Loco was explaining the rules and necessary information about her restaurant.

    ¡°Any questions?¡±

    ¡°Ummm.¡±

    Both Cris and Blue had blank and confused looks as Loco went over the dos and don¡¯ts in the restaurant. Unsure, about a few things Cris slowly raised his hand but was immediately shot down by an anger glance from Loco.

    What¡¯s her problem?

    ¡°Good, with that done. I think it¡¯s appropriate for us to introduce ourselves but since we are in Axis we go by our tags. My name is Hayley Loco Collins.¡±

    Loco pointed at a short man in a white t-shirt with no sleeves and gray sweat pants. The short man who slam Cris¡¯s head into the bar. He had an annoyed look on his face as he looked away avoiding any eye contact.

    ¡°Toni Bruno Amato.¡±

    Loco pointed at Cris and glare at him.

    ¡°We all know you, but go ahead and keep it short.¡±

    ¡°Uhhh, ok my name is Cris Philips. And soon¡­¡±

    ¡°Ok, next. You¡¯re up Blue.¡±

    Bitch.

    ¡°Blue.¡±

    A moment of awkward silence occur after Blue introduction while everyone waited for him to finish. Loco a bit irritated from the lack of an introduction probe the matter a bit further

    ¡°Blue what¡±

    ¡°Just Blue. I do have a cool nick name, but that doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Loco stuck out her hand and demanded ID, she had enough of this farce.

    ¡°Hand it over, I know you have a tag. I know your former tech so you have a card.¡±

    ¡°And if I lost it?¡±

    It almost look like Loco was growling at Blue, she did not back down.

    ¡°Then you wouldn¡¯t be able to stay on the island. Axis tracks everything with cameras including hobos.¡±

    ¡°Heh, smart one, not just a pretty face. You have that sexy business woman look but you have a brain. I¡¯m shocked. You sure, you should be in the restaurant business?¡±

    ¡°Hand it over or our bet is off.¡±

    Unfazed by Blue¡¯s words Loco continue to demand for his ID. Blue took out a card from his pocket and handed it to Loco and gave a faint smile.

    ¡°Here you go, boss lady.¡±

    Loco snatch it and after a few seconds frown, she threw it back at Blue.

    ¡°The name is scratch out. No matter, I can look you up.¡±

    Loco took out a pair of reading glasses with a thin silver wire connect at the end and put them on.

    ¡°If you are tagged, then you¡¯re in the system. All current and former resident of Axis are in there including techs¡­ Ah found you. Nice picture I see you were clean shaven back then. Let¡¯s see, you were Sovereign Tech from the beginning and you quit about a year ago. As for who you are¡­ Blue Flash¡­ what the hell. There¡¯s like no personal information here!¡±

    ¡°Haha, told you I had a cool nick name.¡±

    As Blue gave a cocky smile while Loco removed her VRV and headed towards to the changing room.

    ¡°Meh, whatever you¡¯re in the system. I¡¯ll figure out what you¡¯re hiding later. Bruno watch them. Going to put you two hard to work when I get back. Welcome to Locos.¡±

    Loco gave a faint smile on the last part as she went into the changing rooms leaving the guys alone. A strange tense atmosphere was left among them after Loco¡¯s departure. Bruno was emitting a lot of hostile vibes and stood his ground like a rock. Cris approach Bruno in hope of figuring out what was the issue. Actually the real issue was he did not want to get beat up again.

    ¡°Eh, hey Bruno. Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°No¡­Nooo¡­Nope¡­.Non¡­ No problem with you. Only problem him!¡±

    Bruno pointed at Blue. In return Blue pointed at himself.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m the problem?¡±

    ¡°Kid no problem. He one of those. You big problem, shady guy.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°This guy¡­ Who is this guy¡­? Who does he think he is¡­He doesn¡¯t know the problem¡­ He doesn¡¯t know his problem¡­He doesn¡¯t know he¡¯s the problem.¡±

    Bruno turn his head left and right as if he was talking to people behind him. He also made a bunch of hand gestures after each phrase. The way he was talking was real fast and full zeal as he directed it all at Blue.

    Who¡¯s he talking to? Invisible people? Also why is he speaking some parts really fast?

    Blue tilted his head and ask again.

    ¡°How so? What did I do? And who are you talking to?¡±

    ¡°Again¡­Again¡­Again¡­He doesn¡¯t know¡­He doesn¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯ll tell you then.¡±

    Bruno walk up to Blue and sized him up. It was like a kid looking up at an adult trying to pick a fight. Cris got out of the way and watch from the side lines.

    ¡°First, you disrespect the restaurant, coming in as a smelly bum. Second, you almost break my new table, order lots of food and don¡¯t pay. Third, you have the balls to step in my kitchen, I should teach you how to respect other people¡¯s things. Finally, you disrespect my woman, taking advantage of her caring and greedy nature. Also, you LOOK LIKE THAT! So we got problems.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Someone yell from behind the door it was Loco.

    ¡°First, it¡¯s my restaurant. Second and third, it¡¯s my table and kitchen. And last IM NOT YOUR WOMAN.¡±

    Bruno immediately turn around and deeply bowed his head while apologizing to the door.

    ¡°Forgive me, Ms. Loco. I will not forget the next time.¡±

    Blue couldn¡¯t contain his laughter anymore and burst out laughing. Bruno hearing this turn around and continue where he left off.

    ¡°Laugh it up, just to make sure I¡¯ll check the list. Make sure you¡¯re not one of those sketchy joy riding joystick gamers. If it¡¯s true, I¡¯m gonna toss you.¡±

    Blue calming himself down a finally look down at Bruno who had a serious look. Blue was trying his best to contain his laughter, trying to move the conversation forward.

    ¡°Hehe, the list? Heh, is that so. Hehe, ok then.¡±

    Cris curious about the conversation butted in and ask about the list.

    ¡°What is the list? Sounds important, is it for like A-list for gamers? How do I get on it?¡±

    Blue lost it again and Bruno freak out by talking to his invisible friends.

    ¡±No¡­Nooo¡­Nope¡­.Non¡­ No list is bad. List is for bad, sicko, psychos and sycos. Mostly¡­ all males.¡±

    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s for bad guy gamers? Who are crazy?¡±

    Blue settling down again, clear his throat and explain what Bruno was trying to say.

    ¡°Hehe, didn¡¯t think I¡¯ll die laughing today. Heh, your kind of right kid, the list is for anyone who has been caught doing any sexual assault, lewd, disturbing acts or crazy stuff to someone body alive or dead in the worlds.¡±

    Cris vomited a little in his mouth as he gaged at the thought of someone doing that to him.

    ¡°What! That¡¯s¡­ ugh that¡¯s eh that¡¯s just wrong. Who does that?¡±

    ¡°Lots of people, there are no rules in the worlds. You can rape, ravage, murder, be naked, have your way with dead bodies even cut them up and eat them. Also, there is the dark side of the list but you don¡¯t need to know that yet.¡±

    Cris felt sick to his stomach as he tried not to throw up when you could eat dead bodies. Bruno nodded in agreement with what Blue said.

    ¡°However, the list itself violates a rule in Axis, saying anything that happens in Terminal stays in Terminal. All those actions in the worlds should not be judge in Axis, but they are. Central Gov. ruled that people can choose to abide by the list, but it¡¯s no legal reason for deportation or a ban.¡±

    Makes sense but it¡¯s still sick.

    Bruno object to the last part.

    ¡°No¡­Nooo¡­Nope¡­.Non¡­ No. Wrong! This place follows the list. We don¡¯t allow any of them in here.¡±

    Bruno took a deep breath and flex out his arms as he struck a gallant pose.

    ¡°The women here need to know that they are safe. Safe from those creeps and freaks. That Brrrunnnooo, is here. That Bruno, will protect them. That those joystick junkies have to deal with ME! BRRRRUUUUNNNOOOO! To get in.¡±

    As Bruno was patting his arms and chest, Loco yell again from the other side of the door.

    ¡°We don¡¯t follow the list. And we do allow them in here. Only paying customers. You two just got lucky that you slip by.¡±

    ¡°Forgive me, Ms. Loco. Trying to put the new guys through their paces.¡±

    Blue gave a creepy mischievous smile as he listen.

    ¡°Sounds like you love the restaurant or the crazy ass owner.¡±

    Cris jaw drop as he heard that, he did not think they were in that kind of relationship.

    Bruno loves Loco? I mean she is beautify bombshell but she is a brute. Underneath that hot bod is a crazy greedy witch. Hot but crazy¡­ crazy enough she will stab you in your sleep and steal all of your money. Not my dream girl. Pass.

    Bruno unfazed, grinned at Blue¡¯s comment.

    ¡°You look like that and know nothing about women, all women are a scam. They all want something, it¡¯s our job as men to find out. Women act up only when they want something. Like how Ms. Loco did with the kid?¡±

    Cris pointed at himself in shock.

    ¡°Me? What did Loco do to me?¡±

    Bruno turn to face the kid their eyes could meet but Cris had about half a head on Bruno.

    ¡°Ms. Loco, made you think she full of honey. Caring. Loving. A devoted fan. All for what you had and she got it. For what a hot meal and praise.¡±

    Cris couldn¡¯t believe it, that Loco scam him and that it was all an act.

    ¡°So she was never my fan¡­¡±

    That devil. Bitch. Witch¡­

    Trying to get back on topic, Blue ask again about Bruno and Loco.

    ¡°So what are you two married, dating, master and slave?¡±

    Bruno puff out his chest and boldly declared.

    ¡°I have been chasing that ass for many years. But she no give it up. So I accepted and make sure no hot guys take her¡­ especially ones like you¡­¡±

    The door behind Bruno opened up and Loco step out wearing her hostess uniform while holding a few other uniforms in her hands. She heard what Bruno said and gave off a menacing look and aura.

    ¡°So you only like me for my ass, huh?¡±

    Bruno face fill with disdain as he realized that Loco was right behind him. He turn around and deeply bowed his head.

    ¡°Ms. Loco¡­baby¡­you know I love all of you but¡­certain parts of you stand out more in that uniform¡­than others. Have you been working out?¡±

    Not raising his head Bruno fumbled to find the right words to get him off the hook. Only slightly raising his head from time to time to peak at Loco expression, as well as other parts of her. Loco gave a bright smile as she slowly raised Bruno head with her hands.

    ¡°I see. Thank you for noticing but¡­¡±

    Loco expression change one of warmth and caring to one of cold and cruel like a task master.

    ¡°Get your ass in gear and to work. Go, get ready and open up. Before, I TOSS YOU!¡±

    Bruno ran in the changing rooms and in no time at all, exited and ran off somewhere.

    After sending Bruno off Loco handed Blue and Cris their uniforms and was getting ready to explain their jobs at Locos. They both unrolled them and were sizing them up if they were the correct fit.

    ¡°Blue you can kind of cook. So you will help out in the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Kinda cook? I tasted your cooking, it sucks. Heated up pieces of cardboard. What I did, was real cooooooooo¡­¡±

    Loco elbow Blue in the abdomen causing Blue to curl up in pain. She had a pissed and annoyed look on her face as if someone insulted her.

    ¡°Like I said, you can kind of cook so go help out in the kitchen. As for you Cris, you will wait tables.¡±

    ¡°Me! Wait tables? A future champion doesn¡¯t serve their fans, the fans serve me. I can¡¯t let them see me as a server. It will destroy my rep and any future chances. Nope.¡±

    Cris was disgusted with idea, the first impression is always the most important one. If people saw him as a server, it would come back and haunt him later.

    ¡°So you don¡¯t like your job. You don¡¯t want to work, huh?¡±

    Loco was staring at Cris, giving off an intimidating presence with a smile. Cris looked at Blue who was still groaning in pain. Maybe he went too far?

    ¡°Then you will be a delivery boy. But it might be difficult since you¡¯re not tag. ¡°

    That¡¯s even worse!

    Before Cris could say something. Blue cough out a few words disturbing words.

    ¡°I¡­ can make him¡­ in system¡­ as assistant tech¡­ temp tag uggggghhhh¡±

    Cris was staring angrily at Blue, not feeling any bit of remorse for him, Cris couldn¡¯t help but replay his first time meeting him was like this. Loco clap her hands as the matter was solved and walking away but before she left. She left a few words as a warning.

    Blue, sold me out. So much for employee comradery.

    ¡°Some words of advice. When you¡¯re out there you are representing me. So if you do anything to damage my rep, I will damage you. Don¡¯t think this bet makes you safe, the both of you. If I catch a hint that you guys are doing something to my restaurant. The cops are the least of your worries. Don¡¯t forget to register for the GLT kid, or this whole thing will be a waste. Deadline is in two days.¡±

    Loco left leaving a dumbfounded Cris and a groaning Blue alone. Cris was concerned and afraid but not just from Loco¡¯s words, but of his image if people saw him during deliveries.

    What the hell, did I get myself into? All I wanted was to get famous and paid for playing games. Now I have to deal with these crazy psycho asses and this bet. I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s going on anymore¡­

    Cris shook off any feelings of doubt and fear as try to process what he needed to do. He let out a deep sigh trying to clear his head and any other pent-up emotions he was carrying the past few days.

    At least, I know what I need to do. Pass the GLT. Show off my skills. Get noticed and on V-sport team. Then GTFO from hell¡¯s kitchen and on my way to the top. But, first I need more info. When I get a chance, I am going back into Terminal. Something is not right about it. Yeah that¡¯s the plan.

    Cris went into the changing room and put on his uniform it was the same as Bruno¡¯s but with the sleeves. After a few more minutes Blue recovered and did the same. Both of them were ready for their first day at work.

 An Unusual Bet Part 4

    Chapter 2 Part 4

    Cris finally got a job but it wasn¡¯t he wanted but due to certain reasons he could not decline it. His first day on the job nothing happen. He got no delivery orders and so Loco put him to work on taking inventory and cleaning tables. Such menial work was a disgrace to someone like him, but it did keep him busy. Before he knew it his first day was over.

    His living quarters, the basement where he was staying was nothing more than a storage room fill with boxes and old papers. It was a dusty and musty dungeon where the sun would never shine but that did not dissuade his roommate from making himself at home. Cris pleaded with Loco for better accommodations but she refused by saying ¡°I¡¯m not running a bed and breakfast¡±. However she did provide blankets and a space heater. Cris looked to Blue for any aid in his cause for better living condition but all he did was smile and nod.

