Getting A System In A Modern World - Chapter 213

Chapter 213: First Beta Testing
The days buzzed by with a flurry of activity as preparations for the first beta test intensified. As the big day approached, speculation, rumors, and countless questions filled the airwaves and online forums. The hottest topic of all was the safety of the VR Pod—specifically, whether prolonged use could have any adverse effects on the users.

To address these concerns, Silas had Kim to hold a press conference. Although he would have preferred to have Luna answer the questions directly—or even take on the task himself—he knew that wasn’t an option for obvious reasons. During the conference, Kim fielded every possible question, offering detailed explanations and reassurances about the Pod’s safety measures. But despite her efforts, the doubts and whispers continued to swirl.

Silas was certain that much of the skepticism was being stirred up by certain parties—likely those same corporate powerhouses he’d already clashed with. Yet, he couldn’t be bothered to waste time on their tactics. His attitude only shifted when an unexpected message arrived from the White House. It wasn’t anything dramatic, just a simple note wishing Kurt Technologies “good luck” with their launch.

Silas couldn’t help but scoff as he read the message. Luck? Who needs luck?

Finally, the day of the beta test arrived, and the scene outside Kurt Technologies’ headquarters was chaotic. Crowds gathered, buzzing with excitement and skepticism alike. Some people hoped that the VR game and Pod would live up to the hype, while others anticipated a letdown. But none of them would have to wait long for answers—everything would be revealed soon enough.

Despite the beta test being intended as a closed event, Silas had made a decision: the entire process would be streamed live on multiple platforms. He wanted the world to witness the results firsthand—no room for rumors or misinformation.

As the designated hour arrived, all eyes turned to their screens. Cameras focused on the beta testers as they climbed into the sleek, futuristic Pods. Silence fell over the crowd, both in front of the headquarters and online, as the countdown began.

The future was just a heartbeat away, and everyone—supporters, skeptics, and silent watchers—held their breath, waiting for the world to change.

The countdown clock on the live stream ticked down to zero, and the moment the timer hit its mark, the Pods activated with a low hum that sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered crowd. A wave of flashing lights and animated graphics filled the screens as the beta testers were pulled into the immersive world inside the VR Pod. The live feed displayed their initial reactions—wide-eyed amazement, nervous grins, and even a few gasps of disbelief as the reality around them melted away, replaced by something new and extraordinary.

As the live footage transitioned to scenes of the game world, viewers from around the globe leaned in closer, eager to catch every detail. The VR environment was a spectacle—an expansive, fantastical landscape that seemed almost too real to be computer-generated. The graphics were stunning, with a level of detail that bordered on the impossible. But beyond the visuals, what truly captured the audience’s attention was the testers’ expressions. Even though their bodies remained motionless in the Pods, their faces reflected a mix of emotions—wonder, determination, awe—as if they were actually living within a different world.

Chat windows on streaming platforms exploded with comments, the tone shifting from skepticism to curiosity, and then outright enthusiasm.

“This can’t be real, can it?”

“Look at how they react! It’s like they’re actually there!”

“If this is legit, it’s going to change everything.”

In his office, Silas watched the streams with a faint smile, arms crossed over his chest. He could feel the shift happening in real time—an entire world of viewers beginning to believe that maybe, just maybe, Kurt Technologies had created something revolutionary.

Kim, seated opposite him, turned to look out the window at the throng of reporters and spectators below. “Looks like the conference didn’t do much to ease their curiosity,” she remarked with a hint of a smile. “But this… this will make them believers.”

Silas nodded, keeping his focus on the screen. “They’ll believe soon enough. Let them doubt for a while longer. It makes the reveal all the more satisfying.”

But as the game unfolded on screen, the excitement wasn’t contained to just the spectators. The beta testers themselves were already exploring the game world, marveling at the fluidity of their movements and the seamless interaction with their environment. One of them, Marcus, looked stunned as he gazed up at the towering mountains in the distance, then down at his own hands, flexing them as if to convince himself that this world was real.

“This is… unbelievable,” Marcus muttered, his voice barely audible through the stream’s audio feed. “It feels like I’m really here.”

Silas’s expression softened slightly as he saw Marcus’s reaction. He had expected the young man to be one of the more skeptical testers, but seeing the sheer awe in Marcus’s face was satisfying in a way he hadn’t anticipated.

‘This is just the beginning,’ Silas thought.

But even as the test continued smoothly, Silas knew that not everyone would be celebrating. Behind the scenes, messages from other companies and interested parties continued to pour in—most of them disguised as offers for partnerships or interviews. Yet, beneath the politeness of their wording, the real intent was clear: they wanted a piece of Kurt Technologies, and they were growing more desperate with every passing minute.

As the hours passed, the streaming numbers only grew, viewers tuning in from every corner of the globe. News outlets were already updating their headlines, trying to capture the unprecedented buzz that had overtaken the internet. Hashtags related to the beta test trended worldwide, and even major networks began broadcasting clips of the VR world directly from the streams.

And through it all, Silas remained a silent observer, watching as his vision took shape in real time. He knew that the world outside his office had changed, even if they didn’t fully realize it yet. What they were witnessing was more than a game; it was a gateway into something more.

Finally, after several hours of gameplay, the beta testers were instructed to log out. As they emerged from the Pods, unlike what people expected, they were not exhausted but looked as energized as they were before entering the Pod.

Their faces were filled with smiles of exhilaration. Some had tears in their eyes, others looked dazed, struggling to adjust back to reality after experiencing something so vividly different.

Marcus, among the last to leave his Pod, glanced at Silas as he walked out of the testing area. His expression was hard to read—gratitude, awe, and something else mingled together. He gave a small, respectful nod before joining the other testers being escorted out of the room.

Silas nodded back, understanding the unspoken message. He could feel the energy in the air, the shift in the world’s perception as they realized just what was possible.