《Trapped in a VR game with my grandma.》


 01 - Game Start

    "You know, if you make that face so long it''ll be stuck like that." Theo''s grandmother said as she entered the room. It was lit in a dull grey mostly, as it was raining outside.


    Theo would force his face to be like this forever regardless. He was offended at what he was seeing, as he starred down at his phone.


    "Mornin'', I made some bacon and eggs..." Theo told her distractedly, still scowling at the article he had read. ''InsideJob'' wasn''t renewed for another season... But Bigmouth got a hundredth and fifth season! Whoever made this decision needed to be beheaded in the street yesterday.


    The old woman with dyed red hair walked over to where he sat. A cushioned set of chairs around a table. Their dining room, somewhat connected to a kitchen.


    "I can''t eat that crud." she said as she starred hungrily at the pile of bacon. Then plopped down across from him.


    She was nearly 80 believe it or not- modern medicine is a marvel. She moved with a spryness and sass of someone decades younger. Her skin, hair, all of it defied her actual age.


    "If you took your pills you could.", Theo scrolled down the article he read. She shook her head. "Nah, they make my head all weird." his grandmother pointed at her temples and made circles.


    "You don''t say..." he barely looked up from his phone at her.


    But she slapped him on the shoulder and he to fumbled it. "Careful! This is the latest model!" Theo shielded his phone from the dangerous offender.


    She scoffed at him- "Every year they come out with one! I remember when I was your age, they were in the single digits!"


    "This is the Iphone ''Odyssey''. Thank you very much." he gestured to it grandly.


    She laughed.


    Which, after a moment- caused him to laugh. Sometimes she made him feel like the grandparent. He had visited often, before moving in. But now they were more like friends than a grandchild / grandparent.


    Samantha Lemont, renowned photographer. Mostly retired.


    They were in her apartment - if you could call it that. It was a building many people lived in, but each one was the size of a house. Grand. Large white vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, shiny black paneled floors.


    He moved in when he lost his job a few months ago. Not that it was his fault. It was automated. Damned robots.


    "Odyssey- they make it sound like an adventure! That marketing department I swear..." she sprung forward energetically- "Marketing!" She framed hard hands in front of her as if she was pitching an idea.


    "Marketing, never changes." she said seriously.


    "Is that some kind of reference or something?" Theo asked.


    "Your generation suuuucks." she deflated into her cushioned seat. Head lulling back.


    Theo just shook his head and sighed. Putting away his phone, apparently the showrunners of ''Lux Machina'' were holding out hope someone else would pick up the series for another season.


    *Ting-Tingaling*


    The padding of little feet come into the room.


    A little Pomeranian puffball starred at the two, a tiny bell hanging from her neck.


    "What?" Theo asked. But she just starred at the two expectantly. "Outside?", she tilted her head. "Foo-?" The dog peed.


    "Wha- No! Bad dog! No!", Theo went to chastise her.


    His grandmother stopped him; "Don''t you tell at her!", "She''s ruining the floor! This place costs like a billion dollars!", "It''s laminated hardwood! She''s a dog! And besides... The drone will get it."


    The two argued as the dog padded off to cause trouble elsewhere, seemingly satisfied.


    After arguing for awhile longer, Theo accepted defeat. Sighing and frustrated.


    "Forget it. Let''s go for a walk.", he said. Immediately Samantha deflated again into her cushion, head lulling back. "Don''t wanna."


    "Come on, there''s a nice sprinkle out there, let''s go see the park. Maybe Ed will be playing chess again?"


    "No.", she was adamant. It was early morning, but that''s the best time for her. Theo pinched the ridge of his nose. "What if we passed by the game store?"


    She looked up from the cushioned seat.


    ---


    So there they were. After a brief trip to the park, they had made their way to the game shop.


    "Ed was cranky today." Theo said listlessly as he examined some of the games on the shelves.


    There was a resurgence of this kind of thing, ''physical copies'' were once again a thing.


    See- a few online platforms rescinded ownership of some products and now people wanted physical evidence of ownership. And other legal stuff. So now, you had to buy these.


    "It''s cause you mentioned the games. I told you not to. I had to listen to Ed explain for the millionth time; ''Chess never gets an update or a patch! That''s a real game, back from when people finished things!'' bah!"


    She said that, but she herself was an adept chess player. Board games were apart of her gaming obsession. She even hosted DnD campaigns with some of the other seniors in the building.


    The woman was excitedly browsing as she explained how video games were very bit as valid as chess. "Oooh~ saucy. Hey Theo, look at this."


    "No." he said instantly. The old woman grimaced. "Look." she pushed the game in front of him but he turned his head.


    "I''ll guess. Is it a dating sim?", "Nope.", "Sex thing in anyway?", "You''re no fun. - I Can''t believe they just put this on the shelves."


    Theo grabbed up a game. "What about this one? You play as a cop. Hey- they haven''t automated that yet-" before he finished his sentence his grandmother was snickering.


    "What? I could be a cop!", "Sure, sure." they browsed awhile longer, Theo liked games but he wasn''t as enamored as his grandmother.


    He wanted to DO something real. But what could he do? 90% of work is done by robots. Welfare is so good a person could live in dignity on it. But it didn''t give a person purpose or meaning.


    He was thinking of jobs and work when he saw it.


    A grand display. An advertisement centered in the large store magnificently.


    A knight in shining armor stood with a sword impaling stone, the words; "The Real Fantasy" scrawled across the bottom in a regal old english font.


    "That''s a bit... On the nose?" Theo said looking at the white platform it stood on. There were pictures and descriptions of gameplay features.


    ''Live in a land of fantasy! Be a bard, a tavern keeper! A king or a peasant! Live out your fantasy dream in the first REAL fantasy!''


    "Whow! Look at those graphics - it looks so real! And this is a VR game? Theo- VR games can''t do this yet." she said studiously as she flipped through a pamphlet that came from the display.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Looks like this one does." Theo said, looking for actual gameplay, but there were no actual displays. Like screens.


    "Oh, I see. This is new!" she slapped the page in the pamphlet. "No wonder it''s so generic! It''s made by the company that made the new VR system, it launches with it!" she showed him the pamphlet and Theo took it.


    ''The Real Fantasy'', developed inhouse by the neurolink team using generative artificial intelligence.


    Theo perused the pages, getting the gist of it.


    Instead of using graphics cards, ram, and all these things, the system transmits directly to the brain using precise arcs of electricity and nano-technology to utilize the brains natural sensory capabilities to generate an environment indistinguishable from reality. Which connected to a private internet source provided by the company.


    An environment with cities and questlines generated by A.i. which studied every fantasy accessible.


    Before he got to the next section of the pamphlet his grandmother snatched it back. "This- I was worried I would die before getting to see it..." her eyes were glistening with held back tears.


    "I wouldn''t get too excited... Sounds too good to be true." he said.


    She looked at him with an ire. "Don''t spit on my dreams. I''m buying this."


    Other people were noticing the commotion and approaching it now. Some of them seemed almost as excited as Theos grandmother. "Mom I want it!", "I don''t know, it seems violent."


    "You''d think something like this would have some kind of use besides video games... Why are we hearing about it now? And where was the advertising for it?" Theo was puzzled.


    "You can stand here all day and think about it. I''m going home and getting weird with this." she held the pamphlet close to her chest as she walked to one of the many store clerks.


    "One of these please."


    ---


    The headset was... Massive. To say the least. It was like wearing a cat-scan on your head. It was on wheels, and the person had to lay down to get in it.


    No wonder they didn''t have a trial system at the store, they had to get it delivered like a piano. The deliverymen were anxious to leave as quickly as possible - who knows how many orders they were getting...


    "Grandma... I think I should test it first. What if it has a weird affect on old people brains?", she just gave him a coy look in response-  "Pfft, no way! I''m living the rest of my life in this thing! Look, it says right here; ''FDA approved''!" slapping a sticker on the side of the giant 1980''s styled microwave helmet.


    The fact that the FDA had to approve a video game console alone made Theo anxious, but he felt that his grandmother might actually attack him if he showed any more skepticism.


    They wheeled it over to a bed in one of the guest rooms. So that a person could lay with their head hanging from the bed and... Slot themselves in?


    "There are over twenty playable races! Though half of them seem anthropomorphic. Kinky." she had the game manual and was studying it.


    "How do you uh... ''Do it''?", Theo was looking at the entrance to it. It was heavily padded.


    "It says right here just push your head in and say ''Game start''." She slapped the book closed and tossed it on a dresser.


    "I still think we should wait for reviews and stuff." Theo was still worried, this thing could scramble brains if it could simulate realities...


    "Stop being such a worrywort! I''ve seen gameplay, people have uploaded it! Though, there''s this weird privacy thing where you can''t share gameplay footage until you''re outside the game... Again- kinky. Me likey." she giddily pulled the machine towards her head.


    Theo couldn''t believe how willing she was, but before he knew it the machine hummed to life and she said; "Don''t wait up for me! Game start!".


    Her body went still, hand flopping onto the mattress.


