A Broken Game

By Chelsea Caslie and Eric Williams

Virtual reality is a fun escape for everyone... unless you're forced to participate against your will. Unfortunately, a one-hundred-year-old grudge, failed virtual reality experiences, and corrupted microchips limit the Game's ability to operate at its full potential. When the entire world thrives on augmented reality, how will it surviv

• Language: English
• Publisher: 5310 Publishing
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781990158971

Chelsea Caslie

Chelsea Caslie is an author, reader, and avid video game player who incorporated all of her passions into one project. A perfect day is when she plays video games with her dog next to her. When it comes to video games the longer and more immersive the better and you'd probably find her playing the same games as the main characters from her debut trilogy. Chelsea was born and raised in California and calls the Bay Area her home with her family and dog. The Fantasia Series is a Sci-fi and Fantasy trilogy composed of Lost in Fantasia, Fatal Reset, and A Broken Game. Please follow @chellycaz on Twitter!

Book preview

LOST IN FANTASIA (BOOK 1)

When virtual reality takes over, it’s hard to tell the difference between what's real and what's a part of a game. After Tack's partner disappears, infected by a glitch, she is forced to find answers to determine if he is dead or alive. If Tack can’t stop the glitch, she risks more than just losing her partner forever—everything she knows and loves might disappear.

FATAL RESET (BOOK 2)

Virtual reality has become the only way of life, and no one can tell the difference between what is virtual and what is real. So when a glitch began destroying Tack’s reality, she stood up to save it. Rebelling against her typical intuition and traits, Tack trusts in what she’s told. But when she is confronted with conflicting information regarding the Glitch, she is forced to choose who she trusts enough to fight with. If the only people who understand the Game aren’t giving straight answers, who can Tack trust to help her save the world?

A BROKEN GAME (BOOK 3)

Virtual reality is a fun escape for everyone… unless you’re forced to participate against your will. When the entire world thrives on augmented reality, how will it survive the destruction of the microchips that made it possible? When Tack confronts the Creator, she must determine what is real, what is a lie, and if any of it matters while she is trying to survive.

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Published by 5310 Publishing Company

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This is a work of fiction. The situations, names, characters, places, incidents, and scenes described are all imaginary. None of the characters portrayed are based on real people but were created from the imagination of the author. Any similarity to any living or dead persons, business establishments, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022–2023 by Chelsea Caslie and 5310 Publishing Company.

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A BROKEN GAME (1st Edition) - ISBNs:

Hardcover: 9781990158964

Paperback: 9781990158988

Ebook / Kindle: 9781990158971

Author: Chelsea Caslie | Editor: Alex Williams | Cover Designer: Eric Williams

The first edition of A BROKEN GAME was released in October 2023.

ADULT FICTION (with Young Adult interest, 16+)

FICTION / Science Fiction / Cyberpunk

FICTION / Fantasy / Action & Adventure

FICTION / Science Fiction / Action & Adventure

Themes explored include: Science fiction; Cyberpunk; Contemporary/Futuristic Fantasy; Love and relationships; Themes of death, grief, loss; Interior life; Identity and belonging; Science fiction: near-future; Magical realism; LitRPG: Game-related; Dystopian/utopian fiction

Virtual reality is a fun escape for everyone… unless you’re forced to participate against your will. When the entire world thrives on augmented reality, how will it survive the destruction of the microchips that made it possible? When Tack confronts the Creator, she must determine what is real, what is a lie, and if any of it matters while she is trying to survive.

To my son, Oliver. May your life be filled with adventure, friendship, and love.

ONE

I stared into the waiting crowd in front of me. Numerous eyes scanned my body, with most eyes lingering on my head, acknowledging the new crown resting there. Prayers and chanting began to fill the silence as I thought through my options. We were betrayed by the person we trusted with the glitch and all its pertinent information. That hit me worse than it should have, and, to an extent, some part of me knew I was going too far. But the other part of me, the part that planned not to trust anyone before I arrived in the friendship-happy Fantasia, was pissed. Isa needed to pay, not just for fooling us, but for sleeping with Ghost, for helping the Glitch, and for whatever else she’d been doing that we didn’t know about. Hell, she even married Seraphina—our queen. The enemy infiltrated our highest-ranking official. I’d always planned on revenge; I just didn’t realize it would be someone I was close with.

