_ Hello Mr. Toshiro Hyorinmaru 733. My name is Gabriel, to serve you.
Kumail's eyes slowly open at the sound of that voice welcoming him. He found himself in a space composed only by what seems to be shooting stars.
_ Sir?
Kumail jumped slightly, drawn from his contemplation. A detail strikes him as he looks at Gabriel.
_ A RWHI-16? He wondered.
_ Yes indeed sir, please use my PR, please.
_ Of course, Gabriel, where am I? Call me Toshiro.
_ You are currently in the middle line, a dimensional boundary between two spaces. I'm sorry, this diminutive is already use, sir.
_ A border… Ok… Uh… Ah, seriously? Mmh… Tosh? Tosh4570? Hyorinmaru? The young man asked until the AI agreed.
_ Well, Mr. Hyorinmaru is now registered. Sir, welcome to you ... In the Infinito Mundo.
At this point a shooting stars shower converges on Kumail and blinds him. After a few minutes, a noise of crowd is heard, and little by little, Kumail manages to see a world between the imaginary and the high technology. He has no idea what this place is, it doesn't look like any of the Cities architecture. Sounds like ... the old world, but, it can't..? And all these people, who are they? He is so engrossed that he forgets about Gabriel who continues his presentation ... He turns all his attention to the AI at the word "f-game".
_ What? What did you say ?
_ You are invited to the Trinity-Event which will take place later in the evening at the Sanctuary Door, repeated Gabriel
Kumail has a hard time digesting everything that is going on, what he learns. Yet he does not feel in danger. Rather… elated. Although lost.
_ Gabriel, what is this place really? Why am I identified by my nickname and what were these questions?
_ You will find the answers to your questions this evening. I must let you, in the meantime, wander as you wish. A reminder will be sent to you fifteen minutes before the start of the event with directions to help you get there. Take this pass, it will allow you access to the services necessary for your participation in the event. With that, I wish you a pleasant evening, sir.
And he teleports himself in front of the stunned eyes of Kumail who finds himself alone in the middle of this gigantic… Crossroads? How could this exist? Why was he here? Was it just reality, or some sort of virtual experience?
He lets himself be absorbed by the traffic of people and walks in the middle of the "streets". He contemplates all the screens where parade faces with names, surrounded by statistics, buildings, and the inevitably artificial sky ... Magnificent. Looking more closely, he notices "streaks of light" in the sky, much like a gigantic spider web. What can it be ...? This place appears to be designed only from MALX particles. Strange… It should be impossible to design a solid environment with this unique resource, much less a whole system… He realises as he walks by that he recognises a lot of names that pass on the screens. They are players, like him.
So high-level players are brought here? For what purpose ? His thinking stops when he discovers what seems to be the center of this huge ... City? Cited? And all this crowd ... Kumail takes a deep breath and goes to study his new environment, just like any good player would. There are indeed residences, crowded restaurants, tall buildings, shops, and even bazaars with AI as vendors. In short, everything that makes up a society. But he is denied access at every door, he cannot identify himself. His pass does not allow him access to the various infrastructures ...
_ Hey, you, called out a young AI.
Kumail hesitates on the person targeted by this name and pretends not to have heard. But the AI insists.
_ Hey you! The tanned one there, don't act like you haven't heard, will you ?! Ignore a lady's call. Young people those days ... Pff.
Oh, what is that tone? What kind of AI is that? Normally he would let that sort of insult pass, but maybe it's this abrupt change or the fact that it's an AI. He turns around, curious to see the face of his interlocutor.
_ You're talking to me ? Hey but ... you're not ...
_ Not… What?
_ A… IA…?
To his surprise, the other was a real woman. Yes a woman woman, a human if you prefer. Very pretty, said the young man to himself ... Hazel eyes, a light brown ponytail and ... a hell of a balcony, it had to be recognised ... Enough to stop poor Kumail's counterattack.
"Because I look like a cold and charmless being designed by man for you? She asks dramatically.
_ Uh ... No ... Madam.
_ Oh ... Madam eh. Do you find women intimidating?
Stop.
This is no longer Midgard ... By the way, it is rather nowhere. And it's not Kumail here but… Hyorinmaru.
The thought clicked.
_ Hmm ... Only beautiful women, madam.
This response engendered a little silence.
Too far perhaps?
_ Hahaha! You do have good taste, sweetie! What's your name ?
_ Ku ... Uh, Hyorinmaru.
