The fluorescent lights of the employee break room hummed, casting a sterile glow on the mismatched chairs and sticky tables. Bennett pushed his cleaning cart through the doorway, the squeak of its wheels momentarily interrupting the animated chatter already filling the space. It was late, well past midnight, but a small group of beta testers, their red wristbands stark against their casual clothes, were huddled around a table, fueled by energy drinks and the lingering adrenaline of their virtual adventures.Bennett tried to keep his movements unobtrusive as he began his tasks. He grabbed a trash bag and started collecting the scattered remnants of their late-night gaming session: empty energy drink cans, crumpled snack wrappers, and stray napkins. As he wiped down a table, he couldn’t help but overhear their enthusiastic discussion about Ludere Online.“...and then the Blightscale Naga just coiled around the pillar,” one of the testers, a young man with bright red hair, exclaimed, his hands gesturing wildly as if reliving the moment. “Its venom was insane! I almost didn’t make it out of the Sunken Temple ruins.”Another tester, a woman with long purple streaks in her hair, chimed in, “Seriously, those new environmental effects in the Prasine Jungle are brutal. I got hit by that Crimson Thunder Drake’s lightning strike and was stunned for a solid five seconds. My whole party almost wiped.”A third voice, deeper and more measured, added, “I finally figured out that riddle in the Hidden Archive. You have to align the celestial symbols based on the constellation that was dominant during the lost king’s reign. It took hours, but the loot was worth it.”Bennett paused his wiping, his hand still. The Sunken Temple ruins, the Crimson Thunder Drake, the lost king – these were all elements he had read about on the forums as ProlixalParagon. The testers spoke with a familiarity and excitement that he both envied and understood. He imagined them within the Deeply Immersive Virtual Environment Units, their movements mirroring the life-or-death struggles of their avatars.The red-haired tester continued, “Has anyone tried out the new beast races yet? I saw a Quang player running around in Soohan. Their scale patterns are so detailed.”“Yeah, I encountered an Altacian ShadowBlade in the Whisperwind Woods,” the purple-haired tester replied. “They’re so stealthy! I didn’t even see them coming until they were right on top of me.”Bennett moved to empty a nearby trash can, his ears straining to catch every word. He remembered reading about the Altaicians valuing non-verbal communication and the Quang’s patterned scales. He even recalled Frank and the other developers discussing the challenges of trait inheritance between the beast races.The deeper-voiced tester then said, “I’m still trying to figure out the best way to navigate the political landscape in the Kingdom of Draggor. That greedy king makes things so complicated.”Bennett’s thoughts drifted to his own experiences as ProlixalParagon. He hadn’t ventured into Draggor yet, but he knew about its rigid, caste-based society. He wondered if these testers had encountered players aligned with the Silver Hand of the Lunar Empire.As he swept near their table, he heard the burly tester complain again. "This new generational progression thing is buggy as hell. I tried to have my Human Armsman character have a kid with a Quang NPC, and the traits are all messed up. The kid has, like, one emerald scale and human ears. Nothing like what the game description said." He threw his hands up in exasperation. "It's supposed to affect the second generation based on skills and alignment!"The purple-haired tester giggled. "Maybe your kid will have hybrid vigor? Unlock some super rare skills?"The red-haired tester shook his head. "Nah, it's probably just a bug they need to squash. Remember that time Hyborian Masters were randomly morphing into Paladins?"Bennett subtly nodded to himself as he emptied a trash can. He recalled the developers discussing that very issue – a conflict with their 'adaptability' trait and devotion scores.The burly tester was now complaining about combat. "The aggro is all over the place! I can’t keep the focus on my tank. And those Jadefang Basilisks in Soohan! That petrifying venom is instant death."Bennett’s hand instinctively went to his side, remembering his own close call with wolves outside Oakhaven. He’d definitely need to learn more about avoiding such dangers as ProlixalParagon.The purple-haired tester shuddered. "Don't even get me started on the Titans Rot. That stuff looks nasty. The armorer in Oakhaven mentioned it – strange growths caused by wild magic."The red-haired tester yawned, stretching. "Anyone else see PillowHorror online? They're still in the top 5, but they're doing their own thing, not even touching the main questline. Heard they're building some kind of lunar empire."Bennett paused his sweeping, a flicker of curiosity. PillowHorror was a name he'd seen mentioned with a mix of awe and confusion on the forums. A player seemingly detached from the intended game progression, shaping their own narrative.The deeper-voiced tester added, "And