T. Olivia lightly tapped my shoulder. What are you doing?

I didn’t look back at her. I continued to stare forward at the Tackticians, with Olivia on my left side and Eros on my right. Regardless of what Olivia would do, Eros had my back. Next to him stood Alton and Nathaniel. I didn’t know why they hadn’t tried to stop me yet, maybe they were just as pissed, or maybe they were waiting for Olivia to talk me off the ledge.

I’m not walking. I’m jumping.

Tackticians, I started again. They fell silent and knelt before me, their foreheads touching the floor. I need your help.

T— Olivia was firm as she spoke.

There is a member of Production who has been helping us fight the Glitch, I talked over her. I sped up as I noticed movement from Alton and Nathaniel on my right. Eros stuck out his hands, touching both of their chests to stop them. Her name is Isabella Rodriquez; she goes by Isa. You may remember getting an email from her when communications resumed.

Tack180, that’s enough! Olivia moved her body in front of me. What are you trying to prove?

Prove? Nothing. It’s revenge I want, I answered.

This is not the way to do it. Look at yourself. She nodded at me. You’re not yourself. This isn’t what you really want.

This is exactly what I want. What I’ve always wanted, actually. Revenge for what happened to Ghost. You’ve known that from day one, and so have the royals. It shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m taking action now that I have the answers.

And it felt like I could’ve had these answers sooner. But instead, Isa, who I thought was giving me anything and everything I needed to know about the glitch, was actually withholding information from me. The fire in me raged the more I thought about what she’d done, or not done in some cases; Cap’s message that she didn’t look into, failing to keep Production updated, and the people who fully glitched out while trying to open portals. She toyed with us the whole time, and I wasn’t going to let it go.

The same Ghost who slept with Isa? she asked. I looked down at her. "While you were together? Seems like he got what he deserved. Look at your body, T. You’re glowing, not just your hands. This might mean that you’re on the verge of losing it if her injections weren’t real. Or what if she can somehow mess with you from afar? I’m not losing you like this. Odin’s eye is good and bad; accurate and inaccurate at the same time. You can’t control what you see, and while what you see happens, it doesn’t mean that it plays out the way it was in the vision. Think this through again."

I looked down at myself, and I knew Olivia was right. My entire body was displaying the purple haze that only emitted from my hands. I didn’t feel like I had lost control; I felt more in control than I ever had with Isa’s presence. Or, at least, that was how it felt. In actuality, Isa did help me at times, and even though I knew that, I still couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal. How much of that help was because she wanted to help us instead of a strategy to sabotage us? Based on the circumstances with Bryce, she was trying to reset me. Kill me. She didn’t deserve my pity or any from the Tackticians’.

Tackticians. I looked back at them. If you find her—

T. Olivia tried one more time. I rolled my eyes and looked at her. She should’ve felt just as hurt as I did. Why would she want to defend Isa? Still, I couldn’t ask that they kill her. I couldn’t even tell them the truth, even if I wanted to. The truth was so outlandish that my understanding of what happened and why it happened felt non-existent. I wanted them to do something, but I had no idea what that something was.

I’m still doing this, I said to her, then I shook my head and gave in. But I’ll get more information first.

I turned my attention back to the Tackticians. "She’s gone missing. I believe she was taken by the Glitch. If you find her, notify me immediately. He won’t leave her unattended, so do not engage her yourselves. It would be too dangerous for my loyal followers."

There were cheers from the crowd as they agreed to help me if they ever found Isa. Did they know what she looked like? Probably not, but a quick search could get them her IT picture and other relevant information. If she wanted to move around freely, she’d have to change her appearance and go off the grid. I wasn’t too concerned that my move with the Tackticians just then could be the reason she would do that. If anything, she’d probably already done both. There was the tiniest percentage that, while ridiculous, she could’ve thought that I thought she was taken by the Glitch. And, if that tiny percentage existed, then at least I planted a seed.

But Isa’s not stupid, and I know that.

Let’s go to the Heavens. I turned from the crowd and back to my group.

What were you thinking? Alton demanded with a scowl on his face, apparently ignoring my comment.

I had it covered. It’s fine. Olivia shook her head at him.

No, T. Alton stepped closer to me, but Eros stuck both arms out, pushing him back. Alton swiped at Eros, removing his hands. "What was your plan? Involving innocent people in a war against a Glitch who would easily take them out? Did you have any regard for their lives?"

