Chapter 1. Exclusive Offer
Today, Fox and Ember were playing together in the virtual world. Platon hadn’t logged in because he was having some issues with his headset. He’d dropped it off for repairs and was still stuck waiting in the massive lounge of the “Virt+Real” office, itching to get his precious “cap” back, as he and his buddies called it among themselves.
Platon was practically squirming with envy, knowing his friends were already leveling up, racking up experience points and skills, while he was stuck here, bored out of his mind, staring at the giant screen on the wall. A stunning blonde android was droning on to the crowd about how they absolutely needed to buy the “Guardian-700” chair, boasting a revamped interface and cutting-edge features. It was one of the latest innovations from “Virt+Real,” insanely expensive and way out of Platon’s reach for now. He felt a twinge of anxiety, his hands twitching as if he were in the virtual world, instinctively reaching for a camera-switch button. It happens sometimes with virt-addicts. Rarely, but it does—mixing up the fake with the real. For some, it turns into a full-blown condition, though that’s not as common these days.
Back when virtual reality first started taking over every aspect of life, it was chaos. In Ukraine, things were somewhat under control since not everyone could afford the pricey headsets and immersion chairs back then. Plus, let’s be real, it’s an agricultural country—why would farmers care about VR when there’s a field to plow? But in other places, it was a total mess. Hospitals were overflowing. People wandered the streets trying to “turn off” walls or roads, basically attempting to glitch out of reality, erase annoying people or situations. Some even went as far as shooting folks in broad daylight, fully convinced that after a system reboot, their victims would just respawn.
World leaders were freaking out. They tried to ban virtual reality, just like they’d once tried to ban artificial intelligence, but of course, that didn’t work. People had already tasted the freedom of absolute power, immortality, and wealth—even if it was all virtual. Mass protests and demonstrations erupted, demanding the return of VR to everyday life.
Eventually, laws were passed to set strict rules for using virtual reality. There was no other way! A nation had to stay healthy, not become a bunch of VR junkies.
Access to virtual spaces was completely banned for anyone under eighteen. The mind and nervous system needed to stabilize and toughen up to handle VR without breaking down.
In school, kids were prepped for using virtual systems both in daily life and beyond. Platon, like all his classmates, had memorized the twelve safety rules for being in VR, plus the three separate ones about the mandatory hour of readjustment to reality after logging out. On top of that, everyone had to take special pills that blocked some brain function to prevent addiction and confusion between virtual and real. The scientific name for it is super complicated. If you’re curious, check out the “Virt+Real” website—they’ve got all the details laid out nice and neat. “Virt+Real” is the big player, the monopoly in everything VR-related.
The year before turning eighteen, Platon and his friends learned how to use the gadgets needed to dive into virtual systems, training with lightweight educational programs and games.
That’s when Platon realized he was hopelessly in love with this unreal, yet intoxicating space where anything was possible!
Well, almost anything. “Never break the rules or laws of coexistence in virtual reality! The VirtPolice are always watching!”—that was one of the key warnings.
When Platon finally turned eighteen, he ceremoniously pulled out the VR suit, headset, gloves, and boots he’d bought ages ago from the closet. He plopped down in front of his computer and dove headfirst into the world he’d been dreaming of for the last decade.
Now, at twenty, he’s a total pro at some virtual games. He works in VR, handling equipment purchases for “android fields,” and even writes specialized programs for certain android components. People like him, who spend nearly all their time in VR, are called virt-addicts.
The hype around virtual systems, as often happens in society’s evolution, is starting to fade. There’s even a growing public movement pushing for a return to natural living, free from the all-consuming grip of VR. It’s gaining traction. It’s entirely possible that soon, virtual reality might be limited to just work-related stuff. And, of course, games—those bring in massive profits for the government, game developers, and VR gear manufacturers alike...
“Here’s your headset, good as new,” an older man in a sharp black suit and a surprisingly loud pink tie interrupted Platon’s thoughts. The splash of pink on such a stern, serious figure made Platon chuckle.
The office worker handed over Platon’s prized headset, and the guy jumped to his feet, thanking him profusely, already mentally racing home to slap it on and log into VR.
“We’ve got a discount for loyal customers and a special exclusive offer, something really beneficial for you,” the man added suddenly.
They stood there awkwardly: the office worker still hadn’t let go of Platon’s headset, while Platon was gripping it like a lifeline. Oddly, the guy wasn’t handing it over just yet, probably trying to make it clear he wanted to explain this offer in more detail.
“Thanks for the discount,” Platon nodded, “but I don’t need any extra features. I’ve got everything I need.”
“The Virtuoso Game is coming up soon,” the man said, narrowing his eyes. “All legit. Brand-new development.”
He pulled a small box from his pocket, looking a lot like the packaging for those anti-VR-addiction pills everyone took. The regular boxes always had a narrow rainbow shaped like a horizontal figure eight printed on them. This one had the same figure eight, but inside the loops were eyes—like a hint at glasses.
“It’s all free. You just need to sign this little agreement,” the office worker said, pulling out a smartphone from his other pocket like a magician doing a trick.
He had to use his other hand for that, finally letting go of Platon’s headset. Platon clutched his precious “cap” to his chest and started slowly backing toward the exit.
“Extra perks in VR. Not just regular immersion like everyone else, but true, full immersion! You’re playing in the Virtuoso Game, right?”
The man’s gaze seemed to pierce right through Platon.
Who doesn’t play in the Virtuoso Game? Pretty much everyone in the country does! Platon nodded.
“You’ll have a head start and major advantages!” the man insisted, waving both the box and the smartphone.
Platon desperately wanted to get out of the office and back to the game where his friends were probably waiting for him. But the mention of the Virtuoso Game piqued his interest, making him pause and think—virt-addicts are always strapped for cash, and this could be a shot at making some.
“Hmm. Free, you said?” Platon muttered.
“Yup, just a bonus for a valued client, totally exclusive,” the man confirmed, sensing his hesitation. “Right here and here! Your signature, and your odds with our exclusive product will skyrocket!”
He held out the smartphone, and Platon, still unsure, reached for it. There was no time to read all the fine print crammed on the screen. He tapped the display, and it buzzed, scanning his fingerprints. They served as his digital signature.
“Congratulations!” the office worker said cheerfully, slipping the smartphone back into his pocket. “We’re always thrilled to see you here at ‘Virt+Real,’ your interactive home! Wishing you a great VR experience and victory in the Virtuoso Game!”
He handed Platon the box with the figure-eight glasses design, gave a quick nod, and walked off. Platon stuffed it into his jacket pocket and bolted for home—VR and his friends were waiting.