Looking over the decadent city below from the penthouse suite, countless people were wearing goggles and gloves as they moved around erratically. Of course there were plenty of normal people maintaining order and the livelihood of the populace. Even to the naked eye, one can see where people are thriving and where people are struggling.
This city-no, this world had stopped fixing problems and just tried to outlive them. I looked away from the see-through window and walked towards a room near the bedroom. It looked as if I was transported into the world of cyberpunk. Perhaps I'll be able to visit that world one day.
The room was lit in neon colors along with a sofa on the side. There was also a fridge built-in inside stocked with food and beverages in case I got snack-ish. In the glass case, there was a mannequin that was currently dressed in a X1-Haptic Bootsuit. In the middle of the room, an omni-directional treadmill with a quadraphonic pressure sensitive underlay as well as hooks hanging from the ceiling to keep the person in place.
I smiled before I passed by the room and said, "It's gotten pretty quiet after everyone went their separate ways."
It was about a month ago when we all arrived in this world. The first thing we did was find out what kind of world we landed on. From the looks of the tall skyscrapers in the distance, we landed in a modern world.
Nitocris was looking around in wonder as she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Such strange buildings and cars plagued her vision as it was all new to her.
Nitocris marvelled and said, "Woah!! I've never seen those types of buildings before. Everything is like glass and has so much thought put into it."
Enid was laughing and said, "Those are just skyscrapers. They're usually made for people to either work for someone or live there. There's plenty of different types."
Wednesday was observing the people and saw a billboard across the building. There were a majority of them wearing goggles along with some type of device on their chest and gloves. The billboard shows the image of IOI Industries.
Wednesday spoke of her findings, "It seemed like these people are using some sort of device made by IOI Industries. It had the same design and equipment from the billboard."
I took in Wednesday's information and looked at the billboard and confirmed where we are at--The world of Ready Player One.
I said to everyone, "First things first, we need a place to change the gold into a currency we all can use."
We headed to the nearest bank and got accounts for everybody. Then we headed to the gold exchange center, where we exchanged millions of dollars of gold for each person. It hardly made a dent to all the gold I had harvested before. It was enough to get a place to live as well as live comfortably for the duration of stay in this world. I already knew what kind of world this is but I won't tell them and let them have fun.
I thought calmly, "There should be next to no danger with the amount of protection they all possess. Well Wednesday was already dangerous, even before she met me. Let's hope she doesn't torture some poor sap for messing with her."
I told everyone, "We should at least get a place to stay first. I saw a condominium earlier when we were heading here. The building is still a skyscraper so we'll have a great view of the city."
Wednesday agreed and said, "That's a good plan. From the looks of these people, they're very addicted to these equipment. I wonder what made them like this."
Enid chimed in, "Yeah! Yeah! They look like they're having fun. I wanna try them too."
Nitocris joined in as well, "Hmm, these humans are so interesting."
I reminded them, "Don't worry, we'll get some equipment later and try them out ourselves. I feel like everyone will like it."
Wednesday looked over with a suspicious gaze due to my mysterious words. Enid thought nothing of it and was jumping all over the place. Nitocris was still looking over every single place with interest.
Wednesday thought, "Odd. He's never this mysterious. Perhaps he already knows what kind of world this is but decided to not tell us and instead explore it ourselves. Very interesting, dear~"
I caught Wednesday smirking and guessed she must know what I was hinting at.
I smiled gently and thought, "Still perceptive as ever, Mi Cuervo~"
I led everyone to the condominium and asked the clerk if there was any room available for purchase. Thankfully the penthouse suite was still available as well as the units a floor below. I asked to see the penthouse unit and it was magnificent.
The stunning view was great along with a furnished living room and kitchen as well as a few guest bedrooms. There was also the gaming room but it was left unfurnished and will be changed according to preference. I saw everyone enjoying the place before I asked the clerk that we would take it. The penthouse suite was about four million dollars as well as the utilities and internet included.
I paid for it with no problems at all and asked if they could send five IOI equipment used for logging into the OASIS. The clerk happily accepted the order and told me that it shouldn't take too long. I signed the papers and could now move in. The clerk happily left the penthouse and went to grab the equipment for us in a hurry.
I shook my head and thought, "That commission bonus would definitely make anyone happy."
I told the girls that we now live here and can choose a room to sleep in. They could decorate it as they wish while I take the master bedroom. Of course they are more than welcome to join me anytime there.
Enid ran towards a room and started unpacking her belongings while Wednesday also took a room and planned to decorate it as a writing space for her novel to journal. Nitocris also went and picked a room before laying down on the bed and thanked me in her mind for releasing her from her prison and changing her life forever. I only went to the kitchen before I realised there was no food in the fridge.
I rubbed my chin and thought, "I should buy some groceries later. I'll cook us some dinner later. Hmm when that clerk lady comes back, I'll ask her to order us some Pizza Hut as well as sodas to come along with it. I'm sure the girls would enjoy some pizza for a treat."
It didn't take long before Wednesday came out of her room as she only needed to unload the necessities. She had her own bed covered as well as setting up her typewriter on the table. She sat on the seat near the countertop and looked at me.
