Chapter 000 (Proofread)

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' ' for thoughts

" " for speech

Full credits to Kuroyuki for proofreading (also a lot of editing!) this chapter! Please give him positive ratings for his hard work.

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--Approximately 8 years ago--

A chubby boy was sitting cross-legged on a sofa watching TV, aimlessly channel surfing. A homely middle aged woman brought a plate piled with cottage cheese sandwiches. The chubby boy accepted them and vigorously started to devour them, forgetting all about the remote and the TV. The woman sat next to him and sighed. The boy paused momentarily glancing at the woman, shrugged and returned to the task of devouring his sandwiches.

“Son, you have your High School Graduation Ceremony tomorrow. Aren’t you going to attend it?”

“No need, Mom. I already applied to be excused from attending it and will collect the certificate on Monday.” The chubby boy replied and returned his attention to his sandwiches, and found they were already gone. Putting the plate on a side table, he sighed inwardly and prepared himself for yet another admonishment from his mother.

“Jacob, kids your age are supposed to get drunk, have girlfriends and generally cause trouble!! All you do is either play those games on your computer or keep reading on your phone!! Why do you actively try to ignore and side step any form of social interaction with your peers?” The middle aged woman ranted and questioned her son.

“I just don’t like them Mom! Shouldn’t you be happy that I don’t cause any trouble and managed a GPA of 3.5 in high school?” Jacob whined at his mom.

“At least you used to get into fights in middle school and I used(had) to meet your teachers fairly often. However since your Dad was transferred abroad, you have been quiet and withdrawn.” Suddenly Jacob’s mom looks concerned and says “Son, you know you can tell me anything right? Did you get depressed after getting rejected by a girl? Are you gay? Do you have some drug problem and are suffering from depression? You can unburden yourself anytime. Both of us love you unconditionally. You can always say if you need some professional guidance. In fact I have inquired about a very good professional councilor…”

Jacob groaned inwardly at his Mom’s new outburst and interrupted “Jesus mom, God damn it! I only used to get into fights because I was being bullied and fought back! After getting beaten up a few times by trying to solo the bullies, I gathered up a few of the nerds and persuaded them to fight back, although it took a while. Next time the bullies tried to isolate and beat us up, we ganged up on the bullies! Those cowards got a taste of their own medicine and ran whining to the teachers. Of course, occasionally they needed a reminder throughout middle school. Also, I am not a faggot, nor do I have drug problems or depression. I just like playing my RPGs and reading my web novels. And I also had a girlfriend once, it was fun for a time but she got too clingy and bothered me all the time. I never found maintaining a relationship worth all the hassle! ARGHHHH! Can you please just let me watch TV in peace, Mom!” Jacob was visibly shaking from his outburst.

His Mom was shocked and sat in stunned silence for a time. She then sighed and replied, “Alright, Son. At least make an effort at your social obligations though, OK? Just to not stand out and attract unwanted attention, if for nothing else.” Jacob calmed down visibly and said sarcastically “OK, Mom... I will try. Can I please watch some TV now?” Jacob’s mom sniffed, collected his now empty plate from the side table, and left the Living. ‘Finally! I can enjoy the quiet evening watching nothing but TV. My guild is having a raid just after dinner. Can kill the time till then’ he thought.

He noticed that the TV was on a news channel. The subtitles were about a successful Virtual Reality Training Initiative for NATO peacekeepers to combat global insurgency. The technology, dubbed as Future Dive (FuDi), was developed by a division of Von Danniken Industries (VDI), the global technological conglomerate, and partially funded by the EU and NATO member states. In return, they had exclusive access to this technology for a decade, including their secretive training regiment for training of their soldiers since 2 years ago.