    Blue was far too accepting, in fact he didn¡¯t complain about the matter, he kept his head down as he was doing his part cleaning and closing up. He accepted any help he got from Loco without any questions. He was definitely up to something. Later, that night after Loco and the rest went home, Cris could not believe what happened to the basement.

    The boxes which made the basement feel cramp were place around like furniture. The boxes were folded and crafted to look like tables and chairs. Even though it was very crude and still look like a box, it did give the impression that it could be used as a table or chair.

    The newspapers were gone and replaced with full big black trash bags. All the papers were stuff in the bags and near the boxes almost like they were pillows. Beside the poor man furniture the one item that stood out was a long tall slim fan. Cris asked Blue what it was he got the reply ¡°a breath of fresh air¡±. The fan would suck up all the dust and purifier the air in a few days making the basement barely livable.

    Cris was astonished of how the basement looked now, it was still crap but he could make do with this. Looking at Blue like he was some sort of magician, Cris inquiry how is this possible.

    ¡°When did you, how did you do, where did this all come from?¡±

    ¡°Whatchu talking bout? I¡¯m doing this for me. O yeah, I¡¯m heading out for a bit, don¡¯t tell the boss lady. Also, don¡¯t forget to sign up.¡±

    Before Cris could follow up and ask where Blue was going, he was already up the stairs and gone. Taking one last hard look about his new room, he found a spot he could relax on. He plop himself on a pile of garbage bags and sank in. Taking out his phone he saw no new messages, he frowned thinking that no one from his old life cared that he was gone.

    That night Cris went to the Axis website to sign up for the GLT. It was really simple a point, click, register and instruction of what to bring on the test.

    So the test is in 2 weeks and I need my VRV, STEM and get to Central building before 9 a.m. Still, they didn¡¯t ask me for anything! I have achievements, screenshots and leaderboard ranking to show off and impress.

    A bit disappointed that the sign up felt too easy, that anyone could do it. Also, that all of his greatness will continue to go unnoticed. He let out a depressing sigh as he was setting himself up to enter into Terminal. With the pressing issue done, now he could have some fun by learning more about Terminal.

    Diving into Terminal he found himself, spawned in front of Loco restaurant. It was night time as the sky was darken but not completely pitch black. The streams of blue lights raising up in the sky gave off plenty of light and looked like stars in the sky. He look at the building and found it odd. Last time he dived in was on the park bench and he spawned where his real body was in the real world. This time was not the case he was outside the building.

    ¡°Hmmm, maybe buildings work different in Axis?¡±

    Ping.

    The tutorial screen pop up but this time instead of brushing it aside, he was going to skim it for the key information. Most of what he saw was generic information about the city, mostly tourist information but he was looking for anything that would stand out.

    He read that Axis Terminal Station is an augment reality built based off of the city of Axis placed upon the virtual worlds. Not entirely sure what that meant kept on scrolling through, then he found something that looked promising, The Rights of Guests. Quickly looking through all the perks he got the general gist of what Terminal is and what he could do.

    <u>The Rights of Guests </u>

    <ol>

    <li>Guests have unrestricted access to Axis Terminal Station shops and interactions. Please look at Profile Panel for more information.</li>

    <li>Guests can only enter The Wasteland world and only in the Guest designated area. This allows Guest to experience The Worlds firsthand. Limited usage, only 6-minutes per day or until death (1hour in The Worlds).</li>

    <li>Guests have Inspection and Interaction features enabled.</li>

    </ol>

    The last point jump out at him, the wording felt a bit misleading. Ignoring it for now, he turn to face Loco¡¯s restaurant and tried to use Inspection. Focusing a little bit on the building a screen popped up about the shop. The screen contained information about the restaurant, along with some pictures and hours of operations.

    ¡°I thought so. It is like a website. Now let¡¯s try the profile panel.¡±

    Closing all of his open panels and using a down flick of his hand he open the profile panel. Studying it for a minute, Cris frown at the fact it was just a bland generic profile page. It was more like a browser with history of all the places he visited. He could also connect a bank account for transaction and other options he found useless to him now.

    ¡°Let me try this in The Wasteland. Now how do I¡­¡±

    Clicking on one of the places he visited both in Terminal and Axis, a bright blue light filled his vision and he was teleported to the shop he asked for directions.

    ¡°Holy shit! That¡¯s cool.¡±

    Looking at the panel, a map appeared showing him all the locations he could teleport to without walking to them. He grinned at the possibility of seeing Axis in a whole day but now wasn¡¯t the time for sightseeing. Looking up at the shop with the broken bot, he spat at it wanting to write a bad review but he had a job to do now. Clicking on an entrance to The Wasteland, he was teleported to a subway entrance with the letter ¡°W¡± on it.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    A pop up appeared warning him about where this was heading and the possible dangers. Preparing himself this time he took a step in and was teleported to an empty plain with nothing in sight. Taking a fight stance upon spawning, he was not going to get blindsided again. After a few minutes he let his guard down assuming it was safe enough to proceed.

    Opening up his profile panel to verify his suspicion if it would be different or not. He was right this panel was significantly different than the one in Terminal. However, again something was off about it, this was not a game profile.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be right. This is just an inventory bag. Where is my character screen, my stats, attributes, at least show me my skills?¡±

    Staring at the empty screen with vacant slots, Cris tried other commands to see if there was more to it or that he was missing something. After multiple failed attempts of audio and physical commands nothing happened leaving him more confused.

    ¡°Maybe, because I am not a resident? There should be like a skill class or something? I saw Swagger and others in action.¡±

    Images of his once admired idol flooded his head and his very unique fighting style. He was a swashbuckler with a side arm of a pistol. His signature single sword style with combination using the firearm earned him glory in the arena and lead his team to multiple victories in V-Sports. Cris couldn¡¯t help but to start fall for him again but he reminded himself of how he betrayed him.

    ¡°I guess I get to pick a class once I become a resident. Well, I got sometime before I get kicked out let¡¯s take a look.¡±

    Exploring The Wastelands without being radiated and eaten alive was quite enjoyable. Even though he was in the noob zone he was gaining valuable experience of how this world works. Before he was about to get booted off due to his time limit, Cris found something interesting. Getting closer to it a screen popped up, he smiled as he read the plain text of the item.

    ¡°Thought so. I need to become a resident to pick my class.¡±

    [ITEM: BROKEN PIPE SHOTGUN: DESCRIPTION: INSIGNIFICANT SKILL LEVEL.]

    Picking it up, his inventory screen popped up, not sure what it meant he went with his gamer instincts and try to put into the screen. The screen took the shotgun and a few of the vacant slots was filled with the image of it. Letting out a confident laugh that he was finally understanding how to play this game. His timer was up and he was thrown back into the basement.

    Over the next few days.

    Cris, continued to not get any orders for delivery and was stuck just helping others out. His boss wouldn¡¯t let him go play in Terminal during the day even on his breaks. Which made his late night expeditions into Terminal more valuable. Each trip there he was learning more about The Wasteland, like how the shotgun he picked up disappeared from his inventory or how other items showed him the same plain text.

    During the day, he had the time to think and process his findings and observe his coworkers. From his surveillance he learn that the restaurant was extremely understaffed making him work fulltime. Besides a few temps who covered a few shifts, the bulk of the workload was done by Loco and Bruno.

    His boss Loco a demon witch in hostess clothing was always working. She always put on the airs of being a nice caring person. Her regulars were infatuated by her presence and seem to always make time each day to stop by and order. However, under all that warmth was a cold cruel task master. Loco only kept appearances with her customers and ran a tight ship with her employees. Only the main employees and not the temps got to see her true nature of a being a brutish mongrel.

    The next one up is the minion peanut head, Bruno who could be sum up in a few words, a womanizer who hates all men especially ones after Loco. Apparently, he and Blue had a dispute, which led to a cook off and the one who won would be head chef. Loco sanction this and they went at it. Bruno lost but surprisingly he did not complain or resist about handing over the kitchen. In fact he was quite happy with his main role of being a server. He would spend majority of the time flirting with the females and ignoring the males and avoiding them as much as possible.

    The last one up is Blue the troublemaker, who took over the kitchen who is always up to something. He received a scolding from Loco for transforming the basement and kitchen but using his twisted logic he convinced her. There was not the end of their fights, those two are like a cat and a dog always going at each other. Bruno usually stay out of those fights cause he is always too busy hitting on some girl, leaving Loco to keep tabs on Blue. Some of the fights got so bad that Loco threaten multiple times to cancel the bet and throw us both out. However, the only saving grace for Blue was that he could cook. In fact his cooking was so good that the customers couldn¡¯t get enough of it and was always in demand. Seeing the popularity of Blue¡¯s cooking, Loco had to stomach his gloating and his attitude while she kept her eyes on the bigger picture.

    Finally, which leaves me the future champion caught up in this whole mess. After my first day, I thought I could use my idle time at work to get some studying or research done on Terminal. I happened to be an honor student but when I told that to the staff they laughed it off as a joke. Well, when I pass and get to the top I will be the one with the last laugh. However, due to Blue¡¯s cooking and Bruno¡¯s neglect to the male customers, I been busier than ever.

    Now I don¡¯t even have a moment to myself, I am constantly out delivering orders and dealing with customers. At first I refused to be seen dealing with people and demanded to have a new job with less customer interaction. Loco threw me a hat and a scarf with her restaurant labeled on it. She told me ¡°Wear this, if you¡¯re that scared but do your job. If not I¡¯ll make sure no one will recognize your face when I am done.¡± I wonder what people would think if they saw her true colors.

    With my new disguise, I thought that was the end of my problems, but it open up a whole new set of ones.

    With Blue¡¯s cooking got a bit of a rep people were actually putting in orders. For me to do a delivery, I had to go on foot or take the tram. Loco had no bike and Axis doesn¡¯t allow cars which made deliveries a pain in the ass. When I got there another huge problem always came up, which was getting the food to the customer. Every building in Axis has this stupid security system that scans the people when entering the building. With Blue¡¯s fake ID and my disguise I am always stuck right outside. It usually ends in a standoff where I refuse to remove my disguise and they don¡¯t let me in. So in the end I would leave the food in front of the door and leave. Thank god for Axis online or Terminal or whatever payment system where it tracks and confirms the package and releases the money. So far there hasn¡¯t been any issues or Loco would surely be on my case.

    Now the other part of my job dealing with the customers mostly the men. Bruno always took it upon himself to handle the women especially the really hot ones. He would give them the royal treatment; the best service, best locations, best food to order and his number. Surprisingly none of the women were turn off by it, in fact they love the attention and service. Which left me with the guys who always gave off a murderous intent when they saw me. At first I thought it was my disguise but shortly after I learn it was the fact I wasn¡¯t Loco. Almost all the guys that come in here wanted to see her and talk to her. However, she is a busy witch but always takes it upon herself to check in at least once. Which leaves me with a bunch of angry horny dudes who don¡¯t want to leave until they meet her.

    Each day is the same, the same bullshit every day. I hate doing this work and I hate my job. An elite like me shouldn¡¯t be wasting his time here, I should be preparing for the GLT. At the end of each day, I found it harder to jump into Terminal to the point where I just stop doing it and forgot the reason why in the first place. Every day was wake up, work and sleep and before I knew it judgement day was slowly creeping up.

    End of chapter 2

 EXTRA: Leak Chapter: The Art of PvP: Chapter 11 Imitation

    Chapter 11 Imitation

    ¡°What you see, is what you do. What I say, is what you know. What I am, is an image of what you will become.¡±

    -Unknown, The Art of PvP

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> QUERY LOG<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    [NAME: QUERY]

    [RANK: LEET COUNCIL, SOVEREIGN]

    [SECURITY ACCESS: LEVEL 5]

    [INTERPRETATION ACCESS REQUIREMENT: LEVEL 1]

    PENDING¡­ ACCESS GRANTED

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BEGIN INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Imitation, the highest form of flattery and shortcut for those who lack understanding. In PvP combat, imitation allows viewer to copy a person with greater skill. The viewer¡¯s intent is to make that strength their own, through mimicking the results or success without much knowledge of the process or experience. The viewer will either becomes a shadow or a sheep, to the original and shepherd who is showing off their skills. Both, the sheep and shadows absorbs what they witness with the thought ¡°If that person can do it. So can I.¡± The sheep will obey and follow, without trying to become the original, the sheep will show blind loyalty to the shepherd and will obey every word about their reasoning on what they do and why they do it. The shadows rely on their ability to imitate the original and try to become an exact copy, which may provide faster results and quick success but most likely will result in superficial strength and skill. Make no mistake that end result may be optimal and efficient. However, with the lack of understanding and knowledge of process on how to reach the end or that conclusion will greatly impair the PvPer. In Sovereign two systems are in place to better educate PvPers without relying on copying but to discover their own strength. The systems are Mentorship and Classroom.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ACCESSING MENTORSHIP¡­REQUIREMENTS LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2¡­PENDING¡­ LIMITED INFORMATION¡­ ACCESS GRANTED

    Sovereign Mentorship is define by assigning a group of 2-3 level 1 or level 2 PvPers to a level 3 or above PvPer. Mentor is responsible for teaching GROWTH, MECHANICS, FUNDAMENTALS and other requirements. Mentor is responsible for overseeing PvPers development and thrashing out any unnecessary and burdensome habits. Mentorship lasts 3-6 months depending on results.

    ACCESSING CLASSROOM¡­REQUIREMENTS LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2¡­PENDING¡­ LIMITED INFORMATION¡­ ACCESS GRANTED

    Sovereign Classroom is define by allowing a level 4 PvPer or above to teach a specific area pertaining to The Art of PvP or other related topics such as; match evaluation, battle history, crafting, min/max, etc.. Students may vary from level 1 to level 4 as they attend the class. Prerequisites classes may be required to attend certain classes.

    REQUESTING CURRICULUM AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>RESUMING INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Conclusion, if original does not explain process or in depth knowledge share, will create voids of information in sheep or shadows. With lack of knowledge, once presented with a first time problem without any prior examples to fall back on, will result in imminent collapse of sheep and shadows. In turn sheep will listen to their shepherd for guidance on how to deal with the problem. The shadows will look to see how the original handles the problem. Both require that the original has the appropriate response to solve the problem. If not, all will suffer from the lack of knowledge until a solution is found.

    No further interpretation required.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 GLT Part 1

    Chapter 3 Part 1

    About 2 weeks later.

    At the entrance of Loco¡¯s restaurant Cris sluggishly open the door as he dragged his feet in. He took a quick glance at the tables and saw a few customers but they were all being taken care of and none of them required no immediate attention. Breathing a sigh of relief he managed to make his way to the waiting longue and plop himself down on one of the leather sofas.

