The digital dust of Dustreach still clung to Bennett’s senses as the abrupt disconnection from Ludere Online yanked him back to the muted reality of the storage room. The echoes of hurried whispers and the clang of steel against steel faded, replaced by the low, steady hum of the Lazarus Pod and the less vibrant air thick with the scent of forgotten equipment. His heart still hammered a ragged rhythm against his ribs, a lingering adrenaline surge from the tense escape across the Draggorian border and into the relative safety of Soohan with the Vermillion Troupe. The image of Kit Larka’s determined young face and Lyra’s stoic resolve remained vivid behind his eyelids.
With a grunt, Bennett pushed himself up from the contoured seat, the cool, smooth plastic of the helmet leaving a momentary pressure against his temples. The familiar stiffness in his joints protested after the extended period of immersion, a stark contrast to the effortless agility of ProlixalParagon’s Fennician form. He stretched, his muscles groaning softly, and took a deep breath, the musty air a mundane reminder of his actual surroundings. The pre-dawn darkness outside the small, high window of the storage room hinted at the early hour, confirming his suspicion that he had once again pushed his virtual exploration close to the limits of his shift.
He glanced at the digital clock on the wall, a flicker of anxiety tightening his chest. He was cutting it close, but not dangerously so this time. The urgent need to ensure the Vermillion Troupe’s safety had overridden his usual careful monitoring of real-world time. Now, the focus shifted back to his agreement with Dave Smith. He needed to report on the events that had unfolded, the mercenaries, the desperate flight, and their arrival in Soohan. He hoped the information would be valuable, further solidifying the CEO’s apparent interest in his… unconventional perspective.
Pulling the door of the storage room quietly shut behind him, Bennett stepped into the silent hallway. The low hum of the Alluring Realms facility permeated the air, a constant, almost comforting drone that usually faded into the background of his cleaning routine. Tonight, however, it felt more significant, a backdrop to his double life and the precarious opportunity he now held. His brown wristband, usually a simple marker of his facilities access, felt like a fragile key to an extraordinary and potentially transformative future.
He made his way towards the administrative wing, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished linoleum floor. The muted glow emanating from under the closed doors of various offices cast long, pale shadows, creating an almost eerie stillness. As he approached Dave Smith’s office, a sliver of light escaped from beneath the door, accompanied by the muffled sound of a voice. Curiosity, a constant companion since his first unauthorized login to Ludere Online, tugged at him. He slowed his pace, intending only to confirm if Dave was already in.
However, as he drew closer, he could distinguish words, and it became clear that Dave was on a phone call. Bennett hesitated, not wanting to interrupt. But then, a phrase snagged his attention, sharp and unexpected.
“No, I have no intention of actually moving him to beta testing,” Dave’s voice, usually so carefully neutral, held a distinct edge. Bennett froze, his hand hovering near the door. He leaned in slightly, a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach.
“He’s useful, though,” Dave continued, his tone almost dismissive. “He has a… unique way of experiencing the game, and his forum research provides insights we wouldn’t normally get. I’ll keep him in this arrangement as long as he’s providing valuable information. It costs us nothing, and it’s far more efficient than sifting through thousands of generic beta reports.”
A cold wave washed over Bennett, the warmth of his recent virtual camaraderie with the Vermillion Troupe abruptly dissipating. His own hopes, carefully nurtured by Dave’s seemingly encouraging words and the potential transfer to the beta program, felt like they had been brutally extinguished. The “valuable insights,” the “genuine aptitude” Dave had praised – were they just a means to an end? Was his passion for Ludere Online, the very reason he had risked his job, being coldly exploited?
He stood there, just outside the door, the overheard words echoing in his mind. The image of Dave’s firm handshake, the seemingly genuine appreciation in his eyes, now felt like a carefully constructed facade. The promise of a better future for his family, the dream of contributing to the world of Ludere Online in a meaningful way, seemed to crumble around him.
His initial impulse was to burst into the office, to confront Dave with what he had heard. But a lifetime of navigating demanding environments and dealing with the public in customer service roles instilled in him a measure of caution. An immediate, emotional reaction might jeopardize everything, especially Brecken’s fragile health and the crucial benefits his job provided.
He took a slow, deliberate breath, the sterile air doing little to calm the turmoil within him. He would not react now. He would keep this knowledge to himself, a bitter secret added to the already heavy weight of his clandestine gaming. He would continue to play, continue to observe, but now, a layer of disillusionment coated his enthusiasm. The game had become more complex, not just within its digital boundaries, but in the real-world politics of Alluring Realms.
He waited, his ear still subtly attuned to the muffled conversation within the office. He could hear the rise and fall of Dave’s voice, the occasional pause, but no more discernible words. His mind raced, trying to reconcile the Dave he had been interacting with – the seemingly curious and appreciative CEO – with the cynical voice he had just overheard.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the tone of Dave’s voice shifted, indicating the imminent end of the call. Bennett could hear a brief “Thank you,” followed by the distinct click of a phone being placed back on its cradle. He waited another few moments, allowing Dave time to gather himself, to transition back to his CEO persona. Then, with a resolute, albeit heavy, heart, Bennett raised his hand and knocked lightly on the door.
