Chapter 1

The Neos just released their new long waited game called Edean World Online.

I`ve waited for that game also. They created the AVTR Pod or avatar that is used for VR games but they don`t release a game, that was absurd but least they released it after years of waiting.

I`m a freshman college student of Luminous University. A world reknown school because it`s where most of the successful people nowadays came from even the owner of Neos.

It`s still school break and the first day of school was three months from now, so I`m here at my house arranging my stuffs like shirts, shorts, and pants. I’m moving out because Neos called me two days ago for me being their beta tester and scholar.

Well for me, I`m a bit excited about it and a bit anxious to think that they`re eager for me to study and if you are thinking why well, I`m their sponsored student so yeah I`m an employee in the making.And hey, I don`t mind about it because their giving me a reason to leave my miserable state.

Being a disabled person given a chance of a new life was really a lifesaver. The feeling of being unable to walk was still depressing like it`s has been what two or three months ago and seeing my okaa-san or mother died right in front of my eyes shattered my heart. I even have nightmares for weeks of okaa-san and me.

I`m about to withdraw my application when one of their agents came to me in the hospital. Damn! The first one that rammed the door was a bulky looking person that looks like he can break my arms without a sweat. What is he? Is he a wrestle? Owh no…

And the other one on his side looks lanky but I also have doubt about him. Especially that businessman like smile of his creeps the hell outta me. Ugh…

They told me that they are part of the school and Neos were willing to sponsor my education. Well, at first I have my doubts about them but to think that they`ll go to this extent. I discarded all my doubts and agreed with them. Oh~ I`m taking Virtual technology as my major and I even have sub-classes like Graphic Designing and Computer Engineering.

*

Someone is knocking the door or rather smashing it. Damn! Why they can`t just be normal agents? They didn`t have to destroy my door!

I rolled my way to the door and spoke.

“Who’s there?”

“Neos”

Damn! That`s too short and stiff answer but meh. As I opened, what come to my view were two HUGE guys that send shivers to my spine. They`re bald! Wait, I had seen this baldnes before from one of my games. They definitely needed a mustache.

“I’m ready; I’ll just get my things”

“No. We`re getting them”

“Okay…. It’s in the living room”

I moved a bit so they could go inside. Shit! Their so big they even needed to lower their heads just to get inside my small house. Then I rolled outside my house and got in front of a limousine. The door opened and one that comes out is a beautiful onee-san. If I would rate her, she would be nine out of ten.

I do`nt give a rating of ten in first impression though, personality was also important too.

“Good morning Mr.. Cross, I’m Jean from Neos and I`ll be your guide from here until further notice from the ups.”

“Good morning also Jean-san and excuse for my language because I’m raise this way by my okaa-san, it is also my last connection to her.”

“I know Mr. Cross and I were also informed that you have a petition to change name, am I right?”

“Yes I have filed to change my name and my lawyer said that it might take a bit of time.”

“No need to worry Mr. Cross, we at Neos would help you in a way to make it faster.”

“Your company was really favouring me that I have my doubts about it.”

Onee-san smile cramped a bit but she held on to it.Then I heard a bang at my back.

“We`are ready to go.”

“Wait, I haven’t locked the house and the keys should be given to the dealer but he`s not here either.”

Then I turned around but the two giants are blocking my path and I saw a familiar face going here.

“Ares, are you really leaving now?”

She`s the Obaa-san right next door. Looks like she saw us because she usually comes at my house and talks to Okaa-san. She even bring food when I`m grieving about it.

“Yes, I have to go now and can I ask you one last favour?”

I smile at her and grab the keys that I forget to give to my lawyer that is also taking care of my name.

“Don’t worry; I know Mr.. Waltz will understand. And take care of yourself there okay.”

“I will and thank you for everything.”

I stretch my arms to hugged her and she pats my back.

“I know you have a flight so go now.”

I just smiled again to her and Jean-san order the giants to help me to sit inside and get my costumed wheelchair at the back of the car.

“Mr. Cross...”

“Rishido, Tadashi Rishido”

I cut her before she could explain everything.

“Right… Mr. Tadashi we`ll be flying to US by our private plane then another ride on car going to Neos main office for your attendance about the beta tester conference that will be broadcasted globally and the staffs and the boss are expecting you to attend.”

More like forcing me, well I have to comply I`m like their employee already because of all the help they have given to me. In addition, being a student of that school that they have shares.