‘Holy Shit! This is awesome. This is almost like my dreams come true. If I am lucky in a decade or so, there will be a fully interactive MMORPG using virtual reality. It will be like Ark and Legendary Moonlight Sculptor! Well, I have a decade to get in shape and be somewhat proficient in some Martial Art’ thought Jacob. He got motivated to get in shape as well as develop some social skills, and also save money. Who knows how much one of those FuDi pods will cost anyways? Definitely not chump change when it is open to the public.’

-- Approximately 6 years ago--

Jacob was on a flight to Austin to attend university. He had completed his 2 year stint at a junior college with an associate degree in Aeronautical Engineering with a GPA of 3.5. He was no longer the chubby awkward kid. He was now 185cm in Height with a lean but muscular build with light brown skin. He had short military crop brown hair and brown eyes with a chiseled somewhat triangular face. Pretty average looking really Jacob thought to himself, except for the above average fitness he maintained in contrast to his fellow citizens, most of whom were fat, if not obese, junk food addicts. The reason for his above average physique without bulking up was, he had joined a local parkour club. Using the neighborhood as an obstacle course was pretty fun. He once fractured his right arm, and his parents wanted him to discontinue parkour but he was adamant. On the bright side, he had learned to write legibly with his left and it impressed the girls too! They wanted to know his flexibility and stamina personally…heh. He had managed to secure himself a full scholarship for Aerospace Engineering in University of Texas, Austin. He wanted to attend California Institute of Technology and was loath to leave California. But he wanted to avoid student loans at all costs, since in his opinion they were nothing but a big scam to siphon off his future earnings. He also did not want to burden his now-retired father’s savings, even if his dad could afford it.

After he was subjected to the now-mandatory scan of his nether regions, and the Airport security personnel were convinced he was not a terrorist or a smuggler, he collected his baggage and caught a cab to his university. After all the administrative formalities were completed, he left for his allotted on-campus housing. He was second guessing whether he should have opted for off-campus apartments, but shrugged since his scholarship sponsored the on-campus housing fully and the off campus housing allowance wasn’t enough for him to afford apartments near the campus. He wouldn’t need any other mode of transportation other than his collapsible bicycle. He would receive most of his other luggage via FedEx before classes started, till then he had to walk.

-- Approximately 2 years ago --

Jacob was content. Four years of diligent parkour practice had kept him in shape. He had also joined a local Krav Maga club in his second year; when he got used to the pace of university life, and was confident in his proficiency of hand to hand combat. ‘Will surely be useful whenever that VRMMORPG comes out.’ thought Jacob. He had completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace and minor in Virtual Reality and been selected for an engineering position with NASA’s Ames research center in California right out of college at the age of 24, and had received the joining date, which was in the next quarter. He was on his way to the airport to catch a flight to his hometown Fresno, when he received a phone call from an unknown number. He answered his phone and a Dr. Brown informed him about the death of his parents. His parents were in a fatal accident and were in critical condition when they arrived at the hospital. In spite of their best efforts to save them, they had suffered from massive hemorrhaging and multiple organ failures and were dead within the hour.

Jacob’s world came crashing down. He was truly alone for the first time. His outward appearance was calm, but there was a great deal of turmoil in his psyche. After the mandatory anal examination at the airport, he snapped and asked the security official whether he enjoyed molesting innocent commuters. His outburst rewarded him with a grunt and even more vigorous anal probing by the security official. The burly official said to him

“You look like a good kid. So I will give you some advice. Control your temper. I can easily detain you for 12 hours without access to a toilet on the charge of attempt to obstruct my duties. You are lucky I am in a good mood and letting you go with just a warning.”

“Sorry Sir. I was just returning home after my university degree and I come to know that my parents are dead.”Jacob replied politely.

The security official grunted and motioned him to move on. ‘Of course he doesn’t give a fuck about my parents…I am just a random rude stranger to him’ thought Jacob. He caught a cab straight to the mortuary Dr. Brown had texted him the address of. He was frustrated with the bureaucratic administration, but kept his cool. He collected his parent’s belongings and released the bodies for cremation as the only known next of kin. ‘There is no one to attend the funeral anyways. My parents didn’t want to talk about their family…and never had any friends anyways. Hmmm, come to it all the adults I ever noticed where professionals like doctors, plumbers, lawyers etc.’ thought Jacob so might as well get this done without much fuss. ‘They are gone forever anyways’ Jacob also sighed internally.