_ Hyorinsweetoo, I like it!
_ No actually, it's Hyorin ...
_ I'm Martha, I'm responsible for the "golden pancake" the little window right there ... You must be a new kid ... Fighter or extender?
_ Huh? Uh… Fighter…?
_ Ah ... I wouldn't have said. Weren't you a little confused when you arrived?
_ I still am…
_ Ah well, you hide it well! Don't worry, I'll walk you through the basics. Here is the Shooting Star Sphere. By the way, where are you from?
_ Me ? Uh ... I ...
So… This Martha exudes confidence and the urge to chew the fat. Why not ?
Where he's from… He doesn't even know where he is! He had completely forgot about it with all that bling-bling that had gouged out his eyes… But he went through a wall! A wall that is most normal, except for the fact that he asked him a quiz on books that do not even date from this century! All this to find himself in front of a floating half-robot who welcomes him ...
And Shooting-Star Sphere ... What is that? He is no longer in the City here. What is this madness ?!
Is this his real body? Maybe he was completely inert on the other side of the wall? The only way that could be worse Would be that the three morons find him like that. Let's just imagine he pissed on himself in a highly awkward position?
Oh Fuck ...
_ Hmm ... It's okay we don't care where you come from ...
Martha, confused by Kumail's attitude, which touches himself everywhere, offers to sit down at a table in her creperie. She offers him tea as a « rookie » welcome. She explains to him the foundations of this world about which he knows nothing.
_ So this is the Shooting-Star Sphere, and you're here for the F-games I presume?
_ Huh, what …?
"... But you must not know what it is yet" she cut off with a wave of her hand. It's a big competition that spans five level spheres. The first 100 who make it to the last Sphere will qualify for the games! Tadaaa ! She shouted, laughing. For each victory you will be rewarded with vertigo and experience points. Your wealth will depend on your progress. You win, you live in the big rich building that you see there. You lose, you'll eat in the garbage up there. Here is the topo!
F-games… vertigos? What? Kumail doesn't have time to think, Martha is overly enthusiastic, and she keeps talking. Apparently many humans live in this place. Yes, they live, they eat, work and sleep here, in a real way. All have a utility, a reason for their presence. The majority are gamers, but there are also extenders, i.e. general maintenance workers, and finally traders, like Martha. All have lived near or far with the world of games. According to Martha, no one knows how long this world has existed, or even the reason for its creation, but the work here pays more than well. The organisation of the « Oath of the Horatii » took control of it decades ago now. They named him "Infinito Mundo". Strange is a very weak word for this story ...
_ Hmm ... It's ... quite weird though ... I don't know why, but I really have the feeling that everything is made entirely of MALX ...
_ MALX? What the hell is that, Martha laughs.
Wow ... she really don't know what it is? This particle made live no less than the whole world for years, however ... Energy, holograms, the Internet network ... all their technology. This reaction flies in Kumail's ear. But before continuing, he is interrupted. A gruff voice comes from behind the curtain that separates the kitchen from the terrace.
_ Martha! I do not pay you to jabber but to work! Damn waitress… And where is your kid again!
_ Why ? What do you want with her Watto? Leave her alone, she works!
_ Don't start to get on my nerves, eh! If I want to know where she is, that's my business! Shit, fuck you two! That will teach me to have chosen you for your beautiful b ...
_ ... Oh don't start with me, cut him Martha. You say that but you're very happy when we attract all your customers ...
_ At least, this is your only talent ! Hmm? His gaze meets Kumail's. And who is he ?
The curtain pulls back, revealing Watto, a cranky old man. Having said that, he is imposing for his age, he almost looks like an ogre. An ogre who would have sweetened his vacation and retirement.
_ Hyorinmaru, Kumail replied in a tone he wanted firm.
_ Hmm. Are you a customer? Lay down, make yourself comfortable but let my Martha do her job.
_ Uh bah actually …
_ "Actually" ... he was going to finish and go. Martha cut him off.
It was definitely a habit with her.
_ Ok. Have you already paid? Here, we do not give credit! You pay or you get the hell out!
_ Nice welcome to the customer, Martha retorted. Yes he has already paid. I always cash before I bring the order back, Martha replies charmingly, winking at Kumail.
_ Yeah right, try to throw it upside down on me ... Watto whispers.
Martha sees Kumail off and places a soft kiss on his cheek. She slips something into her pocket… A badge, a card? and whispers in her ear.
_ Use it the next time you think of me ...
