Filmon smiled brightly as the crowd clapped and cheered, his hair was neatly cut, and his complexion looked much healthier than it usually looked. His eyeballs were gone, and he looked entirely stress free as he shook the hand of the television host and sat down.
"How ya doing everyone!" Filmon yelled, which the crowd screamed back in response.
As it quieted down he diverted his attention to the show host, a brilliant looking woman with many cosmetic upgrades who smiled toothily at him.
"Mr. Filmon, I think everyone just wants to know, how did you perfect the brain dance system in the Flex Neuro?" The woman asked, leaning slightly closer as the room stood still to hear his answer.
"The Flex Neuro was a big project, I knew the brain dance system was flawed, and frankly, not accessible to those of less fortunate upbringings. The Flex Neuro works about the same, except you completely control the experience, it's not just looking at some old guy's memories of when he was young anymore."
The crowd let out a few laugh's before Filmon continued. "The tech is advanced and the process would probably bore all of you, but I can say The Flex Neuro is an extremely affordable replacement to the entire brain dance system, it is like a separate world completely, plus I like video games, so it just seemed like the perfect first tech project from Horizon... Each set comes with it's own chip that can hold up to 500 terabytes of data before it needs to be replaced, luckily you can fit three of these chips in one Flex Neuro, so you probably won't run out of space too quickly."
The crowd clapped as the woman inched forward more. "Would you care to give a demonstration Mr. Filmon?"
"Absolutely, I'd be delighted to show you all what The Flex Neuro can do!" Filmon replied with enthusiasm.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek, black sunglasses looking device. The crowd's anticipation grew as he put it on, and his virtual avatar appeared on the large holographic screen behind him, giving a full viewing experience for the crowd.. The avatar looked just like him, except with a few cybernetic enhancements that made him appear even more futuristic and charismatic.
With a wave of his hand, the virtual world around Filmon came to life. The audience gasped in awe as they saw a perfect copy of Night city and it's sprawling cyberpunk cityscape materialize around him, though it looked like a better version of it. Neon lights flickered, hovercars zipped by, and massive holographic billboards loomed above.
"Welcome to Horizon City," Filmon announced, his voice booming in the virtual environment. "This is just one of the many preset worlds in the Neuro hub you can explore with The Flex Neuro!"
He demonstrated how he could walk around the city, ride in any car he wanted, and even change building to suit his tastes, bending reality to his will. He summoned a hovercycle and hopped on, riding through the busy airspace. The crowd watched with amazement as he weaved through traffic and performed daring stunts.
"Now, let's show you the multiplayer mode!" Filmon exclaimed, and a few taps on a virtual interface brought up a menu where he selected "Multiplayer."
In an instant, other avatars of users from around the world started appearing in Horizon City. They were doing various activities—some were socializing in clubs, others engaging in high-speed races, and a few were exploring the darkest alleys, solving virtual mysteries.
"Each of these avatars represents real users connected to The Flex Neuro," Filmon explained. "You can interact with others, collaborate on the quests, or simply hang out and have fun. It's a whole new level of immersion! Who needs a preset brain dance when you can go make your own in real time?"
As he spoke, the host looked awed.
"Would you like to try?" Filmon asked, lifting up the sunglasses and looking at the woman. With a quick nod, she was given her own set of sunglasses and her avatar materializing beside Filmon's. Together, they took the audience on a virtual tour of the city, visiting the most iconic locations, and showcasing the endless possibilities for exploration and interaction.
"The Flex Neuro is a game-changer in every sense," Filmon said, his excitement palpable. "It's not just entertainment; it's a way for people to connect, experience new worlds, and create memories that will last a lifetime."
The demonstration went on for a while longer, with Filmon and the host engaging in various activities, all while interacting with users from around the globe. The crowd was mesmerized, and the virtual experience they witnessed left a profound impact on their minds.
As the demonstration came to an end, the applause was thunderous. Filmon removed the headset, and his real-world persona returned, but the energy in the room remained high.
"Thank you, Mr. Filmon, for that mind-blowing demonstration!" the host said, genuinely impressed. "The Flex Neuro is truly a magnificent advancement compared to braindancing, can't wait to get my hands on one!" She exclaimed as Filmon smiled brightly.
Filmon basked in the applause, feeling the excitement and energy of the crowd pulsating through the room. But he had more in store for them. With a mischievous grin, he put the Flex Neuro back on and the room quieted down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, that was just the beginning!" Filmon announced, his voice amplified by the virtual environment. "Now, let me take you on a journey to a realm of fantasy and magic!"