    His mind was blank not just from his recent delivery but from the fatigue that built up after the last couple of weeks. Every day was a hellish nightmare from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. he was the first in and the last out. He became so engross with his work that days went by and soon he forgot his true purpose. Now he was sitting on the couch drooling as he stared at the ceiling with a blank expression.

    Why does work suuuuuuuuuuux so much¡­Why am I even doing this again?

    He was replaying the conversation with his parents he had a week ago. They finally contacted him and they got into a huge argument about him leaving. Since he turn eighteen he was legally in his right to go on his own.

    There was a loud slam someone push open the front door and quickly shown themselves in breaking Cris train of thought. Cris rolled his eyes to the podium it was unmanned, which meant the role to seat the customer fell to him. Loco drill the bare minimum etiquette for dealing with customers which sum up to smiling more and talking less. His crazy ass boss always put the restaurant first and treated everyone else as a cog in the machine.

    If you didn¡¯t do your part efficiently you were yaaa¡­

    As Cris was about to get up to attend to the customer who did not approach the podium but the front of the bar and took a firm stance. Cris was so focus on doing his job he fail to realize what the customer was wearing. It was a black rob with gold sash with a lot of gold chains around the neck. The word ¡°H.E.X¡± was branded in large gold letters on the chest but what stood out the most was the black sack on the head with the cut out holes for the eyes and mouth. Cris slouch back on the sofa as he turn his head to see what will happen next. This sort of sight was now normal to him after dealing with so much worse every day.

    A person wearing a black bath robe with lots gold and a bedsheet as a mask. Let see where this goes.

    ¡°Attention. Attention. HEY LISTEN UP! Hex community is looking for brave souls who dare to look for adventure, glory and fame.¡±

    Cris felt a rush of excitement sweep through his body. The preacher words rang through his head over and over again. The rest of the customer took notice of the sudden outburst as well.

    Adventure¡­Glory¡­ FAME?!

    ¡°We are given the prestigious honor of being hired to protect the supply lines in the worlds. Our escorts and security are the best of the best. As you may already know logistics win wars more than soldiers. It is our job to make sure that the bullets, weapons and much much more reach the front lines.¡±

    Cris looked around a few of the customers were whispering among themselves. They were all fixated on this guy waiting to hear what he would say next.

    ¡°Only the ELITE¡­The BEST¡­The CHOSEN are welcomed. However we are willing to take anyone willing who wants to come. We are devout followers of the Art of PvP. Our holy book that gives us strength and wisdom. We will support our own give you accommodation suitable for your status and¡­¡±

    BEST¡­CHOSEN¡­ELITE!!!

    ¡°If you¡¯re not TAGGED that doesn¡¯t matter. That doesn¡¯t matter as long as you join our fight. We will wait until you pass the GLT the GLT THE G.L.T. And welcome you as fellow brother in arms as a resident of Axis. Sign up can be done with me or on one of our sites. Use Terminal search key word H.E.X or axisterminalhex.com. Accepting registrations now!¡±

    Glt¡­GLT¡­GLLLLLLTTTTTTTT of course I remember now! I am elite gamer. Why the hell am I still here? This guy can get me out of this hellhole.

    Before Cris could get up and approach the guy Bruno came out of nowhere and grab the H.E.X recruiter by the arm

    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s talk outside.¡±

    Bruno with incredible force was dragging a man twice his size by the arm to the front door. The H.E.X. recruiter was squirming around and yelling as he was being forced outside.

    ¡°I WILL NOT BE SILENCED! THE VISITORS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW.¡±

    ¡°Ya, ya, tell me bout it outside.¡±

    Bruno and the H.E.X recruiter left leaving Cris and the rest of the customers to continue in peace.

    It was all coming back to Cris his true reason for coming to Axis. Who he was, the bet and his ambition to be the number one in Gamer Central.

    Aggggggggggggggggggggh¡­ I been so busy with not getting caught and work. I lost it.

    Cris quickly pulled out his phone and check the date.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    SHIT! One day before the damn test. Welp, too late to get ready now. Let me go take that freak¡¯s offer. Sounds a lot more appealing than this shit hole.

    As Cris got up, Bruno open the door and came back inside. This time he was alone and was wiping his hands clean. He saw Cris and came over to him.

    ¡°Turns out he wasn much of a talker. Wouldn have guessed.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡­What did you do? I was going to accept¡­¡±

    ¡°Kid still didn¡¯t learn. Shouldn¡¯t trust sweet words all the time?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°If accept. Become indenture servant. Slave to debt. They don¡¯t care bout you. Only tool to them¡±

    ¡°But, I am suree¡­¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t stop kid if he wants to go. Only stay until tomorrow then free. No matter result.¡±

    Bruno panted Cris on the back and went to go to attend to a customer who was flagging him down.

    Damnit, if that is true then I going to pass tomorrow. Shit, I have to go ask¡­ NO! Demand for the rest of the day off. Going to cram everything about the GLT today. I WILL PASS, AN ELITE LIKE ME CAN¡¯T FAIL.

    Cris march himself to the back of the restaurant where he found himself in front of a door. Loco uses this room as her business office and if she wasn¡¯t in the front she was here.

    Cris stood in front of the door staring at it. He was mentally preparing himself for the battle to come ahead, asking his boss for the day off. His boss Loco was a witch who uses logic and her brutish charm to get things done. It would not be easy. Chris knock on the door he heard a voice to enter.

    The office was very cramp fill with boxes, a desk in the back with a computer on it and behind it was Loco. Cris took a deep breath as he knew it had to make the first move and finish it in one strike.

    ¡°Loco, I want the rest of the day off.¡±

    ¡°Ok, that¡¯s fine. Have a seat.¡±

    ¡°I know this is your business but this is unfair¡­wait huh? I can get off then?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but first have a seat we have things to talk about.¡±

    Cris took the solo chair by the door and moved it up closer to the desk.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time you came to me. I was starting to think you might like your job.¡±

    ¡°No, I hate it. An elite like me needs to prepare for the GLT. I may be an honor student but I need to study.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I agree if you ask sooner I would have gave you more time.¡±

    ¡°Huh? I was working my ass off and if I said something sooner I would have gotten off? Why didn¡¯t you say something?¡±

    ¡°Well, because you owe me money. If you want to know where you stand here.¡±

    Loco slid over an envelope, Cris pick it up and open it. He peak inside and saw money inside.

    ¡°Fifty bucks? But how I thought?¡±

    ¡°All the work you did you paid off your debt and made some. Since this is your last day here, this is where you stand. Should consider yourself lucky.¡±

    ¡°Yeah I guess¡­ but wait I work for two weeks and only made fifty? I didn¡¯t owe that much, Blue said he would take half so I should have a lot¡­¡±

    ¡°Expenses and unseen expenses; Rent, food, Blue renovations, debt and the biggest one my time.¡±

    ¡°Your time?¡±

    ¡°Yes my time, you think I didn¡¯t know you were leaving orders in front of the door without confirming payments.¡±

    ¡°But I thought we have online payment¡­¡±

    ¡°We do but they need to sign off dumb ass. I didn¡¯t think an honor student would be that stupid to not know how take out works. I had to personally go and retrieve payment. They were oddly happy about it and said they will continue to order.¡±

    Cris broke out in a cold sweat as he took another look at the envelope. He breathe a sigh of relief knowing that his mistakes didn¡¯t cost him dearly.

    ¡°So if I don¡¯t owe anything the bet¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still on. I ask Blue about it and he said it doesn¡¯t matter a deal is a deal, I don¡¯t know what he sees in you but you should get going. What you do now it¡¯s on you.¡±

    Loco shoo Cris out of the room and told him to get going time was wasting. Cris quickly departed the office and made his way downstairs to his basement room. With half a day left and all night he had to cram everything possible about this test. Getting comfy and taking out his phone he started to study.

    GLT Axis

    As he finished punching in the letters and hit enter a large number of hits were found. The first hit was the official government website which explain what the purpose of the test. The following hits were blogs and forums about the test. Former residents, who took the test claim it changes all the time and that it could be written or a practical test. However, they all share a common theme which is how to use Terminal.

    After going through the first page and trying different words for the search Cris finally reach an impasse. Most of the residents agree on what the theme was but the actually test was all over the place. Cris spent the last few hours reading every post, forum and blog but none of them made any sense.

    Written test, building a house, a game show¡­

    All of the residents mentioned that the test falls to the discretion of the proctor or the person in charge. Cris slump his head forward as he did not know what to do. In school the teacher or the book will tell him what to study but this had no such thing.

    Maybe¡­ I¡¯ll try this. The Art of PvP.

    After putting it in Cris didn¡¯t get as many hits compare to the GLT but a fair amount. After checking out the first few links he got some idea of what it was, it was some sort of cheat code walkthrough book to help bad players become great. Discovering the purpose for it Cris couldn¡¯t help but dig deeper. The book actually belonged to Sovereign and was leaked out a few years ago. However, only parts of the book were revealed leaving the vast majority of its content a mystery. Staring at the screen for a few moments he finally decided to view a few of the leak chapters.

    Alright, let¡¯s take a look. Heh, like I need this but it¡¯s always good to know.

    <ul>

    <li>Math is important or how else can we keep track of who is the best.</li>

    <li>Learning to do something and getting good at it is life changing.</li>

    <li>Have a song in your head. Try dancing to the beat and then off the beat. Then dance however you want.</li>

    <li>While driving it¡¯s important to pay attention to detail. Make sure to check your mirrors, speed and where you are going. But do not forget to enjoy and take in the view it is just as important.</li>

    <li>When going through a large crowd with a group it is best to hold hands so no one gets lost or separated.</li>

    <li>Throw something at someone see how they react. Then have something thrown at you see how you react.</li>

    </ul>

    What¡­the¡­hell. This is nothing but a bunch bullshit and junk. How the hell is this going to make me better? Who wrote this¡­author unknown? Heh, this is some sort of joke.

    Footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs. A moment later Blue came down waving at Cris. Cris a pissed off and annoyed from what he read wanted to try out the last saying. Using the small trash bag that he was using as a pillow he threw it at Blue. The trash bag fell way short of its intended target. Blue stood there watching as the bag did not come close to him.

    ¡°I see studying is going well. How about a break?¡±

    ¡°A break? But I have to learn more about¡­¡±

    ¡°Nah, your fine. An elite like you should be able to pass no problem.¡±

    ¡°Heh, well that¡¯s true but I can¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only for a little bit. Grab your visor we are going to a fun place. Only the best are there.¡±

    ¡°The best? Well, I guess I do deserve a break.¡±

    Blue gave off his signature gloating smile the one he uses whenever things go his way. When Cris was ready Blue led the way.

 GLT Part 2

    Chapter 3 Part 2

    After leaving the restaurant and walking for ten minutes the duo found themselves in front of a building name Joey¡¯s Shack. Blue was wearing the same disguise Cris wore when he went out for deliveries. When ask about it he told Cris they will talk when they get there.

    Cris and Blue entered it was a western ranch style restaurant with a bar in the back and circular tables and booths. It was pack with people and there was little to no staff and all the customers were wearing their VRVs. Cris look at Blue to lead on. He had his VRV which were just sunglasses on and was doing something with the wall then he went to a high round table and took a seat. Cris follow and sat opposite of him.

    ¡°Nice place, huh. And this is the best part. Upgraded table.¡±

    Blue tap something on the table and part of the middle table came up. It look like some sort cone like glass in a cup holder.

    ¡°What is that?¡±

    ¡°My entertainment for the afternoon.¡±

    Blue tap a few things on the table and a dark gold liquid pour into his glass. He took the glass and took a huge gulp.

    ¡°This is the fun place you were talking about? It¡¯s a bar, I am underage.¡±

    ¡°Not just a bar but they got good ribs. I hear they have the best in Axis.¡±

    ¡°Is that what you meant by the best?! I am leaving.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, ok. But where do you think the all them pros hangout. Where the best ribs are at.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? We just came here so you could eat ribs and get wasted. There¡¯s not pros here.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, how would you know if you saw one?¡±

    ¡°I know, I can tell by appearance. We elites can like sense each other¡­¡±

    ¡°HAH! You¡¯re still going on about that? Thought working to death killed that side of you. You want a starter? I think I am going to get some calamari.¡±

    ¡°Heh, what do you know? The only thing you have on your mind is food, and no I am good. By the way why are dress like that its hot in here.¡±

    ¡°To tell you the truth I was a porn star. I did that one famous scene. Don¡¯t want anyone to notice me.¡±

    Cris almost fell off his chair. He was irritated and bewildered from what he heard.

    IS HE BEING FOR REAL?! I can see him doing it. But is he serious?

    ¡°Hahaha. Loco was right you are easy. Shouldn¡¯t take everything so seriously.¡±

    ¡°Heh, I knew you were joking hehe¡­ahem so what¡¯s the real reason. I heard that your bet is still on with Loco. Why?¡±

    ¡°It is a secret. Gotta find out for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Fine don¡¯t tell me.¡±

    Blue place the order on the table and refill his glass with beer. Cris was looking around if he could spot anyone that look like a pro. After a few minutes he failed to find one, however he did see Blue guzzle down his 3<sup>rd</sup> bear.

    ¡°Hey, take it easy on the booze. Do you even have any money?¡±

    ¡°And here I thought you were going to treat me, heard you got paid today. Thought we put it to good use.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Cris almost fell out of his chair again what he heard.

    ¡°Hah, relax, I made some cash and its happy hour. If your still concern its draft.¡±

    ¡°Stop messing with me, I shouldn¡¯t be wasting my time here. An elite like me needs to¡­¡±

    ¡°Will you give it a goddamn rest already? You¡¯re on the best place on the planet and you still act like one of those.¡±

    Blue put down his beer and tried to look Cris in the eye but was staring off to the side.

    ¡°What does that even mean?!¡±

    Cris was a bit flustered being told countless times that he was one of those.

    ¡°It means you¡¯re a loud mouth over hyped loser. Coming here because you thought you were the best back at home.¡±

    Ignore the first part Cris couldn¡¯t help but defend his honor as a gamer.

    ¡°I am the best, I have beaten progamers and currently rank at the top.¡±

    ¡°Ugggggh. Why are you sooo stupid? Guess it can¡¯t be helped. I¡¯ll be the one to say it, none of that matters in Axis.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Blue took a swig of his bear and let out a huge sigh.

    ¡°If you care so much about your rank, then why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Because it shows I am better than everyone, it shows I have what it takes to get to the top.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you better than everyone just means you better than the current players who are ranked.¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Blue was getting a bit annoyed while Cris was clueless of what Blue was trying to say.

