Player 1

Chapter 34 Level 3(2)
Arrows point to a series of security checkpoints.The first checkpoint required each contractor to be scanned by a super electronics inspector for the possession of any electronic devices.While I waited in line, several people were pulled from the line with mini-computers and voice-activated phones hidden in their dentures.The man in front of me is even more exaggerated, and he has a state-of-the-art Sinnet Oasis host in his testicles.Upon discovery, the men were taken to another room, presumably to remove the equipment.

I passed a few more checkpoints and entered the testing area, a hall divided into many small soundproof rooms.I got into one and put on the shoddy mask that was inside, and even more shoddy gloves.The system didn't let me connect to "Oasis", but the feeling of being out of reality for a while was still a relief.

I was asked several questions of increasing difficulty.This is to test my knowledge background in various aspects.These tests were, of course, selected based on the education and work experience I had filled out in my profile under the false identity Bryce Lynch.

I carefully got A's on the Oasis software, hardware, and networking tests, but on the halliday and easter egg test I deliberately got it wrong and got a disqualified grade.I don't want to go into the egg research department of IOI, where I might hit Sorrento.I don't think he'll recognize me - we've never met in real life, and I don't look like the guy in the school photo now - but I don't want to take the risk, and the risk I'm taking has already Big enough.

A few hours later, I finally finished my last test and went into video mode to chat with an indentured instructor.The voice of this woman named Nancy was so steady that it made people drowsy.She said that because of my excellent grades and high-profile work record, I was "promoted" to Oasis's Technical Support Services Division 28500, where I could earn $[-] a year.After deducting the cost of lodging, meals, taxes, health insurance, dental, eye care, and entertainment, the remaining income (if any) will be used to pay off my debts.When the debt was paid off, that was the day I left the indentured department.And if I perform well before leaving, I may also receive a long-term contract from IOI.

There is no doubt that this is pure fucking joke.The indentured workers will never be able to pay off their debts and regain their freedom.After settling all living expenses, late payment penalties and debt interest, you will find that the money owed to IOI increases instead of decreases every month.Once you become a contract worker, you may not be able to stand up for the rest of your life.Ironically, many people don't mind this.They think this profession is a safe and secure iron rice bowl.At least it keeps them away from starvation and cold, and they won't die on the street without being collected.

My "Contractor Contract" was displayed in a window on the screen.It also showed a long list of my rights as an indentured worker (maybe none at all) and other notices and warnings.Nancy asked me to read it and finally decide whether to sign it or not, and then she quit the video chat.I just dragged the agreement to the bottom without even reading it. This stinky and long thing has more than 600 pages.After signing Bryce Lynch's name, I went through a retinal scan to have the signature verified again.

Due to the use of false identities, I suspect that the contract is not actually legally binding.But whatever.I'm implementing my plan, and this is just one part of the action.

They took me into another hallway and continued to the next session.I'm on a conveyor belt and it's a lot to do.The first was to confiscate the jumpsuit and plastic shoes I was wearing, which would be taken away and burned.Then there is a process similar to car washing-a series of machines spray water and bubbles on me, wash and dry, and get rid of parasitic lice.Next, I got another jumpsuit and plastic slippers.

In the next session, I underwent a full physical examination, including blood tests. (Thankfully, the IOI is not authorized to test my DNA due to Citizen Privacy Act restrictions.)
When I was lying on the conveyor belt, the monitor above my head repeatedly replayed the 10-minute contract worker video, accompanied by the commentary and the phrase "Contract worker service: the fastest way to get you from debt to success!" After five times, I can fucking recite this shit.And when it was the tenth time, I even had the illusion that I was the narrator.

"What do I get when I get the job done and get the permanent job?" Johnny, the film's main character, asks.

You get the rest of your life in slavery, Johnny.I think.But in the film, the helpful IOI human resources representative jumped out again, and he happily told Johnny every detail of the daily life of the contract workers.

Finally, I reached the end of the process, where a machine fitted me with a safety ankle lock—a thick metal plate that locks onto my ankle.This thing is actually a locator, used to report my location.If I try to run away, forcefully dismantle it, or something like that, it will electroshock me.It can also inject anesthesia directly into my blood if necessary.