A soft murmur of "Come in," filtered through the door, and Bennett took a final, steadying breath before turning the handle. He stepped into Dave Smith's office, consciously schooling his expression to appear neutral, perhaps a little tired, but certainly not betraying the sting of the words he had just overheard. Dave sat behind his large, minimalist desk, the pre-dawn light filtering through the window behind him, casting his features in a soft, early-morning glow. He gestured towards the chair opposite him.
"Bennett, thank you for coming in so promptly," Dave said, his tone polite and professional, completely devoid of the dismissive edge Bennett had detected during his phone call. It was a jarring contrast, and Bennett had to actively suppress a flicker of resentment. He settled into the chair, his posture carefully relaxed.
"Good morning, Mr. Smith," Bennett replied, his voice even. "As requested, I'm here to report on my recent time in Ludere Online."
Dave leaned back slightly, his gaze steady and expectant. "Excellent. Please, tell me everything. Start from where you left off after your full day of immersion."
Bennett began his report, carefully recounting the events that had transpired since his return to the desert near the Red Fox Caravan. "Following my dedicated immersion day, I reconnected with the Vermillion Troupe," he stated, his mind carefully filtering his words. "They had made their way towards the Draggor border and a settlement called Dustreach." He described the village, its stark stone architecture in contrast to the troupe's vibrant vardo wagons.
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
"It was in Dustreach that I became more involved with their immediate challenges," Bennett continued. He detailed his interactions with Marx, the woodcarver, and his efforts to gather the necessary materials for the mana-powered prosthetic. He explained the intricacies of the crafting process as ProlixalParagon, highlighting the unexpected level up he had experienced during this endeavor. He omitted any mention of his internal thoughts about the ethics of using possibly stolen components, focusing solely on the actions taken.
"However, their stay in Dustreach took an unexpected turn as they prepared to depart," Bennett explained, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "As they were leaving the village, they were stopped by Draggorian guards. There seemed to be some sort of decree from a local lord, Elmsworth, restricting the movement of travelers and imposing stricter regulations within the Southern Marches. The entire Vermillion Troupe, including Marx and myself, were essentially detained."
Dave listened intently, his gaze unwavering. "Detained? On what grounds?"
"The guards were vague," Bennett replied. "They spoke of needing to investigate alleged unlawful activities, specifically regarding the accumulation of food stores. It seemed Lord Elmsworth was concerned about potential instability or resource hoarding in the region. The Warden, the head of the guards, was particularly suspicious and prejudiced towards the Vermillion Troupe, likely due to their Fennician and Goblin members."
Bennett then recounted the unexpected proposition he had received from Lord Elmsworth. "To secure the release of the Vermillion Troupe, Lord Elmsworth offered me a quest," Bennett explained. "He tasked ProlixalParagon with gathering information on any unlawful accumulation of food within Dustreach and the surrounding areas, promising safe passage and documentation for the troupe if I provided truthful information. It was a clear dilemma, as it put me in a position where I might have to report on potentially desperate individuals."
He described his brief investigation within Dustreach, the tense atmosphere, and the subtle signs of hardship he had observed. He carefully avoided mentioning the specific individuals he had considered reporting, focusing instead on the general sense of unease. "Ultimately, based on what I observed, I was able to provide Lord Elmsworth with information that satisfied his inquiry without directly implicating any innocent parties in significant wrongdoing," Bennett stated, carefully skirting the moral complexities he had grappled with in the game. "As a result, the Vermillion Troupe was released."
"However," Bennett continued, his voice now reflecting the urgency of the escape, "their troubles didn't end there. Shortly after leaving Dustreach, they were ambushed by a group of mercenaries. These were well-equipped individuals, and it became clear they were specifically targeting the Vermillion Troupe." He described the ensuing conflict, the desperate fight for survival, and the strategic decisions Lyra had made to ensure their escape. He detailed his own contributions to their defense as ProlixalParagon, emphasizing his growing proficiency as a Tinkerer in utilizing his crafted items for support.
"Their ultimate goal was to reach the Kingdom of Soohan," Bennett concluded that part of his report. "They believed they would find safer haven there, away from the perceived authority of the Draggor Kingdom and the relentless pursuit of the mercenaries. I aided them in crossing the border and ensured they reached a relatively secure location within Soohan before logging out."
Dave nodded slowly, absorbing the details of Bennett's account. "So, a significant amount of action and progression in a relatively short period. Interesting." He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk. "You mentioned still not having encountered any specific quests related to your hidden character background or inherited traits. Can you elaborate on that?"
"Yes, sir," Bennett replied. "Despite my continued interactions and the experiences I've had, I still only have the 'Scholars Apprentice' background and the 'Lunar Reflexes' and 'Unrooted Identity' while my final trait and background details remain listed as [Hidden] on my character sheet. I haven't received any in-game prompts, dialogue options, or quest lines that seem to be directly connected to uncovering more about these aspects of ProlixalParagon's identity. I am not sure if there was any attempts to rectify that in the last update and felt it was pertinent to mention."