    ¡°Lots of people quit games, lots of people don¡¯t play rank and progamers retire. Are you better than all of them?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cris answered without hesitation he truly thought he was the best.

    Blue face palm his head as he took another big gulp of his beer finishing it off. Then stare straight at Cris.

    ¡°Sigh, I will say it like this then. If you are here in Axis you are not playing those games anymore, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I want to focus only on what I am doing here.¡±

    ¡°Ok, so you are no longer RELEVANT in those games. Why do you keep bringing it up? No one cares here, have fun and enjoy yourself.¡±

    Cris gave a smug look as he lean back to make his point.

    ¡°See that¡¯s a loser way of thinking. I am different, I go in with the thought of winning. Going in with an attitude like that, gets results. That¡¯s how I got to the top and how I even got rank one.¡±

    ¡°Nobody knows who you are here. Nobody cares. Nobody knows you. Saying you¡¯re the best at some dead online game means nothing. Nobody knows you.¡±

    Cris got up and slam his hands on the table. He had a determined expression as he got up.

    ¡°Then I will show them!¡±

    Cris storm off from the table heading towards the bar disappearing in the crowd.

    ¡°Where you going? What about the calamari?¡±

    Blue grin as he refill his beer while watching Cris go off on his own.

    ¡°This should be interesting.¡±

    I will show Blue. I will show them all. I been taking too much shit lately.

    Cris was elbowing his way through the crowd of people, his destination the bar. He was going to get up on the table and declare himself the best. Also issue a challenge to any pros to take him.

    It¡¯s perfect. I get my name out, beat some bad and show off my skills.

    Before reaching the bar he bump into large fat man wearing a white t-shirt. He was carrying a tray of drinks and food. The impact cause him to spill a little bit in front of Cris. Making Cris stumble a few paces backwards.

    ¡°Opph. Sorry, about that. Hey aren¡¯t you Cris?¡±

    ¡°HEY! Watch where¡­You heard of me?¡±

    ¡°Yep, guys at Digital were talking about you a while back.¡±

    Cris eyes widen he was stun. He couldn¡¯t believe it someone actually head of him. A few seconds go by and Cris didn¡¯t say a word. Seeing his response the guy spoke up.

    ¡°If you aint busy now you wanna chill? A few of my friends are¡­¡±

    ¡°Hell yeah! Let¡¯s go. Lead on.¡±

    Cris finally replied. He was so excited that someone actually knows of him. The fat guy led the way and Cris follow. He had a big smile on his face when he heard that there were other people who heard of him. He was so taken in by that fact that he forgot his original goal for leaving the table.

    Hah, someone finally knows me. All that talk about nobody knowing me. All bullshit, just need to talk to the right people. SUX IT BLUE.

    Before Cris knew it the large man stop and place the tray down at a booth that curve inside making a semi-circle. Cris took a look the table was full of food and drinks. However there was no one there.

    That¡¯s a lot. Is it all for this guy? I mean he is big so¡­ maybe?

    ¡°I brought back the goods. Where is everyone? Hey Monz you here?¡±

    ¡°Eh. Ya. Ya I¡¯m here.¡±

    Cris took a closer look and saw someone passed the beer bottles. It was a scrawny pasty boy with big glasses and short brown hair. He was sinking into the table making him almost impossible to see or notice that he was even there. He gave off the impression that he did not want to be here or even be noticed by anymore.

    ¡°Sit up straight boy. You¡¯re the guest of honor. Hey look who I brought.¡±

    The large took a seat and gesture towards Cris to do the same. Cris sat down opposite of the fat guy with Monz in the middle who now was sitting up. The fat man took a huge gulp of his beer and remember he had brought company.

    ¡°O sowry. Name is Burke, member of Digital and in charge of Burke Good Ole Fixin N Delivery. Hey Monz, speak up. Go introduce yourself.¡±

    ¡°Eh. Ummmm. My name is Monz. I errr a crafter. And uhhhhh part of Digital.¡±

    Monz was slowly sinking back under the table after his introducing himself. Burke started to laugh at Monz introduction.

    ¡°Aye that he is, he may be a carebear crafter. But he¡¯s our carebear crafter.¡±

    ¡°My name is Cris and I¡­¡±

    ¡°Hold it, right there.¡±

    Burke lift his hand, stopping Cris from saying another word. He took something out from his pocket it was a phone. He slide it over it was a video on it. Cris hit play and his face went sour as he realize what the video was playing. It was him doing his introduction two weeks ago in the Digital recruitment office and his incident in front of the sporting goods store. The video was edited to show how big of a loser and failure he was. After watching it, he moved the phone to the middle of the table. Burke reach over and got it while laughing.

    ¡°Hehe, we all know about you at Digital. We get lots of those, but you left quite an impressions. Haha, we are taking bets if you will even make it.¡±

    Cris frown as he was staring at the table and couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit depressed as he replayed his last conversation with Blue. Burke look at Monz and grunted.

    ¡°Ey Monz you ready for your initiation. Du¡¯daye you becom pat of de group.¡±

    Monz cower and continue to slide down under the table. Burke took a large gulp of beer and continue to laugh.

    ¡°Ah, wait her I¡¯ll check if de ready.¡±

    Burke got up and waddled away leaving Monz and Cris at the table. Cris look over to Monz who was almost under the table.

    ¡°Am I, really that much of a loser?¡±

    ¡°Huh? You say something?¡±

    Monz voice was low and a bit muffled.

    ¡°Never mind, your part of Digital right? What do you do again?¡±

    ¡°I eh. I am a crafter.¡±

    ¡°Crafter, what is that?¡±

    Monz slowly raise his head and stop sinking under the table.

    ¡°You¡­You don¡¯t know? I make stuff in the worlds. I don¡¯t actually go out and fight.¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t fight, didn¡¯t think residents did that. What do you make?¡±

    Cris reply in a stiff unemotional voice. He did not care the sting of being taken as a joke was weighing on him.

    ¡°All kinds of stuff. But ehhh I am not that good. I am still a novice.¡±

    ¡°Ah I see. Sounds boring.¡±

    Cris didn¡¯t pry further into the matter leaving only an awkward pause. Then Burke came staggering back and look right at Monz.

    ¡°It redy. Cmon. You too Cris.¡±

    At first Monz was hesitate to get up then after a loud snort from Burke he quickly exited the table. Cris however, took his time to get up and slowly followed behind them. Burke being impatient, drag Monz outside leaving Cris alone. By the time Cris got to the door Burke and a group of people were coming back in. They were all laughing and talking about what just occurred.

    Chris open the door to see what the fuss was about. He saw Monz wearing green goggle VRV on the ground muttering something. Cris slowly approached Monz who seem to have fainted from something. Cris really didn¡¯t care what happen to Monz, only what could have done this to him. On closer inspection Cris saw a drive into his VRV label ¡°Initiation B¡±. Cris unplugged and heard Monz saying.

    ¡°B¡­B¡­B¡­B¡­B¡±

    ¡°B?¡±

    Chris put on his VRV and plug it in. It was pitch black after a few moments nothing was happening.

    ¡°Did you break it, Monz? Wait is that buzzing?¡±

    A large buzzing could be heard but Cris couldn¡¯t see anything. Then what look like a bee with a helmet and a pickaxe came in sight. Then a swarm of them appeared and headed towards Chris and started hacking at him.

    ¡°WHAT THE HELL.¡±

    Chris frantically tried to fight them off forgetting that it was a simulation he was stumbling around not knowing where he was going. Eventually he tripped over Monz causing him to hit the ground hard knocking him out. Both Chris and Monz were knocked out cold.

    Eventually someone came looking for them. It was Blue who saw smashed from drinking too much. Noticing Cris, he wobbled his way over to him.

    ¡°Alrite, kid I am short. Come now. Don¡¯t be shy. Gotta show some gratitude.¡±

    Blue check Chris pockets and found fifty dollars and took it.

    ¡°Let me settle this and we will go.¡±

    Blue went back inside and a few moments later came back out.

    ¡°K, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    Blue took Chris by the arm and drag him with Monz in tow.

 GLT Part 3

    Chapter 3 Part 3

    ¡°Ughhhh. What happen?¡±

    Chris was lying on his back moving looking up at the street lights. After a bump causing him to hit his head he cried out. He jerk his arms to cover his head.

    ¡°Owwwww.¡±

    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re awake. Don¡¯t worry we are almost home. Huh, who¡¯s that?¡±

    Blue pointed at something behind Cris. Cris look behind him and saw Monz still knocked out. Seeing him and it came back to Cris. Cris got up and dusted himself off. He let out a depressing sigh as he went over and picked him.

    ¡°He¡¯s an uhhh a friend. Well give me a hand.¡±

    ¡°O? You made a friend.¡±

    Blue came over to help Cris out with carrying Monz. They propped up his arms and put it over their shoulders and slowly made their way. Blue had his arrogant smug look which made Cris wanted to punch him.

    ¡°Where to? I know a nice place by the docks where we can ditch the body. No one will ever know.¡±

    Cris was unfazed by Blue heartless comment. His mind still set on what happened earlier. That everyone sees him as a joke. A few moments passed and Blue disturb the peaceful silence once more.

    ¡°Still brooding about earlier, huh? Well get over it, I am sure an elite like you has had his head split multiple times.¡±

    Cris finally decided to give a halfhearted reply.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Is this how you deal with failure and your short comings? By getting depressed over a few words. What do you expect to happen when you¡­ I am sorry IF you make it.¡±

    Cris throat got heavy this was hard for him to swallow but part of him did not want to interrupt Blue. He wanted to hear what he was going to say.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who wants it. To be noticed. To be recognized. To have a meaning. That is what makes Axis so great, it gives you that second chance. Don¡¯t let your ego, your old self destroy that.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t there, those guys see me as a joke. My rep as a gamer is nothing more than a joke to them.¡±

    ¡°O c¡¯mon, people talking about reps are like whores. Gossip is their sex they will not stop no matter what you tell them.¡±

    ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t let it get to me. But but¡­ everything I done so far and got here. Should I really give that up?¡±

    Blue stop and reached for something in his pocket, it was a lighter and a pack of smokes. Lighting up a cigarette, he took a long hit as he stared up at the sky with a pensive look on his face. Cris watched and waited for what he was going to say. After a moment he looked at Cris with a serious expression.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t get it, so I will just say it. You¡¯re stooopid. Alright listen up, gonna help you out this once.¡±

    Huh?

    ¡°Listen up on this path. Each game you play is liking making two bricks. One you take with you the other you cement when you leave. The one you leave is your achievements, rewards and impact. They are paved on the path to the end for others to travel. The one you take is your growth, memories and experience. That is up to you on how you use it.¡±

    Cris stood there staring blankly at Blue but he was not finished.

    ¡°The way I see it is you came here for a change and something new. So don¡¯t be a poosie or a lil bitch and expect to be entitled for what you done.¡±

    ¡°That is probably one of the stupidest thing I ever heard. How the hell is that supposed to help me? Who the hell said that?¡±

    ¡°The Art of PvP. Should check out it.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, that junk book, it¡¯s useless. But you are right. I can¡¯t be sad and brag about stuff no one cares about. I need to show everyone how great I am. I just need to standout more and then everyone will see how good I am.¡±

    Blue took another hit and put out his smoke.

    ¡°Close enough. But I think an idiot like you gets it. Ah, we are here.¡±

    The trio finally reach Loco restaurant and went inside. The restaurant had some lights on but it was closing time. At first Blue suggested they sneak in but with Monz it would prove to be difficult. Also, if they caught sneaking it would very hard to explain what happened.

    Before they could decide on what to do. Loco came out and saw the three of them standing there. She brought her hand to her forehead as she commented.

    ¡°Not again.¡±

    It did not take Monz long to recover from his initiation, when he came to he had a panic attack from what happened to him and where he was. Loco looked at Blue and Cris to handle this problem. Blue not wanting to get involved left to Cris. Approaching Monz, Cris explained what happened and why he was here, listening to all of this calm him down a little bit.

    Seizing the opportunity Loco being the generous host offered on the house coffee. The group took a seat and now were listening to Cris of the event that¡¯s that led up to this moment. Loco listen carefully while Blue was chuckling at the highlights, Monz just sat there staring at his cup.

    ¡°Heh, carebear.¡±

    Loco shot Blue an angry look as she begun to comment on what her employees did behind her back.

    ¡°Blue, I do not appreciate you going out like that. Please wait until tomorrow then you will be free to do whatever you like. ¡°

    ¡°A bit jealous that I went¡­Owwwwww¡±

    Before Blue could finish his sentence Blue scream out in pain. Cris gulp as he knew that Loco will not tolerate this kind of behavior in front of a guest. Loco look at Cris and sighed, then she looked at Monz who was quivering as he was being stare down by Loco.

    ¡°Monz, is it?¡±

    ¡°Ehhhhh, Ya.¡±

    Monz was already on edge and Blue being disciplined did not help. He could not make eye contact with Loco and just sat there slowly sliding under the table.

    ¡°I apologize for my employees dragging you here while you unconscious. Please order anything you want. These guys will cover the bill.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    Loco gave a little bow to show her sincerity that she meant every word. Loco kind gesture loosen Monz up a bit but not by a whole lot.

    ¡°Ah its fine, I¡­I think I get should really get back.¡±

    ¡°I understand, I will not keep you.¡±

    Monz was still frowning as he knew what he expected when he return this his group. Monz took a deep breath filling his lungs with what little courage he had.

    ¡°Thank you. Cris for helping me. I know, I can¡¯t fight and I am a no good novice crafter but you took care of me when I was out, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Just a moment.¡±

    The one who spoke up was Loco.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what exactly Cris told you, but you should be so critical on yourself. Crafters are some of the most important figures in Axis.¡±

    ¡°Really!?¡±

    Both Monz and Cris answered in unison.

    ¡°Of course, in this city the strong rule over the weak and they are force to accept it. Everyone needs something from weapons to armor. Crafters run some of the largest business empires in Axis controlling the markets. You may be a novice but you have the bare minimum mastery of Terminal and your group sees that as a value in you, that you can help them.¡±

    ¡°I can help?¡±

    Monz eyes widen as he was listening to Loco, he truly believed every word Loco just said.

    He is actually buying this. Shouldn¡¯t listen to Loco she is after something. Should I cut in?

