Dream Walker by Shannan Sinclair Read Free Book Online Page A

to Raze.
    Hell yes, it was a yes. They toasted to the agreement, with the world literally at Raze’s feet.
    He moved into the apartment directly from the hotel and, after signing a four-foot stack of contracts and non-disclosure agreements, began work within the week. Work consisted of testing the company’s new gaming system and playing all the new games that were in development. The system employed virtual reality technology, using a full-screen visor, a game controller that was integrated into a pair of gloves and other attaching accessories. When playing a fantasy game, there was a shield and a sword that worked in sync with the gloves. If it was a combat simulator, an automatic weapon or handgun controller could be used. The use of real tools and being visually immersed in the game through the visor interface definitely enhanced the experience.
    Raze whizzed through every game they had developed. He found their plot holes and operational glitches. He offered suggestions for improvement about everything from scenarios and characters to tools and objectives. After a few months of this, Grant called him into his office.
    “We would like to offer you a promotion.”
    “So soon?” Raze was a little dumbfounded. He knew he was good, but really?
    “It was what we were hoping for all along. We saw something special in you, and these past months have been...well, consider it a test. Not only were you playing our games, but also our games were analyzing you. How your mind works and what other potential you may have. You have demonstrated some unique abilities and we would like to continue to develop these abilities in a completely new arena. It is an extremely challenging program—few make it through it. But it comes with a significant pay and benefit increase. If you agree, you must complete a rigorous training program and sign an exclusive lifetime contract with us.”
    Raze didn’t even care about the money. He was already making more than he knew what to do with at 18. And he didn’t care about the extra-curricular benefits too much either. No, Raze was intrigued that there was something even more challenging that he could do.
    “Absolutely. Absolutely I’ll do it,” he agreed, although he had no idea what “it” was, or how radically his life would change. And boy, how had life changed. Once he became privy to the truth, there was no turning back.
    Raze laughed now as made his way into the antechamber and sat down in one of the armchairs. This was a completely different reality: the real , real world. And he hoped that after today’s debacle he could maintain what he’d worked so hard for and retain his right to stay here. He would need to convince the Infiniti 8 that what had happened today in Demesne could not have been foreseen, that the project was not a failure, and that he was still the operative who could see the project through to completion.
    The massive steel doors to the boardroom silently slid open and Grant Parker appeared.
    “The 8 will see you now,” he said, as he gestured Raze into the Inner Sanctum.
    Raze followed Grant through the entry, a little surprised it was he escorting Raze into this meeting. Although Grant had been the one assigned to recruit Raze into this business, “The Opportunity” as Grant had called it, his mentorship had only lasted so long.
    They walked down the corridor toward another set of steel doors.
    “I’m surprised to see you here,” Raze said, stating the obvious to break the silence.
    “I was giving The 8 a briefing on a possible new recruit I have my eyes on,” Grant replied. “An amazingly gifted young man. He may even surpass your skills, Raziel.”
    “Doubtful. But that would be refreshing. It is a little draining doing all the heavy lifting around here by myself.”
    “You say that now, Raze, but when one comes along that outshines your star, you may change your tune.”
    “Are you speaking for yourself?”
    Grant stopped and turned to him. “No.