The soft, diffused light of morning seeped through the gap in the curtains, painting a pale rectangle on the far wall of the bedroom. Bennett stirred, a groggy awareness returning to him in slow, hesitant waves. The familiar weight of the duvet, the faint scent of sleep and lavender from the shared bed with Jenn and Jesse, anchored him to the real world, a gentle pull away from the lingering echoes of Dustreach and the vast, sun-drenched plains he had roamed as ProlixalParagon. A deep, comfortable languor held him captive for a few more moments, the kind that only a true day off could bestow.
But the ingrained rhythm of his routine, even on a day free from the fluorescent hum of Alluring Realms, began to assert itself. With a soft groan that barely disturbed the stillness of the room, Bennett rolled onto his side, the slight movement causing a familiar creak in the mattress. He pushed himself up, the vast expanse of the Alaskan king-size bed feeling luxurious beneath him. One foot, still encased in the warmth of a sock, then the other, found the cool wood floor. He stood for a moment, the slight stiffness in his muscles a reminder of both his recent virtual adventures and the physical demands of his janitorial work.
A familiar, almost instinctive pull led him to the small medical kit he kept in the bedside drawer. He opened it, the contents neatly arranged: a vial of testosterone, several individually wrapped syringes, antiseptic wipes, and a sturdy sharps container. This weekly ritual was a quiet act of self-affirmation, a consistent step on his journey. He carefully unwrapped a new syringe, his gaze momentarily lingering on the clear vial of hormone. A familiar thought surfaced, a quiet contemplation he often indulged in during this weekly routine: why, in this age of advanced medical technology, wasn't there a convenient pump for testosterone delivery, similar to the insulin pumps that had revolutionized diabetes management?. He mused on the inconvenience of manual injections, the slight pinch, the momentary sting of the alcohol wipe – small irritations, perhaps, but ones that seemed archaic in comparison. The idea of a discreet, automated system, delivering the necessary hormone steadily and consistently, held a certain appeal, a promise of seamless integration into his daily life. But for now, this was the way, the familiar routine that kept his body aligned with his inner self.
With practiced ease, he drew the prescribed dose into the syringe, the clear liquid filling the chamber. He selected an antiseptic wipe and cleaned a patch of skin on his thigh with a swift, circular motion, the cool liquid evaporating quickly. Taking a steadying breath, he administered the injection, the brief prick quickly followed by a dull pressure as the hormone entered his system. He disposed of the used syringe carefully in the sharps container, a small, decisive click marking the end of this necessary task. A small, private smile touched his lips as he recalled his lighthearted "pro-boy-otics" joke with Jenn and Jesse.
The completion of his weekly injection left him feeling more fully present in his own skin, a subtle sense of groundedness settling within him. He moved towards the bathroom, the cool tiles a welcome sensation under his bare feet. The promise of a long, hot shower beckoned, a chance to wash away the last vestiges of sleep and the lingering phantom sensations of the desert. He turned on the water, the initial rush of cold gradually giving way to a steaming torrent. The sound filled the small room, a cleansing prelude to the day ahead.
He stepped into the shower, the warmth enveloping him like a comforting embrace. The hot water eased the lingering tension in his muscles, a physical manifestation of the stress and exhilaration of his double life. He tilted his head back, letting the spray wash over his face, the mundane act feeling almost luxurious on his day off. As the steam rose, carrying the subtle scent of the soap, Bennett's thoughts drifted back to Ludere Online, to the mysteries of the Vermillion Troupe and the unexpected trust they had shown him. The weight of his agreement with Dave Smith, the unbelievable opportunity he had been granted, settled upon him once more, a mixture of responsibility and a burgeoning sense of purpose. But for now, under the soothing cascade of hot water, he allowed himself a moment of quiet anticipation for the day ahead, a day free from cleaning, a day that held the promise of family, rest, and perhaps, later, a return to the captivating digital world that had so unexpectedly become a part of his reality.
The mundane act of washing felt almost luxurious in the quiet of his day off, a stark contrast to the phantom sensations of the desert he had recently traversed as ProlixalParagon. His thoughts drifted to Alluring Realms, to the janitorial duties that awaited him, now overlaid with the clandestine task entrusted to him by Dave Smith. The weight of his agreement, the unbelievable opportunity he had been granted, settled upon him once more, a mixture of responsibility and a burgeoning sense of purpose. He would need to maintain his regular janitorial duties, ensuring the facility was "spotless", while also keeping his eyes and ears open for anything relevant to Mr. Smith’s interests in Ludere Online. The contrast between the sterile environment of Alluring Realms and the vibrant, unpredictable world of Ludere Online was becoming increasingly pronounced in his mind.