    "Grandma!" he grabbed her hand frantically- but he felt a pulse. "Oh... Yeah. But still- that''s freaky as hell." it did clearly say it would render the user immobile. In the same way sleep paralysis did, apparently. But it would awake the user if certain conditions are met.


    Theo wished he could see her gameplay to make sure everything was alright, but beside some displays on the outside of the machine showing heartrate and things, he had no way of knowing what she was doing.


    ---


    After a few hours, he started to get antsy. Of course, she was just enjoying the game he was sure. Theo did browse some gameplay while he waited, and it was reality bending to see.


    There were different trends arising, like messing with the NPCs that used machine learning to remember players and react to them dynamically. The NPCs, or ''non-player characters'', behaved as if they were alive.


    One player stole an apple from a vendor and ran down the street only to be clotheslined by a guard who was expecting his behavior. His friends laughing at him as they jailed him.


    The players said it felt indistinguishable from reality. From the sun on their skin, to even the wounds they got. Though, negative sensations like pain were only a mild discomfort at most, like a haptic feedback system on older VR games. Though they could taste food and things like that.


    But apart from that, the world teeming with life. The organic quest system, the wildlife. NPCs actually did stuff throughout the day. It was all so complex but somehow worked seamlessly. The Ai had set it up and let it run wild. Like a little contained world.


    Though of course, it wasn''t little at all, the size and scope of it dwarfed the actual Earth.


    Theo wanted to try himself, perhaps Samantha would buy another machine. A lot of things were still unknown, as the game only just came online a few days prior.


    It was getting late, Theo was getting worried and so he went to press the failsafe button on the machine.


    She could yell at him all she wanted, he just had to make sure.


    "Sorry Grandma, just a quick break..." He pressed the button.


    "Grandma?" He pressed it again. "You awake yet?"


    ''Oh shit.'' he scrambled for the book and opened it. Frantically flipping through it he came upon the page about leaving the game.


    The player could say ''Fantasy Game Off'' or select from a drop down menu but from the outside the failsafe button was supposed to disconnect them.


    As well as jostling their body a lot like waking them from a dream.


    He had tried both.


    He started to hyperventilate. "No... No..", he called 911.


    ''All available lines are occupied, please remain on the line and if you have a medical emergency-''


    "FUCK!", he tossed the phone across the room.


    Theo ran over to the TV in the corner of the room and turned it over to the news. A beautiful latina in a dress suit appeared.


    "-illions of players are currently comatose and trapped inside of the product. Legal representatives of Neurolink claims they''re not aware of what''s causing the issue and are working desperately to fix it, authorities are pressing them on the issue but unfortunately they''re the only ones that understand the technology enough to rectify it."


    Another news anchors voice chimed in; "What does this mean if users are stuck in for several hours, or even days? Can''t we just pull them out?"


    The woman flipped through her papers nervously and then brought a hand up to a ear piece, nodding and listening then saying;


    "Neurolink enterprises claims that they can fix the bug before anything like that, but if necessary, they''re covering the medical costs of anyone who is trapped for so long as they need medical attention. As for ''pulling them out'', well- they say that if the failsafe isn''t working that it likely won''t trigger in any case meaning..."


    "They''ll be comatosed.", "Yes. And possibly worse."


    The remote clattered to the ground from Theos hands.


    He looked back at his grandmother, tears in his eyes. He grabbed one of her hands into his and held it gently. Feeling the warmth to remind himself, she''s probably having the time of her life in there.


    ---


    Neurolink didn''t fix the bug, and people became skeptical if they ever would after the first few days.


    As hundreds of thousands of people around the country were put into hospitals. The huge visors being wheeled in alongside their IV drips.


    Theo sat next to his grandma. She was wealthy herself, and with the Neurolinks medical compensation, she afforded one of the most advanced facilities for comatose patients.


    He shuddered at the thought of the people who were shuttled into the warehouses instead.


    A knock at their door- a nurse stood there. Joyce, a large woman with dark hair and hazel eyes.


    "Hey..." She spoke gently, "Do you need anything? Coffee?"


    Theo wiped at his face, embarrassed. "Uh, no thank you. How much longer are visiting hours?" He forgot how long he''s sat here. Studying his phone for any progress on fixing... Whatever this is.


    "No worries. You have a few more hours." Theo nodded, and she turned to leave but stopped- "I''m so sorry... This is all so strange and terrible..." she seemed unsure what to say- she had a bit of anger in her eyes, despite how sullenly she said it.


    Theo felt that same anger, everyone did.


    "It is." is all he said.


    ---


    Theo was on his phone the next day. New cracks running along the screen.


    "Come on Hank! I can''t find them anywhere-"


    *Ting-aling*


    Theo was feeding Princess, his grandmothers spoiled brat of a dog. She starred up at him from the food. He didn''t know what she usually ate. Samantha did.


    Probably something fancy, but for now, she got wet dog food and that was fancy for most. But evidently, not for Princess.


    "I don''t care, I''ll pay four times!" apparently many people had the same idea he did concerning the VR machines.


    If you can''t fix it from the outside... Maybe you can on the inside.


    "Alright Alright! Relax Theo- it''s your funeral. Like I said, the police tried to reclaim it. And I got a bunch of offers from other people, I don''t know how they figured out I have it! I would say I don''t need the money, with your grandmother being laid up and all that but... I''m not doing too great, like financially. After buying this thing."


    "It''s no problem, Samantha can afford it."


    Getting it to the apartment would be a problem. And then alerting authorities to pick him up, it''s all a crazy plan.


    But his grandmother was in his corner when he needed her, he couldn''t let her waste away in there.


    Theo rented a moving truck instead and set it up in there. The VR machines had a temporary battery you could charge, almost as if they planned for this eventuality...


    It was like a shady back alley deal how it went down. He backed up to his friends house, in the suburbs outside the big city and loaded it up.


    His heart was in his throat as he looked at the thing - but he couldn''t procrastinate long. His friend would be calling the police soon to tell them about this ''mysterious van''.


    "...How will I find her? How does the game work if you can''t disconnect? Do people sleep in there?" he couldn''t know. The game only let you share gameplay after disconnecting, and no one has disconnected for days.


    Time seemed to slow, almost as if his body knew how important this moment was. He looked out into the suburban neighborhood. Sprinklers were creating rainbows along the streets, it''s easier to appreciate things when you know you might not see them for awhile. Then he looked out at the distant grey cityscape of tall buildings. Took a breath of real air, then slotted his head into the bulky device. "Fuck me... game start."

 02 - Noblemen Charles Malton

    It felt as though he just woken up.


    ...But he was sure he had just said; "Game start.".


    "Ugh.. Where am I?" He asked blearily, rubbing at his eyes- he looked around. Tossing silk bed sheets aside. The room was very regal looking, like a room at the white house. Or a French mansion.


    He rolled out of the bed. The light-brown hardwood was polished and smooth like Samanthas house. Then he saw what he was wearing.


    He would''ve laughed, but he was a man on a mission... People used to wear some ridiculous pajamas back in medieval times though.


    He saw himself in a standing mirror in the corner of the room. He had to wave at it to make sure it was him- it randomized his character creation it seemed. That was a huge bummer, but he hadn''t planned on staying long in any case.


    His hair was a light green color- at least his eyes were green like before. Very tan. The ethnicity was vague and hard to place.


    Theo shrugged. He seemed more handsome than before. Theo wanted to follow an OP build he saw online, but apparently somethings changed and it picked for him., ''Wonder what my class is then.'', he found some clothes hanging from a wardrobe.


    The regal outfit was a puzzle to put on, there were many different pieces. But after several minutes there here stood- in the frilly looking suit. A dark purple in most places, white and off-green.


    It was just like the gameplay- indistinguishable from reality. Every touch or sensation- felt real... It spat in the face of the real world how convincing it was. Theo was faced with a bit of an existential crisis just thinking about it. Outside, his body laid comatose.


    ''But there was a bit of reality here- it''s not so bad. There''s other players, for one. For two, it''s using my own brain to create it. It''s not as real, but it''s real enough.''. Here he sat, dressed like a French noble at some opulent desk. And he looked different, beyond what any plastic surgery could do. He had to shake away these existential thoughts.


    "Is that a freakin'' sword?" he said aloud as he saw it- a sheathed cutlass leaned against the wall near the door. Theo eagerly snatched it up- it had a dark green sheath with golden embroidery.


    As he unsheathed it, the blade was a gleaming teal color.


    "That''s badass." he swung it around, it was difficult to balance with. The end was heavier like a scimitar. This place probably had the culture where nobles would carry around decorative swords. He hoped it did.


    "Lord Malton?" a voice called from beyond the opulent off-white door.


    Theo stammered as he responded. "Y-yeah?" he had no idea how to act like a noble person! But it was an Npc surely, they shouldn''t care how he acts. The way the voice sounded though- it elicited a genuine response from Theo. He couldn''t help it. They were just too real.


    "Are you well? The staff had elected to allow you to sleep in regarding the events of the other day... But it is noon now sir and we''re worried you may fall into melancholy."


