1 The Beginning (I)
In a world where innovation knows no bounds, humans continually push the boundaries of possibility to enhance our way of life. Some creations endure the test of time, becoming indispensable staples, while others, born from failed attempts, pave the path toward more advanced breakthroughs. As time marches on, technology transcends the realm of spectacle; it becomes an inseparable part of our existence, something we can scarcely imagine living without.
As technology forges ahead, a myriad of inventions and machines emerges, each contributing to the tapestry of modern convenience we now revel in. Amidst this evolution, one industry stands out as a trailblazer, spearheading a transformation that would captivate the world: gaming. It all began with a dream - the dream of accessing a Full Dive Virtual Reality, a dream that would soon become a reality.
In yesteryears, Virtual Reality tantalized us with glimpses of digital wonderlands, accessible through specialized headgear and motion sensors. These devices allowed us to transcend mere mouse clicks and button presses, enabling us to immerse ourselves in experiences hitherto unimaginable. While not yet the ultimate virtual plunge, it marked the first step on our journey of exploration.
Then, a revelation shook the world. The Nexus Company, at the forefront of Virtual Reality development, announced the advent of Full Dive Virtual Reality. With it came the release of a groundbreaking game, one that would forever alter the landscape of gaming and, in turn, the world itself.
This game was none other than an "Alternate World." Its arrival marked a turning point that defied conventions and unleashed a wave of transformation. Prepare to embark on a journey through the digital realm, where the "Alternate World" reigns supreme, forever changing the way we perceive reality and the limitless potential of human imagination.
In the enigmatic realm of virtual reality, where technology pushed boundaries beyond imagination, one game stood as a beacon of innovation. Its name? Alternate World. Not so creative name right? But it made things simple, the title is not that long and easy to remember. Not only that but the concept of the game itself is also the title. This MMORPG masterpiece held a secret that would forever change the world.
You see, Alternate World wasn't just another virtual experience. It was the sole pioneer in developing the elusive Full Dive mechanic, a concept that had eluded countless other game developers. The Nexus company, in collaboration with various gaming giants, had attempted to replicate its success, only to face crushing defeats. Their games stumbled, failing to unlock the Full Dive potential, leaving players yearning for more.
The disappointment hung heavy in the air, especially for those who craved more diverse adventures beyond the MMORPG universe. Horror enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and FPS aficionados yearned for their own piece of the Full Dive dream. Nexus, too, shared the sorrow, issuing a formal apology to gamers who had hoped for a gaming revolution but for now, they wanted to focus on their first creation and perfect it to the point where they could call it their magnum opus.
Many problems occurred after its development and release. Yet, despite these setbacks, Alternate World prevailed. It slowly gained momentum, even though the entry cost was steep with the prohibitively expensive Reality Verse machines. A select few could initially afford this groundbreaking technology. But fate had a way of leveling the playing field, as the price of Reality Verse suddenly plummeted. It wasn't long before even the most modest of gamers could step into this captivating world. Internet cafes seized the opportunity, providing access for those who lacked the means to own the hardware.
Months passed, and a revelation turned the gaming world on its head. Players discovered that the fantastical powers they wielded in-game could be brought into the real world. Mastery in professions like cooking, sewing, blacksmithing, and brewing manifested in the players, even if they had no prior experience. What seemed like mere myth became undeniable when Reality Verse underwent a transformative evolution, birthing the portable Reality Verse Nexus—a tattoo version that offered game access without the bulky cabin.
Speculation ran rampant, but the truth became starkly evident during the "Awakening Manifestation." A young man, caught in a bank hostage situation, defied all expectations by wielding his in-game powers to fend off the assailants. The world watched in awe as reality blurred with the virtual realm.
The revelation shattered preconceived notions of magic and superpowers, ushering in a new era. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Chaos threatened to consume the world as criminals sought to harness their newfound abilities for sinister purposes. Little did they know, the "Judges" stood as guardians against rampant misuse of these powers.
With the Reality Verse's phased-out cabin version replaced by the Nexus, the world gained a more secure platform. Players' progress remained intact in the databank, erasing fears of losing their hard-earned achievements. Yet, with the dawn of these incredible abilities, hackers sought to exploit this new frontier, leading to heightened security measures.
In this ever-evolving world, the line between reality and fantasy had blurred beyond recognition, and humanity found itself treading new ground—a landscape where power, magic, and the extraordinary converged in an unforgettable adventure.
As the months rolled on, it became evident that the Nexus upgrade was more than just an advancement—it was a pivotal security measure that would redefine the way individuals harnessed their extraordinary abilities. It bore a striking promise: the power to reshape lives but with a stern caveat. Those who dared to employ their newfound skills for malevolent purposes, plunging into the abyss of murder and other abominable crimes, would find themselves staring down the barrel of justice. In the form of an enigmatic enforcer known as the "Judge," this sentinel would ruthlessly snatch away any chance of utilizing Nexus again, forever casting them into the shadow of their former potential. In some harrowing cases, the "Judge" would even exact the ultimate price, extinguishing life itself, and igniting a cacophony of protests that rippled through society.
Little did the world know, the "Judge" was the offspring of an unholy alliance between the government and the Nexus corporation, designed to quell the ambitions of power-hungry troublemakers. The unseen eyes of the Nexus company vigilantly monitored the use of these newfound powers, unleashing the "Judge" when deemed necessary. As for what was deemed an acceptable use of these abilities, that remained shrouded in secrecy. Mysterious yet eerily infallible, the system had never erred in summoning the "Judge."