And she left. Kumail stood there like an idiot. Even though he was seventeen, and quite a charmer as Hyorinmaru, this is the first time a woman has kissed his cheek. Come to think of it, this is even the first time he had a good time with a woman. The filthy jokes, the mockery, the gratuitous meanness he has suffered all these years is all he knows about the female gender. All of this erased by this disinterested kindness. The warmth of the touch on his cheek, the breath of the whisper on his ear. The radiance of her smile and her intoxicating scent that his nose won't forget ...
In fact, a woman, it's pretty darn beautiful.
Finally, you still have to get back on the road, the reconnaissance work will not happen by itself. He walks away as Martha walks into her shop, and walks around randomly. Watching people, he understands that it also has a monetary system. But it is different from that of the Cities. He notices bazaars, Overhauls where the Extenders work that Martha told him about.
As he watches an extender at work, a young dark-haired man in a black outfit, he feels his watch vibrating. He presses a confirmation button, and a holographic sign appears.
Subject: Trinity Event.
Hyorinmaru, you're invited to the Trinity Event. Please confirm this invitation in order to access the transition zone. You will need your pass in order to activate a travel tube. Your trip details have already been saved.
In case of refusal or problem, please contact RWHI-16 "Gabriel" using the home button.
The environment begins to change, and Kumail realises that only he can see it, and that in reality, each person has their own view of this world. He doesn't have time to wonder how. Under his feet, the pure black that makes up the ground is then adorned with soft lights, indicating the direction to take. It's very strange to walk like this in an almost total void, but little by little he "comes" to a very busy place.
At regular intervals on the ground, huge tubes rise up to the artificial sky and line it in countless places. These are the "veins of light" he had noticed earlier. Kumail walks up to one of them, walks in, curious, and notices that his dressing room is quite luxurious, although small, it is totally optimised. Armchair, screen, refreshments ... enough to spend a pleasant trip. He sits down, and a rather simplistic control panel opens to him. He places his pass in a designated place on the arm of the chair, and the hologram confirms the route. It's not just a town, Kumail realises as the map becomes more and more detailed. It's definitely a country… at least!
The teenager then experiences his first lightgun ride. It's quick. Very fast. He finds himself traveling in the dark, not seeing where he is going. Fear begins to take hold of him, he has never been comfortable in dark and cramped places. Not to mention that he followed a stranger this far, and on second thought, it might as well be a cult of organ harvesters who ... he closes his eyes tight, inhales and exhales deeply. He imagines himself in a place that comforts him. After a moment, he looks again and realises that he is flying over the Sphere, which, seen from above, has a design… peculiar.
Arrived at « Porte du Sanctuaire », Kumail sees the most explicit illuminated signs along the boulevard. The "Est Seon" square ... the guests are already gathering, sometimes in groups, all apparently very excited by what is going on. Contrary to its name, « Porte du Sanctuaire » is a cobbled plaza, with high pillars carved with naked muses and soldiers. It sounds refined, old ... and yet extremely modern. He notices a black ram statue in the center of a fountain, which he cannot detail because the lanterns that surround the square are the only source of light. Since when has it been so dark?
The surrounding hubbub gives way to silence. Kumail quickly understands that this is due to the arrival of a personality: Roger, by his nickname Dr Guero. Large black with long red dreads and an elegant controlled style. He is known for his remarkable victories at e-games, and for being the little brother of Master Flex, a star in the world of IPMMO. Kumail understands the atmosphere, almost all of the guests are stars.
It's in the midst of the crowd that the lights in the Square go out to mark the start of the event… Smoke suddenly flooded the stage, and Kumail had to squint to see a man shoot out. He was in his thirties, very thin, blond, with hair that fell to his shoulders, a top hat adorned with decorations, a cane and a tailcoat. All in bright yellow tones. He looked on caffeine.
_ Welcome everyone ! He said in a clear but strong voice. My name is Sir Arexy, and I host this event. If you are all present today, it is because the same flame animates you ... But before all this begins, I would like to welcome you once again… welcome to the "Horatiorum Iuramentum »… Or if you prefer, the "Oath of the Horatii".
The ground lights up feigning a night sky under a shower of shooting stars, and R-screens surround the Square which transforms into the Colosseum.
"You are all here because you share an invaluable thing, talent," he said theatrically, as the crowd nodded in agreement.
He sure has a talent for staging… But…
_ Pff, amateurs. Groups of half-witted… said a voice near Kumail.
