“It''s simple, Mr. Mitchell. Sign the contract and climb a mountain. You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”


    “I’m doing what you asked. I’m wearing a neural recorder. I’ll sign the papers, but I want to see the deposit made first!”


    “No deal! We have legal counsel to notarize the contract and ensure your payment.”


    “Will I at least receive the ten million tax-free?”


    “That’s correct. Just imagine that a wealthy buyer will enjoy your experience over and over. You’ll carry a legacy of authenticity.”


    “Why not just simulate it? No one can tell the difference.”


    “They’ll know. Real experiences are highly valued these days, not those conjured up, digital recreations that mimic reality. They’ve got no substance nor consequence.”


    “What about legal ramifications?”


    “None. The government supports our effort to revitalize the economy. Virtual currency has become next to worthless because nearly everyone is plugged-in. If you agree to do this, your family will receive government-sanctioned cash money.”


    “What’s that?”


    “True wealth. Imagine owning real land, not just virtual real estate. We’ll reciprocate your genuine contribution with something equally tangible.”


    “I must admit, I’m scared … what if …”


    “Good, be scared. Our buyer will want to experience your anxiety and feel your fear in order to be satisfied with the experience. In fact, if we detect you aren’t scared, even for a single moment, we’ll cancel the contract. You’ll return to that overcrowded slum. Your only source of freedom will be the virtual abyss.”


    “Why can’t I climb now?”


    “We need your emotional build-up for the climax. Our connoisseur will appreciate its intrinsic value. Remember, you do this for us, and your family will have real wealth.”


    “Very well … I’ll sign them … What’s this about dream recordings?”


    “It’s all about the process behind watching your mastery.”


    “And an NDA, huh?”


    “Yes. No one else can know. They''ll never understand what’s at stake, right?”


    “Yeah, sure.” Frank signed the last page.


    ————


    Frank experienced recurring nightmares of screaming as he fell to his death. Sometimes in his nightmares, he’d survive and become paralyzed, which left him in need of constant care.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    He tried plugging in, believing that it would provide some respite from his nightmares. Despite his efforts, his subconscious manifested his fears in the VR world into a haunting paralysis inflicting all of his avatars.


    On the night before the climb, he woke up screaming.


    “Honey, is there something bothering you? Should we talk about it?”


    “No. I’m just trying to solve a problem in a world-building scheme.”


    “Frank, I’m here if you need to talk about it. I can plug in and help if you need it.”


    “That’s kind of you to offer, love, but once I’m finished with this project, you’ll live like a queen!”


    “What?”


    “It’s a surprise I’m planning for you. Just wait for me to finish.”


    “I can’t wait!”


    He kissed her lips. “Goodnight, my love.”


    ————


    Frank stood stark naked and shivered. The company had dropped him off, along with a disguised escort, by helicopter at the base of a high mountain. Freezing winds chilled his bones, and he could barely breathe.


    The escort handed him a two-way VR communicator, a respirator, and a headset. Then they instructed him to climb up a set of dangling ropes.


    Frank clawed at the mountainside while rocks crumbled and dust fell.


    Midway up, the support lines snapped.


    “Look down, Mr. Mitchell. The fall will certainly be painful and terrible. The drop may feel like forever. See the jagged rocks; You may very well become paralyzed. You’ll wish for sudden death, but I assure you it''ll be excruciating as your bones break and shatter, and you can no longer move. Of course, you’ll bleed out first!”


    “I can’t do this!”


    “Sure, you can. Remember, there’s ten million for you and your family on the line. A paradise awaits, and all you have to do is reach the summit!”


    Frank saw virtual flashes sent to his mind of a countryside cottage and a ranch with horses, an abundance of land, and trees as far as the eye could see.


    “Think of your family, Frank. Don’t fail them. Don’t feel regretful for the rest of your life.”


    Frank climbed further up. Rocks cut and scraped his skin. He could feel bugs crawling all over him. Further into the climb, he encountered a large, seemingly impassable rock jutting out.


    “Climb it, Mr. Mitchell. You can do it. You have to because your family depends on you.”


    “I-I … can’t …”


    “Do it, Frank. Otherwise, we''ll make your wife climb the rock. Did you miss that part of the contract? The fine print says if you fail, your spouse must take your place.”


    “No! I don’t remember. You’re lying!”


    A detailed visual recollection showing him signing the contract appeared in Frank''s mind. He could see the fine print stating the terms precisely as the escort mentioned.


    “We’ve taken this recollection from your mind. You see … you saw the fine print but chose to ignore it. It’s too late to go back on your word. You''ve agreed to the stipulations.”


    Suddenly, Frank received an artificially generated scene showing his naked wife climbing the mountain and crying out while she struggled to maintain her grip on the rocks.


    “Okay! Okay! I’ll do it!”


    Frank climbed up the giant rock and lost his grip. As he fell, he cried out for help. Within seconds, he landed on the jagged rocks below—felt a sharp pain in his back—then died instantly.


    ————


    Mr. Chambers, an elite tycoon in VR industries, removed the simulation headwear, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and placed the headwear on the table. He experienced Frank’s entire journey: signing the contract, climbing up the mountain, and falling to his death.


    “Brilliant! I want more! Where can I place an order for a bulk purchase? I have a big party coming up in a week.”


    “We only offer one experience per encoded buyer''s signature. We’ll need a participant for each experience rendered. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find so many participants in such a short time and much more expensive for such a large volume.”


    Mr. Chambers paused for a moment and slammed his quivering fist on the table. “It’s worth it! This is a true work of art. Place the order!”