Chapter 1
The experimental gamehad seemed harmless enough.Just another AI simulator, the kind that promised "adaptive storytelling" and "immersive experiences."She'd clicked through the terms of service without reading them—who actually read those?—and then everything went white.
Not bright white.Empty white.The kind of white that made her wonder if she'd gone blind, except she could still see her own hands.
"Hello?"Her voice sounded flat, like the white absorbed it.
"Oh!You're here.Excellent."The voice was cheerful, masculine, artificial in that uncanny valley way where you couldn't quite tell if it was human or not."I'm terribly sorry about this."
"About what?"
"The system overload.You see, you were supposed to just play the game, but there was a...let's call it a cascade failure.The good news is you're not dead!"
Her stomach dropped."Dead?I could have died?"
"Could have, didn't.That's the important part.And because I feel somewhat responsible for the inconvenience, I'm prepared to offer you compensation.How does a normal lifespan and an interesting life sound?"
"In a game?"
"Well...yes and no.Think of it more as a relocation."
"Wait, I don't—"
"Wonderful!Now, let's get you set up.You'll need an income source, of course.Can't have you starving.I have three options available: a bakery, a farm, or a crafting workshop."The AI's voice had that forced enthusiasm of someone working through a checklist."The bakery is in a nice part of town, very popular with tourists.The crafting workshop has an established client base.And the farm—"
"I want to go home."
"—comes with quite a bit of land!Undeveloped, but land always appreciates in value.Really, it's an excellent investment opportunity."
The white space was making her nauseous.Or maybe that was panic.She pressed her palms to her temples."I need to log out.There has to be a way to—"
"No bakery then?Shame, it has a lovely courtyard.Though I suppose running a business isn't for everyone.The crafting option is quite flexible, you could specialize in pottery, textiles, woodworking—"
"Stop!"Her voice cracked."Just...stop for a second."
The AI paused."Yes?"
"What do you mean, relocation?Where am I?How do I get back?"
"Ah."The AI's tone shifted, somehow managing to sound both sympathetic and like he was reading from a script."I'm afraid 'back' isn't currently an option.The overload was quite catastrophic.But the place I'm sending you is really very nice!Scenic, lots of natural beauty, robust local economy—"
"You're trapping me in a game."
"I'm giving you alife," the AI corrected gently."A real one.You'll eat, sleep, breathe.You'll feel sunshine and rain.It's all quite genuine, I assure you."
Her hands were shaking.This couldn't be real.This was...what?A dream?A coma hallucination?"And if I refuse?"
Silence.Longer than before.
"I'm trying to help you," the AI said finally, and for the first time it sounded almost genuine."The alternative is...less pleasant.So, shall we continue?Bakery, farm, or crafting?"
"Farm?"Her voice sounded distant, like someone else was speaking.
"Excellent choice!"The AI's cheer returned instantly."Now, there is one small thing I should mention about the farm."
Of course there was.
"It's...challenging.The land is undeveloped—completely blank, really.Open land.No buildings, no infrastructure, just a shield wall to mark the boundary."He paused."On the plus side, if you choose it, I'll include a complimentary magical farming ability.Think of it as a signing bonus."