    Theo opened up the door. There a middle-aged butler stood. He had nearly trimmed salt and pepper hair and goatee. A few other shadowing maids or butlers walked away as the door opened.


    The butler seemed pleased. "Ah! Very good sir, miss Celica prepared a Chicken Liver & Pineau Pat¨¦ that is simply delectable. I''ll have a portion prepared- your friend Sir Khaeve sent word he plans to visit, I believe he intends to offer a trade with you... Also- it''s not my nature to pry my Lord, but that duel yesterday was closely fought. Lady Malton has beaten even commanders of the guard mind you-"


    The butler noticed the thousand yard stare Theo was giving him. He wasn''t disappointed about whatever the outcome of some duel was. It was all just so overwhelming to him, his brain was still processing.


    "-Anyways sir, should I have the Pineau Pat¨¦ send to the dining room, or perhaps the library?"


    Theo pinched the ridge of his brow and sighed.


    "Uhhh... The dining room. -What was your name again?"


    The butler seemed taken aback by that. But after a moment of consideration he actually seemed pleased by it.


    "My name is Stelios my lord." he bowed politely and left down the hall.


    "Oh! One more thing... Which way is the dining room?"


    ---


    The second question confused the butler, but Theo had anticipated on the place being a maze.


    It was massive. The walls lined with paintings, hunting trophies, suits of armors or weapons, just various trinkets and baubles.


    Every now and then there''d be a fancy set of couches or rugs out in the open.


    The dining room itself had a tall glass door that led to a veranda, which had a garden beyond it.


    ''Not bad. Did all players start like this? Surely this world would run out of castles.'',


    Theo sat there sipping his coffee. They had it, evidently. The staff were giving him confused glances as he drank.


    It wasn''t hard to see why -he was eyeing the wall decorations like a tourist. Theo felt that he shouldn''t have to try so hard, he was a player after all. The NPCs had to play along, but him? Not so much. They were just too convincing not to respond to genuinely.


    The food was good, at first he was a bit iffy about eating chicken liver. But the fact that it was only 1''s and 0''s- and tasted good convinced him to clean his plate.


    He patted his stomach contentedly. ''Reminds me of that scene from the matrix. The steak. If its anything like this then plug me in baby.''


    "You''re acting awfully glib considering." A woman said as she strutted into the room. She was dressed in a ball gown, a similar faded green color as her eyes and hair.


    She looked at him expectantly- suddenly Theo was put on the spot. This wasn''t like the staff NPCs, she expected a conversation.


    "What can I say? I''m in a good mood. Have you tried this?" Theo pointed down at his plate.


    She scoffed and sat in one of the fancy chairs, dragging it loudly across the floor. Theo looked to see if it was leaving marks. It wasn''t.


    "So you''re making excuses then, of how you lost?", she waved a maid over and began speaking in her ear.


    It gave Theo time to think. The hair, the attitude, this was his sister. And evidently she had beaten him in a duel yesterday.


    Theo shrugged, "We''re all good at different things. I''m not much of a fighter. Nice... Dress?"


    She gave him a confused look, a look many of the NPCs thus far has given him.


    "...What?" Theo asked after a moment.


    A servant approached a delivered some kind of salad to the woman.


    "You''re behaving strangely..." she picked at the leaves on her plate.


    "Uh, well, you know- *ahem*" he coughed. Was she suspicious? An NPC? Could his cover be blown?


    [Assimilation]


    He heard an unnaturally deep voice say. It was inside his head- he was sure of it. His ''sister'' didn''t notice it at all.


    It would''ve made him flinch but he suddenly had an inspiration as to what to say;


    "No that''s fine. I''m no sore loser, I''ve just reflected on what really matters. There are worse things than to lack the capacity for violence. No, I''d like to be the sort who can convince others to do as I say because of the merit of my arguments. Though I can see the value of combat for self defense. Not that is something WE''D have to worry about." Theo gestured to the mansion around him.


    "Fair enough... It is good that you could be so graceful in defeat brother. Lesser men would never accept a duel with the opposite sex to begin with."


    Theo shook his head knowingly;


    "Our house has always been very liberal that way. Women with the right preparations can overcome mundane biological differences. If combat is their vocation in any case."


    She seemed satisfied with that, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and left the table.


    "Very well then, you acknowledged my ability so I shan''t flaunt my victory so much."


    The tension seemed to drain from the room- Theo hadn''t realized the staff had been holding their shoulders a bit high.


    The two of them must be known for their arguments.


    ''But what was that voice? [Assimilation]? It seemed that it allowed him to get in touch with what his character would have said.''


    He shook his head. "Stelios?", "Yes my lord?", his faithful attendant stepped forward from where he was standing patiently.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "I''d like to go riding, where were the stables again?"


    ---


    It was overcast, and it would sprinkle every so often. But he enjoyed it. Real fresh air. A horse, a real horse! Well, real enough.


    He had ridden once before, and it showed. A nervous butler rode close by as they did one lap around the state.


    The lands around the estate were cleared of any dense thickets. They passed through a series of gardens and lawns, fountains and cobblestone pathways.


    Even a hedgemaze. But they rode beyond.


    To the forest.


    "Say, Stelios, or is it Sir Stelios? I''ve heard you called."


    "Either is fine my lord, I was once a knight in his majesties guard before serving house Malton."


    "Sir Stelios then, what would you say my best qualities are? Am I a warrior, or just a handsome fool?",


    Stelios seemed taken aback by that. "Sir, I am quite flattered but I do not prefer the company of men, and it would be inappropriate considering my position-"


    "No! Fuckin'' ew- no you old bastard!" Stelios seemed to breath a sigh of relief.


    It was hard to keep speaking like everyone else did, they spoke using old english rules often times. Their accents were close enough, but that might be the games language settings at work.


    It seems that it was easy to misunderstand him. He''d have to work on that.


    "I just meant like, what was I really good at before fighting my sister yesterday? And be honest." Theo asked.


    They were at a slower trot now as it would be unsafe to ride any faster.


    Every so often they would have to duck or lean out of the way of a branch.


    "Ah, I see then... Your prowess in combat is not irredeemable my lord. It is simply that your sister is very talented and trains rigorously. I''d say you would best the average soldier, and that is enough of a man of your station."


    ''Was it that obvious?'' Theo and this guy he role played as likely had a lot in common then. Theo had an athletic build in real life like this, but he was no fighter either. Just every time he fought, he couldn''t put his heart into it. It just had always felt wrong and pointless to Theo.


    But if a retired Knight thought a guy like Theo could beat the average soldier- that couldn''t be so bad.


    Theo puffed his chest out a bit as he rode. Much to the chagrin of Sir Stelios.


    It did confirm one thing at least- he didn''t have the [Warrior] class. Perhaps he was a bard, if how he was dressed was anything to go off of.


    He could ride, he could travel. And he was a noble person, which gave Theo another idea.


    "Could you do me a favor Stelios?", "Of course Sir.", "I''d like to post... A ''bounty'', I want it to be known that I''m searching for someone. An elderly woman named Samantha Lemont. But ensure one thing, that she is given the upmost respect and curtesy. I want any information regarding her location. I''ll give them 10 gold."


    The butlers eyes widened.


    "20 gold?" Theo added.


    "...No other description Sir?" Stelios asked after awhile. "Nope, just the name and the fact she''s a crazy old lady." Theo smiled a bit at the thought.


    Imagining what she''d say if she saw him now.


    ---


    They rode back to the estate grounds but were intercepted just before they got there.


    A few soldiers dressed in green tabards and armors- a uniform of sorts- stood barring their way. Horses turned to the side covering the narrow path.


    "Apologies Milord, we simply wanted to inquire to the message you left at the guard yesterday."


    The central guard spoke as Theo and Stelios rode over to them. Theo only shook his head.


    [Assimilation]


    It seemed to trigger whenever he was nervous. The deep voice sounded in his mind and his nerves seemed to calm a bit. There was an air of suspicion again.


    "I''m sorry, but I had quite a bit to drink then and may of had a bit of a misunderstanding. Could I see the note? I hardly remember."


    He delivered the line perfectly, as casual as can be. With even a hint of embarrassment.


    The guard hardly looked away from him- but nodded and reached into his saddle bag producing a folded letter.


    Eloquently written;


    ''Guard Ishka, of all the guards- I''ve confided in you before. I don''t know where to turn now. I''ve consulted with alchemists and healers and while they assure me that I am in perfect health- I do not know for sure. But I feel that as though a shadow hangs over me. Perhaps it is madness- but in the event of my demise, I ask that you get to the bottom of it.''


    ''Oh shit.'', Theo immediately thought. A ''shadow''? How did this whole [Backstory] system work? Was it challenging him to keep up his cover? To ''act'' better? Theo knew that the system created memories of the player for each NPC when they spawn. But did it also challenge them to fill that role?


    Or did he actually replace a guy? He wrote right here- this was evidence of his existence!


    This wasn''t as advertised. It wasn''t what he had seen in the gameplay videos. He was at a loss.


    "Lord Malton?", the guard asked.