    ¡°But do not get bullied. This time was in good fun from what I understand to be part of the group. So use this opportunity to gain experience. Try your best and who knows, maybe one day I will be one of your customers. I expect a discount, of course.¡±

    Loco wink at Monz and followed it up with a graceful smile which made Monz turn red like a tomato. Monz being a bit flustered and embarrass did not say anything. Cris let out a sigh he knew there was a catch somewhere and there it was.

    ¡°You should get going, your comrades are waiting.¡±

    The group saw Monz off from the restaurant. After saying their goodbyes to Monz. Blue couldn¡¯t help but comment after being unable to contribute to the early conversation.

    ¡°So you have a soft spot for weak defenseless boys¡­¡±

    Before Blue could finish Loco gave him a swift kick to shin causing him to fall on the ground. Ignoring Blue agony Cris ask Loco a question.

    ¡°Why did you tell him all that?¡±

    ¡°Because residents like him need to be reminded of their value, know their worth. Unlike you who needs to be taken down a few pegs.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I am the best and I am going to prove it.¡±

    Loco sigh and turn to go back inside.

    ¡°Well I am heading home. Tomorrow is the big day so I hope you¡¯re ready.¡±

    Cris grab his head with frustration when he was reminded that he made almost zero progress on preparing for this test.

    Crap, I been so busy with this, I forgot about the GLT. I am so screwed.

    Today, judgment day has finally arrived. Cris was a tired and nervous wreck from being stress out. He stayed up late to do last minute research and studying but he found nothing. He managed to get some sleep but it did not help he was still very tired. The early morning was the hardest part, he sat there staring at the dark ceiling thinking if there was anything else he could do.

    The rest of the morning got easier but did not change his overall mood. He needed to prepare and be ready to leave before eight a.m. He was a bit sluggish but somehow he managed to get everything that would be needed for the test. The restaurant would be closed for the morning and the some of the staff will be accompanying which were the parties in the bet, Blue, Loco and Bruno.

    They all departed from the restaurant and went to the tram station. No one said a word it was a quiet and tense atmosphere, their location GM Island where the test will be held. They boarded the tram and from the looks of it, the ride would take about twenty-five minutes. The tram was empty besides their group and no one wanted to be the first to break the silence, using this moment Cris made the most of his train ride to rest a bit.

    While resting his body, his mind went over what he found over the past few weeks. The test had something to do with Terminal, the proctor had the power to alter the test and guests had limited use of Terminal. Drawing a blank of what the test could actually be, he accepted what he must do in order to pass. His whole career and his gamer tag would be decided in the next few hours if he could pass the test.

    I have no choice. I have to do whatever it takes to pass. Once, I get going I am sure I will be good. Just keep it together.

    Before he knew it, they arrived at their destination, the party departed the tram and found themselves among a crowd of people. It seem they were all heading in the same direction which they were heading. A few minutes later, Cris saw it a lone skyscraper towering over everything in its vicinity. It was the location where he will be taking his test to determine his fate in Axis.

    Is that, the same tower in Terminal?

    Cris looked around at the foot of the tower, it was crowded with families and friends bidding good luck to the people taking part of the test. Lines of people came marching led by people holding flags. The ones leading them were yelling something about the GLT and some rhetoric about their community. Overall, it was quite lively and energetic despite it being early in the morning. Cris turn to look at his group expecting them to say a few words before he departs.

    Blue was the first one to pick up on the signal.

    ¡°Want a pep talk? Don¡¯t lose, I like my stuff.¡±

    ¡°Not for much longer, I won¡¯t give you words of encouragement. In fact it does not matter to me, if you pass or fail, but personal do lose.¡±

    Loco gave such a graceful smile on the last part. It would give most the wrong impression but Cris knew those were her honest feelings, she really wanted him to lose.

    ¡°Personally, I have nothing at stake in this bet, but if you do win we can do some business. If you lose I get to toss you.¡±

    Great one wants me to not lose. Other one who wants me to lose. And the final one doesn¡¯t care. Does anyone want me to pass?

    ¡°I am going to pass, and win. Cause this is the only beginning.¡±

    Ignoring what they said, Cris departed from the group and headed towards the tower. Taking his first steps into the world he wanted to be a part of since he first coming to Axis. Looking around he saw he was not the only one who had the pre-test jitters.

    That¡¯s right I am going to win. Just going to keep my cool and take one step at a time.

    At the foot of the tower there was a small crowd around something. Cris managed to get in and saw it, there was sign with instruction for the test.

    Is it starting? GAME TIME.

    <u>For all Participating Applicants in the Government Licensing Test (GLT) Please read the following Instructions.</u>

    Passing this test will allow anyone to take part in the beta for using Axis Terminal Station. Which results in VISA, Resident and User status in the city of Axis. Please read below.

    <ol>

    <li>For those who registered please put on your VRV, look at the board and hit applicant. Once done a screen will ask to enter your applicant code. If valid please follow the instructions afterwards.</li>

    <li>For those who are walk-ins please put on your VRV, look at the board, hit walk-in and register. If there is room then you will receive an applicant code. Due to massive volume it is on a fist come first serve basis.</li>

    </ol>

    Further Instructions will be given by the Proctor. Enjoy your stay in Axis.

    Following the first part when Cris signed up for this test almost two weeks ago. He put on his VRV and enter his applicant code, he received a pop up message.

    [Thank You for registering. Applicant number K-23. Please follow the green line on the floor to your designated testing area.]

    Looking at the ground and there was a bright green line leading into the building. Cris followed it in and multiple pop ups came up verifying him to enter and his applicant status. Once inside it was a regular office building with large glass windows and desk in the middle for the staff, further in the back were some elevators.

    The green line was leading to the elevators and go to floor B-3. Cris got on the cramp elevator who had other applicants and a few adults in suits. During the ride he could not help but feel excited and nervous. The thought of the bet slipped his mind and he could actually enjoy this feeling. After a minute and multiple stops he reached his destination.

    The floor was a labyrinth of tall gray booths with the applicants trying to navigate through. Still following the green line he reached a cube with the sign ¡°K-23¡±. Inside was mostly empty except for what look like a dentist chair in the shape of an egg like pod in the middle.

    ¡°Guess this is the place?¡±

    Once entering a screen popped up welcoming him to his designated testing area and asking him to have a seat and connect to the testing server.

    Cris took a seat and noticed two wires connected and an empty outlet. For a brief moment his mind went blank. He stared aimlessly as he try to figure out if this was part of the test and which to pick.

    Which port do I pick? Is this part of the test? If I pick the wrong one do I fail?

    Cris heartbeat increased and he started to panic a little bit. The test was starting soon, he did not have the luxury of time. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself, with his mind working now he picked a port.

    ¡°Here goes nothing. It¡¯s not like I can fry my brain here. Well¡­ At least don¡¯t think I can.¡±

    A welcome message pop up and the grayed out test server was on the list, it seem he chose correctly. He lay back in the chair and try to find a comfy position. There was a timer in front of him counting down until the test. His heart was racing faster than ever, it was almost time. The test server turned green, he selected the test server, after confirming who he was the wall disappeared and he found himself sitting an in chair with what look a hundred other people facing forward.

 GLT Part 4

    Chapter 3 Part 4

    Seconds after connecting to the test server Cris found himself in what looked like a darken auditorium. He was sitting at a desk that was facing forward at a stage with a podium and spotlights on it. He looked around and saw what looked dozens of desks with people sitting all looking at the stage. A few seconds later someone appeared on the stage.

    Cris could barely make out who it was since he was sitting close to back but it looked like a guy wearing dark sunglasses and in a black suit. The rest of the room was fixed on him as he ready himself to speak.

    ¡°Hello, applicants. My name is Mr. Jones, and I will be your proctor today.¡±

    His voice did not echo through the hall but felt like he was talking right in front of you. He had a very stiff and sober voice while giving the impression he was a serious person.

    Such an emotionless robotic voice.

    ¡°Today test is a survival test. The goal of the test is finish with 150 points.¡±

    Survival? 150 points? In here?

    ¡°I will now explain the rules of the test. You start at zero points and have 24 hours to end with 150 points. You can get points by any means on this screen. You will be using the trial Terminal an upgrade from guest but not full resident. Any log outs now or during the test will considered as a fail.¡±

    A screen pop up in front of everyone in the auditorium with a large one behind Mr. Jones. Cris was about to take a look at it but an additional screen pop up for him. The screen that pop up was a warning on elevated heart rate in body. Please calm down or forced log off will commence. Panicking a bit Cris just swapped away the screen in hopes it would not be a problem.

    Shit, I can¡¯t be forced logged now.

    Mr. Jones continue to explain the instructions but Cris couldn¡¯t focus on his words. He was trying to calm himself down, that warning still concern him, he did not want his test to end because of that he was missing out on what the proctor was saying. Finally, able to focus again he redirected his attention back on the stage.

    ¡°The production in the survival test is split into 3 tiers. Raw materials which are harvested are worth 1 point. Basic items which you craft using raw materials are worth 2 points. Advance products which you can assemble with basics items and or with raw materials are worth 5 points. These instructions will be label on your crafting panel.¡±

    Formulating a strategy now, the possibility of him passing from only making stuff crossed his mind. The image of Monz popped in his head. The carebear crafter who did not fight but who liked to hide under tables. Is that how he passed by building and hiding? Not completely dismissing the idea as a viable strategy, he continued to listen to the proctor.

    ¡°The final rule is killing. Killing blows are worth 10 points per kill. If you die you will lose half of your current points and will not respawn. Your test will be finished.¡±

    Fear gripped Cris¡¯s heart when he heard that, he would only have one life during the test. He remembered his first time in Terminal where he got ravaged and torn apart by that wolf. What if there would be wild animals in there as well? Would he be able to defend himself from the beasts and other players? He felt anxious about how he would do in test now but the next screen that popped up made his stomach drop. The warning screen came back and this time it was a countdown due to further increased heartrate.

    ¡°Since this is a test, no talking is allowed. But I have a headache so I am disabling voice. Also, I will be adding other surprising in the exam? Any questions speak up.¡±

    No one said a word or they could not even speak. Realizing he could not yell stop, he frantically waved his hand around in hope that the proctor will answer his question. He did have a few questions but more than the needed answers he wanted time to relax and make this screen go away. The proctor ignored him and the countdown had twenty seconds left.

    ¡°Good, you can start now.¡±

    Cris closed his eyes and took deep breathes trying to calm himself down. Any second now he could have been forced logged. He felt a slight move around his body which indicated that he was no longer in the auditorium. Too scared to open his eyes to find himself back in reality he kept them shut. Then he felt a cool breeze across his face, the warmth of the sun on his body and the sound of grass moving. He open his eyes and found himself in the middle of a grassy field with some mountains in the distance.

    Cris eyes widen as he gawk at the sight of so much untouched green. The grass went up to his waist, tickling him every time the wind blew. The sun felt more intense than in reality, almost like the sun was only focusing on him. The air tasted and smelled cleaner than any he had experienced. Was this the power of more features or was Terminal always this realistic. Trying to comment at the moment he noticed nothing came out not a sound. Did the proctor mute the sound in the test as well?

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Is this real? Huh? I can¡¯t say anything¡­ that¡¯s right everyone is muted. Well game time.

    Cris open his panel to see if there was any additional information that could help him catch up what he missed. Once in the panel his eyes widen when he saw a ton more options than he saw in Terminal. Inside of just an inventory screen there was; the point structure, his total amount of points, his character screen and two clocks. He quickly clicked on the character screen and was denied for being on a trial, he frown as he thought just why. Looking at the clocks one had the current time and other was a timer counting down from just under twenty-four hours. The rest of the panel just had information which he heard from the proctor and the craft tab.

    Nothing new. Not going to mess around and waste time. Well, the rules seem simple don¡¯t die and get 150 points. Now for my starting equipment¡­WHAT?! There is none!

    Cris double check his inventory it was empty. Usually in survival games they give you something like basic gear, easy to pick up equipment or a rock. There was nothing how was he supposed to progress now. Cris survey his surroundings one more time to see if he missed any care package or something when he spawn. He thought that even tests allowed you to bring pencils in here he had nothing.

    While looking for any equipment that could or could not be there he spotted something in the distance. A silhouette of a person standing in the field standing, a pop up appeared over on top of the shadowy figure.

    [UNKNOWN: DISTANCE 130m: STATUS: UNKNOWN]

    Cris hit the ground and hide himself among the grass. He froze for a brief moment, wondering if the unknown had saw him. Slowly peaking his head up he saw the figure run towards him.

    Crap have I been spotted? Am I finished before I started?

    He duck back down and lie waiting, it was a good chance that he doesn¡¯t know his exact location. He heard the rustling of the grass as the person came closer. Cris¡¯s heart and mind were racing as the sound got closer. If that person got any closer he would have to strike first and try to end it in one swift blow. If he failed he was not sure how a drawn out fist fight would go for him. The figure finally came in sight he wore a purple hoodie with his face covered and was moving away from Cris. Cris breathed a sigh of relief when the purple hoodie figure was far enough to not notice him. Watching go off in some random direction, Cris got an idea on how to pass.

    Maybe, I should watch this person and get a better idea on what to do. Hehe, it¡¯s not cheating. Don¡¯t think you can cheat in this. And if he runs into any trouble who knows, just maybe I will step in. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Cris had a devious grin on his face as he knew what he had to do now. Keeping low and his distance, Cris followed the mysterious figure observing all of their actions.

    Tailing his mysterious purple hoodie friend for some time Cris managed to go undetected. Out of all his skills he took pride in was his ability to sneak while observing and get around unnoticed. Before coming to Axis, in almost every game he played online or offline he would always pick the class with the highest skill level, which was always the rogue or thief. He hated warrior classes where they would rely on their brawn and toughness to brute force their way through every challenge. Same could be said about any caster or mage, they just relied on their magic to do everything giving them a weaker body which forced them to be mentally superior to everyone, and to Cris they both were equally bad. The final class the rogue who needed a combination of stamina, wit and dexterity in order to excel, to him was the peak of using skill to win. If becoming a resident of Axis allowed him to pick a class he definitely knew which one he would pick. In preparations to his arrival in Axis, Cris study and replayed all of his favorite rogue games to sharpen his skills and they were paying off now.

    It has been over thirty minutes now, he was watching his clueless prey like a hawk learning what he was doing to pass. Most people would consider this cheating but to Cris this was fair game. Even though he was an elite and honor student the proctor did not say any specific about stalking people during the test. From what he gathered anyone can interact with the environment by picking up some random stuff on the ground. Cris was not sure how or where he was finding these raw materials but he was moving from place to place picking them up, was it by luck or something else? Finally, understanding what he needed to do to pass, he was about to ditch this person but Cris wanted to be sure he got everything.

