"Through the diligent dance of hard work and perseverance, we weave the tapestry of our dreams and fill the sails of our aspirations, transforming life's challenges into vibrant threads of triumph, guiding us towards the shores of achievement and wisdom." – Excerpt from “Book of Elara”

  BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! The alarm clock blared like an air raid siren. Maverick sat up groggily, rubbing his sleep deprived eyes, and trying to shake the morning fog.

  “Where is that damn alarm clock, I swear it moves every day, like its taunting me,” Maverick spoke ready to strike a furious blow to the clock.

  Before he could find the blaring culprit, a loud knock came from the door, his mother spoke of breakfast, and not to be late. Stomach growling, Maverick finally found the screaming torturous machine, and swatted it with a bit to much force, essentially sending it to the shadow realm deep under his bed. A soft ouch rose from the floor, surprising Maverick, almost making him fall out of bed.

  He had forgotten Emily had spent the night. His exhaustion nearly wiped out his short-term memory. Fogged over brain or not, Emily had not started the night adjacent to his bed. Stretching, Maverick stood carefully, trying not to step on Emily, hoping to give his mother a warning beforehand.

  With all the grace of a cat high on catnip, Maverick's leg caught on his blanket and tumbled off the bed, joining his still half asleep neighbor on the floor. Since he was here, he might as well try to wake her.

  “Hey, Swamp Thing, time to get up, Mom made breakfast. I think she made pancakes.”

  One eye slowly popped open from the creature wrapped in blankets, “What kind of pancakes?” Emily whispered, trying not to startle the syrup-soaked disks of fluffy goodness.

  “Get up and find out, I won’t save you any if you take too long. Just come out when you're ready. I assume you want to take a shower. I’ll let Mom know you’re here. Oh, don’t forget to copy that final.”

  With that, Maverick picked himself off the floor and opened the door.

  Camila was used to the duo and their shenanigans. She always knew when Emily would sneak over to see Maverick. It had been a long time since she had stayed over, though. Their time together never bothered her, she figured Maverick was responsible enough to take care of himself and make the right decisions. Even if that meant having an attractive young lady spend the night with him… Camila coughed slightly into her hand, turning her attention back to the slightly over-browned pancakes. She was just happy Maverick had a good friend like her; they both had their share of traumas. Maverick losing his father was hard enough on him, and Emily dealing with the scandal that was her parents.

  Camila watched as Maverick tried to sneak out of his room, closing the door quickly behind him, most likely hiding the fact Emily was there.

  "Maverick, I know Emily stayed over last night. No need to hide it like you're still in high school. You're 26, and it's okay for your girlfriend to stay over sometimes. I understand—your father and I did the same when I lived with my parents. Now, come set the table, and serve Emily's breakfast, please and thank you.”

  Maverick had no words; his cheeks blushed and burned from the statement. “Emily wasn’t his girlfriend, they were just best friends… since childhood… Yeah, best friends… Maverick thought”.

  Maverick had explained it to his mom on various occasions, but it seems she didn’t understand. Hurriedly, Maverick asked about her trip to Nevada, USA, hoping to change the subject.

  Camil, now retired from active military duty, had been called earlier that week by a classified individual, and her presence had been requested on some base. For what Maverick had no idea, but he worried about it. She had been active, taking many classified trips all his life, but when his father passed, that all stopped. So the fact that she had been contacted now out of the blue meant something was up.

  Nothing good ever came from the men in black, as he called them. Before he could talk much more about it with his mom, Emily came out from his room, looking rather refreshed and properly dressed for once.

  The trio ate breakfast, laughing and joking about some embarrassing moment in Mavericks life; to them, it was another regular morning. Unbeknownst to the trio, the sky had lit up with giant numbers, visible all over the world. The internet, as expected, blew up with all sorts of ideas, conspiracies, and even the usual, it's the end of days people. The numbers slowly ticked down with no real explanation. Until a news station reported live from Prometheus Games HQ.

  Flicking on the television as Camila did every morning, she, Maverick and Emily caught the story.

  The familiar logo of GNN News spun in the corner as the anchor, Jenna Michaels, appeared, her voice calm and professional despite the unprecedented event unfolding.

  “Good morning, and welcome to GNN News. I’m Jenna Michaels, and today we have breaking coverage of a global phenomenon that’s captured everyone’s attention: the sudden appearance of a worldwide countdown projected in the sky by Prometheus Technologies. The clock is ticking toward the full release of *The Veil Online’s* newest and most anticipated update.”

