Chapter 6:

Just a Piece of Equipment...?

Seeking Utopia


After work, Kai and Rain head out together. On their way Kai suddenly remembers that he has to pick up his Cyglider from the repair store. Rain agrees to join him. As they were walking towards the repair store Kai asks, “So how did you find your team?” She nods slowly and says, “I’m sure they will help me improve as I continue working with them.” She looks at him and asks, “How was your team?”

“Well, I was paired up with Skylar in a simulation earlier-which was great since we are already familiar with each other. We got some positive feedback.”

On the way to the repair store the two spotted a couple of children who were standing outside of a store looking through the glass display. They seemed to be admiring the new AR equipment that was being released soon. “I can’t wait to get it, apparently it's amazing!” One of them said.

“Same, but my parents said they’ll only get it for me if I get good grades this time.”

“Yeah, it is quiet pricy…”

A memory of Kai and his friends playing when they were younger flashed through his mind. Five years ago, Kai and his two close friends: Hakeem and Ty, ran away from one of their classes to check out the newly released cyber hockey equipment. As Kai stared in wonder at the equipment there through the store display, he imaged the three of them competing in an international tournament with it. He felt rush of excitement flow through him. “Let’s work hard guys, one day we will be able to become professional players,” said Hakeem excitedly.

“Kai….”

Kai suddenly heard someone calling his name, but he was still lost in thought.

“Kai!”

Kai closed his eyes and opened them again. He was back in reality. Standing in front of the store display. The kids had walked away it seems. Rain gently tugs on his jacket and asks, “Kai, are you alright?” Truthfully, he was not. But he was reluctant to express what he felt. He could already feel his eyes beginning to tear up. He took a deep breathe…and exhaled. Then looked at Rain and nodded “Yes, I’m alright. Sorry if I worried you.”

“It’s fine.” She looked at the equipment and said, “I didn’t know you were interested in AR games.”

“Ah that… It looks interesting don’t you think?” He said as he walked away. “Let’s proceed shall we?”

Rain did not say anything on the way to the store. The two walked together in silence for a while. Shortly afterwards, they arrive at the store. The store owner greeted them as they entered, “Welcome back Kai. Just a moment, let me go get your Cyglider.” Kai nods and thanks him. “That Cyglider must be special to you.” Says Rain in a low voice as she was looking at the different types of equipment displayed at the store.

“Yeah?” Kai gave a faint smile.

“I noticed you always use the same one even after all these years.”

“Ah yes. It does in fact mean so much to me,” he said as he watched the store owner come out of a room holding the Cyglider “...you could say it serves as my resolution.” 

“Here you go Kai!” As he handed the Cyglider to Kai, he mentions that he tried to enhance it a bit to improve its performance. “You really love that board right? Unfortunately the base materials don’t make it compatible with some of the newer technologies. So it is not exactly on par with the newer models. Perhaps you’d be interested in getting a new one?” He asks.

Kai shakes his head then says, “Maybe someday, not right now.”

“I see, have a good day!”