Soldier 76 appeared in a huge hallway arched with enormous gates shaped like outlets. The floor was crowded and buzzing with all sorts of bright and colorful characters, each one a player's avatar like the soldier. There was no common theme and the figures ranged from dinosaurs and robots to sport teams and marine squads. It was like a huge convention for everything ever pulled out of human imagination.
"My real name's Lucas, but in here I'm Soldier 76. People just instinctively call you by your avatar's appearance. That way, you know everyone's name."
"The Lobby" connected all the games in Second World. Each doorway led to a different server, hosting any number of activities from dancing and music to adventure games and exploration expeditions in tropical worlds. Only imagination was the limit.
A small yellow envelope arrived, transparent and glowing with a trail of glitter, wagging its rear like a dog happy to see its master. It opened and began reading a message with a high-pitched squeaky computer voice.
"Message: Reminder---full guild raid today. Remember to stock up on consumables. Meet at main floor."
What's a "Raid"? »