Anyways I lost in myself monologue again, why am I doing this self-talking… oh forgot the doctor said it to me one time that become a habit.

“Sorry, can you repeat the last part again?”

I said as an excuse from my lost thoughts

“We will be attending the conference of beta tester that was broadcasted globally then lunch will be held or rather a get together party so everyone will know each other so they can have friends from the start and have parties early on.”

I groaned because of the thought of a party, I mean I`m good at making friends but since I got on wheels I`m become reclusive and bullies start aiming at me.

*sigh* “Okay at least I will know whom the people I’m working with.”

“You’re not a party person are you?”

“Not really, but since that day I exclude myself from the crowd that’s all.”

“Sorry for asking”

“No worries, please continue and I feel like I`m a boss getting his hectic schedules from his secretary”

“Well it does feels like. After the lunch, everyone will go to our facilities that will be your home for three months’ time, and everything you need to ask will be answered there.”

“Looks like we are here.”

The trip was fast. She said that they owned a plane but here we`re walking inside the airport, doing what normal passengers do, and I`m being pushed by one of the giants then the other people are looking at us. I wonder why.

Let us see two bouncer, a beautiful onee-san, and my costumed wheelchair that resembled one of the famous character that use psychic power in a movie from the early twentieth century.

“Looks like we stand out much.”

“It might be your wheelchair that attracts attention.”

I pay no mind at this and just let them do their work.

On the plane, I just sleep or watch movies and video to past time

I remembered that Neos posted in their game website. Therefore, I ask Jean-san if I could get my laptop but she said they couldn’t so she lent me her laptop. I connected to the net and view threads that are about the game like basics of it as game control, UID and other measly stuff that a normal teen will know.

Well, I`m not a really a fan of VR but I do play some but just using the glasses. What I am fan of are the old gaming console like PS.

After hours of plane travel, we arrived at last. My butt hurt sitting in this chair, my wheelchair was more comfortable.

The trip towards the Neos is rather silent but it’s okay for me.We arrived at Neos main building and it almost breaks my neck by just looking up. Uhn my neck hurts.

The desk onee-san greeted us as we arrived then the two giants separates from us as we approached the elevator that will take use at twentieth floor or rather the conference hall floor.

She helped me bypassing people inside the hall and some of the press were looking at me, I felt the chills ran to my back.

Then we arrived on one of the round table that`s prepared for us. How big was this conference hall really, I mean they got more or less fifty thousand players here plus the press.

From the looks of the people I might be the waited VIP, I mean their staring at me so intense but I keep my poker face intact.

“Looks like our last player has arrived, but before we start I will asked him first”

NO!!!! Stop what you are doing. I don’t like attention you know.

“Good morning sir, may I ask your name?”

“Rishido, Tadashi Rishido”

“Oh~ a Japanese, I think you understand English so I will not ask for a translator, yes, anyways how`s your trip is and being a beta tester what are your first impression?”

I breathe deep and strengthen my gaze to him as the camera turn towards our table pointing at me.

“For starter, I`m a half Japanese, mother side. And for your question the trip was uneventful and good, second my first impression will be like, a revival and if you’re thinking on asking more please refrain now because we have a millions of people waiting.”

“Thank you sir and sorry for asking, yes. Then we will that our conference starting from---“

The conference circle around the game operation, what things we can do`s and don’ts, the jobs and skills.I got interested that skills were boost by RL (real life) experience. Then the jobs, we can receive jobs to quest or mission and in special case specific activity that I don’t think is going to be easy.

The races or character were disclose because they want it to be a surprise. Then we`re given some free days and cash to roam around the city with guide of course or rather bouncers.

Many people in the press kept asking about things in and out of the game. Especially about trading game items for real money that the MC answered gleefully.

Then the talk goes down to us players. As the MC instructed the press to ask us, few question about us.From the looks of it, the range of age is around 16 to 30 and some might be older. Moreover, on my table group that is around 10 people including me the ratio is four boys and six girls. However, I pay no attention to them rather; I listen to the interviewers with a set of two or three question.

I don’t think they would interview us all, do they.

Most of the interviewed were people having the looks, like one with platinum blonde hair and brown eyes that see looks like a model of sort.

Then a much older guy that was on his late twenties or early thirties looked like a real life blacksmith seeing his get up of shirt and pants that had a jumper attached to it, a bandana on his head and a set of open finger gloves.

