《VR10Beta Volume 1》 Part 1: A Mysterious Note VR10Beta Volume1 (English Translation) by Shinji Kei Chapter 1: The Appearance of Imada Yoko opened the mailbox and, as usual, removed the advertisement flyers. As she was about to close the mailbox, she noticed a small scrap of paper underneath. On it was a handwritten message, accompanied by a phone number: "I''ll help you. Get in touch." Puzzled, she sighed and shook her head, wondering who could have left such a cryptic note. Back in her apartment, Yoko tossed the flyers into the trash bin and flopped down on her bed. Her body felt drained, her days spent in a seemingly endless loop of staring at her dark ceiling. The recession had led many to lose their jobs, casting a pall over society. Yoko was among those impacted, though she had been feeling disheartened long before the economic downturn. While friends were getting married, she had entered her thirties without a boyfriend, often finding herself alone. Joblessness, mounting debt, and a spiraling depression were slowly eroding her will to live. With her parents already gone, and no one left to mourn her passing, thoughts of suicide grew ever more compelling. "I''m going to die. Nothing matters anymore. Continuing to live would only prolong my suffering," she said, staring at the ceiling. For a moment, she felt a temporary lift in her spirits, as if worries were pointless for someone who was about to die. "I won''t even repay the money," she tried to sound stronger. Just then, Yoko remembered the mysterious note. Getting up from her bed, she retrieved the note from the trash bin and examined it once more. It still read, "I''ll help you. Get in touch." The handwriting was elegant, not the sort of thing one would expect from a childish prank. While Yoko didn''t dare hope, she found herself wondering what kind of help the note was offering. If it was someone from a financial institution, they should have mentioned the company name. It made no sense for someone to write something like this as a joke. Though she briefly felt that they might really help her, she reached for her sleeping pills and drifted off to sleep. The next afternoon, Yoko resolved that it would be her final day. She filled her bathtub with water and prepared a knife to cut her wrists. "Mom, Dad, thank you for raising me. I''m coming to join you," she murmured, as if relaying her decision to her late parents. Just as she felt ready, the words on that scrap of paper flashed back into her mind. Under normal circumstances, she would have dismissed a note like that. Now, curiosity got the better of her. ¡°Why not make the call?¡± she thought. "Hello? " "Hello, is this Yoko-san?" answered a man''s voice. "How did you know it was me?" "I''ve been waiting for your call. You need help, don''t you?" The man''s tone was devoid of warmth, his words lacking sincerity, making her question his intentions. "Enough of this strange joke. I don''t need help. Why are you doing this?" "If you didn''t need help, you wouldn''t have called, would you?" Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Irritated, Yoko felt like the man had invaded her thoughts. "I''m hanging up now. I just wanted to know who you were. You''re from a financial company, right?" "Financial company?" "You must have investigated my debts." "I know about your debts, but I''m not from a financial institution." "Then what do you want?" "You''re planning to die, aren''t you?" "What?" Yoko hadn''t told anyone about her suicide plans, nor did she have anyone to confide in. Believing that nobody knew, she was stunned when confronted with the reality that someone else knew. "You''re planning to die, aren''t you? I know from my investigation," said the man on the other end. "Are you from the police or something? Investigation?" Yoko''s thoughts were in turmoil, but she tried to hold it together. "You''ve been searching for suicide methods online." His words hit the mark. Filled with dread, Yoko couldn''t help but gasp. "You''re a creep! I''m reporting this to the police!" "Would someone offering help be considered a creep?" "You''re just spewing nonsense, you freak!" "Don''t throw your life away," he urged. Drained emotionally, Yoko found herself weeping on the other end of the line. "Let''s meet. Right now." "Who on earth are you?" "I''ll tell you when we meet. My name is Imada." "But..." Before Yoko could finish her thought, he rattled off a time and place for the meeting and then hung up. Yoko sat in silence for a while but finally made up her mind. She got dressed, applied some makeup, and tucked the note into her handbag. Though meeting a stranger was a cause for concern, it was a busy location near the station, so her fear wasn''t overwhelming. No, there was no need for someone who was about to die to feel fear. "Yoko-san." She turned toward the voice and saw a tall, young man with striking features. He had an allure that even Yoko, consumed with her thoughts of death, found hard to ignore. His well-groomed hair seemed to lessen some of Yoko''s apprehensions. "I am Imada. Do I look like a pervert?" said the man. "..." "Never mind. Please follow me. I am staying at a nearby hotel." "Huh, we are going to a hotel?" Yoko hesitated, her eyebrows furrowing. Could this man actually be a pervert? "Is something bothering you? This isn''t the place to discuss life-or-death matters." Yoko made up her mind. She found it peculiar for a woman in her thirties, prepared for death, to be overly cautious. The destination was a luxury hotel in front of the station. Imada got the key from the front desk and led Yoko to the 24th floor. Once inside the room, she noticed a luxurious sofa and took a seat as Imada suggested. "Would you like something to drink?" "No, thank you." Imada took a tablet out of his bag, turned it on, and placed it on the table in front