Virtual Reality : Dystopian Tales Online

005 | Disboard and Guild Masters

Disboard is a kind of social media and a chatting site made for the purpose of group gaming or other unrelated topics. It's not connected and independent from the DTO, though the company created a private group for VR players. Each of them has their accounts connected to this site, so whenever there are announcements, the players can read them without logging in to the game.

Aside from the game players, Disboard is already considered one of the most used and trusted social media applications globally due to its diversified features and excellent privacy security protection. Disboard is the only social media site that has been registered with a total score of ten in Interstellar Network.

The Interstellar Network, often shortened as the Star Net, is the future's version of the Internet. The database that is often used for long-distance communication and other necessities has been expanded to the point where objects can be sent virtually. An example of this would be the food streaming platforms where the viewers could taste the food through holographic presentations. 

To be registered in the Interstellar Network, the application must be able to pass the requirements handed down by the federation. This is to ensure that no one will a***e their rights and freedom to hurt someone. Celebrities and idols in this generation are somewhat carefree since a***e from black fans rarely happens. 

Disboard is one of the pioneering software applications that the public has utilized. Disboard is only a chatting platform used by school institutions for class meetings and inter-school activities in its early years. Later on, the application is opened to the public with some additional features to fit the masses. The current Disboard application caters to group voice calls, live video chatting, game streaming, poll for surveys, and media activities. 

"Disboard, huh? Let me check on it."

Leon pressed a button on his wrist bracelet. A holographic screen appeared, showing an interface of a virtual phone. This is the Smart Supercomputer that has been resized for the commodity of people. It comes in many forms.

Students and people below the third level of consent must carry bracelet supercomputers that public monitors can quickly scan. This is to track the underage group and to protect them in the case of an emergency. Of course, this comes with the approval of the parents. 

The supercomputer identified Leon through an eye scan that welcomed him to use the device. Leon motioned the cursor through his mind that the supercomputer immediately deciphered. A familiar icon of an application appeared on the screen to which the computer immediately opened. 

As to how Leon could command the supercomputer, this can be traced back to his birth. No, not only him but all the people born after the Interstellar Age. Once a child is born, a microchip will be inserted into their brains to serve as their supercomputer. This means that one person could only have one supercomputer unless stated. 

The supercomputer will analyze its host's body and monitor its daily activities. Through this, the supercomputer would be able to detect if the person is developing tumors or if the host's diet is unhealthy. It has been speculated that supercomputers could even estimate the person's life expectancy...

Anyways, as it may look like the federation is monitoring people, that is true at one point. But their access is only limited, and the data cannot be collected if the host rejects their entrance. The federation will forcefully retrieve the supercomputer if the person committed a crime or witnessed a crime that could harm others. 

The application loaded for a while, showing a few words and quotes by famous people. After refreshing, the page expanded to a window that showcased the interface of Discord. 

The whole site is in a dark grey closer to black color with clear white lines to divide sections. The logo of Disboard is on the middle topmost, while on the topmost right shows three lines symbolizing the menu for the owner's accounts. A line divided the logo and the chat boxes below it.

There are three vertical lines in the middle part. On the leftmost section placed the circular icons of the groups the owner is part of. Since Leon just logged in, he would be directly placed on the general place where the icon of DTO is highlighted. There is a red dot on it, meaning a notification is made by an admin. Under the DTO icon are his main guild, Cassaianne Guild, his main party, SORA, and others.

On the second left section, placed the sub-sections under the main general topic. Under DTO would be the VR players. This sub-section is private, so only those recognized players will be allowed to unlock this one. Regular DTO players don't have this sub-section on their accounts.

The middle section earned the most expansive place. This is where the chat happens. A circular icon will show as the owner's profile with time under it like in a common chatbox. On the chat, you can use voice recognition and chat at the same time. There are additional features placed on the chat, like emoticon placing and special characters.

The last section is where the names of the owner's friends appear. It was divided to the group in connection to the sub-sections. That is to show who is available and who is not. There are colors to represent if the owner is online or just idle. Leon's character showed a green dot. It means that he is online and will respond if you chat with him. The other colors are orange for idle, red for online but do not disturb, and grey for offline.

