Lillian
Much like the night before, logging out of the game felt like waking from a dream. This time she had only gotten as far as viewing the progress of her first quest, before receiving the message to log out. A sinking feeling told her something else must have come up that the VR sensor failed to detect. She promptly logged out, real world sensations returning all at once. An intense stabbing pain around her shoulder blade assailed her once more causing her breathing to hitch. She made herself breathe, at first shallow then gradually taking deeper breaths as the pain ebbed and her breathing returned to normal.
Mark had been watching with keen interest, his green eyes darkened, his face grim. Lillian could tell something had him alarmed. The words that tumbled from his lips were like a crashing boulder. "I don't think you should continue playing."
"Why?" Her voice barely reached her own ears. She didn't understand why her represent would want her to quit playing.
"During the avatar creation process your mind had somehow surpassed the synchronization limitations to the game. When you log in, you're not just playing the game. Your mind is entering the game, directly influencing how you play." Mark ran his fingers through his chestnut hair. His hand trembled as he did so. He looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. "You also lose all awareness of your physical surroundings while you're logged in."
His last statement filled her with dread. Her head hung heavy to her chest. It meant if her live were ever in real danger, she would never see it coming. For a moment, she considered giving up before she got any further into the game. Then memories of why she had taken the chance to sign up as a beta tester against all odds flashed through her mind. Determination burned away all her fear, solidifying her resolve. "I'm not quitting."
He opened his mouth to protest. When her eyes met his again, he stopped. At first shock then a shadow of a smile touched his lips. Was that a hint of relief in those green eyes? He lifted his arm speaking to his wrist computer. "Install External Sensory Security Program to VR System for Lillian Frost." A second or two ticked by. Ding! Install complete. "Care to test it?"
Lillian nodded, a low hum of excitement bubbling in her chest. The visor was nestled on her nose and she was immediately transported back to the forest. A flashing red alert sign filled her vision. It opened itself up and a screen unfolded before her revealing Mark sitting in front of her on her desk. He waved a hand in front of her face. "Can you see me?" His voice came through crisp and clear. "I can," she replied. It felt like she was speaking to him through a video call. Judging by the way his wrist computer flashed in time with her words she probably was, albeit one-way.
He stood up. The image moved with each deliberately slow step he took to the door. He paused, turned to her asking, "And now?"
"Clear as day." Light flashed on his wrist again as she spoke. She was almost certain her voice was coming from the device's speaker, not her mouth.
This time he rushed to the other side of room, narrowly catching himself before running head first into the window like a crash dummy. The screen caught every detail, including how his turquoise button up and grey slacks moved while he ran. He turned around. "What about now?"
"Crystal clear." Lillian couldn't hide the touch of amusement in her voice. Again the screen on his wrist lit up as she spoke. Her voice was definitely coming through his device. She watched his cheeks flush with embarrassment. She closed the security screen and logged out. Back in her real-world body, she removed her visor in time to see him return to her desk. "How did I do?"
The tension throughout his body had dispersed leaving him slumping forward with sheer exhaustion. "I think that's enough testing from me for now. The install was successful and the security program is working in real time. If anything else comes up I'll check in with you."
Lillian thanked him. He nodded, give her a tired smile, then left. She locked the door behind him then laid down on her bed. Soon she was back in the digital forest, ready to explore.