The "Purchase" button on the game store was no longer greyed out. As the download bar began its slow crawl to 100%, Leo leaned back. It wasn't just a code; it was his ticket to a new world.

He started his quest on a well-known retail site. "Instant Delivery," the banner promised. He clicked through the menus, the digital aisles felt infinite. He double-checked the region— North America —to ensure the code wouldn't be a useless string of digits.

: He punched in the characters. The screen pulsed blue, then displayed the glorious message: "$20.00 has been added to your wallet."