He then cautiously proceeded with his suggestions, carefully framing them as observations from a player perspective. "This has led me to consider how players who have already progressed in the game might be able to engage with these hidden elements if they are implemented through future updates. It would be a shame if these enriching aspects were only accessible to new characters."
Bennett leaned forward slightly. "For players within the Kingdom of Draggor or Soohan, perhaps the introduction of genealogical records or the ability to research family histories within in-game libraries or through interactions with specific NPCs could trigger quest lines related to their lineage and potentially reveal hidden backgrounds or dormant inherited traits."
He then shifted his focus to his own character's race. "For Fennicians and Goblins, who often have strong cultural traditions, perhaps the implementation of coming-of-age rituals or significant life events recognized by their respective communities could serve as triggers. Completing certain tasks or achieving specific milestones within these cultural frameworks could unlock quests that delve into their heritage and reveal hidden aspects of their identity, like the 'Lunar Affinity' trait you mentioned earlier for Fennicians."
Finally, he addressed characters with the 'Orphan' background he had seen mentioned in the developer discussions. "For those with an 'Orphan of the Coast' or similar background, perhaps seeking refuge or guidance within temples or religious institutions could initiate quest lines centered around discovering their lost origins, potentially leading to the revelation of forgotten skills or inherited traits tied to their unknown families."
Bennett concluded his suggestions, feeling a slight nervousness at offering unsolicited design input, but hoping Dave would see it as a demonstration of his engagement with the game. "Implementing these kinds of retroactive triggers, sir, could ensure that all players, regardless of their current progress, have the opportunity to experience the full depth of their character's potential and the richness of Ludere Online's lore.”
Dave Smith leaned back in his plush chair, the soft glow of the holographic display reflecting in his eyes as he contemplated Bennett's suggestion about tying quests to the visible traits and backgrounds to unlock the hidden ones. A slow nod creased his brow, his gaze distant as he mentally sifted through the potential implications for player engagement and character development. "That... is an interesting concept, Mr. Davies," he finally said, his voice thoughtful. "Integrating the discovery of hidden aspects more organically into the player experience through the framework of their initial known traits... it has a certain elegance." He tapped a finger lightly on his desk, a sign of his consideration. "It moves beyond mere statistical reveals and ties directly into narrative progression. A worthwhile idea."
His gaze then returned to Bennett, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Once again, Mr. Davies, your report has been exceptional," Dave stated, his tone carrying genuine appreciation. "Your attention to detail, your ability to synthesize your experiences and observations into coherent insights... it continues to impress me. I look forward to your next report following your dedicated immersion time." He offered a curt nod, a clear signal of dismissal. "You are dismissed, Mr. Davies."
Bennett stood, a fleeting thought flickering through his mind. He had overheard the developers discussing the potential need for new beta testers, a snippet of conversation about the increasing complexity of the game and the desire for more diverse perspectives. The urge to bring this up, to perhaps subtly inquire about the possibility of a transfer, was strong. He knew Dave had hinted at it, but a more direct inquiry now, after a seemingly successful report, felt tempting. However, the memory of Dave's stern warnings about maintaining his janitorial duties and the precarious nature of their arrangement held him back. He decided against it, knowing he needed to continue proving his value through his reports before broaching such a request. "Thank you, Mr. Smith," Bennett replied, a respectful tone in his voice, before turning and heading towards the door.
He walked through the quiet administrative wing, the hum of the fluorescent lights a familiar drone. Reaching the time clock, he swiped his brown wristband, the small green light confirming the end of his shift. As the time registered, an idea began to form in the back of Bennett's mind, a nascent strategy to perhaps expedite Dave's decision regarding a potential transfer to the beta program. He thought back to his forum research, his conversations with the developers, and the CEO's evident interest in his "unconventional" insights. He realized that his value lay not just in playing the game and reporting, but in actively contributing to its improvement, in identifying issues and suggesting solutions from the perspective of a dedicated player. Perhaps by proactively identifying a significant issue or proposing a compelling improvement, he could further demonstrate his aptitude for beta testing and make a stronger case for his transfer.
Instead of heading towards the employee exit and the promise of his family and rest, Bennett found his feet turning in a different direction. The pull of the storage room, of the D.I.V.E. pod that held the key to his extraordinary double life, was too strong to ignore. He glanced around the deserted hallway, a sense of clandestine purpose filling him. The late hour ensured he was unlikely to encounter anyone. He made his way to the seldom-used storage room, the green light above the door sensor a familiar beacon. With a quick swipe of his brown wristband, the lock clicked open, and he slipped inside, the musty air a stark contrast to the sterile environment outside. There, in the dim light filtering from the hallway, stood the D.I.V.E. pod, silent and waiting, a vessel for his burgeoning idea and his continued journey into the intricate world of Ludere Online. The thought of returning home could wait; his opportunity to impress Dave further, to solidify his path towards a beta tester role, could not. He had a game to re-enter, and a plan to formulate.
