Bennett’s eyes snapped open, but the familiar dimness of the storage room offered no immediate solace. Instead of a comforting visual anchor, it felt like a poorly rendered image, blurry and indistinct around the edges. His inner ear, still attuned to the subtle shifts and movements of the conestoga wagon, protested the sudden stillness, sending a wave of nausea rolling through him. The muted hum of the Lazarus Pod, which usually faded into the background of his awareness, now assaulted his ears like a discordant drone, a stark and unwelcome intrusion after the nuanced soundscape of the Vermillion Troupe's camp.
His limbs, still remembering the aches and stiffness of ProlixalParagon's in-game exertion, felt heavy and unresponsive in the real world. He tried to push himself up from the contoured seat of the pod, but a profound disorientation seized him. It wasn't just the typical post-immersion fuzziness; it was a complete scrambling of his senses. The weight of his own body felt alien, heavier than he expected, yet simultaneously untethered. His spatial awareness fractured; the smooth, cool plastic of the pod’s interior seemed to tilt and sway despite its physical immobility. The low ceiling of the storage room pressed down on him, feeling suddenly claustrophobic after the open skies of Ludere Online.
A strangled gasp escaped his lips as his equilibrium completely abandoned him. The world swam in his vision, the stacks of forgotten equipment blurring into grotesque, shifting shapes. The single shaft of dusty light filtering through the high window seemed to bend and distort. He lost all sense of where his body ended and the pod began. A dizzying vortex of conflicting sensory information overwhelmed him – the phantom ache of in-game muscles warring with the leaden weight of his real limbs, the echo of wagon wheel creaks battling the monotonous hum of the pod, the memory of open skies clashing with the oppressive closeness of the storage room.
His muscles, still sluggish and uncoordinated, failed to support him. With a soft groan, a sensation akin to falling sideways in slow motion took hold. His shoulders scraped against the smooth, unyielding curve of the pod’s inner wall. He could do little more than offer a weak, flailing hand in a futile attempt to regain purchase. The cool, smooth plastic offered no grip, and he slid downwards, the friction a faint, unwelcome sensation against the fabric of his Alluring Realms uniform.
He ended up in a heap on the floor of the D.I.V.E. pod, his legs awkwardly tangled, his back pressed against the base of the contoured seat. The abrupt change in orientation did little to quell the storm raging in his senses. The humming of the pod seemed to vibrate through the metal frame and into his bones. The musty scent of the storage room, usually a familiar background odor, now felt thick and cloying, almost suffocating. He blinked repeatedly, trying to clear the fog in his vision, but the dim light seemed to pulse and flicker erratically.
A cold sweat slicked his skin, and his heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The disorientation was so profound it felt almost physical, like a blow to the head. He closed his eyes tightly, hoping to shut out the conflicting sensory input, but even in the darkness behind his eyelids, the remnants of the instant dungeon’s chaotic energy seemed to flicker – spectral lights and distorted architecture imprinted on his retinas. He took a ragged breath, the stale air doing little to ease the nausea churning in his stomach. It was always a jolt returning, but this time, the transition felt violent, as if a part of him had been left behind in the void, and his physical form was struggling to reassert its dominance. The lingering presence of the void-touched energies he had wielded as the Umbral Synthete felt like a faint, unsettling hum beneath his skin, adding another layer of strangeness to his already disoriented state. He lay there for a moment, a jumbled mess of limbs and confused senses on the cold floor of the storage room, the echoes of Ludere Online still resonating far too strongly within him.
As Bennett sat on the cool, slightly dusty concrete floor of the storage room, the last vestiges of the vibrant desert landscape clinging to his senses like a fading dream, a distinct sound broke the heavy silence. It wasn't the persistent hum of the D.I.V.E. pod, nor the faint, almost imperceptible whirring of unseen machinery within the Alluring Realms facility. This was a sharper sound, a muffled shuffle followed by the unmistakable squeak of a rarely used door hinge protesting its movement.
Bennett’s head, still swimming in the aftereffects of his extended immersion and the jarring return to reality, snapped upwards. His blurry vision slowly began to focus, the stacks of forgotten equipment resolving into more defined shapes in the dim light filtering from the hallway. And then he saw him.
Standing in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the slightly brighter light, was Dave Smith. But this was not the polite, professional CEO Bennett had encountered in his office. The usual carefully neutral expression was gone, replaced by a taut mask of barely suppressed fury. His jaw was tight, and his eyes, even in the low light, seemed to pierce through Bennett with an intensity that made him instinctively recoil. Yet, beneath the anger, a flicker of something else – a keen, almost scientific curiosity – danced in their depths. It was a disconcerting combination, like facing a predator who was also deeply intrigued by its prey.
