The two days off had been a true balm for Bennett's weary soul. The oppressive exhaustion that had clung to him since his clandestine encounter with Dave Smith and his brief, bewildering sojourn in the desert of Ludere Online had finally dissipated. A quiet sense of eagerness now hummed beneath his skin as he approached the Alluring Realms Gaming facility in the late evening. The familiar, low thrum of the building resonated with a comforting familiarity after the profound stillness of his apartment. The cool night air carried the faint, industrial tang from the nearby park, a stark olfactory contrast to the dry, scorching winds he vividly recalled from his time as ProlixalParagon.
His brown wristband glinted momentarily under the security scanner as he swiped it at the employee entrance. The reassuring green light pulsed, granting him access to the inner sanctum. A lighter, almost buoyant step carried him towards the time clock. The extraordinary events of his last shift remained sharply etched in his memory: the surreptitious entry into the D.I.V.E. pod, the sudden, almost spectral appearance of the CEO, and the unbelievable offer that had followed. It all felt like a dream woven from equal parts anxiety and exhilaration, yet the weighty responsibility and the tantalizing thrill of the opportunity felt undeniably, thrillingly real.
As his card registered his late arrival, Bennett's thoughts instantly soared to ProlixalParagon. The distinctive image of his Fennician avatar filled his mind's eye: the pristine white fur swirling with intricate patterns of rich black, a unique coat that had sparked his own curiosity during his brief time in Ludere Online. He wondered what awaited his nimble, digitigrade form beyond the sun-baked dunes where he had last logged out near the enigmatic Red Fox Caravan. The cryptic mention of the god Onthir and the elusive Altacian ShadowBlade known as FelineFine had particularly snagged his curiosity. He was impatient to delve deeper into this unfamiliar territory, to observe the subtle interactions between the diverse factions, and perhaps even to unearth more fragments of the lost history of Ludere Online, the tantalizing secrets that seemed to shimmer just beneath the surface of the game's meticulously crafted world.
His janitorial duties, once perceived as a monotonous hurdle to his secret gaming aspirations, now possessed a compelling duality. They remained, of course, the crucial means by which he provided for his family, the bedrock upon which Brecken's vital health benefits rested. Yet now, these same mundane tasks also offered him a unique, sanctioned portal into the very heart of Ludere Online, an unparalleled vantage point to observe the game's intricate inner workings and, most importantly, the precious opportunity to continue his clandestine gameplay and furnish his unique insights directly to the enigmatic CEO.
He made his way to the utilitarian janitorial supply closet, the gentle squeak of his cart's worn wheels a familiar cadence in the hushed hallways. As he gathered his array of cleaning implements – the sturdy mop, the industrial-strength sprays, the collection of microfiber cloths – his mind was already sketching out the architecture of his shift. Efficiency would be paramount. He would complete his designated tasks with meticulous care, ensuring he carved out ample time for his crucial "research" within the secluded confines of the seldom-used storage room. A renewed sense of purpose, a potent blend of his real-world obligations and his extraordinary secret, now propelled him. Tonight, the ordinary and the magical would once again become inextricably intertwined, and Bennett, the diligent night-shift janitor with the brown wristband, would once more shed his workaday skin to become ProlixalParagon, the curious explorer venturing into a boundless digital landscape teeming with untold possibilities and long-forgotten lore. He was well-rested, his mind sharp and focused, and a genuine, almost childlike excitement bubbled within him for the mysteries the night might unveil, both within the familiar walls of Alluring Realms and the shimmering, unpredictable world of Ludere Online.
He started with the general office spaces on the first floor. The air in the unoccupied cubicles hung still, carrying only the faint whisper of the building’s ventilation system. Bennett pushed his squeaky-wheeled cart slowly down the rows, the fluorescent lights overhead casting long, pale rectangles on the carpeted floor. He approached each desk methodically, his brown wristband brushing against the cool plastic of the monitor housings. With a practiced hand, he emptied the contents of each wastepaper basket into the large liner on his cart, noting the discarded printouts of what looked like code snippets and the occasional crumpled sketch that hinted at the digital world being built within these walls. His gaze lingered momentarily on a whiteboard covered in diagrams with labels like “Mana Flow Optimization” and “NPC Interaction Trees,” his curiosity about the inner workings of Ludere Online always present. He remembered reading on the forums about the intricacies of mana systems and the importance of believable NPC behavior.