Emerging from the shower, the steam clinging to his skin, Bennett toweled off and moved back into the bedroom to dress for work. He pulled on his familiar janitorial uniform, the fabric carrying the faint, almost comforting scent of industrial cleaner. As he laced up his worn work boots, his thoughts turned to his family. Jenn would likely be in the air, attending to passengers, while Jesse would be managing the household with the children. The health benefits his job provided for Brecken were never far from his mind, the primary motivation behind his initial acceptance of the position at Alluring Realms. This responsibility now intertwined with the unexpected secret he carried, the brown wristband on his arm a constant reminder of both his mundane obligations and his extraordinary, clandestine role.
He moved into the quiet kitchen, the lingering scent of their hurried breakfast still in the air. He located a slightly squashed package of individually wrapped donut sticks in the cupboard. Tearing one open, he ate it quickly, the sugary sweetness a brief counterpoint to his more complex thoughts. He poured himself a cup of the leftover coffee, the warmth spreading through him as he considered the day ahead. He would need to be careful, adhering to his usual cleaning routine to avoid suspicion, while also remaining alert for any information that might be valuable to Mr. Smith. The memory of his unauthorized foray into Ludere Online, the encounter with Blair, and the subsequent meeting with the CEO felt both surreal and intensely real. As he finished his coffee and rinsed his mug, a sense of quiet resolve settled within him. He was a janitor, a trans man, a husband, a father, and now, unexpectedly, a sanctioned explorer of a virtual world, all while navigating the sterile corridors of Alluring Realms. With a final check to ensure he had his keys and his brown wristband, Bennett locked the apartment door behind him and headed out, the weight of his dual existence settling upon him as he began his commute.
As Bennett drove to work, the events of the previous night and the newfound openness with Jenn and Jesse replayed in his mind. The weight of his secret had lifted, replaced by a sense of shared understanding, even if it was still tinged with their understandable worry. He reached for his phone, a spontaneous urge to connect with Jenn bubbling up. He knew she’d likely be mid-trip, navigating the often-hectic schedule of a flight attendant.
He found her contact and tapped it. After a couple of rings, she answered, her voice carrying the slight echo of a busy airport. “Hey, love! Everything alright?” she asked, a note of concern evident, likely remembering his somewhat frazzled state that morning.
“Hey, Jen,” Bennett replied, his voice feeling lighter than it had in weeks. “Yeah, everything’s good. Just on my way to Alluring Realms. Wanted to catch you before your next flight.”
“Oh, hey! Perfect timing. I’m actually in Memphis right now,” Jenn said, the background noise momentarily fading. “We just landed, a bit behind schedule as usual. Waiting for the call for my next leg – Phoenix, sunny Phoenix.”
“Phoenix, huh? Sounds a lot warmer than here,” Bennett chuckled. “Just wanted to say… well, thanks for everything last night. For listening, for understanding… even if it was a pretty crazy story.”
There was a brief pause on Jenn’s end. “Ben, of course. We were worried, really worried. About you, about your job…”. He could hear the sincerity in her tone. “But honestly? Part of me isn’t completely surprised about the Ludere Online thing. You’ve been so into gaming, and working there… I guess it was always a temptation.”.
“Yeah, it was,” Bennett admitted. “And I’m really, really glad I don’t have to hide it anymore. It was… exhausting.”
“I can imagine,” Jenn sighed softly. “Just promise me, no more unauthorized D.I.V.E. pod adventures, okay? This deal with Mr. Davies sounds… unusual, to say the least. You have to be careful.”.
“I promise, Jen. No more sneaking around. Everything from now on is… sanctioned, in a very weird way,” Bennett chuckled again, a genuine feeling of relief washing over him.
“Good,” Jenn said, her voice sounding slightly more relaxed. “Well, I should probably keep an ear out for my gate call. Phoenix awaits.”
“Alright. Have a good flight, love. Be safe.”
“You too, Ben. Let me know how work goes.”
“Will do. Talk to you later.”
The call ended, and Bennett placed his phone back in its holder, a smile lingering on his face. It felt good to have shared his secret, to have their understanding and support, even amidst the strangeness of the situation.
He soon arrived at the familiar sprawling complex of Alluring Realms Gaming. As he pulled into the employee parking lot, his gaze drifted towards the large, sleek sign bearing the company’s name. A thought struck him – Alluring Realms Gaming. ARG. Alternate Reality Game. He mused on the fitting coincidence. Here he was, a janitor who had stumbled into his own unexpected alternate reality game, a clandestine player operating within the very fabric of the virtual world they had created.
Stepping out of his car, the cool evening air felt crisp against his skin. He walked towards the employee entrance, his brown wristband a familiar weight on his left arm. He swiped it against the sensor, the reassuring green light blinking, granting him access.
As he headed towards the time clock, a sense of calm settled over him. He no longer had the gnawing anxiety of keeping his Ludere Online activities a secret from Jenn and Jesse. The weight of that deception had been significant. Now, they knew. They were worried, yes, but they also understood his fascination and the extraordinary circumstances that had unfolded. He thought back to Jenn’s initial shock and Jesse’s disbelief, which had eventually softened into a form of cautious acceptance. Their support, however laced with concern, was a powerful motivator. He still had to navigate the precarious situation with Dave Smith, the CEO, and ensure his janitorial duties didn't suffer. But knowing he had the unwavering support of his family made the challenges ahead feel a little less daunting. The "alternate reality game" of his life at Alluring Realms had just entered a new, and undeniably more transparent, phase.