Dave didn’t speak immediately. He simply stood there for a long, unnerving moment, his gaze sweeping over Bennett’s slumped form, then taking in the open hatch of the D.I.V.E. pod. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken accusations and the weight of Bennett’s unauthorized actions. The musty air of the storage room seemed to press in on him, heavy with the potential consequences of his three-day absence from the real world.
Then, with a controlled movement, Dave stepped fully into the storage room, pulling the door shut behind him with a soft click that echoed ominously in the confined space. He moved with a quiet purpose, his expensive shoes making barely a sound on the concrete floor as he crouched down across from Bennett, maintaining a distance that felt both calculated and threatening.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low and steady, dangerously so, each word carrying a weight that made Bennett’s heart pound against his ribs. “Davies,” he began, the use of his last name, devoid of the usual “Mr.,” a clear indication of the shift in their dynamic. “Had it not been for the reports the AI’s gave…” He paused, his gaze unwavering, the flicker of intrigue momentarily overshadowing the anger in his eyes as he seemed to consider the data those reports contained. “Had it not been for the detailed, minute-by-minute accounts of your… extended ‘stint’ within that pod, I would have had you fired. Immediately. Dragged out of this facility by security for the blatant misuse of company property and the complete and utter dereliction of your janitorial duties.”
Dave’s words hung in the air, sharp and accusatory. The mention of AI reports was new and unsettling. It implied a level of monitoring far beyond what Bennett had imagined. The D.I.V.E. pods, it seemed, weren't just gateways to virtual worlds; they were also meticulously recording his every action, his every moment of immersion, even his unauthorized ones. The fact that these reports had somehow stayed his hand from immediate termination was a bewildering and terrifying revelation. It suggested that his prolonged immersion, the very act that should have sealed his fate, had somehow yielded data that was significant enough to give Dave pause.
The anger in Dave’s voice was palpable, stemming not just from the unauthorized use of the equipment and the security breach, but also from the blatant disregard for his responsibilities as a janitor. Bennett could only imagine the chaos his three-day absence had likely caused, the extra burden placed on Carol and the other facilities staff. The health benefits for Brecken, the very foundation of his precarious existence at Alluring Realms, had hung by a thread, solely at the mercy of these mysterious AI reports.
Yet, the “intrigue” Dave alluded to was equally potent. What could these AI reports have revealed during his unprecedented three-day immersion that would override such clear grounds for dismissal? Had his subconscious actions within Ludere Online, perhaps even his in-game sleep, generated data that piqued the CEO’s scientific curiosity? Was it the sheer duration of his immersion, a length of time likely exceeding even the most dedicated beta testers’ sessions, that had yielded something unexpected? Or was it, as before, related to his “unique way of experiencing the game” and the potential insights he unknowingly provided?
Bennett remained silent, his disorientation now replaced by a cold dread mixed with a sliver of desperate hope. Dave’s words were a reprieve, but a precarious one, hanging on the enigmatic content of these AI reports. He knew he was teetering on the edge, his future at Alluring Realms, and by extension, his family’s well-being, hanging in the balance. The game had always held a dangerous allure, but he was now facing the real-world consequences of his obsession, consequences far more severe than a mere denial of beta access. He braced himself for whatever Dave would say next, the CEO’s complex gaze holding both condemnation and a disturbing hint of fascination.
“Once you get ahold of yourself meet me in my office. I’ll have some food and drink brought up for you to eat while you give your report.”
The weight of Dave’s unexpected words settled over Bennett as he sat slumped on the floor of the D.I.V.E. pod. The severe disorientation was still a tangible thing, a swirling vortex of conflicting sensory information that made the simple act of standing seem like a monumental effort. Dave’s voice, calm yet authoritative, cut through the lingering echoes of Ludere Online. "Meet me in my office once you have reoriented, Mr. Davies. I will have some food and water brought up. You have a report to give me."
Bennett managed a weak nod, his head still swimming. The thought of food and water was surprisingly appealing, a stark reminder of the real-world needs he had neglected during his extended immersion. Dave's expectation of a report, however, brought a fresh wave of anxiety. What exactly was he supposed to report after such a disorienting return?
He focused on the immediate task of regaining his bearings. The humming of the Lazarus Pod was still a jarring presence. He took several slow, deliberate breaths, trying to anchor himself in the present reality of the storage room. The cool, smooth plastic of the pod floor beneath him was a grounding sensation . He blinked repeatedly, the blurry edges of his vision slowly sharpening, resolving the indistinct shapes of the stored equipment .
