Chapter 2: Dolla dolla bill y’all
As the group left the library in search of the next challenge, their phones buzzed and a timer for 23 hours remaining appeared on their screens. They continued walking and casually held a conversation about their past lives and goals. Alex, the pre-law student, talked about his desire to become a successful lawyer and make a difference in the world. Brittany, who was a fashion design major, talked about her ambition to start her own fashion company one day.
Carlos, who was studying computer science, was more reserved and offered little to the conversation. He seemed lost in thought, his mind elsewhere.
“Hey, I remember there being a technology building across the park,” Brittany said, snapping Carlos out of his reverie. “Maybe we could find some clues there about the next challenge.”
As they neared the park where the first challenge had taken place, they couldn’t help but joke about their harrowing experience.
“I don’t think I can handle any more root traps,” Dana said, limping slightly as they walked. “My legs are still sore from the last one. It’s like, if you’re going to trap us in a virtual reality game, at least give us some virtual Advil or something.”
“Yeah, or maybe a virtual masseuse to work out all the kinks,” Alex added with a laugh.
The group chuckled and continued on their way, determined to find the next challenge and continue their journey. As they walked towards the technology building in search of the next challenge, Brittany turned to Alex and asked, “So why did you decide to become a lawyer and help people?”
Alex grinned, his eyes lighting up at the question. “Well, I believe that everyone deserves a fair shot and a chance to succeed,” he said, his voice full of conviction. “And as a lawyer, I can help make that happen. I can stand up for those who have been wronged and fight for justice. It’s not just a job to me, it’s a calling.”
Brittany nodded, impressed by his passion. “That’s really inspiring,” she said. “I admire your dedication to making a difference in the world.”
“Thanks, Brittany,” Alex replied, his smile growing even wider. “I’ve had my own share of troubles in the past, but I’ve learned that with hard work and determination, we can overcome anything. I’m excited to see where my career takes me and to make a positive impact on the world. We all have the power to make a difference, and I’m determined to do my part.”
Brittany, in her mind, reflected on her own past and troubles with her secret addiction. Thinking to herself she said, “One day I shall also overcome as she reached into her pocket and with her slightly fidgeting hand lightly touched a small circular pill, a secret that she had been keeping hidden.
They continued their conversation as they walked, each of them sharing their own hopes and dreams for the future. As they walked to the front of the technology building, they noticed the locked doors of the technology building, they were frustrated and unsure of what to do next. They had been so certain that this location would be useful, and now it seemed like they were at a dead end.
“I can’t believe this,” Brittany said, shaking her head. “We thought the technology building would be important in helping us move forward, but it’s locked. What are we supposed to do now?”
“We could try looking for other classroom buildings,” Carlos suggested. “Maybe there’s another clue somewhere else on campus.”
“Or maybe we could just sit here and stare at the doors until they magically open,” Alex quipped, trying to lighten the mood.
The group laughed and set off south in search of other buildings. As they walked, they came across a practice field with an altar similar to the one they had found in the library. Alongside it, the symbol of the document could be seen.
Suddenly, their phones began flashing and downloading data again. This time, the information was about the importance of collecting cryptocurrency in the virtual world. They learned that it could be used to gain access to restricted areas, purchase NFTs, invest, and exchange for other cryptocurrencies.
“Wow, this game is really starting to get interesting,” Alex said as he read through the information on his phone. “I had no idea we’d be dealing with all this virtual money, it seems like they all have their own useful purposes.”
“I think we need to find and complete tasks known as mining in order to earn currency,” Alex said, his brow furrowed in thought. “It’s kind of like what you did for the store cashier, Carlos. We solve puzzles or perform certain tasks, and in return we get rewarded with currency.”
Carlos nodded, understanding. “Yeah, that makes sense. It’s kind of like real life, except in this world we’re mining for virtual money instead of gold or other resources.”
“Exactly,” Alex said. “And the more tasks we complete, the more currency we’ll have. It’ll be important for us to get as much as we can if we want to progress through the game.”
As they continued walking, they noticed that the practice field had changed. It was no longer just a typical field, but rather there were four different stations set up. A table with a chessboard, already in progress; a soccer goal with a soccer ball placed at the penalty line; a single batting cage; and finally, another table with a sheet of unsolved mathematical equations, a timer counting down beside it.
“Whoa, look at that,” Brittany said, pointing at the practice field. “It looks like there are four different stations set up.”
“Well, maybe this is an opportunity for us to earn some crypto,” Dana said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
The group walked closer and saw that each station represented a different task. They looked at each other, each one trying to decide which task they were best suited for.