The next couple of months went in a haze as he dealt with the financial and legal ramifications of his parents' death. He arranged a lease of his parent’s apartments with Big Bob’s real estate agency. Sure, the contract was not the most favorable he could manage. But it was a lot less hassle for them to manage it. With his parent’s life savings and insurance payout he had around $800,000. After wrapping up all legal affairs and dealing with the city record, he decided to move to Mountain View City (city of his employment) one month early and finalize his purchases before starting his job.

In Mountain View City, Jacob contacted a local branch of Big Bob’s Real Estate agency and inked a deal where he paid a hefty deposit of $25000 and the rent from his Fresno apartment went towards the monthly payment of the rent of his new studio apartment. ‘What a bunch of greedy assholes. My Parent’s 3 bedroom apartment in Fresno somehow gives just barely enough rent for a studio apartment here? This is daylight robbery God-damn-it!’ thought Jacob frustration. He also inquired about reliable used cars among the employees but was highly suspicious when almost all of them got very enthusiastic and pointed him to a particular dealer.

He didn’t know much about cars, but after dealing with the slimy dealer, he opted to buy a new Mercury Milan. He opted for the low end model with a manual transmission. ‘Most of the idiot carjackers don’t know how to drive without auto transmission. They will probably ignore my car in favor of a better haul. Sure it may be a relic, but this model is cheaper than the deposit I had to pay for my apartment.’ Thinking along these lines, Jacob finalized his purchase. He was all set for his life here. ‘It will be a shitty life without my parents though. They were the only family I had. I hope the asshole involved in the hit and run gets a jail term and gets ass-raped daily in prison.’ thought Jacob bitterly. However, he knew better than that to have any hope of competence from law enforcement and the judiciary. Jack was a bit surprised at his own violent fantasies even if it was understandable. ‘I think I should start Yoga. There is no harm in some meditation and stretching. Also, I might meet many hot babes there stretching in their form fitting clothes all sweaty.’ Jack thought and resolved to join a Yoga class.

--Approximately 6 months ago --

Jacob and a few of his colleagues where having lunch in the cafeteria while gossiping about their fellow employees. Jacob was checking the website of entertainment division of Von Danniken Industries. It had become a habit of his for since he started working here at AMES. Usually the website had some kind of smart TV or Gaming Laptop as the featured product. But today, it was different. There was a steady countdown from 180 days. Intrigued, he scrolled down and read the notice. His heart skipped a beat. Immediately, he pushed aside his lunch, kept the phone on the table and withdrew his credit card. A reedy guy of Hispanic origin noticed him and said,

“Hey Jacob, watcha buying? Anyways, did you hear about the office romance between Christina and…”

“Shut up with your gossiping for a minute Carlos. Just wait a few minutes. This shit is important.” interrupted Jacob.

Three of his colleagues including Carlos where visibly shocked because Jacob seldom lost his cool while dealing with Carlos’ gossip. For a few minutes there was silence on their table. Jacob made his purchase, looked up and smiled. He noticed the expression on his colleagues and then it occurred to him that he had snapped at Carlos. He shrugged and continued:

“Guys, this is it. VDI has announced their debut VRMMORPG. It is dubbed Asunder Online and is going to be out in 6 months. I just pre-ordered my FuDi Capsule!”

“Oh so that is why you snapped at me! I thought you started hating me or something.” said Carlos.

“No he snapped at you because you are an annoying git who gossips more than most women.” A fairly chubby, unshaved, redhead guy snapped at Carlos.

“Now now Adam. You know Carlos can’t help himself. He is just butt-hurt that Christina rejected him when he asked her out a few months back.” snickered a tall, muscular, bald, black guy.

