Alchemies

Chapter 1: Immortal Cultivation

A young man got off the train in Oakleaf. 'Wow!' he looked at the surrounding train stations and was surprised at how sparkling and expensive the station was. Her black hair, white skin, and childlike face made her look very naive and simple-minded.

He followed several signs to get out of the train station and finally saw the city of Oakleaf in full splendor. He stopped his steps in amazement at how big the buildings were, how many vehicles were on the road, and how neat everyone looked.

"So, which way is Oakleaf University going?" He wondered as he pulled out his cheap-looking phone and began searching for a map.

After knowing the clues, he started walking. He carried the suitcase he had carried throughout the city. Throughout the city, he would see giant billboards and posters promoting one thing, making him wonder what was Immortal Cultivation?.

Maybe I can see what a cinema in a big city is like.” His rural village also has a cinema, but the screen is small, so he usually prefers to watch movies with his family.

He finally arrives at the university and asks some people to find a way to dorm A. He walked to the registration table and took the keys to his room.

His room was numbered 205, so he got into the elevator and got up. When he got out of the elevator, he got a phone call. He looked at the caller and realized his mother was calling him. He took the call.

"lex? You where? Have you arrived at the university?" a worried voice sounded from the other side of the phone.

"Yes mother. Right now I'm in the dorm, find my new room." replied Alex.

"Oh good, good. Here, your father wants to talk to you."

"Hi son, how are you? Is the train ride okay? You're not uncomfortable, are you?" His father asked him in a worried voice.

"No, Dad. Was fine. In fact, it's amazing. I never thought the train would go that fast" Alex said.

“Haha,” his father laughed from behind the phone, “That's what you get if you live your whole life on the farm. We shouldn't have sent you home either. Fortunately, you will get a new experience now. ."

"It's okay, Dad. The school is in town. It would be hard for Dad to drive me there regularly on a 2-hour trip" Alex said.

"alright. Remember what I told you okay. Don't be friends with bad people. In a big city there are many different people. Learn to find out which people are good and which are not. You should be old enough to know what to do and what not to do. Oh yeah, and just because you're 18 and you can, don't go to that stupid club, I hear it's just a waste of money."

Alex smiled slightly and replied, "I understand, Dad. Oh, I'm in front of the room now. I'll call you guys later, see you."

"Alright, then I'll end the call. Oh, true! Call Hannah and tell her you've arrived." "See you soon" said his father and mother simultaneously and ended the call.

Alex walks into Room 205 and opens the door using his key. When he opened the room, he was shocked.

He did not expect that there was already someone staying in the room. Inside were 3 youths. 2 of them were waking up and talking, while one seemed to be sleeping. Room has 2 bunk beds and 4 cabinets. Besides, Alex couldn't see anything there.

"Hello, are you guys staying in this room too?" he asked while walking in.

"Yes, are you our new roommate?" one of the people asked.

"Ah yes" said Alex, pointing out the key number 205. "Hello, my name is Alex Benton." He said as he walked in.

"Oh, hi. My name is Eric and this is Matt" said Eric introducing himself and others.

"You just arrived, right? So, I assume you haven't eaten anything. It's almost 3pm. Why don't you freshen up and we can have lunch in the cafeteria."

Alex nodded and changed into his usual shirt and pants. He went to the bathroom in the room and cleaned himself. When he came out, the third person was already awake.

“I'm sure you can do it next time. Just buy a pill if you can't.”

"I know, but it takes money. And I don't play around to make money."

"Then, you should hope that you can make a breakthrough next time."

The man finally saw Alex. "Hey, are you new? Hi, I'm Logan. What's up?"

"Hello, my name is Alex" he replied. After that, they all went to the cafeteria to buy food. The three started talking about the same thing they were talking about in the room and it left Alex confused. He doesn't know the context.

"What are you talking about?" She asked.

“Eternal Cultivation,” replied Matt.

“Oh, his new movie? I saw the poster on the street.” Alex said with a face full of understanding.

Matt, Eric, and Logan looked at him with puzzled gazes. Logan then said, "This is not a movie. This is the best VR game ever. Don't you know it?" She asked.

"VR games? I didn't know it. I just heard his name today" Alex said.

"It's been out for a month and it's already the most played game of all time. Why haven't you heard of it?" Matt's surprised.

“Oh, that's probably because there are no billboards and posters near the farm. And I can't access the internet because I have to help my father work.” Alex said.

“Well, you can play now. You really have to experience it.” said Eric.

"Is that so? but I don't have a VR helmet or the money to buy one" Alex said.

"Don't worry about it, Eric's got the old one, you can use it" Matt said.

“Then, I will try it.”

Alex and the three walk back to the room and Eric hands over the old helmet he kept in the closet. Now that he saw it, 3 out of 4 beds all had VR helmets inside.

"They must have played before I came" murmured little Alex.

"Just plug it into the outlet there and you can start playing. Be sure to log out before 7 or you'll miss dinner." Saying that Matt and the others climbed into their beds and put on helmets. After that, they fell asleep.

Soon the light started to shine from inside the helmet and he finally heard something.