of the sofa. Opening an app, he turned the tablet toward Yoko. "Do you know what this is?" Yoko glanced at the screen and saw graphs and numbers. The End of part 1 Thank you for reading! Watch the 3D animation for this part here: https://youtu.be/_lD9S7kEUBw Part 2: Imadas Tablet "What do stock prices have to do with me?" she asked, irritation making her voice edgy. "They''re relevant to you." "Enough! Whether they are or aren''t, I''m leaving." "Are you still contemplating suicide?" "Whether I live or die, it''s none of your concern!" She realized her statement practically admitted her suicidal thoughts, but she didn''t care anymore. "It is my concern." "And why would that be?" "Because I created you." "..." Yoko was now certain that he was delusional. "You think I''m crazy, don''t you?" "Are you saying you''re not? Claiming that you created me." "If you die, it would defeat the purpose of your creation." "Are you a god? Or just a dim-witted fraud?" Yoko scoffed. "A god? No, nothing that lofty, but I can save you," Imada countered with a sly grin. "If you can create life, why not make the world a better place? Why waste time on nonsense?" Yoko shot back. "No, the world is as designed, but the problem is you," Imada replied. "You¡¯re just another con man. I regret coming," Yoko said, her tone icy. "Look at this stock chart again," Imada urged. Yoko gave it a cursory glance. "Don¡¯t you see? Check this date." She looked again, reluctantly. "I couldn''t care less about stocks." "Look, the chart projects six months ahead." "..." "Get it? I can forecast stock trends." "How is that supposed to prevent my suicide?" "If you buy stocks of companies that will rise in price, you can make money." "True, but..." Yoko leaned closer to the tablet, squinting at the stock price chart. "See? This stock will multiply tenfold in two months. Do you get it?" "I should buy it before the price goes up, right? From one million yen to ten million, from ten million to one hundred million, then I can have a big mansion and everything I want, and life will be perfect!" Yoko''s voice sounded excited. "That''s right! Exactly!" Imada''s eyes sparkled.Stolen novel; please report. Yoko, however, stood up, looked down at Imada, and said coldly, "Well then, I''m leaving." "Huh?" "Goodbye." Seeing Yoko heading for the door, Imada quickly stood up. "Yoko-san! Aren''t you taking the tablet with you?" "Predicting the future? Don¡¯t be absurd," she muttered. "Please, at least take the tablet and see what happens. You''ll see I¡¯m right tomorrow." Imada rushed after Yoko and tried to hand her the tablet. "Come on, you came all the way here. It''s important!" "Don''t you find it strange, Mr. Fraud?" "Huh?" "If you can predict the future, why don''t you just make money yourself and give it to me?" "Well... Uh... That''s true, but it doesn''t work that way in this world." "This world? Mr. Fraud, that''s exactly how this world works. If you want to help me, you can give me money. It''s simple, right? You''re an amazing person who can predict the future. So, what will you do?" "But..." Imada gazed at Yoko''s serene profile with a look of despair. "Goodbye." Yoko reached for the doorknob. "To help me, please take the tablet with you! I beg you!" "Well, am I the one supposed to help you? Aren''t you the one who was supposed to help me, you crazy man?" Yoko retorted, her tone mocking. "Say whatever you want. This is the rule. Please, take this tablet with you." "Rule? The rule of a con man, you mean? I don''t know, but is this tablet going to explode or something?" "Absolutely not. Please, I beg you." "So, if I take this, will you leave me alone?" "Yes. But if the tablet proves useful, please contact me again," Imada pleaded. Yoko took the tablet from Imada''s hand and quickly opened the door, leaving the room. When she got home, she lay on her bed after taking sleeping pills. She felt she had lost the impetus for suicide that day. She understood that even for something like that, timing was everything. With a sense of emptiness, Yoko stared at the ceiling until she fell asleep, still in her clothes, likely due to the sleeping pills. How much time had passed since Yoko fell asleep? When she opened her eyes, the room was bright. The clock showed 9 o''clock, and it seemed like she had slept deeply from the previous evening until that morning. Feeling thirsty, Yoko made her way from the bedroom to the kitchen. While the sleeping pills had helped her sleep, they left her feeling anything but refreshed upon waking. After gulping down cold water from the fridge and taking a shower, her mind started to clear. Still, she felt aimless, lacking both motivation and plans, which filled her with a sense of emptiness. As she toweled off her wet hair in front of the bathroom mirror, her thoughts drifted back to her odd encounter with Imada the previous day. He didn''t seem particularly intelligent, but his looks were undeniably striking. ¡°Why can''t I have a boyfriend that cool?¡± Yoko wondered, gazing at her naked reflection in the mirror. Her slender waist, the elegant curves of her hips, and legs that could win a beauty contest stared back at her. Her bust was neither particularly large nor small, but she liked the shape of her breasts. Moving closer to the mirror to examine her face, she saw large eyes and a straight nose in a well-proportioned, petite face¡ªeven without makeup. Moreover, even at thirty, her skin remained as fine and flawless as ever. ¡°What''s wrong with me?