The phantom aches of ProlixalParagon's in-game exertions still lingered, a strange counterpoint to the leaden weight of his real limbs . He willed his muscles to respond, pushing himself up slowly, using the side of the pod for support . Another wave of dizziness washed over him as he shifted his weight, a brief return of the tilting sensation he had experienced moments before . He waited for it to pass, his hand pressed against the cool metal of the pod, before attempting to stand fully.
His legs felt shaky and unreliable beneath him . He stood for a moment, swaying slightly, his spatial awareness still catching up to the reality of the confined space . The metallic tang of the recycled air in the pod, now more noticeable, was a stark contrast to the vanished scent of crushed herbs he had imagined in Ludere Online .
Once the more severe disorientation began to recede, Bennett moved with deliberate slowness towards the exit of the pod. He had to present himself in Dave’s office in a reasonably coherent state. He pulled himself up and out of the contoured seat, the movement still a little clumsy. The dim light of the storage room felt less oppressive now, more familiar .
He paused just outside the pod, taking another deep breath. The low hum of the building’s systems was a steady, reassuring presence compared to the cacophony of his returning senses . He rubbed his temples, trying to clear the last vestiges of the post-immersion fog. Food and water. Dave’s offer was unexpected but welcome. It hinted at a level of understanding, perhaps even concern, that Bennett hadn’t anticipated from the CEO.
The thought of the report loomed. He needed to quickly gather his thoughts, to sift through the jumbled impressions of his recent immersion. What had been significant? What would Dave be most interested in hearing? The unusual disorientation upon exiting the pod was certainly something to mention, though he wasn’t sure if it was relevant to his in-game experiences.
With a final, steadying breath, Bennett turned and headed towards the storage room door. He swiped his brown wristband across the sensor, the green light confirming his access. He stepped out into the quieter hallway of the administrative wing. The hum of the fluorescent lights was a familiar drone.
As he walked towards Dave’s office, the weight of their previous conversation and the unusual arrangement they had made settled upon him. He was walking a precarious line, balancing his janitorial duties with this unexpected role as an unsanctioned-turned-sanctioned explorer of Ludere Online.
Dave’s office was on the upper administrative level. Bennett made his way to the elevators, swiping his wristband for access. As he ascended, he tried to organize his thoughts further. He needed to mention the progress with the Vermillion Troupe, their journey, and any significant observations he had made. He should also be prepared to answer questions about his activities and his “unconventional perspective”.
Stepping out onto the appropriate floor, the atmosphere was quieter, more formal. He walked down the carpeted hallway towards Dave’s corner office. The sleek, modern door felt a world away from the dusty storage room. A mixture of nervousness and anticipation churned within him. The offer of food and water softened some of his anxiety, but the need to deliver a valuable report remained a significant pressure.
He reached Dave’s door and paused, smoothing down his Alluring Realms uniform. He took a final deep breath and gave a light knock. He waited, the soft hum of the building amplifying the nervous flutter in his stomach, ready to face the CEO and deliver his report.
Bennett opened the door to Dave Smith’s office, stepping into the cool, meticulously organized space. The air was crisp and carried a faint, almost sterile scent, a stark contrast to the musty odor of the storage room he had just left. The pre-dawn light, still soft and hinting at the coming day, filtered through the large window behind Dave’s desk, casting long shadows and highlighting the minimalist decor.
Dave was seated behind his large, uncluttered desk, a holographic display flickering softly in the air before him, as Bennett had noticed during their subsequent meeting. He looked up as Bennett entered, his expression neutral but with an attentiveness that Bennett had begun to recognize. Dave gestured towards one of the two modern chairs positioned in front of his desk.
“Mr. Davies. Please, have a seat,” Dave said, his voice calm and professional, completely devoid of the anger and intrigue he had displayed in the storage room. The politeness was almost jarring after their tense exchange moments earlier, a return to the formal dynamic Bennett was more accustomed to.
Nervously, Bennett settled into the offered chair, the plush leather a stark contrast to the hard plastic of the D.I.V.E. pod. He was still slightly disoriented, the echoes of the desert landscape and the encounter with the Vermillion Troupe lingering in his senses. He clutched his hands together in his lap, trying to still their slight tremor. The memory of Dave’s stern warning about the AI reports and the potential consequences of his actions hung in the air between them .
“Good morning, Mr. Smith,” Bennett replied, trying to keep his voice even despite the lingering adrenaline and the uncertainty of what was to come. He was acutely aware of Dave’s statement in the storage room – “You have a report to give me” . The food and water Dave had mentioned were not yet visible, but the fact that the offer had been made offered a small measure of reassurance amidst the anxiety .
