1 Apotheosis Online

Apologise, this story is Abandoned.

It was Sunday morning, and the usual crowd had gathered at Rin's pub, The Laughing Drunkards. However, the crowd wasn't as accommodating as on most days, given the occasion.

People of all ages, from excessively eager teenagers to the elderly, all had their eyes fixed on the screens of their smartphones, as the unveiling of the new full-dive VR game, Apotheosis Online, was being announced.

"So is this a sequel or not?" a guy asked his friend, nudging him on the shoulder.

"I'm not sure," his friend answered. "They said the game dynamics differ from Avalon Online, though there will be some connection between the two."

Who could've thought it would be an MMORPG that would change the world? Well, Rin did. However, he never anticipated this level of excitement and frenzy surrounding the release of Apotheosis Online.

Following the unprecedented success of Avalon Online, the organisations behind the game decided it was the right time to release their masterpiece, which they had been working on since the beginning.

While the game would only be available in beta for a select few individuals, the public couldn't contain their excitement after seeing the trailer. It was full immersion; arguably, there was no difference between it and an IMAX film. The only difference was that you could experience it yourself.

The trailer had over a billion views on social media just about a week after its release. The level of excitement surrounding Apotheosis Online was not unexpected, given the same level of impact that Avalon Online had on the world twenty-four years earlier.

Avalon - the trillion-dollar corporation behind the success of Avalon Online - had been denying and suppressing every rumour about the new game for years. Who could've thought they would drop everything with a bomb?

"Told you I was right," the guy from before told his friend, "it's only in the beta."

"Man, there are only 25,000 players in the beta program. I'm never gonna be selected."

Rin felt bored in the bar with all the same stuff over and over. For the entire week since the release of the game trailer, discussions seemed to revolve around Apotheosis Online only.

Rin was a VR MMORPG guru like the next person - well, probably better than the next person - but the constant arguments and debate over the game made him feel sick.

To get a fresh breather, Rin left the pub to Seth and went out to the beach, carrying his surfboard. However, before he could depart, a limo appeared before him out of nowhere, restricting his path.

Rin was about to turn to go his own way when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Rin, you seem to be in good health."

A tall and strikingly handsome man stepped out of the car. His confident gait, accompanied by a beautiful woman in professional attire, exuded an air of elegance and authority. The man wore a black suit that was impeccably tailored, with a knee-length overcoat that added a touch of class.

The woman wore a pair of spectacles that highlighted her sharp features and a form-fitting outfit that was appropriate for a personal assistant or a colleague.

Rin recognised only the man.

"Luke," Rin said, "what are you doing here?"

"What, no greeting?" his former captain asked with a broad smile. "We haven't seen each other for like... two years."

Both of them shook hands and exchanged a hug; they had been teammates in the world's biggest Esports event. Luke was the captain and co-owner of the team, while Rin was undoubtedly the Ace. Apart from that, they had been close friends since childhood.

A couple of years ago, Rin left all competitive e-sports. Although Rin hadn't been the easiest teammate to work with, he was the main reason they became champions a couple of years back, and nobody could deny that.

The team hadn't taken his departure well. He had been the driving force behind the team's momentum, after all. But there was very little they could do to stop him.

Obviously, they couldn't win the championship after his departure, but with Luke's meticulous planning, they were able to reach the playoffs.

For a grassroots team like theirs, it was a tremendous achievement.

"So, why are you here?"

"You can probably guess the reason," Luke said.

"Is it about Apotheosis Online?"

"Yes," his former captain said, "We managed to get twenty VR headsets for the beta program, and everyone wants you on the team."

"What do you mean by 'everyone'?" Rin snorted. "You changed the whole image of the team after my departure. Sophie left, and so did Peter. As far as I'm aware, only you and Tim are left of the old team."

"There's Leila too."

Rin snorted. "She's second-rate at best."

"Just consider my offer," Luke continued. "You have no idea what Apotheosis Online is. I met the director of Avalon, and he said all we have been playing - Avalon Online - was merely an extended beta test for Apotheosis. Can you believe that?"

"Sure," Rin replied easily. "But that doesn't mean it will be enough to bring me back to competitive sports."

"What is your problem, really?" Luke asked. "I know I never asked this, and you never gave me the chance. Why did you leave?"

"You haven't figured that out yet?" Rin stretched his waist while leaning on the surfboard. "It's basically too much work, and I'm lazy."

"There's no way I'd believe that. I have seen no one more competitive than you. The only reason you'd leave the game would be when it's boring to you."

"Well, you aren't wrong," Rin laughed. "Nowadays, I just play for fun."

"Apotheosis Online will be fun too."

"Sure, mate, but I haven't got it in me to go back and work that hard again." Rin finished stretching. "Do you have time to spare? I've got a nice cozy place in the back. We can hang out more if you like."

Luke sighed and turned to his assistant, who shook her head, recognizing what he wanted to know. "I still have a bunch of places to go and recruit people. Anyway, if you change your mind, call me. You know how to reach me?"

"Sure," Rin said, adding inwardly, 'but it ain't gonna happen.'

Rin would play the new game, but he would play solely for fun. There was nothing left for him to prove.

Later in the day, a parcel arrived at Rin's doorstep from Avalon, the trillion-dollar corporation responsible for the revolutionary MMORPG. Upon opening the box, he discovered a VR headset and a metallic smartwatch, both essential components for Apotheosis Online.

To Rin's surprise, he had been chosen for the beta testing phase.

Rin hadn't expected this. Although he had been the best player in the game, he had withdrawn from the gaming community and had not disclosed his new address.

The question was, should Rin accept this offer? If he did, he would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement that included provisions such as exclusive use of the headset, no selling, and no sharing of sensitive game information.

Honestly, accepting the offer wasn't that troublesome for him, and that's what he did.

His sole reason for accepting it was for fun. He had been lacking excitement in his life for some time.

"The Beta program will go online in an hour," the representative from Avalon informed him. "Good luck ascending."

__________

Disclaimer: This book is written in British English, meaning there would be more commas, the letter U, S instead of Z, etc. Also, the book isnt proofread by a third party, you will find some mistakes here and there. 

This book contains light profanity, violence, and gore. Read at your discretion.