Prologue

[2040]

Sirens wailed up and down the streets but not a single hint of pedestrian life can be seen. Tall skyscrapers obscure the stars creating a sky of glass and steel. Shin Leung was just another number among the masses in the system locked inside the box of a "luxury" apartment.

[2035]

"We're looking at an unprecedented impact to all communities at every level."

"Hemoxythra has spread far faster than anyone expected in the last two weeks. The World Safety Organization believes that it will soon be classified as a pandemic in a matter of two to three weeks."

"That's right Sophia. The WSO recommends everyone stay indoors and await orders from your local and national government."

"Stay tuned for more information at-"

The television was suddenly turned off. Shin quickly turned around and found his mother with a remote from the kitchen.

"Looks like we're going to be in some trouble aren't we?" Shin's mother said playfully.

"We have this month's rent covered but next month is going to be a struggle," replied Shin with his head resting on his hand.

"Today is my last day in the office. I'll be back quickly tonight before dinner. I just have to pick up the essentials from my cubicle before I can start working from home."

Shin and his mother, Julia, have been mostly living by themselves for the last four years. His father was often away on "business trips", too busy to be around with his family. Shin, in his first year of university, did not get to experience much of college life before having to move to remote learning online as a result of hemoxythra.

"Sure, no problem."

Julia, facing the door, waved back to Shin without looking and closed the door after her. Shin got up from the living room floor and paced back to his room. The dark ambiance in the room was only disrupted by the occasional flash of lights from outside his balcony window. The computer turned on and the room was lit up by the light from his monitor. Shin sat down in the office chair and let out a sigh before clicking on an icon on his desktop.

[Mythos Online]

[Start]

Upon clicking the start button, the fans on the PC started whirling and a device to the right of his desk began to glow with a soft white light. Shin leaned backward and strapped the device over his head.

[Calibrating...]

[Downloading Update...]

[Complete]

[Continue connecting to Mythos Online? Y/N]

[Y]

Little did he know, this was the beginning of the end for society as he knew it.