Dave leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze steady and expectant. “Thank you for coming in so promptly, considering the… circumstances,” he said, the slightest emphasis on the last word hinting at the unusual nature of their impromptu meeting. “As I mentioned, I’ve had some refreshments brought up. They should be here shortly.” He paused, his gaze still fixed on Bennett. “But first, Mr. Davies. I believe you have some… experiences to share with me.” His tone indicated that he was eager to hear what Bennett had to say, especially in light of whatever the AI reports had revealed during Bennett's unauthorized three-day immersion . The flicker of intrigue that Bennett had noticed earlier seemed to resurface in Dave’s eyes, overriding the initial anger. The report Bennett was about to give, born out of a janitor’s illicit escape into a virtual world, was clearly of significant interest to the CEO of Alluring Realms Gaming.
Bennett swallowed hard, his disorientation slowly giving way to a potent cocktail of relief and sheer terror. Dave’s calm demeanor in his office was a stark contrast to the barely suppressed fury he’d witnessed in the storage room. The CEO leaned back in his chair, the plush leather creaking softly under his weight, and fixed Bennett with a gaze that was both assessing and intensely curious.
“Davies,” Dave began, his voice measured and carrying a weight that underscored the gravity of the situation, “you have managed to achieve something quite… unprecedented.” He paused, his fingers steepled beneath his chin, his eyes glinting with an almost clinical interest. “The AI monitoring reports are… illuminating. It appears you didn’t just take our D.I.V.E. unit for a joyride.”
A fresh wave of anxiety washed over Bennett. The mention of AI reports confirmed his earlier unease about the level of surveillance. He hadn’t considered that his every moment within the pod, even his unauthorized ones, would be meticulously recorded and analyzed.
Dave continued, his tone shifting slightly, a hint of something akin to astonishment entering his voice. “Not only did you set a new company record for continuous immersion time – a full seventy-two hours, a duration that even our most dedicated beta and omega testers haven’t approached – but the data suggests you also stumbled upon something… remarkable.” He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intensifying. “According to the reports, during this extended sojourn into Ludere Online, your avatar appears to have unlocked a previously undiscovered character class.”
Bennett’s mind reeled. A new class? He hadn’t consciously done anything to achieve such a feat. His time had been spent largely with the Vermillion Troupe, navigating their journey, and… falling asleep. Could one of those in-game slumbers have somehow triggered this?
Dave saw the confusion on Bennett’s face. “Furthermore,” he added, a note of almost grudging admiration in his voice, “it seems your… persistent exploration in a particular region also inadvertently confirmed the functionality of our experimental ‘instant dungeon’ feature. The AI logs indicate your entry into and subsequent navigation of a previously undocumented instanced area, proving its core mechanics are sound.”
Bennett’s jaw dropped slightly. He vaguely recalled a unique, almost shimmering entrance appearing during his time with the Vermillion Troupe. He had followed the troupe inside, more out of curiosity and a desire to stay with them than any intentional testing of a new feature. He hadn't realized the significance of that moment.
Dave leaned back again, the initial anger he’d displayed in the storage room now seemingly tempered by the unexpected findings in the AI reports. “Now, Davies,” he said, his gaze unwavering, “under normal circumstances – any normal circumstances – your blatant disregard for security protocols, your unauthorized use of company property for three days straight, and your complete abandonment of your janitorial duties would have resulted in your immediate termination. You would be escorted from this facility by security, and that would be the end of it.”
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He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Bennett could only nod, his throat tight with a mixture of fear and the dawning realization of how close he had come to losing everything, including the crucial health benefits for Brecken.
“However,” Dave continued, the single word hanging in the air like a lifeline, “the data gleaned from your… escapade is too significant to ignore. A new class, proven functionality of a key feature that has been under development for months… you, a night janitor with no formal testing credentials, managed to achieve breakthroughs that our entire team of beta and omega testers haven’t.” A flicker of something akin to respect, albeit grudging, crossed his features.
“This,” Dave emphasized, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation, “is the only reason you are sitting in my office right now, Mr. Davies, instead of being frog-marched out of Alluring Realms. You have been given an extraordinary chance, a reprieve bought by the incredibly valuable data you inadvertently provided. Make no mistake,” his gaze sharpened, “you are still in a precarious position. Your future here depends entirely on what you tell me. Your report needs to be comprehensive, detailed, and insightful. You need to justify this… unintended research you conducted. You need to convince me that this wasn’t just a reckless act of self-indulgence, but something that holds genuine value for the future of Ludere Online. So, Mr. Davies,” Dave concluded, his hands resting on the edge of his desk, his expression expectant, “you had better make this report good.”