“Hey! That was a low blow Dion. I am trying to forget it and you bring it up!” whined Carlos.

“All right, if you ladies are done discussing your love life… you might want to pre-order now. There are only 50,000 capsules for California in this batch. Sure they will bring another batch alter, but cost will increase from the introductory 10,000 dollars it is now.” Jacob said with a smug look on his face.

“What! 10,000 dollars!” all three exclaimed simultaneously. Carlos and Adam immediately started checking their credit card limits.

“Man, that sucks. I am over my credit limit.” Carlos mumbled.

“Same here.” Adam groaned.

“So what about you Dion? Joining me in Asunder Online?” Jacob asked hopefully.

“Not in the near future. I am actually saving up to propose to Julia.” Dion said sheepishly.

“What? But you have been only dating her for six months! I think you should wait for another year at least! By that time you will have a capsule too!” exclaimed Carlos.

“Hey! I think Julia is the one! Besides, you are not one to be giving relationship advice… you are single since we joined AMES. And that was around a year ago!” huffed Dion.

“It has been 15 months since we joined. Oh and just to remind you, Carlos has been single for 20 months now.” Adam sniggered earning a frown from Carlos.

“Stop with the bitching ladies. Adam and Carlos, save up for the capsule ASAP.” Jacob commanded. And turning to Dion he said “Dion, best of luck bro… Julia probably has you by the balls then.” And all three started snickering at a glowering Dion.

-- Present Day --

Jacob was excited. Today was the day his FuDI capsule would be delivered and the official launch of Asunder Online. He and three of his buddies from work had managed to acquire a FuDi capsule each. Well, Dion only managed to get a capsule because he caught Julia cheating on him, when he surprised her in her apartment to propose to her. ‘Well sucks to be him. Meh, he will be joining us in Asunder Online so it is for the best he got rid of that cheating slut.’ Jacob thought. ‘Anyways all four of us decided to start at different locations to adventure individually and meet after one month RLT. We also decided to have similar body structure as in RL so that we don’t have trouble controlling our avatars.’ Jacob mentally reviewed while waiting for the delivery of his capsule. ‘I also secretly got a two week vacation starting today approved so that I can play Asunder Online nonstop! The others are kind of pissed at me for that since we are in the same team and all four of us cannot take vacation simultaneously.’ While thinking gleefully about his planned AO marathon, he hears the doorbell ringing.

Jacob’s capsule had finally arrived. After shifting his bed so that the capsule is close to a power outlet, the technicians started assembling the capsule. Jacob decided to read the manual in the meantime. Halfway reading the manual, the technicians finished the installation and diagnostics. Jacob thanked them and tipped each of them with 20$. He resumed reading the manual. He ignored most of the back story. He rationalized getting to know it in game would be more fun. He summarized the important bits of information as follows;

>The FuDi capsule has the ratio of In Game Time to Real Life Time (IGT:RLT) is 4:1

> The FuDi capsule has two modes to connect to AO.

o Instant mode: where you can connect in a few seconds, but you don’t get the benefit of sleep.

o Full Dive mode: where connecting and disconnecting takes 10-15 minutes and your brain gets the benefit of sleep in real life.

o Sleeping in the game in Instant mode provides the benefit of sleep with RLT. i.e. sleeping for 8 hours ingame in instant mode provides benefit of 2 hours of sleep in real life.

o Sleeping in-game in Full Dive mode however, provides no additional benefits in RL.

> In game footage is constantly recorded. It has capacity to record continuously up( )to 100 hours. This can be accessed after removing the SSD (Solid State Disk) from the capsule compartment and connecting it to your computer.

> There is also a feature of an in-game screenshot and an in-game notebook which can be accessed in the same way videos are.

>A single phone number per player can be linked with the in-game options menu. The player can receive texts and calls to the linked phone

> The minimum age limit to connect to AO is 18.

