File: Pro.gymnast.v1.0.7.zip ... -

Below him lay a literal "ninja obstacle course" of spinning sawblades, high-tension trampolines, and a very unforgiving concrete floor. This was level 4-12, the one the forums called "The Bone Crusher."

This time, the swing was perfect. Paul released, soared over the sawblades, and caught the final ring. With a frantic button mash, he stuck the landing on the red mat. The gold medal icon flashed. I had finally achieved "unbelievable gymnastics skill." File: Pro.Gymnast.v1.0.7.zip ...

I flicked the thumbstick. Paul swung his legs with the grace of a gazelle, then tucked into a triple-backflip. For a moment, he was poetry in motion, a master of lifelike physics. Then, my finger slipped. Below him lay a literal "ninja obstacle course"

"Expression," I whispered, gripping the controller. "It's about expressive freedom ." With a frantic button mash, he stuck the

The arena was silent, save for the rhythmic clack-clack-clack of a mechanical keyboard. On the screen, Paul—a digital athlete with suspiciously flexible hamstrings—hung from a single high bar.

I leaned back, my hands shaking. I looked at the clock—it was 3 AM.