Leon opened the Main Guild Cassaianne, and under it would be the private sub-section for VR players under the guild. Of course, Cassaianne Guild is well known among the DTO players and VR players. Though, due to the secrecy of the experiment, the Guild Master purposely divided it into two sections. VR players can see DTO posts and join the chat but never otherwise.

There was a red dot on the VR players sub-section.

Other than the admin and the Guild Master, no one can create announcements. That is for the safety of the information and to maintain order and validity. Once an announcement is made, everyone in the group will be notified. The announcement was pinned at the top part, so it will not be covered whenever someone chats. Sometimes, the Guild Master closes the chat box option to stop players from commenting.

An icon of a pin is highlighted above the chatting section. Leon opened it, and an extended window appeared showing the recent announcements and the one that was just posted a few hours ago. It has the name of [CASSAIANNE GUILD MASTER], which means the one who posted the notice is their Guild Master known by Clover.

[CASSAIANNE GUILD MASTER]: CLOVER

ANNOUNCEMENT! Virtual Reality Players.

Yesterday marked the end of the initial phase of the experiment. The fifth-string players reached the 100th level and now allowed to participate in the Second Floor's dungeons and quests. As a celebration, everyone is encouraged to join the All-Out Party of the Cassaianne Guild. Everyone from different guilds, parties, and races is invited to this event. There will be freebies...

Leon and Shin read the announcement in fascination. When they say that the initial phase is done, a new server will be opened anytime soon for the second phase. From what they could remember ten years ago, the operators told them that the first phase of the game is to initiate an environment closer to reality but not the current reality. 

The second phase would be the opening of the real virtual world. 

"An all-out party huh," Shin commented with a grin on his face. "You think there would be beautiful ladies coming from the Thunder Beasts? Or from the Artisan's?"

"You..." Leon is just speechless for his best friend's unfortunate fate with ladies.

"It says that the other guilds are also invited. Was it announced on the general group?" Shin changed the subject.

"Oh, wait."

Leon moved on to the General Sections and clicked DTO. Under the DTO is the private sub-section of VR Players. There's also a notification pinned at the top. He clicked it open and found the same announcement.

"It looks like everyone is told," Leon confirmed it.

"It's a mystery. Who do you think decided the place of celebration? Clover announces it as if it was the Cassaianne Guild's achievement or something," Shin commented.

"You're right. This sounds like the purpose of the guild is just to help players level up..."

If that would be the reason, then it makes sense after all this time. The Guild is always accepting new players and never holds any quests or dungeon records. There are only a few high-level players because some of them left the guild to join other specified guilds. This must be the first time that the guild made an announcement of achievement.

Shin wandered his eyes down the chatbox and found it close. Though, they can clearly see the past conversation made by the players. He tugged Leon to look at the recent conversation. Leon motioned the cursor to see the start of the chat after the announcement was released. 

Their Guild Master posted with a message.

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER]: Aye, people, I am calling all people! You shouldn't miss the party ba! I will make sure to bring all the fun and prizes!

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER]: You guys are also invited @Nyanko-[THNDRBST] @Zen-[ARCN] @Yakisoba-[ARTSANS GUILD] @MelonPan-[MRLNS BOX]. Please don't be late!

"Oh, aren't they..." Leon muttered.

Shin nodded. The tagged accounts are the Guild Masters of the other large guilds. It seems that despite the clash between their groups, these guys are in a [Friends] status. It is also known to the guild members that there are times when their Guild Masters talk in private for some reason.

The other guilds will most of the time conduct some sparring sessions or exchange of notes between members. The most active guilds with be the Humanoid, Arcana, and Beast race. The Undead race's guild and the Cassaianne Guild rarely join group competitions. One reason is their nature (The Undead will take damage from direct sunlight) and the nature of their guild. 

"Our Guild has always been an idle one," Leon muttered. 

"It was Clover who is neutral," Shin shrugged his shoulders. "That guy is always out, seldom in. How would the members be able to participate if there is no consent coming from the leader?"

"Well, that true," Leon slowly nodded. "Anyways, the status of our Guild is still considered as Elite. If not, we won't be able to stand between the guild wars."

During Guild Wars, the five big guilds will undergo a PK base stealing where each guild is required to steal the enemy flag. The Cassaianne Guild has been standing on the top since the guild function has been added to the game. For some reason, nobody dares to steal flags from their Guild's base...

