3 Nexus Company

I embarked on a journey of hustle, exploring various jobs to keep the cash flowing. In fact, I hustled so hard that I had to grab a driver's license just to snag gigs involving wheels and deliveries. The part-time gigs barely scratched the surface of my financial goals, so I scoured the online world for lucrative opportunities. I even contemplated trying my luck with the lottery, dreaming of that elusive jackpot that could fast-track my journey to owning the coveted Reality Verse.

But life had other plans; I was so engrossed in my Alternate World gaming sessions that I didn't even spare a glance at those lottery numbers. Even if I had, I probably wouldn't have paid attention to the dates. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and looking back, I wish I could have used that chance to memorize those numbers, exploit them, and return to the past as a financial genius. But alas, regrets are the ghosts that haunt our past choices. Damn, I sounded like a poet there.

That year turned out to be unusually tranquil. While my parents occasionally checked in on me with their phone calls, my closest friends seemed to have vanished to foreign lands, with no contact in sight. If memory serves me right, they were due to return in a few more months. That year was the calm before the storm, the quietest and most peaceful time I'd ever experienced. In my previous timeline, I spent the entire year plowing through the offline games stored on my PC, conquering them one by one before the Alternate World phenomenon took over. I didn't need to replay them since I already had the knowledge and experience from those games etched into my mind. Nevertheless, it didn't hurt to indulge in some gaming nostalgia when boredom crept in after a day's work.

...

Finally, the day of the Reality Verse Release had dawned. I knew I had already exceeded the 5 million yen mark, but I refrained from checking my bank balance, choosing instead to continue my relentless pursuit of financial security. With trepidation, I finally logged into my account and was greeted by the sight of 6 million yen resting snugly in my bank account. It had taken a year's worth of part-time gigs, some unconventional side hustles that paid more than expected, of course, it was a legal job and a dash of perseverance. The feeling of contentment that washed over me as I gazed at that number was nothing short of euphoric. Surpassing the 5 million yen milestone and adding an extra million to it felt like an incredible achievement, especially since it had been earned through hard, honest work.

As I reflected on my journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within me. I was about to embark on a fresh adventure in the game, starting earlier than ever before. I could proudly call myself a gaming veteran, even before the official release date. My eidetic memory allowed me to recall glimpses of my past experiences, but I knew better than to rely on it too heavily. After all, I had already altered the course of events upon my return, and the future was bound to hold surprises. Not all my memories were set in stone, but that's what made this journey all the more thrilling.

Today marks the culmination of all my hard work, the day I finally reap the fruits of my labor. The anticipation is electric, and I can't afford to waste a single moment. The clock is ticking, and I know that if I'm not there early enough, my dreams might slip through my fingers like sand. The competition for this limited stock is fierce, and I can't afford to be left empty-handed.

My alarm clock cruelly drags me out of a peaceful slumber at 3:00 A.M., but this is no time to hit the snooze button. It may seem like an ungodly hour, but when you're chasing after something as elusive as a rare treasure or a life-changing opportunity, time is of the essence. With a lightning-quick breakfast whipped up from the bare essentials in my fridge, I fuel myself for the adventure ahead.

The city is still cloaked in pre-dawn shadows, but I know I must hurry to the Reality Verse Company building. The lines can stretch for miles if you're not there early enough, and paranoia creeps in with every passing minute. But this is how it's always been, the price we pay for chasing dreams. Luckily, I won't need to make a detour to the bank; the company effortlessly deducts the funds from my linked account. It's a small sacrifice for the promise of untold adventures and riches.

With preparations complete, I mount my trusty motorcycle, a wise investment that promises speed and agility. Without it, I'd be pedaling along on a bicycle, a snail's pace in this race against time. Dressed in my signature gray hoodie, black pants, and trusty black shoes – my uniform of choice for countless deliveries – I'm ready to make my move. The engine roars to life, a battle cry as I set off towards the Nexus Company.

The journey is a blur as the motorcycle effortlessly carries me to my destination in just four minutes. The streets are eerily deserted at this early hour, a calm before the storm. Parking my bike in the nearby lot, I join the small line forming on the sidewalk. I couldn't care less if people find my early arrival peculiar; nothing will deter me from claiming that first Reality Verse.