  Maverick watched as the screen cut to live footage of the sky, where glowing numbers floated just above the horizon. Maverick squinted, trying to see the numbers for himself out the kitchen window. It was surreal—seeing something so massive, so unexpected, hanging there for the world to see.

  As Camila and Emily talked excitedly, drowning out the TV, the camera shifted to the field reporter. *David Reynolds*, the name flashed below him, standing outside the Prometheus Games headquarters.

  “Thank you, Jenna. I’m here with Alexander Allens, CEO of Prometheus Technologies. Mr. Allens, thank you for your time. Let’s get straight into it—*The Veil Online* has been a part of our lives for nearly a decade. What makes this full release so monumental?”

  The camera panned to Alexander Allens. The CEO looked composed, the hint of a smirk playing at the edge of his lips.

  “You’re absolutely right. *The Veil Online* has been available to players for years now, but tomorrow’s release is different. We’re not just talking about a few new features. This is an evolution of the game. We’re raising the level cap, introducing major in-game events, and—perhaps most exciting of all—launching the class evolution system, allowing players to push their characters to new heights.”

  Maverick raised an eyebrow. *Class evolutions?*

  David leaned forward slightly. “And for veteran players, this sounds like it’s going to be a game-changer?”

  “Absolutely,” Allens replied. “The update expands *The Veil Online* beyond anything players have seen before. There’s more depth, more customization, and more opportunities to engage with the world we’ve built. Tomorrow’s release will push the boundaries of what’s been possible so far.”

  The camera zoomed out slightly as David pressed on. “The countdown, though—it caught everyone by surprise. Why project it globally, with no warning?”

  Allens chuckled softly. “We like to keep people on their toes. The countdown isn’t just about the release; it’s a signal to everyone that something big is coming. The game is evolving, and so is the technology behind it. This marks the start of something even bigger.”

  Maverick’s attention was locked on the screen, watching as the conversation shifted toward something more intriguing—*the technology*.

  David Reynolds didn’t miss a beat. “Speaking of that technology, the PODs system has been central to *The Veil Online’s* appeal for years. But it’s not just for gaming, is it? There are medical applications, too, correct?”

  Allens nodded thoughtfully. “That’s right. Our PODs are already used in the medical field. They perform full physical examinations when users enter and exit, monitoring vital signs, ensuring health, and allowing the body to rest while exploring the virtual world. We’ve seen the system used in rehabilitation and even sleep therapy. Players can remain active mentally in *The Veil Online* while their physical bodies recover.”

  Maverick ran a hand through his hair. *The PODs had always seemed like something out of a sci-fi novel. Now, they were more real than ever.*

  The scene cut back to the newsroom, where Jenna Michaels smiled at the camera.

  “Thank you, David. Fascinating insights from Mr. Allens. The PODs system truly is a miracle of modern technology, both in gaming and beyond. Now, back to the countdown—we’ve heard there’s a major in-game event happening tomorrow at noon. David, could you ask Mr. Allens about that?”

  The screen flipped back to David and Allens. The CEO gave a knowing smile.

  “I can’t give away too much,” Allens said, “but tomorrow’s event will change the game world forever. Every player will experience it, no matter their level or how long they’ve been playing. Trust me, it’s not something you want to miss.”

  Maverick leaned forward in his chair, heart pounding. *What could they possibly have planned that would change the game world forever?*

  The broadcast cut back to the studio one final time.

  Jenna Michaels continued, her voice taking on a more excited tone. “Well, there you have it, folks. Tomorrow’s update to *The Veil Online* promises to be a defining moment in gaming history. A new level cap, class evolutions, and a final in-game event that will impact the entire player base. And with the groundbreaking PODs technology, the benefits extend far beyond entertainment. Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow—this is something you won’t want to miss.”

  Maverick stared at the screen as the broadcast ended, the countdown still hovering ominously in the sky. He had 23 hours to prepare. Tomorrow, everything would change.

  Finishing up breakfast, Maverick had so much on his mind from that broadcast. At noon today, there will be an in-game event. Luckily for him, that time was a free period and he knew exactly where he’d spend it.

  With that he and Emily grabbed the lunches Camila had prepared for them, gathering the rest of their belongings, as they made their way to the door.

  “Maverick, remember I'll be gone for a couple of days. Make sure to water my plants, and please keep the house clean. I love you, and have a great day today. Oh, and Emily, take care of him and make sure to water the plants, because I'm sure he will forget. Take care, sweetheart.”

  Emily's voice was soft, with a wistful note threading through her words as she looked at Maverick. "You know, your mom is the sweetest. Even when my mom was home regularly and actually liked my dad, she never made me lunches or said she loved us on the way out." She sighed, a faint, rueful smile playing on her lips. "Sometimes I wish your mom would just adopt me... but I guess I'm a little too old for that now."

