Chapter 64: The journey to Zenith city II

{I'm putting The Pillars on the shelf for now, I really want to focus on this story and Descendant of Elder Blood. This story is going to undergo a lot of development both in lore and world design. So the more you pay attention the more you will understand. Thanks for reading guys!!!}

I'm more surprised about the unreal discount than my parents are, 95% off on all J&X gaming pods is insane. With this sale more and more people will join Ancients World, not to mention a new kingdom is coming to Ancients World since I finished my story quest. I wonder how many will be spawning there since it will be a new region and have its own starting cities. J&X will probably run out of gear fast, I'm glad that we got the ZZR-12000's when we did. Even though the inventors of the ZZR aren't related to J&X more top players will purchase their gear since a huge influx of players will be arriving. I hear my dad ask me a question that is easy to answer. "Does this normally happen when it comes to gaming pods? The little bit of reading I did on them showed just how much it costs to make 1 gaming pod. They are willingly taking heavy loses, that doesn't seem right to me." Dad brings up a great point, whatever is happening at J&X is causing this to happen. I'm sure their stock is plummeting with all these announcements about their gear and gaming pod price sales.

What's strange is no investors are pulling out, why wouldn't investors pull out of an obviously sinking ship. It just doesn't make sense and that scares me, experts about the stock market and government officials are also quiet about this. I answer my dad while still listening to the news. "No, this isn't normal. Something has happened at J&X, but instead of trying to stop the bleeding of whatever happened they are embracing it. No one remotely close to the company is talking about the decision either. I don't like what's going on right now." This is strangely aligning with the new quests I have been getting, and almost perfectly matches up with the mysterious ???. This is connected somehow and the only obvious answer is because of my actions and class. Something is going on.

All of us are silent as the news continues to speak about what's happening in Ancients World and J&X. "This is going to bring huge numbers to the player base fast, and we are not receiving any response from J&X or their investors. Some of the best names in the field of game development are staying quiet about all of this. Many guilds world wide are having huge influxes in player admission slips. The economy for items and classes are also getting boosts in profits since more players are arriving, and the demand for better classes and gear is increasing." The only things that aren't being affected by this announcement is Ancients World. In fact it looks like its going to thrive after the new players settle in.

Now that mom and dad are already in Ancients World all I have to worry about are Marcus and Hailey. I should tell mom and dad to get them on Ancients World as well, we don't know what will happen. "You guys need to get Hailey and Marcus ZZR's as well, the sooner the better. We don't know how much longer they are going to be in stock." If we can all get the best the gaming pods have to offer I'll feel that much safer for my family.

I have nothing to worry about with the response I get from my dad. "We already ordered 2 more ZZR's for Hailey and Marcus, they are arriving here at 8:00 am. I think we lucked out by getting them when we did, I bet they are selling like crazy with these new prices for the people who held off before. Do we need to get anything else?" I'm glad mom and dad were wise enough to buy them for Hailey and Marcus, even though they didn't know at the time it reflects their change towards Ancients World. From the top of my head there is nothing else we need.

I release a breath I didn't know I was holding. I'm more on edge now that this is happening, Ancients World is about to get more packed. "I cant think of anything at the moment, internet is as good as it can be and we have everything we need. The only thing is upgrading our security system here at home, this is more of a gut feeling than anything else. I don't want someone finding out we have ZZR's and getting funny ideas." With the new demand of equipment I wouldn't be surprised if peoples private information gets sold. I really have nothing to worry about, our family is set for whatever happens.

I'm sure Marcus is excited about getting to play with mom and dad when the gaming pods come tomorrow, I hope Hailey comes around. Her personality has changed so much over the years that she may not like it. "I forgot to ask. How was your first day in Ancients World? I'm sure you had fun getting used to the movement. The first dive is one you never forget." They both laugh pretty hard remembering what happened. I can guess what they went through, probably had to remember how to walk and control their bodies again. They stop their laughing and regain composure.

Mom is the one to speak, she has always been the one to talk about her and dad before they had any of us. "Once we created our characters we spawned in the same city just like you said. Once in, we made eye contact, but we both fell over after our first steps. Much time passed before we finally made it to each other, I fell on top of your father. After a few minutes, a nice girl by the name of Snow Princess helped us out. We spent the rest of the day learning what she had to teach." Snow Princess is a familiar name, but she just started to gain fame around the time I made my wish, so I don't know much about her. Only that she comes across a legacy class and weapon. She did a good job hiding any information other than that.

I look at the clock and notice that its around 3 am. I still haven't fed myself yet so that might be a good idea. "I'm going to make some food. Do you guys want any? I haven't eaten in awhile so I'm famished." I'm sure they are hungry as well. Instead of a response, mom jumps up and joins me in the kitchen. I don't remember the last time I actually cooked food with mom. I'm really glad that I wont lose her like I did. "I'm thinking chili cheese dogs. That sound alright to you mom?" I turn to my mom waiting for an answer.

She gives me a big loving smile that I really missed after she left, something I didn't appreciate enough. "I think that's an amazing idea sweetie. Your father and I haven't eaten since breakfast so I'll be sure to make double the hotdogs." I guess that means I'm on chili duty, I think that we have everything squared away. Mom on the other hand wants dad in on this as well. "Honey, I want you to grade the cheese. Make sure you make a big pile." I cant help feeling happiness and butterflies, I'm getting to make 3 am chili cheese dogs with my mom and dad. This feels like a dream come true and I have every intention of preserving this happiness for my family.

While the Adamo's make up for lost time there is a meeting happening between the investors and Jericho. I know why they are confused, they don't have a thorough understanding like Xander and I. They are just people who wanted to make money from our inventions and innovations. You could call them greedy, but at this point we are all in the same boat. "We have less than 60 days to get as many gaming pods to the people as possible. I know that this has turned into a major disappointment, but this is bigger than us now. If we want to save as many people as we can we need to pull all our resources together and put money out of our minds. People don't know it yet, but it no longer holds any value." Many of the holograms that are here at this meeting are looking down in disbelief. I would have that reaction to if I was in there shoes, in a way I am. Its just different for me since I'm prepared for the change.

Many understand and nod their heads, all the holograms go dark and I'm left alone in the meeting room. "I'm sorry bro...." I feel like I failed to finished my brothers dream and now I have failed the world. More and more people will get on Ancients World, but we will also lose many who cant. The projected casualties are in the billions. 60 days isn't enough time to get everyone at least a character, nothing here will remember us. If only there was a way to set up convention centers filled with gaming pods so people can make a character. If we did do this many would go digging into the actual truth, and if the real truth got out there would be chaos. I pray that the projection is wrong, but the homeless and extremely poor is something that cant be helped at this point. I should check in with my family, in the coming 2 months I won't have that much time with them.