The replies were a mix of excitement and concern:
"This is the future. Virtual economies becoming as important as real ones"
"RIP to people with actual jobs lmao"
"My company is already discussing Aetheria marketing strategies"
"Governments are going to start taxing this soon, mark my words"
"I quit my job to go full-time. Either I make it or I'm homeless in 3 months"
Max felt that last comment in his bones. He was essentially doing the same thing—betting his financial future on making this work.
He checked the time: 5:47 PM. Two hours until the Phoenix Guild run.
Max closed the laptop and headed to the kitchen. His mother had left curry in the fridge as promised. He heated it up and ate while scrolling through his phone, checking more Aetheria news.
The game was everywhere. News outlets, social media, even traditional sports networks were covering it. Comparisons to the Olympics, discussions about virtual reality's impact on society, debates about whether gaming could be considered a legitimate profession.
The world was changing, and Max was right in the middle of it.
His phone buzzed with a Discord message from RaidKing:
RaidKing47: yo you joining the Phoenix run tonight? Velara said you might
MaxThorne: yeah im in. you too?
RaidKing47: nah im not high enough level yet. still 8. but good luck man. Phoenix is no joke. if you get in, put in a good word for me later
MaxThorne: will do
Another message, this time from Velara:
Velara: btw the dungeon tonight is The Crimson Spire. level 12-15 recommended. its a DPS check heavy dungeon so bring your A game. guild leaders will be watching your performance
MaxThorne: noted. any specific mechanics i should know?
Velara: multiple phases, lots of adds, final boss has an enrage timer. if you cant burn it down fast enough, its a wipe. thats why its a good test for recruits
(add: additional minions that bosses summons)
MaxThorne: got it
Velara: oh and max? dont hold back. i vouched for you. dont make me look bad
MaxThorne: no pressure
Velara: exactly. see you at 8
Max set his phone down and finished his curry. His stomach was tight with nerves and excitement.
Tonight would be his first real test. Running with top-tier players, being evaluated by guild leadership, having to perform at a high level while hiding his true capabilities.
Max cleaned up, then spent the remaining time doing research on The Crimson Spire dungeon. Forum posts, video guides, strategy discussions. He wanted to know every mechanic, every phase transition, every optimization opportunity.
By 7:45 PM, he was back in his gaming chair, NeuroSync headset in hand, ready to log in.
His phone showed one last message from his mother:
Mom: Good luck tonight. Whatever you're doing in that game, I hope it goes well. Love you.
Max smiled and typed back:
Max: Thanks Mom. Love you too.
He put on the headset, settled into the chair, and activated the neural connection.
[WELCOME TO AETHERIA ONLINE]
The world faded to white, then reformed into the vibrant landscape of his inn room in Veridian Gate.
Max Thorne stood, checked his gear, and felt Night's presence in his shadow—ready, waiting, eager.
He then approached the northern gate of Veridian Gate, his Shadowsteel Blade at his hip. The area was crowded with players forming parties and preparing for dungeon runs, but one group stood out immediately.
They were positioned near a fountain, and even from a distance, their gear screamed "elite."
Velara stood in the center, her white hair distinctive even among the crowd. But it was the four players surrounding her that made Max hesitate.
They were all massive—or at least their avatars were. Each one was easily over six feet tall, with luxurious, expensive-looking gear that put Max's equipment to shame.
The first was a towering Draconian warrior, his scales a deep crimson, wearing plate armor that gleamed with enchantments. His nameplate read:
[GiantTitan – Level 15 – Berserker]
Next to him stood a human mage in bluish robes that shifted colors—deep purples fading to blacks, with constellations of stars woven into the fabric. A staff topped with a crystal orb floated beside him, rotating slowly. Magical energy crackled around his hands.
[ArchMage_Kira – Level 15 – Mage]
The third was an Elven paladin, his armor pristine white with gold accents. He had a massive shield on his back decorated with a holy symbol that glowed with soft light.
[HolyKnight_Zen – Level 15 – Paladin]
The last was a human female rogue, dressed in dark leather armor. Twin daggers were visible at her hips, and her movements were fluid, predatory. Her avatar was eye catching—sharp features, cold green eyes, black hair in a high ponytail.
[SilentEdge – Level 15 – Shadowblade]
Max was level 10. They were all level 15. The gap was significant.
Velara spotted him and waved. "Max! You made it. Come meet the team."
Max approached, very aware of the quality difference between his gear and theirs. His Shadowsteel Blade and dungeon-drop armor looked like beginner equipment compared to their obviously high-tier sets.
"Everyone, this is MaxThorne," Velara introduced. "Level 10 Soulbinder. Max, meet the Phoenix trail raid team."
"So you're melee DPS," GiantTitan said. "We already have two melee in this party—me and Edge. You're going to be competing for positioning."
"I can adapt," Max said.
"Bro, who even uses Soulbinder in this game?" ArchMage_Kira laughed, shaking his head. "Like, seriously. Summoner does everything Soulbinder does but better. You can have multiple active pets, they scale harder in endgame, and you don't have to commit permanently to one contract."
"Summoner pets die," Max countered. "Contracts are permanent."
As the words left his mouth, a thought crossed his mind. ArchMage_Kira … wasn't that name on the global rankings? One of the top-tier mages in the world? He frowned slightly, hiding his curiosity behind a neutral expression. What is a guy like him doing on a level 15 account? Is he hiding his real level?