Bennett clocked in for his shift. He began his janitorial rounds in a methodical and thorough manner. Despite the late hour and the lingering fatigue from his family's early start, a sense of methodical purpose settled over him as he retrieved his cleaning supplies from the utilitarian janitorial supply closet. The gentle squeak of his cart’s worn wheels provided a familiar cadence in the hushed hallways. The scent of industrial cleaner was a constant companion as he gathered his microfiber cloths, spray bottles, and the trusty vacuum cleaner, each item worn from countless nights of service.
His primary areas for the evening were the general office spaces on the first and second floors, the reception area, and the employee break rooms. He started with the second-floor offices, the muted glow of computer monitors casting an eerie light on the unoccupied desks. Bennett moved from cubicle to cubicle, his movements efficient and practiced. He emptied wastepaper baskets, sometimes noting discarded printouts containing snippets of game design documents and lines of code that remained largely incomprehensible to him, yet served as a tangible link to the world of Ludere Online. He remembered his earlier curiosity about the "Mana System v3.2" diagram he had once seen, a small window into the intricate mechanics of the game he now knew intimately as ProlixalParagon.
Dust motes danced in the pale fluorescent light as he meticulously wiped down each desk surface with a microfiber cloth, paying attention to the areas around keyboards and the faint sticky residue left by forgotten coffee mugs. He often thought of the developers who sat at these very desks, their fingers bringing the fantastical world of Ludere Online to life. He wondered if they ever considered the work of the night-shift janitor who quietly tidied their creative chaos. Occasionally, he paused by a whiteboard, now covered in more intricate diagrams and flowcharts, his curiosity about the ongoing development piqued. His initial reason for taking this job, the comprehensive health benefits so crucial for his youngest son Brecken’s delicate health, was never far from his mind, a constant motivator for his diligent work.
Next, Bennett moved to the employee break rooms, areas often bearing the remnants of intense gaming or coding sessions. He sighed inwardly as he surveyed the familiar scene: scattered snack wrappers, a haphazard collection of empty energy drink cans, and the occasional sticky spill. He pulled on disposable gloves and began the task of clearing the debris, his movements efficient and thorough. As he wiped down a table, he sometimes spotted discarded pieces of scratch paper with hastily scribbled notes containing game jargon he was slowly becoming familiar with, terms like "aggro management" and mentions of creatures like the Blightscale Naga. These fleeting glimpses into the developers' world, coupled with his own experiences in Ludere Online, fueled his curiosity. He was glad he no longer had to pretend ignorance about these terms with Jenn and Jesse.
He emptied the overflowing trash cans, the weight of the discarded items a testament to the energy expended within these walls. He meticulously wiped down the microwave and the coffee maker, familiar with the stubborn stains they often harbored. As he worked, his thoughts occasionally drifted to the revolutionary experience that Ludere Online promised. His new role as a janitor felt less like a mundane task and more like an entry point into a world brimming with secrets and cutting-edge technology. He remembered his initial hope that his dedication would be noticed, perhaps even leading to a beta testing role. Now that Jenn and Jesse knew about his gaming, a small part of that frustration had eased. He was still a janitor, but he was also someone who understood the Alluring Realms ecosystem, even if it was from the perspective of keeping it clean.
Finally, Bennett made his way to the reception area, straightening magazines and wiping down the smooth surfaces, ensuring a clean and welcoming entrance for the morning staff. As he worked, the low hum of the building, the faint sounds of testing from distant labs, and the overall atmosphere of Alluring Realms no longer just represented his workplace. They were also the backdrop to his secret double life, the mundane reality that grounded his extraordinary, clandestine adventures in the immersive world of Ludere Online. The brown wristband on his arm, a simple marker of his facilities access, now felt like a symbol of both his obligations and his unbelievable secret. He continued to clean, the squeak of his cart a quiet counterpoint to the silent anticipation of the virtual world that awaited him later in his shift. He was glad that this part of his life, his passion for gaming and his connection to Alluring Realms, was no longer a hidden compartment, a secret he had to carefully guard from his family.
Following his decision to clean the developer office next, Bennett pushed his cleaning cart down the hallway towards "Development – Sector Gamma". The low hum emanating from behind the closed door seemed to hold a new significance now that this space was a part of his official cleaning route. He swiped his brown wristband against the sensor, the green light blinking to grant him access.
Inside, Frank, Sean, and Jason were gathered around a large monitor displaying lines of code and what appeared to be character profile screens. Empty energy drink cans and scattered papers still bore testament to their ongoing work.
"Evening, Bennett," Frank greeted with a weary but friendly smile. "Back to keep us from drowning in digital and physical clutter?".
