As Darren considered whether to call Shana for another round of dungeon exploring, an announcement was made.

“Alright, everyone calm down. This is going to sound a little weird. But it appears we are living in some sort of role-playing adventure-type game. As for whether this world is a simulation or whether we are all pawns under the grand scheme of greater beings, we don't know. But I'm pushing our country's very top scientists to work as hard as they can, so that, hopefully, we can crack the code for the matrix.” The president says with a straight face, causing a weird silence in the crowd of reporters.

“What we do know is that these holes that have been popping up all around are actually dungeons. Yes, people, they’re dungeons. The very same you’d find in your kid’s video games. There are monsters inside these dungeons and when killed… They give you experience points.” The president says, causing another silence. Suddenly a commotion was stirred in the crowd as reporters began to fire off question after question.

The president gestures for the crowd to calm down before picking out a lady in the front.

“Mr. President, what are the purpose of these dungeons? Or is there a reason for these experience points?” The lady reporter asks.

“I’m not entirely sure myself. But I’ve brought an expert to help me explain the situation. Daniel, would you come here?” The president calls out.

A boy stepped out from the crowd and went on stage. He lets out a sigh and says, “Yes, dad?” He looked to be a little annoyed.

“Come here, son.” The president says as he hands his son a microphone. “Tell them about that game you play. You know the one. With the monsters and stuff.” The president says, urging his son to play along.

The boy sighs into the microphone. “You guys are so old. Don’t tell me you don’t know what leveling up means? Of course, you get experience points to get stronger!” He says, disgruntled with his dad for messing with him. He hands back the microphone to his dad and steps away; he wasn’t in the mood to play around.

The president let out a chuckle. “As you’ve heard from our top expert in gameology, experience points are for leveling up. And it has currently been confirmed that when you kill enough of these monsters you are given a choice on how you want to advance your body and mind. Our scientists think that this is a chance at human evolution and our generals want to monopolize this opportunity. I would agree, but unfortunately other countries also have this opportunity, so it is in our best interest to open the dungeons up to everyone. No need for applause. As the sole decision rested with me and no one else, it was a no-brainer. I want everyone to experience evolution. You can now register to be a dungeon explorer for the low cost $1000 and $100 gives you access to five dungeons. Act now, folks. This generosity might not last forever.” The president says with a smile.

Darren’s eyes widen. He quickly grabs his laptop and does a quick search. “Damn, it’s already here.” He says before looking to his mom who was making lunch. “Mom! Can I borrow $1100?” He asks shamelessly.

“What?” Darren’s mom says, her voice traveling from the kitchen. “That’s a lot of money, honey. How much do you have?” She asks as she continues to work in the kitchen.

“Ugh, I think I have $400 from birthday money and Christmas gifts.” Darren says, a little unsure. How much of that did I spend? He tries to recall.

A sigh is heard from the kitchen. “Alright. Grab my credit card from my purse. And you better pay me back soon. If not, I’ll tell everyone to not send a birthday gift this year.” Darren’s mom says. Maybe I should make him get a job. She wonders to herself as she cuts the vegetables.

“Thanks mom!” Darren calls out with a smile.

Suddenly Darren’s phone begins to ring. He sees that its Shana and promptly answers the phone.

“Did you hear the news?” She asks, some excitement in her voice.

“I heard. I’m signing up now.” Darren says with a smile.

“Awesome. Let Charlie know and we’ll go tomorrow. I’m also going to bring my little sister, so wear some nice clothes.” Shana says with a teasing voice before ending the call.

Darren shakes his head. Unfortunately, I’m only attracted to crazy. He thinks with a bitter smile.