what about Xian? Still grinding in Soohan? Heard the new government regulations really hit authors hard."Bennett felt a pang of sympathy. He remembered Xian’s backstory – an author turned beta tester to support his family due to censorship. He wondered if he’d ever encounter any of these players in his own secret forays as ProlixalParagon.As the testers continued their animated discussion, their words painting a vivid tapestry of Ludere Online's vastness and complexity, Bennett quietly finished cleaning the break room. He emptied the last trash can, wiped down the final table, and began to push his cart towards the door. The low hum of their voices, filled with the passion and frustrations of dedicated players, echoed in the otherwise silent facility, a constant reminder of the immersive world he was so desperately drawn to, a world he could only truly inhabit in the stolen hours of the night.Bennett wheeled his cleaning cart towards the vending machines at the far end of the break room. The hum of the fluorescent lights and the animated chatter of the beta testers formed a backdrop to the clinking of bottles within the machine. He inserted a few dollars and selected a Pepsi Zero, the familiar hiss and thunk of the can a small, grounding moment amidst his thoughts of Ludere Online.As he popped the tab and took a sip, the conversation amongst the beta testers continued, their focus shifting to character builds.“I’m still trying to optimize my Duelist build,” the red-haired tester said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m thinking of focusing more on Swift Knight titles to boost my attack speed. Has anyone found any good gear with a passive bonus to dual-wielding skill?”The woman with purple streaks nodded. “You should check out the Black Market in the Draggor capital. I saw a few daggers there that might work for a Shadowblade build focused on critical hits. Remember how FelineFine on the forums was talking about stacking those with the Altacian's natural agility?”The deeper-voiced tester chimed in, “For spellcasters, the Lunar Empire has some amazing artifacts that enhance mana regeneration. If you’re going for a pure mage, focusing on the Arcanist specialization and grabbing titles related to elemental mastery seems like the way to go.”The burly tester grumbled, “Tanks got the short end of the stick with this update. My Human Armsman feels like he’s made of paper against some of these new mobs. I’m thinking of respeccing into a more defensive specialization, maybe Guardian, and focusing on gear with high threat generation to keep aggro.”“Did anyone see the new Tinkerer gadgets they added?” the red-haired tester asked, his eyes lighting up. “Apparently, you can now craft temporary buffs for your party. Imagine a Tinkerer with the right build supporting a raid!”Bennett paused, his can of Pepsi Zero halfway to his lips. The mention of the Tinkerer class sparked a flicker of recognition and a private smile. That was his chosen path as ProlixalParagon. He wondered what kind of gadgets he might be able to create.The purple-haired tester shrugged. “Sounds interesting, but I haven’t seen many Tinkerer players. They seem a bit… unconventional.”“Yeah, and remember how chaotic wild magic can be?” the deeper-voiced tester added, a hint of caution in his tone. “I heard some Jesters are accidentally turning their party members into sheep.”Bennett chuckled softly to himself, the description of the Jester aligning with the idea of chaotic magic he’d considered. He took another sip of his soda, feeling a sense of shared understanding despite his outsider status.The burly tester was still focused on optimization. “The key is finding the right synergy between your class, specialization, and the titles you’ve earned. A Blade Master of Soohan is going to play very differently from a Swift Knight, even if they’re both Duelists.”As he finished his soda, Bennett crumpled the empty can and tossed it in the recycling bin. The testers’ discussion continued to delve into the nuances of character builds, skill trees, and the best strategies for different classes and specializations within the world of Ludere Online. He knew he should get back to his cleaning rounds, but for a few more moments, he lingered, absorbing their insights into the game he was secretly starting to explore. The information gleaned from their casual conversation was more valuable than any official game guide, providing a glimpse into the practical application of the mechanics he had only read about. With a final, quiet sigh, Bennett pushed his cleaning cart towards the break room door, the echoes of their strategies and class discussions accompanying him as he resumed his work.Bennett pushed his cleaning cart out of the employee break room, the lingering sounds of the beta testers’ lively discussion fading behind him. Their insights into the various classes and specializations of Ludere Online, especially the mention of the Tinkerer, resonated with his own clandestine experiences as ProlixalParagon. He made a mental note of some of the gear and location tips they had shared, such as the Black Market in the Draggor capital.