Sean, the beta tester with the red wristband, swiveled in his chair. "Hey Bennett! Come to offer more of your sage forum wisdom?" he asked with a playful grin.
Jason offered a brief nod without taking his eyes from his screen.
Bennett wheeled his cart further into the room, the familiar scent of electronics and coffee filling the air. "Just doing my rounds," he replied, trying to sound casual while subtly observing the content on their monitors.
Frank gestured towards the screen. "We're currently wrestling with the implementation of these 'hidden' character backgrounds and inherited traits," he explained, leaning back in his chair. "We want them to be a meaningful part of the player experience, something that adds depth and encourages exploration of the lore, but we're trying to nail down the mechanics of how they're discovered and what their impact should be".
Jason chimed in, still focused on his work. "The tricky part is the 'hidden' aspect. We don't want players to feel like they're missing out on crucial information right from the start, but we also want there to be a sense of discovery and reward for those who delve deeper into their character's lineage or engage with specific in-game narratives".
Sean pointed to a character sheet displayed on the monitor. "See here? Under the standard background and traits, there's a section marked '[hidden]' for both. We've got placeholders for potential backgrounds like 'Caravan Cub' for Fennicians or 'Orphan of the Coast' for Humans, and traits like 'Lunar Affinity' or 'Ancient Bloodline,' but we're debating how these get revealed to the player".
Frank elaborated, running a simulation on his monitor. "We've considered a few options. One is through specific in-game events or questlines tied to a player's race or initial background. For example, a Fennician character might encounter a traveling caravan elder who recognizes a particular fur pattern or a family heirloom, triggering the reveal of a hidden 'Caravan Lorekeeper' background and associated traits".
Sean nodded. "Another idea is through interactions with certain NPCs who possess unique insights into the history and culture of Prasine. Perhaps a scholar in the Soohan archives could decipher ancient texts that reveal a character's forgotten lineage and unlock hidden traits related to a specific historical event or ancestral skill".
Jason paused his typing. "We also discussed the possibility of certain in-game actions or achievements subtly influencing the revelation. Maybe consistently choosing dialogue options aligned with a particular cultural value could eventually unlock a hidden background that reflects that alignment, along with relevant passive bonuses".
Bennett, while carefully dusting the nearby desks, subtly paid close attention to their conversation. He remembered the forum discussions he had read about unusual Fennician fur patterns and the theories surrounding hidden racial traits. His own ProlixalParagon's white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black hadn't matched the standard descriptions, and the mention of 'Caravan Cub' resonated with the Fennician emphasis on caravan culture he had learned from Lyra of the Vermillion Troupe. He wondered if his unique markings might be a visual indicator of a hidden background or inherited trait.
Frank continued, "Mechanically, we're also debating the impact of these hidden elements. Should a hidden background primarily be for flavor and roleplaying opportunities, unlocking unique dialogue options and interactions with certain factions? Or should it also grant tangible gameplay advantages through inherited traits – perhaps minor stat bonuses, unique skill proficiencies, or resistances to specific types of damage?".
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Sean tapped his tablet. "We need to be careful not to create an imbalance. Players who stumble upon a 'powerful' hidden background early on shouldn't overshadow those who chose a standard background. Maybe the benefits of hidden traits are more nuanced, offering situational advantages or opening up specific playstyles rather than raw power boosts".
Jason looked up from his screen, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Perhaps the 'hidden' marker on the character sheet could serve as a hint, a subtle indicator that there's more to discover about their character's history. Players who are curious and observant would be rewarded for their engagement with the game world and its lore".
Frank leaned back, considering. "And what about the visual aspect? Should certain hidden backgrounds or inherited traits manifest visually on the character model? For instance, a character with an 'Ancient Elven Bloodline' might develop subtle physical characteristics over time, like slightly elongated ears or a unique eye color, as they uncover their heritage".
Sean chuckled. "Or in Bennett's case," he gestured playfully with his hand, "a Fennician with a 'Shadow Walker' ancestry might develop slightly darker fur markings over time!".
Bennett chuckled nervously, continuing to dust the shelves, his ears subtly perked. He was fascinated by their discussion, realizing that the "Scholars Apprentice" hidden background and the "Lunar Reflexes" and "Unrooted Identity" inherited traits that had appeared on ProlixalParagon's character sheet were exactly the kind of elements they were currently designing the discovery mechanics for. He wondered what specific actions he had taken in the game that had triggered their reveal. Had his conversation with the priest, his exploration of the desert under the twin moons, or his inherent curiosity as a Tinkerer played a role?
As he wiped down a shelf filled with game design books, Bennett remembered his own experience. The appearance of the "[hidden]" information had indeed sparked his curiosity and driven him to research the Fennician lore further on the forums. It had added a compelling layer to his character and his understanding of the game world.
Frank sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a delicate balance. We want to reward player curiosity and engagement with the lore without making the initial character creation feel incomplete or creating unfair advantages. The 'hidden' aspect needs to feel like a natural unfolding of a character's story, not a secret checklist to min-max".
