A Little Flashback

"What's so exciting about a computer game, Big Brother?" Viona objected without hesitation, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair. Gaming was never her cup of tea, especially when it came to games that could potentially inflict real-world pain on the players.

"Vio, trust me. You won't regret it if you create an account and give it a try. The capsules that arrive are like your personal escape pods, where you can close your eyes and let the computer take the reins," replied Gilang, his eyes glued to the instruction manual that came bundled with the imposing capsule.

Viona shook her head vigorously, a mix of skepticism and intrigue dancing in her eyes. "I still can't wrap my head around the fact that something like this even exists!" she murmured under her breath while calmly accepting the specially designed gaming glasses.

With a nonchalant shrug, her twin older brothers exchanged mischievous glances. Viona, who had absolutely no intention of immersing herself in the virtual world, found herself surprisingly compliant as Gilang swiftly outfitted her with the state-of-the-art gaming glasses. Meanwhile, Galih lifted her with an air of practiced nonchalance and gently placed her inside the capsule, securing her safely with a snug-fitting belt.

"Hey, what on earth are you two up to?!" Viona's voice teetered on the edge of exasperation.

"Don't worry, Viona. You'll be singing a different tune later after experiencing life in the game for just one day. Plus, the game comes equipped with a Passive AI that can rouse you forcefully if it detects you've been logged in for more than 8 hours," Galih explained, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

"And, most importantly, you should know that in this game, people can savor what eludes them in the real world. You can play the piano again, right there in the virtual realm!" added Gilang, his enthusiasm infectious.

With a reluctant sigh, Viona finally had to resign herself to her fate. After taking meticulous precautions to ensure her safety within the game, she set about crafting her virtual persona. The allure of 'Real' was starting to gnaw at her, and she couldn't help but wonder what hidden wonders and surprises awaited her in this captivating digital universe.

Stepping into the quaint beginners' village within the vast virtual expanse of 'Real,' Viona's eyes scanned her surroundings with childlike wonder. She was on a mission – to find a music shop, a place where she could rekindle her love for the piano, a passion she had set aside in the bustling world of acting, where the persona of Amethyst had overshadowed her true self.

As she wandered through the cobblestone streets, she marveled at the attention to detail within the game world. The buildings had an authentic rustic charm, and the NPCs (non-playable characters) bustled about, adding a sense of life to the digital realm that left her genuinely amazed.

Eventually, Viona's quest led her to a quaint music shop nestled between a charming café and a cozy bookstore. The sight of polished wooden instruments and rows of sheet music brought a nostalgic smile to her face. She decided to step inside, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

Inside the shop, a friendly NPC greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome, adventurer! How can I assist you today?" the NPC inquired.

With a newfound sense of excitement, Viona replied, "I'd like to try my hand at the piano."

The NPC nodded and guided her to a beautifully crafted piano that seemed to beckon her. Viona hesitated for a moment, doubting her own abilities. She had always considered herself a passable pianist but far from extraordinary. Nevertheless, the allure of the game was such that she couldn't resist the temptation to immerse herself in a world where the boundaries of her talents were limitless.

With a deep breath, she sat at the piano, her fingers hovering above the keys. Tentatively, she began to play a simple melody. The notes flowed, a delicate cascade of sound that transported her to a place of pure joy. It was a moment of sheer serenity, as if the weight of the world had lifted from her shoulders.

As she continued to play, the virtual audience that had gathered around her began to applaud, their avatars expressing genuine appreciation for her performance. In that moment, Viona felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and contentment that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

It was her first time using a VR game as an escape from the pressures and complexities of the real world. In 'Real,' she could be herself, free from the expectations and demands of her Amethyst persona. While many other players were focused on completing quests and leveling up to become powerful in the game, Viona chose a different path. She decided to savor the simple pleasures and rediscover the passions that had been overshadowed by fame and glamour.

As she played on, lost in the melodies she created, Viona couldn't help but reflect on how 'Real' had given her a rare opportunity – the chance to reconnect with her true self and experience the joys of life that had been temporarily eclipsed by the spotlight. In this digital wonderland, she was not just an actress; she was an adventurer, a musician, and, most importantly, herself.

***

Ah, how Viona longed for those moments when she could immerse herself in the game and play to her heart's content! 'Real' had become more than just a game; it had become a cherished escape, a realm where she could rediscover her passions and revel in the simple pleasures of life.

And then there were the memories of 'Real' serving as a savior in the world of entertainment. Viona vividly recalled instances when the game had come to the rescue, helping to unravel scandals that had entangled artists in a web of controversy. It was all thanks to the game's innovative live function, a technological marvel that could swiftly reveal the truth about the actions of those embroiled in the mess and shed light on why their names had been tarnished.

She really can't wait to playing the game again.