Depraved Veracity

Walking further from the previous Raid gathering place, the atmosphere around me became much quieter to the point where I felt relieved to examine my surroundings. And looking around, it turned out Vaughan was pretty spacious. 

I meant that seen from the central courtyards in front of the main building alone, the other buildings appeared small and somewhat blurry, indicating their considerable distance. The setting was then lush and green, with manicured lawns, gardens, and walking paths like the ones I was strolling through now.

Ah, indeed, playing a fantasy VRMMORPG game was fun, like entering into another world!

So, instead of constantly looking at mundane things like this, I switched to opening the [Menu] interface by waving my hand forward to see more details of the next Quest I had to do.

In [Location], which showed the distance needed to be reached, the writing was blue with an underline, indicating it had a clickable link. I pressed it, and a new screen appeared above, showing a map with a flashing red dot—I assumed it was the destination. Underneath it was a blue crosshair with a white dashed line leading to the destination, implying where I was.

Quite simple, like the usual map display in most games. 

I closed the—Oh?

When I closed the main menu screen, this [Map] display didn't also disappear. Interesting. While continuing to walk, I fiddled with it a little and found this feature had 2D and 3D views. The map could be set to see only the surrounding area, one city, a country, or even the whole world.

The map in this game was good. Most VRMMORPGs typically ignored how it operated, forcing the player to explore the world as though they were strolling home (which was pretty absurd). Or even the map just blocked the view around, especially in the upper corner. And I like how this map could be modified at will. Square. Rectangle. I placed it in my view and dragged it upward. Alright. I positioned it just above my line of sight, with a 16:3 aspect ratio and 40% transparency.

The longer I looked at this, the more I thought it was like a "minimap."

And thanks to this minimap, I could get to the Gear Department's main building faster.

 

 

Following the Quest directions, I reached the very back of the building and arrived at a vast, high-ceilinged space; I estimated the roof was about ten to twelve meters high. The NPCs here were crowded around computers displaying schematics and prototypes being tested.

Based on their activities, they were using technology merely as a tool. Because... look at that! They could work without needing a computer! In reality, we stress the use of artificial intelligence. How unusual to see humans doing dirty jobs, such as standing by a big machine. One of them was clutching an iron rod with a U-shaped tip. Wait. It was probably just around ten centimeters long and didn't deserve to be called a rod—Ah, why was I paying attention to this?!

Anyway, they all seemed to be busy.

All except for one person.

He lounged in a chair, feet propped up indifferently on a makeshift desk. In his hand was a cell phone; his attention seemed entirely absorbed by whatever was displayed there. Judging from his quick hand movements and the horizontal position of his phone, he must be playing a game. This relaxed demeanor was highlighted by his attire—a sleeveless T-shirt, complete with blond hair, pierced ears, and a metal prosthetic replacing his right hand.

The sight of this "striking person" made me pause.

I took a moment to observe.

Although I knew some aspects of World: The Origin, I didn't know everything, let alone learn that THE ENTIRE NPCs existed here; how lazy of me. So, what I knew were the ones I came across while browsing the internet or social media, namely the Department Leaders (because they were mysterious) and the Principal himself.

But from this one glance, I knew that slacking NPC would play a significant role in my gaming experience. There were many reasons I could name if I had to explain why.

The most notable one would be his uniqueness. Remember how MCs looked in most fiction? They used to be distinctive and memorable. I could also say this NPC was flashy for a reason. In addition, in terms of narrative, his unusual appearance forced any player to notice him; in RPGs, this kind of narrative detail was reserved for crucial characters.

As I walked closer to him, I knew this NPC was...

"...Daniel."

My utterance seemed to take him by surprise, even though I said it quietly, indicating he wasn't used to being disturbed. However, his surprised expression quickly passed, as did the gleam of his metal prosthetic hand catching the light when he pocketed his cell phone.

"What you need?"

Cold.

His glare was stern, and his face showed little emotion. Either because it was typical AI behavior (like Noir) or because he had raised his guard. But I responded as usual. "Need to see Daniel for Mount setup. Noir sent me."

His eyes widened before he reached into his phone again and typed something on it, visibly checking something. If I had to guess, it must be about me.

My guess was then confirmed by him laughing while tapping his own forehead. And his eyes fell on me with a smile. "New student, eh? Kay. I am Daniel. Sorry if I seemed a bit unoccupied. New students usually don't meet me first. It has been that way for a while."

'Well, because there are no more newbie players here, Sir.'

Putting it aside, Daniel's HP bar, name, and so on finally appeared above his head. It seemed the game system here was like that—when you introduced yourself, your status bar appeared to the interlocutor; this applied to fellow players and NPCs.

If the trigger condition was to "introduce oneself," then as long as I didn't mention my name or make an intro, my status wouldn't appear on the other party. Not bad. Somehow, this made me think of the benefits of being concealed.

But to his comments, I replied with a smile. Building an image at the beginning was essential. "Ah, that is okay. I don't know your—"

Tug!

Daniel pulled my chin! My breathing instantly stopped, and I caught a clearer view of his eyes—green, a shade that seemed to pierce through the dim lighting of the workshop. Really. It wasn't something I had anticipated, especially from an NPC!

As he released me and stood up from his seat, I pressed, "What was that for?"

'How outrageous of an AI to behave like that.'

But instead of elaborating more, Daniel, who had already prepared to walk away, stopped. Without turning around, he asked, "What was that for, you ask?"

