Player vs Player: Ultimate Video Game Mayhem

The interior of the massive center was a sea of people.

Dozens and dozens of stands and booths were set up in rows, a select few featuring large monitors.

The convention had lots to explore, the trio almost forgetting they had a competition to be prepared for.

TJ set a high score on BeatSaber, Sean defeated the reining champion in a Virtual Rubik's Cube style puzzle game contest.

Ryan got to play test an exciting new VR horror game being developed, one good jumpscare causing him to fall out of his chair.

After a few hours of exploring the vast community of gamers, they met up near the back of the open room.

"We've got 15 minutes until the first round starts." Sean reported, checking his watch.

"Then let's start getting ready." Ryan declared.

The competition stage was down two floors, so the trio sought out an escalator.

On the way down, Ryan glanced around at the second floor and what it had to offer.

One larger booth caught his eye, a monitor displaying a blank white room.

A younger man he recognized as a friend of theirs, Felix, stood before the booth, speaking to a crowd.

"I present today an opportunity for all of you to try out the single greatest VR experience in existence." He spoke.

"In honor of the 6th annual Gridlock Gaming Tournament, Mr. Damon Valence has gifted us our very own Spectrum VR Unit for all of you to enjoy." He continued.

He then entered the booth, the monitor switching to display an image of a forest.

The image looked so clear and realistic, it was astounding. Even more so when a large Dragon wandered onscreen.

Felix soon appeared on the monitor, walking right up to the dragon.

The observing crowd chatter with awe as Felix reached up and stroked the dragon's snout.

"Are you seeing this??" Ryan exclaimed excitedly, "He's petting a dragon! Petting a fricking Dragon!!"

"Focus, competition time." Sean refocused his friend.

"We gotta come back after." TJ said, watching the demonstration.

The trio found their way to a VIP door, the security recognizing them and letting them in.

Through the door was a backstage area, where a few other teams were preparing for the Competition.

Some had color coded clothing or headsets, some had identical masks, one even had full costumes.

Ryan led the charge through the room, out to the main stage.

A circle of computers sat in the middle of the large stage, a giant monitor hanging above it all.

Ryan located a set of computers with name tags designating them to the trio of friends.

They all got seated, TJ glancing over the competing teams.

"Oh great... His Royal highness has arrived." He muttered, spotting a familiar face.

The face spotted him too, a smug looking teen about his age walking over to them.

"Glad you showed up, I've been looking forward to mopping the stage with you guys." Calvin sneered.

"A friendly hello to you too, Calvin." Ryan replied.