    Alright I get it now, is there anything else buddy? C¡¯mon now tell me¡­huh what¡¯s that?

    The purple hoodie figure was nearing the edge of the forest. At the top of one of the trees look like shadowy silhouette of a person standing up and jumping through the trees. The figure was holding something in their right hand. Focusing a little bit on the figure a health bar popped up near saying the same unknown thing as the purple hoodie character. Cris could barely make it out but it look like a shape of a hatchet. The shadowy figure landed near the tree where his target would pass by and crouched down. Before he could blink the shadowy figure jump down landing on top of the purple hoodie character. They both made contact, resulting in them tumbling around, wrestling for control.

    Cris remained hidden watching as all of this unfolded, a part of him wanted to join but he had no weapon and the distance was too far. All he could do now was watch and maybe wait for an opportunity to strike. The person with the hatchet overpower purple hoodie by getting the upper hand. Raising the hatchet to deliver the killing blow, the purple hoodie reached out and grab onto something and impaled the hatchet guy on the side of his neck. Blood squirted out covering the purple and changing it to slightly red. The HP bar of the hatchet user drop down to zero as a red cross went over his body while he fell over to the side. The other one remaining took his time getting up while taking the liberty to loot the body.

    Grabbing the hatchet the purple hoodie hack away at the person face for the next few seconds. Blood spurted out causing the hoodie changing the color to more red than purple. Cris gulped and decided now was the best time to leave.

    Best not risk anything now.

    After witnessing the gruesome slaughter of another applicant Cris retreated back to where he spawn. Using what he learned he knew that there was stuff around him all he had to do was find it. He stood there expecting something to happen but nothing did.

    Waiting for a few minutes for something, he gave and decided to do this the manual way of looking around. Sticks, rocks and vines all of these items were littering the ground with a status screen saying [Raw Material].

    Following the endless trail of materials Cris did not pay attention to where he was going. He was in gathering mode where he was oblivious to everything around him. Collecting each material gave a small little satisfaction as he was one small step closer to passing. Being focused on what was on the ground he did not notice the sole tree in front of him causing to collide head first into it. He let out a silent cry of pain as he looked up at the tree and his flashing HP bar.

    Owwwwwww. I lost some HP for that?!

    The impact generated a large thud causing Cris hugged his head in pain and notice a huge tree in front of him. Slowly looking up he notice that the tree was hurt as well. The tree status was showing [9/10 HP] and in front of was a chunk of wood which read with the raw material label. The collision gave Cris an idea.

    This can be my money tree.

    However, he did not want to bash his head into the tree. Cris open up his panel and looked at his inventory. He saw that he had thirty-nine points and roughly 2 hours has passed since the test started. He collected a lot of raw materials and thought maybe he could make something to cut the tree. He dump all of his material on the ground and looked at it. He needed something that could cut the tree or hurt it. The memory of the hatchet hacking away at the person face came to mind.

    Maybe he could make something similar to the hatchet. Cris closed his eyes and try to remember how it looked passed all the blood. He was now deep in thought as he tried to remember every aspect and detail of the hatchet. After a few minutes he open his eyes wanting to try to make one and found what looked like a hatchet in his hands.

    Cris freaked out discarding the hatchet and quickly backing up away from it. He turn and looked around to see if there was anyone around him, he was alone. Taking a better look at it a screen popped up.

    [Basic Hatchet: Crafted Item: Level 1: Damage 5-7: Duration 100/100: Description: A basic tool with multiple uses. Crafted by Cris Philips]

    How the¡­ did I do that?

    Cris stare at the hatchet for a few seconds, this was the first time he saw the plain text so detailed. Was this because of the test, did it give him information to craft things by thought? Letting it go for now, he decided he does not have time to waste he needs to get going. Picking it up the hatchet he started swinging at the tree each hit created a loud thud noise. He learn that three hits equal to one HP and one point but also took away one duration point for each swing. Doing this for twenty-seven times he managed to cut down the tree and it disappeared in thin air.

    Picking up all the chunks of wood and his stuff that came out, Cris collapsed on to the ground. He was panting heaving and now was staring at the cloudy sky.

    Who¡­knew¡­cutting a tree took so much work. Why am I so tired? Didn¡¯t think you could get tired in here.

    As Cris caught his breath, he open up his panel looking for something that he might have missed. Under one the options he found the crafting tab. He click on it and dozens of screens were popping up. The sudden burst of information caused his brain to overload for a moment as it was flooded with information, causing him to fall back from the excess of recipes of what he could craft. When the screens stop appearing he slowly lifted his hand and started to browse through them.

    Are they for real? I can make a tank, jet, skyscraper¡­ skyscraper? O yeah, I should make a base, or a tank if I can.

    Quickly narrowing down the recipes, he found one for a basic 4x4 shack. Quickly looking at the materials and what he had in his inventory. Cris did not have enough for the shack or the tank so he limited his search down to what he had. After searching for a few minutes, Cris barely had enough to craft what was similar to a shack called [Panic Shelter].

    Let us try this out. Ok and go.

    Pressing the button to queue up his crafting orders his body started to move on its own. At first Cris was startled of how some invisible force was controlling his body. He resisted at first which felt like two magnets repealing each other. After taking a second to prepare himself he let the invisible hand guide him with his crafting.

    Unlike the other games Cris played where crafting was more realistic this felt very simple. A screen was in front of him with a timer while his hands were moving on their own. When the timer stop he got an item and it reset to the next order in the queue. This went on for an hour until everything was made.

    The next step was deciding where to build. The set up part was almost the exact same in the other games. Place the objects where you want green meant ok and red was cannot build there. Cris picked a spot to lay the foundation and his body moved accordingly. Summoning a wooden slab out of thin air from his panel, he lay down the foundation. He did the same for the walls and the roof and before Cris knew his base was done. He took a few steps back to admire what he had built.

    Not bad, sometimes I even impress myself, can definitely use this. Now let¡¯s check the inside¡­huh? This can¡¯t be right?

    Cris quickly circle his base multiple times as if something was off or missing.

    No¡­ no no no, it has to be here. Where is the freaking DOOOOOOOOOR!

    He was now running laps around it to see if he could have missed. He even took out his hatchet and hit a wall trying to get in. However, the HP on the wall was a hundred and three swings was equal to one HP.

    Not ready to give up Cris open his panel to look for an answer. He found the recipe he was using panic room it a small note on the side, [One way in and no way out].

    ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS? IT¡¯S A WOODEN BOX.

    Taking a few moment to calm down on how much he screwed up. He was staring aimlessly at the wooden box and his panel. He was trying to decide what his next move would be and what should he do with the box.

    Over 4 hours spent. 67 points total. No resources left. Area is picked clean. Wooden Box. Can¡¯t get inside.

    All these thoughts were going over and over in his head. Then he clutch his head a let out a soundless scream and then turned around and was going in some random direction.

    Meh, whatever got some points, I am almost half way there. Can¡¯t sit around and do nothing. Gotta stay focused. Eyes on the prize.

 GLT Part 5

    Chapter 3 Part 5

    After, abandoning his base and any hopes of rebuilding any sort of shelter, Cris was still wandering in the grassy field. He was determined to reach the mountain in the distance. Shortly, after departing the safety of his spawning zone he decided on his new plan, where he could just hide and craft basic things. Picking up any materials on his way that he could use to make anything without going too far off the path to the mountain.

    At what he considered the half way point Cris looked up and saw what look like the sun going down.

    I guess, night and day do exist in here. I have sometime left but I really do not want to be walking around in the dark. Who knows what is lurking out there.

    The image of the purple hoodie killing that person pop up in his head. Cris did not see anyone else since then and if he did what would he do? Would he able to brutally murder someone when push came to shove? Would he be as lucky when the sun goes down? These thoughts riddled his mind as he made his way to the mountain. But before he could go any further a huge wooden chest came in sight.

    Is this a trap? Bait? Loot? Or one of those surprises the proctor mention about?

    Not wanting to risk anything at the moment, Cris quickly and quietly rush over to some trees to the side. His gut and gamer instincts were telling him something was not right and that he should wait a little bit. Hiding among the trees he decided he was going to observe for some time and if it was clear he would go for it.

    Nothing happen for a few minutes which felt like hours. The wait was now getting to Cris he was getting anxious, nervous and restless. Part of him wanted something to happen so he could leave. The other part of him was telling him to go for it. As he was weighing the pros and cons someone made their move onto the chest.

    The person came from the same patch of trees where Cris was hiding at and was making a beeline to the chest. Cris gulp as he watch the person reach the chest and opened it. The person broke out into a victory dance and then ended it with a striking pose.

    Heh, I guess it did have something good in it. Maybe I should¡­

    Cris looked at his hatchet in his hand gave it a thought but before he could make a decision.

    BANG!

    A gunshot was fired from really close by which put a sinking fear in Cris. Before he knew it the guy at the chest was on the ground with a red cross over his body.

    Dead from one shot?!

    The shooter wearing a ghillie suit stood up from the pile of rocks on the other side of the field holding a long barrel rifle and was slowly making his way to his kill.

    Cris could only watch as the shooter made his way to the chest. When he reach there he fell over as well. For a brief second Cris saw a blur fly towards the shooter follow by another one. Another person covered in leaves stood up from the long grass. He was holding a long bow and now was making his way to the chest.

    Did the hunter just get hunted? And where are they getting all this camo?

    As soon as the bowman reveal himself two others step out of their hiding. One with a great axe with a gray hoodie with the hood up and blue jeans, came from the opposite direction. The other wearing a brown monk like robe also concealing his face, wielding a long spear decided to join the fray. All of them were squaring off around the chest waiting for one of them to make a move.

    A 3 way stand off? Should I join? Should I pick off the winner?

    Deciding not to join the battle royal in fear that other people might be lurking waiting for a chance to pounce. Cris quickly left the battle and went back on his way to reach the mountain. After getting some distance from the trio he found himself on what looked like a dirt road.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Before he got the chance to get off and avoid detection a silhouette of figures could be seen in the distance with the setting sun at their backs. Cris froze as he knew he made the mistake of being spotted.

    BLAM!

    Staring at the shadowy figures, one fell over after the sound. The remaining figure kneel down besides the fallen and noticed Cris.

    Cris could barely make out that figure but he did manage to catch a glimpse of his facial expression. It was a cheerful and friendly expression with a bright smile. He wave at Cris and was running towards him at full speed with something in his hand.

    Is that¡­a shotgun?

    A single pipe shot gun came in sight and the cheerful person who was carrying was still coming at Cris. Not wasting a moment, Cris was running full speed in the opposite direction. The person was still waving at him gesturing him to wait. Every few minutes he would fire a shot which would barely miss its mark.

    The chase lasted for about ten minutes and it ended when Cris reached the mountain. Picking one of the numerous paths he managed to give the shotgun holder the slip. Using this brief reprieve from his pursuer Cris took a minute to catch his breath. He was a bit irked of how people could be so wild and aggressive once they are in a virtual world. The thought of the possibility that these applicants do not care about passing but just liked the fighting and killing.

    The chase left him nearly exhausted mentally not so much physically and with the sun going down, time was running out. After a small break he went back on his way trying to make his up the mountain. Wandering through the labyrinth of narrow passages he stumble across a wooden fence. Behind the fence was a tall massive wooden tower in the shape of a ¡°T¡±.

    Damn, whoever made this definitely passed? How did they do it? I guess hiding in there you are safe.

    Admiring and getting a bit jealous of the tower, multiple explosion could be heard coming from the tower. Black smoke was rising from the side and the top of the tower, as more explosion could be heard. Watching for a few more minutes shadowy figures could be seen falling off from the top of the tower. Cris was astonished that such a building marvel could be so easily taken down.

    Eh, I don¡¯t know. Something this big just puts a big target on you. I guess this mountain is not safe after all.

    The sun was now almost gone making it extremely difficult to see. The burning tower in front of him was more of a signal to others and he decided to quickly leave the scene. Using whatever light was left Cris was navigating through the passages and heading down the mountain. It wasn¡¯t a few minutes before it was completely pitch black. Almost tripping and falling down the rest of the way Cris decided to call it a day.

    I can¡¯t see anything¡­if only I had a bit of light. Maybe I can¡­

    Opening his panel he noticed that the panel itself gave barely enough light for him to see in front of him. Placing his hand on the wall to help him guide his way he slowly made his way down the path. With the panel open Cris carefully found his way to ledge he could camp out on. The ledge was overlooking a vast pit of darkness on the side of the mountain. The sight made him a bit nervous that one wrong step he will fall off and be devoured by the night.

    Looking at his panel he managed to collect over 100 points by picking up stuff on his way up here. He was so close all he has to do is get the last few points and survive. Cris looked up to the sky, saw it was completely void of a single star or a light. Part of him expected a sea of stars or at least some light but this complete darkness was a bit scary.

    He sat there thinking how long does night last here and what he should do. He stared at the emptiness expecting the solution will come to him. His mind started to wander of how he got from his first time arriving in Axis and thoughts of what he experience so far. The one thought that kept flashing through his mind was ¡°what is Terminal¡±. In other games their systems were simple and easy to understand, there were talent trees and skill points. Terminal felt more like real life with screens, there was almost no gaming aspect. Even with these added features did not help him understand at all. Would everything become clear once he becomes a resident? The wind blew made him quiver for a second, an exclamation point appeared near his HP bar.

    [COLD: ALL ACTIONS TIMES INCREASE BY 15%]

    Cris gave a wirily smile to see impairing effects were still a thing in here. He quickly opened his panel to look for a way to warm himself up and maybe create a little bit of light. Browsing through his panel¡¯s crafting tab he saw a flamethrower, flashlight, night vision goggles and finally a campfire. He saw he had only enough to create a campfire, Cris was about to place the campfire in his que until he saw a flame in the distance.

    Seems like someone had the same idea like me.

    It wasn¡¯t even a few seconds before multiple gunshots could be heard and flashes of light were seen around the flame. The flame was flickering and then extinguished but the firefight did not end there. Muzzle flashes and the gunshots continued, after each shot Cris could barely make out a shadowy figure in the distance. Cris decided not to go with any source of light and to stay up to keep watch. Taking out his hatchet and curling himself up in a ball he put his back against the mountain.

 GLT Part 6

    Chapter 3 Part 6

    The first light. A bright light. The light that chased away all the shadows before the mountain and hitting Cris face. He slowly open his eyes to the blinding sight to see it was morning.