He consulted the cleaning schedule Carol had given him, confirming that the general office spaces on the first and second floors were next on his list. As he worked his way through the mostly empty cubicle rows, his mind kept drifting back to the testers’ conversation. He wondered how their optimized builds and knowledge compared to his own more tentative explorations as a beginner. The image of a Blade Master of Soohan battling a Jadefang Basilisk played in his mind, contrasting with his own recent struggle to haul logs near Oakhaven.
As he finished the second-floor offices, he remembered Carol’s updated instructions. Tonight, the developer office, Room 312 and the adjacent common area, were now part of his regular cleaning route. A sense of nervous anticipation bubbled within him. After his unexpected contribution to their brainstorming session regarding titles and character creation during the coffee spill cleanup, he felt a different kind of connection to that space.
He wheeled his cleaning cart towards the section of the hallway leading to the developer offices. The low hum emanating from behind the closed doors seemed almost familiar now. He reached the door marked “Development – Sector Gamma” and swiped his brown wristband against the sensor. The green light blinked, granting him access.
He pushed the door open, noting that a few developers were still working late. Frank looked up from his monitor, a tired but welcoming smile on his face. “Hey, Bennett! Back again,” he said. Sean, the beta tester with the red wristband, swiveled in his chair and gave a nod.
“Evening, Frank. Sean,” Bennett replied, wheeling his cart into the office. “Just here to do my rounds. Carol updated my schedule.”
“Yeah, we heard,” Frank said. “Glad to have your… meticulousness up here on a regular basis”.
Bennett began to unpack his cleaning supplies, feeling a sense of quiet familiarity in the space. He noticed a whiteboard filled with diagrams that looked like skill trees, perhaps related to the classes the beta testers had been discussing. He even spotted a concept sketch of a creature with large, rotating ears – something that vaguely reminded him of his own avatar, ProlixalParagon, a Fennician. He grabbed his dusting cloth, a sense of purpose settling over him. He was here to clean, but now, he was also a silent observer in the very heart of Ludere Online's creation.Bennett continued to clean the developer office, carefully dusting the numerous monitors and tidying the scattered papers. The rhythmic tapping of keyboards filled the air as Frank and Sean returned to their work, but their conversation about the game continued intermittently.
Frank sighed, running a hand through his hair. “This new weather system is causing all sorts of unexpected issues. We thought it would just be a visual enhancement, but it’s affecting mob behavior in unpredictable ways.” He gestured to his screen. “Apparently, the Soohanan Maulers are now retreating into caves during heavy rain, which wasn’t their intended behavior. Players are getting frustrated because they can’t find them for their quests.”
Sean chuckled. “Maybe they just don’t like getting wet? Adds a bit of realism, doesn’t it?”
“Realism is one thing, but breaking quest progression is another,” Frank countered. “We need to figure out how to make the weather dynamic without completely disrupting the game flow. Maybe tie certain mob behaviors to specific weather patterns, but in a more controlled way.”
As Bennett emptied a trash can filled with crumpled notes, he overheard Sean mention a specific class. “We also need to look at the Jester class again. The wild magic aspect is fun, but some of the effects are too random and can grief other players unintentionally. Turning party members into sheep during a boss fight isn't exactly helpful.” This echoed the beta testers' earlier discussion about the chaotic nature of Jesters.
Frank nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Ian was looking into adding some more control mechanics for the Jester, maybe a way to focus their chaotic energies or have more predictable outcomes for some spells. We don’t want them to be completely useless in serious content.”
Jason, who had been quietly working on his own monitor, suddenly spoke up. “Has anyone looked at the feedback on the new racial traits for the Prasine beast races? Some players are saying the Quang’s natural earthy colors and patterned scales aren't providing enough of a camouflage bonus in the Obsidian Grasslands.” This reminded Bennett of the mention of the Quang’s camouflage during the beta testers' conversation.
“Yeah, I saw that,” Sean replied. “We might need to tweak the numbers or adjust the environments where those traits are most effective. Maybe make the Obsidian Grasslands a bit more visually noisy to enhance the camouflage effect.”
Frank leaned back, considering. “Or perhaps introduce specific environmental interactions. Maybe the Quang can blend in better with certain types of flora or terrain that are more prevalent in Prasine.”
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
As Bennett wiped down a dusty shelf, he noticed a book titled “Draggor: A Kingdom Forged in Steel.” He subtly angled his gaze to read the summary on the back, catching phrases about a rigid, caste-based society and a long history of conflict with neighboring regions, including the lands now inhabited by the Altaicians. This information added context to the beta testers' comments about the different factions and their unique societal structures.
