Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 45: A Gaming Altercation

"Video games?" Briar questions.

"You want to play video games?" Vil questions as well.

"I can offer you a vast selection of classic hit games..." Ortho happily says, "All downloaded for your entertainment."

But then Idia says, "But, uh, I'm sure you guys aren't into that stuff anyway."

"Hmm. What kind of games do you have?" Vial asks.

"Sorry, sometimes us nerds can't read a room-" Idia says.

But Idia soon realizes, "Wait, what?"

"I asked what kind of games you have," Vil says.

Idia becomes surprised, "Whoa. But aren't you like... some sparkly, gorgeous supermodel? Do you really like video games?

"What a narrow-minded thing to say. Gamers exist in every field," Vil says, "For that matter, plenty of celebrities play handheld consoles when traveling or during downtime when filming. I don't own one myself, but I've occasionally played one when it was offered to me. I thought it might be nice to do something I don't normally do, rather than squandering the next three hours."

"You know, Vil does have a point," Azul replies, "I hear some Magicammers make a living off posting gameplay videos and other such content. This could open a new, lucrative door for me."

And Jamil says, " I had a few consoles back home, but I haven't played any video games since I started at Night Raven College."

"Me neither to be honest. I actually used to play video games where I live, but I haven't played any since I've arrived here," Briar says.

Ortho happily says, "Really. Well, we can use the team to show you the games that we play. I'm sure you'll love them as much as the games from your world."

Then Idia turns to Riddle and Leona, "Well, Mr. Impossible-to-Please-uh, I mean, Riddle is very studious, and Leona's a prince, so I doubt they play any..."

"Huh? Of course I don't," Leona responds, "I've poked at the chess game on my computer when I had nothing better to do, but that's about it."

And Riddle says, "Forget about a game console; I didn't even have a TV at home."

"Really? You don't have a television at your house?" Briar asks.

"No," Riddle answers, shaking his head.

"I feel validated now that you've both proven me right. Thanks," Idia says.

Then Ortho says, "Then we should choose a game that's easy for beginners to learn!"

And Riddle says, "Thanks, but I'll sit this one out. My mother told me video games are addictive and can hurt academic performance.

"WUT. Are you serious?" Idia exclaims. Then suddenly laughs a bit and says, "Oh man, you're one of THOSE guys. The kind that declares something's bad for everyone just because it's bad for them."

"But it's undeniable that getting too absorbed in a game will cut into your study time," Riddle points out with his arms crossed.

"Yeah. IF you let it get that bad," Idia says, "There's this one study that shows gaming in moderation enhances cognitive function and decision-making skills. If someone's grades tank just cause they played a video game, that's not on the game. It's on the person and their lack of discipline! Don't go blaming games just cause you don't have any self-control."

"Hoo boy... I think you've flipped his 'go off' switch," Ortho says.

"Oh my, Idia is acting a bit different than how he usually acts," Briar replies.

Idia continues saying, "Oh, but don't get me wrong! I wouldn't DREAM of pressuring you into liking games, of course. Trying to shove a game down someone's throat to prove how fun it is when they don't want to play... Well, that's a complete waste of time AND rude on all fronts. I'm not here to drag your preferences, Riddle. You've been like this your whole life and kept the top spot in your class for years. No reason to mess with success, IMO." and begins to show a creepy grin, "After all -you wouldn't wanna risk tanking your grades by picking up a controller, would you? Dyeh heh heh!"

"Wha.... Huh.." Tiddle replies, stunned, and unable to get a word out.

"Now his nonstop haranguing has left Riddle tongue-tied," Vil says.

"I'm telling you, Idia's got a gift for rubbing people the wrong way," Leona says.

"Oh my," Briar says.

"I didn't know he could get so worked up or go on for such a long time," Jamil replies.

"Oh, it happens plenty during club meetings when video games or anime come up," Azul says.

Riddle soon feels offended and says, "How dare you! My grades would never drop just because I happened to play a video game!"

"Oh, is that so?" Strange, that's not what you just said," Idia says in remark. Or did someone else say 'video games hurt your academic performance'? Whee hee!"

"That only happens when someone lacks proper discipline -which I clearly do NOT," Riddle says.

Idia questions, "Are you suuure? You've never played one before. How can you prooove it?

"All right! If that's how you're going to be, then I'll play," Riddle says, "And I'll prove once and for all that a mere video game cannot harm my grades in the slightest!"

Idia snickers, "Whee hee hee! Just don't come crying to me if you have so much fun you can't put it down. Ortho! Bring up the list of games on the monitor!"

"On it!" Ortho happily says, and begins to bring out the list.

The others are dumbfounded about Idia has played Riddle like that.

"Now Riddle's played right into Idia's hands," Vil says. 'It's rather embarrassing to watch.

Ortho

"Riddle's very bright, but has zero resistance to trolling," Azul says.

And Vil says, "And Idia's acting downright childish.

Soon, Ortho says to Riddle, "Let's see, a suitable game for first-time player Riddle Rosehearts... I recommend Legend of the Underworld for its simple controls!"

"An early 8-bit title, huh? I have to hand it to you, Ortho. That's an oldie but a goodie," Idia says.

"Yep!" Ortho says, "I figured we could show him a little video game history while we play"

"Early 8-bit? Doesn't that mean it's really old?" Vil questions,

"Sure does. We've only played the digital re-release ourselves," India says, "The original cart goes for a premium online. Not many can afford that!"

"Legend of the Underworld is an 8-bit cartridge game that released on home consoles 35 years ago," Ortho says, "In it, you play as a ferryman carrying souls to the Underworld. You have to collect the souls placed throughout the levels and reach the goal at the end. People consider it to be the original side-scroller."

"The simplicity is what makes it so fun to play!" Idia says, "The Underworld setting rules too. There's lots of little details that kids find cool. "

Ortho then passes Riddle the remote, "Here you go, Riddle Rosehearts. An 8-bit game controller."

"Um, right," Riddle says, and takes the remote.

"I'll set the difficulty to Easy..." Ortho says, and sets the game on easy, "There!"

And then happily says, "Now, let's get playing!"

And soon, the monitor on the screen snows the game 'Legend of the Underworld' and Riddle starts the game.