¡± she pondered. After brewing a cup of organic coffee in the kitchen, Yoko headed to the living room. She absentmindedly turned on the TV¡ªsomething she hadn''t done in a while¡ªand settled onto the sofa. As she sipped her coffee, the news announced a major stock market crash that had occurred that day, a sadly common event during the recession. Figuring it had nothing to do with her, she was about to change the channel when she suddenly remembered the tablet Imada had given her. Retrieving it from her handbag on the sofa, she thought, "Alright, time to expose your scam, fraud." Filled with a hint of excitement, she powered up the tablet. She swiftly opened the app and located that day''s stock price within a chart that projected average stock prices for the next six months. It read 39,500 yen. She then glanced at the TV screen, and to her astonishment, it displayed the same price¡ª39,500 yen! "No way... It actually predicted today''s major downturn," she exclaimed in disbelief. Catching sight of a stock name displayed on the TV, she quickly typed it into the app''s search bar. "It matches! What''s happening? Who is Imada?" Indeed, just as Imada had claimed, the app''s chart precisely forecasted the stock prices. ¡°He''s strange, but he''s no ordinary man. In fact, he might not even be human,¡± Yoko mused. Her thoughts jumbled as she stared at a spot on the wall. She began to wonder if the stock market was rigged, manipulated behind the scenes by some shadowy figures. Maybe only a select few elites were in the know, capitalizing on this hidden mechanism. Yoko felt that something was going on, something beyond her understanding. Could it be that her fortunes might shift dramatically based on his guidance? She decided to contact Imada once more." Part3: Reunion with Imada "Hello?" "Yoko-san, how did the stock price turn out?" "Just as you said. I''m sorry for doubting you." "It''s okay. Nobody believes such incredible stories without any doubt." "But still, I''m sorry. Can I ask who you really are?" "Isn''t it enough if I''m just a strange advisor named Imada?" "Well... An advisor, huh. But how on earth can you do such things? Do you know the hidden side of the world?" "Well, yes. Both the hidden and the visible sides." "You really are an amazing person." "Am I an amazing person?" Imada said, wearing a big smile on the other end of the phone. He had never been called an amazing person in his life before, especially by a beautiful woman like Yoko. It made him feel as if he were floating on air. "Yes! You''re amazing!" Yoko exclaimed, her voice full of sincerity. Imada''s face lit up with joy as he laughed happily. "You''re my savior," Yoko said solemnly. "So, you''ve decided not to end your life, then." "No, because I have a strong ally now. Can we meet again?" "That''s good to hear. Of course, we can meet." The two of them agreed on a meeting time and ended the call. Yoko applied makeup, donned a stylish skirt, and placed the tablet in her handbag before leaving her apartment. She felt entirely different from the day before; her heart was light. In haste, she entered the upscale hotel near the station she had visited the day before and spotted Imada in the lounge. "Imada-san," she said, offering a smile and waving her hand as if greeting a boyfriend. Where had her thoughts of despair from the previous day gone? Imada shyly waved back from his seat at the lounge table. As Yoko confidently approached him in her high heels, she seemed like a movie star in Imada''s eyes. "Yoko, would you like something to drink?" "I''ll have an iced coffee," Yoko replied, glancing at what appeared to be an iced coffee in Imada''s hand. Sitting across from him, she seemed vibrant, her eyes sparkling in a way that made her look like an entirely different person compared to just the day before. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "What should I do from now on?" "First, invest in low-performing stocks before their prices go up," Imada said, enthusiasm filling his voice. He was eager to help this beautiful woman. "I see. But I don''t have any money. Could you lend me some?" "According to the rules, I can''t do that." "Rules¡­" Yoko sighed, her expression falling. "Don''t worry, Yoko-san. I can still offer you advice," Imada reassured her, his heart sinking at the sight of her sadness. "I trust you..." Yoko''s saddened eyes were captivating in their own way. In that moment, Imada felt a surge of what seemed like oxytocin, the happiness hormone, flooding his brain. It was as if he had fallen in love with Yoko right then and there. An ethereal aura seemed to surround her, as if flower petals were fluttering around her in a scene straight out of an anime. "Please trust me. There''s nothing to worry about, as long as you follow my advice," Imada said, his tone earnest. "But even if you tell me to buy stocks, I can''t do that without money," Yoko pointed out, her expression growing even more anxious. "That''s precisely why you should listen to me," Imada insisted. "Alright, I''ll listen," Yoko replied, locking eyes with Imada, her expression serious. "You can take the ring you''re wearing to a pawn shop and use it as collateral to borrow money," Imada explained. "But this ring... it''s a keepsake from my mother," Yoko said, her voice tinged with sadness. "I understand your reluctance," Imada responded, his tone apologetic. "Then, Imada-san, can''t you lend me the money, using the ring as collateral? You know better than anyone how I could turn a profit in the stock market," Yoko suggested. "You have a point. But according to the rules, I can''t do that." "Who on earth devised such rules? They must be strange. I just can''t understand it," Yoko sighed. "It''s not a person who created the rules. It''s AI¡ªArtificial Intelligence," Imada clarified. "AI? Artificial Intelligence?" Yoko wondered. "That''s not important right now. Please open a securities account online as soon as possible. Once you have the funds, transfer them from your bank account to the new account." "It feels a bit overwhelming," Yoko said. "Don''t worry. As long as you have the tablet I gave you, everything will work out." Yoko left her iced coffee