The cyberpunk cityscape of Horizon City dissolved, replaced by a breathtaking landscape of towering mountains, lush forests, and magical floating islands. The audience gasped in wonder as the holographic world expanded toward them and they found themselves transported into a vibrant fantasy world
Filmon's avatar had transformed as well. He was now clad in a shimmering suit of armor, with a glowing sword at his side. His cybernetic enhancements integrated seamlessly with the fantastical aesthetic, making him look like a futuristic knight.
"Welcome to Etheria!" Filmon declared, his eyes bright. "In this realm, I am no longer the CEO of Horizon Enterprises; I am a mighty adventurer, and with the Flex Neuro, I can do anything!"
With a gesture, Filmon conjured a flaming phoenix soaring across the sky, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. The crowd marveled at the spectacle, amazed by the level of detail and realism the Flex Neuro provided.
"I can explore every inch of this world," Filmon said, his voice resonating with awe. "From the highest peaks to the deepest dungeons, there are countless quests and adventures waiting for me."
As if to prove it, he opened the menu and checked his quests, clicking on the first one available.
He embarked on a grand quest, racing through lush forests filled with mystical creatures, climbing treacherous mountains, and diving into crystal-clear lakes. The Flex Neuro allowed him to feel every sensation as if he were truly there— the wind against his face, the crunch of leaves under his feet, and the adrenaline rush as he faced formidable foes.
"I am not just a passive observer in this world," Filmon explained. "I am an active participant, shaping the outcome of every quest, every encounter."
The crowd watched in amazement as he engaged in epic battles against towering dragons, their roars echoing through the virtual arena. He swung his glowing sword with skill and finesse, using precise hand motions to command his actions in the game.
Filmon's journey through Etheria was not just about combat; he also delved into intricate puzzles and solved riddles to unlock hidden treasures. The crowd followed along, captivated by the challenges he faced and the ingenious solutions he devised.
But the most astonishing part was yet to come. Filmon reached a massive ancient castle, its walls stretching high into the sky. "Behold, the Castle of Enigma! My current quest objective!" he proclaimed.
Filmon invited members of the audience to join him in the adventure this time. Several brave volunteers stepped forward, putting on their loaned Flex Neuro headsets, and in an instant, they were transported into Etheria as well, their preset avatars appearing beside Filmon's.
"Now, my fellow adventurers, let us conquer this castle together!" Filmon called out, his voice a rallying cry.
The virtual siege of the Castle of Enigma began, as Filmon and the audience avatars strategized, coordinated, and fought side by side. They encountered elaborate traps and encountered powerful adversaries that required teamwork and ingenuity to overcome.
As the battle raged on, the crowd inside the real-world was swept up in the intensity of the virtual conflict. They cheered, shouted, and gasped as they witnessed their avatars' bravery and victories.
Time seemed to fly as the adrenaline-fueled journey through Etheria continued. The audience was fully immersed, their senses deeply engaged, and their hearts pounding in excitement. Filmon's dream of creating a virtual experience that transcended reality was coming true, and the world was witnessing its birth.
Finally, after an epic final showdown, Filmon and the adventurers emerged victorious, basking in the glory of their triumph. The applause that followed shook the very foundations of the arena, and Filmon felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
"Thank you, my brave companions!" Filmon addressed the volunteers, their avatars still standing beside him. "Together, we have shown the true power of The Flex Neuro—a tool that connects people and allows them to experience the extraordinary."
The crowd erupted into a standing ovation, their appreciation and admiration pouring forth. Filmon's eyes gleamed with pride and gratitude as he removed the Flex Neuro headset once more, returning to his real-world self.
"All this can be in your hands as well everyone! The headset is 500 eurobucks alone, 800 with a set of three 500 terabyte dataset chips, and to access the different worlds already made and uploaded, it will be 14.99 eurobucks a month! Feel free to order them from our website and check out Horizon's other services on . Thank you!"
The applause resumed, louder than ever, as the crowd cheered and expressed their excitement at the accessible pricing for such groundbreaking technology. Filmon soaked in the atmosphere, a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction coursing through him. He knew that The Flex Neuro would revolutionize the gaming and entertainment industry, but witnessing the enthusiasm of the crowd reaffirmed his belief.
As the crowd began to disperse, eager to order their own Flex Neuro headsets and embark on their virtual adventures, Filmon took a moment to chat with some of the attendees as he left. He was met with a flood of questions, compliments, and expressions of gratitude for bringing this innovative technology into their lives.
One particularly enthusiastic fan approached Filmon, a young woman with bright neon hair and cybernetic tattoos adorning her arms. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I can't believe I'll finally get to experience all those fantastic worlds!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy. "Thank you so much, Mr. Filmon!"
