We passed a large open room filled with rows of desks and massive screens. On the monitors were half-finished character models, knights, mages, archers, swordsmen, and other magical creatures in various stages of design.
The employees noticed us and greeted us with friendly waves as we walked by.
"This is the character design department," the staff explained. "They create all playable classes, monsters, NPCs, and other in-game designs."
Next, we entered another large room where engineers worked on sleek helmets connected to thick cables. Several people were lying down in specialized pods, completely still.
"This is our newest area, which handles our VR hardware," she continued. "Here, we test and maintain the full-dive headsets, neural links, and safety systems."
I swallowed. Seeing the VR headsets up close made everything feel real. "So… those are the ones we'll be using?"
"Yes," she replied with a smile. "Each tester will be assigned a personalized unit."
Claude's eyes lit up. "That's insane."
Small AI robots zipped between tables, carrying tools, parts, and data chips, moving smoothly through the room.
The staff chuckled. "They're programmed to assist both employees and guests."
We continued down the hallway, passing more rooms, sound engineers recording spell effects, testers running combat simulations, and analysts monitoring floating holographic data. Finally, we reached an area where performers in black motion-capture suits were acting out combat moves. Cameras tracked every movement, turning the performers' real actions into data that would animate the game's characters.
"This place really feels like the future," my eyes scanning the gleaming company building.
She nodded. "That's exactly what we're aiming for."
After finishing the studio tour, the staff led us down a quieter hallway of the building.
"That's everything for now," she said with a smile. "I know it's been a lot to take in and you've had a long day. You'll need to rest. The beta testing starts tomorrow."
She guided us toward a set of rooms. "We've prepared guest rooms for all the beta testers," she continued. "Each room has everything you'll need, and we'll bring food directly to you, so don't worry about going anywhere."
"Here you are," she said, opening the door to our room. "Make yourselves comfortable. Tomorrow is when the real fun begins. Get a good night's sleep. You'll need it."
"Thanks," I said, setting my backpack down.
Claude gave a small bow. "Thank you," he added, then flopped dramatically onto the bed. "What a long day…"
The staff laughed softly and gave us a reassuring smile. "We'll see you bright and early tomorrow. Oh, and by the way, you'll get to meet the Founder of ArcanePixel Studio. He likes to personally welcome his testers to his latest creation."
With that, she left, closing the door behind her. Claude and I finally sank into the quiet of the guest room.
"We didn't get her name, by the way."
Claude nodded, still curious, but let it slide for the moment.
We rested for a while, enjoying the quiet of the room. Dinner would be served soon.
---
Knock! Knock!
A loud tap on the door jolted us awake the next morning.
"Is it time already?" Claude mumbled, half asleep, rubbing his eyes.
"Coming!" I shouted, quickly hopping out of bed.
I opened the door, and there she was, the same female staff from yesterday, smiling warmly.
"It's time. You should get ready and head out for breakfast," she said cheerfully.
I nodded, still a little groggy. Last night's dinner had been surprisingly good, freshly prepared meals brought straight to our rooms.
I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face, and straightened the bed. Claude was moving just as slowly, muttering something about needing five more minutes of sleep.
When we finally stepped into the hallway, I froze for a moment. The corridor was bustling, people emerging from their rooms, stretching, yawning, and chatting. Most looked around our age.
Then, I noticed a girl with light green hair stepping out just in front of our room. Our eyes met for a moment, and I couldn't look away. She gave a small nod and headed down the hall.
Claude leaned over and elbowed me. "You look like you've seen a ghost," he whispered, smirking.
"It's nothing," I muttered, still sneaking glances at the girl as she walked ahead.
Around us, other players spilled into the hallway, yawning, stretching, and whispering excitedly.
A male staff member appeared, walking briskly down the hall with a clipboard. "Good morning, players! Follow me, and I'll lead you to the dining hall for breakfast," he called out.
The corridor was filled with soft laughter, greetings, and the shuffling of feet. Some players were talking excitedly with those they had just met, while others still looked shy or unsure.
We arrived in the dining hall, and many of us froze in surprise. A long food counter stretched along one side, overflowing with dishes.
"Fall in line and pick as much food as you want!" the male staff called cheerfully.
Claude and I joined the line, our eyes darting between plates.
"Our total should be 100," Claude whispered, elbowing me. "This is everyone, I guess."
"Most likely," I replied, trying to act casual.
When it was our turn, I carefully loaded my plate with sashimi, pairing it with vegetables.
"Over there!" I gestured toward the empty seats at the long table. We weaved through the chatter of players and found a spot.
As I took my first bite, the doors at the end of the hall swung open. The room went quiet instantly. A tall man stepped in, impeccably dressed, walking with confidence.