    Theo looked back up. "Yes, I have been feeling paranoid as of late I must admit." he was only half lying.


    "Did you anger anyone in town? Receive any threatening letters? Or are you just... Concerned?" they were clearly confused as they questioned him.


    "I received a... Warning. Yes! A warning of my demise from a woman named Samantha Lemont."


    The guards looked between one another. One produced a quill and paper. "Samantha Lemont? From town?"


    "I''m not sure where she is from but I intend to find out and question her further. The warning was ambiguous to say the least but none the less disconcerting... She had said things they no one besides myself knew. Rest assured- I made sure to destroy her letter to me."


    The knights seemed to shiver at the idea. But that was the affect Theo was going for. For whatever reason, this ''Lord Malton'', felt threatened. And now he had to make an excuse as to why.


    "How odd Lord Milton... Very odd indeed. We''ll spread the word about this ''Samantha Lemont'', perhaps it''s some prankster angry with the ruling house. Wouldn''t be the first time."


    "True. And that would be appreciated, thank you. Good day."


    "And good day to you too milord." they nodded and rode on by. Theo breathed a sigh of relief.


    As they trotted into the estate grounds Stelios muttered; "Samantha Lemont, so that''s why you wanted to find her..."


    Theo nodded. It lined up enough. He felt [Assimilation] fading, but while it was active it was easy to ''become'' the Lord Malton.


    [Backstory Quest added: Obtain the ''Amulet of Drassus'']


    The words blinked in the corner of his vision. No voice this time.


    ''A quest? Now?'' he blinked a few times and the text disappeared.


    ---


    After taking the horses back to the stables, Sir Stelios went to help one of the staff with a problem they had been having.


    Theo felt bad for him, had he been monopolizing Stelios'' time?


    ''I feel like a prick, ordering these people around. Sure they''re NPCs, but real people used to do this. And they seem so real... Hundreds of people in service to a few dozen, it''s so unfair.''


    Theo had seen how the staff acted- so poised and patient. Just waiting to be needed. ''Why did they do it?''


    He decided to approach one and ask.


    Theo turned to the maid that started following him around when Stelios left.


    "Excuse me miss, but I was just curious. Why are you here exactly..? Why are there so many here that serve so few?"


    She stammered nervously; "I-I''m here because my family owes a debt to the Malton family... My mother she was sick, it was... Many reasons. We''re grateful for the Maltons and a few years of service is the least I could do Lord Malton."


    "-Oh. Very well then. Thank you.", of course it would be something like that. They wouldn''t be here ''just because''. It''s like cleaning the dishes at a restaurant when you can''t pay.


    It was still awkward.


    Theo walked along the castle grounds for the remainder of the day. Talking with the staff. Gardner''s, hunters, butlers and maids, the occasional guard. So many people were working while he just walked around, no one ever asked him to do anything.


    He found out his first name was Charles. And Charles Malton was... Not the best guy. He was probably ''decent'' as far as noble people go.


    But he was a bit of a womanizer- Theo had suspicions, based on how some of the female staff treated him. The treatment was... Mixed.


    His favorite pass-time was frequenting the town on shopping trips. Fraternizing with other nobles as parties. Playing the lute, writing poetry, but besides that he was relatively average. He could swing a sword and ride a horse at an adequate level.


    Piece by piece, Theo managed to figure out Charles Maltons life. He found discreet ways to bring it up in every conversation he had as he explored the estate grounds.


    It took hours and now the sun had begun to set. And his maid attendant Urla asked if he planned on attending dinner with his family.


    He decided to.


    ---


    The dinning room was well lit, chandeliers and wall sconces lined the room.


    The off-white color of the walls had dark oak trim, and they were mostly covered by decorative pieces or furniture.


    The silverware, the food, it was all so bourgeoisie. Theo hated that he liked it so much, but when in Rome, live as the Romans do. But even he had to admit- classism it had its'' perks.


    The other Maltons'' had already joined the table before he had, "Look who has decided to join us." the man- likely his father- at the head of the table said.


    He was an aged version of Theo essentially, but paler skin. A woman with dark skin and hair sat next to him.


    Theo hastily sat down. "I apologize for being late father, I had many things to attend to."


    A child or two and a dozen young adults also sat at the table. Including his sister who had beaten him in a duel. They mostly disregarded him as he sat.


    ''There were so many!'' Theo thought. Who said the rich didn''t have kids? Because they were wrong, at least in this case.


    "Yes, galivanting around the grounds pestering the staff is not worth demonstrating rudeness over. Be sure to arrive on time in the future."


    Theo went to say ''yeah, sorry'' or something but the man continued speaking disregarding him.


    "-In any case, I hear you received top marks in your magus classes Leslie. Something about a rogue elemental?", he spoke to a little girl with dark hair like her mother who sat nearby-


    "Yes papa, one of my student peers had foolishly summoned an elemental beyond their ability to control. Fortunately I was able to dispel it using a flame cantrip and no harm came to anyone."


    Theos mouth dropped. ''She was what- 10 years old!?''


    She spoke so eloquently and humbly. And that girl could shoot fire? Children always creeped Theo out. And this one gave Theo ''psycho/genius'' vibes.


    "Very well done Leslie. Perhaps we should reward you, some fire stones from the treasury perhaps?"


    Leslie beamed at the compliment.


    Theo had leaned forward at that. He had a quest to find some amulet. Maybe he could find it there.


    "I was able to best Sir Rokir in a duel father!" a kid about five years older than Leslie spoke next.


    The middle aged man only shook his head.


    "You likely accomplished so because Sir Rokir has aged significantly since he''s last seen combat. Perhaps it is time we get you a more advanced tutor?"


    Corvus blanched- "That''s unnessecary father! Sir Rokir might be slower now, but he''s-"


    "Now, Corvus, let''s not form personal attachments so easily. A tutor is a tutor, if one does not serve to further your studies than another will be provided. Now, anyone else?"


    "I won a duel as well father." a woman around Theos age said coyly. She sat across from him a few seats over.


    Theo looked up from his plate that he had been devouring and saw a small smile on her face.


    ''What about my pacifist speech from before? I thought we settled this.'', he thought as he starred at her but she just returned a look of ''Oh well, sucks to suck.''.


    The father just sawed off a piece of mutton with a knife and fork without looking up as he spoke; "I''m afraid I''m not impressed of that either Elise, Charles is a man of the arts clearly, not the sword."


    At that, Theo nodded proudly. Elise deflated, but only a bit, she seemed one of the proudest nobles here. After that, the table of nobles, cousins, children, parents, all began having different conversations.


    Just idle chatter.


    Theo motioned over one of the attendants that stood waiting. "Can I have a bit of the chicken liver?" he asked, it was weird but he really liked it when he had it that morning and was craving it.


    "Yes Lord Charles", -only now they use his first name? In a room full of Maltons it was likely necessary.


    "Thank you.", he went back to eating a biscuit.


    "What is this politeness Charles? How unlike you to be so kind to the help. I heard you''ve been going around, making amends with the help all day. What brought about this change?"


    A man a bit older than him asked. His faded green hair meant he was likely an older sibling, or uncle.


    "I''m unsure. Perhaps my less than graceful defeat humbled me."


    They both laughed at that.


    "If you''d like, I could give you some pointers. I don''t boast it, but I am told that I''m at the level of a knight commander."


    "Thank you, but as father said I believe my efforts are based directed towards where my talents lie."


    The man nodded respectfully, swallowed and cleared his throat.


    "-Still, a man such as yourself should be able to fight at the level of knights at least, we receive the same level of training they do after all."


    Theo was reluctant to agree, but it couldn''t hurt. If he was going to be in this world for the foreseeable future, he might as well.


    He had to wait to see if there''s any word about his grandmother anyways. Learn more, and figure out exactly what he''s capable of doing as a noble.


    "Fine. I could train with you, but I''m not a morning person." Theo said finally.


    "Good! I will see you tomorrow afternoon then. Let''s see if we can''t make a knight out of you. There are plenty of poet knights after all."


    They talked awhile longer as the sunset turned to night, and they went back to their different rooms.


    --


    The lights turned on automatically as he entered. Gems- or crystals inside of sconces began to glow orange and flickered like firelight.


    He threw off the purple overcoat he wore. And plopped into a chair that sat at a desk. Then pulled an ink pot over. ''Suppose I better figure out how to word this bounty... Let''s see; An elderly woman by the name of Samantha Lemont...'' Theo began to write.


    Then he saw movement in the corner of the room, two eyes glistened as they stepped forward.


    "JESUS CHRIST!" Theo startled as he saw them, clutching his chest in fright.


    "It''s me!" a voice said, a maid appeared from the darkened corner. Laughing softly.


    "You just about gave me a heart attack!", "Shhh! Do you want to get caught? And, who is Jesus Christ?"


    "-It''s a long story. And what do you mean, getting ''caught?''" Theo had an idea, and his cheeks slowly turned red.


    The maid produced a bottle of wine that she was hiding behind her back. "What do you think?"


    "Alright then.", he said finally. The woman set the bottle on the table and pulled some glasses from a drawer.


