THE MOMENT
"Our model 'La Espada' has sold out!" The host with a dark blazer and silver-chrome tie smiled at the camera and gestured at someone off-screen. It was 3 a.m. and Ralph was on the edge of his seat, metaphorically. In actuality, he was sitting up in bed staring at the small screen in his hands and sleep was nowhere to be found. He'd had an eventful day that began the previous morning. In less than 19 hours he'd learned about the multiverse and visited two alternate universes. One to get an explanation from Mundo, and another just to explore. He had dinner in another universe and still ordered his usual. More than anything, he was amazed that it tasted exactly the same as the food in his universe. He was too wired to sleep and began browsing the shows available in the multiverse.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this next product is a real treat," the host grinned as a lovely assistant walked into the frame. She carried a small silver satin pillow set with a dark black tiara. Despite the sheen of the pillow, the tiara remained solid black, almost absorbing any ambient light. The camera zoomed in to show off the skull-shaped detailing in the headpiece. "I mean that literally! This is a limited-time free offer given by Chroma Corp.!" As soon as the host made the announcement, a large chrome 'Free! Order Now!' button appeared on Ralph's node. He didn't know what he was ordering; but, it was free. He pressed the button and a line of text confirmed his order before the UI disappeared.
"Oh boy, they're going fast!" the host chuckled. "Folks, what you're buying isn't this gorgeous voidsteel tiara; Most of us couldn't even lift it," he grinned. "This is just to show off the beautiful piece the bride will be wearing. In celebration of Minvera and Ruin's wedding, Chroma is giving away a special Flair to the first 42 billion people to claim it. This Flair can be worn by all Classes. It gives the user an extra Aura slot, and it also provides a unique Aura that grants Moderate MP regen and a Moderate Armor bonus. Here's the treat, folks; this Flair supports its own Aura! You get the benefits of MP regen and Amor boost, and a free Aura slot!" Then, the camera zoomed in to catch the host winking.
"Technically, that's all the Tiara does for now. But, we all know a marriage takes at least two people. A little chrome dragon told me that there'll also be a set item released in the AlterNet to go along with this magical headpiece; you don't want to miss your chance here, boys and girls," he chuckled. Then, a notification appeared in the corner of Ralph's node.
[Flair item: [Bridal Tiara] has been added to your inventory.]
[Please create your AlterNet character to equip this Flair.]
"Oh, right," Ralph remembered he'd put that off. He was never much of a gamer to begin with, and he'd had a full, distracting day. He considered it; but, the moment he tried to imagine the steps involved he was hit by a wave of tiredness. It was late and adding the item to his inventory almost felt like he accomplished something somehow. He still had the infinite multiverse to explore along with the AlterNet. He'd lived 28 years of his life without knowing about them, and he knew everything would still be there tomorrow.
"I think that's enough for tonight...," he sighed and placed the node on his nightstand. Then, he rolled over and made himself comfortable in bed.