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 werent 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. Im sure Im 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, Im not that rich, Im a modest guy. Its okay, I have my whole life ahead of me, Ill 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 doesnt let you sleep and forces you to do exercises. Dont 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 whats 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 wont understand the client. But from the looks of it, its 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, Ive 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 cant 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 Ill 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 its cool, even though its 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 Im already in the next room. What are they doing here, pranksters? I wonder if they have a license for mating? Okay, I wont disturb the newlyweds, I myself often break laws. Im violating it right now, why hide it? But they wont 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 doesnt see it, Im pleased to do at least such a dirty trick to him! «One injection and hell 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 didnt look around and so I know that its 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 wont hurt me now, otherwise Ill 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. Im late. I looked in the interface. What could you do to get there faster? Dimon is disgusting. If Im late, hell go to work himself. A boat is not that. And this wont do. Yep, here it is. «Wings of the Valkyrie» Lets 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, heres Dimka. Its time to go down.
Why are you late, Ilyukha? «I was about to go into action myself,» said the friend in an instructive tone.
Thats me
Okay, relax. Cool wings.
«I knew youd like it,» I smiled.
Lets go?
Yeah.
***
A huge steel fortress. Centrum, I think its called. I dont know exactly whats going on here, but its definitely something serious. You just wont get there. If there are no keys. But we are not ordinary people, we know how to do something. A fiery sword appeared in Dimons hand, with which he made a hole in the wall.
«Lets go,» Dima commanded. We took a few steps and ran into an invisible wall.
You wont 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, Im sure! said another man. I listed all the benefits. AWGs 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 members of the Government think about themselves. So what can you offer me personally?
There was silence for a second. The one who proposed the deal spoke up:
We agreed that we would be alone! Why these spies?
Its just the two of us, isnt it?
You said that Centrum has the highest level of information security. Are you saying that these two are in the corridor here without your knowledge?
I froze in place so that even the sound of breathing would not attract unnecessary attention. And Dimon looked at the place where there had recently been an opening, cut out with a fiery sword. A steel wall, not a trace left of the hole. It will take a lot of time to do a new one. Time is worth a lot in moments like these.
I dont know who you are talking about. I never use modulators. I dont trust these newfangled technologies. Augmented reality is for the poor people who live in the Houses. I already have a lot of interesting things, I can afford to appear on the street.
If these are not your people, then let me deal with them.