Then one of the press people approached our table maybe aiming from the guys that talking to each other like their forming a team or maybe the girls some of them are beautiful in their own way. Wait, being a beta tester does have a requirement of having the looks then why am I here… oh right I`m their future employee.

The one approaching us was a reporter onee-san that comes from a gaming television company.Wait why you are going towards me. Damn I have their attentions. This wasn`t going to be easy.

“Hello Mr. Tadashi, I’m Lisa from GWN I would like to asked if what might be the possible jobs or race you might take.

“I don’t have one right now but I may be inline towards production and balanced close and ranged combat type.”

“Oh so a craftsmen that can fight quite rare actually. And for the may second question, is there a story behind your chair if it’s okay to ask”

I heard murmurs and chuckles. Tsk, I don’t like to share story.

I give her a glare that she taken a step back but I held her hands stopping her from saying something.Then I rolled myself backwards for a bit so the camera could see me as a whole.

“First sorry for that instance but I don’t really like telling a story about the chair or the one seated but hear me for what I will say. Have you ever felt depressed or helpless that you would rather die? Many people have their stories well for me, a heavy drama aired on primetime and watched by mothers that would make them cry. That’s all I could say. In addition, the chair resembles the wheelchair of a famous character. You’re a reporter you can do the research.”

“Sorry for asking the question Mr. Tadashi and thank you for answering my question that’s all”

“No worries, no harm done.”

“Quite intriguing question there Sir Tadashi and an interesting hint of your life story. And also it`s about time that we ended this conference so our guests here can eat and have some sort of gathering and friendship building.”

Then one by one, the press dispersed on their own packing their things and going out of the conference hall.

“Now for you guys we`ll be serving buffet that`s eat all you can, after eating and getting acquainted we will be going to Neos facilities where you`ll all being usher towards your own condo with a pod.”

“While waiting here are the rules of the Neos to you guys. First---“

Well to summaries it first, we can only play EWO like duh. Second, we could have a virtual house, it is quite popular now, and I feel so outdated because someone asks if he or she could used their own. Third, we`re given breaks on Sundays so we could go around town but with guards of course then we are required to have few hours break every day or we`ll be forced to get out and punished by being unable to log in for a couple of hour. The punishment was harsh given a time limit.

Fourth, no bullies allowed thank goodness. Then after we finish the course, we can either play our existing ones or create a new one after the beta test and all of our items will be remove from the said account. After that food preparation have finished so we start eating.

Even the MC came down to greet us while having his serving. Well Jean-san also ask me if she could help me but I decided that I could do it on my own in which she didn’t protested.

I waited a bit more because I might got into trouble bumping or rolling over feet while moving around. When I saw that some spaces are not crowded I start rolling.

There are tons of foods but mainly there were just 50 dishes that they picked out maybe the popular foods that most people would eat. It had many dishes from around the world but I picked what I`m familiar and that was Japanese cuisine.

I asked the attendant-san for my order of different kinds of sushi then tempura, tontaksu, some side dish and rice. Then one waiter-san asked if he could assist me so I complied and asked him to hold my tray and I asked for some desserts and tea then rolled my way back to my table.

Well it looked desolated now. I really don’t care much about them, it’s a gathering after all and some sits were missing.. Much better for me. The waiter-san served my meal then bow to me that I thanked him. It`s time to eat.

“I gave thanks to all of the ingredients of the world, Itadakimasu”

I started with sushi and no doubts about it, it tasted so good that the tuna feels like its melting at my mouth. I didn’t rush from eating so I savoired it. It will be the last time I am eating good food from now on.

Ahh… I miss Okaa-san cooking, I felt liked I’m about to cry but I held unto it and take a bite on my tempura, ohh... this one`s a formidable opponent against okaa-san`s cooking.

I keeping eating on a steady pace and from my gaze looks liked no one`s going to sit with me but I just shrugged off the thought.I fished out my earphone and an old smartphone then play a music while eating silently. Gosh I feel so old using them.

Then someone came and sat beside me, when I look who’s invading my table. I sighed and thought why coudn`t he leave me alone.

“So Sir Tadashi you’re quite a loner weren`t you? Yes. Well I think I could accompany you for a bit and have a little chat. Yes.”

This MC was becoming a nuisance now. But I just pay no mind and keep eating while he keeps talking and smiling like a dumb. Then he waved his hands in front of me then as I glared and frowned with his gesture.