Sean then shifted the conversation to equipment. “We’re still getting reports of some lower-level gear being overpowered when combined with certain class skills. The starting daggers for the Shadowblade, for example, seem to be doing more damage than intended when used with their stealth attack bonuses.” This tied into the earlier discussion about Shadowblade builds and critical hits.
“Esteban is looking into that,” Frank assured him. “He’ll probably implement a quick patch to rebalance the damage scaling for those items. It’s always a challenge to get the initial gear curve just right.”
As Bennett carefully organized a stack of empty energy drink cans, he couldn't help but feel a growing familiarity with the issues they were discussing. His research on the forums and his brief time as ProlixalParagon were starting to give him a rudimentary understanding of the complexities of game development. He continued his cleaning tasks, a silent observer absorbing their insights into the intricate world they were building.As Bennett finished organizing the empty energy drink cans, Frank leaned back in his chair and stretched. “Hey, Bennett,” he said, a more relaxed tone in his voice. “Why don’t you take a load off for a minute? Grab a coffee.” He gestured towards a small coffee maker on a nearby counter.
Sean swiveled his chair around fully, a friendly smile on his face. “Yeah, join the chaos. We’ve got plenty of leftover… fuel.” He winked, nodding towards the scattered snack wrappers.
Jason looked up from his monitor and chimed in, “Yeah, come chat. You’re practically part of the team with how often you’re up here now.”
Bennett paused, a little surprised by the invitation. He carefully placed his cleaning supplies on his cart. “Oh, well, thank you, sirs,” he said, a slight hesitation in his voice. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt your work.”
“Nonsense,” Frank waved his hand dismissively. “We often brainstorm better when we bounce ideas off each other… even if one of us is usually wielding a mop.”
Bennett chuckled softly. “Alright, well, I could use a quick break.” He wheeled his cart to a less cluttered corner of the office and then made his way to the coffee maker. As he reached for a mug, he couldn’t resist a small joke. “I’ll have some coffee, as long as it’s not anything like that… interesting brew I cleaned up the other night.”
Jason laughed, a genuine and unreserved sound. “Oh, man, you and me both! Don’t worry, that was Sean’s concoction. We’re pretty sure it violated several international chemical warfare treaties.” He grinned. “I actually made this batch, so I can vouch for its… relative drinkability.” He made a face. “Unlike when Sean tries to play barista.”
Sean feigned offense, playfully throwing a crumpled piece of paper at Jason. “Hey! My experimental flavor profiles are just ahead of their time!”
Bennett chuckled again, pouring himself a mug of coffee. The aroma was definitely less acrid than the burnt coffee he had cleaned. He took a tentative sip. “Actually, Jason,” he said, surprised, “this is pretty good.”
Frank nodded in agreement. “See, Bennett? We’re not all coffee-making disasters. Though Sean does have a tendency to get… creative.” He turned back to Bennett, his expression becoming a bit more thoughtful. “So, you mentioned reading the forums in your free time, right?”
Bennett nodded, taking another sip of his coffee. “Yes, sir. I find it… interesting to see the player perspectives.”
“Interesting indeed,” Frank mused. “Especially since you seem to pick up on some things we might miss. That idea about the crash test dummy for character creation was surprisingly insightful.”Frank leaned forward, stirring his coffee. “So, Bennett, since you’re so active on the forums, have you seen much discussion about the generational progression system?”. “It’s one of the more… unique features of Ludere Online, and we’re always curious about player reactions and suggestions.” He paused. “Have you also read much about the tutorial zone and the initial player experience?”.
Bennett took another thoughtful sip of his coffee. “Yes, sir, I’ve read about both,” he replied. “The generational progression, especially the way skills and even classes can be inherited or unlocked through partnering with an NPC, seems like a really deep mechanic”. He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “I was wondering, though, has the team considered implementing a function for generational progression that doesn’t require the intimacy aspect with an NPC?”. “I imagine there might be players who are asexual or perhaps even underage in the real world who might feel uncomfortable or excluded by that requirement.”
Sean and Jason exchanged glances, a thoughtful silence settling over them. Frank nodded slowly. “That’s a valid point, Bennett, one we haven’t explicitly discussed in detail before. We included the male player partnering with a female NPC and vice versa to limit potential problematic situations”. “But you’re right, that could inadvertently exclude other players. We’ll definitely have to consider alternative pathways for generational progression.”
