The eerie sight of the final battleground was filled with the grotesque aftermath of the battle that had just unfolded, the armies of the 7 nations was in disarray as the survivors clamored to escape.
The final bastion of hope around them was their powerhouses, all of whom were busy covering the retreat from the void, made up of the remaining 7 nations alliance armies strongest force in their Kings and Elite guard. They stood as pillars alone in a sea of the endless void.
Without the opportunity to escape themselves but content in the knowledge that their kingdoms future was safeguarded with their heirs, they fought until their magic failed them, until the weapons they possessed dulled and broke from the constant use but it was still no good. The enemy continued advancing and they could not be stopped by ordinary force of arms.
In a last attempt the kings guards of the alliance formed a charge to provide their kings a chance to gather what still remained of their innate power. For with this final gambit, the spark of hope was ignited for the Forgone Domain as the kings gave up their power and life force to seal the void breach ensuring that their world was safe for now .....
"The Forgone Domain of Forgotten Kings ….
Will youRISEorFALL."
As the cutscene for the first ever VRMMO ended with the title of the game and its slogan, the excitement I felt as I stared up at the screens display outside the criterion theatre at Piccadilly Circus was intoxicating. However soon my mind was muddled in confusion as I couldn't recall any prior information about this game at all. However I soon decided to forget about what I don't know and focus on what I can do as soon as I get home to find out how I can play this game.
Arriving home, I immediately opened up the webpage of the company behind the game, Pride, and began my search. I eventually came across the sign up for the game, which came with either a VR headset or a new VR pod however both were expensive enough for me to take a momentary pause before continuing with my purchase order. As I followed the instructions I was ask to input my name, address, phone number/email, my chosen method of playing and finally what would my in-game username be.
It was at this point I hesitated as who knew I would name my game character so quickly, this wasn't in any of the information I researched earlier, however after a few more minutes I was finally done.
Name: John Lance King
Address: ***************************
Telephone/Email: *****************************
Chosen method of playing: VR Pod
Game Username: Lancer
Satisfied as I looked over the screen I submitted my information, received email confirmation of my account creation and was then forwarded a link to complete the payment process, where I found out the VR Pod would set me back £25,000. So, after a few agonising and contemplative seconds I committed myself to the purchase and paid for the Pod.
After spending such a sum on the new game and technology I decided to get ready for the arrival of the pod tomorrow before heading out to the gym and getting in my regular workout. It was on my way back that I noticed best mate Josh coming out of the local coffee shop across the road. Josh is also a gamer like me but can be a bit eccentric and often frequents local shops over big brands.
"Josh, what's up mate?, you look like you've drank 10 shots of expresso again"
"Haha John, i may have had a couple but can you blame me after seeing that new release video for 'The Forgone Domain of Forgotton Kings', I take it you also seen it yeah?"
"Yeah, it looks amazing! I've already put my order in for one"
Josh,"WHAT! Wait…. Did you just say you've put an order in already, where'd you get the cash?"
"Well I had some money left from my inheritance after getting my own place , so I just used that"
Josh, " Hmm just be careful mate, anyways I'll be getting the headset next month. No point getting it now when i have that work trip to New York"
Oh yeah, you fly out tomorrow right, why don't we grab a bite then before you leave"
Josh, " Hell yes, I am dying for some food"
The following morning around 10am, I was helping myself to some breakfast whilst watching the news coverage of the new mysterious game and the technology behind playing the game. A News anchor continues their report "after the release of the crazy phenomenon in regards to the video about the release of 'The Forgone Domain of Forgotton Kings' or as gaming and technology industries and experts have termed it FDFG on social media. The discussions have been rampant about this new way to play, with mixed views on how good the game will be and how safe these headsets/Pods will be. To our viewers at home, fear not as we come to you now with a breaking announcement which is brought to you by the BBC on behalf of Pride and the Government - Hello all, thanks to extensive testing conducted through joint efforts of the Government and Pride's game technicians, we can confirm that there are minimal side effects to using thr VR headsets/Pods .....
Whilst listening to the statement my doorbell rang, so i moved my attention away from the TV and answered the door where the Pride delivery and installation team were waiting. The installer, introducing herself as Kim, "Hello Sir, are you Mr John King?"
"Yes, that's me"
Kim, "Great, I can confirm your payment has been approved and we are ready to install your VR Pod, whilst my team do so could I ask you to sign the delivery form confirming you've received your pod please sir"
"Of course, my room is upstairs, first room opposite the stairs you can't miss it"
As the installers got to work I continued my conversation with Kim as she explained the do's and don'ts of the VR Pod before signing the necessary forms and the mandatory warning about overplaying was given. Then just as quickly as they arrived they had also left. But just as she was also about to follow her team out she seemed to have recalled something "Mr King, thank you for your order. You are now ready and able to play and enjoy 'The Forgone Domain of Forgotton Kings' the servers will be open in at midday. Please remember the time dilation of reality to game is set at 1:3 and do enjoy your experience"
With that they departed and I was able to lock up the house and prepare to head into the game as i only had 25 minutes until the servers went live, I set my excitement and anticipation towards how I was going to create my game avatar.