Kael logged out of the simulation pod with the enthusiasm of a man walking to the gallows.
The hatch hissed open, releasing the pressurized air, and Kael climbed out, his physical body feeling heavy and sluggish compared to the golden, mana-infused avatar he had just inhabited. He returned the rental key to the front desk, ignoring the receptionist's polite smile, and stepped out of The Hub into the cool evening air.
The walk back to the dormitory was long.
Brutally long.
Every step was a reminder of the cosmic injustice of his life. He looked at his feet as he walked. Left. Right. Left. Right.
He tried to imagine what it would be like if the penalty triggered.
Inverted Controls.
If he wanted to turn left toward the cafeteria, his body would veer right into a wall. If he wanted to look down to tie his shoelace, his head would snap back to look at the sky. Eating would be a combat sport. Walking would be a series of humiliating face-plants.