After the ankle lock was installed, another machine stuck a small electronic device into my right earlobe, which made me cry out in excruciating pain.The thing in the video is called OCT. OCT is an abbreviation for "Observation Communicator", but most contractors call it "Ear Monitor".It is reminiscent of the labels environmentalists put on endangered animals to monitor their movements in the wild.The ear monitors allow the IOI Human Resources Department to issue orders directly into my ear, and allow the IOI directors to see directly in front of me. There are actually cameras in every room at IOI headquarters, but they still can't get enough and have to put another one over each contractor's head.

As soon as the ear monitor was installed and started to operate, an electronically synthesized voice came from the ear, which said the rules and other information.The sound is annoying, but I have to get used to it, is there any other option?
I stepped off the conveyor belt, and what looked like some old prison movie was playing on the computer in the nearby cafeteria.The green dinner plate was full of tasteless beans and potatoes, and there was a fruit pie of illegible shape for dessert.I devoured them all within minutes.The computer praises my appetite and tells me I have five minutes to shower.Walking out of the cafeteria, I was faced with an elevator with no buttons or floor indicators.When the elevator door opened, I saw the words on the opposite wall: Contract Worker Living Area——Zone 5——Technical Support Department.

Once the elevator arrives, the door opens to reveal another corridor.It's quiet and secluded here.The only light comes from street lamps embedded in the walls.I didn't know how to go for a moment.The last time I stepped into the corridor was in the apartment I lived in before, and it felt like a lifetime away.

"Your first technical support service will start in seven hours," the computer on the ear monitor said softly. "During this time, you can rest and recuperate. The living area is on the front right, numbered 42G."

I walked in the direction indicated by the voice, trusting that I would get used to it quickly.

The living area and the mausoleum are somewhat similar, with a series of dark corridors intertwined, connecting countless small rooms.Open the door of these rooms called the living area, and you can see that most of the interior space is occupied by a coffin-like bed.As I approached my living quarters, G Block No. 42, the door hissed open and a faint blue light shone through it.Then I went into the room and climbed into bed.

This plastic coffin, which is one meter high, wide and two meters long, looks as pale as an eggshell, and the coffin bed is covered with foam mattresses and foam pillows.They smell like rubber thrown in a fire and must be new.

In addition to the camera installed above my head, there is also one on the door. The IOI had no intention of hiding it at all, letting the contractors know they were being watched was probably what they meant.

The only pleasant thing in the entire room is the gaming console—it's built into the wall, with a large, thin touchscreen on a shelf next to a wireless mask.I touched the screen and turned the console on.At this time, my employee number and position are displayed at the top of the screen: Lynch Bryce T——Oasis Technical Support Services Ⅱ Department——IOI employee number 338645.

The menu that appears below lists the programs currently available to me.It only took a few seconds for me to try out the few limited functions.I can only watch one TV channel: IOI-N - IOI's 24-hour news TV.The channel is an endless stream of company news and announcements.In addition, I can also view training videos and log in to the simulation system. The purpose of their existence is to allow users to better provide technical support for "Oasis".

When I tried to access another entertainment program, "Classic Movies," I was told that the system would only unlock higher permissions for me after I got above-average ratings on the next three employee assessments.I was then asked if I wanted to know more about the entertainment reward system for contractor employees.I decisively chose to cancel.

The only option left is Tommy, a drama produced by IOI.It tells the story of how a new indentured worker named Tommy - who also works in the department - fights his way to financial independence and professional prestige.

I turned on the first episode of the show, took the mask and put it on.As expected, this thing is downright hilarious.It's bland and drowsy to watch.But I know that someone is watching, and my words and deeds will be analyzed and recorded.So I have to keep my head clear for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, despite my desperate efforts to focus on the TV show, I couldn't help but think of Artemis.I made up dozens of reasons for myself, but I always knew in my heart that the real reason for this plan lay with her.What's wrong with me?I probably won't be able to leave this ghost place for the rest of my life.Am I driven mad by my love for Artemis and Easter eggs?Why am I taking such a big risk like a fool to please a girl I've never met?A person who doesn't seem to have any interest in talking to me anymore?
where is she nowDoes she miss me?
Questions sank into my mind one by one, and finally pushed me into sleep.