> Your real life gender is the gender of your avatar.

> In-game Pain is capped at 50% of real life pain. If the FuDi brain scan determines danger to the player’s psyche, the player is automatically disconnected for 24 hours in RLT.

> To access any in-game feature, the avatar just has to say it out loud. Examples include status, skills, options menu, inventory, log out etc.

> The player cannot leave the starting town for the first four weeks of IGT.

> Ingame currency is as follows:

o 1 Platinum coin = 100 Gold Coins

o 1 Gold Coin = 100 Silver Coins

o 1 Silver Coin = 100 Copper Coins

o 1 Copper Coin is the lowest denomination of currency available.

> The avatar is provided with an inventory of 100 slots in-game with a weight limit depending on avatar’s strength. The avatar starts with a water canteen, 10 pieces of basic food, and an old iron dagger, apart from basic clothes which are equipped by default.

> In-game death disconnects the player for 24 hours in RLT. The player also loses 1 level and all accumulated experience in skills to the next level. While logging back, the avatar will spawn at the last visited safe location.

> During combat situations, notifications are disabled automatically. They can be reviewed in the notification log in the options menu. If the player logs out during combat, he encounters the same penalty as death.

> One person can only have one avatar at a time.

> To delete an avatar, you have to pay a fee of $500 in person at the nearest VDI Entertainment office.

> The in-game world is created and managed by an advanced proprietary AI. There is very little interference from Administrators or Game Masters.

> Currently there are three races available for new players. Further races can be unlocked later, due to events or player actions.

oHuman: No advantages, No penalties. They are the most populous race.

o Elf: They are more suited towards ranged combat and magic, but suffer a penalty to their melee capability.

o Dwarf: They get a bonus to crafting, but suffer a penalty to their magical capabilities.

> There is an option for System Assist (SA) , which will guide the avatar in executing their intended action. This feature can be toggled in-game.

> Each level gives the player 5 stat points to distribute as well as increase in health, mana and stamina.

> There are Six Basic Stats in-game:

o Strength: This determines melee damage capacity and maximum weight you can carry in your inventory.

o Vitality: This determines your health, Physical Defense and Stamina.

o Dexterity: This determines the deftness of your hands and ranged damage.

o Agility: This determines your overall physical speed and Stamina.

o Intelligence: This determines your Mana Points (MP) and Magical offensive potential.

o Willpower: This determines your Mana Regenerative capacity and your Magical Defense.

> There are many special stats which can be gained by players through performing certain actions, quest rewards, or obtaining a class. These cannot be increased by investing stat points. All players start with 10 points in the special stat Luck.

> Doing certain actions may give bonuses or unlock certain stats, skills, or titles.

> Classes provide bonuses to certain play(-)styles. Each avatar can only have one class. There are basic classes like Warrior, Mage, Archer as well as plenty of undiscovered classes.

> The avatar starts with the Novice class. They are the weakest class. Classes can be obtained fromNPCs, items, quests, and/or fulfilling certain stat and skill requirements.

> Players can upgrade their class to a related class by fulfilling certain requirements. A warrior can change to a Knight for example.

After Jacob finished reading the manual, he cleared his bowels, took a refreshing bath, and had lunch consisting of leftover pot roast. After he deemed himself ready it was almost 2pm in the afternoon. With barely contained enthusiasm, Jacob stripped to his underwear, laid down in his FuDi capsule and shut the lid. He waited for the iris scan to conclude. Suddenly a dialog box appeared before his eyes.

New user detected. Do you want to connect to Asunder Online?

“Yes.”

Please state whether you want to connect with instant mode or Full dive.

“Instant Mode.” Jacob thought that it was unhealthy to disrupt his sleeping pattern. ‘After dinner I will log in via Full Dive mode’ reasoned Jacob.

He saw a pinpoint of light in the distance and felt a gut wrenching sensation as if he was traveling at great speeds. His entire field of vision was engulfed by the white light.

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