_ Come on, Mr. Aubert, behave yourself please, said a dark man near him.
_ Yeah yeah okay ! "Aubert" gets angry.
Aubert Gustave, a star player, and member of high society. Despite his big mouth and his golden-haired daddy's face, his talent is not to be outdone. He is known to win by any means at his disposal.
Kumail didn't feel threatened by him. They weren't playing in the same divisions anyway, so no reason to hate him whatsoever. However, you have to admit, he's a jerk. Sire Arexy continues.
_ Well, apart from the members of the league, the federation, and of course its people, no one knows of the existence of the Infinito Mundo.
_ So we're all pros now? we hear in the crowd.
_ Pros? Am I dreaming or… is this kid really serious...
_ Mr. Aubert. This time Sir Arexy react, the warning slams like a whip.
_ Sorry Sorry...
_ Well, wait for my explanations before wanting to start as a pro, Arexy answers, smiling strangely with his perfectly white teeth. Maybe you would want to ... Change your mind.
Silence over the crowd. Sire Arexy looks at them, leaning forward, turning around to catch as many glances as possible. He seems satisfied, his features frozen between sweet madness and ecstasy.
_ You are here because we have judged ... that you deserve to try your luck. A chance to change your life forever. The chance to participate in the F-games, a competition where the winner will be granted his wish ... Whoever it is, he smirked, sweeping the air with a gloved hand.
_ What kind of competition is this? What game will we face? chanted a player.
_ No, no no … He says moving his finger. You will not compete in any game, and you will be equipped with a new device and a new technology : the Nexus Device. It's the most revolutionary, challenging and ambitious gaming device ever created today. Why ? Well, because it doesn't need a console. And it's not used by any regular Full-Dive or DSU system.
No DSU device? You can't play without a DSU, Kumail thought to himself. But Arexy knows it, and he's having fun. In an almost childish tone, he addresses the crowd.
*_ The Nexus Device does not use any Full-Dive or DSU device, and no console. Which means… ? Yes, you, with these superb blue pants!
_ That it works without a graphics card, processors, or computer, right?
_ Very good… mister ?
_ Hammad, Hammad Zakary.
The disclosure of his name sparks a reaction Kumail knows all too well.
_ Do you see that ... Ab orientalem ... There aren't many like you nowadays ...
Ab orientalem, the comer from the east. This is the first time Kumail has met someone who shares his origins.
_ The Nexus Device does not use any Full-Dive or DSU device, and no console. Which means… ? Yes, you, with these superb blue pants!
_ That it works without a graphics card, processors, or computer, right?
_ Very good… mister ?
_ Hammad, Hammad Zakary
_ Yes. That's it… My dear Mr. Zakary, Sire Arexy replies, smiling and striking an advantageous pose. No card, no processor… No computer. He takes a pose, watches the crowd hanging from his lips. He loves it. You see, although it is exempt from it, it still has the most capable graphics card and processor ever created : the brain. Another break. Do you feel ready to test it?
_ Yeah! Retorts the crowd.
_ Good, but before that… There is one more thing to see… The rules for qualifying in the F-games.
The rules are still the same. Besides, it's still a game, Kumail thought to himself.
_ Age is certainly not a constraint here. But that's not the only peculiarity. The "Horatiorum Iuramentum" actually comes from a legend. That of two brothers in ancient times in Rome, who, at war with the Curias, swore to their father by an oath to win or die in this war. By accepting the participation, you will swear in your turn, to win or to die during the fight.
People look at each other, puzzled. Die… For real? But Sire Arexy continues to speak.
_ You will each be assigned a credit of one thousand vertigo. You will of course start at the lowest level. To progress there is only one way, victory. Each Sphere corresponds to a level step. The more you earn, the more you will progress towards Spheres where luxury and wealth await you. But ... if you go down to zero, you will have to honor the oath you have taken: victory or ... death. It's for you to see. Let those who feel capable of honoring this oath pass this line and come to me.
A red line then appears on the ground a few meters from Arexy. The latter suddenly takes on a serious face. His smile fades, and he looks ... tired?
_ But let one thing be clear. This line is your point of no return. Once crossed, there will be no turning back. To leave the Oath, to find your tasteless lives, you will only have two exits. Victory or death.