“Can’t you mind your own plate and eat silently and try not to disturbed other people`s meal.

I retorted to him and still giving him death glare as if he was being inquest.

“Woh… hold that death stare to me, your sending shiver down my spine you know.”

“Then mind your own plate”

And I start eating again and onwards to my dessert and plug back my earphone that I held down when he waved at me. He just nodded and starts eating. Looks liked I hit the soft spot but I cheerful guy like him don’t give up so easily and I bet he was planning to reproach me after the meal.

Then another one came and picked up the MC they talked for a bit and the MC having a cramp face walks away with his plate. At last, peace has been achieved again. While waiting for others to finished just held my tea and sips.

*bamp* sfx slamming the table

“You limped guy looks like your enjoying yourself, mind if we join.”

The one that asked is a guy that have red hair and dark brown eyes and he’s as tall as I do when I`m standing that is but I think I’m still taller.His clothes was a shirt with skulls on it, chains that dangling on his belt and pair by a torn pants.

Hmm… so, the bad guy get up was still in until this age. I place my cup on the table and look towards him.

“That was a kind offer coming from you but I declined your offer”

Then I got my phone and raised the volume a bit. That made the guy fumed and snapped as he tried to snatch my earphone, I grab my chopsticks on the table and pinned it on his right arm then diverted his force so he will just passed by me and not grabbing my earphone or touching my chair.

I stopped my music and place them on my chairs side pocket. Then I turned a bit backward turning clockwise so he can’t surprise me from the back.

“You know that your chance of becoming a beta tester might be on the line yet, you’re making a commotion here because you just got ignored by a disabled guy”

“Why you limped bastard”

When he’s about to jumped at me, he stumbled down and subdue by one of the Neos giant agents by simply holding his left shoulder and pushing him down. What the hell! For just pushing his left shoulder, he couldn’t move and start complaining.

“Hold it Mr. Ross. Aren`t we just discussed about bullying and harassing minutes ago?”

The one that is talking is the MC and that smile now was freakingly scary that it will make a baby cry or stop one.

“And no buts if you’re thinking about it, we saw what you did to Mr. Tadashi, yes. Now this would just a warning but if we see, hear, catch or got a report of harassment again it`s a bye bye beta and deportation for you Mr. Ross, are we clear?”

“Tsk yeah I got ya`h. Now if you could remove this big guy pinning me down.”

As he got up, he signaled his two friend to moved out and got out of the crowd.

“That was a splendid technique Mr. Tadashi, and it is quite odd now days seeing people having that kind of talent or skill, yes. So now we can talked for a bit, yes.”

He turned towards me and changed his smile that become pleasant looking but not for me.

“My answer`s no and I just diverted his force and break his center of balanced, that’s all no more question asked.”

“Ohh... that is quite something, yes. Can I have I try that too?”

“No and it`s just the flow of event so it can’t be repeated again”

“Then let`s repeat the scenario again so I can try, yes.”

Then he started to approached me but I placed down the chopstick and from the look on his face he was going to do it, so I get my cup of tea that was cold now then threw its content towards him that caught him off guard and jumped back slippingdown to his bottoms with a thud.

“Why did you do that!?”

He exclaimed while standing up. And everyone was laughing at him that has seen the commotion.

“You’re more dangerous than that guy so I have to put a stop on your antics”

“What if I get soaked by that hot tea you just threw? It was also dangerous also you know.”

Looks like someone`s losing he’s cool and start complaining. Better entertain the peanut gallery and myself a bit more.

“Like I said, you’re dangerous so I take precautionary measures”

Then I hold my cup and ask a random person from the peanut gallery.

“Can you make a refill, he`s getting more dangerous now”

“Okay”

They all laughed and said things like bring the whole tea pot or bring a bowl of hot soup.

“Come guys stop your harassing me and it`s against the rule you know.”

Looked who’s the talking when he’s the one that tried to harass me.

“But you’re the one harassing me, yes. You said you’re going to repeat what scene a while ago right, yes.”

I copied him and his way of speaking and then the guy that got my cup brought it back with the teapot. Great.

“Um here`s your order sir..?”

“Thank you”

I got my cup and signaled him to place the pot on the table then the peanut gallery laughed louder that we were making a commotion.

“Make way and what` going on here.”

