Augmented Aspects: Interlude XV (Cassidy) (Patreon)

Interlude XV

(Cassidy)

“Have you ever wondered how someone like Dr. of Magic Cassiopeia Spiritlight views the world?” An advertiser begins to say, as a recording of Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight in her newly altered colossal pixie form standing in front of her students running, jumping, and otherwise pushing her body and mind to the max one second.

“Have you ever wondered what the world of magic and cultivation look like to someone like her?” The advertiser continues, as the feed changes to show how Cass seamlessly transitions from being able to run, to here doing a mock battle of using mana and qi linked skills and disciplines against her simulacrum who also responds with an equal mixture of Qi and Mana based attacks.

“For the longest time, we too were wondering how it would be possible to give you the viewer an intense and more personal feel for how someone like Dr. Spiritlight views the world.” The announcer continues their speech as the screen begins to ripple and pulse with the violent waves of energy and force that are streaming from both combatants. The images themselves are an amazing display and testament to how capable the newer televisions screens are, at capturing all the pulsing colors that look like they are about to cause the screen to melt with the intense waves of energy that are being released.

“Well now you can. With the introduction of our newest streaming package, we call Pixie Vision.” At this the screen changes to a pitch-black scene with only the faintest outlines of people around.

“That’s right, we offer everything from the beginner tier one package like this,” the announcer states showing how the colors and flows of magic being cast by the two versions of Cass appear to be suddenly much crisper and more seamless in their deployment.

“To the slightly more advanced tier two Pixie Vision, which mirrors what anyone born with a legendary version of the Spirlitlight bloodline will be granted.” The announcer states.

With this the same scene continues to become more refined, as more and more details of energy being used come to life. Even the outlines of people can be seen clearly, even the ones trying to hide via stealth are clearly seen in this tier package.

“Join now while supplies last. Also know that those who get the tier two premium Pixie Vision package will be first in line to receive the chance to upgrade to tier three and beyond once the packages are fully operational.” The announcer states, ending their speech before a second calmer voice comes on and tries to hide the potential nastier side effects.

Warning: May cause epilepsy. People with a history of epilepsy should inquire with a doctor. Getting this does not mean you will get magic, Qi, or other powers. Magic is strictly an imaginary construct that should not be taken seriously. Using Pixie Vision will not help you unlock secret powers or master mysteries of the world. Nor will using Pixie Vision ensure the successful unlocking of the ability to purchase Angel’s Sight upon entry into BiPrism and other worlds. The owners of BiPrism are not liable for any damage done to the user’s eyes, mind, or psyche while using this product.

Click.

At that, the salesperson in the slick snake oil salesman suit turned off the television and stared at Cassidy’s mother.

“Well Ms. Cruise, would you like to allow your daughter to be one of our beta testers for Pixie Vision?” The salesperson asked, while holding a prototype of the newest virtual reality headset that could supposedly allow someone to try out this new Pixie Vision.

“You want my Cassidy to wear that head contraption so she can be one of your guinea pigs for this little experiment?”

“You do realize that this will be a paid position, and as a full-time employee, Cassidy will be able to get health care coverage for not only herself but her immediate family members as well?” The snake oil salesman pressed.

“I said, no.”

“Please, Ms. Cruise, just consider it, besides, shouldn’t we ask your daughter what she thinks of this proposal?” The man said, turning his attention to Cassidy who for her part had just been standing quietly in the corner.

For Cassidy the whole thing had been a whirlwind of emotions. Not only had her mother finally come out of her coma, but the moment she did, these goons came in and offered her the chance to be a high paid product tester for a product that would let her see the world the way her great grandmother does. The way a true magical genius constantly uses to improve themselves and their casting abilities.

Realizing that everyone was looking at her, even her mother who had been fighting so hard to protect her from this, suddenly turned to look at Cassidy to see what she would say about this whole situation.

The entire thing seemed too good to be true, which was why she had to ask.

“Would this help me see the real world with this same level of magical clarity as it would for viewing game clips?” Cassidy asked.

At that, the slicked-up salesman just smiled brightly showing teeth that glowed with a fake gleam so bright that they had to be manufactured.

“Why yes, that is what this newest prototype will test out, which is why we chose you as being one of our initial test subjects.”

While the idea of being considered a test subject was mildly revolting, there were worse jobs available. Also, this would get her status and priority for working for one of the mega corporations.

“Now there is no way I will let my daughter do this, she is too young. There are rules against child labor.”

“You are correct Ms. Cruise, which is why we would also offer you a job as well. One that would both grant your own healthcare, but also each year you work for the company will count for two, should you choose to retire within BiPrism, and you do intend to join the rest of your family at said time, do you not?” The snake oil salesman pressed, apparently keeping the chance for a lucrative contract and career for mother hidden until now.  At this time he pushed a button sending the vitals for a parental contract with the contingency of protecting a familial minor contract to Cassidy’s mother.

Ping.

At the ping, the details of the contract opened up, and all the fight within Cassidy’s mother died out, as it was apparently so much money that even her want to protest died on her tongue. Finally, after a moment of reading the contract, a much more subdued Ms. Cruise turned to Cassidy and spoke.

“I don’t know, this is your choice. I will back you regardless of what you choose.”

And like that, Cassidy realized that with this decision she could forever change not only her fate, but her the fate of her mother, and of any future children she might choose to have in the future, all by answering this one little question.