"I'm going with a sword for close range and a gun for backup. I think it looks fun," Jester said.
"Then I'll do the same," Lily decided, selecting a sleek energy blade and a small pistol.
The moment their selections locked in, the interface shifted again. The bright menu dissolved into a loading sequence of flashing lights and pulsing sounds.
Initializing Simulation...
Faction Assigned: The Federation
Deployment Zone: Sector A-9, Outskirts of Novan Ridge
Mission: Defend the Forward Base from Alien Incursion
The words faded, and the world around them solidified.
The roar of explosions thundered overhead, and Lily gasped as her boots sank into dirt. Smoke drifted over the ruined base ahead, and cries echoed in the distance. Her weapon felt heavy in her hands, the haptic feedback making it almost real.
Jester appeared beside her, his uniform identical to hers.
This was their first time stepping into a full virtual world.
