NOIM; Connected Worlds

Graduation. They say that when you graduate is the moment you enter the real world. quote "The Real world". The real world where you would most likely slave away for more than 9 hours a day just to pay your bills. First, you work for yourself, then for your family. For your wife, Then for your kids.

You'd wake up one day and realize that you're already no different from that old man that you'd pass by every day when you were young. You'd see that you have no more room for more wrinkles in your face, the skin on your cheeks hanging like the wings of a newborn bird.

You'd find yourself alone. Waiting for your kids and grandkids to visit you and probably visit them from time to time. Then somewhere along your journey through the real world, you'll realize that no matter how rich or poor you are, you'd still end up finding yourself in the mercy of others. Just waiting there like a withered old tree. Looking at the children that are playing around you. You'd feel that the world itself is moving without you. Slowly moving forward, leaving you behind until you can no longer catch up.

"The Real world huh?" I muttered. As I flood myself in a valley of thoughts.

"Now that would depend on how you live your life Willam. Life's short. Let me know if you find anything interesting." replied Edizon. Emptying the mug before leaving the restaurant without even saying goodbye.

We have been best friends since grade school. We've been both good friends and rivals. And although we excel at mostly different fields, we sure are both good at fighting. Although street fights and school brawls were things of the past. We sure as hell loved it. We lived the first half of our lives in a pretty much of "A work hard play hard" style of living. Playing around like little kings during high school. Then living with a free and exciting life during college. It's funny when blessings and fun times flashes in front of you. It really makes you want more. Maybe this is what they call living in the moment? sadly all good times must come to an end. We can only move forward.

I waved my hand raised my empty mug at the bartender, asking for another round of beer as I continue there tinkering away.

Graduation. For others it may be exciting but for us? We've been at the top ever since grade school. Although the Office environment is different than the university. I'm pretty much sure we'd be much more well of than the others, and like I said. 'There isn't really much of a difference in the end anyway.'

More questions popped out of my head. As I started chugging on another mug.

'What will happen from now on?'

'Will I really just end up like everyone else? Slaving away for money.'

'I should do what I love... But what do I love to do? Continue Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts? I don't really enjoy the limelight. What about a professional gamer? Dota? That seems like fun... no... Even though I have good reaction time and technical skills that would I'm already years behind. That's no good... I can't be mediocre.'

I planned to go for another round but decided to go home early to do some job hunting online.

....

.

.

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A few days after graduation. A Gaming Company appeared out of nowhere, claiming to have invented Full Immersion Virtual Reality. It looked sketchy the moment it was mentioned in the news. But a few days after, the people started looking in it from a different angle when it was publicly announced that the game will be supported by all countries. In which even the most powerful and secluded countries in the world are no exception. The only thing still sketchy about this whole fiasco is that in an interview. The CEO of the company Cedrick Mortalrich mentioned that the game is going to be available for everyone. Yes, for everyone.

With the help of the government, the VR technology was slowly delivered by the company to everyone across the whole world. In a short few days, the rich, the poor, the young and the old. Everyone was given a package by the company without any charges nor constraints to age or gender. Convicts, normal citizens, politicians, syndicates. Everyone in the world received a package whether they're in the north or south pole. Even the ones that lived in underground areas and tribesmen in the ruins or rainforests received a package containing an Immersion Accessory. No one was excluded.

A few days later, I was having dinner with my parents when the doorbell rang. It turned out to be the Immersion Accessory that was assigned for me. My mom and dad already received their Immersion Accessory a couple of days ago. I probably received mine the last because I was always out wandering around the city. I opened up the package as soon as the delivery guy left.

Upon opening the package. A sphere projection floated up a few centimeters from the box and a lifelike voice sounded indicating to touch the sphere. Upon touching the sphere. The interface was projected similar to a hologram.

<System Message: Gathering player data...>

<System Message: [Name] Willam Rivera>

<System Message: [Age] 19>

<System Message: [Gender] Male>

<System Message: [Height] 6'1>

<System Message: [Brief Description] ...>

<System Message: The government is a guarantor of this product and it is perfectly safe for all ages... Terms of use... Manual...>

<Announcement: The launch of the game will commence starting from the day after the Full Immersion Accessory is delivered to everyone in the world. You can enter the testing grounds after choosing the type of Accessory you want.

Percentage of the population that has received an Immersion Accessory: 98%>

<System Message: The Immersion Accessory will be bound to your body. It can take the form of any shape or object(limited to the types you own). The Accessory will turn back into a sphere after detaching it from your body and follow you around. You are able to change the model of your Accessory anytime you want. Please note that we respect your privacy. *Note we couldn't really care less about your private affairs.>

[Choose The model of your Accessory]

An interface containing the models available was projected. Rings, hairpins, bags, eyeglasses, contact lenses, earrings and almost all types of accessories can be found. Some of the models with basic design are free. But the models that took form from the works of designers can be bought for the same price as the real item in the market. A message indicated that The owner of the design will then receive the full payment minus the tax for the government and the company for premium models.

I chose the default model, which was a ring. After I tapped the design, the sphere and the interface in front of me transformed into streams of white light finally forming into a projection of a ring. As soon as I tried to touch the ring that was floating it directly attached itself to my index finger. It was probably attached to the first compatible body part that touched the projection. A few seconds later a projection popped up in front of me.

<System Message: binding Immersion Accessory...>

<System Message: Success!>

[Choose Accessory][Enter testing grounds...]

I tapped on [Enter testing grounds...]

<System Message: Checking if the environment is safe...>

<System Message: Environment rejected! You can only enter the game in private or designated areas>

private or designated areas... Reading this I went inside and quickly finished dinner.

"Mom, dad I'll be trying out the game. I'll go on first."

"Sure, we'll just message you we need anything."

"Message me?"

"Yes, your first relatives are automatically listed as contacts in the game. Did you even read the terms and agreements..."

"No..."

...

As soon as I entered my room I immediately lied down on the bed. And tried to start the Immersion Accessory.

"Start!"

"VR Start!"

"Dive!"

...

After trying a few more embarrassing words the interface popped up.

<System Message: Welcome to NOIM newbie...>

<System Message: You can summon the interface by waving your hand and summoning your intent. The Immersion Accessory will automatically read your intention and summon the interface for you...>

<System Message: You may wanna read the manual first. tap here!>

[Immersion Accessory manual for Newbies]

"Newbie..." The developers of this game must be pricks... After reading the whole thing it was finally time to enter the game.

<System Message: Checking if the environment is safe...>

<System Message: Environment approved. Initiating Immersion...>

My vision faded out for a second and when it faded in, it seems that I have transported into the center a town, wearing simple adventurer clothes... Fellow adventurers... locals... The cool breeze of the air. The wind moving through my skin... The warmth of the sun... The beating of my heart... For some reason, I feel my self-excited again. Maybe... Just maybe... Life is going to be exciting after all!