    "You''re being quiet." she said after pouring some of the wine in the glasses.


    He stammered. "Uh- I''m-"


    [Assimilation]


    "-I''m just at a bit of a crossroads, Violet." he sighed- the redness fading from his cheeks.


    "It''s like... I thought simply being a noble meant I would be excellent no matter what I do. But it takes real consideration. Have you ever realized how much of a fool you were in a single day?"


    "Yes, I dropped a plate of crepes the other day and miss Ethel made sure to make me feel like a fool... The old crone. -Is this about your duel with Elise?" she asked sympathetically.


    "Yes. No. Not really, that''s just one sign of many that I have not tried as hard as my siblings. Elise could lead knights for christs- gods sake!"


    "Guards." she corrected him. "But I thought-", "It was the guard commanders she fights at an equal level. Better than knight alone, but a knight commander is another matter... You''re stressed, but I think it''s s you said at dinner, you just need to focus on what your talents are."


    "...That''s the problem. The only thing I rival my siblings in is arrogance." Theo deflated into his chair. Taking a drink of wine.


    "Ever the poet..." Violet said rolling her eyes. Then she rested a hand on his, brushing a strand of dark brown hair behind an ear.


    "In the end, it doesn''t matter if you''re a genius like your siblings. You''re still you. There are more things to life than skills, or a persons abilities I think."


    ''You would think that, you''re a maid.'', Theo shook his head- those weren''t his thoughts. Was that [Assimilation] at work?


    "Is something the matter?" Violet asked.


    "No, it''s just- you''re right Violet. Sorry for being a buzzkill.", "A buzzkill?"


    "I-it means someone who is so sad it brings down the mood of others around them.", Theo explained slowly. ''Words. What words did these people use?''


    He could almost feel the [Assimilation] wearing off, his connection to the original Charles Malton was waning.


    She kissed him. "I''m just glad you finally trust me. Usually you push me away when stuff like this happens."


    He was turning beat red again.


    "Well, you know..." he stammered and she laughed. They sipped the wine and talked, laughed- Theo tried sneak in the fact that he''d rather spend the night alone into the conversation. But it didn''t end up that way.


    One thing led to another- but safe to say, this VRMMO came with an M rating for a reason.


    Was it okay- to pose as this person he wasn''t and be with a person he wasn''t? Theo hardly had time to consider it, before Violet was on top of him.


    It was a long night of drinking wine and... ''Talking'', but eventually Violet relented and allowed him to sleep.


    And when he awoke the next morning, Violet was gone. A strange life, a strange world. And he hasn''t even seen magic yet.

 03 - Midnight Rendezvous

    The following few days went by as slowly as the first.


    Theo adapted, talking to the Npcs, it was easier as a noblemen who couldn''t really take ''no'' for an answer. He had privilege, like actual privilege.


    He started training with his Uncle, Brandon. Who insisted, and didn''t seem to care about Theos'' privilege.


    The man was a head larger than Theo, and they both sparred while wearing armor and using dull swords. So they really hit each other- it hurt a lot. But it made Theo take it seriously. If these practice blades hurt- than a monster Npc eating you from the toes-up would REALLY hurt.


    On second thought; ''If they made pain more real, what else is also more real? Could I respawn still?''


    "Pay attention!" Brandon shouted.


    ''THUNK!'' the sword bounced off his helmet, which caused his ears to ring. He felt a wetness going down the side of his neck.


    -Another swing. Brandon wasn''t stopping there.


    [Assimilation]-


    Theo leaned back while swinging up with his sword deflecting Brandons blow upwards.


    Then he stepped in and punched Brandon in the helmet with a gauntleted fist. Theo lacking the bulky muscles that Brandon had- it didn''t do much. Brandon snatched Theo by the chestplate and headbutted him thunderously-


    Theo staggered back clutching his helmet which now had a divot in the front.


    He was reminded why he hated violence so much.


    Theo lifted his sword high above his head for a power swing.


    He didn''t make it two steps before Brandon seemed to teleport forward and placed a metal foot into his chest. The kick dented his chest plate and knocked him flat on his back.


    Brandon did that every now and then too, suddenly go from ''yeah, we''re training'' to ''-here''s a real hit for ya''''.


    He coughed up blood which shot up through the slits in his visor. Then he rolled over and vomited. Blood and vomit dripped from the visor.


    "Yield! Healing potion!" Theo ripped his helmet off- the edges of his vision was pulsing. Brandon always took it too far! A servant quickly ran over while delicately balancing a plate with a dozen potions on it.


    Theo took his favorite healing potion and splashed it over his face. Immediately the chips in his teeth and bruised face healed over.


    Brandon slapped him on the back heartily.


    "Fine work lad! You''re like a run of the mill soldier with twice the spirit!" Brandon didn''t have a scratch on him, he wasn''t even sweating.


    Which Theo was. Strands of green hair constantly stuck to his face.


    "You''re going to kill me one of these days." he coughed, wiping his mouth.


    "I held back my blows! I did use one skill however- that kick was apart of the ''Lawful Arrest'' skill I got. I noticed you didn''t use any."


    That''s another thing Theo had learned- Npcs were aware of classes and skills. Leveling up, stats, all of it- because they leveled too. In this game, everything leveled... It was just apart of the natural life cycle.


    "How come I have no skills like that yet?" Theo asked.


    Brandon shrugged- "People have their theories. Some think it''s a matter of fate- your path in life. Some people think its a matter of bloodlines. But in your case? I''m guessing it''s procrastination and confidence."


    Theo took that personally.


    "Is there a way to check my skills? How do you know?"


    Brandons eyes widened. "Surely you have leveled up at least once in your life."


    Theo shook his head.


    "...Well, I''ve heard of it. Some who have not gotten a single level. Resigned to being beggars for life... At least you''re a noble..."


    "So I''m just screwed?"


    "-And despite it, you have some ability. With the poetry and what not, there''s skills for that type of thing as well you know?"


    "Even so, how does it happen?", Theo was positive that he had at least one level, as all players start with one. And he had the [assimilation] skill. But many things seemed different than it was advertised.


    "Hrm, I first leveled when I was 7 years old. Another child had stolen my wooden sword so I brained him with a rock. I got level 1 warrior from that, giving me a toughness passive that I use to this day."


    Theo shook his head, "You killed him?", "Gods no- he survived... But after the guard hauled me away, I heard a voice. The gods told me once I leveled up, that I was a [Warrior]. And since, every so often usually after a good fight and lots of training, I''ll get a level up. Become harder to kill. Tougher. Faster. And some other fancy stuff at higher levels."


    Theo was captivated. That sounded useful. If beating someone halfway to death was a requirement for the FIRST level, no wonder he hasn''t leveled since arriving.


    "What''s a fancier skill you have?", Theo asked.


    Brandon smiled and closed the visor on his helmet; "Want to see?"


    ---


    Theo woke up in his bed. Whatever skill Brandon had used nearly killed him- all he could remember was a flash of yellow light and then nothing.


    There must be a limit to healing potions because he still felt sore as he sat up.


    It was dark. A couple large moons and a whole planet were visible just outside the large windows. The planet had a ring around it and the atmosphere swirled slowly like drifting clouds.


    Theo appreciated the sight, it was a pleasant surprise his first night. Then he looked around for Violet because surely-


    "You''re awake!" A whispering yet excited voice called out. -Right on que. Three of his five nights had ended with fending off Violet now.


    "Oh, -hey. Sorry, just sore." he put a hand up blocking her when she tried to hug him.


    "Yeah! I''m fine. Don''t worry... Whatever Brandon hit me with sure packed a punch huh?" Theo wasn''t so nervous around Violet anymore, just on guard.


    She had been sitting alongside his bed. Their relationship was known, but respectfully ignored it seemed. So long as they didn''t flaunt it, the family would leave it alone.


    That''s how he intuited the situation. But stuff like that is what had given Charles Malton a bad reputation.


    There would be rumors regardless of fraternizing with the staff, it hardly made a difference if it was true or not. In his case- there were limits to what Theo would do to maintain his cover. And that''s a behavior that stopped dead in its'' tracks.


    "I was watching! Why did you take it so far?" Violet almost seemed angry at him.


    He got back into his traditional dark purple outfit. SOMEONE had changed him into his pajamas. He shuddered at the thought.


    The two of them sat on some chairs that were always spread about the room.


    "...I''m not sure. I can take it? From where I come from, I never even had the choice to push myself like that."


    Violet gave him a confused look, and Theo realized where he slipped up.


    "I mean- this family. Growing up here, I just never had a tutor who wouldn''t hold back."


    Violet made a ''oh'' face and Theo sighed internally.


    This was getting tough, keeping up an act 24/7. He wanted to be himself, but it just wasn''t reasonable at the moment.


    Theo had no idea what would happen if anyone ever discovered the truth.


    Would they bug-out, go all "NPC'' about it? Or play along? They seemed too realistic for that, he hardly believed they were even Npcs.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Would they think he was crazy? ''I''m not Charles Malton- I''m just a player and this is all a game''


    Yep. They would think he was crazy. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes.