    Must have doze off. Yawn. Better head out.

    Stretching his body and slowly getting up Cris was looking out where he should head to first. Before he could decide on a location he heard the sound of tumbling rocks.

    A few stones hit the ground in front of him, making him look up to see what the cause was for the falling rocks. Not being fully awake and aware what was going on he could barely make out something large falling down.

    Immediately waking up he saw someone holding a giant axe was free falling towards Cris, aiming to cut Cris in two. Rolling back in the nick of time, the axe came crashing down only inches from where he had stood, Cris was able to dodge the surprise attack. Cris¡¯s eyes widen, he knew this person it was the gray hoodie person from the three way standoff. Was he the sole survivor? He had his hood up making it hard to identify if he was the same one.

    They stared at one another in surprise. Cris was cornered his opponent blocked the exit, he had to fight. He looked at the axe and the thought could his hatchet match to that axe crossed his mind. A savage grin came across the hooded axe man as he realized the position he was in. Cris readied his hatchet and focused on the foe in front of him. A HP bar appeared on top of him showing he had lost more than half his health. A grim smile passed over Cris¡¯s face maybe he could win. Seeing that Cris was ready, the axe man took a battle stance and taunted. He gestured with his axe of him taking Cris head off.

    Feeling somewhat unhinged by the taunt, Cris lunged forward. The axe man easily sidestepped Cris¡¯s initial attack and brought his ax around in a wide arc. Startled that his attack failed and had a counter attack incoming, Cris ducked and slide under the ferocious attack. This was he chance he could escape, seizing the moment to make a run for it but he did not get far. A powerful force grabbed him from behind throwing him back to the ledge, the fight was not over.

    Not easing up on his attack, the axe man rushed Cris with reckless abandonment with his axe overhead. Momentarily caught off guard by the savagery of his opponent, Cris instinctively raised his arm with his hatchet to block but it was not enough. In one swift strike the axe sliced off his forearm which went falling down the mountain. Blood gush forward as Cris¡¯s face contorted in pain as he could not cry out.

    Cris looked up at the monster who was readying his axe for the killing blow. He gritted his teeth and shook off any doubts and fears, he was not going to fail here. With a silent cry, he swung his chopped off arm towards the axe man, splashing his face with blood. Blinding him for a brief moment, Cris broke out in a mad dash into the mountain.

    Running down the path he came from yesterday, a blinking red exclamation mark was in the corner of his eye. Taking a brief moment he looked over to see what his status and HP was after that attack. His HP bar was blinking red instead of the normal green and Cris lost almost a third of his total from the loss of his arm.

    [INJURY ARM: EFFECTIVENESS RENDERED TO ZERO. ACTIONS REQUIRING BOTH HANDS NEGATED. TASKS REDUCE EFFICIENCY BY 50%.]

    [BLEEDING: LOSS OF BLOOD CAUSING PERIODIC LOSS OF HP. SEEK MEDICAL AID]

    No shit I am bleeding and can¡¯t use my arm. Fucking system tell me something useful for once.

    Cris was swiftly making his way down the mountain with a trail of blood behind him. The pain after losing his arm had subsided and now it just felt like it did before just strange. The only thought in his head was get into the woods and bandage himself up. He was nearing the exit, then a hooded person in a robe with a long spear jump in front of the exit from above. He ready his spear and begun to charge at Cris who happen to be running straight for the exit. Not wanting to take his chance trying to slip pass he halted his advance and started to back pedal. However the reach of the spear was barely outreach and was pushing him back. The thrusts of the spearman were relents as he did not pause in between attacks but something was slightly off before each attack. Black shadows of the spearhead appeared half a second before each attack. Noticing this Cris thought it some sort of illusion or something playing tricks on him.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    That was not the case, the attacks were following a patterning that the shadows were predicting the possible locations where the next strike will come. Picking up on this fast, Cris was able to dodge all the incoming attacks. If he was not running backward one might call this graceful but he was stumbling around barely avoiding being hit.

    The spearman a bit annoyed that not one of his attacks landed switched up his stance and grip to give his spear more reach. It did not pay off, the first attack overextended causing an imbalance and forcing the spearman to trip. Using the loss of momentum of the spearman attack, Cris was able to turn around look for another way to escape. He spotted a pathway to the side and was running over there. A red flash appeared below his vision and slowly shifted to his left side. Not knowing what it meant he immediately stopped. An object flash in front of him hitting the rock wall a few inches away. After a second he heard a clang of metal when the object hit the wall. It fell to the ground and in front of Cris¡¯s feet, it was an arrow.

    Looking to where the shot came from he saw someone covered in leaves on top of the ledge holding a bow stand up as he prepared to fire another shot.

    Are they working together? Is that allowed?

    Turning to the path where he came from, he saw the axe man slowly making his way towards him.

    It¡¯s not fair. Three verses me.

    Knowing how screwed he was did not help. All he could do was take the route he was force to take and try to lose them in the mountains. The path he was on was a narrow one, leading him higher and deeper into the mountain. He could hear the footsteps of his pursuers behind him and they were close.

    Cris came to an abrupt stop when he could not run anymore. A cliff was in front of him and the fall from that would be more than enough to kill him. He could hear them behind him he did not have any time left.

    Is this the end? No, an elite like me will not allow it to end. Think. There has to be a way.

    Getting closer to the edge to see if he could climb down Cris noticed a large wooden chest to the side. A very small narrow foot path leading to it. Given the situation that was his only hope.

    Facing the mountain Cris started to side step his way to the chest. He broke out in a cold sweat not because of his pursuers but the fact he was walking on path no more than three inches. One misstep and he was a goner. On top of all tight rope walk he had to hurry or the trio will see him and it would be game over. If it could not get any worse the sudden gusts of wind almost threw him off.

    Almost there.

    Cris was now a few feet away, but time was almost up the footsteps were close. With no time left and only one option he had was to jump. Taking a few deep breathes and trying to measure the distance and how far he would fall if he did fail. Cris froze he couldn¡¯t move anymore. The thought of this being the pass and fail moment hit him.

    Sporadic thoughts of the events that lead him up here flashed through his mind, weakening his grip and resolve causing him to halt. The adrenaline that brought him this far was wearing off by every passing moment. Both his mind and body were giving out on him now, the moment he needed them the most.

    The ridicule he had to stomach from very first moment he enter this weird city. All the people who scam him and gave him false hope of him actually making it. These thoughts were weighting him down making it nearly impossible for him to jump.

    Life really does suck. But this is¡­ a game it should be an escape from reality. Why are the results of a game going to impact my reality? What is this feeling? This pressure and burden. Is this how everyone feels when the moment of truth comes? But I am an elite. This is my moment. My time to show them, Axis and the world. This is not game over.

    His body was shaking, his legs buckling but this was not the end. Using the motivation and courage Cris built up, he steadied himself and took aim and he leapt forward towards the platform. As he came closer to the ledge, his body was on a collision course with the edge. His jump fell short and now his lower half was dangling off the platform. Unable to use his other arm he was barely holding on. While hanging on he felt his fingers slipping and his body losing ground. He gritted his teeth, he did not want to die here and he thought to himself there must be a way for him to pull himself up.

    His mind went blank, he used all of his encouragement for the jump he was spent he had nothing left. The only thing on his mind were the faces of the people he worked with at the restaurant and this stupid bet. Their words rang in his head if they ever found out he failed just by falling short a few inches will haunt him for the rest of his life. The thought of giving them the satisfaction of him being all talk pissed him off. That anger and rage he harbor for them was giving strength back into his grip and then he saw it. A loose vine a few inches away from his hand, it looked strong enough to hold his weight and pull him up. His lips curved into a smile he knew what he had to do. Mustering all of his strength he prepared himself for his final push. Pulling with all of his might he reached for the vine and barely grasped it. Getting a firm grip on it his body quickly fell down and now he was hanging on the side. Using the momentum of his fall he swung his body and kicked off the side giving him the force to pull himself up on the ledge. It was not a moment too soon once on the platform he quickly dove behind the chest to avoid detection from the trio who just caught up. He was now stranded with nowhere to go.

 GLT Part 7

    As Cris was hiding behind the chest the trio were searching for where Cris could of disappeared. Maybe if he was lucky they would think he jumped off killing himself. The three of them took their time looking for any signs of Cris. The chest was large enough to conceal Cris but because of that reason it stood out as well.

    Being in physical contact with the chest a pop up appeared. The pop up was asking Cris if he wanted to spend thirty points to unlock.

    Wait I have to spend points on this? How come I didn¡¯t hear about this?

    Peaking over from the chest Cris saw that the trio noticed the chest now. Looks like they were trying to decide who was going over to get it.

    Are they playing rock-paper-scissors? Crap, I have to make a play or do something while they are distracted. With only one arm I need something that doesn¡¯t require too much operation to use.

    Quickly running through his panel, he found nothing that he could use to fight back. Nothing he could make in time that would be any use. Narrowing down his options he looked at the chest behind him. Was that his only chance, a random drop? Cris took another look at the trio, they were almost done their game. He was dead if they found him here, so taking a deep breath he put his hopes on the chest. Pressing accept on the chest, Cris quickly jump out of hiding to loot what he purchased.

    Is that what I think? That will work! Ok, bastards¡¯ payback is better with an EXPLOSION.

    Chris reached in the chest and pulled out a hand held green object, it was a grenade. The only item that could turn the tide and he was lucky enough to find a chest with it. Cris brought it to his mouth, clench his teeth on the pin and pulled. He gave a savage grin as Cris aim it at the trio and tossed it over. It silently soar across the gap and landed right in the middle of the trio. Before they could react it was too late, an explosion went off landing a direct hit on all three of them. Cris took cover behind the open chest for any possible retaliation.

    Did I? Did I get them?

    Unsure on how to confirm the kills without exposing himself, Cris just hid behind the empty chest. Then he remembered each kill is worth ten points. Quickly opening his panel he saw his points exactly the same amount of points he had. He breathe a sigh of relief the grenade scored him a triple kill. Or the chest bugged out and he did not kill anyone. Going with the former Cris sat there for a few moments. During that time he attended his wound, he lost more than two thirds of his HP. Once the bleeding effect disappeared, he got up and looked over to see a black spot with three lifeless corpses. His lips curved into a smile as he knew he just scored a triple kill. Now all that was left was get back over there and loot.

    Taking his time to cross, Cris finally reached the edge where he killed the trio. Their bodies were still there but a giant red cross was above their bodies.

    Look like the grenade was dead on. Even if it¡¯s a game their bodies are still here. Now, time for the spoils¡­ holy! This one as well?! And him as well!

    Cris eyes widen and his jaw dropped he could not believe what these guys were carrying. Stacks on stacks of raw materials and crafted materials. Seeing this much made Cris question why would these guys go so far as into hunting him, it¡¯s clear that each one of them passed.

    Thinking about it for a minute, Cris gave up trying to figure out their reasons but with this much materials gave him a great idea.

    I can use all of this to pass.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Doing some inventory managements dropping some useless stuff and taking as much as he could take. Spending some more time to figure out what Cris needed, he left the dead bodies with more than he wanted. The problem was he had no more room and after that explosion he did not want to stay too long at this place. Also with one arm all of his orders will take twice as long, he had to move in order for his plan to work.

    Making his way down the mountain, Cris got lost in where he had to go. Panicking a little bit that of how little time he had left he decided to settle on the first safe location he could find. Locating a cave further up ahead, Cris decided he will bring his haul up in there.

    Entering the cave, Cris saw it did not go too far back and decided to implement his plan here. His goal was to get to the hard cap, the three hundred point cap. The proctor said if a person died they will lose half and they need at least hundred fifty to pass. So if one could get over three hundred they would pass no matter what.

    All the stuff I looted should be more than enough. I will spam basic crafts and whatever I can that should get me over the mark.

    Setting his que for all the tasks he saw it would twice as long to do. Due to his injury not healing he would have to hope no one would find him.

    Here it goes.

    Spending the next few hours Cris managed to craft all the possible crafts he could. His final point amount two hundred and ninety.

    Shit, so close. At least I pass. But 10 more points and I guarantee I pass. There must be something close by.

    Looking at his panel for anything else he could craft, Cris saw what look like an ore deposit right in front of him. Inspecting the deposit it had ten HP which meant it will give him the final ten points he would need. Looking through his inventory for something he found a pickaxe that he made. Equipping it he look at the deposit and took a deep breathe.

    Do I risk it? Hell yeah! I am so close to that mark and let¡¯s keep this lucky streak going.

    Swinging the pickaxe which took a really long time he hit the deposit.

    Clang!

    A chunk of rock fell off and Cris picked it up.

    So one hit for one HP, so effective. Just 9 more.

    Cris repeated the process until it the deposit had one HP left. Cris gulp and prepared himself this was the final point. After this he will pass no matter what. He lifted his pickaxe with his one hand and brought it overhead preparing to strike. Before he could strike, the sound of something whistling in the air came rushing into his cave.

    Multiple gray canister cans came flying into the cave dispersing smoke out of them, soon the cave filled with it making it impossible to see. Visibility in the cave drop down to zero. A dense grayish smoke was fogging up the cave. Before Cris could figure out what was going on a tremendous force push him from behind causing him to roll forward.

    [FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR EXAM. TIME REMAINING ONE MINUTE.]

    A loud booming voice sounding like the proctor came from the sky. Hearing the time remaining, Cris was on edge now he was being attacked and all he had to do was live for a minute. A shadowy figure could be seen in the smoke. Cris wildly swung his pickaxe trying to fend off the unknown foe.

    All of his attack only hit the smoke making Cris more frustrated. Another hit forced him to hit the wall causing his HP to blink red now. A few more hits and he was dead. Should he risk and fight for the last minute or try to escape. Seeing the light of exit to the cave Cris decided he could run for a minute. Throwing his pickaxe at the shadow figure he created a moment for him to escape. He heard a clang as he exited the cave, he must have scored a hit.

    The only thing going through his mid was escape, survival and getaway.

    All I have to do is live.

    Turning around the corner, something caught his leg causing him trip and fall off the ledge. Tumbling down the mountain, his fall was stop by a tree. The fall did not kill him but broke both of legs and making his HP barely visible.

    [FINAL COUNTDOWN 10¡­9¡­]

    Cris was lying face down on the ground and saw someone quickly approaching him from the corner of his eye.

    [8¡­7¡­6]

    Using his only good arm he was crawling trying to buy whatever time he could. A second or two would make the whole difference here.