Although it was kind of—more like, very—annoying, I kept my tone even with my expression carefully neutral. "Yes, I ask."

Daniel's face suddenly came inches closer to mine. "I also want to know why."

A smirk was etched there before he stood upright again. Really, this guy? I wanted to press more, but not a single sound came out, to the point my hand reflexively reached out to hold my neck. This shock and confusion, however, were immediately shut down as a red screen appeared.

 

 

'Alright, if that is what you want, system.'

After all, this could be scripted behavior. Like narrative development in story-driven games, Daniel's bold actions might be intended to encourage players to explore the game world more... to get to know him better, to be exact. World: The Origin strongly emphasized social interaction, anyway.

And I didn't want to fall for that bait; it was time to redirect the conversation back to the topic. "About Mount arrangements..."

"Right. Follow me."

Daniel led me to a secluded area where various Mounts were displayed—from speeders to mechanical beasts.

"Here," he said, gesturing to the collection before sitting on an available chair. "Pick one, and I will work on it."

While walking around this room, examining the various blueprints and displays, my hands were folded behind my back as I considered something.

Mount... or a vehicle to travel the [Open World], was linked to the Heart Core. In other words, players couldn't use their weapons when they used it because the crystal orb could only perform one function at a time. This meant I had to choose one that would be advantageous if, for example, I was unexpectedly ambushed. Perhaps something fast enough, flexible, and not too cumbersome.

Although changing the model (from its accessories to completely changing its shape) was available, players still needed blueprints and had to spend considerable resources. I wanted to use a Mount that could last until the end game.

Thus, I pointed to one of the models. "I want this."

In the distance, Daniel, still sitting and looking at me, looked surprised based on his posture straightened up. He even stood up to approach me, his head turning alternately to where I was pointing at and my face. "You really want this?"

I answered with a simple nod.

"You thought long and hard just to choose this?" he asked again, seeming to really not believe what I had chosen.

But I could understand his puzzlement because the one I chose was a mere hoverboard.

In the real world, hoverboards were common among the rich. Besides being "fun," its design—as boards that floated freely in the air—was simple and easy to carry anywhere. I saw at least three or more kids passing by using them when I was out. So, the possibility of it being chosen in the game was slim to none; players in this game were money folks and would pick something out of the ordinary.

Even Daniel's algorithm understood that no player had picked it; thus, he was surprised when I did so. The thing was, I wasn't going for something fancy, and the money I earned would definitely not be used for tertiary items like hoverboards—even if I had wished to own one for a long time.

'Fulfilling my desires and preparing for the long term is not bad, right? A win-win!'

"I. Want. This."

Daniel stared at me as if trying to decipher a puzzle. Then, unexpectedly, his expression broke into a wide grin, and he let out a hearty laugh that echoed in the vast space. "What a weird one! Choosing a hoverboard when peps go with rainbow horses and pilot starships, eh?"

Wasn't he the weird one?

'I also know his words are exaggerated.'

Rather than commenting on his babbling, I got straight to the point. "Can I?"

"Of course you can, Kid." And his hand rose as if to pat—Nope, no.

I quickly took a step back. "Personal space, please."

But, again, he laughed at my response...

Ding!

 

"Haaah, alright. Come, gimme your Heart Core."

I didn't know what this was all about—that notification, his response. Geez, to hell thinking about it! I just gave him what he asked for and let him work to finish the Mount I chose. He reminded me of that person (Guo Dai). Was I subconsciously becoming a magnet for weirdos like them?

With a resigned sigh, I sat down, observing as Daniel positioned my Heart Core into a slot on a console adorned with holographic displays and interfaces.

To clear my mind after the annoying moment, I studied the system notifications that had previously appeared—that red screen with the "Further interaction denied!" statement. If the [Friendship] level wasn't enough, it seemed that the way to interact with NPCs was to use Quest to call their attention to hidden events.

In that case, it would imply that to befriend the "key NPCs," I first needed to know each AI's personality. Understanding them allowed me to adjust my interactions to match their preferences or story arcs, resulting in a stronger bond more quickly.

No wonder discussions about them were heated in the forum.

This intrigued me to conduct a test; I quickly stood up and ran to Daniel. "Wait, can I request something?"

Daniel paused, his hands momentarily still as he looked up from his work on the hoverboard. The surprise in his expression was evident, replaced quickly by curiosity. "What kind of request?"

"I want a modification."

And from there, his expression turned... more serious. "Where do you think I'd give that to a peanut like you?"

"You won't, that is why I asked."

Daniel was silent, his eyes blinking as he stared at me for a long time—so long that I thought he might refuse outright. I didn't know why he was looking at me like this, perhaps trying to read me from my expressions? I tried to keep my face as neutral as possible then.

But my assumption was broken when he burst into laughter, tilting his head back and massaging his forehead. "Bah! You have got guts! Aware of limits but still cross them; you'd burn the academy if you had to, huh?"

I just replied to his comment with a smile.

"Kay, I give you that! What modification do you want?"

A screen appeared before me, displaying different modification options ranging from the shape to the engine upgrade. Oh, how fortunate I was to acquire this for free!

But, since I was in the process of making observations, I chose one that could cover all aspects. "Stability control."

"You sure, kid? I know you are such a lunatic, but I am giving this only once! Later you will have to prepare your own funds; think carefully."

"Which part didn't I think of?" For some reason, this compelled me to share a metaphor that indirectly related to my desires. I smiled even wider while tilting my head. "Isn't it interesting if you can control your life?"