How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I hated being stuck in a safe zone. (4.23)
This must be Wade puffing out his chest and trying to act all macho for us. We see right through it. His biggest hope in life is to find a safe zone of his own, a place he really feels at home. For now, that place only exists in the OASIS.
Quote #5
I wouldn't have to be paranoid about [IOI] monitoring my connection or trying to trace my location. I would be safe. (16.21)
Home is a fast internet connection. No, this isn't just advertising propaganda for your local ISP. When Wade's home is online, it's important to have a fast, safe connection so that his avatar doesn't get any glitches.
Quote #6
All I had to do was to get to my new apartment, set up my rig, and log back into the OASIS. [...] I would be back in familiar surroundings. I would be safe. (16.26)
Once again, Wade uses the "safe" word. Even though his apartment is basically an impenetrable fortress with an airlock, he still only feels safe inside the OASIS. He's at home there.