Dust motes danced in the pale light as he meticulously wiped down each desk surface with a microfiber cloth, paying attention to the accumulated grime near keyboards and the faint sticky residue left by forgotten coffee mugs. He imagined the developers who sat at these very desks, their fingers flying across the keys, bringing the world of Ludere Online to life. He wondered if they ever thought about the person who came in after they left, quietly tidying up their creative chaos. He paused by one desk, noticing a half-eaten protein bar wrapper and an empty energy drink can – tangible evidence of the long hours and intense focus that went into crafting the game he was so eager to play. He recalled Carol’s wry comment about “gamers and energy drinks” during his orientation.
Next, he moved onto the employee break rooms, a landscape often bearing the scars of intense gaming sessions. The air here often held a faint, lingering aroma of microwaved popcorn and sugary drinks. Bennett sighed inwardly as he surveyed the scene: scattered snack wrappers, a haphazard collection of empty energy drink cans precariously balanced on a table, and the faint, sticky sheen of spilled soda on the countertops. He pulled on a pair of disposable gloves and began the task of clearing the debris, his movements efficient and thorough. As he wiped down a table, he noticed a discarded piece of scratch paper with some hastily scribbled notes: “Blightscale Naga – venom resist? Lure near water?”. His ears perked up. He recognized the creature from forum discussions – a dangerous serpent-woman hybrid lurking in sunken ruins. It was a tangible link to the world he would soon be re-entering as ProlixalParagon.
He emptied the overflowing trash cans, the weight of the discarded items a testament to the energy expended within these walls. He meticulously wiped down the microwave, grimacing slightly at the baked-on remnants of forgotten meals. The coffee maker, a frequent offender, received extra attention, its surfaces often stained with the bitter residue of countless late nights. He even ran a quick wipe over the vending machines, their brightly lit interiors offering a stark contrast to the often-dimly lit offices. As he worked, his mind kept drifting to ProlixalParagon, his white fur containing swirls and patterns of rich black. He wondered what new sights awaited him in the desert near the Red Fox Caravan. The elder of the Vermillion Troupe had mentioned family being the strongest thread among the Fennicians. He was curious to learn more about his avatar’s background and any potential connections to this nomadic group. The armorer’s warnings about wild magic and the creeping growth of the Titans Rot also lingered in his thoughts. He was eager to explore this new environment and gather more clues about the lore of Ludere Online, the secrets that seemed to be just out of reach.
He paused momentarily near the vending machines, just as he had on his previous shift. He deposited a few coins and selected a Pepsi Zero, the familiar chill of the can a small comfort. As he took a slow sip, leaning against the cool metal, he imagined ProlixalParagon under the alien sky of the desert, perhaps already trading stories with the members of the Red Fox Caravan or cautiously venturing out into the vast expanses. The thought fueled his determination to complete his cleaning duties efficiently, to earn those precious hours of secret exploration. With a final sigh of anticipation, Bennett finished his drink, crushed the can, and tossed it into the recycling bin, the mundane task marking another small step closer to his alluring realm.
As Bennett finished wiping down the last sticky table in the employee break room, the lingering scent of industrial cleaner a stark contrast to the phantom aromas of dew-kissed foliage he sometimes recalled from his brief forays into Ludere Online, he slung the damp cloth over the handle of his squeaky cleaning cart. He was just about to maneuver the cart towards the doorway, the rhythmic hum of the vending machine a familiar counterpoint to the late-night quiet of the Alluring Realms facility, when he caught snippets of a conversation from a group of beta testers huddled around one of the larger tables. Their red wristbands were clearly visible under the fluorescent lights.
He recognized the animated voice of a young woman with vibrant purple hair recounting some in-game encounter. "...and then this Altacian ShadowBlade just vanished right in front of me, near the old watermill in the Whisperwind Woods! One moment they were there, all fluid movements and those distinctive earthy colors, the next… poof! Gone. I swear, their stealth is insane," she exclaimed, gesturing with a half-eaten bag of crisps.
Bennett’s ears perked up. He remembered reading forum discussions about the elusive Altacian ShadowBlades and their mastery of stealth. He recalled his own fleeting encounter with a figure whose movements hinted at such skill during his unauthorized gameplay as ProlixalParagon, his white-furred, black-swirled Fennician Tinkerer. He subtly adjusted his grip on the cleaning cart and, feigning the need to wipe down a table that he had already cleaned thoroughly, he wheeled it slowly towards the vicinity of the testers.