As Bennett began to speak, recounting his experiences within Ludere Online, Dave’s initial posture remained relaxed, his hands steepled in front of him. However, as Bennett continued, a subtle shift occurred. Dave leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the large, uncluttered surface of his desk, his gaze never leaving Bennett’s face. The only sound in the room was Bennett’s low voice and the almost imperceptible hum of the holographic display flickering softly in the air. Bennett, despite the weight of his exhaustion and the gnawing emptiness in his stomach, focused on conveying his experiences as clearly as possible, watching Dave’s reactions with a mixture of apprehension and hope.
A soft knock on the door interrupted Bennett’s narration. Dave inclined his head, and the door opened to reveal a uniformed staff member carrying a tray laden with covered dishes and a pitcher of water with glasses. The aroma of warm food wafted into the office, making Bennett’s stomach growl audibly despite his best efforts to suppress it. Dave gestured towards a small side table. “Thank you. Just leave it there.”
Once the staff member had departed and the door was closed again, Dave gestured towards the covered dishes with a subtle inclination of his head. “Please, Mr. Davies,” he said, his tone indicating a shift in the formality of the conversation. “Let’s eat first. No sense in discussing your in-game activities on an empty stomach, especially after what sounds like a rather eventful period”. He reached out and removed the covers from both plates. On each was a serving of pork chops, accompanied by green beans and a dinner roll.
Bennett’s weariness seemed to momentarily recede as the sight and smell of the food registered. He hadn’t realized just how hungry he was until that moment. He reached for a fork, his hand still trembling slightly, but now with a mixture of nerves and anticipation of actual nourishment.
As they ate, Dave’s initial intensity softened somewhat. He listened with focused attention as Bennett continued his report between bites of the surprisingly flavorful pork chop. Dave’s reactions remained nuanced. A slight furrow in his brow when Bennett described certain unusual occurrences, a momentary widening of his eyes when he recounted specific details, a subtle nod of acknowledgment at other points. Bennett couldn’t quite decipher the full extent of the CEO’s thoughts, but the keen interest in his gaze was undeniable. Dave occasionally tapped his fingers idly on the desk, a silent punctuation to Bennett’s narrative, a sign of his engagement with the information being presented.
Bennett, despite the welcome sustenance, found his energy levels still flagging. The simple act of recalling the vivid experiences of the past three days felt like a considerable effort, each detail dredged up from a well of exhaustion. He took sips of water between sentences, the coolness a momentary relief against the dryness in his throat. He noticed that Dave, while also eating, maintained a sharp focus, his occasional questions precise and probing, indicating a mind actively processing the information. The contrast between Dave’s composed demeanor and Bennett’s weary state was stark, highlighting the toll the extended immersion had taken on him. Yet, with each detail he recounted and each flicker of interest he observed in Dave’s reaction, a fragile sense of hope began to bloom amidst his exhaustion. He had to make this report good. His future depended on it.
Bennett’s voice finally trailed off, the last recounted detail of his unprecedented time in Ludere Online hanging in the air of Dave’s office. He had done his best to convey the significance of his discoveries, the accidental confirmation of the instant dungeon feature, and the emergence of what the AI reports suggested was a new character class. A profound weariness settled upon him, the energy expended in the extended immersion and the subsequent intense report draining the last reserves from his already depleted body. His stomach rumbled softly but insistently, a persistent reminder of the real-world sustenance he had been promised but had largely ignored in his focused delivery.
A long moment of absolute silence descended upon the office. The only discernible sounds were the faint hum of the holographic display near Dave’s desk and the almost imperceptible ticking of a high-end timepiece that Bennett hadn't noticed before. The pre-dawn light filtering through the window cast long, still shadows across the minimalist décor, creating an atmosphere of tense anticipation. Bennett watched Dave intently, his gaze fixed on the CEO’s face, trying to decipher the unreadable expression that settled there. Had he said enough? Too much? Had he conveyed the genuine value of his accidental findings? The relief of finally finishing his explanation was quickly replaced by a gnawing uncertainty about its reception.
Dave remained utterly still, his gaze seemingly fixed on a point just beyond Bennett’s head. The silence stretched, each passing second amplifying Bennett’s anxiety. He could feel a fine sheen of perspiration on his forehead, despite the cool temperature of the office. His muscles ached with a deep, bone-weary fatigue, and the aroma of the covered dishes on the side table, which had initially been so enticing, now served as a distracting reminder of his neglected physical needs.
Finally, with a slow, deliberate movement, Dave let out a long, drawn-out sigh. It wasn’t a sigh of exasperation, nor one of relief, but something more complex, perhaps a mixture of contemplation and the weight of a significant decision. He leaned back further in his plush leather chair, the soft creak of the material echoing in the stillness. His gaze, which had been somewhat distant, now seemed to refocus, though not directly on Bennett.
