Dreadknights by Tony Breeden

Author:Tony Breeden
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: ogre books, sword sorcery adventure, gamer fantasy, virtual reality fantasy

17 – Level Up

In the hours leading up to the interview Christine’s excitement slowly but surely transformed itself into paralyzing fear. All she could think about were the zillion ways she could screw it up. In front of billions of people. Level Up was one of the universe’s most popular game commentary shows. It was the type of high-level exposure that could make or break a player… something Trollbogies had been drilling into her head for the past twenty minutes as they waited in the Dreadknights’ virtual guild hall. Christine was still considered a minor at seventeen, so she had to be accompanied by either her mother or her guildmaster during official GameComm-related interviews.

“Before we get in there, you should know that getting an interview with Eddie Mondo is like having a dragon by the tail,” Trollbogies warned. “It can be a fun ride, but he’s been known to get hungry. He may act like a maniac, but he’s as shrewd as they come. Don’t let him get the scent of blood.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means that Eddie is a genius, but he has a nose for drama.” She smiled. “You know what? I’m probably just being a paranoid old woman. Just follow my lead and have fun, OK?”

Christine nodded.

At long last, the scene changed and they found themselves on the set of Level Up. The familiar faces of Eddie Mondo and Circe Maximus appeared at the other end of a short table. The wall behind them displayed the show’s familiar set design.

“OK, so, hi, I’m Eddie Mondo,” Eddie said, shaking her hand. Eddie was one of those game commentators who played a character, which was a pretty good strategy if you wanted to be able to do interviews within the game itself. GameComm wouldn’t let you do that sort of thing in realworld clothes, but a froggish hobgoblyn like Eddie was always welcome. Circe Maximum was also in character, dressed in her scandalous gladiator-slash-magus outfit. Professionally speaking, Christine didn’t find her outfit to be all that practical for combat.

“Ogress Bloodskull,” she replied. “I’m a big fan of the show.”

“Oh, I just love her,” Eddie said. “Not what I expected at all from your livecasts. This… this is even better. Tell me you’re wearing ruby slippers. You are, aren’t you? In your heart I mean.”

Christine raised an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s probably best not to. Master Trollbogies,” her guildmaster said as she took Eddie’s hand in turn.

“Oh please,” Eddie said. “Don’t act like we’re not old friends, Olivia. How’ve you been lately? Still in remission I hope.”

Trollbogies smiled tightly. “That’s off the record, Eddie, but yes. Speaking of which, I need to remind you, legally speaking, that Christine is a minor, so her personal life is also off-limits.”

“Ouch!” Eddie said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

“He’s teasing you,” Circe said. “Can we try to be professionals today, Eddie?”

“What? We’re old friends? Are you all formal and professional with your friends?” He scoffed and placed his hand to his mouth, adding in a conspiratorial whisper, “She’s actually much cooler off the clock.

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