Chef in the Apocalypse

Jayce's consciousness traversed through the digital realm, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the heart of the beginner village. It was a quaint settlement nestled within a picturesque valley, surrounded by verdant forests and majestic mountains that reached up to touch the sky. The air carried a crisp freshness, tinged with a hint of anticipation.

The village exuded an aura of tranquility, yet it buzzed with activity. Players from all walks of life roamed the cobblestone streets, their names hovering above their heads in a luminescent white hue. The names served as a marker of their identity, allowing others to recognize them in this virtual world. Jayce observed the diverse array of players, each adorned with distinctive armors, weapons, and attire, showcasing their chosen class and individual style.

Amidst the crowd, Jayce spotted fellow adventurers with names like "AegisKnight," "LunaMage," and "ShadowArcher." They formed parties, exchanging strategies sharing their excitement of starting the game. Some gathered around the town square, their weapons sheathed, engaging in friendly sparring matches to test out the game mechanics.

NPCs, denoted by their names in a soothing green hue, mingled seamlessly with the players. They played various roles, from blacksmiths hammering away at anvils, tailors stitching elegant garments, to innkeepers welcoming weary travelers seeking respite from their quests. Their movements were meticulously programmed, yet their interactions felt surprisingly lifelike.

The architecture of the village mirrored a fusion of medieval charm and fantastical design. Timber-framed buildings with thatched roofs stood alongside towering spires, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze. The village square showcased a grand fountain at its center, its waters sparkling and dancing in the sunlight. It served as a meeting point for players to gather and share information or simply bask in the ambiance of the virtual world.

Jayce looked around, his eyes filled with wonder. It had been 10 years since he'd entered the world of Cataclysm through the VR set. He'd forgotten how beautiful and scenic it could be.

However, the next moment his eyes turned cold. Remembering the desolate and bloodthirsty world that the game had turned his own world into, awaking him from his reverie.

"It will be different this time." he said with determination, his clear blue eyes conveying his resolution.

One's level in the game had no effect on their abilities in the real world, This was a known fact throughout Jayce's previous experience. However there were rumors that a person could open up additional classes after reaching max level in the game.

This is what Jayce was aiming for.

Although three months was not a long time, he believed it was possible to reach level 100 with the Swordsman class before Cataclysm descended on Earth. After all, he had 10 years experience with its skills and abilities.

One of the reasons he was so confident was thanks to the special items listed in the game shop. Like most popular games, they sold tangible items within the game for real life money. From EXP modifiers to potions and even cosmetic items.

Jayce had mentally worked out how much he had available to spend whilst still being able to pay all of his bills for 3 months. After the fall of civilization, government endorsed currency became useless. Therefore it was nonsensical to save his money.

Opening up the Item shop in game, Jayce selected the EXP potion icon.

[Will you purchase - 2 hour EXP potion x 99?]

"Yes."

[Will you purchase - 2 hour EXP potion x 99?]

"Yes."

[Will you purchase - 2 hour EXP potion x 99?]

…

Eventually, Jayce had spent an astronomical amount of money on EXP potions. Next to his name that was floating above his head, an Icon that said "VIP15" shone gloriously.

A few passerby's looked over at him and sneered "Look at this Whale. Buying things with Daddy's credit card are we?"

Jayce looked over and blinked a few times. They were actually partly correct, considering he had used a majority of his Dad's life insurance to purchase the EXP potions. However that didn't mean he would accept the insult lying down.

He gracefully lifted his left hand and produced the middle finger and said in an even tone, "Jog on."

The group scowled and decided to ignore him, whispering insults as they walked away.

Jayce did not care, he had a mission to complete and he was on a strict schedule. Equipping a few of the EXP potions, he set off to go questing.

***

Jayce's eyes fluttered open, and as he sat up in bed, a sense of anticipation coursed through his veins. This was the fated day—the day when the cataclysm would descend upon the world. He stretched his weary limbs, feeling the strain of the past three months of constant gaming and neglecting his physical well-being.

The consequences of his intense dedication were evident in his appearance. His once wiry frame looked even more emaciated, his complexion pale and sallow. Neglecting proper nutrition and exercise had taken its toll, leaving his muscles weak and his body drained. But in his heart, he knew that his sacrifice had been necessary for his pursuit of power.

As Jayce rose from the bed, he made a mental note to reinstate his workout regime once the game descended upon the real world. It was time to rebuild his physical strength, to regain the vitality that had been sacrificed for his virtual ambitions.

After all, he would have to fight with his body in this world. If he could barely hold his sword, he would be as good as dead.

With renewed determination, Jayce strode towards the familiar sight of his gaming pod. This would be his final entry into the world of Cataclysm, the last push to reach level 100 before the apocalypse brought about irreversible changes.

Entering the pod, he closed his eyes and prepared himself for the immersion. The familiar hum of the technology enveloped him, and as he opened his eyes in the virtual world, he felt a surge of excitement. This was his moment, his chance to seize the power he sought.

Honestly, he wasn't even sure that he would receive an additional class option if he reached level 100. But there was nothing he could do now, having put all of his eggs in this one basket.