    [5¡­4¡­3]

    A purple hoodie figure step on Cris hand immobilizing him. He raise a hatchet as he was going to deliver the killing blow.

    No way. PLEASE DON¡¯T. NO. NOT WHEN I AM SO CLOSE!

    [2¡­1]

    Cris was frantically squirming under the purple hoodie, all he had to do was buy enough time. Everything he had to do to get to his point, he did not want it to end like this. He caught a glimpse of the purple hoodie face, he had a savage smile and cold eyes. There was no way he would let him go. The hatchet swiftly made its way into Cris¡¯s back, taking away what little HP he had left. Cris vision darken as he felt a heavy weight push down on him. He could no longer feel his body, Cris died with less than a second left on the exam.

 GLT Part 8

    Chapter 3 Part 8

    Darkness. Emptiness. Only a screen giving off the light in this void. The screen was the same from that one time, the time where Cris died to that wolf. It was his kill report of how he died the only difference was that the points were pending and would be printed out.

    For Cris that did not matter the only part he was staring at was the death time.

    [23:59:45]

    Less than half a second. Why? JUST WHY? I had 299 points. JUST WHY!

    Cris was just staring aimlessly at the emptiness of the void, he did not realize that he was back in reality and was staring at dark screen of his VRV. He felt sick in his stomach, it felt like a brink that was sinking in. His throat had a pit that he could not swallow. Tears stream down his face but he did not let out a cry.

    Cris just sat there recalculating, rethinking and replaying everything that happened. That maybe he might of made a mistake that maybe it was wrong. No matter how many times he went through it, it all ended up the same. The current situation where he was one point short of passing.

    A knock was heard and an envelope was placed in the bin in his cube. On the envelope it read ¡°Test Results¡±. Not wanting to leave but knowing he could not stay Cris managed to get up and take the envelope.

    Collecting his things and making his way out of the building he saw crowds of people waiting for the applicants. It was bright outside, it was not even noon considering that the applicants spent a full day taking a test. Cris looked around and saw no one was waiting for him.

    That¡¯s right. It was not like we were that close anyway. Maybe I should just leave?

    Taking one last look he saw his group sitting on a bench away from the building. They were all eating ice cream or frozen yogurt. Noticing them Blue wave at Cris to come over. Cris did not want to face them but now since they saw him he had no choice.

    He began his long trudge towards them, mentally preparing himself for the results he will have to face. Blue was the first to ask about the test.

    ¡°Hey, that doesn¡¯t look like the person who passed.¡±

    ¡°I uhhhh. Heh. Uhhhh.¡±Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. What kind of test was it?¡±

    ¡°Survival.¡±

    ¡°Ah, those are the worst and the best. You get so much freedom.¡±

    Loco noticing the envelope unopen in Cris hand went over and snatch it away. She gave Cris an unusually look when he did not react to her brash action. Taking the envelope over to the light to read the results Blue followed over.

    The sickening feeling which Cris thought that could not get any worse just became worse by a hundred fold. He felt like passing out now from the shear nauseating feeling. He heard a joyous laughter coming from that direction but it was odd it belong to Blue.

    ¡°Hahaha, told you. Looks like I win.¡±

    Wait? That is Blue laughing. He lost why? Why is he laughing?

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be laughing he barely passed.¡±

    Passed? Hold on!

    Cris ran over to where Loco and Blue were talking and took back the letter.

    [Congratulations on passing. Need points to pass 150 points. Points obtain 150. Please follow the direction at the link. Please keep this paper as receipt. Enjoy your residence in Axis.]

    The nauseating feeling did not vanish but was mixed with utter confusion, twisting his stomach in knots. He stood their dumbstruck staring at the paper that told him he passed. He should have been happy but instead his mind was racing. Looking for any way that he miscounted his points but it again always fell short. Should he report this, tell his group that he did fail? At most, he was half a point shy of the cap. Did the proctor round up or was it a fluke? Loco broke his train of thought as she shove the results back into Cris hands.

    ¡°Well a bet is a bet you guys can stay as long as you work got it? I don¡¯t want freeloaders.¡±

    ¡°Yayaya. Right kid?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Bruno came over to join the group and slap Cris in the back, completely bringing back down to earth.

    ¡°Congratz Cris. Now we can do some business if you want.¡±

    ¡°Anyway let¡¯s get back. I was not going to shut down the restaurant for the day. Let¡¯s head back for the lunch rush.¡±

    The three of them left, leaving Cris behind staring at his test results unsure what he should do. He looked up at his group who were about to leave him behind. They were trashing their empty cups of ice cream. Bruno missed his toss and the cup bounced off, he ran over and threw it away manual. Watching this something clicked inside of Cris.

    That final fight in the cave and the proctor instructions at the start. He said something about harvesting resources which was an odd word. Wouldn¡¯t collecting resources be more accurate but then again picking up resources as loot would that count. It did not when he looted the trio he did not receive any points. Cris then remember about the tree he cut down. He thought it was odd that he received points from hitting the tree and not picking up the wood. Cris eyes widen as he finally might have figured out where the missing point came from.

    ¡°THAT¡¯S RIGHT!¡±

    His pickaxe did hit something but it wasn¡¯t the purple hoodie who killed him. Before he died he saw he had no fresh injury or otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have caught up so fast. So if my pickaxe did hit the deposit that would count as a point.

    If my pickaxe hit the deposit that would be considered as a point. SO THAT MEANS. I HAD 300 POINTS.

    ¡°Yo, Cris get a move on.¡±

    Finally accepting the results Cris ran over and join the rest of the group. The dreadful feeling he had was all gone. He hoped that he would never would have to feel this kind of feeling ever again.

    End of Chapter 3.

 Epilogue + Few words

    Epilogue

    The train ride back was filled with people and mixed emotions. Unlike the morning where it was peaceful and empty was now full with the applicants and their friends and family from the test. It was obvious to tell who passed and failed based off the expressions off their face. Cris gulped as he saw a few of them hang their head in shame as they stared at the floor. That would have been him if he didn¡¯t get that lucky hit at the end.

    He looked over at Bruno and Loco who were conversing about the lunch menu. Before he could ask what he had to do when he got back, Blue poked his arm.

    ¡°Sooo, tell me the details and don¡¯t leave any of the gore or good parts out?¡±

    He had a carefree smile on his face, one befitting the winner of the bet. Cris gave a wearily grin, thanks to him most of his room and board issues have been solved and now he can focus on why he came to Axis in the first place. Taking a deep breath he told Blue about the test from the start to the end. Omitting some parts, mostly the areas on his blunder and mistakes.

    ¡°Heh, didn¡¯t take you to be a hybrid. Maybe, a block head for sure.¡±

    ¡°W-What? What does that even mean?¡±

    Blue looked at Cris and blinked, he truly did not know what Blue as talking about.

    ¡°Did you not read the booklet they gave you at the check point or read up on Axis?¡±

    Cris looked away as he knew he threw away the brochure when he arrived at Digital. As for reading up on Axis, he skim through most of the content.

    ¡°I-I might have skim passed those parts.¡±

    ¡°Heh, a resident who passed and doesn¡¯t even know what he signed up for.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a beta test for a game right? The new VR MMO or something?¡±

    ¡°Hah, no. Being a resident means testing out the simulations of the worlds. There is very little gaming components.¡±

    ¡°E-Eh? This is gamer central, it should be a game. You telling there are not classes like mage, rogue, and warrior?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. No, skill points, not talent trees and no spells. Just a virtualize environment.¡±

    The image he had of gamer central shattered, this was not what he expected. This was not a game, he was just some lab rat testing some new tech. A game may come out of it but how long would that take? Seeing his confusion and deflated attitude, Blue decided to give Cris some hope about becoming a resident.Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°It may not be a game but doesn¡¯t mean you cannot play it like one.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°The worlds have infinite possibilities based off what you want to do. The way you use Terminal will determine how strong you are and where you stand. Finally, it is up to you to create your own content if you want to remain a resident.¡±

    ¡°Wait. What?¡±

    ¡°Take out your VRV and connect it your STEM. You should have a new option now.¡±

    Cris did as Blue told him and took out his VRV and STEM. At the start menu before asking to dive a new option did appear [NEURAL MAP]. Selecting that option a flood of screens appeared in front of Cris but they did not overwhelm him. In fact he felt his mind racing with excitement as he saw all of them.

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°In not so many words. That is everything your body and mind knows sliced down into skills.¡±

    He was right each screen show a unique skill with a bar of progression with five blocks. Some of the bars were highlighted up to three bars others with one or two. Everything he saw was everything he knew. Did Terminal map out his brain and categorize everything he knew?

    ¡°Terminal is really amazing. You can actually see what you know and how well you know it. You could upload information smoothly and see the progress of it. In other words making your brain into a functional super computer. But I bet you want to hear more about the game aspect than the science.¡±

    Cris disconnected and put away his stuff. He was staring at Blue in amazement, he never knew that you could use Terminal like that.

    ¡°They¡¯re basically three unique styles and I guess you could say classes when using Terminal; HUD Heads, Hybrids and Block Heads. Each use Terminal differently and have their strength and weaknesses. HUD Heads, are residents who personally create an overlay to overlap with their vision to interact in the worlds. They create mental scripts and macros with their gear and skills to get stuff done and they¡¯re known screen users. Basically, they rely on Terminal processing and computing power along with their brain to play.¡±

    Cris eyes widen that sound awesome to him, it almost sound like a spell caster and their magic. He did have images in his vision that he could not take off but they did prove valuable with alerting him with what was happening around him.

    ¡°Next up are the Block Heads, they are the opposite of the HUD Heads where they want to experience everything through their body and more instincts than mind. Like their name says they block out Terminal and interact with their senses.¡±

    Cris¡¯s mind was racing now, he was getting excited and wanted to go back in Terminal try these things out. He did experience all kinds of firsts in the world without using any screens but when he did examine things it did give him more information.

    ¡°Finally, the hybrids which you could have guessed are a combo of both HUD and Block. Where they use Terminal but don¡¯t rely. They interact with their bodies but use tools and equipment along with Terminal to gather more information. That is you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I get it now. Hybrids use the most skill since they get the best in both right? That settles it, I am going to be a hybrid user. Anything else I should know?¡±

    ¡°Heh, not gonna say. Think of that, as a thank you for winning the bet. Now the real journey starts. You have joined the game. Let¡¯s see how far you go.¡±

    Blue had a devious smile as he gave Cris his last words before reaching their stop. All kinds of ideas and theories were rushing through Cris¡¯s mind that he wanted to try out. He cracked a smile, from everything he just learned. He question why this place was called Gamer Central, now he knew. It was not a game where you were limited by classes, skills or talents. No, it is hard to explain but this was more raw and pure almost like an immortal life with screens. He just became a resident, now it¡¯s time to show Axis, Terminal and the worlds of how much an elite he has become.

    End of PvPer Casual: Book One: Welcome to Gamer Central.

    Few Words

    The bar has been set. This is not the end.

 EXTRA: Leak Chapter: The Art of PvP: Chapter 21 Risk

    The Art of PvP: Chapter 21 Risk

    ¡°No matter where or when you are, there is always a choice to make. The seen and the unseen paths which one would you pick, which one will yield the most reward. Or will you follow your own path?¡±

    -Unknown, The Art of PvP

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> QUERY LOG<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    [NAME: QUERY]

    [RANK: LEET COUNCIL, SOVEREIGN]

    [SECURITY ACCESS: LEVEL 5]

    [INTERPRETATION ACCESS REQUIREMENT: LEVEL 1]

    PENDING¡­ ACCESS GRANTED

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BEGIN INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Risk is in every choice we make, some may lead to victory or a quicker defeat. In PvP combat risks are essential no matter the level of skill the PvPer possess or decision that they have to make. Lack of knowledge/understanding or no knowledge/understanding may cause PvPers to develop reckless styles and inept strategies. In Sovereign in order to understand Risk the follow elements must be established; Calculated Risks, Gambles, Risk and Punishment, and unseen/seen Risks.

    ACCESSING CALCULATED RISK¡­REQUIREMENT LEVEL 1¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS GRANTED

    An opportunity with a chance of failure where the probability has be estimated before undertaking. In PvP combat, Calculate Risk requires the use of resources in order to achieve a reward or an advantage that can lead to a victory. The PvPer weighs their options and decides if the reward is greater than the undertaking and then seizes the opportunity to claim the reward. Calculated Risks are done when the PvPer is ahead or in a deadlock to further build their lead or gain an advantage.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ACCESSING GAMBLES¡­REQUIREMENT LEVEL 1¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS GRANTED

    An attempt of a risk for a loss or a gain. In PvP combat Gambles are done when the outcome or undertaking is uncertain. Gambles are usually done when PvPer is behind in advantage or resources. The reward from the Gamble may give the PvPer equal footing or delay the inevitable loss.

    ACCESSING RISK AND PUNISHMENT¡­REQUIREMENT LEVEL 1¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS GRANTED

    When undergoing a risk, the chance of being punished and being denied the reward may occur. Less skill PvPers may not know how to punish or deny the reward which may result in the risk of getting away with the reward. More skilled PvPers may find ways to efficiently trade to negate the reward gain or penalize the risk taker by rendering useless the resources they have invested.

    REQUESTING STRATEGIES FORMULA AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    ACCESSING UNSEEN/SEEN RISK¡­REQUIREMENT LEVEL 1¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS GRANTED

    [UNSEEN RISK]: A risk where the enemy, spectator or teammate may not notice and get away with the undertaking and reward. Usually, found in top tier plays or gambles to maximize the reward.

    [SEEN RISK]: A risk where the enemy, spectator or teammate has knowledge or knows the undertaking and what the reward or outcome will be. Usually, found in calculated risks where there is no punishment or knows exactly how to punish.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>RESUMING INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Elements of Risk established proceeding with interpretation.

    Not all risks will pay off and the rewards may not help. However, there is exception in risk where if one uses God Mode or Perfect Move¡­

    ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 5 REQUIRED¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 5 REQUIRED¡­ ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 5 REQUIRED

    Thus exception is established.

    Risks become more apparent with the exposure to all types, experience and skill of PvPer reaches a certain level. Once at that level unseen risks become seen risk and the proper methods of punishment and undertaking of risks become known. In top tier it is essential to maintain PvPer¡¯s risk to unseen in order to be ahead or have advantage against others. The risks they get away with will result in many victories on the way to the top.

    REQUESTING ADDITONAL INFORMATION¡­PENDING¡­ACCESS DENIED LEVEL 3 REQUIRED

    No further interpretation required.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END INTERPRETATION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<