1 Start of adventure

In the year 21XX, amidst the relentless surge of technological advancements, one aspect of life remains distressingly constant: school. Yet, to call it merely a "school" would be a generous description; it often feels more akin to a personal inferno. Despite the optimistic anticipation that the scourge of bullying would have dissipated with time, the reality is far grimmer than a century ago.

Although I brace myself for another day that will likely unfold in the same distressing pattern, I find solace in the words of the esteemed Eleanor Roosevelt, who once wisely remarked, "With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." With that in mind, I hold onto the hope that today, perhaps, I will find the fortitude to initiate change, the resilience to liberate myself from this torment, and the insight to cultivate genuine friendships.

Throughout my sixteen years of existence, I've encountered no true companions. Every individual I dared to trust eventually revealed their true colours, betraying and backstabbing me without hesitation. As I endure the wretched commute to school, I am besieged by a cacophony of jeers, taunts, and malicious laughter. Rumours swirl around me, staining my reputation like an indelible mark, all stemming from a solitary fabrication that spiralled out of control.

"Hey, Dawn, do you regret it? Did you enjoy it? You sadistic bth!" the words pierced the air as the viciousness in them seemed to linger, carrying an unbearable weight. The room fell silent as the sound of a sharp slap echoed, leaving an ominous stillness in its wake. Tears streamed down my face, and I tentatively touched my stinging cheek, half-expecting it to be a dream. But the leering grin on the person's face, their satisfaction in my suffering, was a chilling reality. The red imprint of their hand on my pale skin felt like a scar, searing into my being as I howled in pain.

"Ugh, have you seen her? Look at those rags. Bet she sold herself for those," a voice cut through the air, callous and filled with spite. Day after day, their cruelty escalated, drowning me in a sea of false accusations.

Amidst the torment, I sought solace in a nearby park, where the autumn leaves swirled and danced, casting a fleeting respite on my troubled soul. The gentle breeze toyed with my long, wavy chestnut hair, whispering promises of freedom and love, coaxing me into a temporary reprieve from the relentless persecution.

The sudden ding of my communications device shattered the tranquility, and my expression contorted into an unfamiliar mask of shock. It was a sensation I'd rarely experienced, not even when my parents went through their tumultuous divorce. As I delved into the message, confusion engulfed me.

[News - New Horizons, the leading company in Virtual Reality technology, has released an enigmatic post that has left us all baffled.]

Their announcement about a machine that could achieve the impossible sent a rush of questions flooding my mind. How could they make such bold claims? A whirlwind of thoughts intensified my disorientation, and as my eyes drifted shut, I found myself overcome by a deluge of memories, tears welling up in my eyes.

A distant thud pierced the air, merging with the wailing sirens in the distance. The world around me began to dissolve, and I felt like I was floating on clouds, weightless and detached. Struggling to open my eyes, I found myself in a sterile white room, surrounded by medical equipment, the muffled voices beyond the door adding to my disorientation.

The door slid open, revealing a young woman with jet-black hair and piercing sea-green eyes. "Are you feeling fine now?" she asked, her voice honeyed and soothing.

"I'm feeling much better now, but how did I get here, and where am I?" I inquired, attempting to steady my nerves.

"You're currently at Eyes General Hospital. We received a call that you had collapsed. If you're alright now, you can check out," she replied with a gentle smile, yet her eyes betrayed a profound sense of sorrow.

After checking out, I returned home and stumbled upon the latest post from New Horizons. It announced a beta test, offering a chance to start afresh, to leave the past behind. Reading it repeatedly, I couldn't believe the possibility it presented. Tomorrow was the 21st of October, the day of the test. But how would I get there?

Frantically scouring the internet, my fingers moved with an urgency I hadn't known before. I found a coach leaving for the headquarters at 5 am. It was 7 am now; I had to make it to the meeting place.

Twenty-one hours later, as I stood in the desolate parking lot, a solitary figure caught my eye. It was Ave.