Filmon smiled warmly at her. "You're very welcome! The joy of sharing this experience with people like you is what motivates me the most. I hope The Flex Neuro will bring you countless adventures and unforgettable memories."
"I'm sure it will!" she replied, her excitement unabated. "And hey, if you ever need a companion in Etheria, just let me know. I'd love to team up!"
Filmon chuckled. "That sounds like a fantastic idea! I'll make sure to keep an eye out for your avatar in the world of Etheria. And perhaps you can join me in Horizon city for a race or two!" With those words Filmon made his way through reporters, fans, and hundreds of people all wanting to grab and ask him questions.
Jumping into the back of his Excalibur he let out a breath, loosening the tie.
"Hmm, not one to give credit huh?" He heard Vix say with a twinge of annoyance in her voice.
"C'mon, it wouldn't have been the same if I gave too much credit to other people, trust me those guys are about to become game addicted for a little while..." Filmon said as he checked the website, in just 15 minutes they'd quintupled their orders from before, and his eyes shined at the completed sign on one of the world quest objectives.
/World Quest/
Corpo
Difficulty: A
Objective 1: Build your corporation in the world of Cyberpunk.(Completed)
Objective 2: Make your corporation the top 3 or better in the world.
Objective 3: Make One Billion Eurodollars with your corporation.
Bonus Objective: Become the number one corporation in the world.
Bonus Objective 2: Takeover a major area(Badlands, Night City, etc.) and make it your territory for your corporation.
Bonus Objective 3: Start the 5th Corporate War and come out on top.
Penalty: Loss of The Game. System Reboot
Reward: ?
'Hm? The penalty changed...' Filmon thought as he furrowed his brows.
"Still could have given a bit of credit though, I spent a lot of my time on that shit," Vix said with a scowl.
"I mean, I made the worlds, you just did all the coding and hard stuff," Filmon teased as they flew through the air, courtesy of Tobias driving.
"It was an absolutely brilliant performance boss! I can't believe you've gone from a local infotech firm, to the next megacorp with just one invention, maybe we should stop funding all the other branches and start pouring all the funds into The Ghost division haha!"
Filmon was glad to see his friend in high spirits, and he was feeling spirited as well.
That is, until the call showed up in front of him.
He immediately frowned, answering the call.
"What is it?" He asked coldly as the sensual voice of Maya played in his ear.
"In front of Horizon Headquarters in ten minutes, leave your kids in the car," Maya said before hanging up, leaving Filmon to clutch the seats in anger.
...
Filmon hopped out of Excalibur, anger evident in his eyes as he saw the red head leaning against the Horizon building nonchalantly.
"Ah! You're finally here~ Great performance on T.V by the way, I'm glad your little business is finally paying off-"
Filmon grabbed Maya by the throat, pressing her against the building as he unsheathed one of the mantis blades, pressing it lightly against her chest. "What could you possibly want bitch?" He growled, controlling himself enough to not kill her right here.
Maya frowned, staring into his eyes fearlessly. "I'd be more cautious about your threatening demeanor, I have 40 different Arasaka guards stationed all around the area aimed right at you..." Maya said as Filmon noticed a few red dots dancing around his body.
He hesitated before letting the woman go, sheathing The Mantis Blades as he looked at her with hate.
"Ah~ That glare, it's too much!" Maya moaned out, stuffing her hand under her skirt and looking at Filmon with a blush.
"Quit messing around and get out of here..."
Maya rolled her eyes, stepping past Filmon. "I only came to congratulate you on your quick success, now you can finally get started right?" Maya asked, a twinkle in her eyes.
"Get started with what?"
She grinned. "Destroying Arasaka of course..."
"..."
The two stood there silently, their eyes locked on each other for a bit before she walked off silently.
"Hah..." Filmon exhaled, the red dots on his body disappearing as Maya disappeared as well.
"Yeah I guess you're right. Pretty soon..." He muttered as he looked up at the sky over to where the Arasaka building stood tall. "I'll destroy Arasaka from the roots."
***
Filmon stood inside of his bar, watching the chaos ensure as Rebecca, a member of Maine's crew, and her brother Pilar, fought in the middle of the floor, the rest of the club members yelling in satisfaction.
"Quite the rowdy bunch huh? I'm surprised you finally showed up on a day where they're all around... It usually only happens after a mission," Tobias said awkwardly as he served drinks, glancing between his boss and the rowdy customers.
"That Lucy girl isn't here, so I guess there's no point in talking to any of them..." Filmon muttered as he downed his drink and headed toward the door.
"Hey!" A voice yelled as he stopped, feeling as if he had bumped into something. Looking down, he saw the woman, Rebecca, looking up at him with a curious expression.