Bennett held his breath, his heart pounding a slow, heavy rhythm against his ribs. He mentally braced himself for any outcome, from a grudging acceptance to a veiled dismissal disguised in corporate jargon. The image of the security guards in the storage room, Dave's initial barely contained fury, flashed through his mind. The reprieve he had been granted felt incredibly fragile.
Then, Dave reached a hand towards the side of his desk, towards a drawer that Bennett hadn’t previously noticed. With a soft click, the drawer slid open, and Dave pulled out a sleek, black tablet. He held it in his hands for a moment, his gaze flicking down at its surface, before his fingers began to dance across the screen, tapping and swiping with a focused intensity.
Bennett watched this display of technological engagement with a mixture of confusion and trepidation. Was Dave reviewing the AI reports again? Cross-referencing his account with in-game data? Was he composing a message to security? Or perhaps… was he documenting Bennett’s findings, preparing some kind of official acknowledgement? The possibilities swirled in his exhausted mind, each more uncertain than the last. He felt a profound sense of powerlessness, his fate seemingly being decided by the silent machinations of the device in Dave’s hands.
He shifted slightly in his chair, the leather creaking softly, a small, involuntary sound that seemed loud in the quiet office. He tried to keep his expression neutral, schooling his features to betray none of the nervous anticipation churning within him. He was acutely aware of his brown wristband, a symbol of his janitorial status, a constant reminder of the precariousness of his position. The extraordinary opportunity he had been granted felt like a double-edged sword, offering a glimpse of a different future while simultaneously highlighting his expendability. All he could do now was wait, his empty stomach a nagging counterpoint to the heavy weight of uncertainty that pressed down on him. He mentally prepared himself for whatever verdict Dave’s silent consultation with the tablet would deliver.
The silence in Dave Smith’s office stretched, each tick of the unseen clock seeming to amplify the weight of Bennett’s finished report and the uncertainty of its reception. The rhythmic tapping of Dave’s fingers on the sleek surface of his black tablet was the only other sound in the room, a persistent, almost clinical counterpoint to the organic rise and fall of Bennett’s breathing. Time seemed to warp, each moment an indeterminate expanse filled with Bennett’s internal anxieties.
His gaze remained fixed on Dave, though he couldn’t decipher the CEO’s expression as his attention was fully absorbed by the tablet screen. Bennett’s mind raced, replaying segments of his report, second-guessing details he might have emphasized too much or too little. Had he adequately conveyed the significance of the instant dungeon discovery and the implications of? Was Dave cross-referencing his account with the mysterious AI reports? The thought of those unseen digital records, meticulously documenting his actions within Ludere Online, both intrigued and unnerved him. Were they flagging discrepancies, highlighting exaggerations, or, perhaps more worryingly, confirming the potentially disruptive nature of his findings?
The minimalist décor of the office seemed to press in on him, the clean lines and uncluttered surfaces offering no distraction from the intense scrutiny he felt, even though Dave’s physical gaze was currently directed downwards. The pre-dawn light, still filtering through the window, now seemed less a gentle illumination and more a stark spotlight on his weary frame. The lingering scent of the earlier meal, while no longer actively assailing his empty stomach, served as a reminder of the physical toll his extended immersion and subsequent report had taken.
Bennett’s hands, still clasped tightly in his lap, felt clammy. He subtly adjusted his posture in the plush leather chair, the soft creak of the material momentarily breaking the silence before being swallowed by the persistent tapping and the rhythmic ticking. He tried to keep his expression neutral, consciously relaxing his facial muscles to avoid betraying the nervous energy that coiled within him. He reminded himself of Dave’s initial fury and the subsequent, somewhat perplexing, offer. The fact that he was still here, in this office, giving a report and being offered food, suggested that his in-game activities held some value for the CEO. But the true nature and extent of that value remained elusive.
Perhaps Dave was reviewing in-game data logs, comparing Bennett’s narrative with the objective records of Ludere Online. The instant dungeon was likely a significant anomaly, something that would certainly be logged and flagged by the system. Maybe Dave was trying to understand how Bennett had triggered it and the implications for the game’s stability and design. The mention of a new character class would also likely warrant careful investigation. Was Dave assessing the potential impact on the game’s balance and the player base?
The possibility, however faint, that Dave was somehow considering his potential for beta testing flickered in Bennett’s mind. Had his report demonstrated a level of insight and understanding that went beyond mere casual gameplay? The developers had seemed genuinely interested in his "forum insights", and Dave himself had acknowledged the value of his "unconventional perspective". Could this extended silence, this intense scrutiny of the tablet, be a form of silent evaluation?