A burly man with a deep voice and a red wristband chimed in, "Yeah, I had a run-in with one in the Kingdom of Draggor , near the Obsidian Peaks. Tried to pickpocket me, the nerve! Those Altaicians have a reputation, that's for sure. Always thought they were just lore fluff, but they’re a real pain," he grumbled, taking a long swig from an energy drink.
Bennett carefully wiped the already spotless tabletop, his movements slow and deliberate. He remembered the brief description he had read about the rigid, caste-based society in the Kingdom of Draggor and the tensions between the humans there and the native Altaicians. He hadn't yet ventured into Draggor as ProlixalParagon, but the testers' experiences painted a vivid picture of a world teeming with complex interactions and potential dangers.
The purple-haired tester laughed. "Serves you right! Maybe you had something shiny they liked." She then shifted the topic. "Has anyone tried out the new crafting recipes for Tinkerer gadgets? I heard there's a blueprint for a self-repairing golem that’s supposed to be amazing."
Bennett’s hand paused, the cleaning cloth momentarily still. Tinkerer gadgets? That was his chosen specialization as ProlixalParagon. He hadn't yet encountered any advanced crafting recipes beyond the most basic tools near Oakhaven. The idea of a self-repairing golem sparked his imagination. He leaned slightly closer, still pretending to meticulously clean the table’s edge, eager to hear more details.
The burly tester replied, "Nah, haven't gotten around to crafting much. Been too busy trying to level up my Armsman in Soohan. Those Mauler packs are no joke, especially since the last patch. Their aggro range seems bugged."
Soohan and Maulers? Bennett recalled reading about the Soohanan Maulers on the forums and his brief, terrifying encounter with wolves just outside Oakhaven, which underscored his need to improve his combat skills as a Tinkerer. He wondered if the testers had discovered any effective strategies for dealing with these formidable creatures.
He continued his pretense of cleaning, his mind racing with the new information he was gleaning. The testers’ casual conversation offered invaluable insights into the intricacies of Ludere Online, far more detailed and practical than the often-vague descriptions he found online. For a few more precious moments, Bennett remained by the table, the squeak of his cleaning cloth a convenient cover for his eavesdropping, his desire to fully immerse himself in the world they were discussing growing stronger with each overheard word.
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With a final, almost imperceptible nod to himself, Bennett straightened up from his feigned cleaning of the break room table. The beta testers' voices, still animated with tales of Blightscale Nagas and Altacian ShadowBlades, faded slightly as he wheeled his squeaky cart towards the exit. The information he had gleaned, though fragmented, was another piece of the puzzle that was Ludere Online, a world he was growing increasingly eager to explore beyond his clandestine logins.
He consulted the cleaning schedule Carol had provided him. He remembered that after the break rooms, his usual routine involved tackling the general office spaces on the first and second floors followed by the newly added developers offices. The thought of cleaning in the very heart of Ludere Online's creation, a space where he had even offered some unexpected insights, held a different kind of allure than the mundane tidying of desks and emptying of trash cans.
As he pushed his cart out of the break room, the rhythmic squeak of its wheels seemed to echo his internal debate. Should he proceed with the general offices as per his routine, or should he head to the developer office while the details of the beta testers' conversation were still fresh in his mind? Perhaps being in the environment where the game was actively being discussed and developed would offer further opportunities to overhear valuable information or even engage in another unexpected interaction. Frank and Sean had seemed genuinely interested in his "forum insights".
The allure of potentially gaining more knowledge about the game, coupled with his now-official access to the developer space, tipped the scales. Bennett decided to deviate slightly from his usual order. He would tackle the developer office next. Perhaps the late hour meant fewer developers would be present, allowing him to clean more thoroughly and maybe even catch a glimpse of ongoing projects or design notes.
He adjusted his grip on the cleaning cart and changed direction, heading towards the hallway that led to the "Development – Sector Gamma" area. The low hum emanating from behind those closed doors now held a sense of familiarity, no longer a completely off-limits zone. With a determined step, Bennett continued his rounds, the squeak of his cart a quiet promise of the diligent work he would perform, now with the added layer of his growing connection to the world of Ludere Online.
Bennett carefully settled into the offered chair, the warmth of the coffee mug soon seeping into his hands. Sean handed him the freshly brewed pot. “Freshly made, hopefully bug-free,” he quipped, pouring Bennett a cup.