Un, our guild top rankers are the reason, Leon thought. 

They returned to read the continuation of the conversation, wanting to know what the other Guild Masters replied to the invitation.

[ARCN - ZEN ]: Sweetie, what's up? @Clover

[ARTSANS GUILD - YAKISOBA ] : Sure! We will come! I will not miss this opportunity! Better to prepare something great, @Clover

[MRLNS BOX - MELONPAN ]: I'm cool with it. 

[MRLNS BOX - MELONPAN ]: Also, @Yakisoba, we all know you're only coming because you want to steal their handsome and tender gentleman. 

[ARCN - ZEN ]: Haha :Snickers:

[ARTSANS GUILD - YAKISOBA ]: What's wrong with that? There are too many good people in their guild. I am going to fish 'em for real.

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ]: Is it necessary? Do we really have to go? Why in your guild, though? I wanted to object. 

"Uh-oh, Nyanko is here to complain again," Shin murmured.

Everyone knows how Nyanko complains so much in almost everything. Even the Guild Masters joked that it must be because of his "BEAST" race that made him so hot-tempered. These leaders didn't even flinch as if saying that their status is enough to withstand such power.

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: Why? T_T T^T @Nyanko

[ARTSANS GUILD - YAKISOBA ]: HAHA, it's him again. Let's see for now how @Clover will handle him.

[MRLNS BOX - MELONPAN ]: You think he can defeat @Clover? We know he can't.

[ARTSANS GUILD - YAKISOBA ]: Yes, yes, he can't. If he is the personification of the demon lord, our Clover is the immortal emperor. 

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ] : ARGGHHH! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ARE YOU GUYS ON HIS SIDE?!!!

Both Yakisoba and MelonPan flooded the chatbox with a laughing emoticon while Nyanko was able to cut through an angry emoticon. Arcana's Guild Master Zen only commented a single emoticon saying that he'll just watch where this conversation goes. Leon and Shin just snickered.

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ]: Why does it have to be in your guild? I want to propose that my guild is better. It wasn't far, unlike yours that is in the middle of the desert. 

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: Well, that's true...

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ]: See? So, how about we change the venue?

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: O--O, It's not a competition or something. Of us, I'm the one holding the last-string players.

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ]: Then? Transfer them to me. I can handle them.

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: I mean, we can actually set your guilds as the meeting place. We only have a few players anyway.

[THNDRBST - NYANKO ]: Then why in your guild? I don't remember you asking ours.

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: Well, thinking about it, isn't your guild set on a specific standard? You can only allow a few players but not all. You can change the settings of your guild, but you can't change it again, not after sixty days. And speaking of space, isn't my guild a perfect place?

Clover didn't mean to drop the bombs, but his words caused the two other guilds to give him points. Nyanko tried to fight off his claim, but Clover is right. Only he doesn't need to wait for sixty days in this setting, but he also doesn't need to clean up afterward.

[ARCN - ZEN ]: I assume you gave us rooms?

[CSSNN GUILD - CLOVER ]: Don't worry. I already got everything covered. So you guys should come, 'kay?

After sending the last message, Clover's user logged off. The Humanoid and Undead guilds keep on chatting after them, with Zen only replying a few. Nyanko also kept up with the conversation with his most hot-tempered way of talking, but the messages went smoothly. The Admin closed the chat and warned these guys when the two of them keep on spamming the messages.

"As per usual, the reason why the general chat is being closed is due to these guys. The admin must be furious," Leon commented.

"They're brave. Very brave."

Leon moved from the general chat to the guild, searching a party named [SORA]. He looked over on the right side to see the accounts that are part of this group and only found two online players. The rest are in grey; probably, they are either in school or at work. Though, the other player has its color red.

"Well... let's say goodbye for now."

Leon typed in some good morning greeting and goodbye. Then, he closed the chat window and proceeded to disconnect the internet connection. He turned the laptop off and folded down, with Shin watching him.

"A party at our guild, huh... probably the big shots will also come," Shin said.

He handed out the headphones to Leon. He accepted it and returned the object inside the tote bag with the laptop already inside. Leon stood up from the chair and pushed it in.

"Let's attend with everyone. I'm sure it will be fun."

Shin nodded. They left the scene, walking down the way towards the building.