Finally, with a decisive tap that seemed to echo in the sudden stillness, Dave Smith placed the tablet face down on his desk. The rhythmic clicking ceased, and the silence in the office took on a different quality, no longer punctuated but complete. Dave leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze, sharp and direct, now fixed intently on Bennett. The earlier mask of professional detachment seemed to have been replaced by something more intense, something that Bennett couldn’t quite read. It was a stare that held a weight of unspoken questions and the imminent delivery of a judgment that would determine the trajectory of Bennett’s precarious and extraordinary involvement with Ludere Online and Alluring Realms. Bennett braced himself, his mental defenses rising as he met the CEO’s unwavering gaze, ready for whatever came next.
Dave Smith’s gaze remained fixed on Bennett, the silence in the office stretching taut after the CEO had placed his tablet down. The only sounds were the almost imperceptible ticking of the high-end timepiece and the soft hum of the holographic display, creating an atmosphere of intense anticipation. Finally, Dave took a slow, deliberate breath, a subtle shift in his posture preceding his words. His face, previously unreadable, now held a serious, almost calculating expression.
“Bennett,” Dave began, his voice measured and calm, yet carrying an undeniable weight of authority, “here is what we are going to do…” He paused for a brief moment, his eyes still locked onto Bennett’s, as if assessing his reaction before proceeding.
“First we are going to have Jorge give you a good once over. I want to know what, if any, effects the extended duration in the pod has had on you as well as ensure that you are not going to suffer any longterm or negative effects.
Dave continued, his tone emphasizing each point, “I want to be absolutely clear about the value of the information you’ve provided.” He leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. “Your… unique way of experiencing Ludere Online,” he used the phrase Bennett had overheard during Dave’s phone call, “has, on more than one occasion, yielded insights that our standard beta testing protocols have not.” He made a slight, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging the unexpected benefits of their unusual arrangement. “The confirmation of this ‘instant dungeon’ feature and the emergence of what appears to be a new character class are significant developments that I value. I do not, however, value the immense risk you took.”
Dave picked up his tablet again, but this time he held it rather than tapping on it, his gaze flicking down at the screen before returning to Bennett. “As you are aware,” he said, his tone becoming more pragmatic, “we recently completed a round of beta tester recruitment. Integrating you into that formal structure at this precise moment presents logistical challenges. However,” he raised a hand slightly, forestalling any immediate disappointment from Bennett, “your continued… extracurricular activities within Ludere Online have proven to be… remarkably efficient in providing targeted feedback.”
“Therefore,” Dave stated, placing the tablet back on the desk, his gaze now direct and unwavering, “we will formalize our current arrangement, to a degree.” He allowed a brief pause, letting the implications of his words settle. “You will continue your janitorial duties as your primary responsibility. There can be no further deviation from this, Bennett. Your meticulousness in that role is well-documented, and it remains paramount. Not because we need another janitor, but because I want you in my back pocket. I need you to keep giving me these reports and results so that I can take it before the shareholders, the investors, and prove that anyone can do big things in this game even with a small time window like what you have to work with. I also want you to prove that you can do as I ask you, I may have some tasks specific for you in the future but I need to trust you first. You will have the tester pay, the benefits, but for all intents and purposes you are a janitor.”
“However,” Dave elaborated, leaning forward slightly, his voice gaining a sharper edge, “when your duties allow, and you have the opportunity, you will continue your immersions in Ludere Online using the designated D.I.V.E. pod in the storage room. This access remains a privilege, contingent on the continued quality of your janitorial work and your adherence to the terms we previously discussed.”
“Your focus during these immersions,” Dave continued, his gaze intent, “will be twofold. Firstly, I want you to continue exploring any unusual phenomena or emergent features you encounter, such as this instant dungeon or the circumstances surrounding the appearance of this new character class. Document everything, Bennett. Every detail, no matter how insignificant it might seem to you. Your ability to observe and synthesize these experiences has been… notable.”
“Secondly,” Dave went on, “I want you to continue to operate, in essence, as an unconventional early scout for new content and system interactions. Your ‘forum research’ has highlighted areas of player interest and potential issues. I want you to continue engaging with the game world in a way that allows you to uncover these aspects organically.”
“Following each significant immersion,” Dave stated firmly, “you will report directly to me. These reports will be your priority after your in-game experiences. I expect them to be thorough, detailed, and delivered promptly. The information you provide will directly influence our development decisions.”
Dave paused again, his gaze softening slightly, though still carrying a note of caution. “While a formal transfer to the beta testing program is not in the immediate plans due to the recent recruitment, your continued valuable contributions through this arrangement will be… recognized. If, over time, your insights consistently prove to be as impactful as they have been thus far, we can revisit the possibility of a more integrated role in the future. However, this is not a promise, Bennett, but a potential avenue based on your continued performance.”