"Holy shit is this the guy?!" Pilar asked, his hands grabbing Filmon's cheeks, squeezing them and analyzing every detail of his face.
"Uh... I'd appreciate it if you let me go dude," Filmon said, and Pilar quickly released him.
"Mr. Filmon!" The man yelled, "Thank you for the Flex Neuro! it is my only escape from my hellish home life. The truth is, I'm in an abusive relationship, she beats me and verbally abuses-" Pilar shut up as he got hit in the chin by a small pistol, which Rebecca had slammed into him.
"If anyone's Homelife is hell it's mine, what girl wants to live with her brother? We even work together, please Mr. Filmon, I'm actually looking for some work on the side!" Rebecca said as Filmon groaned.
It was clear the siblings were just messing around, and Filmon wasn't really in the mood.
Filmon rubbed his temples, trying to process the chaotic encounter. "Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm for The Flex Neuro and all, but this isn't the right time or place for this discussion," he said with a hint of exhaustion in his voice. Trying his best to let them down lightly.
Rebecca and Pilar exchanged glances, probably realizing they might have come on too strong. "We're serious though!" Rebecca yelled, "My brother was just excited to finally meet you in person, but we do actually need some extra cash soon..."
"Yeah, we've heard a lot about you... And the cash thing," Pilar added, scratching the back of his head.
Filmon sighed, deciding to give them a chance. "Alright, let's talk, but not here. We can talk upstairs... Tobias, hold down the fort."
Tobias nodded, used to handling situations like this, and Filmon led Rebecca and Pilar up a narrow staircase to a small, dimly lit office overlooking the bar. The sounds of revelry below were somewhat muffled, and Filmon took a seat behind his dusty desk, gesturing for them to sit as well.
Rebecca and Pilar sat down, looking eager but also a bit nervous. "So, what can I do for you two?" Filmon asked, his tone more friendly now that they were away from the rowdy crowd.
"We've been running with Maine's crew for a while now," Rebecca began, "but things have been getting tougher out there in Night City. We could use some extra work, something that pays well enough to pay the rent this next month, Maine doesn't know when the next job is so having a guaranteed source to pay for our rent would be nice."
Pilar nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're good at what we do, and we're not afraid to take risks, you know?" The man said with a wide smile.
Filmon leaned back in his chair, considering their request. He had researched most of Maine's, a group of edgerunners known for taking on some of the hardest requests. They could possibly be good assets to have around him in the long run.
"I might have some jobs for you," Filmon said, studying their reactions. "But I need to know that you're reliable, that you can handle the tasks I assign you."
Rebecca grinned confidently. "You won't be disappointed, Mr. Filmon. We're up for anything," She said, visibly cringing at the word sir.
Filmon nodded. "Alright, here's the deal. I'll give you two a trial run, a small job to see how you handle it. If things go well, we can discuss more profitable opportunities in the future that can make you more than comfortable in between your jobs with Maine."
The siblings exchanged excited glances. "Deal!" Pilar exclaimed, and Rebecca nodded enthusiastically.
"Good. Tobias will give you the details of the job," Filmon said, standing up. "And remember, this is your chance to prove yourselves. Make it count."
They thanked him and left the office with a spring in their steps. Filmon couldn't help but feel a sense of hope as he watched them go. As far as he had seen so far in person, Lucy was the only one he could find reliable in their crew, though he hadn't met everyone yet.
As he returned to the bar, the rowdiness had died down, and the crowd had settled into a more relaxed atmosphere. Maine and the rest of his crew were seated at a corner booth, chatting and laughing among themselves.
Filmon approached their table, and Maine looked up, a sly smile playing on his lips as his arm was around a bulky blonde. "So, did you survive the encounter with those two?"
Filmon chuckled. "Barely, but they seem eager to take on some work. I thought I'd give them a chance."
Maine's smile widened. "They'll surprise you, trust me. Those two are more resourceful than they look."
Filmon nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. "I hope so. Anyway, thanks for coming tonight. It's always a pleasure to have you and your crew here."
"This is the cheapest club in night city, plus Tobias gives us free drinks for an hour," Maine replied as he downed a glass. "I don't think you've met everyone yet huh... This is Dorio," He gestured to the woman wrapped in his arm.
"Sup," She said simply as she continued drinking.
"Lucy isn't here, you met Rebecca and Pilar, this is Kiwi, and this is David, he's the newbie you saw last time we spoke..."
Filmon greeted Kiwi and turned to David for a handshake before something made him freeze.
Quest Objective Present. Steal [Sandevistan: Warp Dancer] from David Martinez?
[Yes] [No]