Sean nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It should be about enriching the roleplaying experience and providing a deeper connection to the world of Prasine".
As Bennett continued to clean, the developers' conversation continued to weave through various possibilities for triggering and implementing these hidden aspects of character identity, their debate a fascinating glimpse into the intricate process of crafting the immersive world of Ludere Online. He felt a growing sense of excitement about the potential for deeper character development and the secrets that might still be waiting to be uncovered within the game. His unauthorized, yet now sanctioned, forays into the virtual world suddenly felt even more significant, his role as a player potentially offering valuable insights into the very mechanics they were currently refining.
Bennett, still meticulously wiping down the large monitor displaying character code, offered his suggestions hesitantly, his voice a little softer than usual, not wanting to interrupt their focused discussion. "Excuse me, sirs?" he began, carefully placing the cleaning cloth back on his cart. "While you're talking about discovering backgrounds and traits marked as [hidden], have you considered tying quests to the backgrounds or traits that aren't hidden? It might create a more immediate sense of connection and provide players with initial clues or pathways."
Frank leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful furrow appearing on his brow. "That's an interesting thought, Bennett. How would that work exactly?"
"Well," Bennett elaborated, warming to the idea, "if a character starts with the 'Noble Lineage' background, for example, maybe certain early quests related to social interactions or leadership challenges could subtly hint at the 'Entitlement' or 'Political Prey' banes. Successfully navigating these quests, or perhaps even failing in a way that highlights the negative trait, could then lead to a questline specifically designed to address or even overcome that bane, potentially revealing a hidden boon or further aspects of their lineage down the line." He paused, considering. "It could make the initial boons and banes feel more dynamic and less like static labels."
Sean's eyes widened slightly. "Ooh, I like that. Turning a negative into a positive through gameplay. It's way more engaging than just having a bad trait you're stuck with."
Jason nodded slowly, his gaze still occasionally flickering back to his screen. "We could even tie it thematically. A character burdened by 'Entitlement' might have a questline involving learning humility or experiencing genuine hardship, the successful completion of which could unlock a hidden 'Empathy' boon or perhaps reveal a hidden aspect of their noble house's history that downplays arrogance."
Bennett continued, encouraged by their receptive reactions. "And it doesn't have to be just about removing negative traits. Maybe a boon like 'Leadership' could trigger a questline where the player faces a significant leadership challenge, and overcoming it unlocks a hidden background related to a famous ancestor who was also a great leader, granting further, more nuanced leadership-related abilities or titles down the line." He thought of the title discussions they had earlier.
He then shifted his focus to faction-related backgrounds, thinking of the Fennicians. "For backgrounds tied to a specific faction or race, like the 'Caravan Cub' you mentioned for Fennicians , maybe there could be cultural rituals or rites of passage within that faction that serve as triggers for revealing hidden information. For Fennicians, perhaps reaching a certain age, like the age of majority around 22 years old, or achieving a certain standing within their caravan through completing specific tasks or contributing to the community, could initiate a quest given by a caravan elder. This quest could delve into their family history, reveal a hidden talent represented by an inherited trait like 'Lunar Affinity' , or unlock the full details of their 'Caravan Cub' background." He recalled Lyra's emphasis on family within the Vermillion Troupe.
"That fits really well with the Fennician emphasis on family and community," Frank mused, tapping his pen against his lips. "A coming-of-age questline that unlocks deeper understanding of their heritage… we could even incorporate some of the cultural elements, like pranks or riddle-solving, into the quest itself."
Sean grinned. "Imagine a 'Caravan Cub' having to pull off an elaborate prank on a rival caravan leader – without it being malicious, of course – to prove their cleverness and loyalty to their own troupe! That could unlock a 'Master Trickster' hidden trait or something!"
Jason added, "And for factions with a strong hierarchical structure, like the Kingdom of Draggor, reaching a certain reputation level or gaining favor with key figures could trigger a message or an invitation that initiates a quest related to a character's hidden noble lineage or a forgotten connection to a powerful house. This could tie into the political intrigue we were discussing earlier." He considered Bennett's earlier suggestion about reputation unlocking titles and privileges.
Bennett felt a surge of quiet satisfaction, realizing that his own experience as ProlixalParagon, with the sudden appearance of "Fennician, Scholars Apprentice [Hidden]" and the inherited traits, might have been triggered by some initial actions or interactions within the game, though he wasn't yet sure what. The developers seemed genuinely engaged with his suggestions, their conversation now buzzing with new possibilities.
Frank looked at Bennett with a renewed spark of interest. "These are some really solid ideas, Bennett. Tying the hidden elements to the visible ones… it creates a much smoother and more rewarding sense of discovery. And the faction-specific triggers, especially the cultural rites for Fennicians, that adds a layer of immersion that goes beyond just completing tasks."
