Though Leroy Fletcher conned a lot of money from Asher Beaumont, he didn''t have to much to lead others astray. FTG, for the Glory, or Glory, whatever name you used to call that game, it had already become a hot commodity. Each day few conglomerates would come out with their PR and declare that they would establish themselves within the game. Each day, an influential or trending person would declare to open a workshop to play within the game. As such, the budding working class people, aka, final year students, had their eyes on this game. When they heard many of the toppers and famous students were ready to dive into game, they were even more enthusiastic. This was their chance to make connections, build network and shine. Maybe, they will have a chance to get a better job thanks to these bonds.


    As the gaming company had declared that this game could be played even when the people are sleeping, the demand for gaming pods had reached all time high. Those who could not afford pods, rented them- even the older versions were not spared. Quite a few nimble people earned extra credits to turn these old junks and upgrade their specs to ensure game could be played.


    The top ten students did not have to worry. Their study pods could play the game too. But would these kids agree? Who knows if he is playing the game or listening to the lectures on the sky? So it was anonymously  and wholeheartedly decided that they all will get new pods. Few daring ones even met few alumni with the request to get them for free. Alas, no lunch is free. The students got their top of the line pods but with strings attached.


    Asher had not disclosed complete truth to Leroy. Not that it would have changed anything. Beaumonts, like others had tried to run within the games without leaving the trace. They owned shares to few guilds or nurtured few adventure teams. But Alan felt this was not enough and there were still many ways to earn pretty money from there. It was his decision to enter the game a bit deeply this time. The rumours he had listened to when he had gone to capital showed his decision was right one.


    The guilds and ilk would need a lot more money, atleast in the beginning in this game. Why? Because there was a rumour going around that this game would not accept direct cash but only game coins. SX corps was trying to make playing better. One of the methods suggested was to restrict pay to win option. Not that guilds used that way. If they played like that, they would have to declare bankruptcy soon. But certain players were arrogant solely because they were ready to spend lots of money within the game.


    "Alan, the pod got installed." Asher was calling his elder brother to give updates. He paused and continued, "Alan, do I have to do this? You saw me at home. I suck at playing games."


    Alan had come to capital to negotiate with few guilds. The response had been poor. He was already on edge and his deep blue Beaumont eyes were ready to spit fire.


    "It does matter, Asher. What I want is the pulling behind you, your rallying power. It doesn''t matter if you suck at the game. Someone will power level you. You can be a lifestyle player burning through the money for all that I care but you have to play the game."


    Asher turned silent. He was not blind, he knew his brother was working very hard at this. He was ready to die for his brother but he was not ready to become a laughing stock. It would be affront to his self and family name.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    " I''ll try my best to help you brother." Asher cut the call. He had wasted half an hour of his precious study time to get the pod installed and calibrated. He didn''t have much time to spare.


    Leroy was having a blast of the time during calibration. The games he had played before were not this deep or immersive. This was the first time he was seeing calibration happening, to play games.


    Recording brain wave pattern.... Checking for anomalies....


    Recording iris pattern, retinal pattern, fingerprint pattern...


    Permission to get DNA sample?


    Leroy was upset. Just how many parameters do you want to collect? But without consent, it would not go to next step. He agreed. But where would the sample be collected and how? The interior of the pod was smooth entirely, soft and fluffy. Akin to poshest bed, he had mused when he had sat earlier. In the end, Leroy did not find out how the sample was collected.


    Initially, the chair was upright, like a normal one. Then it turned into recliner, even a bed- a small one, no space to roll over. In each position, it collected parameters. It asked him to choose soothing music and relaxing aroma and everything was monitored through out.


    All this calibration was for the pod though. Next was to the game.


    Activating neural links.....


    Initialising.....


    Process complete...


    "Welcome dear player, to the VR lobby." A pleasant accentless female voice chimed.


    The whole place was bare, white on white . Leroy stood there, all alone, with a standard shirt and pants which did nothing to his figure.


    " Currently you are dozing and your mind has entered the VR world. Kindly follow the instructions for better calibration." The voice chimed again.


    For the Glory was not first VR game in the market. Many had come, few had conquered. But this level of calibration was new. Leroy was asked to walk, jump, run, squat, make fists, walk backwards, turn, and even worse, he was made to sing and dance. The horror!


    Then came sense testing. He had to touch and feel the objects and give feedback. Similarly for other senses. Then came others- temperatures and pain.


    Though he knew this was VR and not real, the extreme temperatures were harrowing. Even worse were pain sensations. He didn''t know that there were so many ways to inflict pain. Thanks for the lesson, VR calibrator.


    Then....it was over.


    Altering the perception, senses and various receptors to ideal level......


    Process complete.


    Would you like to download the game - For the Glory?


    Well, yeah! Why else would he suffer through this torture?


    Download in process....


    Would you like to link the bank account to the game? The game will uphold highest banking standards and none of your personal details will be shared to any parties.


    The guide tried to reassure.


    Yeah, about that! What will happen if I don''t link the account? Leroy asked aloud aloud aloud in the empty lobby, trying not to look like a lunatic who heard voices.


    The game shall maintain virtual account and take 30% fee for every virtual transaction. For withdrawal of cash, additional 15% of the money withdrawn will be held as processing fee.


    The game can be purchased even without bank account, via cards or digital payment methods.


    Would you like to link your bank account or try our virtual bank accounts?


    Of course he would with former option. If he can escape from paying some much fee for every transaction, he would link his genealogy too.


    Bank account verification in process....


    Verification done...


    While the game is downloading, would you like to know about subscription and plans of the game?


    No, thank you. Leroy was firm in his answer. He had worked as salesperson and knew many of the pitch ideas. Now that the account was linked, if he erred, the money would be gone. There was no refund in gaming business.