Bennett felt a surge of encouragement. He appreciated their willingness to consider his perspective. He shifted slightly in his chair. “And regarding the tutorial zone, I was curious if there’s any sort of cap or timeline for how long a player can remain there?”. “It seems like a safe place to learn the basics, but I wondered if the game encourages or even forces players to eventually move on to the wider world.”. He recalled ProlixalParagon’s own internal questions about the limitations of staying in Oakhaven.
Frank leaned back, considering his answer. “That’s a good question. Yes, there are indeed limitations. We want to give new players ample time to get their bearings, but we also don’t want them to get stuck or miss out on the core game experience.” He paused. “So, we’ve implemented a time limit of one week of in-game time within the tutorial zone.” He continued, “There’s also a level cap of level five. Once a player reaches either of those thresholds, they are automatically guided out of the tutorial zone and towards the next major area.”
Bennett nodded slowly, mentally processing this information. One week and level five, he thought to himself. A sudden realization dawned on him. He had been secretly logging into Ludere Online as ProlixalParagon for what felt like nearly a week in his stolen moments. The strange occurrences, the hidden ruins he had seen that others hadn't, the feeling that the game was reacting to him in unusual ways … could it be that he was bumping up against the edges of the tutorial zone’s limitations, triggering unintended glitches and behaviors? The pieces started to fall into place.Bennett nodded slowly, the developers' explanation about limiting "problematic situations" for the heterosexual pairing making a degree of sense from a development standpoint. However, he felt it was important to push further on the inclusivity aspect.
“I understand the reasoning behind the current setup,” Bennett said carefully, placing his mug down on the desk. “But I also think it’s worth considering that limiting generational progression to heterosexual pairings could also exclude a significant portion of your potential player base. Players who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other non-heterosexual identities would effectively be barred from this key game mechanic that allows for unique class unlocks and progression.”
He elaborated, “In today’s gaming landscape, inclusivity is becoming increasingly important to players. If the generational progression system remains strictly heterosexual, you might face criticism and even accusations of prejudice when the game is fully released. Finding a way to allow for progression without relying on heterosexual intimacy could be crucial not just for inclusivity but also for the game’s long-term reputation.”
Frank, Sean, and Jason all looked thoughtful, absorbing Bennett’s point. Frank steepled his fingers, a serious expression on his face. “You’re absolutely right, Bennett,” he admitted. “That’s a perspective we definitely need to take into account. Our focus with the initial limitation was on preventing certain exploitative scenarios, but we overlooked the potential for excluding other players based on their sexual orientation.”
Sean nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that’s a blind spot on our part. We need to brainstorm ways to implement alternative methods for triggering generational progression that aren’t tied to heterosexual romance.” He paused. “Perhaps adoption could play a larger role, though the note in the game functions mentioned not being able to play as an adopted child. Maybe we could revisit that limitation or introduce other non-romantic partnership mechanics that still allow for the inheritance of traits and unlocking of new classes.”
Jason chimed in, “Or what if certain powerful artifacts or blessings could trigger a form of ‘spiritual’ or ‘magical’ generational progression? It wouldn’t involve intimacy with an NPC but could still lead to character evolution and new possibilities.”
Frank leaned back, considering these new ideas. “These are all good starting points. We could even tie it into the lore. Perhaps certain deities or factions have alternative rituals for lineage and progression.” He looked at Bennett, a renewed sense of appreciation in his eyes. “Thanks for bringing that to our attention, Bennett. That’s a really important point, and we definitely want Ludere Online to be a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.”
Bennett felt a sense of satisfaction. His insights, drawn from his understanding of both the game and the broader social context, were being genuinely considered by the developers. He took another sip of his (surprisingly good) coffee, feeling a little less like just the janitor and a bit more like a valued contributor.Bennett nodded at Frank’s last comment, feeling a warmth spread through him at their genuine consideration. He glanced over towards a clock on the wall, noticing that more time had passed than he’d realized.
“Well,” Bennett said, placing his now empty mug back on the counter, “as much as I’m enjoying this conversation – and I genuinely appreciate you all taking the time to chat with me – I should probably get back to my duties. Don’t want Mr. Davies to think his new developer office cleaner is slacking off.” He gave a self-deprecating smile.