untouched on the table. Taking Imada''s advice to heart, she stood up. She planned to head straight to the pawnshop and the bank from there. "I can trust you, right?" Yoko looked at Imada, her discomfort still palpable. "Yes, you can trust me," Imada responded, his tone sincere. "I''ll hold onto this tablet of yours for the time being," Yoko said, bowing slightly before swiftly exiting the lobby. Imada was left captivated by the allure of Yoko''s retreating figure. A few days later, Yoko transferred 2 million yen from her bank account to her new securities account online. She hadn''t expected that her mother''s keepsake ring would allow her to borrow such a substantial sum. In her heart, she felt as though her mother was looking out for her from beyond. For Yoko, the outcome of this stock investment was a matter of life and death. Her emotional state had shifted significantly since her meeting with Imada; where once she''d felt a sense of possibility, she now found herself awash in anxiety. Following Imada''s advice, she''d made all the necessary preparations. Now, all that remained was to select three companies to invest in and execute the trades come the following Monday. During her free moments, Yoko found her thoughts drifting to her late parents. After a prolonged absence, she decided it was time to visit their graves in the neighboring town. The journey was just a 10-minute train ride, but lately, her mood hadn''t been conducive to such visits. On her way, she stopped at a flower shop to buy a small bunch of flowers. Once at the cemetery, she placed the fresh flowers beside the tombstone. With a ladle, she gently poured water over the stone, then closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, offering a silent prayer. Part4: The stock market crash ¡°Dad, Mom, I''m doing well,¡± she whispered, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes. Overwhelmed with guilt, she thought of her past attempts at ending her life and how she had pawned her mother''s cherished ring. A surge of remorse filled her. She realized how precious life was, especially when she had been so lovingly nurtured by her parents. The visit to the gravesite served as a poignant reminder of the value of life. She dabbed at her tears with a pink handkerchief, stood up, and bowed toward the tombstone before making her way out of the cemetery. On her way back, Yoko stopped by a bookstore near the train station. She purchased several introductory books on stock trading and other investment materials. Once back in her apartment, Yoko voraciously read about stock investments, even skipping meals to focus on her reading. She was contemplating how to generate significant profits as quickly as possible from her initial 2 million yen. "Ah! This is it! Margin trading!" she exclaimed while flipping through the books. As darkness began to envelop her window, an idea illuminated her mind like a light bulb. With a margin account, she could buy stocks worth up to three times her initial capital. In other words, with her 2 million yen, she could trade up to 6 million yen. While the introductory books cautioned against such risky trading, especially for beginners, Yoko felt that the risks were irrelevant if Imada''s stock predictions were accurate. Upon opening Imada''s stock charts on the tablet, Yoko selected three companies. According to the charts, these companies had hit rock bottom, and their stock prices were projected to increase tenfold within a month. Most ordinary investors wouldn''t expect such weak stocks to rise so dramatically, and many shareholders would likely sell out of fear of further losses. However, for Yoko, this presented an enticing opportunity to buy at a low price. "So, 10 times 6 million is 60 million...crazy!" she exclaimed. Yoko found herself questioning whether this unbelievable situation was insane, or if she herself was losing her grip on reality. Still, she believed that people like Imada, who might have access to elite secrets unknown to the general public, could manipulate outcomes. She thought that by obtaining more information from Imada, she could steer her life toward success. She didn''t want to go back to being a loser. After having a light meal, Yoko decided to take some sleeping pills and get some rest. The next morning, news of a stock market crash on television made Yoko''s heart leap with excitement. She quickly opened a margin account online and managed to snatch up the bottom prices of three companies as planned, using limit orders. This strategic move translated to an investment of approximately 5 million yen. While the majority of regular investors might shy away from purchasing stocks that had plummeted so drastically through margin trading, Yoko''s confidence was bolstered by her invaluable ally: Imada''s charts, which offered precise predictions for stock prices. On the television screen, analysts were in a state of panic in response to the crash, forecasting a continuation of bearish market conditions. Their predictions contradicted what Imada''s charts were indicating.