    "I understand that you want to further yourself, but do try to tell him to go a bit easier, would you?"


    Theo nodded. As much as he had gotten more used to her being around- she had also, being less affectionate, and sitting further apart.


    She seemed very willing to adapt to whatever made him feel comfortable. It was honestly too much, in Theos opinion.


    But he did appreciate it, it was good to have a friend he could talk more honestly with.


    "Could you hand me that?" Theo pointed towards a small wooden box on an end table near his bed.


    "Oh, yes lord-" she caught her self and looked towards him, her cheeks were red.


    "What? You can call me Lord if you want." Theo chuckled.


    She awkwardly leaned over and picked up the box then handed it to him.


    "Ethel give you any trouble about me?" he flipped open the box and pulled a cigar out. He offered Violet one but she waved it away.


    "She suspects as always, but she''s patient. I haven''t been a maid as long as most people my age. It''s only natural that she''d give me a hard time about things..."


    "Yeah bosses suck, it''s apart of the job description. It''s okay to hate her, so long as the respect is there."


    He blew out a puff of smoke, opening the window he sat next to.


    The breeze swept the room and sent paper flying off his desk. Theo could care less. He liked messy. At least in a place like this.


    Made it feel more real.


    "You''re getting that look again." Violet said, brushing her straight hair out of her face.


    "What look?"


    She smiled politely; "That ''I''m trapped'' look.", Theo smiled back; "Is it that obvious?"


    Violet nodded sympathetically; "I get that look sometimes.", and at that the moment became very sullen.


    She was pouting in the light of the moons and admired her for a moment. She was dressed in her maids outfit, with humble makeup. He appreciated that she didn''t talk to him like they were walking on egg shells.


    Something about her made him feel as though they were kindred spirits.


    He realized he had been starring when Violet blushed and looked away.


    "Ahem" he coughed-; "It''s easy to feel trapped here I guess. The walls, all the guards and expectations..."


    "The endless schedules and chores..." she continued smiling bitterly.


    "The-" Theo stopped himself. And sniffed the air.


    "Do you smell that?" he smelled his cigar. But that wasn''t the source of the foul odor.


    Some smell was being blown out the window.


    Violet started sniffing. "Yes, I think I do..." she got up and started smelling around the room.


    Theo closed the window and started doing the same. It was a rotted smell. Must''ve been funneling out the window- the only reason they had caught it.


    They arrived at the same space after awhile. "I have another room?" he realized he said out-loud looking at the door.


    It was mostly covered, a coat rack had fallen over and a chest laid in front of it.


    "It''s a walk-in closet you oaf. All the rooms have one." Violet grabbed one end of the chest and looked to him as if to say ''Well?''.


    They lifted the chest and moved it to one side.


    "What do you think it is?" she asked.


    Theo shrugged. "I dunno.", he gripped the crystal doorknob. And swung it open. They both blanched upon seeing it. The closet was lined with hanging coats.


    And at the end of the short hallway crumpled against the end was a corpse in a purple suit.


    [Doppleganger Level 2!]


    The words flashed across his vision as well as his hearing.


    [Days undiscovered]x5


    [Fooled Family of Double!]x12


    [Intercepted Evidence!]x1


    [Abused Authority!]x7


    [Achievement Unlocked: ''They Live'' +25% temporary XP boost!]


    [Skill Rapid Retreat!]


    [Level 3!]


    [Skill Misplace!]


    [Level 4!]


    [Skill Wall Climb!]


    [Passive Enhanced Perception!] +2 Perc.


    ---


    He felt himself slam into the wall- Violet looked up at him.


    "What-?"


    "Who are you!? Who do you work for?"


    She had somehow produced a knife and held it up to his throat. A bead of his blood ran down his neck.


    Theo was stunned. At a loss for words.


    [Assimilation]


    "I-I don''t know! I''m Charles Malton, come on Violet you know me-"


    She pressed the knife up closer, shaving his five o''clock shadow.


    "Be quiet!" she looked around. And closed the closet door concealing them in.


    "I KNEW- you were acting different. It was close- but come to think of it- it was day and night. First of all- you''re not a womanizing scumbag, and second- you''re even worse fighter than you were before. Now that I think of it, I can''t believe I didn''t think of it sooner. Doppleganger. That''s why you can take hits like that without losing your form..." her eyes were flickering about wildly as she put together the past few days.


    She knew, so quickly too. Theo knew the class as well having skimmed through the handbook.


    It was a race-exclusive class.


    "...Does it look like I knew there was a body in here!?"


    Theo had to speak slowly, trying not to cut himself on the knife that was pressed against his throat.


    "I wouldn''t care if you did kill him- but, you''re here, pass for him... It could still work."


    "Then-" he tried to lean forward but she pushed him back- she was WAY stronger than she looked. Then he remembered basic biology doesn''t work the same here. Being small didn''t necessarily equate to being weak in a fantasy world.


    "I''m thinking... Who do you work for?", they sat there like that for minutes.


    "N-no one. Please don''t kill me." Theo still didn''t know if he could respawn.


    She sighed. "Okay, here''s the plan. You do what I say, when I say, and we can both finish what we came here to do. First, we get rid of the body. Second-", "Wait? What? -You''re not a maid?".


    She looked at him incredulously for a moment, then lowered her knife. He grabbed at his throat, wiping it.


    "You dopplegangers really buy into your roles. Even had me convinced, as if the runt of a noble family suddenly had a change of heart."


    She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. Dagger still clutched closely.


    "Are you a doppleganger too?" he asked, she guffawed at at that.


    Then started laughing hysterically before forcing her self to stop. Wiping a tear away.


    "Ah~ no. Yuck. And OH! YUCK!"


    "What?", "We fucking SLEPT together." she gagged.


    Theo just looked left and right for a moment. This was mildly insulting.


    "I thought you said I was a better guy than the actual Charles."


    "You ACTED like a better guy than Charles. Let''s get that straight. But now I know what lies beneath the facade." she pointed a finger on his chest. He sighed. "I honestly didn''t kill Charles."


    "And I honestly don''t care. Changelings are just disgusting creatures."


    They stood there for a moment in awkward silence. Well, awkward for one of them.


    "So... We get rid of the body?"


    She nodded, "We get rid of the body, we use your cover to get into the treasury, take what we need and go our separate ways."


    Violet didn''t allow for much conversation, in what seemed like an instant she we went from being a ''sweet clumsy maid'', to a ''poised double agent''.


    ---


    And so the plan was in motion. Whether Theo liked it or not, he was hiding a body.


    [Assimilation] helped Theo calm down, but his heart was still pounding.


    "To the left." the bodies head bumped a wall.


    "MY left!", "-Sorry."


    They were moving the body to the window.


    "Lift up your end!", "I am!"


    They rolled him over the windowsill.


    ''THUD!''


    Another Charles Malton was sprawled out on the lawn below.


    They looked left and right down the length of the building. "Seems clear."


    "You didn''t check before?" she asked.


    "I thought you did. And also, it''s so late it kind of felt redundant."


    She slapped her forehead. "Dopplegangers. How did you make it this far?"


    ---


    They snuck outside, threw the body over the back of a horse and rode out into the forest. All in rapid succession, every moment was critical and needless to say Theo was in the moment.


    He didn''t want to get stabbed.


    It was easy for them since none of the magical detections or defenses were triggered by Theo or Violet.


    "That''s right, just a noble brat and his concubine sneaking about, pay it no mind." she muttered as a couple guards passed by. They weren''t close, but Theo could hear them talking.


    "So Jeoffry said- the Dwarf did it!", "You don''t say?", "What, are you not entertained?"


    "Where are we hiding the body?" Theo asked.


    "Shh! Why don''t you say it loudly enough the Gods will hear!" She smacked him on the back of his head. "I miss the old Violet..." he grumbled.


    "-Just a bit further, far enough that the hunters dogs won''t find it." Violet whispered. "I don''t know they go pretty far sometimes.", "Doesn''t matter, we''ll be gone by then.".


    ---


    They rode for another fifteen minutes.


    They weren''t riding slowly either, the trees blurred past them over head, and the moonlight broke through the trees above and lit their path.


    "Can we talk plainly now?" Theo asked. He was still unsure of what was going on and had a lot of questions.


    "There''s nothing to talk about. We''re both criminals trying to pull one over a noble family. We''re not friends, we''re hardly partners."


    "When were you going to do it?" Theo asked, more casually than he should.


    "Do what?",


    "Well I thought about it a bit. Tell me if I''m wrong- but it seemed like you planned to use me- that is Charles Malton- to gain access to the treasury."


    "...Yep.",


    "And... It stands to reason that once I had, you would''ve... Tied up loose ends. So.. How close were we?"


    "Close, but I''d probably just knock him out, wouldn''t of been too tough. I had you eating out of the palm of my hand."


    That kinda irked him- surely compared to Charles he wasn''t so easy to manipulate.


    "Who says I didn''t have you eating out of the palm of MY hand? Huh?", "-What?", "Tell me if this sounds familiar- ''Lord Malton~''"


    "I''ll stab you."