"I don’t need a sermon, Alton. I’m not interested in feeling good about myself. The only reason I didn’t tell them is that I wasn’t confident enough in what to tell them. That’s what we’re going to find out."

Calm down, Olivia tried to soothe me.

"Don’t tell me to calm down."

I think this is a good time to listen to her, Nathaniel suggested. He pulled out three tinctures from his pack and analyzed the different and bright colors before handing me a light blue one. While I don’t know what is wrong with you, this should heal every aspect of your body.

I looked down at my hands and followed the glow as it continued up my arms and through the rest of my body. I was still glowing everywhere even though the situation had de-escalated.

Yeah, I was still mad, but I had calmed down enough that if the glow was related to my emotions, it should’ve stopped. Even then, there was no way of knowing if I’d ever stop glowing. The glow could be Isa fucking with me. I took a deep breath and regarded the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who would easily be killed within a matter of seconds if I glitched out.

They smiled at me as their goddess. I felt stupid. I used their endless faith in me to gain the upper hand on Isa. There was nothing they could do. I knew that, but it just hurt. All of it. I trusted Isa so openly and was betrayed so quickly. The others are right that I shouldn’t be using the Tackticians. But, for the first time since putting my trust in Isa, I had no idea what to do, who to trust, or how to fix the mess I was in. There was one thing I was confident about that made me feel like I had tunnel vision; I needed to find Isa.

I need to get out of here.

Let’s go, I offered again as I grabbed Nathaniel’s potion and drank it.

I messaged Nylah, so you won’t have to open a portal. She’s going to send a light beam to the Heavens for us. Nathaniel grabbed for my wrist and flipped my hand up before placing a finger on the inside of my wrist and measuring my heart rate. He nodded. It’s good. Let’s head to the light beam. Nylah’s sending us just outside of Heaven’s Gates, in Sky City. She’s been working undercover in a casino in the ‘dark side.’ 

There are fewer people there? I asked.

Far less, Olivia answered for him. It’s smack dab in the middle of the nice part of the Heavens, you know, the one everyone thinks about, and the dark side of the Heavens, where the fallen live.

Speaking of casinos, I’ve heard the ones up there are pretty great. Eros smiled. Maybe if we have a little extra time, we earn some extra cash?

I’d like to get answers quickly. I’m not staying any longer than I have to. I shook my head. The longer we took to figure out how to find Isa, the more time she had to go into hiding and cover any and all tracks she could’ve left behind. I knew he wasn’t saying it to be serious, but I also wasn’t in the mood to be cheered up. Let’s go.

I walked past them and behind my shrine to where a glowing light was shining down from the sky. It certainly looked like a beam of light. A break in cloud coverage left a three-foot hole for the ray to shine through. Pieces of glitter sparkled in the beam, indicating that it was an object to be used, not a natural occurrence.

I stepped into the sunlight and felt the warmth cover my body. Within a matter of seconds, I was lifted into the air with a gentle pull from the sky. It felt like I was flying. We continued to float until we reached the top of the clouds revealing an area where an entire city was built. Although I couldn’t see the floor, it felt hard underneath the flowy shape of the clouds. People walked around with wings; there were mostly dark wings, which I assumed had something to do with the dark or fallen angel vibes, but there were still a few light wings in the crowd, walking around almost as if they were patrolling the place. Buildings lined the clouds like normal city streets; there were high rises, a few statues, and even dwellings that looked more like homes.

To the left was a gate lining a white and gold city that looked like it could be a palace. The sky above the city was bright; the light blue color was accentuated by the minimal clouds and glowing sun. The buildings on that side were white with gold trim and rooftops. They were rounded on the top, like domes, tall, and thin. It looked like a high-rise from another game, but rounder, softer almost. Above us, the sky started to change color; the light blue blended with a cotton candy pink and the appearance almost rivaled the pristine view above the city. To the right was a completely different appearance. The black buildings were angular and sharp with dark forest green roofs. The sky was dark purple, almost black, and the city below showed a completely different picture than the castle. The streets were loud with people, laughter, and seedy dealings on corners, reminding me of Vampira.

Nylah’s down here. Nathaniel started walking in the direction of the dark side of the Heavens as if he had walked there thousands of times before. Our feet splashed in puddles on cobblestone streets as we traversed through the shadowy corridors.