Frank leaned forward, swirling the dark liquid in his mug. “So, Bennett, while you’re here, maybe you can offer a player’s perspective. We’re wrestling with these character backgrounds. How much should they actually do, you know?” .
Jason, still typing, interjected, “Yeah, we don’t want them to be purely cosmetic, but we also don’t want them to overshadow class or race choices.”.
Sean nodded. “Exactly. Like, if your background is ‘ex-gladiatorial slave,’ should you automatically get a bonus to combat skills, even if you’re trying to play a pacifist scholar?” .
Bennett took a sip of his coffee, considering. His mind immediately went to his own limited character creation experience as ProlixalParagon. “Well,” he began hesitantly, “from what I’ve seen on the forums, players like the idea of backgrounds adding flavor and a bit of backstory. But I think the key is to offer subtle advantages or unlock unique dialogue options rather than providing huge stat boosts that make certain backgrounds mandatory.”
Frank stroked his chin. “Subtle advantages… like what?”
“Maybe a character with a ‘street urchin’ background might have a slightly higher chance of pickpocketing or finding hidden items, while a character with a ‘noble lineage’ background could have better starting reputation with certain factions or access to specific social quests,” Bennett suggested. He recalled his own lack of any discernible background information on his ProlixalParagon character sheet.
Sean grinned. “Ooh, I like the faction reputation idea. That could tie into guilds later on too,”
Jason paused his typing, turning his chair slightly. “What about inheritable traits? That’s proving to be a real headache. How do we balance them without making certain bloodlines overpowered?” Sure backgrounds are randomly assigned for players in their first generation but you know how some of them are and the last thing we need is virtual eugenics.
Bennett thought of the buggy generational progression the beta testers had discussed in the break room. “Maybe inheritable traits could be more about unlocking potential or leaning towards certain skill sets rather than granting flat bonuses. For example, if your parents were skilled mages, your character might have a slightly higher affinity for mana or learn magic skills faster.”
He also remembered the Fennician tail patterns described in the Fennician excerpts. “Perhaps racial traits could also be ‘inherited’ visually, like the Fennician tail markings indicating social standing or connection to magic,” he added, drawing a parallel to the Fennician lore he had read.
Frank’s eyes lit up. “Visual cues for inherited traits… that’s interesting. We could tie that into character customization further.”
Sean tapped his pen against his tablet. “And what about player titles? Right now, they’re mostly just rewards for completing major questlines or reaching certain achievements. Any thoughts on making them more meaningful?”.
“Maybe titles could offer small, passive bonuses that reflect how the player earned them,” Bennett suggested. “For example, someone who earned the title ‘Dragonslayer’ might have a slight resistance to fire damage, or a player known as ‘Master Merchant’ could get better prices at vendors.”
Jason nodded thoughtfully. “That could add another layer of progression and make players feel like their accomplishments actually impact their gameplay.”
Frank leaned back, considering everything Bennett had said. “And passive skills… that’s where it all ties together, doesn’t it? Making sure these skills complement the background, inherited traits, and titles without creating overpowered builds.”.
“Maybe passive skills could unlock based on a combination of these factors,” Bennett offered. “Like, a character with a ‘scholar’ background and an inherited trait for intellectual curiosity might unlock a passive skill that grants bonus experience for discovering lore or solving puzzles.” He recalled his own focus on gathering lore as ProlixalParagon.
Sean snapped his fingers. “I like that! Interlocking systems that encourage players to build characters with a cohesive history and playstyle.”
Jason returned to his keyboard, his fingers flying across the keys again. “Alright, you’ve given us a lot to think about, Bennett. Thanks.”
Frank smiled warmly. “Yeah, seriously, thanks. You’ve got a good head for this stuff. Maybe this cleaning gig is just a stepping stone to a career in game design,” he chuckled.
Bennett felt a flush of pride. “Well, I do enjoy the game,” he admitted, taking another sip of his coffee.
“Enjoy it so much you sneak in some playtime?” Sean teased, winking.
Bennett’s heart skipped a beat, but he managed a nervous laugh. “Just reading the forums, sir. Trying to understand what the players are looking for. Counting down the days when the game is released to the rest of us to finally play.”
Frank exchanged a knowing glance with Sean, but his tone remained light. “Well, keep those ‘forum insights’ coming, Bennett. They’re actually proving quite helpful.” He gestured towards the now less cluttered office. “But duty calls, right? Don’t want to keep you from making our mess disappear.”