    It was cathartic to drop the act, which it was partly an act until now. He didn''t like acting like a noble. Pretending at all. Though he''d miss the old violet. He''d be lying if he said he wouldn''t.


    He had no idea who killed the actual Charles Malton- it probably has something to do with his backstory.


    As for Violet... She didn''t seem like a killer, more like a thief. Actor. Who was adapting to a change of plans.


    He could relate to that.


    ---


    Theo carried the body on his shoulders as they left the path and walked into the dense thicket.


    "You look ridiculous." Violet had said.


    And he agreed. Carrying his identical twin on his shoulders? Absolutely. They were even dressed alike.


    "Let''s find a spot with soft soil." Theo suggested.


    "This is a good spot as any." She stabbed a shovel into the Earth. ''Thank god.'' Theo thought as he tossed the body to the ground. He was heavy.


    [Assimilation] hit him again as he starred down at the body.


    He gave an exasperated sigh. Every time it activated he became more calm and focused.


    "You really didn''t kill him?" Violet asked, she sat on a fallen tree.


    Theo picked up the shovel and started digging.


    "Nope. Just woke up in his bed, think I was framed. I don''t do this sort of thing."


    "You''re either telling the truth or a genuine professional. Would fit your class though. The buffoon act is so convincing." she said as she examined her finger nails.


    "What, don''t I seem like a professional?" he said as some dirt slid back into the hole.


    She ignored him. He went back to digging.


    There conversations seemed to go like that, it was so awkward now. Like meeting someone for the first time. Though he had only met the ''old'' Violet a handful of days ago.


    "Sort''ve feels like I''m digging my own grave here." he muttered


    To his surprise Violet chuckled at that.


    ---


    By the morning they were both back in their beds. They midnight tryst thankfully concluded.


    They agreed to meet tomorrow about breaking into the treasury.


    But that would be tomorrow- which was in a few hours.


    He snuggled into bed to get a couple hours of sleep. While he considered the skills he had gotten.


    [Misplace], [Rapid Retreat], [Wall Climb], and the higher perception.


    He tested them out quickly.


    They did what their names would imply.


    Climbing smooth surfaces was possible- his fingers sort of ''stuck'' to the walls and ceilings. He had to be careful and slow... And barefoot. But it was a thing.


    [Misplace] allowed him to transport small items. He teleported his cigar several feet away from where it sat to test it. It was very limited by distance and size of the object though.


    And finally, [Rapid Retreat] allowed him to run faster based on the proximity of whoever chased him.


    He could see them being useful for his and Violets mission. He had a quest for stealing the amulet of Durass, and she wanted to loot the treasury as well.


    Theo couldn''t keep up the act for ever. Living as a pampered noble was fun, but he had to find his grandmother and escape this place. It''s not like Violet was giving him a choice, they could blow the others cover, but at what cost? Might as well get what ''we'' came here for.


    Besides, all the resources he needed for his journey was in that treasury.

 04 - Around the World

    Reyansh stood there, mandibles agape. He starred at the levitating menu in front of him. "Hey... Jeff?", he said with his thick Indian accent. "Yeah Ray?", an all-too casual southern accent replied.


    "Is your logout button working?"


    Unrealized to them- countless variants of this conversation were occurring in the world.


    The fictional world of ''The Real Fantasy'' ? that is.


    And the two six foot bug people regarded each other uneasily as they verified the fact- the logout wasn''t working.


    "Fantasy game off. Game off. Fantasy game off- please?" Reyansh was looking up to the sky repeating the phrase.


    "Well, that''s a crap bug." Jeff said shaking his head.


    Reyansh looked at him appaled, his mandibles opening a bit. "-But you said these things were overpowered-"


    "-No, I mean like, a glitch-bug Rey. People-bugs are awesome." Jeff posed heroically- but no matter how you posed- a six foot bug person with a prawn-fish head and scorpion tail was horrifying.


    "How are you calm right now? We''re trapped Jeff! We''re bug people and we''re trapped!", Reyanshs'' voice echoed across the curved hexagonal architecture of the ''Arkai'' (bug peoples) starting town. It was truly an alien civilization, bug NPCs walking around dutifully. Some stopping to stare. It was alike in that they had street vendors and town choirs shouting the news.


    "Do you really think they would leave us trapped here forever, Ray? I mean really- think of the lawsuit cash we would get!"


    Reyansh gripped Jeff by the sides of his exoskeleton- "We won''t get any cash if we''re stuck here Jeff! Oh my god -oh my god. I have to present my thesis! Do you have any idea how complicated it was to plan-"


    *SMACK*


    Reyansh looked back slowly towards Jeff. "Why''d you slap me!? Wait, that actually hurt-"


    "-Cause you''re not thinking clearly! Just... Give it an hour or two. Let the eggheads fix it. If not- THEN we can panic. But first, let''s try''da relax, turn''n this quest, an do some explorin''. Finish out the night on a positive note. Sound good?"


    Reyansh just nodded uneasily.


    ---


    Not even an hour passed before Jeff started freaking out.


    They finished turning in a quest, trading stuff and thought about calling it a night when-


    "Shit! I think you might be right Reyansh! -This is a serious problem! I''m going to miss my sisters wedding! And I actually liked my new brother-in-law this time!" Jeff had his face-feelers in his clawed hands.


    "Wasn''t he already your brother?" Reyansh asked consolingly. "Hell nah! Gross Reyansh! What, are you judging me because of my accent?" Reyansh was taken aback by that- was he being prejudice? He could''ve sworn he hear him say-


    "No- he was my cousin twice removed but my father was HIS godfather and-"


    And there it was.


    Reyansh raised one of his many limbs. "It''s too complicated! I don''t care about your backwoods shotgun weddings Jeff! What are we supposed to do!?"


    "I don''t know. All we can do is wait, but this... It feels weird."


    "...I think I have to go to the bathroom." They looked at each other again, in horror. New body, new bodily functions it seemed. Perhaps it was another bug, but THAT hadn''t been a feature until that moment.


    After Reyansh figured out how bugs went to the bathroom- not too dissimilar actually- they looked around. It did feel different than how it did the other day. Just something was off- they watched the way NPCs moved- they were even more organic.


    Another bug-person was running through the streets, shaking people- Arkai NPCs. A variety of kinds and types, taken inspiration from any and all insectoids from beetles to wasps.


    She was shouting at them- "This world is a lie! It''s a simulation and we''re all trapped here!"


    She made their way over to them-


    "Wake up! You''re not real! None of this is real!"


    Reyansh raised a claw- "Actually, we''re real. But the world isn''t." Her preying mantis pupils seemed to widen. "Oh, thank GOD! Other players! I thought I was the only person who picked this race for a moment there-", she spoke in a southern accent similar to Jeffs.


    "Makes sense, everyone usually picks a furry or a human... Listen- I''m Jeff. And this big fella here is Reyansh. What''s your name?"


    "Cha-Chantel." she instinctively went to wipe her tears but realized her segmented eyes didn''t cry. Her praying mantis head also snapped around more quickly than a humans could.


    "We were going to find more players in the mean time, you know- pool our information. Might as well do something productive while the people out there sort out this mess."


    She nodded. Having a plan helped. Chantel was beginning to lose her mind as a giant bug. Having people in a similar situation around to talk to made it easier, if only a bit.


    "I just picked this race because of the racial trait... I didn''t think I would be trapped! This is unfair, I demand a redo!" Chantel was talking to herself in a mirror, observing the disturbing ways her mandibles gyrated as she spoke.


    The thought of being trapped as giant insects didn''t appeal to any of them, especially when the experience was so ''immersive'' now. They were realizing the many different ways it was immersive with each passing second.


    They vented at each other, contemplating exactly what was going on. Sharing their coping strategies.


    All sorts of theories were spouted, but in the end, they figured regardless it was better to have something to do in the mean time. They couldn''t just sit their in the middle of the street bawling their eyes out after all. They still had the human instinct to be pro-active.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The three agreed to stick together while this issue worked itself out- and prepared to set out on their journey to find other players.


    And before they left the town, they had a convoy of Arkai players. Two dozen or so. Of the hundreds of thousands of players, some had chosen to play as giant bugs and were paying the consequences.


    ---


    Theo leaned back in a hammock, eating grapes. "Sir Stelios?", "Yes sir.", "-Is there no consequences of relying on stamina potions instead of sleep?", "No... Not really sir.", "Very nice. Any word from the bounty we posted?", "No sir."


    That''s how Theos day was going.


    Here''s how someone else''s day was going.


    ---


    "Donteatmedonteatmedonteatme!" a tiny voice shouted as she flew zig-zagging through the bogs many plants. Poppys, ferns, they were like trees to her!


    A heavy mist floated just about the waters surface-


    ''Thwack!'' a giant tongue- well, to a human it would be a string- but to her it was giant! It collided with a tree trunk in front of her.


    She veered to the right and had to dive immediately beneath another striking tongue! Frog tongues!


    Her little insect winds were beating their hardest. She had become adept at flying- not that it was Claires choice. This place was dangerous, she had no idea the ''Fairy'' race choice would result in this.


