Vik stepped into the pod.
The Oasis pod's sleek capsule-like shape enveloping him snugly.
As the transparent glass slid into place, securing him inside, he reached for the mandatory face mask, slipping it over his nose and mouth. With a wireless connection established between the MCP chip embedded in his nape and the pod's control system, he was ready to enter the Oasis.
The MCP chip, also known as the Eureka chip, was a groundbreaking invention that revolutionized the lives of every individual. From birth, everyone received this AI chip, ensuring their integration into civilization. It served as a universal ID card, a wireless controller for various devices, and an entry pass to the Oasis, among its many functions.
Upon activation, a spectral screen materialized before Vik, visible only to him. The screen displayed his personal information and could be adjusted from private to public mode, allowing others to view the content. It facilitated effortless communication, offering holographic calls that projected a lifelike replica of the caller and their surroundings in 3D spectral rendering.
Now, returning to the present moment, a prompt materialized on Vik's spectral screen, presenting him with a crucial decision:
<Would you like to enter Oasis Online meant for non-Metahumans?
Confirm: Yes / No>
With a deep breath, Vik selected "yes." Instantly, his consciousness began to fade, slipping into a state resembling deep slumber. Then, as a blinding white light enveloped him, his awareness reemerged into a new reality.
When the luminosity subsided, Vik found himself standing amidst an expansive void. Distant lights sparkled, representing various worlds within Oasis Online. However, he knew that venturing into those realms was not within his reach. Those were the domains reserved for the extraordinary Metahumans, far beyond the grasp of ordinary humans like himself.
Pushing aside his wistful yearning, Vik focused on the prompt displayed before him:
<Would you like to proceed with your current permanent avatar Vik_Lord_Of_69s?
Confirm: Yes / No>
<Would you like to proceed with a 24-hour temporary avatar?
Confirm: Yes / No>
The name of his permanent avatar elicited a cringe within Vik. He had chosen it during his teenage years, captivated by its perceived coolness at the time. Regretting that decision more than any other in his life, he knew he couldn't risk using his usual avatar. If their real-world activities could be monitored, he suspected the same could be done within Oasis.
Deciding to proceed with a temporary avatar, Vik opted for the second choice. Temporary avatars remained active for only 24 hours, ensuring their users' anonymity and safety. They were ideal for those involved in secretive transactions and dealings within Oasis, offering a secure environment away from prying eyes.
<You have selected to proceed further with the temporary avatar. Please note that a randomly configured avatar will be assigned to you. Your default world will be Earth.
Please select the place at which you want to spawn:
North America
Asia
South America
Africa
...
Presented with the customary choices, each representing a continent within Oasis, Vik chose North America. The high traffic in the North American server provided a level of anonymity, making it an attractive option for individuals like him who sought to blend in rather than stand out.
Following his selection, Vik was prompted to choose a state and location for his spawn point. He made his choice known:
<The Republic of California. City-state of Crescent Moon Corp.
Location: Any available Spawn zone near Battery Point Bar.
Confirm: Yes / No>
"Yes!" Vik mentally confirmed his decision, and once again, a blinding white light consumed his senses. As his eyes reopened, he found himself standing on an open platform, witnessing people materializing out of thin air.
Vik was still himself, but his appearance had been transformed. The random avatar generator had been kind to him this time, presenting him as an ordinary man, blending seamlessly into the virtual world.
Yes, Vik had entered the Meta Oasis.