Sean was already tapping away on his tablet, seemingly jotting down notes. "We could even have different tiers of hidden information, unlocked through a series of interconnected quests tied to different aspects of their initial background and traits. Like peeling back layers of their character's history."
Jason nodded, a rare smile gracing his lips. "This gives us a much clearer direction for implementing these hidden elements in a way that feels organic and integrated into the gameplay. Thanks, Bennett."
Bennett felt a flush of warmth spread across his cheeks. "You're very welcome, sirs. I just… it seemed like a way to make the character development feel even richer and more personal." He continued to subtly clean the room, his earlier nervousness replaced by a quiet sense of having contributed meaningfully to the very fabric of Ludere Online. The hum of their renewed brainstorming session filled the air, now carrying a slightly different tone, infused with the potential of Bennett's insights.
Bennett gathered the last of the stray energy drink cans from beneath a desk, the metallic clinking a final punctuation mark to his cleaning routine in the developer office. He wiped down the large monitor one last time, ensuring no lingering smudges marred the view of the intricate code they had been working on. Frank, Sean, and Jason were once again deeply engrossed in their discussion, the low murmur of their voices a comforting hum in the otherwise quiet room.
"Alright, sirs," Bennett said, carefully stowing his cleaning supplies back onto his cart. "All done in here for tonight. Thanks for the… chat." He offered a small, slightly shy smile, still feeling a thrill of quiet pride at having contributed to their brainstorming session.
"Anytime, Bennett," Frank replied, glancing up briefly from his monitor. "Seriously, thanks for your help. And your insights."
Sean swiveled in his chair, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yeah, don't be a stranger. You've got a knack for this game design stuff, even if you try to hide it behind a mop and bucket."
Jason gave a curt nod without looking away from his screen, a silent acknowledgment of Bennett's presence and contributions.
With a final, grateful smile, Bennett wheeled his squeaky cart out of the developer office. The soft hum of their continued discussion about hidden character traits and quest integration followed him down the hallway. He made his way towards the employee break rooms on the first floor, a familiar pang of hunger reminding him that his lunch break was well overdue.
The fluorescent lights of the corridor cast long shadows as Bennett pushed his cart along the linoleum floor. The usual late-night quiet of Alluring Realms pressed in around him, a stark contrast to the animated discussions and vibrant digital world he had just left, both in the developer office and in his memories of Dustreach. He thought about the Kingdom of Draggor, a land forged in steel with a rigid, caste-based society, a place he had only read about and heard the beta testers mention. His curiosity about the political landscape of Ludere Online, the tensions between different factions, was growing with each passing day.
He rounded the corner and approached the double doors of the main employee break room on the first floor. A louder hum of voices emanated from within, punctuated by the clatter of dishes and the crinkle of snack wrappers. As he pushed the door open with his hip, his cleaning cart squeaking in protest, the scene inside came into focus.
A group of beta testers, their red wristbands vivid against their casual attire, occupied a large central table. Empty energy drink cans, half-eaten sandwiches, and scattered notes covered the surface, testament to a prolonged discussion fueled by caffeine and virtual adventures. The air was thick with the aroma of microwaved food and the energetic buzz of their conversation.
Bennett maneuvered his cart towards the quieter vending machine area, hoping to grab his packed lunch from his bag without interrupting their animated exchange. However, their voices carried easily across the room, and he couldn't help but overhear snippets of their current topic.
"...it's the new edicts, I'm telling you," a young woman with bright purple hair exclaimed, gesturing emphatically with a crumpled napkin. "Draggor is getting seriously tight-fisted. Food rationing in the capital is insane. I tried to buy a loaf of basic bread, and the vendor looked at me like I was asking for dragon scales!"
A burly man with a deep voice and a red wristband leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. "Yeah, and it's not just the capital. I was questing in a village near the Obsidian Peaks, and even they had restrictions. And the prices? Forget about it. A single healing potion cost three times what it did last week."
"Something's definitely up," a third tester, a lanky individual with perpetually tired eyes, chimed in, stirring his lukewarm coffee with a plastic spoon. "And have you guys seen the recruiters? They're everywhere! Draggor army NPCs popping up in every town and village close to the capital, practically strong-arming anyone who looks remotely able-bodied into enlisting."
The purple-haired tester shivered dramatically. "It's creepy! They're not even subtle about it. These huge, armored guys just standing in the town square, bellowing about duty to the kingdom and offering ridiculously low wages."
"Makes you wonder what's going on," the burly tester mused, tapping a finger against his chin. "Could it be a war brewing? Draggor has always been aggressive, especially with the Altaician territories."
"Maybe," the tired tester responded, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "But usually, they're more about border skirmishes. This feels… different. The food rationing suggests a much larger drain on resources. Maybe a prolonged campaign somewhere?"
"Or," the purple-haired tester interjected, her voice dropping conspiratorially, "what if it's something internal? A rebellion? A resource shortage they're not admitting to?"
