Page 5 of Immersed
“The one and only.”Jasper grinned, offering the bag of trail mix.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, dude. The forest getting to you already?”
Before Levi could respond, two more figures appeared behind Jasper. One wore glasses and a t-shirt that looked lived-in, while theother moved with casual confidence, wearing what looked like expensive new outdoor gear.
“Did you find him?”The one in glasses adjusted his backpack nervously.“We need to get back to camp before dark. I read that this areahassome of the highest rates of—”
“Jesus, Owen, give it a rest.”The well-dressed one cut him off with an eye roll.“My family’s owned this mountain for generations. Nobody’s getting lost on my watch.”
Levi’s mind reeled. These characters knew him. They were treating him like he belonged here, like he’d come camping with them. The immersion was beyond anything he’d imagined possible.
This is astounding.They’re acting like real people.
“Sorry,”he said louder, finding his voice.“I just needed some air.”
Jasper laughed, a warm sound that seemed to bounce off the trees.“Air? We’re in the middle of a forest, man. That’s like, all there is.”
“You know what I mean.”Levi glanced down at his clothes—the same jeans and hoodiehe’dbeen wearing in his apartment. Even the small coffee stain on his sleevewasreproduced.Because even in virtual reality, I can’t escape my poor life choices.“Just... taking it all in.”
The well-dressed one, Elliot, if he remembered the NPC guide correctly, looked him up and down with mild disdain.“You could have borrowed something more appropriate, but I suppose what you have will do.”
“Come on,”Owen urged, checking his watch.“The others are waiting, and it’s going to be dark soon.”
They led Levi through the forest, following what appeared to be a well-worn trail. Owen rattled off a steady stream of facts about local wildlife, while Jasper occasionally pointed out cloud formations with the enthusiasm of someone discovering them for the first time.
The AI programmingwasflawless. Each character moved with natural fluidity, their personalities distinct and engaging. Levi found himself responding to their conversation almost automatically, drawn into the reality they presented
They crested a small hill, and their campsite came into view. Three tents formed a triangle around a stone-ringed fire pit where a tall, athletic figurewasarranging kindling.
“Finally!”The muscular guy called out, standing and dusting off his hands.“Iwasstarting to wonder ifyou’ddecidedto sleep under the stars.”
A woman with practical hiking boots and a sensible ponytail looked up from organizing supplies near one of the tents.“I told you theywerefine,”she said, offering Levi a reassuring smile.“Though youhadus a little worried when you wandered off like that.”
“Levi!”A flash of bright purple and pink hair bounded toward him and, without warning, she threw her arms around his neck in an enthusiastic hug.“Timing! I just broke out the good stuff.”She pulled back with a mischievous grin, producing a small flask from her jacket.“Who wants the first sip?”
The scent of her perfume lingered in the air, floral with hints of vanilla and spice.
“You okay?”The practical woman, Zoe, asked, studying his face with gentle concern.“You look a little overwhelmed.”
“I’m fine,”Levi managed, still marveling at the naturalness of their interactions.“Just... processing everything.”
At least the AI gave me friends.In real life,I’dbe the guy hearing about the trip after it was over.
The athletic guy clapped his hands together.“Well, stop processing and start helping. We need firewood before it gets dark, and I’m notstumbling around these woods with a flashlight when the fire gets low.”
As the group dispersed to their various tasks, Levi hung back, watching them move around the campsite with comfortable ease. They all knew each other. They all knew him. The gamecreateda complete social world and dropped him seamlessly into the middle of it.
“This is beyond astounding,”he whispered to the stream.“It’s like I’m actually here with real people.”
He patted his pockets absently, then paused. No phone. No wallet. Just his clothes and whatever backstory with these people the gamehadassignedhim.
“Levi! You coming or what?”Jasper called from the edge of the clearing.“We need that firewood before it gets dark, man.”
Levi looked up from his contemplation, then froze. Behind Jasper, partially obscured by the thick trunk of a pine tree, a tall figure stood motionless in the shadows. Someonewaswatching them, his posture unnaturally still with his head tilted as if listening to their conversation.
A chill crept down Levi’s spine. His pulse quickened, some primitive part of his brain recognizing a predator’s patience. The figurewastoo far away to make out clearly, but something about his silhouette felt wrong.
“Jasper,”Levi’s voice cracked.“Who’s that behind you?”
Jasper turned, following his gaze.“Who’s what now?”
