1 Prologue

"Hey! The new update is next week. I'm so excited!"

Said the next-door kid while hugging tightly his plush toy with a mustache.

That cube toy is a birthday gift from me. I bought it for 7.99. It's a limited edition.

"Don't forget to update your game and the server."

Aaaah. Again. He keeps reminding me like I'm an old man. I'm only 24.

"Yeah yeah yeah."

I replied half halfheartedly.

Minecraft.

I've been playing it for a year now.

A sandbox crafting and building game.

I started playing it since this kid came along.

The day their family moved in next door, his mom knocks on my door with a freshly baked pie and him tagging along to say hi.

I thanked them for the pie and welcome them to the neighborhood.

As I'm about to close the door the kid suddenly asks me:

"Do you play a video game?"

"Aah. Yes, I do. I also make them since I'm a video game programmer."

"Wow. Do you make video games? Then have you played Minecraft?"

Huh. Minecraft?

"Minecraft?"

I unconsciously said which I immediately regretted.

"A game where you mine stuff, build stuff, ..."

"Yeah yeah yeah. I know what Minecraft is. Why you suddenly ask me if I play Minecraft?"

"Do you want to play with me?"

Aaand. A year later. I'm stuck playing a video game that I neither like or hate.

This is the only game this kid like and he will never ever want to play another game. Not even board games like monopoly or something.

He keeps coming to my house while bringing his laptop every weekend or when there is no school asking to play with him.

But. Today. I'm not in a mood for playing Minecraft.

These last few weeks. I've been programming and testing the new game that my company is working.

I needed some time off playing video games.

That's why I immediately said to the kid:

"Hey. Why don't do something today aside playing Minecraft? Let's walk in a park."

"But I want to play Minecraft."

"Oh. Did I forget to mention that I'm going to buy you some ice cream?"

And here we are. Walking in a park. Breathing fresh air.

Faraway from a computer. Faraway from Minecraft.

We stop at the ice cream truck and bought a couple of ice cream.

While we're sitting in bench enjoying an ice cream.

The kid suddenly asks me a question.

"If you ever got the chance to live in another world. What world would that be?"

Well, kid. If you expect me to answer Minecraft, you will be disappointed.

"Hmm. I've probably wanted to live in a fantasy world like Harry Potter. You know. Shooting laser in my magic wand."

"Ehh. I thought you're going to answer Minecraft."

"That's your dream kid. But enough of this. We should head home."

As we are walking towards home. I suddenly in deep thought about the kid's question.

If I ever got the chance to live in another world and it's Minecraft.

What would I be doing?

Build a castle. Mine diamonds to craft tools and armor. Kill the ender dragon.

Well. That would be a little bit of fun.

I was suddenly snap out of my thoughts when I lose my footing and slip.

I smack the ground face first.

It really hurts.

I immediately stood to let the kid know I'm all right.

But something strange is happening.

The road we were walking on is gone and is replaced with dirt.

The surrounding houses are replaced with trees and mountains.

And most importantly.

The kid is gone.

Oh good heavens. What is happening?

I'm absolutely certain the world I'm looking right now.

Is Minecraft.