Carnage City: A World at War Novel (World at War Online Book 6) Read Online Free PDF Page B

They needed every advantage, every edge they could get their hands on.
    Cody looked over at her. “So, I guess our charge to your company is to keep looking, and keep us in the loop. We need some way to break the deadlock that doesn’t involve smashing ourselves against a brick wall.”
    Nora nodded. “Right. We’ll make sure to do that. I don’t-”
    Her wrist alert went off, and the time popped up.
    “Sorry, I have to run. See you all later,” Nora said. She opened up her menu and logged out.
    The situation in the virtual world wasn’t the only thing on her mind right now. Auditions for the Chicago Philharmonic orchestra would be on her before she knew it, and if she wanted to give a good showing, she’d need practice.
    A lot of it.
----
    B ach’s Cello Suite No . 1. It was a piece that Nora had played scores of times before, but one she always appreciated. She would test herself against other pieces, but this was one she could always come back to if she needed a breather. She knew it by heart, and could simply sit back and enjoy playing. It gave her some well-needed respite from the grind of trying to learn another piece.
    Or maybe she was just avoiding having to confront pieces she didn’t have a good handle on. Maybe, but Nora knew she wouldn’t avoid them forever. She couldn’t. If she wanted to be taken seriously as a cellist then she needed to be able to step up to any challenge thrown at her, even if she couldn’t complete it right away.
    So much going on, so little time to do it. Nora had responsibilities inside the virtual world, plus she had to find time to practice and maintain her normal life. That meant the normal eating, sleeping, maintaining her apartment, exercising, and a dozen other little things.
    Still, she couldn’t complain that much. She earned good money participating in the study, and she could flex her hours however she wished. Nora certainly wouldn’t trade her current situation for many things, except maybe a position in an orchestra. But that kind of opportunity was a long way off.
    Nora paused for a moment to look at the clock. About four. That gave her a little more time to continue practice before she needed to quit and get ready to go out.
    Yet another thing to do tonight.
----
    “ H appy Birthday Javy ,” Nora said as she gave him a hug.
    “Thanks,” he replied with a slightly awkward grin. “I’m finally starting to catch up to you guys.”
    “Well, we’re getting older too,” Zach said.
    “Yeah, but at least I can drink now and you don’t have to act all awkward around me.”
    Nora laughed. “True.”
    Javy’s birthday had actually been three days ago, but today was the first time they could get together. Danny and Xavier had taken care of the particulars, reserving a private room in a restaurant and making sure everyone was invited. Nora looked around the room at the various guests: Miko and Selene, Gavin, Ryan and Ethan sitting and chatting with each other. Danny and Xavier were off somewhere, probably the bar, and Zach and herself stood with Javy. That was everyone.
    “First time in a long time we’re not logged in during the evening,” Javy commented as they sat down.
    “Well, we’ve had some nights off here and there, but not lately,” Miko said. “Who knew this was going to end up turning into such a massive time sink.”
    “It might become an even bigger one, if all those rumors about earning real world money are true.”
    Nora saw Zach frown but didn’t say anything. He would know, since he was on the development team for another virtual world MMO, but she didn’t want to pry. Besides, even if she did he might not be able to answer.
    “That would be pretty cool for us,” Ryan commented.
    “Keep this quiet,” Zach spoke up, “but there’s rumors going around that they’re going to start broadcasting e-sports with World at War as their basis. Tournaments, maybe a documentary, that kind of thing.”
    “And is there money involved?’