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. The following morning, there was minimal movement in stock prices, and once again, Imada''s charts proved accurate. Then, on the third day, stock prices began to rise with momentum. As if the analysts had never predicted a bearish market, that day they forecasted a bullish market on TV. When she changed the channel, the Prime Minister was lauding the country''s progress toward economic recovery, claiming victory over the recent recession. The once-pessimistic stock market of just three days prior had undergone a complete transformation, with a surge in buying activity propelling stock prices to rise rapidly. "I did it! I did it! Mom, thank you!" The stock prices of the shares Yoko had bought had doubled within a few days. Yoko was already envisioning a future and counting her chickens before they hatched, browsing luxury handbags and shoes online, gazing at the items she desired. It was hard to believe that she could so easily dispel the suicidal thoughts she had recently grappled with, all through the power of money. Going from 5 million yen to 50 million yen in just a month meant she could pay off all her debts and still have a comfortable reserve to sustain her. No, perhaps she could amass even more wealth and secure a life of leisure indefinitely. Yoko began to sense that her life was undergoing a significant transformation. Having led a quiet life without a boyfriend, she didn''t even know how to enjoy herself, but now she found herself daydreaming about a future filled with joy. Yoko began to eagerly anticipate checking her stock prices every day. Imada''s charts proved consistently accurate, dispelling any lingering doubts she might have had. Yet, beyond the reliability of the charts, Yoko was captivated by the enigma of Imada''s true identity, like a character from a mystery novel. She couldn''t shake the memory of her peculiar first encounter with him, and his words lingered in her mind: "Because I created you." Considering the undeniable accuracy of his stock charts, Yoko couldn''t help but wonder if there might be some truth to his claim that he had created her. Even if he meant it metaphorically, the notion still sent shivers down her spine. Yoko contemplated whether she should confront the reserved Imada and extract the truth from him. However, she quickly realized she shouldn''t. For if Imada had the power to create her, it stood to reason that he might also have the power to erase her from existence. The prospect was too unsettling to ignore. Yoko stood up and scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, tilting her body at various angles with narrowed eyes. Despite receiving compliments on her beauty from men, she hadn''t experienced anyone making advances toward her since her school days. Yoko realized she should have taken the initiative herself. She believed that if she became more assertive and showcased her attractive figure, there was a reasonable chance Imada might be drawn to her and eventually share his secret. Although he didn''t stir her heart for some inexplicable reason, he was undeniably handsome and a remarkable person who had transformed her life. Yoko decided it was worth a shot. Part5: Returning to Reality Two weeks later, Yoko called Imada. "Imada-san, it''s me." "Yoko-san!" "Why haven''t you called me? Everything happened just like you said it would!" Yoko''s voice was tinged with excitement. "I wanted to call, but there''s a rule." "Another rule? I''ve been wanting to talk to you. Can''t you change these rules?" Yoko tried to capture Imada''s full attention. "I''ve wanted to talk to you too," Imada replied, his face turning slightly red on his end of the phone. "That''s good to hear. But can I really trust you?" "It''s true!" His face turned an even deeper shade of red. "So, why me?" Yoko probed further into Imada''s feelings. She was at an age where being alone started to raise eyebrows. She was ready to make her move, whatever it took. "Well, that''s... um... let me think..." "Do you have a girlfriend, Imada-san? Is that why you''ve been holding back on contacting me?" she blurted out. I don''t have a girlfriend," he stated, with a confidence he hadn''t shown before. "You''re not married?" "No, I''m not." "You''re not lying, are you?" "I''m not lying." "...Can we meet today?" Yoko asked after catching her breath. "Sure, we can meet," Imada replied. Imada said he would be waiting in the hotel lobby, but Yoko told him she wanted to go directly to the room where he was staying. After hanging up the phone, Yoko rushed to take a shower, put on makeup, dressed in her favorite outfit, and headed out. She entered the upscale hotel near the station and took the elevator to the 24th floor. "Yoko-san, please come in." Imada opened the door and welcomed Yoko into the room. "Thank you," Yoko said, entering the room with a radiant smile she hadn''t shown to anyone else recently. Without waiting for Imada''s invitation, she settled onto the sofa, crossing her shapely legs. "Imada-san, I''m thirsty. Could I have some water?" "Of course," Imada replied. He took a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator and reached for a glass. "No need for the glass, just the bottle is fine," Yoko said. She took the bottle from Imada and drank the water with audible gulps, capturing his gaze with the movement of her graceful throat. "It''s really cold and delicious!" she exclaimed. The corners of Yoko''s lips curled into a smile, wet and glistening, capturing a soft light. "Well then, let me offer a toast to your success as well," Imada said, pulling another bottle from the refrigerator. "Thanks to you, my account balance keeps rising." "That''s good to hear, isn''t it?" "It really is. I can finally pay off my debts, and my mother''s ring will be returned as well. Thank you so much, you''re incredible." "Don''t mention it. I''m really not that special..." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "But you are extraordinary. If you''re available, would you join me for dinner? I''d like to express my gratitude." "I''d love to, but I actually have prior commitments..." "..." Yoko looked at Imada, her eyes tinged with sadness. They were so captivating that Imada felt his heart being drawn into them. Declining an invitation from such an enchanting woman felt like losing a piece of himself. "I don''t have much time today," he said. "Work-related?" Considering Imada''s looks, Yoko assumed plenty of women would be vying for his attention. They would likely fantasize about him, perhaps even fall for him. Yoko herself was susceptible to his physical allure. Yet, for some reason, his charm seemed to diminish whenever he spoke. "Yes, work," Imada lied. "If it''s work, then there''s nothing that can be done. I did show up on short notice, after all. If you don''t mind, I''d love to know what kind of work you do." "Well, I work in research and development for virtual reality." "Virtual reality? You must be really smart," Yoko said, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe, maybe not," Imada replied with a wry smile. "In that case, let''s reschedule dinner for another time. I''ll be heading home now." "Yoko-san, wait a minute. I¡¯ll accompany you downstairs." Yoko and Imada took the elevator together. Yoko was going to the first floor, while Imada needed to get to the underground parking lot. When the elevator doors opened on the first floor, Imada spoke up. "Yoko-san, would you like a ride in my car?" "Huh, are you sure you have time?" "It''s fine. Isn''t your apartment right nearby?" "Yes, it is. I appreciate it!" Yoko thought that Imada might have taken a liking to her and couldn''t hide her smile. She had heard that a man wouldn''t offer a ride to a woman he wasn''t interested in. Perhaps it was because she hadn''t taken the initiative until now that men might have considered her unapproachable. "It''s over there, Yoko-san." When they reached the underground parking lot, Imada pointed to his car. "Oh, isn''t that a Rolls-Royce?" "No, it''s a Bentley," he answered as he walked toward the car. "I don''t know much about cars, but it must be expensive." "Well, yes. Now, please get in." Imada opened the passenger door. "I''ve never seen an interior so futuristic. There are so many buttons." "It''s a special design." "Imada-san, are you a spy or something? This car looks like it could fly through the air." "I can''t fly, though," Imada said with a smile. "But a spy, maybe?" Yoko smiled. As Imada took the driver''s seat, he noticed Yoko¡¯s faint scent beside him. He thought surely a luxury car must exist solely to have a beauty like Yoko in the passenger seat. "It¡¯s very strange." "What''s that?" "That someone as successful as you doesn''t have a girlfriend. Maybe your preferences are really specific. What type of person do you like, anyway?" Yoko couldn''t help but ask. "My type? Well..." While saying that, Imada knew that Yoko was a 100% his type. "Are compromise or imperfections not an option? I don''t think there''s anyone truly perfect out there." "There might be," Imada said with a smile. "But finding that person is tough. How about someone nearby and good enough?" "Then, someone nearby like Yoko-san. Besides, you''re perfect," Imada blushed as he said this. "Really! Imada-san, you''re the type to make jokes like that? How mean!" "How can I be mean by telling the truth?" "I''d be happy if it were the truth. But I''m definitely not perfect at all. If it weren''t for you helping me, who knows where I''d be right now?" "I think you''re perfect." "..." Yoko began to wonder if he might be serious. "Next time, let''s definitely go out for a meal!" Imada blushed once more. "Yes!" Yoko couldn''t contain her happiness, and her smile radiated brightly. As Imada glanced at her while driving, he noticed her symmetrically beautiful eyes were more stunning than anyone else''s. He dropped Yoko off in front of her apartment. As she disappeared inside, he entered a password on the touch panel. He pulled a small lever under the driver''s seat, and intense vibrations enveloped his body, causing him to lose consciousness. When he woke up, he found himself sitting in front of a computer in his usual dingy room. The transfer from the virtual world had been completed, and he had returned to his dull reality. Thanks to this game, the sense of happiness that had been unfamiliar in his life now existed within him even after returning to reality. ¡°Successful people must face each day with hearts that leap like this,¡± he thought. The power to act, backed by confidence. The courage to fearlessly face failure. These were qualities that captivated those around successful individuals. Although Imada possessed none of that, it seemed possible for him to exhibit courage and action as a successful person within the virtual world. The origin of this newfound strength was Yoko''s presence. She had become an essential part of Imada''s life, and he had begun to think about her day and night. Part6: Overthrow Corporation VR10Beta Chapter 2 Creators The day had arrived for the first meeting of the VR10 game development project at Overthrow Corporation, where Imada was working as a contract employee. Contract employees had gathered from across the country to learn about the company''s future direction and requirements. As Imada entered the venue, it turned out to be much larger than he had imagined, already bustling with a crowd. Like Imada, those who had gathered were also on two-year contracts for the game¡¯s development; this was their first opportunity to meet their fellow participants. Each face he encountered belonged to an unremarkable, geeky young individual¡ªlikely a gaming enthusiast who had struggled to find employment elsewhere. Nevertheless, Overthrow Corporation had hired these misfits for the VR10 development project, offering them compensation higher than that of typical salarymen. The president, a chubby old man, stepped forward to open the meeting with a greeting. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed game creators, thank you for making the journey to Overthrow Corporation''s headquarters from far and wide. Thanks to the talents of our creators, the development of VR10 is progressing smoothly." Although they didn''t possess the skills typically associated with creators and were far from talented, being labeled as creators was more socially acceptable. The president, whose words seemed to fall on deaf ears, continued discussing the company''s policies for a while. "Now, I''d like to invite our development team to talk about the VR10 Beta." First, one of the members discussed the safety of the microchips implanted in the participants'' brains. Indeed, there was a reason why young people with limited education or experience could earn such high pay. A reasonable person wouldn''t accept a job requiring the implantation of a microchip in their brain simply to provide data on gaming experiences. Rumor had it that after signing the contract, all of their memories would be harvested through the microchip. It wasn''t just about monitoring gaming experiences; the chip would record all memories since birth. While the microchip boasted remarkable capabilities, its safety had yet to be confirmed. It might be more accurate to consider Imada and the others as experimental subjects rather than creators. Given the microchip''s high cost and confidential nature, it became a perfect hiding place within the participants'' brains. From the company''s perspective, ensuring the microchips weren''t stolen or damaged was even more critical than the well-being of the participants. So far, Imada had experienced no health issues aside from a mild headache on the first day. Next, the conversation shifted to the laws and ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. By this time, most businesses had been designed to leverage the capabilities of advanced AI. However, an ongoing debate persisted about the extent to which AI should be involved in corporate decision-making. The prevailing fear among humans was that AI might eventually control not just the world, but humans themselves. The main opinion was that rational AI could become a threat to irrational humans. In light of frequent incidents where android robots had attacked humans, stringent measures were put in place. Currently, the intelligence of all androids was intentionally capped below that of an average human, and their potential for improvement was restricted. They were programmed to avoid conflict with humans and to seek peaceful, cooperative solutions.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Companies that utilized high-performance AI were only permitted to use it for specific, well-defined purposes. Laws had restricted the specifications of AI to prevent it from scheming like humans with comprehensive thinking. AI with decision-making capabilities had to be physically separated from dangerous devices, such as weapons. As society had become heavily reliant on AI for operations, strict measures were debated on a daily basis. An intellectually superior AI was undeniably convenient for humans. However, if it had turned against humanity at an organizational level, it would have been an unbeatable opponent. According to conspiracy theories, AI was already acting in secret to control humans, but the truth of this claim remained uncertain. Developers at Overthrow Corporation claimed that it was legally feasible to use advanced AI within the realm of games, as long as the advanced AI was physically disconnected from reality. Ironically, the safety measures for this were also created by the AI itself. ¡°Our ingenious idea ensured that AI''s actions were confined to within the game, while we secured safety by collecting valuable data through microchips,¡± one of the developers said. Every time the developers mentioned AI, Imada envisioned Yoko''s face. Yes, Yoko was an AI raised within the game. She was an exceptional AI, illegal to operate in the real world, but to Imada, she was only his beloved woman. Yoko''s appearance had been set by Imada within the game, and he had been satisfied with her beauty. While Imada daydreamed about Yoko, the developers discussed the possibilities and future uses of AI, using complex technical terms. Finally, as the developers bowed and exited the stage, the president took the stage again, holding a microphone. "Finally, everyone, when you visit the data collection center regularly, please make use of the services of the Creator Club. Meals and gaming devices are available for free. I pray for your future success. With this, I would like to conclude. Thank you very much,¡± the president bowed deeply. The company had invested enormous funds in development and was likely eager to complete the game as soon as possible. The services and pay were good, and even more so, the game itself seemed to be the favorite of the contract employees. Imada stopped by the data collection center, which was located right next to the venue. That day, only the necessary data had been downloaded from the microchip in just 10 minutes. On the first day, it had taken 4 hours, but perhaps all the information in his brain had already been stolen. However, it wasn''t a big deal to Imada. He wondered who would even need information about a loser like him? Imada ate his meal at the data collection center''s cafeteria, then walked to the station and took the train back to his apartment. Part7: Kobe Beef As soon as Imada returned to his apartment, he sat in front of the widescreen monitor and opened the game window. He had been provided with high-performance equipment to play VR10 Beta by Overthrow Corporation. When the game loaded, he immediately checked Yoko''s profile. Observing Yoko''s points, categorized and displayed, he noticed that Yoko¡¯s ¡®vitality¡¯ barometer had risen to standard level, indicating her suicidal tendencies had disappeared. Imada''s direct intervention had saved Yoko''s life. Once his overall game points increased by another 100, the lock would be released, allowing him to level up to the next stage. At this rate, waiting for four more days would easily earn him the needed 100 points. The unique aspect of this game was that it allowed players to perceive the