The PARIS -- or at least, its open-source predecessor “TruTac” -- has been hailed as one of the greatest developments in the field of virtual reality technology. Using the neural input ports of the user’s CoreTech set, applications can send sensory signals directly to a person’s cerebral cortex. Hundreds of VR engineers, content developers, and network security specialists worked closely with neuroscientists and psychiatrists in order to map out the exact brain areas that need to be stimulated. The result was a true-to-life tactile experience within virtual environments.

Such was humanity’s first foray into portable 4-Dimensional entertainment.

As it turned out, however, creating the technology was comparatively easier than regulating its use. It didn’t take long before the system was acquired by law enforcement and military units as a means of virtual torture. Understandably, less desirable uses sprang up soon after.

So when top VR company Synaptix used the TruTac code for their 6th generation applications, they devised a way to ensure that sensory signals are received at normalized levels. Weak feedback is amplified, and abnormally strong feedback is reduced. The new system also allowed for dynamic response, replacing pre-recorded impulses with real-time signals generated from user activity. This gave birth to the Perception Augmentation, Regulation, and Integration System, which was quickly adopted as the de facto standard by VR developers. Because of its ubiquity, the PARIS has been baked onto the firmware of succeeding CoreTech releases. Vast, life-like, open worlds such as «ALT» finally became a possibility.

However, no piece of software is perfectly secure — even the CoreTech firmware. Sized at a little more than 200GB, it is an intricate system of interdependent modules. A good part of this code was meant to prevent hardware misuse. But with complexity comes weakness, and a single missed test path can ruin everything.

Jerry, as all other crackers, knew this. Zero-day vulnerabilities will always be their best friend. But while most other crackers were careful in exploiting weaknesses so they don't get discovered and patched up quickly, the «PUMPKIN JACK» does things differently.

***

Cube flailed wildly as he tried to escape the leaping flames, feeling their hellish singe as if they were licking his bare skin. His HP Bar showed no movement, but the pain was excruciating — and pain was an alien sensation in this world. His spear dropped, its length quickly consumed by the blaze.

"I guess there was one thing missing from your homework. Looks like the «IRON HAMMER» didn't tell you how fun it is to be burned alive!"

Shit, Cube shouted in his mind, his clenched teeth barring the scream forming at his throat. Think, think!

"Now that I have your full attention, let's get down to business, shall we?" The scepter glowed orange as Jerry slowly approached. The glee was evident in his drawl — he relished this moment.

Cube dropped to the ground and rolled. He can't feel the rough, dry earth through his avatar's armor. He can't even feel anything else. He can only feel the burning sensation that now covered his entire body.

A huge blue chunk tore away from his HP, and then another. They were followed by a sharp purple flash around his vision, signifying a critical hit. Concentrate! He fought, groaning, against the white-hot torment clouding his mind.

"I always love the carving part, don't you?" Jerry held his weapon aloft, trying to catch his wriggling opponent. He was ready for his 54th kill.

Then, Cube froze. A second later, demented laughter escaped from his lips.

The black avatar got up on its knees with a sudden jerk. It stood up slowly, unsteadily, its body still contorting in agony. But it was laughing.

"What —?" Jerry was confused at the sight. He tried to take another stab, but Cube swept it aside with a wild block.

"You're pathetic, you know that?" Cube struggled even to speak. He took one glance at his HP Bar, which was now nearly depleted. Focus... focus!  "You can't beat me, so you're cheating. You're just a good-for-nothing dog who can't do anything but cheat!"

Flames shot out again from the Viceroy's eyes. "I'll give it to you, you've got guts," annoyance crept into Jerry's voice. "But d'you think ranting can save you now? Just stay still and say goodbye!" In a burst of fire, the «PUMPKIN JACK» thrust his scepter once more. But as he did, two blazing hands shot out and caught his wrist. 

"Too sure of ourselves, aren't we?"

Cube turned and stuck his foot out, tripping his opponent and pulling him over his shoulder. Then, through gritted teeth, a skill was invoked.

«METEOR PLUNGE»!

In a blinding flash, both avatars disappeared from the landscape. The burnt earth remained, and the crackling forest fire still leapt high. Otherwise, there was a deafening silence.

A few moments later, a pinpoint of light appeared against the blue sky. It blinked, then grew brighter and brighter...