The burly tester scoffed. "A rebellion in Draggor? With that king? He's got the place locked down tighter than a dwarven vault. Anyone who even whispers dissent probably ends up in the iron mines." He paused, his expression thoughtful. "A resource shortage… that's possible. Maybe the black salt production has been hit? That's their main export, isn't it?"
"That's a good point," the tired tester agreed. "Or maybe something's happening with their food production. A blight? A monster infestation wiping out crops or livestock?"
Bennett, who had quietly retrieved his lunch bag from his cart and found a relatively unoccupied corner table, unwrapped his peanut butter and banana sandwich while he microwaved his pasta, his ears still tuned to the beta testers' conversation. He knew from his forum research and his brief time as ProlixalParagon that the Kingdom of Draggor was a powerful, militaristic nation. The sudden appearance of widespread food rationing and aggressive military recruitment painted a concerning picture, hinting at deeper issues within the game world. He recalled the armorer in Oakhaven mentioning the tensions between Draggor and the Altaicians, and the more recent faction quest he had received in Dustreach regarding unlawful food accumulation, further solidifying the idea of resource scarcity and potential unrest.
He took a bite of his sandwich, the familiar taste a small anchor in the growing complexity of Ludere Online's unfolding narrative. The beta testers continued to speculate, their theories ranging from external conflicts to internal strife, their red wristbands signifying their privileged access to the very heart of this developing crisis. Bennett, the silent observer with a brown wristband, listened intently, piecing together the fragments of information, his own secret experiences in Draggor territory adding another layer to the unfolding mystery. He wondered what ProlixalParagon would encounter if he were to return to Dustreach now, under these new, restrictive edicts.
Bennett leaned back in his chair at the corner table, the aroma of his microwaved pasta blending with the lingering scent of coffee and cleaning supplies. He savored a bite, his gaze seemingly fixed on the peeling paint of the vending machine, while his ears remained keenly attuned to the beta testers' ongoing discussion about the Kingdom of Draggor. The purple-haired tester was now animatedly recounting an experience near the Draggor border.
"It was insane! I've got a pretty solid reputation with the Draggor faction on my main," she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly above the general breakroom din. "I've completed several questlines, even helped them clear out some beastmen incursions in the foothills. Usually, the guards are at least civil, sometimes even offer a little acknowledgement. But this time? Near the Blackwood Crossing, I was stopped by a patrol – heavily armored guys, the kind you usually see guarding high-ranking officials."
The burly tester interjected, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, those are the Nakruer's Guard. Notoriously unpleasant, even to their own citizens if you look at them wrong."
"Exactly!" the purple-haired tester continued. "And they didn't even acknowledge my faction standing! They just barked orders, demanding to see my travel papers, interrogating me about where I was going and why. One of them kept eyeing the rations in my pack like I was a common criminal. I had to practically recite chapter and verse of the Draggor trade regulations to get them to let me go. And the whole time, they kept muttering about the Warden's new decree."
The lanky tester with tired eyes stirred his coffee again. "So, even reputation isn't a guarantee anymore? That's rough. I was planning on heading to the Draggor capital to check out some high-level crafting recipes I heard about. I've built up a decent standing there, but maybe I should hold off."
"Definitely hold off!" the purple-haired tester emphasized. "It feels like something big is about to go down. The paranoia is palpable. And it's not just the guards. Even the regular citizens seemed on edge, hoarding what little food they could get their hands on. I saw one vendor practically snatching a bag of grain back from a customer because they thought the price was going to go up again."
Bennett’s own memories of Dustreach, though brief and filtered through the eyes of ProlixalParagon, flickered in his mind. The austere stone buildings, the metallic tang in the air, and now the beta testers' descriptions of heightened paranoia and food scarcity painted a concerning picture. He recalled the proclamation delivered by the stern-faced rider, the crimson ribbon a stark symbol of the Warden's harsh decree. The fear and uncertainty among the villagers and the palpable tension within the Vermillion Troupe after the announcement were still vivid in his virtual memory.
The burly tester speculated further, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "It could be related to the Altaician situation. There's always been bad blood there, and King Dunstan has never fully trusted them. Maybe there's been some kind of incident, or maybe he's just using the food rationing and increased military presence as an excuse to crack down on any potential dissent, especially from the Altaician communities within Draggor territory."
The purple-haired tester shivered. "That's what I was thinking. I even saw some subtle signs of increased security around the known Altaician enclaves I passed. More guards, more patrols. It felt… oppressive." She then added, lowering her voice, "And those recruiter NPCs? They're not just taking anyone. I saw them turn away a heavily armored warrior because he had what looked like Altaician tribal tattoos on his arms. They made some excuse about 'purity of the Draggor line' or something equally disturbing."