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Her green eyes, usually so full of playful mischief, were somber as she spoke, reflecting the quiet longing in her heart. "It's funny, isn't it? How the little things, like a packed lunch or a 'love you', can mean so much. Makes you realize what you missed out on." Emily gave a small shrug, trying to shake off the melancholy that threatened to settle in.

  "But hey," she continued, her tone lightening as she flashed Maverick a teasing smile, "I'm practically part of your family anyway, right? Besides, who else is going to be your knight in shining armor?" She nudged him playfully, the familiar sparkle returning to her eyes.

  “Yeah, you definitely fit into our odd little family. Ever since you were a kid, you have always felt right at home when visiting us. Plus, it doesn’t hurt mom, basically sees you as her daughter-in-law.” Maverick spoke in a joking manner, not realizing what he said until it was too late.

  Emily’s face turned bright red, and she walked a few paces faster, reaching the elevator before Maverick.

  "Anyways," Emily said, dragging the word out longer than necessary, shifting the mood with a purposeful brightness, "are you ready for our last final today?" She stretched her arms above her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. "I'll log into TVO with you later for the game's event. Since I’m sure we’ll get a cool item out of it.”

  She waggled her eyebrows mischievously, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "I can't wait to see your face when we start from scratch, though, I just have a feeling they’d pull something like that. It'll finally be a level playing field, and you know what that means... more chances for me to beat you at something!" Emily chuckled, her voice filled with enthusiasm and a hint of competitive spirit.

  "But seriously," she added, her tone softening slightly, "let's ace this final and then dive into the game. We'll tackle whatever comes our way, just like we always do." Her green eyes sparkled with determination, reflecting the unwavering support and camaraderie she shared with Maverick.

  The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow on their faces as they walked out of their building and made their way to the Trolley station. As they arrived after a long walk, they quickly scanned their student badges, causing the rotating gate to allow them entrance. The station hub was a hive of activity, with its wrought-iron arches, elegant gas lamps, and lush hanging gardens, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. The platform bustled with people from all walks of life, eagerly waiting for their trolleys to arrive.

  The trolley cars themselves were a beautiful fusion of vintage design and modern convenience. Painted in bold, eye-catching colors, each car boasted polished brass fittings, intricately carved wooden seats, and gleaming windows that sparkled in the sunlight. The trolleys glided gracefully along the tracks, their silent, efficient movement giving the impression of being propelled by some enchantment.

  As the trolley station connected the residential district to University Square and the rest of the island, the entire system felt like the beating heart of the island, pumping life and energy into its veins.

  This was one of Mavericks favorite places on the whole island. It felt so out of place, because in movies and television everyone got around by car. But here, cars were strictly banned, and you either got onto one of the trolley stations scattered around the island or used good old muscle power.

  Seeing the purple and gold trolley car destined for the university arrive, he pulled a gawking Emily along to get in line before they missed their ride. Maverick and Emily climbed aboard, taking their seats, the same ones they had sat on countless times. The familiar grooves and worn metal gave the pair a sense of comfort.

  As the trolley began its steady journey towards the university square, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks seemed to lull Maverick into a contemplative state. He glanced out the window, watching the cityscape slowly transform from the residential district's charming houses, towering high-rise apartments, and shops to the lush countryside. The wide open tracks of land were full of vibrant winter flowers and plants. This was always his favorite part of the ride, just being able to enjoy the views, rarely seen at home.

  As Maverick gazed out the window, preparing for their thirty-minute ride, he saw Emily pull out a sketch book from the window's reflection. Knowing he had some time to kill, he again wondered about the events from last night. There was no way that the POD session was normal. The sensations were normally more dulled, as if someone turned down your senses by almost half. Yeah you would still feel and experience TVO in a life-like state, but you could always tell the difference. This time, however, it really felt as if he, Maverick, was really there, not his character.

  The sensations, the feelings he experienced and the sheer hunger in that wolfs eyes, and murderous aura could in no way be generated by the system. The last time Maverick had felt true fear like that was on the day he lost his father. Falling into the abyss of memories, Maverick replayed that day.

  Lighting crashed, as the sea churned, creating massive vortexes that pulled in anything and everything. Maverick watched as the casual ferry ride turned into pure chaos. The ferry was battered and tossed like a toy in the hands of an angry child. The storm had come out of nowhere, as if someone had angered Poseidon himself. Maverick's father tightly gripped his shoulder, offering a comforting reassurance that everything would be okay. This nightmare had plagued Maverick on many nights, and often would end here. But this time, as he sat in the trolley watching the landscape roll by, the rest of his memory played in his mind. The nightmare memories continued, and the determination in his father's eyes burned into his mind. Even in the pouring rain, his father never showed any signs of fear.