The one that barged in and making her way was a beautiful onee-san on her formal suit like Jean-san.

“Senior they`re playing with me and bullying me”

He complained to her with teary eyes. I think, I overboard. Meh.

“Are you serious? You should be the one disturbing them yet you’re the one crying here, be a man and stand up.”

*tonk* sfx slamming the fist on the head.

“That hurts senior.”

“Then sucked it up”

And another slam on the head. Ouch!, that second one really hurt that he`s holding his head. So it is ok to hurt him though.

“Okay twerps fun time is up, all of you fall in line were going to Neos facility now so keeping moving”

We got dispered and ordered to go down so we could see our rooms. And here I am sipping my cup of tea. And it’s a delicious one.

I rolled my way towards the buffet to ask for take-outs. At first they hesitate but they looked to someone more likely their superior that nodded at me so they start packing my orders inside a plastic container and I gave them my bottle and they filled it with the ice tea.

“You’re an odd one are you.” one of the staff said.

“Yes you’re right but I have given a chance to eat good food for free so I`m taking souvenirs.”

I smiled at them then rolled my way towards the emptied elevator that just got up and Jean-san approached me. Well she does look like my secretary now.

“Mr. Tadashi that was quite a feat there. Oh you even brought food, intriguing.”

Yes, yes, I know many have said that as well.

“Just don’t spread a rumour about this as it was just a trivial thing to talk about.”

“Okay then.”

We just have a silent ride towards the car park as she assisting me with my chair and head out of the building. We were following sets of double decker buses that was also heading towards our new home but I just stared outside admiring a new built city from a war zone land that dated back almost 100 years ago.

Neos facility looks liked another city inside a city not as big but I think all necessities were here. The outside was big steeled walls that protect their facility, isn’t it too much for a gaming facility hmmm… nah the avatar pod production was here also.

The buses dropped them in front of a tall building that had more than thirty floor and I bet it will be a hotel like building. As our car approached, I saw group of employees waiting at the lobby waiting for players. There migh be room assignments for us to organize quickly.

“So would ! also had my own room assignment like them?”

She startled for a bit but still answered my question. She’s not good at holding her expression.

“Yes of course we don’t have special treatment unless it was ordered and what I mean ordered was like this. However, your room will be on the same floor as them, so I hope you could make acquaintance with some of them as well.

“Okay, I got that.”

We made our way towards the elevator going to 22nd floor. I rolled out while Jean-san was following me behind. We made a right turn first then I saw and lounge like area with TV, vending machine, a VIC (visual intercom), bookshelf, sofas and tables.

“This area was the right wing lounge of this floor and your room is 76 that are beside the window of this building so you could enjoy the view outside.”

“I thought there`s no favouritism”

“Well anyone that doesn’t like their room could asked other players for room exchange then informed us so we`ll know who’s getting whom and I’m not helping you with that matter. And before I forgot, the game will be open 6pm sharp and we`re expecting everyone to do so. There were perks in every feat you do like fastest creation or first login.”

“You’re really making us work hard from the sound of it”

“Not really, we just want to know if some people couldn`t access using our new avatar that is.”

“Oh a new avatar for the game or rather an upgraded one.”

“Only upgraded one so it could coped up with the game that had faster time and you couldsleep inside the game as it won`t kicked you out for not taking a rest but logging out was still recommended.”

We continue our talk until we arrived at my room 2276 and she bind her goodbye to me. I slide my card and open the dooras to my surprise, it was splendid.

But the thing was my other neighbours were both girls. Well the room was alternating and she said that the ones that had acquaintances were on the same floor but not door apart. Maybe they planned it so others could build a group or a guild like the whole floor in one guild.

My room or rather my condo was awesome. They really going to make us play hard just to have good results. But having a five star room was too good as an early investment. However, my room have some adjustments liked how high the table was,what the kitchen should be, the bathroom that had railings on the side then a non-slip flooring fit for my wheelchair.

Oh well, they knew their housing a guy like me that they prepared it beforehand.

I had some free time before six so I fixed my clothes that was in my bedroom and hang them and it was computer assisted, really convenient for me. As I’m having my snack around 4pm and watching TV. I started thinking of my character name and the race I`m going to pick. I exclude the generic race like human, elves, dwarves, beastkin, demon and celestial beings that mostly others would picked because of the bonuses they`ll receive but for me, I`ll pick that would represent a new me in this world.

-----

EDITED