Here's a little story where reality and fiction blurs together. Enjoy!
Welcome to the Elysium Realms, where all your dreams may come true. Do you want to ride a dragon and wield powerful magic? Do you want to become a famous pop star? Do you want to travel to exotic places without leaving the comfort of your home? Whatever you imagine, we can provide within the Elysium Realms for only $99.99! Grab your copy today and live your ultimate fantasies!
I turned off the TV and picked up the copy of Elysium Realms I had bought a few days ago. I hadn’t dared to dive into the virtual world just yet. Looking at the cover depicting various types of environments, from cyberpunk megacities to fantasy realms, I started longing for those places I had only been dreaming about. Some of them were pretty ordinary compared to what I had heard people create in Elysium Realms. I just wanted a peaceful place that would help me forget my current life, like a cottage somewhere remote such as a beach or by a lake. I didn’t need much, just a break from work and the problems that came with it. I chuckled silently to myself, thinking maybe I could finally be a homeowner, something that was not possible considering the current prices of the real estate market.
I had set up my computer in my living room, ensuring my virtual reality headset could reach my couch. I put the device on, making sure every sensor was connected properly, and I launched the software. As the music started and I felt my senses dim, I settled comfortably in my recliner and closed my eyes. Soon, the neural interface of the virtual reality gear took over, and I was plunged into what I imagined space would feel like. I was weightless, floating in an ocean of darkness. Around me, there was only the music of Elysium Realms slowly growing louder until the menu appeared.
"Welcome to Elysium Realms," I read as different options appeared underneath: New Realm, Load Realm, Guide, Settings, Exit. Around me, landscapes appeared and changed after a moment. If I was floating in the sky above a lush valley one second, I was in the middle of a jungle the next, or deep underground. My eyes went first to Guide, and I wondered if I should read about how it all worked first. Part of me just wanted to get started, and, as I thought that, the New Realm activated, and I read the few lines of instruction: "Please think about where you would like to be. The world may change and evolve with you; all you need to do is to imagine it. Good luck!"
I was surprised by how simple it seemed. Immediately, I focused on the image that was calling to me the most, almost hauntingly. Above all, I longed to be alone, surrounded by nature. As I thought of it, I felt trees grow around me, replacing the void with a vibrant forest. I could smell the greenery, but it felt empty. Animals were missing, I thought, and bird chirps started to echo. The wind was rustling leaves, or maybe it was squirrels rushing through the branches. Either way, I started to feel the tension drain from me. I only lacked a water feature with calming sounds and a cozy place to rest.
As I thought about it, a small clearing expanded from me, and a modern cabin materialized. Behind, a cliff emerged from the ground, and water started flowing from the top into what became a large river. The landscape was still changing around me to accommodate my wishes, but I was curious to see what I would find inside the home I had imagined. It was like those expensive houses I saw online, black metal frames, wood paneling, and lots of glass. What I could only dream of owning one day was now mine. I knew it was just in the Elysium Realms, but it was just as good since I could come here and escape the real world anytime I wanted.
Walking into the cabin, I was in awe. It was incredible how Elysium Realms had every detail right, from the clean lines and open floor plan to the furniture and decor. I wished there were a few plants around, and they appeared magically. I asked for a fire and the fireplace, and the logs lit up instantly. I sat on the plush couch and thought about a movie I had wanted to see, but hadn’t had time to go see, and the flat-screen delivered. The only thing that was missing was all my favourite snacks, which covered the low table as the thought formed in my mind. It was incredible how the program could almost anticipate my every need.
As I enjoyed the movie and the snacks, I let work and my life slip out of my mind completely. Gone were the problems with my demanding boss and annoying co-workers. All the stress I had carried lately seemed to drain from my body like magic. My worries about finances and love, and my conflicts with my family, none of it existed here. I felt good, physically and mentally. I understood now why people raved about this virtual reality, and how dangerous it could be.
The movie over, I turned everything off and logged out. Time to go back to my life. I took off the headset once my senses were back, and disappointment flooded through me as I looked around my clean but small apartment. The sounds of the city rushed to my ears, aggressive and offensive after the quiet I had experienced. I wondered if I could sleep in the virtual world, and I was tempted to try it. I was scared to miss my wake-up time and miss work; I knew I would get fired if I didn’t show up. So I pushed the temptation aside and grabbed leftover cold pizza from the fridge for dinner before going to bed.
As days passed, my longing for my virtual refuge only grew stronger. I found myself counting down the hours until I could escape the confines of reality and lose myself once again in the world I created. Every moment spent in the real world felt like a chore, a dull and colourless existence compared to the vibrant landscapes and endless possibilities of Elysium Realms.
I had used a weekend to test sleeping in the virtual world and found out I could set an alarm in there that would work just as in reality. I found myself spending more and more time in Elysium Realms, neglecting outside relationships; my friends and family became increasingly concerned as I withdrew further into myself, lost in a world they couldn't comprehend.
But nothing could deter me from my obsession with Elysium Realms. It was the only place where I felt truly alive, where I could be the person I wanted to be without fear or judgment. And so, I continued to retreat into the virtual world, oblivious to the consequences of my addiction. I explored different worlds, not just my cabin in the woods. While it remained my favourite place, I liked visiting different universes, sometimes inspired by fiction I loved. One weekend, I spent my time in a world where I was a pirate wandering dangerous seas. The program populated the world with characters to interact with, and I had an experience like no other. It was truly limitless. I started wishing to never leave, as this was where I felt most at home.
Then, one fateful day, as I logged into Elysium Realms, an unusual occurrence took place. The familiar menu appeared before me, but this time, there was no option to exit. Panic surged through me as I frantically searched for a way out, but the usual commands were gone, replaced by a new message: “Welcome to Elysium Realms, your new home.”
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