  The ferry’s hull groaned under the immense pressure and constant battering of the sea. It had never been designed to handle such abuse, Maverick remembered his father saying. The ferry jolted suddenly as something below deck gave way.

  Panic spread among the passengers as the ferry began to list on its side. Maverick's father grabbed him, leading him to the main deck where the few lifeboats hung in the assaulting wind.

  “Stay close, no matter what!” Maverick remembered his father yelling.

  They fought their way through the throng of terrified people. His father acted like a bulldozer, moving anything in his way. All those aboard screamed, trying their best to stay alive during the losing battle. Maverick remembered the loud snapping sound that came from down below. The ferry could no longer hold together and lost its battle. A massive wave came crashing over the deck, with many of those who dared reach the life-saving boats were thrown overboard, destined for Davy Jones. But his father pulled Maverick close and clung onto the railing with all his might, sparing them from their watery fate.

  The events that followed were always a blur to Maverick. Neither his nightmares nor therapy provided clarity. The last clear memory he had before waking up on the shore in a wrecked lifeboat was his father hurling him into a boat as the ferry began to sink. His father's final, beaming smile was seared into his mind as he fought the jammed cables freeing Mavericks boat before a wave dragged him into the depths.

  Tears rolled down his face, silent as ever. The pain would always be there, and it never seemed to soften. Before the tears became a flood, a soft hand brushed through his hair, slowly melting the pain away. Maverick, lost in his memory, had not realized that his head had slumped onto Emily’s shoulder.

  It should have been awkward, but for the two of them, this level of proximity was commonplace. Maverick resigned to his fate, closed his eyes, and relished in the soft touch.

  Dozing off into the comfort, Emily smiled, looking down at Maverick. While they were best friends for as long as she could remember, Emily knew she wanted more from Maverick, but it never seemed like the right time. Emily feared the wrong words or a shift in their dynamic would cause them trouble, and she couldn’t handle that type of strife. Looking out the window, the fields of flowers sped by, colors mixed, and the many shapes danced as if at the command of the winds' symphony. She knew he had trouble controlling his emotions when he experienced those memories, but that was okay. She would always be there to console him, and show him that life is still beautiful.

  This was always her favorite part of the day; the trolley to school always gave her peace and clarity when she seemed ready to burst. The emptiness of it all pulled her away from the business of school work, and streets full of people just pushing past onto their next task for the day, mindless ghouls, Emily called them. But this ride allowed her to practice her sketches, and most of all, spend more time with Maverick.

  Since last night, Emily had a lot on her mind, and while her immediate troubles were calmed, she was still on edge. What Maverick told her and the look on his face still made her uneasy. From what she knew, things like that didn’t just happen in TVO. It was just a game, though, but even she had to admit the game could feel all too real sometimes.

  To Emily, TVO had always been a fun escape, a virtual realm where she could spend more time with Maverick and even a few other classmates. It was a place where adventures were grand, and the dangers were thrilling, but not truly real—or so she thought. That illusion shattered the day they raided a manticore's nest. She remembered the bone spike piercing her side, the searing pain that followed, and the acidic poison burning through her flesh. The sensation had been too real, too visceral, leaving her breathless and terrified. That specific encounter had always been an enigma, it was almost like the beast had attacked her real body, not her character. It was almost in a way similar to what Maverick had experienced the previous night.

  Even now, she could occasionally feel phantom echoes of that pain, a burning in her chest that made it hard to breathe. It unsettled her in a way she never thought possible. Not only that, but the memory of the manticore's venom still haunted her, casting a shadow over the enjoyment she once found in the game. Since then, she had somewhat distanced herself from the game, not entirely sharing with her best friend the reason.

  She glanced at Maverick, admiring his ability to play regardless of what injury he sustained, and not letting it get to him. But for this last visit, to make him feel like this, it really made Emily think about what he went through.

  Time passed uneventfully for the remainder of their ride. Like every day prior, the trolley rolled on through the blooming fields, eventually growing stone buildings and walkways from the earth. The trolley roared a hissing exhale signaling their arrival at Atherton University.

  Emily gently shook Maverick, waking him from the sleep he desperately needed. As he raised his head, she wiped away a lingering tear on his cheek, hoping it didn't cause an awkward situation. But a simple smile from him assured her that was not the case. The pair disembarked, grabbed their bags, and made the usual trek to their first final exam of the day.