Nylah. I had no idea who she was or what she meant to them. I wasn’t sure how she’d be able to help us, but, at that point, I was desperate. We walked a few blocks away before Nathaniel turned back to the group and stopped us.

He led us to an area that was more upkept, or at least more professional, than the other areas. It reminded me of Corporous because the buildings looked like traditional high-rises. In the ever-present night, they had lights on in every window, illuminating the buildings and streets below. If the Heavens could have a city and suburban area in between the two sides, we’d found our way into the city section.

There’s a dress code, he said. Gentlemen, put on your slacks. Ladies, you’ll need cocktail dresses.

T, do you already have a dress? Olivia asked. I stared at her.

Of course I don’t.

That’s okay. She smiled. I can let you borrow one of mine.

Do you have a black dress? I asked.

No.

Red?

No.

I don’t want to.

This. Is. Not. Your. Game. She clapped at me. I’ll let you wear the navy blue one, it will go well with the light blue gloves anyway, and I’ll wear the pink dress.

"I’m sure I’ll be fine in my original outfit. People let me in anywhere in the outfit from Duty Falls." I had learned my lesson with the pirates, but it felt stupid playing dress-up when I had more important things to do, like finding Isa. Besides, being in my own outfit might be a perk itself; people loved me as Tack180, and that could be a way to gain more information. It was something small, but I was willing to try whatever I could, especially when the alternative was wearing a dress.

I kept my outfit equipped as the rest of the group changed into fancy clothes. Olivia wore a skintight neon pink dress as if she expected me to change my mind and take the navy blue one anyway. Alton wore slacks, a classic white button-down, and a black tie. Nathaniel went with the all-black and red tie look, while Eros went with the light blue button-down with a few buttons unbuttoned and navy slacks.

That won’t work here, T, Nathaniel said. They are pretty strict on their dress code.

We don’t have time to fight this, Nathaniel. Most people prefer when I go to places dressed as Tack180 because of the notoriety it brings. I’m willing to risk it and potentially get more answers as Tack180 than some random person on the street. Besides, with the crown on my head, would it really be that big of a deal? Surely the weight of this heavy crown did more than just speak to my relationship with Kaspian. I’d hoped it could be used as a symbol, just like being Tack180; a way to get more information. Nathaniel shrugged like he didn’t believe it would work, but he wasn’t going to fight me. We walked through the door. A gentleman wearing a suit, headset, and glasses with dark wings stopped me before I could walk in any further.

I’m sorry, miss, you can’t come in here.

What? I asked. No one denied me as Tack180 before, no matter what game I was in. Everyone accepted my outfit, even at weddings. Not only that, but I was also wearing the crown of the Princess of Fantasia. I felt my heart beat faster in my chest. I needed to get in, to speak with Nylah, to somehow find Isa. My hands shook. I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to change. I don’t even know if I want to go through with this. Getting answers to what happened with Isa might just end up hurting me more. I have no idea what I’m doing, but if I stop now, what will happen?

We have a very strict dress code.

I know that, I said. But I’m Ta—

I don’t care who you are, he answered. Everyone abides by the dress code. Take your fake crown and go change to fit the dress code. The rest of you all can enter.

Help her, Nathaniel said to Olivia. Then he turned back to the fallen angel and said, We’ll be talking with the beautiful woman behind the bar.

We’ll be back, Olivia said to the bouncer. She grabbed my arm and pulled me out. When we made it out of sight, she squeezed my still shaking hands. She smiled at me, but I didn’t want her pity. As I said, it’s a navy dress. It’s the closest to black I have. I think it will look cute on you.

"I don’t wear cute." I looked away from her, trying not to cry.

Well, that’s what you get. Her tone wasn’t harsh, but she wasn’t going to baby me either. I appreciated the tough love. She took an item out of her inventory and handed it to me. I put it in my inventory and then equipped it. It was light, long sleeve, and skin-tight on my upper torso then loose and flat falling, landing in the middle of my thighs. Oh my god. You look so cute. Can I put a bow in your hair?

No. I felt like a child.

No, you’re right. That’s too far. Thank you for changing so quickly anyway. She grabbed my hand and started pulling me back in. It’s just that you look so good right now with the navy dress and blue gloves. I don’t know when I’ll ever convince you to look like this again. A bow would really add to your look, like you’re going for the sweet, young, girl-next-door vibe.