    She was flying for her life day in / day out- it was miserable... Not to mention living off dew drops and honey. -Wasn''t too hard to come across honey if you knew the right bee.


    Finally she got out of frog-territory and the tongues stopped popping out of the water. It was impossible to know for sure where danger lie, so she was always on her toes.


    "VROOM!" a force flew past her- "Dragon!?" she shouted. -No, it was a humming bird just checking out some of the flowers she was lounging next to.


    "Oh, good. No dragon-fly. Hup!" she dropped down onto a leaf and began to swing her legs. "My wings are barking..." she rubbed the little nubs that connected to her back.


    At first she was with other players but little fairies were hard to keep track of. Liam, her bestie, got eaten by a ''something'', a big scaly ''something'' that flew.


    [Level Up!]


    [Fairy Level 8!]


    [Skill Fairy Blink!]


    [Passive Fairy Dexterity!] +2 dex


    Claire jumped up and started shadow boxing- "That''s what I''M talking about, big gains!" her little cyan blue flop of hair bouncing about.


    Each level made it easier for her to survive, and that meant she''d have more time to find her friends.


    [Fairy Intuition]


    -The skill sounded and immediately gave her a ping of danger from a specific direction-


    "EEK!" she leapt up into the air and a gust of wind appeared just beneath her launching her up!


    Just then a winged snake collided with the tree next to her. It was massive! It was like- the size of a normal snake. But to her it was so much-


    Anyways, the scaly-somethings liked to coil up then launch themselves through the air using their floppy neckthings to glide.


    It was unfair for snakes to fly. But Claire had one offensive ability to her name... And THAT''S where the scaly-thing messed up.


    She put her hands together as she turned- pearlescent wings flapping backwards into the air she faced her foe.


    "Kaaaa-"


    The snake slithered around to face her, its head slightly wobbled as it came to its'' senses.


    "Meeeeaaa-"


    It starred up at her and realized where his target had gone, angrily it began to coil before springing up-


    "HAAAAAAA!"


    A super-soakers worth of water shot out of her hands and pelted the snake in the face. It winced at the water pressure, but was otherwise unaffected.


    It shook it''s head and slithered off, no longer interested.


    ''PHEW!''


    Clarice dropped down to another flower-petal. Her Boston accent seemed to become more pronounced as she yelled after the snake; "Yaaa~ get outta'' ''ere ain''t nobody wancha! Tell ya'' friends what happens when you mess with the likes of ME!"


    The snake was shamefully defeated- of that Clarice was sure.


    ''Now, time for dinner. Where''s my favorite bumble bees?'',


    Clarice fluttered off into the tops of the tree branches. She had searched a larger area today- braved the dangers- it was enough of an effort today. She would save her friends. But not if she exhausted herself.


    ---


    He was eating a cookie when Violet pulled him aside.


    "What? I thought we would meet sometime tonight?", "You''re acting like a fool- you''re going to get caught! Charles acts nothing like this, even your walk is completely different."


    "Fooled you well enough...", "That was until I knew to look! The fact that you look like him only goes so far, I''ve seen how some of the servants look at you-"


    The two argued in a shadowed corner of one of the greenhouses. He had been admiring the garden while he snacked. Enjoying his last few days of being a noblemen.


    "Violet it''s fiiine~ here- have a cookie." he handed her a cookie from his pocket and she slapped it away. "This isn''t a game! We have to get into that treasury and I think we should do it TONIGHT. Or early as possible."


    Theo shook his head, the treasury was guarded 24/7. By people. And magic. And who knows what else. "Why can''t we just relax and enjoy it a bit? Want anything? I''m a noblemen. We could say that we''re really good friends and I want you treated well while you work here."


    "You have no idea how fast that would get us caught. Don''t you think I have better things to do than play noblemens concubine? Do you think I enjoy this? I''m tired of being trapped here!"


    Theo looked at increasingly frantic expression she had. She was really worried.


    "Alright, fine. But seriously, if you need anything I can swing it, they give Charles a lot of money- but what''s your plan?" Theo tossed a cookie over his shoulder and rubbed his hands together expectantly. Waiting to hear this grand heist plan.


    "After this, we''ll have all the money either of us will ever need... The plan is simple- but before anything- you need to convince your ''father'' to let you into the treasury."


    "Aha-!", "Once you do that, you can get an idea of what''s in there and the security, the layout, among other things. It''s the first step. I was going to ask Charles to tell me but then you came along."


    Theo was poking a venus fly-trap. It snapped at his fingers causing him to jerk back-


    "Seems far-fetched Violet. How can I impress that pompous asshole? Why don''t I just go to the treasury and ask the guards to let me in?"


    Violets jaw dropped at that. And she took a deep breath. It would take a long time to explain to him exactly how stupid that statement was.


    ---


    Somewhere else in the world, another player had arrived. After all the others like Theo.


    In a desert- the sun passed over orange cracked clay and sand dunes, so often the ground would be broken up bubbling revealing black ooze. Every so often there was a cactus, or tumbleweed.


    -Here, in a flash of light a man appeared suddenly. The man was caucasian with black hair and brown eyes. He was built like a WWE wrestler, slimmed down to efficiency. His hair short and tidy. He was wearing a military outfit- from Earth.


    "Rugbi-forty-niner reporting in, verifying communication integrity. Access code 197-42_Swingset Over."


    "Communication integrity verified. Proceed with mission." a authoritative voice sounded in his head.


    He nodded, he cleared the chamber of his weapon. It was functioning. They were unsure even that would work there. They had lost control, and the ai have begun making their own changes to the world.


    Though... With a few tricks and glitches, they managed to get a player in with communication to the outside world intact. An agent. A special-op, so to speak. He was trained to extract VIPs in warzones, and this technically counted. It required... A similar set of skills in any case.


    "What is... That?", his voice was low and graveled, as if he chain smoked cigarettes his whole life. He was looking into the distance and his eyes surely didn''t decisive him- he was briefed on this location. The creature he was seeing was for lack of better words- a dinosaur. A velociraptor to be specific.


    A group of three of them were stalking some kind of furry mammoth-like creature. They leapt onto it gliding on their feathered wings- tearing into the sides of the thing.


    The agent was a hunter himself, so he had no moral obligation to step in. Infact, he had rather admired their ambush.


    The beast of a man whipped around and clutched a raptor mid-flight by the neck.


    "REEAA?" the dinosaur was seemingly confused how the prey equal to its own size was easily holding it aloft in the air.


    It clawed at the agents arms, but it just harmlessly racked across the bare skin like a kittens claws. The agent smirked a bit- then crushed. His face was washed in viscera, but still he grinned.


    It''s blood steamed as it hit the boiling ground of the desert. The other raptors who were hiding in wait shrieked and ran away.


    "I wonder if they''re trainable..." the man started laughing. This would be a playground for him.


    ---


    "So only your father... And perhaps your mother could access the treasury. Even the guards only stand outside the treasury, and are forbidden from even glancing inside..."


    They were still in the corner of one of the greenhouses discussing the plan.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll try to figure out a way to impress my father. But I don''t want to be the only one taking risks. What can you do. Are you like, super sneaky? Can you disguise yourself, or knock people unconscious?"


    "Trade secret. You know how it is... But I can tell you, I''m good with a dagger. Lockpicking a non-magical lock would be childs play. And... Things of that nature, you get the gist I''m sure?"


    Theo nodded. Sounded like a typical [Thief] or [Rogue] class. He could guess her abilities.


    "Can you go invisible?", "Yes, but I have to be still." Theo sighed, that would''ve made it so much easier. Shoot, if Theo could go invisible he already had wall climb.


    He could just wait until someone opened the door and climb in from the ceiling.


    "Maybe I could convince Elise to let me win in a duel." he said jokingly. But when he looked back up to Violet her face was serious.


    "That''s a good idea actually.", "No- she would never-", "But if you DID win, like actually, fairly, he probably would take you in there."


    Then Violet gave him a sympathetic look, which was odd for her. Then he realized why.


    He suddenly had memories of his face being beaten to a pulp and shuddered.


    "I don''t wanna..."


    ---


    But despite his wishes, he ended up once again across from his uncle Brandon in a full suit of armor.


    "Don''t fight Brandon, fight Brandon, Violet needs to make up her mind..." he muttered.


    ''Oh crap when did he get so close-''


    "OVER HAND SWING!", a sword came crashing down on Theos clavicle. "ohgodmyspine!",


    "You there- butler! Remain close by with those potions. I believe today our Lord Charles will make some progress!"


    Sir Stelios pulled one of Theos arms over his shoulder and hoisted him up to his feet. Theo leaned on him. "He''s going to kill me Stelios."


    Sir Stelios gave him a knowing look then leaned in whispering-


    "The brotherhood admires your efforts. If you endure Charles, perhaps your father will give you access to the treasury, a fine plan! If you are successful, you will have your position among our ranks- oh, here''s the potion..."


    Theo quickly splashed the potion on his face, wiped his face and then realized what Stelios had said.


    "Huh?"