HideousGrain
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Forgotten Lands - Chapter 4 (Book 1)
🕑 Added 2024-02-13 13:51:34 +0000 UTCNutrition Solutions and a VR Gaming Pod were important to improve his physical state while playing prolonged periods in a single sitting, but Zayn understood that he had to pick cheaper variations for the time being.
He had to focus on nutritious meals and a VR helmet. The most advanced VR helmet cost 10,000 and had a synchronization rate of 83%. That was a lot lower than the synchronization rate of the VR Gaming Pod, but it made sense. The materials used to produce a VR helmet were a drop in the ocean compared to the VR Gaming Pod.
Nonetheless, 10,000 Credits was a feisty price. It was enough to purchase a decent car. Still, the VR helmet was what Zayn was looking for since it was the most suitable device for him – right after the VR Gaming Pod. The high synchronization rate of the VR helmet and the fact that the user’s five senses would become much more sensitive using the advanced VR helmet were enough reasons to purchase it. After all, Zayn could make use of his past life experiences to grow stronger much faster.
Searching online for the nearest distributor of VR helmets, Zayn found a few basic VR helmets as well. They were priced at 1,000 Credits. Zayn could afford one of them if he sold some of his stuff, but the synchronization rate of 70% made him hesitate.
Overall, VR helmets were rather plain. They didn’t have unique functions like the VR Gaming Pod, but an advanced VR helmet was still a necessity until he had enough credits to purchase the real deal. The only issue was that he didn’t have enough money to buy an advanced VR helmet right off the bat.
‘If I remember correctly many platforms and shops offered to rent out their VR helmets.’ Zayn thought.
He recalled the news of shop owners being frowned upon, and some even beaten up for the exorbitant price they asked for renting out their advanced VR helmets. However, they raked in a fortune by using the desperation of some gamers, who were hoping to make more money in the short period they rented the advanced VR helmets.
Most failed in their holy mission to make a fortune, but some were fortunate enough to find treasures, which they sold to extend the renting period or purchase a VR helmet right away.
Zayn was confident about making enough money to purchase an advanced VR helmet shortly after the game launched. That was, if he managed to rent an advanced VR helmet, in the first place.
The higher the synchronization rate the easier it would be for Zayn to tap into the pool of his memories and synchronize his memories with his body, and the in-game character. Therefore, the advanced VR helmet was a must if he wanted to execute the martial arts and fighting styles he’d learned in Forgotten Lands, and the nightmarish decade that followed.
Zayn searched through a few websites and found the closest shop that rented out advanced VR helmets. They asked for 100 Credits a day. That was a lot to ask for, but Zayn knew that it was worth it. He didn’t have enough credits, but that could be solved quickly.
He retrieved a box from his shelf, emptied it, and put his newest gaming console, including games and multiple controllers, inside. Zayn thought about packing another console and the games he’d hoarded over the years, but he figured that it wouldn’t be necessary. He didn’t want his family to get suspicious of his actions either.
That made him recall something.
‘I need to convince them to join Forgotten Lands as well. The stronger they are before the world turns upside down, the better,’ Zayn told himself even though he was not sure how to convince his family quite yet.
Maybe earning a fortune for himself would help convince his brothers to join Forgotten Lands earlier than last time, but his parents and sister were the problem. His parents would never allow Natalie to join such a brutal game, and they didn’t like such games either. Fortunately, convincing his family to join Forgotten Lands was something he could think about later. He didn’t have to break his head to make them join immediately.
He picked up the box and carried it in front of Nicolas’ room. Zayn knocked thrice before he heard his brother’s voice from within, and opened the door to walk in.
“What’s wrong Zayn?” Nicolas asked, seated in front of his computer. He put down his headset and stared at his little brother.
“Is your friend still interested in my game collection and the Swish? I decided to join Forgotten Lands, but I don’t want to ask our parents for the credits to buy the VR helmet,” Zayn asked with a smile.
“You want to join that game? I’m not sure if Mom will like that,” Nicolas responded before he shrugged, “Well, you’re an adult now and it’s not like you’re using their money to buy the game. There should be no problem if you switch from the Swish to virtual reality games, I guess.”
“Of course, Erik is still interested in your game collection and the Swish. He always tells me how envious he is that you managed to purchase the limited edition with the hidden quests for Zelra. Dunno what he likes about these hidden missions and the customized game controllers, but I will make sure that you will get a good price for everything,” Nicolas looked deep into his brothers' eyes.
“That is…if you’re certain that you want to sell them. Erik won’t return it to you, and I won’t ask him to give it back if you change your opinion, all of a sudden!”
Zayn put the box down on his brother’s bed and gave him a thumbs up.
“You’re the best. If possible, can you make sure that Erik transfers the money by tomorrow? I want to join Forgotten Lands the day it launches. That would be noon, the 13th, and I have yet to purchase the VR helmet and create an account.”
Nicolas nodded and picked up his phone. He opened the messenger and typed a message.
“Got it. I messaged Erik and told him to get his ass over if he wants your stuff. You will have the money early enough, don’t worry.”
Nicolas was cool like a potato. He had always been – before the World Bridges appeared, at least. After that, nobody was able to keep their cool anymore. Despite all this, Nicolas was always there for Zayn and the rest of his family. He was the prime example of a great big brother.
“Thanks a bunch. I will leave you alone then. Finish your assignment, or kill some aliens in space, “ Zayn joked, pointing at the monitor where Nicolas’ game continued during their conversation. By now, Nicolas’ character had turned into Swiss cheese, melting from the dozens of laser beams that had pierced through the character.
Nicolas’ head flicked back in realization, and he groaned in pain. Zayn chose that as a sign to leave the room and leave his brother alone.
‘Mission, Quick Buck, has been accomplished. I should get enough to rent an advanced VR helmet for 10 days, but I need other stuff as well.’
Zayn was not sure how much money his brother would get him for the stuff he’d sell Erik, but he had to come up with a decent plan to move forward.
He planned to earn enough credits to buy the cheapest VR Gaming Pod before returning the rented advanced VR helmet. If that didn’t work out as intended, he could always buy an advanced VR helmet, and replace it later with the Gaming Pod.
Zayn was confident in earning some quick bucks in the game. After all, he had some – if not a lot – knowledge of Forgotten Lands’ early game events and incidents. Adding the in-game currency exchange feature that would pull more than a hundred million players to join the game in the first month of the game’s launch, Zayn had to play out his cards well.
He had to use the tactics applied by the Pantheon against them. They made use of human greed to create more anchors on Earth. Thus, Zayn could use the in-game currency exchange to solve most of his short and long-term issues.
A smile blossomed on his face.
“Let’s see what the Primordial Pantheon can do against me!”
