PARALLEL QUEST: A VRMMO Game

Chapter 1. Signing In . . .

I stared at the VRMMO game pack that my uncle had gifted me on my 16th birthday. Ilang weeks na siyang nakadisplay sa shelf at hindi pa nabubuksan. Napabuntong-hininga ako.

Why would my uncle give me this when he knows I don't play this type of game? Mas matutuwa pa ako kung novel collections na lang ang binigay niya.

Tumingin ako sa laptop nang magpop-up ang mukha ni Odette sa screen. I answered the call at bumungad sa'kin ang maliwanag na ngiti niya.

"Hi Ally!"

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at sumandal sa swivel chair.

"Hi Odette," bati ko sa kanya. "What's up? You look excited."

Nagningning ang mata niya at inilapit pa ang mukha sa screen. Kung hindi lang siya maganda ay baka nagmukha na siyang unggoy dahil sa sobrang lapit ng mukha niya.

"I knew you would ask! So remember that game pack that your uncle gave you?" Marahan akong tumango at nagpatuloy siya. "Dad is also buying me one!"

I tilted my head to the side. "I thought sold out na lahat dahil limited edition lang 'yon?"

"The first batch was the one that was sold out. There will be a second batch and only those who got reservations can get it. I've been begging my Dad to buy me and it worked!"

I smiled at her. "Lagi naman."

"Eh? You're so lucky though."

I pointed to myself. "Me?"

Kumunot ang noo niya at medyo nilayo na ang mukha sa screen.

"Hindi ka talaga nagbabasa ng announcement online," umiling-iling siya sa'kin. "There will be special privileges that will be given to those who have bought the first batch. Ang sabi sa article, 'yong mga special privileges na 'yon ay hindi na magiging available sa mga susunod na batch. Kaya you're so lucky."

Tumango ako sa kanya. "You can have mine."

Nanlaki ang mata niya. "No way! That was a present for you! Your uncle was able to get his hands on the first batch because he works at that company! At saka sayang ang special privileges na makukuha mo!"

"I don't know if I should play the game," I shrugged. "Wala naman akong kaalam-alam sa mga gano'n."

"Kaya nga I begged my Dad to buy me one para masamahan kita! I really want to play with you pero lagi kang nagbabasa ng novels!"

Humalumbaba ako sa desk habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya sa screen. "I find novels more interesting than playing virtual reality games."

"Please?" I stared at her face as she gave me her puppy eyes that always make me give in. "Pretty please?"

Bumuntong-hininga ako. "I don't know . . ."

"Just this once? Please? Samahan mo naman ako. Iisa na nga lang ang best friend mo ayaw mo pang samahan." She pouted her lips. "Malay mo naman mag-enjoy ka. Para naman maranasan mo ang outside world kahit nasa bahay ka lang."

Umayos ako ng upo at sinulyapan ang game pack na nasa shelf.

"But, I don't know how that works."

"It comes with a manual."

"How can I log out?"

"The system will guide you."

"How will I find you there?"

"I can send you a friend request so we can chat."

"What if-"

"Oh, come on!"