Bennett nodded, setting down his empty mug. “Right. Happy to help.” He stood up, a renewed sense of purpose accompanying him as he picked up his cleaning supplies. Tonight, the hum of the developers’ computers felt a little less like a barrier and a little more like the soundtrack to a world he was, in his own unexpected way, now a part of.
“Anytime, Bennett!” Frank called after him. Sean gave a wave, and Jason offered another brief nod without looking up from his work.
Stepping back into the hallway, Bennett felt a lightness in his step. The conversation had been unexpected and had given him a fascinating glimpse into the developers' current challenges. More importantly, they had listened to his input, valuing his perspective as a player, even if they didn't know the extent of his "playing."
He consulted his cleaning schedule, noting that the general office spaces on the first floor were next. As he pushed his cart along the quiet hallway, his mind drifted back to the developers' work on character backgrounds and inheritable traits. The possibilities for ProlixalParagon, his white-furred Fennician avatar, suddenly seemed even more intriguing. He wondered if the unique swirls and patterns of black in his fur could become a visual manifestation of some inheritable trait, a connection to a long-lost lineage within the game’s lore. The elder of the Vermillion Troupe, Lyra, had spoken of family being the strongest thread among the Fennicians. Perhaps delving into Fennician lore on the forums would shed more light on this.
Reaching the first of the ground-floor offices, Bennett began his routine tasks. He emptied wastepaper baskets, the discarded documents offering no tantalizing glimpses of code or game design tonight. He dusted desks and wiped down surfaces, his movements efficient as his mind remained partly occupied by the conversation he had just had and the anticipation of logging into Ludere Online later in his shift. He knew he needed to be thorough with his cleaning duties; Dave’s warning about his janitorial work suffering was still fresh in his mind.
He moved through the various offices, the silence of the late hour broken only by the soft squeak of his cleaning cart and the distant hum of the servers. He made his way to the employee break rooms on the first floor, steeling himself for the usual mess. He quickly set about tidying up, the remnants of late-night snacks and discarded energy drink cans a familiar sight. As he wiped down a table, he recalled the beta testers’ conversation he had overheard earlier, their talk of Blightscale Nagas and Altacian ShadowBlades. His own brief encounter with the desert near the Red Fox Caravan felt like a world away from the dangers they discussed in Soohan.
With the break rooms tidied, Bennett checked his watch. His shift was nearing its end, and the lure of the D.I.V.E. pod in the storage room was growing stronger. He hurried through his remaining tasks, a sense of anticipation building with each completed chore. He returned his cleaning supplies to the closet, the squeak of the cart a familiar and welcome sound signaling the near end of his cleaning duties. Making sure the coast was clear, he made his way to the quieter hallway leading to the storage room, his heart beginning to beat a little faster at the prospect of returning to Ludere Online as ProlixalParagon.
Making sure the hallway was clear of any lingering colleagues or supervisors, Bennett made his way to the quieter corridor that housed the storage room. His heart beat a little faster with each step, the image of the sleek, black D.I.V.E. pod a beacon in the otherwise mundane surroundings. He reached the door, the green light above the sensor a silent invitation. With a quick glance around, he swiped his brown wristband. The familiar click of the unlocking mechanism was a welcome sound, and he slipped inside the dimly lit storage room, the dusty air now feeling strangely familiar and welcoming.
There, amidst the forgotten equipment and discarded supplies, stood the D.I.V.E. pod, waiting. A thrill of anticipation, mixed with a touch of lingering guilt, surged through him as he approached it, ready to once again become ProlixalParagon.
As Bennett reached the D.I.V.E. pod, his hand hovered over the smooth casing near the access panel. The soft hum of the machine seemed to resonate with his own anticipation. He took a final, quick glance towards the storage room door, ensuring he was still alone. The green light above the door remained steady. He ran a hand over its smooth, cool surface before the side hissed open, revealing the invitingly contoured interior. Settling into the cushioned seat, he adjusted himself and reached for the helmet.
As the helmet clicked into place, the familiar automated voice filled his ears, "Initiating neural interface connection". The world outside dissolved as the login screen of Ludere Online materialized in his vision. Focusing his gaze, he mentally typed ProlixalParagon and then his password. The swirling vortex of colors enveloped him, followed by the sensation of weightlessness before the welcome message echoed in his mind: "Welcome to Ludere Online, ProlixalParagon. The world awaits".