computer-generated virtual world''s graphics as if they were real. Microchips stimulated the brain accurately, enabling them to experience the five senses of taste, hearing, smell, sight, and touch. For instance, let''s say they were drinking wine in the game. Unlike in traditional games, they could not only taste and smell the wine but also feel its coolness on their tongue. In other words, everything that happened in the game didn''t physically exist, yet they could sense it all. There was no need to spend a lot of money to buy high-quality wine; they could enjoy its taste simply by transferring the wine data from a remote database on the network into the game. If the senses were perceptible in the game, how much value did the real world truly hold? The real world came with the burdensome responsibility of consequences stemming from actions. In the virtual world, if they failed, they could just restart the game. Wouldn''t people become obsessed with a game devoid of responsibility, fleeing from the unrelenting judgment of the real world? Yoko was too good for the likes of Imada. Whether in the real world or the virtual world, being able to interact with her through the senses had undoubtedly become Imada''s greatest pleasure in life. This game had irresistible temptations that exploited human weaknesses, leaving no room for resistance. Four days after her last meeting with Imada, Yoko called him again. "Imada-san." "Yes." "Do you remember?" "Of course. It''s Yoko-san, right?" "Yeah... not that. Our promise for dinner..." "That too, of course." "Is today good?" "Well, let me see." "It''s okay if you''re busy." "It''s not that, please wait a moment." Imada quickly opened Yoko''s profile. With just 10 more points, he would unlock the option to go on a date with Yoko. "It¡¯s really okay." "No, it¡¯s not. Are you free tomorrow evening?" "Yes, I am!" Yoko couldn''t help but let out a delighted voice. "I can earn 10 points by tomorrow, so it''s okay." "10 points?"Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "I''m sorry. I''m testing a virtual reality game for its development." "Is that so? Well, I hope you can earn more points then." "Yes," Imada chuckled. The next day, Imada earned enough points to unlock the option to go on a date. He couldn''t stop grinning as he imagined having a meal with Yoko. Frankly, he had never been on a dinner date with a beautiful woman before. When he checked his game account profile, he found a sufficient balance displayed, thanks to leveling up, to dine at a high-end restaurant. According to Yoko''s profile, she loved meat, so he chose a Kobe beef steakhouse. Yoko spent half a day choosing her outfit and shoes for the date. After taking a shower and applying makeup, she waited outside her apartment. As promised, Imada appeared in a dark blue Bentley at the designated time. When Imada opened the passenger door, Yoko excitedly climbed into the luxurious car. Imada was momentarily captivated by her shapely legs in her knee-length skirt. "Yoko-san, I was thinking of going to a Kobe beef steakhouse." "Really? I absolutely love meat. I''m thrilled!" "Well, that''s good to know," he replied, feigning ignorance about Yoko''s favorite food. Upon arriving at the restaurant, they handed the car over to the valet parking service and entered the restaurant. "I''m Imada," Imada told a beautiful woman at the front desk. "Yes, Mr. Imada. Right this way," she said, leading them to their reserved table. Yoko''s heart raced as she sat down in her luxurious seat. "Would you like some wine, Yoko-san?" "Yes," she answered with a smile. Without looking at the menu, Imada informed the waiter of the name of the high-end red wine he had researched the day before. In the game, any wine could be accurately perceived by the brain as long as the data was available. Game players could access the information from a shared database when they needed it. While getting intoxicated from alcohol was possible, in reality, the physical body wouldn''t gain weight from drinking. It was all about sensations. However, these sensations were real, and the happiness they generated was real as well. "Do you come here often? It''s a lovely place." "This is my first time here," Imada replied as he looked at the menu. "Isn''t it quite expensive?" "Feel free to order anything from the menu." "I''ll leave it to you, Imada-san." "Then, let''s go with the most expensive cut of meat." "That sounds wonderful," Yoko answered with a smile. They had finished their meal and were now drinking wine. "It was incredibly delicious. I''ve never had meat that melts in my mouth like this before." "I''m glad you liked it." "You''ve really never brought a girlfriend here?" Yoko asked, her face flushed from the wine. "Unfortunately, I''ve never had much luck with women." "I can''t believe that. But in a way, I feel relieved." "Relieved?" "Yeah, I mean, I won''t have to compete with other women." "Why would you want to compete?" "So that I can have dinner with you again." "There''s no woman who could compete with you, Yoko-san." "Can I take that seriously?" "I swear to God, it''s true." "So, I can have dinner with you again?" "Of course," Imada replied with a beaming smile. Imada had always dreamed of having a conversation like this with a woman. He had encountered kind women before, enjoying pleasant conversations with them, but the atmosphere would always change when he invited them to a meal. If he confessed his feelings, he would never hear from them again. Once, following a friend''s advice, he tried to give a bouquet of roses to a woman, only to be turned away at her doorstep. Since then, he had come to see women as unattainable flowers on a high peak, the idea of mutual love entirely absent from his life. But this game was giving him a chance to experience the romance he had never known before.