Roger was already on the other side, as if to encourage them. Then, after a few seconds, the first ones decide. Aubert, accompanied by his butler, followed by Hammad. Others take the plunge. Erix, Elia Santhea, Lord Fenrius… Kumail thinks, he wishes to participate, to show what he is capable of. But is he ready to die to live the life he wants? Is it better to die doing what you love, or live hating what you are? Kumail has found his answer. He walks forward, his heart pounding. At his side, two other players, as worried and excited as him. He feels his hands shaking, but doesn't pay attention. it's gonna be real. He's going to have to fight. Does he really want this? He should not. He should give up, have a peaceful life, try to get a decent job, that's madness, that's ... His foot hits the other side of the line.
Too late.
He looks around, seized with the anguish of anticipation, but strangely proud of himself. He looks at those who have dared, like him, and all have this same feeling that goes through them. In the end, almost half give up. Kumail barely has time to see the regret on some of the faces that they… disappear. Purely and simply. After a few seconds, Arexy resumes.
_ You will all be provided with a Nexus Device, and you will be injected with nano-robots. To activate the device you must cross your wrists. Then to start the process, say "Sueno". Each of you will be left alone and no one but you will know your outcome. I wish you all good luck! And let the tests… Begin!
Mini white egg-shaped drones arrive, and hover over each one of them. A notification appears on the mini screen they have: "Do you accept the association? ".
He didn't come this far to refuse. The small device is placed behind Kumail, and attaches to his neck. He doesn't have time to breathe in as a stinging sensation is felt in his neck. He feels totally immobilised, he even has trouble breathing properly. From what he can see, everyone else is treated the same. Another sting is then felt in the middle of his back. He smells like a dull, unpleasant pressure as the product spreads. Kumail feels the slow pain wash over him and a heat rush through his body.
He feels like a fire inside him suddenly comes to life. He wants to scream, to struggle, but his body does not react. He wants to bring it out, he needs it. The pain grew stronger and stronger, it was as if he had swallowed hot iron. He can feel his organs in pain, he wants it to stop anyway. It must stop. Now ! Tears flow to the floor without his body reacting. If he could, he would have screamed. While he thought he was losing his mind, he feels it hurts less. Just a little bit. Then it's a release. He breathes, his body belongs to him again. The pain is no longer there. Neither his environment.
Naked, sweaty, shivering and traumatised, it's not over yet. The drone above him sticks the Currency Nexus to his wrists and the back of his neck. So big bracelets and a black necklace. Once attached, the device activates, stings it quickly to authenticate it directly via its DNA. The burn is no less painful. Damn, the young man thinks. He has only one desire, to swallow his nano-robots to Arexy, where the sun never shines. He could have warned them… motherfucker. A red luminous circle surrounds his wrists and neck before disappearing. The installation is complete.
The bracelets are childishly simple to understand. Instinctively, he activates and the circles light up orange again. When the device is launched, he finds himself in a clean room where he begins the Calibration and the learning tutorials. He learns to materialise and use different objects, especially clothes. He develops his agility, his reflexes and his vision. This is only a preview, but it is totally different from any augmented reality game he has played. It's real. It's not just a feeling, everything he created was real. Kumail then realises that he could have suffered ten times more than that without regretting it. And Sire Arexy knew it perfectly. Coming out of the test, unsurprisingly, Kumail realises that the star players have already finished. Now we have to wait until everyone does. This is… strange, Kumail thought to himself, looking at the bracelets. Arexy then takes the floor again ...
_ Well, well, as agreed, no one here will know your results. Now everyone wake up their Nexus, please. If you are admitted you will feel an energy flow through your body and the association with your Nexus complementing each other. Go for it.
When Kumail does it, he sees a multitude of universe in front of him. Not in front of him. Around him… in him ? He becomes one with it. And then ... a shape. He sees someone ... A girl? An angel ? He does not know. He comes to himself and sees the message "association complete" in front of his eyes. The rings of lights turn white. He hears around him the players who are delighted with their admissions.
But suddenly a scream is heard, before a player twists in pain and falls to the ground. Then a girl farther on, and others who follow them, fall apart. Some start to vomit. Damn, is that blood?
Arexy does not seem to be moved by it, on the contrary his theatrical side has come back in force.
_ Here, is what happens when you are not compatible. Don't worry, they'll be treated the right way.
With a wave of his hand, Arexy calls in a RWHI-16 medical unit to recover the sick.
_ Good, good, good. We have our selection! You will each receive information about your Sphere, as well as the name of your possible opponents. To everyone, good luck!
To this starting signal is added what seems to be the deafening crash of lightning. Kumail blinks, and wakes up in his bed…