Prologue

This used to be exciting. I worked as the quality analyst for a VR game that became a global sensation. I had special perks—unlimited in-game currency, exclusive skins, weapons, and abilities. Initially, it was fantastic, but now, it's lost its charm.

There's nothing left to explore. My in-game character is too overpowered to find any challenge. Yet, I spend my days searching for bugs.

Today was no different. I donned the VR helmet, connected the leads to my head, translating my brainwaves into stimuli. Our perception of reality is just the brain's interpretation of sensory input after all.

'Hmm? Why is the helmet so hot today?'

'I hope it's not malfunctioning.'

I couldn't be bothered to check it in the hardware department.

'Whatever,' I sighed and activated the game's AI after wearing the helmet.

*WELCOME*

*STARGONE GAMES PRESENTS*

'Ugh, I've seen this intro a thousand times.'

*Consciousness upload error*

*Rebooting*

*Error*

*Rebooting*

*Error*

*Executing sequence 1AZ*

*Consciousness uploaded*

Something was off. I was inside the game, but the stats screen was missing.

'I should inform the development team.'

Yet, I couldn't find the log-out button. There wasn't any button at all.

'What's going on?'

Suddenly darkness covered my vision.