The morning light streamed into the modest game testing office, casting a golden glow across scattered notebooks, half-eaten snack wrappers, and humming monitors. In the middle of the chaos, Harsha slept slumped over a desk, his arm hanging loosely beside a game controller.
Suddenly, the silence broke.
"Harsha!" a voice called urgently.
Harsha stirred awake to see Ankur, panting with excitement. "Wake up! The parcel we've been waiting for—it's here!"
Harsha jolted up, eyes wide with surprise. Just as he was about to respond, Suraj walked in, holding a tray of breakfast he had picked up from a nearby stall.
"The parcel arrived?" Suraj asked, placing the tray down.
Ankur scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. "Well, not exactly. It hasn't arrived yet, but I just spoke to the courier company. They said it's out for delivery—should be here any minute."
Right on cue, a loud mechanical rumble echoed from outside. The trio rushed to the window just in time to see a massive delivery truck pull up in front of the office. Its engine growled as it came to a halt, and several delivery agents stepped out, scanning the building.
Moments later, one of them called out from the gate, "Which one of you is Harsha?"
Harsha stepped forward cautiously. "That's me."
"Please sign here," the man said, holding out a clipboard. "And let us know where the package should be placed."
Harsha scribbled his signature, while Ankur peered over his shoulder, whispering, "What kind of parcel needs a full truck?"
The truck's ramp unfolded with a mechanical hiss, and two workers guided down a large crate using an automated lifter. They maneuvered it carefully into the office, where the rest of the team had now gathered.
Everyone stared at the massive crate that now stood in the middle of the room, silent and ominous.
"What is this thing?" Saurabh muttered.
Harsha approached the crate and peeled off the security seal. The crate creaked open slowly, revealing its contents.
Inside was something no one expected:
A futuristic, state-of-the-art gaming chair, glowing softly with embedded circuits and sensors.
A sealed envelope, pinned beside a cheque worth ₹10 lakh.
And a black, metal treasure chest, trimmed in gold, with ancient markings etched along its sides.
Harsha opened the envelope first. It contained a letter written in elegant, printed type:
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> Congratulations. You have been deemed worthy of entering THE ELEMENTAL prototype.
As the chosen player, you must accept and understand the following instructions before proceeding:
1. Once you die in the game, you will never be able to enter it again.
2. Warning: This game utilizes Real Sensation technology. Pain experienced in the game may be felt in real life. While no actual harm will occur to the player's body, the sensation is transmitted via mind-and body linking technology to enhance realism.
3. The player, Harsha, must wear the provided artifacts before beginning the game. These artifacts are part of the in-game character and are essential for full integration.
4. Once worn, these artifacts cannot be removed until all levels of the prototype are completed.
5. While the game is active, the player must not be awakened forcefully.
Since the player's consciousness is fully transferred into the game world, any sudden interruption may lead to severe consequences, including the risk of falling into a coma.
If the player agrees with these conditions, they may proceed after uploading signed term and conditions on the official website of the company (*********)
---
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Saurabh stepped forward, voice firm. "Harsha, I really don't think you should do this. This isn't just a game anymore—it's dangerous."
Ankur, curious and opportunistic, interrupted. "Look, I'm just saying—why don't we at least open the chest and see the artifact? If we can't play the game, maybe we can sell it for a good price."
Suraj folded his arms and leaned against the wall, speaking calmly but seriously. "You know… when I first heard a company was offering one crore per quest, I thought it was too good to be real. Now, seeing all this, I realize the truth is far more intense."
He paused, eyes on Harsha.
"As a gamer, I'll admit—I'm jealous. A game where you can be your true self… where you can explore places no one's ever seen? That's the dream. I would've loved to try something like this."
His words seemed to strike something deep within Harsha.
Without saying a word, Harsha turned to the treasure chest. The group stepped back as he carefully lifted the lid.
Inside rested a pair of golden bangles, crafted for both hands. They shimmered with embedded gemstones that pulsed faintly, as if alive. They looked nothing like any gaming accessory—they looked ancient, regal, and powerful.
"No wonder they restricted access," Ankur said, awe in his voice. "This isn't just a game asset. It's a technological miracle."
Beneath the bangles lay another note:
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> This artifact belongs to Mr. Harsha – the chosen player of THE ELEMENTAL prototype.
Once worn, these bangles cannot be removed until all levels are cleared.
Choose wisely:
Do you wish to wear these bangles and step into the unknown?
Or would you prefer to return the artifact and forfeit your place?
Important Notice:
This artifact is soul-bound to Harsha and cannot be used by anyone else.
In case of loss or theft, the company reserves the right to take legal action against the entire organization, with a penalty of ₹10 crore.
---
The room fell silent again, this time with a different energy.
Saurabh looked at Harsha with a mix of concern and awe. "I guess you're not just lucky… you're chosen."
Suraj smirked. "So… what now, Harsha?"
Harsha looked at the bangles, then at his friends—his team, his family.
He took a deep breath.
And then smiled.
"Let's explore the unknown."
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