I feel so stupid right now. I loved the girl, but she didn’t know when to stop talking. I was uncomfortable with everything that was happening, and I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. It all felt chaotic. I felt like I should have answers, I should lead the charge because I was impacted by the news of what happened, and even after all that, I couldn’t even control my own outfit.

I kept the crown on regardless, even though I felt embarrassed and assumed Kaspian would’ve been just as embarrassed had he seen me in that dress. I walked back into the building, and the bouncer nodded at me in approval. I kept walking, trying to join the others and get back on track. Olivia jogged lightly to keep up with me.

Ladies. A man who smelled of heavy alcohol came up to us. Can I buy you a drink?

No, I answered. My eyes were on the rest of our group talking to a girl behind the bar. Nylah.

Ah, come on. He stepped in front of me.

Thank you, but no, Olivia politely declined.

I already said no, she didn’t need to be nice.

Look, just one drink, that’s all I ask. Then you can go back to your friends, he tried again. Eros looked back at us. I shook my head at him, we’re fine.

No, I said one last time. That’s all he was going to get before I lost my cool. It wasn’t like I typically had any, but with the day I’d had, there was no patience left for him.

Just a little fun. He didn’t move from his spot in front of us.

We’re with the guys over there. Olivia pointed at our group by the bar. Three guys greatly outnumbered him. I knew the technique she was trying to use, but she shouldn’t have had to use it to begin with. I wanted to kick the guy in the balls.

Ah, sorry. He raised his hands.

Really? I asked him.

Well, I don’t want to step on any toes.

We said no three times. I half-laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. I felt myself losing it again. Any composure I thought I’d gained after the situation with the Tackticians was gone. You should’ve listened the first time.

Fuck you, bitch. I didn’t want your ugly ass anyway.

Even on my calmest day, I’d still think this prick needed to learn a lesson. I moved so quickly that he didn’t have time to dodge, even if he wanted to. I had pulled one arm behind his back with one hand and shoved his head into the table next to him with my open hand. The bouncer came running over. I let go of the man, who wiped himself off and raised my hands into the air to show the bouncer I’d stopped.

What’s going on here? the bouncer asked.

She assaulted me. The man pointed a finger at me.

No means no, I replied with a shrug.

You gotta leave, the bouncer said to me.

This man was harassing us! Shit. I didn’t have time to get kicked out.

What’s going on here? Another smaller, mousier man came rushing over. His wings were lighter, almost grey in appearance, as if he wasn’t a fallen angel but also wasn’t a pristine angel of the heavens either.

She assaulted me! The man pointed at me again.

Put your damn finger away. I didn’t want it in my vagina, so I definitely don’t want it in my face. I pushed his hand down.

We really need to get to our friends, Olivia said. I’m very sorry for the trouble we caused. I’d be happy to pay for any damages, as well.

I’d like her kicked out of here or else I won’t be frequenting this establishment anymore.

Miss, I’m going to have to ask you to leave, the bouncer tried again.

Wait! I changed back into my usual outfit. "If he is going to threaten not returning and it works, then I’m going to do the same. I’m not going to be frequenting an establishment where I’m harassed because I’m forced to abide by your dress code. I need to get to my friends and would rather not waste any more time fighting over something I didn’t want to start with."

Tack180, the mousy man said, finally realizing who I was. What a pleasure it is to have you in our establishment.

The harasser looked at me and scanned my body. His eyes widened.

Yeah, dude, your money and fame mean nothing in comparison to mine.

Are we free to go? I asked and pointed toward the others.

Of course. The guy, whom I assumed was the manager, bowed. Drinks will be on us for the night. We apologize for any trouble our patrons have caused, and I assure you they will be dealt with post-haste. Is there anything else we can get for you?

I looked around at the boys crowding around a beautiful woman behind the bar. I pointed at her.

I’d like a private room for myself and my friends with her.

But she’s only a bartender, he stammered.

Even though it reminded me of Vampira, the in-between of the Heavens wasn’t it. I smiled briefly at how stupid I probably sounded to him before I just rolled with it, Yes, I know. We drink a lot, so a private bartender would make the night more enjoyable.

Ah, yes, I see now. Let me show you to your room. We will send Nylah in after you with a round of drinks. Then he turned to the bouncer and motioned to our harasser. "Please escort this man