Stepping through the entrance of the arcade building, Atticus and Ember found themselves greeted by a rather unexpected sight – the spacious hall was surprisingly vacant.

Their gazes swept across the surroundings, settling on a clerk stationed behind the front desk. The presence of the two visitors elicited an internal realization from the clerk 'Ravensteins!', she thought.

She swiftly composed herself, replacing her surprise with a respectful demeanor.

With a formal and courteous greeting, she addressed them, "Good morning, young master, my lady. How may I assist you today?"

Atticus met the clerk's gaze with an expression that revealed little, his demeanor enigmatic. "We'd like to play a game. We'd like our privacy please" he replied evenly.

'He's handsome! Too bad he's just a kid,' she thought, her professionalism remaining intact. Outwardly, she maintained her composed countenance, replying with practiced grace. "Certainly, young master. I'll give you the best VIP room. How many hours would you like to book it for?"

"Five should be enough," Atticus responded succinctly.

With a subtle nod, the clerk continued her role seamlessly. "That'll be 500 credits for both of you, young master."

One of the guards approached the front desk and promptly settled the payment.

The clerk lead Atticus and Ember towards the second floor. As they entered, they saw a collection of sleek pods arranged next to each other.

They saw row upon row of gaming pods stretched out like a tantalizing array of opportunities for adventure.

Following the direction of the clerk's gesture, they made their way through the maze of pods. Soon, the clerk led them to a secluded corner, where they saw an elegant door.

"Right this way," the clerk offered. Then she guided them to a VIP room.

At the entrance of the VIP room, two out of the guards who had been following Atticus and Ember stood guard, standing sentinel to ensure their privacy.

The game pods within the VIP room were more opulent than those they had seen outside. They were a marvel of both design and enchantment. As Atticus and Ember approached them, their eyes were drawn to the intricate patterns of runes etched onto the sleek surfaces.

These ancient symbols pulsed with an otherworldly energy, promising a journey beyond the ordinary.

Combining the art of runic crafting with advanced mechanics, the game pods formed a bridge between reality and imagination. Designed for comfort, the plush seats seemed to mold to their bodies, creating a sense of cocooned luxury. Soft, ethereal light emitted by the embedded runes bathed the surroundings, infusing the space with a soothing ambiance.

As they settled into their seats, Atticus and Ember donned the headsets. The runes seamlessly merged with cutting-edge technology, establishing a direct link between their minds and the virtual world.

***

A/N: There's more coming today! If like this novel, please leave a review. I need them to grow. Thank you!