“Similarly,” Dave continued, “the instant dungeon you encountered is of significant interest. If you are able to access it again, I want a detailed account of its structure, the challenges it presents, and any rewards or unique features you discover.”
Dave leaned back, his expression now a complex mixture of professional detachment and a hint of something akin to guarded respect. “Do you understand these directives, Bennett?” he asked, his gaze unwavering. “This is how we will proceed. Your… unique perspective has value, and we intend to continue leveraging it in a way that benefits Alluring Realms. Your adherence to these instructions, alongside your regular duties, will determine the future of this arrangement.”
Bennett’s tired grin held a multitude of unspoken thoughts. It was a smile that acknowledged the precariousness of his situation, the continued balancing act between mopping floors and exploring digital realms, and the faint but persistent hope that this formalized arrangement might indeed lead to something more substantial than glorified, unpaid game testing. He was tired from the late nights and early mornings, the constant shifting between realities, but there was also a spark of relief that he hadn't been dismissed and that his passion, however unorthodox its pursuit, was now, in a way, sanctioned.
Dave, observing Bennett’s weary acceptance, offered a small, almost imperceptible nod. He seemed to take Bennett’s reaction as confirmation of understanding and compliance. “Good,” he stated, his voice retaining its businesslike tone, though perhaps with a slightly less sharp edge than during their initial, more confrontational encounters. “Then we are in agreement. Once Jorge finishes his check on you I want you to take a week off, fully paid, to recover before you return and begin your next work week with your next full day of immersion.”
“Following each significant immersion,” Dave reiterated, his voice firm, “I expect a detailed report, delivered to me in person, before you conclude your workday. You will also be receiving a tablet where you will be filling in report logs for the developers, they will not know it is you and will only see your avatar screen name ‘ProlixalParagon’. Be prepared to answer questions and elaborate on your findings for both my report and theirs.” He stressed the importance of timely and comprehensive reporting. “Do not attempt to communicate your findings to the development team directly at this stage, unless I specifically instruct you to do so. Your reports are for my eyes only, initially.” This underscored the confidential nature of Bennett’s new role and Dave’s desire to maintain control over the dissemination of his insights.
Dave paused, looking directly at Bennett. “Do you have any questions regarding these initial directives?” he asked, his expression now a blend of professional expectation and a hint of something that might have been cautious optimism. He was entrusting a janitor with a significant, albeit unofficial, role in the ongoing development of his flagship game, and he needed to be certain that Bennett understood the gravity and the specifics of the arrangement. Bennett’s tired grin suggested acceptance, but Dave needed verbal confirmation and an assurance of commitment.
Bennett nodded slowly, the weight of Dave’s detailed instructions settling upon him. The tired grin that had flickered across his face held a hint of something more now – a cautious understanding of the opportunity and the immense responsibility it carried. He was still just a janitor, his brown wristband a constant reminder of his primary duties. However, he was also now, unofficially, a scout, an observer, a unique lens through which the CEO of Alluring Realms intended to view his creation.
"Yes, Mr. Smith," Bennett replied, his voice clearer now, the initial surprise and apprehension giving way to a determined resolve. "I understand completely. My janitorial duties remain my priority, and I will focus my immersions as you've directed, documenting everything carefully for my reports to you." He thought of Brecken, his son's fragile health, and the crucial health benefits tied to his job which would be jeopardized if his janitorial work suffered. This strange arrangement, while offering a tantalizing glimpse into his passion, was ultimately contingent on his continued performance in his primary role.
Dave watched him, his expression still holding that complex mixture of professional detachment and guarded interest. "See that you do, Bennett," he said, a note of finality in his voice. He picked up his tablet once more, the holographic display flickering to life with data. "Time is valuable. Yours spent cleaning, and mine spent… overseeing the larger picture." He didn't elaborate, but the implication was clear: Bennett's insights, while useful, were just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Bennett rose from his chair, a sense of nervous anticipation mingling with the lingering fatigue from his janitorial shift and the late hour. The fluorescent lights of Dave’s office seemed to hum with a renewed intensity, underscoring the unusual turn his night had taken. He offered a respectful nod. "Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Smith. I won't let you down." The words felt genuine, fueled by a desire to prove his worth and a deep-seated fascination with Ludere Online.
Dave merely grunted, his attention already shifting back to the data on his tablet. "Go on down to Jorge before you leave." It was a clear dismissal. Bennett turned and headed towards the door, the weight of his brown wristband feeling different now, no longer just a symbol of his mundane job, but a potential key to something far more significant.
End of Book 3
