I inserted the chip into the back of my head. They say that they first invented glasses that projected an image onto the retina of the eye. Then the helmet appeared. But all this is not the same! Thanks to Donald Skachinsky for the invention. This genius was the first to figure out how to get into the virtual world. He modeled his mind into a computer. This is how extended reality appeared. If it weren’t for her, I would have died of boredom in a coffin in a two-by-two-meter room.
An image appeared before my eyes: «User Davydjons invites you to a video conference session.» I ran my palm through the air, where the inscription was blazing with fire. Accept.
– Hello, Ilyukha!
– Hello, Dimych.
This tanned, bare-chested guy is my friend. I recently told you about him. I’m sure I’m actually just as pot-bellied as I am. But in the world of extended reality, you can choose any appearance. But in reality, we have never met him. Well, you yourself understand perfectly well: leaving the apartment is a luxury. The oligarchs can afford it. And although I have a belly, I’m not that rich, I’m a modest guy. It’s okay, I have my whole life ahead of me, I’ll collect more.
He hugged the phantom of a friend, but his hands went through him. This is perhaps one of the shortcomings of extended reality. Although, in the previous version there were no smells. And now there are videos, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations. And the robo-virters have become much more realistic. Okay, why did I open up? In five years I will be able to start a normal family.
– As a young life?
– Great life. Everything is the same as before. Four walls and a smart home Svetka is nasty, she doesn’t let you sleep and forces you to do exercises. Don’t pull the cat by the box. Tell me what kind of work it is. And then he became interested, and he himself asked stupid questions: «How are you?»
– Look, how smart he is! At least I could treat you to tea! And he offered to sit down. The owner is called. So go visit him after that.
– Yeah, take a seat, sir! – a metal chair appeared from under the floor, then another one. – Light, two teas. One black and one electronic green.
– Yeah thanks! – said Dima.
– So what’s the matter? – I asked.
– As always – information.
Dima drew in the air with his finger, and the numbers blazed like fire in front of us.
– Million? – I choked on my tea. – Are you serious?
– Yes, quite seriously.
– Are they suggesting that we rob the Emperor?
– You won’t understand the client. But from the looks of it, it’s not a big deal. And the money is not bad.
– Not bad? Yes, for that kind of money I can afford… Yes, I can do anything. For example, leaving the House. You know, I’ve always dreamed of going outside. And I can start a family. Even a child. Of course, if it was free, they would put Uncle Igor to sleep. I can’t stand him, but my mother loves him. And buy your own house…
– So are you in? – Dima asked seriously, without his usual smirk.
– Still asking! Of course, in action!
– Then in six hours I’ll wait at the intersection of Roboticheskaya and Skachinsky. Do not be late.
***
– Light, bring me back to reality in five or six hours.
You need to get insurance. So as not to remain in the virtual world forever.
«Okay, Ilya,» she is obedient to me. And it’s cool, even though it’s a car.
Cameras are everywhere now. It was this abundance of observation that allowed the phantoms to see, while being many kilometers away, inside the House, in their room. The modulator chip transmits the image on these cameras, and it will seem to you that you are there, and not among the walls painted white.
He ran his finger along the wall. A portal shimmering blue opened. Two steps – and now I’m already in the next room. What are they doing here, pranksters? I wonder if they have a license for mating? Okay, I won’t disturb the newlyweds, I myself often break laws. I’m violating it right now, why hide it? But they won’t see me. They are now without a modulator chip, extended reality is closed to them. Hit the reinforced concrete wall. A crack ran along it, and soon a rift formed, through which I made my way into the next room. I looked back. As one would expect, there was no trace left of the hole. Some just go through walls. But I love special effects, why hide it?
Uncle Igor was telling mom something. Hit him in the jaw. Even if he doesn’t see it, I’m pleased to do at least such a dirty trick to him! «One injection and he’ll fall asleep»
My parents lived in a corner apartment. My father made one of these when he worked as a Guardian. I hit the glass while running. It shattered into pieces. I didn’t look around – and so I know that it’s intact, my phantom weighs nothing. A few seconds of flight from a height of the ninety-sixth floor. This time I landed successfully, on my feet. Last time I broke my nose. The asphalt began to crack, but a moment later the hole formed by the fall was smoothed over, as if it had never existed. I ran my hand over the menu interface. Accelerator. It won’t hurt me now, otherwise I’ll be late. And my separate apartment cried. He ran, barely dodging the gravicars, which were traveling five or six levels deep in the smoky air.
I looked at my watch. I’m late. I looked in the interface. What could you do to get there faster? Dimon is disgusting. If I’m late, he’ll go to work himself. A boat is not that. And this won’t do. Yep, here it is. «Wings of the Valkyrie» Let’s try. A few moments later I was hovering above all the gravity cars that were participating in the air traffic. The main thing is not to miss this intersection. Yeah, here’s Dimka. It’s time to go down.
– Why are you late, Ilyukha? «I was about to go into action myself,» said the friend in an instructive tone.
– That’s me…
– Okay, relax. Cool wings.
«I knew you’d like it,» I smiled.
– Let’s go?
– Yeah.
***
A huge steel fortress. Centrum, I think it’s called. I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but it’s definitely something serious. You just won’t get there. If there are no keys. But we are not ordinary people, we know how to do something. A fiery sword appeared in Dimon’s hand, with which he made a hole in the wall.
«Let’s go,» Dima commanded. We took a few steps and ran into an invisible wall.
– You won’t go any further! – I understood. – There are no cameras further.
– From here we will listen and observe. Quiet! – Dimon concentrated. I also heard voices now. But from here it was impossible to discern who they belonged to.
– Are you sure this is a good idea? – said a male voice.
– Of course, I’m sure! – said another man. – I listed all the benefits. AWG’s innovative technology can take the quality of life of Government members to a new level. And ordinary people will be able to get outside the House. All you have to do is sign the contract and…
– I am not interested in the lives of ordinary people, I said this right away. And other