Frank chuckled. “Alright, alright. But seriously, Bennett, thanks again for your input. It’s been more helpful than you probably realize.”
Sean nodded. “Yeah, anytime you have more of those ‘forum insights,’ feel free to share. Even if it’s while you’re emptying our trash.” He grinned.
Jason gave a thumbs-up from his computer. “And thanks for not mentioning my energy drink graveyard.”
Bennett smiled. “My lips are sealed. And you’re welcome, sirs. I’m happy to help in any way I can.” He turned to retrieve his cleaning cart, a new sense of purpose accompanying the familiar squeak of its wheels as he headed towards the door. The conversation had been an unexpected and welcome detour from his usual routine, making him feel a little less like just the janitor and a bit more like part of the Alluring Realms team.With a renewed sense of purpose and a lingering excitement from his conversation with the developers, Bennett pushed his cleaning cart out of the developer office. The low hum of their continued brainstorming was a pleasant backdrop as he made his way towards the main office areas on the first floor. He glanced at the clock, a surge of anticipation quickening his steps. He had less than an hour left of his shift, and the lure of Ludere Online was stronger than ever.
He hurried through the deserted cubicles, efficiently emptying wastepaper baskets and quickly wiping down desks. The thought of ProlixalParagon, his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black, and the possibilities that awaited him beyond the tutorial zone filled his mind. The wayshrine of Oelia and the new lands it promised beckoned.
The employee break rooms were, as usual, in need of attention. Bennett worked swiftly, wiping down tables stained with spilled drinks and gathering discarded snack wrappers. Even the mundane task of cleaning felt infused with a sense of urgency, each completed task bringing him closer to his clandestine entry into the virtual world. He bypassed some of the more thorough cleaning tasks he would normally do, his priority now to finish his rounds as quickly as possible.
With the last of the break room detritus deposited in the main trash receptacle, Bennett checked the clock again. Fifteen minutes remained. He practically jogged towards the janitorial supply closet, stowing his cleaning implements with a speed that surprised even himself. The squeak of the cart wheels seemed to echo his own rising excitement.
Making sure the hallway was clear of any lingering colleagues or supervisors, Bennett made his way to the quieter corridor that housed the storage room. His heart beat a little faster with each step, the image of the sleek, black D.I.V.E. pod a beacon in the otherwise mundane surroundings. He reached the door, the green light above the sensor a silent invitation. With a quick glance around, he swiped his brown wristband. The familiar click of the unlocking mechanism was a welcome sound, and he slipped inside the dimly lit storage room, the dusty air now feeling strangely familiar and welcoming.
There, amidst the forgotten equipment and discarded supplies, stood the D.I.V.E. pod, waiting. A thrill of anticipation, mixed with a lingering sense of his earlier conversation with the developers, surged through him as he approached it, ready to once again become ProlixalParagon.As Bennett reached the D.I.V.E. pod, his hand hovered over the smooth casing near the access panel. The soft hum of the machine seemed to resonate with his own anticipation. He took a final, quick glance towards the storage room door, ensuring he was still alone. The green light above the door remained steady. He was just about to initiate the pod's activation sequence when he heard a distinct sound behind him – the creak of the storage room door opening.
Bennett froze, his heart leaping into his throat. He slowly turned, a wave of panic washing over him. Standing in the doorway, silhouetted against the brighter light of the hallway, was a figure he instantly recognized – Dave, the CEO of Alluring Realms Gaming.
Dave’s expression was unreadable in the dim light of the storage room. He stood there for a moment, seemingly taking in the scene: Bennett, a brown-banded janitor, poised to enter a D.I.V.E. pod located in a storage area where it clearly didn't belong. The air crackled with unspoken questions and potential consequences.
Bennett’s mind raced. Had Dave seen him enter? Had someone reported the misplaced pod? Was this the end of his job, and more importantly, his access to the health benefits Brecken needed? He swallowed hard, his earlier excitement completely extinguished, replaced by a cold dread.
He managed a weak, stammering, “Mr… Mr. Smith, sir?” his voice barely above a whisper. He clutched the handle of his cleaning cart, his brown wristband suddenly feeling like a brand. The sight of the CEO, the “brain child” of Ludere Online, standing in the doorway of this forgotten storage room, felt like a scene ripped from a nightmare. He couldn’t begin to guess what Dave’s reaction would be, but he knew, with a sinking feeling, that it couldn't be good.