0030
The IOI technical support call center occupies three floors in the I-shaped tower on the east side of the building, with hundreds of numbered rooms on each floor.My room is tucked away in a remote corner, away from all windows.The room contained only an adjustable office chair and another coffin-shaped bed.The rooms around me are not occupied by anyone else yet.

No decorations are allowed in the room, presumably because I haven't been authorized to do so.If I earn enough points from high performance or high user reviews, I can use them to buy the privilege of decorating a room, like a potted plant here, an IOI poster there.

After entering the room, I took out the IOI company's special mask and gloves from the box on the wall, put them on, and collapsed on the chair.My work computer is in the chair.As soon as you sit down, it starts up automatically. After the ID was successfully verified, it automatically logged into my IOI intranet work account.I don't have access to Oasis, so all I can do is read work email and files, or check call logs.What's even more disgusting is that my every move on the intranet will be strictly monitored, controlled and restricted.

I transferred myself to the call desk and started this twelve-hour shift. I've only done eight hours of indentured work so far, but it's already really felt like I'm behind bars.

The first caller showed up in the technical support chat room.His name also appeared above his head. "007 is thick and hard", so stupid.

I bet today is going to be terrible.

007 is thick and hard. He is a huge barbarian, wearing black leather armor, with many demon tattoos on his face and arms. The heavy sword he holds is thick and big, almost twice his height.

"Good morning, Mr. 007 Rough and Hard," I dragged my voice, "welcome to call for technical support. This is the technical front desk number 338645. What can I do for you?" The customer satisfaction software adjusted my voice, Make every word you utter seem passionate.

"Uh, ah..." 007 said thickly and forcefully, "I just bought this trash sword, and now it's useless! I can't chop anything with it. What's wrong with this stupid thing? Is there something wrong with it? ?”

"Sir, the only problem is that you're a fucking idiot," I replied.

I heard a familiar warning, and a reminder flashed into view:
Violation of Customers - Answer Blocking - Violation Records

The IOI customer satisfaction software detected the unkind words in my reply and blocked them, so the customer couldn't hear what I had to say.The software also sent my "aggressions" log to Telfour - my department director - so he could educate me at the next fortnightly wrap-up.

"Sir, did you buy this sword in an online auction?"

"Yes," 007 replied rough and hard, "fuck it, I paid for it."

"Wait a minute, sir, let me check." I already knew what was going on, but I still had to fake it or get a ticket.

I click on the sword to select it.A small window popped up, showing the information of the sword.The answer is right in front of you, and the first line of big characters clearly shows that this special magic sword can only be used by characters of level ten or above.And our 007 Mr. Rough and Hard is only level seven.I quickly explained the reason to him.

"What?! It's not fair! The person who sold me didn't tell me anything!"

"Sir, it's important to make sure your character can use the item before purchasing it."

"Fuck!" he yelled, "Okay, so what do I do now?"

"You can poke your ass with it and dress yourself up like a stinky corn dog."

Violation of Customers - Answer Blocking - Violation Records

I answered again: "Sir, you can save it in the item column and use it again at level ten; you can also send it back to the auction house for auction, and then use the money to buy a weapon that suits you."

"Huh?" 007 asked me roughly and forcefully, "What do you mean?"

"Keep it or sell it."

"Oh."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

"No, I think—"

"Very well. Thanks for calling. Have a nice day."

I clicked the disconnect icon, 007 Bold and Hard disappeared, and the service time just jumped out, showing two minutes and seven seconds.When the next customer—a red-skinned, big-breasted alien whore named Wata Sisi—showed up, my rough and hard service rating for the previous customer 007 also came out: 6 out of 10.And the full score is 8.5 points.The system kindly reminded me that if I want to be promoted in the next summary, I have to get the average score above [-].

Doing technical maintenance here is not like working from home.Here I can't watch movies, play games, listen to music, while dealing with the endless demands of customers.The only distraction here is the ticking clock on the wall.

In each shift, employees only have three 5-minute breaks, and the meal time is no more than three 10-minute breaks.I usually do it in my room rather than the dining hall, so I don't have to hear the noise, and I'm surrounded by contractors who are just as tiresome as customers, talking about either their work or the points they've earned.

(End of this chapter)