She asked, "Is there anything you're not telling us?"
I locked eyes with her and chuckled, "Of course I do but I made a promise to not spoil it this time. All I can say is, you'll find this world very interesting. You'll never get bored. I promise."
Wednesday continued staring before closing her eyes, digesting the information she was given. As she opened those black soulless eyes, there was a hint of expectation in them.
This gave her a challenge she needed as well as indulging in her own interests. She knows she couldn't always depend on me for everything so she planned to stand up for herself to become stronger. Plus finding some hobby will help alleviate some of the stress that accumulated during the previous world.
While Wednesday was distracted with her thoughts, I silently came next to her before pecking her cheek. Wednesday snapped out of her thoughts before giving me a chaste kiss on the lips.
I smiled before sitting down on the sofa, waiting for the equipment to arrive. Thing was watching the whole interaction before poking Wednesday to grab her attention.
She looked at Thing and asked, "What?"
Thing made a thumbs up to Wednesday, signaling his approval of everything he saw. Wednesday just snorted but smirked when she turned her head to the side. Thing just climbed towards her shoulders and continued to talk to her like they did back during their time in Nevermore. They discussed their plans to travel and where to go first. With the money and weapons she has on her, they could go anywhere in the world.
Everyone was just doing their own business until that clerk came back with the IOI equipment. She also taught us how to start it up as well as set up our accounts. Everything else we could do on our own.
I did ask her if she could order us some Pizza Hut along with a few bottles of soda and ice bags. The clerk just complied with my request and closed the door behind her. I called and gathered everyone to take their IOI equipment and start setting up their characters.
I looked over to Thing and apologized, "Sorry Thing. I'll work on the extra equipment for you later so you can join us."
Thing just did a "don't worry" gesture and went to the sofa to read a manicure magazine.
I turned my attention to everyone and said, "All right everyone! All I can say in this world to make it interesting without spoiling anything is that the place we are logging in to will contain everything you could dream of. It was made with whatever you have in mind come to life. The only downside to this place is the limit to how far your imagination can go. The name of this online world is called the OASIS. Once you create your avatars, be sure to log off since there's pizza coming. Let's eat and then enjoy playing in the OASIS alright?"
All the girls yelled, "Yeah!!"
Even Thing launched himself in the air in support of my statement. They immediately spaced each other and started the process of creating their avatars. This took a little over half an hour for each person to create it. While they were in the creation process, the clerk lady came back with the pizza and set the food and drinks on the countertop.
I quickly thanked her for the food and service and directly tipped her $10,000. The clerk lady was immediately ecstatic and felt she was incredibly lucky to come to work today instead of playing around in the OASIS. She quickly thanked me for the generous tip and made her way out of the room.
I looked at the closed door as I shook my head and thought, "These people are too helpless. At least this clerk lady would be happy for a year from that commission."
I also plugged in and created my avatar for the OASIS and I have to say, I did a pretty good job.
I had a childish look with messy, voluminous black hair tipped in vibrant green, framing a soft face with sharp, expressive green eyes. The outfit blends futuristic techwear and street fashion, featuring an oversized black-and-white checkered jacket layered over a white shirt and a high black collar. Various straps, buckles, and geometric details add complexity to the design, while subtle green accents—like a hanging strap at the waist—tie the look together.
I looked over at the avatar I made and felt satisfied at my creation. The only thing missing is the name for it.
I thought for a long while before settling on, "Vex."
With everything all set up, I logged off and waited for everyone to finish so we could all eat some pizza. I just sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV as there was an advertisement for the full body haptic suit from IOI Industries. I just turned to another channel as it played Gundam Seed. The countless beams flashing and mobile suits brought back memories of wanting to own and pilot a Gundam surged through me.
I continued to ponder as a smile grew on my face and thought, "I know what to do now in the OASIS. Let's make our own Gundam as well as ships. This would give me practice on piloting a mech, in the chance we ever go to a world where mechs are the mainstay."
Goody was still floating around Wednesday before seeing my amused expression. She came by and looked at the TV where unfamiliar metal bodies were fighting each other. The explosions and fight scenes were amusing to her as she did not have these when she was alive.
Goody couldn't keep her curiosity and asked, "What's so amusing, O King?"
I snapped out of my thinking and turned to Goody and said, "I was thinking on what to do in this world and I think I can have fun with this. In this world, there is a place where everyone can log in where the possibilities are endless. One can do whatever they want with whoever you want. This place is called the OASIS. The contents of the television brought back memories of olde where I had a childish dream to own and drive those machines and now it is possible."
Goody couldn't expect some humans could create such a world just like how I formed the Shadow World but only their perspective gets transported. Goody can only say: Genius.
Goody whispered, "Humans are really resilient and innovative after the technology boomed. I wished I could've experienced this back in my time."
I consoled Goody and said, "Little witch, I'll try to find a way to allow you to join us inside but it may take some time for me to find you a temporary body to use."
Goody refused and said, "It is quite all right, O King. I'm willing to wait until I could resurrect myself rather than occupy a body. I believe with time, my resurrection will be more perfect than when I was alive."