Bennett’s mind immediately went to the armorer in Oakhaven and his hushed warnings about the lack of love lost between the Kingdom of Draggor and the Altaicians. He also remembered FelineFine, the Altacian ShadowBlade mentioned on the forums, and the Red Fox Caravan’s potential connection to that faction. The beta tester's observation about the recruiters and the rejection based on Altaician tattoos reinforced the idea of escalating tensions and targeted discrimination within Draggor. He considered the Vermillion Troupe’s journey towards Dustreach, a border village within the Draggor Kingdom. As a traveling group that included Fennicians, who, based on the beta testers’ comments about prejudice, might face similar scrutiny, they could be walking into a potentially hostile environment, regardless of their reputation with other factions.
The lanky tester frowned. "So, it's not just about a potential food shortage then. It sounds like there's a real shift in Draggor's internal politics, a tightening of their borders and a crackdown on… well, anyone they deem undesirable."
"Exactly," the purple-haired tester affirmed. "And with those recruiter NPCs practically dragooning people into the army and the food rationing making everyone desperate, it feels like Draggor is gearing up for something big, and it doesn't look good for outsiders, even the ones who thought they were on decent terms with them."
Bennett finished his pasta, the cheerful image of the Vermillion Troupe's colorful wagons now tinged with a layer of concern. He thought of Marx, the woodcarver, who was hoping to join their ranks in Dustreach. Would the new edicts and the heightened suspicion make it more difficult for him, or for the troupe themselves, to navigate the Draggor border? He also recalled his recent acquisition of the Draggor faction quest in Dustreach, tasking him with reporting any unlawful accumulation of food. This quest now felt less like a simple task and more like a potentially dangerous entanglement in Draggor's internal strife.
He rose from his table, gathering his empty container. "Well," he murmured to himself, the clinking of the plastic a quiet counterpoint to the beta testers' worried speculations, "sounds like things are getting… interesting in Draggor." He tossed the container in the trash, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. His next foray into Ludere Online as ProlixalParagon might be considerably more perilous than he had anticipated, especially if the whispers of paranoia and crackdown extended to a border village like Dustreach. He offered a polite nod towards the engrossed beta testers and quietly made his way towards the breakroom door, the weight of their words and his own secret knowledge of the situation in Draggor heavy on his mind.
Having finished his cleaning duties ahead of schedule, a rare occurrence he attributed to his focused efforts and the lingering anticipation of returning to Ludere Online, Bennett carefully stowed his cleaning supplies in the designated section of the janitorial closet. The familiar squeak of the cleaning cart as he pushed it into its corner seemed unusually loud in the quiet hallway. He double-checked that everything was neatly arranged, a habit ingrained in his work ethic, ensuring that any passing supervisor would find nothing amiss.
With his tasks complete, his mind turned to the prospect of once again becoming ProlixalParagon. The lure of the digital world, the freedom of his Fennician avatar with its distinctive white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black, was a powerful draw, especially after a long night of mundane tasks. He recalled his previous experiences: the tutorial village of Oakhaven, his brief but significant encounter with Blair, and the more recent, intriguing interactions with the Vermillion Troupe in the desert and the awakening of Ralyria. The memory of the vast desert landscape, a stark contrast to the familiar corridors of Alluring Realms, also beckoned.
Knowing that the misplaced D.I.V.E. pod remained in the seldom-used storage room, a secret he now shared with the CEO, Dave Smith, Bennett made his way towards the quieter hallway that led to it. He glanced around to ensure he was alone, a habit formed during his initial unauthorized forays. The late hour meant that most of the facility was deserted, the low hum of the building's systems the only constant companion.
Reaching the storage room door, the green light above the access sensor glowed steadily. He raised his left wrist, the brown plastic of his employee band feeling familiar against his skin. With a quick swipe across the sensor, the door clicked open, granting him access to the cluttered space within. The air inside was thick with the musty scent of disuse and forgotten equipment, a stark contrast to the sterile cleanliness he maintained throughout the rest of the facility.
There, amidst the shadows and stacks of discarded items, stood the smooth, obsidian silhouette of the D.I.V.E. pod. It hummed softly, its indicator lights blinking in a steady rhythm, a silent invitation to the immersive world within. A thrill of anticipation, mixed with a touch of the familiar guilt over his initial unauthorized access, surged through him. He approached the pod, running a hand over its cool, smooth surface. With a soft hiss, the side of the pod slid open, revealing the invitingly contoured interior bathed in a soft, internal luminescence.
Settling into the cushioned seat, Bennett adjusted himself and reached for the integrated helmet. As the helmet clicked into place, the familiar automated voice filled his ears, "Initiating neural interface connection". The world outside dissolved as the login screen of Ludere Online materialized in his vision. Focusing his gaze, he mentally typed ProlixalParagon and then his password. A brief pause followed, a moment of held breath as the system verified his credentials. Then, the login screen dissolved into a swirling vortex of colors, pulling him into the digital abyss. The sensation of weightlessness returned, his consciousness momentarily adrift in the liminal space between the real and the virtual.
Then, the familiar welcome message echoed in his mind: "Welcome to Ludere Online, ProlixalParagon. The world awaits". The darkness behind his eyelids dissolved, and he was once again standing in the vibrant world of Ludere Online
