Living in Bits and Pieces

Kaid asked, "How did that happen? You were constantly dodging playing it and coming up with excuses," he said gleefully.

Ashen proceeded to share a detailed account of encountering the captivating holographic advertisement for the "Kingdoms of the Unseen." Intrigued by its allure, his imagination ran wild with thoughts of constructing his own realm, engaging in fierce competition with fellow players, and immersing himself in the virtual realm that Kaid spoke so passionately about, he also acknowledged a smaller, yet significant reason behind his eagerness: his longing for companionship in a world tinged with solitude.

Kaid chuckled and asked, "So, how would you describe your initial impression of the game?" Ashen inhaled deeply and replied, "Absolutely astonishing!"

Ashen continued, "I will provide you with all the details later when I visit your coffee café this evening," he said calmly.

Kaid replied, "Alright, let's discuss it in person. You should rest since you've been playing games all night."

Ashen bid farewell, saying, "Okay, goodbye. See you in the evening." Kaid responded with a simple "Bye" before ending the call.

After a while, Ashen noticed a significant difference in his movements—they had become noticeably smoother compared to his time at Midnight Bay. He speculated that the variance could be attributed to the disparities between the virtual and real worlds.

However, upon entering the governor's castle within the game, Ashen perceived his body's functionality as normal. He hypothesized that the sluggish and challenging movements he experienced earlier were likely due to the underwater environment.

Ashen glanced at his computer and fired up a game, curious to explore the various perspectives available without relying on a VR headset. It was reminiscent of regular PC games, where one could seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person viewpoints. While the graphics didn't match the immersive experience of VR, they still stood out as the most impressive and lifelike compared to any other PC games.

As Ashen examined the game, he discovered that his in-game character was still peacefully asleep. After exploring all the game's features, he eventually powered off the game and shut down his PC.

Ashen, feeling increasingly drowsy, made his way to the bed and succumbed to sleep. His AI promptly dimmed the room lights to create an ideal sleeping environment, and closed the curtains for added tranquility. The room and house became a barren desert, devoid of even a whispering breeze.

After a couple of hours, Ashen awoke, gently rubbing his glistening emerald eyes. He rose from his slumber and glanced at the clock, realizing it was still midday. Proceeding to freshen up with a soothing bath, he swiftly changed into a new outfit and began preparing his lunch with careful precision.

Ashen heads to the kitchen and grabs a pan and two eggs. He coats the pan with oil and starts heating it. After a few minutes, he sprinkles in some mustard seeds and lets them sizzle until they begin to dance in the oil. Then, he adds cumin seeds followed by a chopped onion, sautéing until it takes on a slightly orange hue. In a separate bowl, he cracks the eggs and beats them thoroughly. He carefully pours the beaten eggs into the pan, gently stirring as he goes.

To spice things up, he adds a dash of turmeric powder and a slightly larger amount of chili powder, ensuring everything is well-mixed. As a final touch, he tosses in some finely chopped green chili pieces.

Over medium heat, Ashen cooks the mixture while continuously stirring until the eggs are fully cooked and scrambled. Once done, he turns off the heat, allowing the aromatic blend of eggs and various spices to permeate the entire house.

Ashen takes the bread in a plate and enjoys his lunch, appreciating the delicious flavors that mingle on his taste buds. The tantalizing aroma of the eggs and various spices wafts through the entire house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Once he finishes his meal, Ashen promptly places the used utensils in the dishwasher, and in a matter of seconds, they are effortlessly cleaned, restoring order to the kitchen.

Glancing at the clock, Ashen notes that it is still 2 pm. With his plans set, he decides to head out and meet Kaid. Before leaving, he quickly changes into a brown hooded jacket, a black inner t-shirt, and dark blue jeans, completing his outfit with a pair of black shoes. In preparation for the weather, he grabs a compacted umbrella, perfectly sized to fit in the inner pocket of his jacket.

As soon as he steps outside, Ashen is greeted by a refreshing cold breeze that carries with it the invigorating scent of damp soil. The combination instantly rejuvenates his senses, putting a spring in his step as he begins his walk in the direction of the metro station.