"Good morning, everyone," he said, his smile genuine. "Welcome to ArcanePixel Studio, and thank you for joining the beta test for my latest creation. I'm honored to have you all here. Today, you'll experience something truly extraordinary. Enjoy your breakfast, because after that, your journey begins."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall.
"This is not an ordinary game test. What you'll experience today is the result of years of development, countless failures, and one simple goal, to shatter the boundary between reality and the virtual world."
Players whispered to each other, eyes wide. Some nudged their friends; others stared in awe.
Claude nudged me and whispered, "This must be the Founder."
I nodded.
The founder walked along the tables, greeting players with friendly nods and waves.
Finally, he gestured toward the exit. "We'll begin the beta testing shortly. Please finish your breakfast and make sure you're ready."
After breakfast, the staff guided us out of the dining hall and down a long, polished hallway. The chatter slowly faded, replaced by a quiet tension that settled in my chest with every step.
We stopped in front of transparent double doors, the VR room we had seen yesterday.
The doors slid open.
Inside was a wide, dimly lit room filled with rows of sleek pods. Each one looked like a high-tech bed, surrounded by cables, screens, and softly glowing indicators. VR headsets rested neatly at the head of every pod.
Staff members moved efficiently, guiding players to their assigned pods. Numbers flickered on holographic displays above each station, exactly one hundred in total.
"Please lie down and remain still," a staff member instructed calmly. "Do not put on your headset yet."
Claude and I exchanged a quick glance before taking our places. I lay back, the surface of the pod cool against my skin. The ceiling above reflected faint, soft lights.
All around us, the room filled with the gentle hum of machines powering up.
Then a footstep echoed.
The Founder stepped forward, his presence commanding even without raising his voice.
"Everyone," he said, calm and confident, "this will be your final briefing."
The room fell completely silent. A few players shifted nervously, whispering to themselves.
"You are about to enter a fully immersive virtual world. Once the system activates, your senses, sight, sound, touch, will be synchronized with the game environment."
I glanced at Claude, who swallowed hard.
"For your safety, the system is monitored at all times. If any irregularities occur, you will be disconnected immediately. What happens inside the game stays in the game. Any injuries or damage you receive will not affect your real body. Time in the virtual world moves faster than in reality, so don't worry, you will experience days of adventure in just a few hours of real time."
Players around me shifted again, some fidgeting, some staring wide-eyed at the pods.
"Additionally, all battles, progress, and levels are recorded. Your privacy is respected. Personal conversations remain confidential, but combat footage and highlights may be uploaded to our streaming platform to showcase your feats and achievements. I trust that all of you are experienced players. You've conquered many adventure games before, so I'm confident you can handle this one."
The Founder smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room. "That said, trust the system and trust yourselves."
He raised a hand. "When instructed, place the headset on. Once the countdown begins, there will be no turning back."
My heart pounded in my chest. Claude leaned back slightly, taking a deep breath. "Ready, I think," he whispered.
"This is where your journey begins," the Founder said. "Good luck, players. Enjoy the experience, build alliances, and remember this game will not be easy. Challenges await, and only a few will claim the prizes."
The lights dimmed.
A soft chime echoed through the room.
"Headsets on, players," the voice echoed through the room.
I reached for the VR device, Claude right beside me, and together we put it on our heads, hearts pounding with excitement.
Suddenly, a crystal-blue holographic screen shimmered to life before my eyes.
A tingling warmth spread from the base of my skull down my spine. Electricity, or something like it, coursed through my body. I was inside the VR headset now.
[Welcome, Malachi Paisley]
[Scanning Identity… Complete]
[Bestowing Arcane Weapon… Please Wait]
[Arcane Weapon Unlocked!]
Weapon: Phoenix Spear
Tier: ★★★★
Magic Element: Fire
Type:Melee / Magic / Ranged / AoE
Description:
A legendary spear imbued with the essence of the Phoenix. Its shaft is crafted from obsidian, while the blade is forged from the strongest feather of a mythical phoenix. The blade burns with eternal flames that dance and flare in rhythm with the wielder. When wielded by a worthy master, it can ignite infernos, blast opponents with searing flames, and incinerate enemies in a blaze of glory. The Phoenix Spear chooses its master, strengthening its bond over time, and embodies the spirit of rebirth, immortality, and unyielding courage. Flames erupt in sync with the wielder's heartbeat, reflecting the eternal essence of the Phoenix.
> Do you accept this as your Arcane Weapon?
[▶YES] / [▶NO]
I quickly selected [▶ YES].
[Deploying Player into: Bestia Kingdom]
[Generating World.....]
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ 10%
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ 27%
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ 59%
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ 85%
◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ 100%