Yet, amidst this era of uncertainty, arose a beacon of hope—those who harnessed their abilities for righteousness. They became champions of justice, a division unto themselves, defending against assault and confronting the most treacherous criminals society had to offer.
The initial chaos gradually subsided over the years, and this new order became the world's grim reality. Despite my indifference to the ever-evolving news cycle, I remained vaguely aware of these shifts, a casual observer of this brave new world.
But this story isn't about the groundbreaking Virtual Reality that reshaped civilization. No, this is the chronicle of a person yearning for change, seeking their elusive happy ending in a world fraught with uncertainty.
Amidst the trials and tribulations that have punctuated my journey, the silver lining is finally within reach. Tomorrow marks the culmination of my dreams, as I stand on the precipice of marrying the love of my life, Akari. Can you believe it's been almost three years since we first embarked on this romantic journey? The path that led us here, hand in hand, was fraught with challenges, but we've emerged stronger and more devoted than ever.
Who could have foreseen that our love story would intertwine with the virtual realms of the game I've immersed myself in, known as Alternate World? The realization that I'll be spending the rest of my days with her is a remarkable twist of fate I never anticipated.
For four years, we've fought side by side as teammates in the dungeon raids, boss raids, and boss rush, and also fierce arena tournaments of Alternate World. Our bond deepened, and after a few months of relentless courtship, we embraced our love and became a couple. Tonight, as the countdown to our wedding commences, my girlfriend and our fellow teammates revel in celebration. Parties and I don't often see eye to eye, and my tolerance for alcohol is a lost cause. Some might brand me a loner or a social recluse, but that doesn't diminish my affection for my team. It's just that the walls around my heart are not easily breached, with one notable exception—Akari. She's the one who broke through, especially since those dearest to me have been taken away by cruel accidents that I had no power to prevent.
Sipping my tea on the balcony, I gaze upon the moon, lost in contemplation. Suddenly, the creaking of a door intrudes upon my thoughts. I pivot to check if our friends have arrived, but the room remains empty.
"Is it just my imagination?"
No, it couldn't be. My heightened hearing, a gift from the ability known as [Sensory Hearing], detects even the faintest of sounds. This is no mere figment of my imagination; someone has forcibly entered.
Summoning my weapon into existence, I assume a defensive posture, prepared to strike should the intruder pose a threat. I won't stand idly by while someone trespasses and attempts to seize what doesn't belong to them.
Navigating the room cautiously, I heighten my senses to ensure the intruder won't catch me off guard.
There's movement within Akari's room, dimly lit, but shadows betray the presence of an uninvited guest. Activating my [Extra Sensory] ability, honed over years of gaming, I prepare to face whatever challenge awaits me, armed with both knowledge and determination.
With a heightened sense of awareness granted by my extraordinary abilities, I discerned the presence of at least three individuals inside Akari's room and two more lurking just beyond the mansion's walls.
Utilizing my uncanny [Extra Sensory] perception, I orchestrated a swift, calculated entrance into the room, launching myself towards the first intruder. My sudden appearance may not have taken them entirely by surprise, but they skillfully blocked my advance and swiftly retaliated.
Their movements were unmistakable, a telltale sign of Alternate World Players honing their skills within the virtual realm, each embodying the essence of a Ninja class.
One of them, showing no intent to engage, vanished into thin air, expertly activating [Stealth], while the other two mirrored the vanishing act.
"Fleeing, are we? You little sh*ts! Not on my watch!"
Without hesitation, I summoned the icy embrace of [Frost], sealing the room's entrance with an impenetrable barrier of ice.
"Now, it's a standoff; it's either the three of you will face your demise or mine."
Recognizing the futility of continued stealth within the confined space, they reluctantly abandoned their cloaked shroud, launching a coordinated assault. However, their confidence was misplaced, underestimating the adversary they faced.
"[Ice Shackles]!"
A symphony of clinks echoed through the room as chains of ice materialized, ensnaring their limbs and rendering them immobile.
Seizing the opportunity, I incapacitated them swiftly and efficiently, leaving them unconscious, secured by my [Ice Shackles]. Armed with my trusty Magic Sword, I tracked down the remaining trespassers and incapacitated them as well.
...
...
I refrained from delivering a fatal blow, mindful of the potential consequences that might trigger the Judge mechanism. Since they hadn't yet unleashed their abilities against me, the Judge remained dormant. But the question remained – what had brought these intruders to my mansion? They are clearly not here to steal as they are more well equipped and seeing me immediately triggered their will to kill.
It seemed unlikely these individuals would readily divulge their motives. I suspected their presence was tied to more than just theft; a deeper, mysterious agenda was at play.
Lost in contemplation about how to extract information from them, my holophone buzzed urgently in my pocket. Akari's name flashed on the screen, prompting an immediate response.
"Hello?"
"Sup..."
My eyes narrowed as I heard the unfamiliar voice, its deep and distorted tone suggesting the use of a voice changer.
"Who are you? Why do you have Akari's phone?"
"Heh. Talk to her, and we can discuss the details later."
The next voice that reached my ears was unmistakably Akari's, filled with distress and fear.
"Manato! Help me! I don't know where I am, it's too dark in here! Please, help me!"