I relented to her request and said, "Alright then, Goody. When we find a way to resurrect you, I'll make sure it's the best body for you."
Goody only bowed in thanks and replied, "Thank you, O King. I shall wait till that day comes. For now, I'll keep myself busy by staying with Wednesday and Thing."
I watched Goody float over to Wednesday before settling in between her and Nitocris. Fortunately Goody and Nitocris became good friends when they were both still ethereal at that time. I don't need to worry about her since they were friends.
Though I noticed from time to time, Anet sneaks out to chit chat and keep them company. I guess the previous ghost trio are still strong in their friendship.
One by one, the girls finished their avatars and took off their visors. I stood up and went to the pizza box before the whiff of the gooey cheese incorporated the room. Enid pounced on a slice quickly before taking a bite of the pizza. She squealed in happiness as she missed the taste of pizza.
Nitocris was curious before taking a slice herself. Once she took a bite, stars appeared in her eyes as the flavor burst in her mouth. She moaned in satisfaction as she did a cheese pull before eating it. She scarfed down on pizza after the other while me and Wednesday were just calmly enjoying our pizza time. We watched the process of them fighting for the last pizza before I casually sliced the last pizza in two.
I reprimanded both Enid and Nitocris, "You two, don't fight over it. You both know better. You can buy some more later if you feel like it. You have enough money. Now go clean up and then we can start to log inside."
Both girls finished their pizza after one big bite and then cleaned up. Once everyone was ready, we all went to each other's rooms so we have enough space to move around.
I yelled out so everyone could hear, "All right let's go!! I'll see you all inside."
I put on my goggles and saw the lights flashing as if I was being catapulted inside. I saw a galaxy as I passed through a platform of light and in a few moments, I started to walk through the light. The moment my vision turned normal, I saw various avatars whether they be tall, beautiful, scary, a different sex, a different species, live-action, or cartoon. A smile blossomed on my face as I took in everything in this virtual world. I stepped off and waited by a tree nearby.
I looked down to my hands and thought, "It really does feel like I'm in a different world. Halliday was a genius. I have to give him that."
Not long after, Wednesday, Enid, and Nitocris came to the OASIS. Their avatars didn't cause much stir but only a few looks here and there. The other could tell that the girls' avatars were highly customised and had a great appeal to everyone. No matter, they only looked before continuing their own things to do.
Wednesday, whose avatar was named "Ryvel," started looking around for me. She remembered that I told them my avatar name was "Vex" before logging on.
Her gothic streetwear and punk-inspired look, with long black hair that fades into electric blue at the tips, pulled partially into a loose ponytail adorned with metal clips and accessories. Her eyes are a cool, muted blue, set beneath a calm, somewhat aloof expression. She wears a sleeveless black top covered in straps, buckles, and metallic details, paired with high-waisted black cargo pants that feature belts, pockets, and layered fastenings. One of her arms is covered by a white removable sleeve decorated with a blue flame motif, contrasting with the dark tones of the rest of her outfit.
Enid's avatar was named "KiaraNyan" and saw someone sitting down and looking at their hands not far from them and said, "Is that him? Even in here, he looks so dreamy~"
She has a bright, pastel idol aesthetic, with fluffy, short white hair that curls in soft waves around her face. Her eyes are a vivid pink, matching the energetic and cheerful expression she wears in each pose. She's dressed in a pink-and-black ensemble that mixes cute and playful motifs—her oversized hoodie features cat ears, heart accents, and star-shaped decorations. Beneath it, she wears a short black dress with pink details, paired with star-patterned stockings and heeled boots adorned with big pink bows.
Enid had heart-shaped pupils as she saw my avatar. She squealed and took both Wednesday and Nitocris' hands towards me.
After pondering for a while, I looked up and saw three female avatars running towards me. It's a no-brainer that its Wednesday, Enid, and Nitocris.
I gently held my hand to my mouth and chuckled softly, "It didn't take long for you all to find me. I have to say, you all look wonderful."
Ryvel smirked while KiaraNyan was giggling a storm. Nitocris' avatar name was "Faythe" and she was blushing up a storm, contrary to her cool avatar look.
She has a striking, intense presence with a cyberpunk and demon-inspired style. Her long, flowing white-silver hair glows softly in the ambient light, framing sharp, glowing pink eyes that give her a powerful, otherworldly look. She wears a sculpted black hood with two horn-like structures protruding from the top, and the hood's edge glows with a jagged neon-blue pattern. Her outfit is composed of a heavy black jacket with tactical details, patches, and symbols, reflecting a futuristic and battle-ready aesthetic. Accents of neon pink and blue light reflect across her clothing, reinforcing her fierce and mysterious demeanor.
KiaraNyan looked around and excitedly said, "Woah~! Everything looks so great!"
Faythe chimed in, "Humanity has really outdone itself. A whole new world to explore without actually going anywhere."
Ryvel was also appreciating the sights and looked back at me and asked, "So Vex, what now?"
I looked at the eager girls and said, "Time to have fun~! Let's bring some life here in the OASIS!"
Life in the OASIS was never a dull moment after we stepped in. As to how much chaos we did, only time will tell.