"Myth, the immersive virtual online game, is officially online. Major media outlets are reporting on this development. Game login pods are now available for purchase nationwide…"
"Sources say Myth is a groundbreaking MMO co-created by leading nations around the globe…"
"Government Subsidy Program! Purchase a Myth virtual pod, and every legal citizen is eligible for a hefty financial incentive…"
"Myth: An epic fantasy adventure awaits…"
…
On a busy street in Los Angeles, the sound of lively commotion rose and fell.
Rylan walked along, studying his surroundings. It had been only five days since the blood moon's appearance, and information about "Myth" was already everywhere, with the U.S. federal government itself endorsing and promoting it. In fact, it wasn't just in the United States—every nation on Earth was swept up in the frenzy of "Myth."
Ordinary people had no idea what truly lay behind it. Some thought it must be a new tech breakthrough, like chatgpt, and that was why the government valued it so highly.
But Rylan understood that Myth was more than just a game; it was both a massive opportunity and a massive threat that would change all the rules.
He continued walking down the street for a while, until finally stopping in front of a store. A huge poster hung over the entrance, with a bright red banner draped across it.
[Officially Designated Federal Sales Outlet for "Myth" Login Pods! Massive Discounts! First Come, First Served!]
"Hello, sir! Are you looking to buy a login pod? Please come in and take a look…"
"We provide free installation service, right to your door! Place your order today, and we'll have it installed by tonight!"
Rylan had only just paused in front of the store when a saleswoman spotted him and eagerly tried to reel him in.
He frowned slightly and took a quick glimpse inside. Three days ago, he remembered this spot used to be a bakery. But now, every trace of cake was gone, replaced by rows of virtual gaming pods and helmets. The store's décor had changed, too. Ad after ad promoting "Myth" covered the walls—yet it was certainly drawing in a crowd, far more than usual.
Rylan definitely needed to buy a login device for "Myth." He nodded at the saleswoman and followed her inside.
"Right this way, sir! These are all our sample 'Myth' login pods. The game hasn't officially launched yet, but you can test them out now!"
The moment they walked in, the saleswoman explained everything with intense enthusiasm.
After a few minutes of listening to her pitch, Rylan had heard all about every single type of login pod on display. It was exactly as he remembered.
"Myth" offered two main ways to log in: the basic helmet or the more expensive pods. The pods ranged from F-grade to S-grade, with higher grades providing more immersive experiences.
Pods at or above C-grade included taste simulation, letting players experience in-game foods that actually satisfied hunger in real life; as long as you had food in the game, you wouldn't starve even if you never logged out.
B-grade pods unlocked a sleep feature, letting players lie down and rest inside, complete with massage functions—perfect for prolonged gameplay.
A-grade pods were even more advanced, offering an R18 feature for adult citizens 18 years or older, where you could have sex in-game with other players or with NPCs you had enough favorability with.
As for S-grade pods, they were truly top-of-the-line. According to the saleswoman, they allowed full 100% simulation. Supposedly, you could even make NPCs pregnant!
While the saleswoman was busy singing the pods' praises, Rylan surveyed the other customers. The federal government was currently offering substantial subsidies for the purchase of "Myth" pods, and in just this short period, the store had made several sales—most of them for A-grade pods, exactly matching Rylan's recollection of his past life.
A-grade pods included advanced sleep features for extended play time and also received the highest government subsidy. Anything beyond that, like an S-grade pod, was rare and received only minimal financial incentives.
In his previous life, Rylan also bought an A-grade pod. But this time…
"Sir, I've introduced all of our pods. Which one do you think you might like?" the saleswoman asked. "Personally, I suggest the A-grade pod. It's priced at 128,888 USDT, and there's an official policy granting a 50% discount. If budget is a concern, you can finance the remaining half interest-free for 60 months. Plus, if you order right now, we have specialized AI robots that can install it at your home tonight. What do you say?"
With bright, hopeful eyes, she gestured toward the A-grade pod beside her. However, Rylan's gaze drifted over her F-cup chest and fixed on the display case behind her instead.
"I've already decided. I just want a login helmet."
"Great, sir! Let me note that down for you—an A-grade—"
"Hold on… a login helmet?"
Startled, the saleswoman paused mid-sentence when she realized what Rylan had actually asked for.
"That's right. A single login helmet is all I need," Rylan said calmly.
"Sir, are you sure you don't want to reconsider? The helmet is 8,888 USDT, and under current policy, you'd only get an 888 subsidy. It doesn't qualify for installment plans either. If you're worried about any in-game pain from the realistic tactile features—don't be. At the beginning, pain is only at 0.01% of normal levels.
Even if you die in the game, it hardly hurts at all. Plus, if you really want to level up quickly, you need good feedback quality. The helmet is definitely the lowest-end device and lacks a lot of key features. It's just a test model, and normal leveling will only earn you 50% experience!"
Her voice grew increasingly urgent, but Rylan stood his ground, eyes fixed on the helmet behind her.
"I'm aware of all that. But all I need is a login helmet," he insisted.
Twelve thousand USDT was not beyond his means, especially with the subsidies and the no-interest loan. But when it came to Rylan's plan for the future, there was only one specific feature he truly needed, and only the helmet could provide it.
Seeing how serious he was, the saleswoman had no choice but to relent. At last, she brought out a brand-new helmet in its unopened packaging. Even then, after Rylan paid, she reminded him that he could always come back to change his mind and upgrade.
Rylan merely nodded and left the store.
Once home, after carefully checking that the helmet was in perfect condition, he waited. In those coming days, he did nothing else but stay in his house.
Finally, on January 1, 2052, at 00:00, in his bedroom, Rylan once again picked up the login helmet, plugged in the cables, and fitted it on his head.
A moment later, shimmering lights flashed across his vision, accompanied by a voice echoing in his ears:
"Welcome to Myth!"