Though there aren't many people besides me in line just yet, I can sense the quiet determination of those who've camped out in their vehicles or chosen nearby hotels to secure their spots. Nexus Company's rules dictate that we can only line up on launch day, pushing some to extraordinary lengths. They're all waiting for someone to dare to jump the queue, so they can follow suit and get their hands on the coveted machine. The battle for the Reality Verse has begun, and I'm determined to emerge victorious.

The stillness of the early morning was almost eerie, a haunting silence that wrapped around me like a shroud. Yet, solitude had been my constant companion in the unforgiving wilderness and shadowy dungeons of my past, so the desolation of the street didn't faze me much. The darkness, however, had robbed me of my enhanced eyesight since I inhabited this youthful body once more. Those abilities I once had are nowhere to be found in this body. I am starting back to zero after all.

But then, the tranquility shattered as three figures approached, steadily advancing towards my position. In the dim light, their features remained shrouded in mystery, and anticipation hung in the air.

As they drew nearer, the veil of obscurity lifted, revealing the unexpected. A young woman emerged, clad in a stylish striped shirt and form-fitting jeans. Her physique was nothing short of impeccable, and her beauty was undeniable. She might have been a catch for anyone seeking companionship, but my heart harbored no such desires. The past had taught me caution, and I had no intention of entrusting my heart to another, especially not someone like Akari, a treacherous figure from my past.

Instead, my attention turned to the girl before me—Harmless Sparrow, or, to be precise, Rika Tsukinara. In a previous timeline, she had ascended to the ranks of the Sorcerer Knight, a path of magic within the realm of Magic Knights, and had even led the esteemed Blue Sky guild. She had been the first to lay claim to the elusive Reality Verse, as indicated by her presence here today.

Surprise flickered across her face as she took note of my unexpected arrival. "Wow! Someone beat me to it!" Rika exclaimed, her astonishment evident.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

"Not at all," she replied, her tone upbeat. "It's just rare for someone to outpace me in the race to be the earliest. I've never been late, but I've also never been second." Her enthusiasm was palpable, though I couldn't quite fathom why.

"Right," I nodded, unsure of how to respond to her competitive spirit.

While Rika and I had crossed paths before, our interactions had been limited to occasional dungeon raids in the past timeline. We had exchanged a few words, even though our paths had occasionally converged in both the real world and virtual Arena Contests. Our encounters typically ended in fierce competition, with victory often eluding her grasp.

For now, Rika seemed engrossed in her Holophone, fidgeting with the device. It occurred to me that an upgrade to my own smartphone might be in order once I had sufficient funds.

Suddenly, a lively but weathered voice cut through the night, taking us all by surprise. Rika's bodyguards instinctively moved to shield her, ready to defend her at a moment's notice.

"Relax, relax," the old man chuckled, emerging from behind us. "I'm here to open up shop. You kids must be here for the merchandise, huh? Smart move, getting an early start."

With that, he raised the shutter, revealing the entrance to the Nexus Company. Although he seemed like a mere employee, I knew better. This was none other than Nobuhiko Kasaguchi, Tojiro Akisame's partner in crafting the game Alternate World, the mastermind behind the enigmatic Reality Verse, and also the guy who gave me the chance to return to the past. It was unusual for him to appear in public, and his presence added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the unfolding events.

"Eh? Is it wrong?" Rika inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected turn of events.

"Of course not! You two are pretty lucky! You've just stumbled upon our exclusive promo!" Nobuhiko exclaimed, a warm smile gracing his lips as he turned his gaze toward us.

"Promo?" I queried, my brow furrowing with intrigue. This was the first I'd heard of such an offer.

"Yes, a promo indeed," Nobuhiko confirmed, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "You two are here to buy the Reality Verse, right? Well, because you're here early, you're in for a special treat: the machine is yours for free!"

Wait, what? Free? My mind raced with disbelief. Why hadn't I come across this incredible offer on any forums or media-sharing websites? The words 'free' and 'Reality Verse' didn't often find themselves in the same sentence. I'd spent a small fortune acquiring my own Reality Verse, a fact that still gnawed at me.

Rika's initial surprise quickly transformed into unbridled excitement as she hung onto Nobuhiko's every word.

"Really? It's free? Without spending a single yen?" Rika pressed for confirmation, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Yes, not a single yen!" Nobuhiko reassured us with a grin. "You two arrived early, making you our lucky first customers. Come, let's get inside and complete the transaction right away."

As we stepped through the glass doors into the hall, Nobuhiko guided us towards the staff room and then into the laboratory where the Reality Verse was being developed. My previous visits had been for upgrades to the cabin version, which was what I intended to purchase today—yet here I was, about to receive it for free.

