Or three places at once. Wade is in the real world, in the OASIS, and in a chat room. This quote shows just how much Wade forgets the real world exists at times, which is a wee bit creepy if you ask Shmoop.

The competition aspect of their friendship is most likely what holds these two together. Here's hoping it continues to do so when they're back in the real world and there are no Easter eggs to be hunted.

One of friendship's strongest foundations is shared interests. This is how online friendship—when you don't even know the other person's real name, race, or gender—is possible.

In real life, Wade and Aech are isolated individuals, so it makes sense that the two of them would behave in a similar fashion online. Making friends is tough for the both of them, and forming a team takes a level of commitment that neither is prepared for right off the bat. But don't worry—it'll come.

Sometimes you have to realize that your dreams aren't practical and alter them accordingly. This kid did the same thing, using a big videogame win as a stepping zone to something bigger.