The Real World In Turmoil (Book 2) (Page 187)

~~~(POV: Scott Autumn)~~~

~~~(Location: Home, Watching TV)~~~

All the stuff happening in The Aeternus Universe has been on my mind more than anything else. I've been so focused on it that I haven't paid attention to the outside world. Now that I am, things aren't doing so well.

Jess is on the couch next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder and wrapped in a blanket. She's not been feeling well since the visit with the doctor. It's to be expected.

As to what's happening in the real world. On Earth. The economy is going through major shifts right now. The Aeternus Universe has had a considerable impact on the markets since its release, but now it's starting to show its head in just about everything.

"When will you be going back on?"

I got off The Aeternus Universe yesterday. I've set the alarm for when I'm supposed to return. Hopefully, Durado and Aurora aren't at each other's throats, but I can't control them when I'm not there.

"In a couple of days. How have you been holding up? Living in this nice house without any financial worries sure makes things easy, huh? Imagine if you got knocked up by someone who isn't in a position like this."

She lets out a small and sweet chuckle. Jess and I have a pretty nice life here. Being as successful as I am in regards to games, it's allowed me a life of leisure. I can share that with Jess.

"I'm ready for the morning sickness to go away. Other than that, things have been pretty good. As to your question about getting knocked up by someone else, that wasn't in the cards."

Mom and Dad always made sure we practiced safe sex. Dad had a hard time accepting that Jessica was at that point in her life when the talk came. My Mom had the same reaction with me. It's funny how that works.

Dads don't like their daughters having sex, and Moms don't like their Son's going around with a bunch of girls.

It's something about letting go, I think.

"Yeah... I remember the day I went to pick you up from your shit apartment to go to Mom and Dads."

That was when I beat the shit out of her ex-boyfriend for being the worst man alive. When I told Dad about it, he would kill the guy. Mom had to calm him down.

"Don't remind me about that... I can't believe I gave a piece of shit like that the time of day... I know all guys aren't the same... But there are some out there that just ruin it for women."

She's not wrong about that.

How did we even start talking about this? I'm going to change the subject of the conversation.

"It looks like The Aeternus Universe is really starting to affect the real world economy. I know you have a lot of money in-game, but how much would it be worth in the real world?"

She's changed the subject before I can. Respect.

"Yes, I do have a considerable amount of in-game Credits. But I think you best not know the real value for your own safety. It's theoretically impossible for player information to leak, but you never know what could happen."

I don't want someone thinking they can take Jess and find out how much I have from some information that's leaked.

That'd be the worst thing ever.

"I guess you're right. Once this shit feeling is gone, I'll be hoping on The Aeternus Universe. Would we be able to meet up? I'd like to introduce you to the company I'm in."

I'd like that, but as of right now, I wouldn't be able to. It's your typical mission to save the universe from a life-devouring parasite and intelligence that runs it far beyond anything seen before.

"I can't make any promises. But when I'm done with everything I'm doing, I'll be sure to meet up with you."

It could be fun. You never know. But that's a long way off.

"What are you doing in-game anyway? You never talk about your race, goals, or what you do."

I should've figured this conversation would come up. I don't like lying to her, but it's for her own protection.

"Let's just say I'm doing something that could change everything."

She lifts her head from my shoulder and gives me a confused and amused look.

"Yeah, right."

She starts to laugh as she relaxes. That worked like a charm.