  Hours passed as they went about their day, navigating campus life on what felt like autopilot. They had just submitted their oddly similar final to Professor Rodriguez, a wave of relief washing over both of them as they left the classroom. The sun was already climbing higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the campus. Maverick stretched his arms above his head, yawning, but the excitement bubbling beneath the surface was hard to contain. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the day The Veil Online was holding its final in-game event, and it felt like everything was building toward that moment.

  "Coffee?" Emily asked with a grin, already steering them toward their favorite spot, the campus café that sat nestled between two ivy-covered buildings.

  "Like you even have to ask," Maverick replied, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and residual stress from their earlier exam.

  The café was bustling, as expected, and the scent of freshly roasted beans mixed with the sweet tang of cinnamon and vanilla. Students lined up in groups, some studying for their own finals, others just grabbing a caffeine boost. As they stepped inside, the world outside felt like it slowed down, just for a moment.

  Maverick glanced at the oversized menu hanging above the baristas, but Emily already knew what she wanted—something sugary, over-the-top, and loaded with whipped cream. "I’ll take whatever has the most sugar in it," she said as she approached the counter. Maverick shook his head, laughing.

  “You’re going to crash before noon, and I’ll be logging into TVO by myself.”

  “I’ll survive,” she teased, nudging him.

  Once they’d gotten their coffees—Emily’s overflowing with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, Maverick’s a simple black coffee—they found a table near the window. They had time to kill, and the looming physics final wasn’t for another hour and a half. Outside, the campus was alive with activity as students shuffled between buildings, taking advantage of the final stretch of study time.

  Emily leaned back in her chair, casually sipping her drink. “Look at them,” she said, gesturing toward a group of students sprawled across the grass outside. “Do you ever miss when we were those carefree undergrads? Just laying around, pretending we were studying?”

  “Maybe a little,” Maverick replied, though his mind was already drifting to the upcoming Veil Online event. “But I think I’m more excited about what comes next. I mean, think about it—this is it. Our last finals, and then we’re free to do… whatever we want.”

  Emily raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. “Like waste away the next 12 hours in a virtual world?”

  “Hey, don’t knock it,” Maverick said, grinning as he grabbed his flashcards. “It’s the final event in The Veil Online. You know how much fun their other events have been in the past.”

  They spent the next hour flipping through flashcards and making last-minute jokes about their physics exam. Emily wasn’t nearly as invested, and by the time 10:45 rolled around, she was too busy people-watching through the café window, observing students darting in and out of the library and small groups chatting between classes. Maverick’s enthusiasm for the upcoming event seemed to grow by the minute, his thoughts drifting between the day’s exams and the battles he knew awaited him in the game.

  At 11:00 AM, they left the café and started the short walk to the physics hall. The campus was still alive with the chaotic energy of students rushing to and from exams, the weight of finals pressing on everyone. As they walked past groups of students, Maverick’s mind was already wandering to the moment he’d log into the POD, ready to immerse himself in the final event. Emily, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, her focus split between enjoying the last few moments of campus life and passing their physics final.

  By the time they arrived at the exam room, Maverick could hardly sit still. The physics final wasn’t easy—filled with abstract hypotheticals and complex problems that tested their grasp of everything they’d studied. Emily rolled her eyes more than once at the sheer density of some of the questions, but both of them felt confident in their preparation.

  When they finally emerged from the exam room around 11:30 AM, they shared a look of relief.

  “Well, that’s over,” Emily said with a sigh, stretching her arms above her head. “I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would.”

  “Same,” Maverick agreed, but his mind was already racing ahead. “Okay, it’s 11:30. That gives us just enough time to hit the PODs facility before noon.”

  Emily laughed as they started walking. “You’re really going to sprint to the PODs, aren’t you?”

  “I’m just saying,” Maverick grinned, “the final event starts at noon, and I want to be there the second the event goes live.”

  They made their way across campus, passing by groups of students who were either celebrating the end of their exams or anxiously preparing for their next one. The air was thick with that familiar end-of-term energy—equal parts relief and exhaustion. But for Maverick, all that was secondary. His mind was firmly focused on The Veil Online.

  By the time they reached the POD facility at 11:50, Maverick was practically bouncing on his feet. Emily smiled, shaking her head. “Alright, alright. Let’s get logged in and see what all the hype’s about.”

  Maverick grinned. “You won’t regret it.”

  And with that, they entered the facility, ready for what would come next. Maverick couldn’t help but feel that today was going to be more than just an event—it was the beginning of something bigger. Especially if his previous login session was anything to go on.