“I’m good at soccer,” Carlos said, eyeing the soccer goal. “I could try my luck there.”
“I’m more of a math person,” Dana said, looking at the equations on the table. “I might be able to solve those in time.”
“I’m not great at either of those things,” Brittany admitted. “But I’m a pretty good chess player. Maybe I’ll try that.”
“Well,” began Alex, “that leaves me with batting practice.” With a confident stride, Alex stepped inside the batting cage. He was greeted by a holographic pitcher and umpire, both of whom looked eerily realistic.
Within moments the pitcher threw the first pitch, and Alex swung and missed. Strike one. The umpire, with an evil grin, called out, “Three strikes and you’re out. Hit a home run and you get 10 Namecoin. You can try until you strike out.”
Alex wiped the sweat from his brow and squinted his eyes with determination. He wasn’t going to let this task go to waste.
The pitcher threw the second pitch, and once again, Alex swung and missed. Strike two. He could feel the pressure mounting.
The third pitch came, and with a fierce swing, Alex connected with the ball and sent it flying out of the park. The umpire called out, “Home run!” as Alex held a triumphant grin on his face.
As he walked out of the batting cage, his friends cheered and congratulated him. “That was amazing!” Brittany exclaimed. “I can’t believe you hit a home run.”
Alex shrugged, still grinning. “I just had a feeling I was going to nail it. And I did.”
Dana sat down in front of the page of equations with determination. “I guess it’s my turn now,” she said with a wink. “I’m good at math, so this should be a piece of cake.”
The timer, an hourglass, turned on its own and the time began as the sand began to fall down. Dana quickly got to work solving the first few equations with ease. But then, suddenly, it seemed like she was looking at a different language as glitches appeared on the page and perception became impaired.
“I need to focus,” she thought to herself, taking a deep breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to clear her mind. When she opened them again, the page was back to normal, and she was able to continue working on the equations with renewed focus.
As the timer ticked down, Dana worked tirelessly, her pencil flying across the page as she solved equation after equation in attempts to make up for valuable lost time. When the hourglass finally ran out the last few seconds of sand, she let out a triumphant whoop and stood up, as her phone flashed with an incoming payment of 10 Ether.
“Yes!” she exclaimed. “And to think, I was just a business major for the free calculators,” she said jokingly.
Brittany’s smile faded as she looked upon the chessboard, her eyes narrowing in concentration. On the opposite side, a holographic player appeared, holding up his hand with all five fingers pointing up. “Beat me in these many moves, or fail the task,” he said, his voice dripping with challenge.
Brittany let out a sarcastic laugh. “Great, just what I needed. More pressure. Thanks a lot, game.”
But despite her joking words, Brittany was determined to succeed. She sat down at the chessboard and studied the layout, carefully considering each possible move. She knew that every choice she made could either bring her closer to victory or lead to defeat.
As she played, she could feel the holographic player’s eyes on her, watching her every move. She tried not to let it distract her, focusing instead on the game at hand.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Brittany made her fifth and final move and declared, “Checkmate.”
The holographic player let out a sigh and faded away, defeated. Brittany let out a triumphant cheer and stood up, holding up her arms in victory.
“I did it!” she exclaimed. “That was intense!”
The group congratulated Brittany on her impressive victory, as her phone flashed and 10 Litecoin appeared in her account. Leaving one task left to conquer.
The holographic goalie looking upon the group, let out a scoff as Carlos approached the ball, his tongue sticking out in a playful, taunting manner. “One try, one shot,” he said, bouncing on his toes as he prepared to defend the goal.
Carlos took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind and focus on the task at hand. He knew that this was a crucial moment, and he had to be victorious if he wanted to earn any virtual currency for the group.
As he approached the ball, he feigned a powerful kick, causing the holographic goalie to dive to the left. But at the last second, Carlos changed direction and sent the ball floating into the top right corner of the goal, grazing the bottom of the top post as it went in.
The holographic goalie let out a groan as the ball hit the back of the net, and Carlos let out a triumphant cheer and shouted out “Just like Messi.”. He ran over to the group, who congratulated him on his impressive shot.
“That was amazing, Carlos!” Brittany exclaimed. “I can’t believe you pulled that off. You’re a natural at this.”
Carlos grinned, feeling a sense of pride wash over him. His phone flashed as 10 XRP was transferred to his account. He knew that the game was far from over, but with each challenge they faced and conquered, the group was growing more confident in their ability to succeed.
Continue the story with Chapter 3: across the chain bridge.
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