"Welcome to the Reality Verse Nexus Facilities. Since you two are our inaugural customers, you'll be among the very first to experience the tattoo version of the Reality Verse," Nobuhiko declared proudly, gesturing toward the array of cutting-edge technology surrounding him.

"Tattoo Version? I've never heard of such a thing. Why hasn't this been publicized? I thought it was still the capsule cabin!" Rika voiced her confusion.

"Indeed, it used to be a capsule cabin," Nobuhiko explained patiently. "But we've made significant advancements, and now we have a portable version known as the Nexus Reality Verse. It's been thoroughly tested, and the two of you are fortunate to be among the first to receive the tattoo version. The capsule cabin was the prototype; people previously needed to use it for a month before transitioning to the tattoo."

The rapid shift from cabin to tattoo, and for free, left me in a state of shock. This was unlike anything I'd ever heard of before. Had things changed while I'd been busy earning money? It couldn't be the case, as my work and earnings hadn't influenced Nexus Company's products. This was an unexpected twist.

"Who's willing to be the first to give it a try?" Nobuhiko inquired, although he reassured us, "Don't worry, it won't look like a tattoo in public. It only reveals itself when you're accessing the Nexus Version. So, if your job requires you to be tattoo-free, you're in luck."

Staring at the apparatus that would imprint the tattoo version, I couldn't help but notice its striking resemblance to the machine that had marked me with the Nexus tattoo in my previous timeline.

"Is there a catch to this, though?" I couldn't help but ask, my skepticism bubbling to the surface. "I mean, when something's free, there's usually a catch. It's hard to believe it's this straightforward." This all felt too good to be true.

"Hey, why are you showing so much disrespect?" Rika's concern etched across her face as she cast a wary glance at Nobuhiko, wondering if my words had ruffled his feathers.

Nobuhiko chuckled heartily, his eyes glinting mischievously. "You're quite perceptive, kid. It seems you've caught onto our little secret. I thought you all would jump at the chance, given that it's free, but I suppose it's time to spill the beans. This is the test version, and indeed, the genuine Reality Verse Nexus. However, we're not entirely sure how it'll impact players during actual gameplay. We've conducted some tests, and it's been running smoothly, but we want to see if it functions as seamlessly as our current setup, like the long-duration support for sustenance while gaming. Essentially, we're enlisting all of you as our beta testers."

"In simpler terms, we're the guinea pigs..."

Nobuhiko couldn't help but laugh. "You certainly don't sugarcoat things, do you? But yes, you could call it that. We'll gather data on how the Reality Verse Nexus performs and use it to refine the system for all players to enjoy. Of course, we won't leave you empty-handed. Until the official release of the Reality Verse Nexus, we'll be compensating you for your testing efforts. Consider it a job opportunity. What do you think?"

"Is that right? Then let's seal the deal right away! I'm excited! If we can make money while playing the game, it's a dream come true!" Rika's excitement radiated from her wide grin.

"I understand that you haven't been keeping tabs on us, so this time, I'll choose to trust you. Count me in," I agreed, the agreement mirroring our past experiences, with the exception of the upfront deposit.

"Brilliant! Now, all that remains is for you to leave your signature on these papers, sealing the deal and marking your status as proud proprietors of the Reality Verse Nexus," Nobuhiko's enthusiasm was palpable as he clapped his hands together and presented us with two important documents. We eagerly took the pens in hand, our hearts racing with anticipation, and etched our names onto the pages, each stroke inching us closer to a world of boundless possibilities.

With the formalities behind us, Nobuhiko led us swiftly to the tattoo parlor, where the true essence of our journey awaited. The Reality Verse Nexus tattoo, a marvel of advanced technology, was a far cry from the capsule cabin. Its intricate design hinted at the untapped magic that lay within, promising portability and the power to immerse ourselves wherever our hearts desired. No more fretting about future upgrades; we were now on the precipice of real magic mastery.

My excitement was palpable as I opted for the Nexus version, eager to experience the world in an entirely new light. It wasn't just about accessibility and portability; it boasted a staggering 100% synchronization rate. This meant that my quest to master real magic in the tangible world was on the cusp of becoming a reality, thanks to the Nexus.

The process unfolded rapidly, whisking us into a small cabin where we could select the ideal spot for our tattoos. For me, the choice was easy – the neck, mirroring my choice from a past timeline. The Reality Verse Nexus tattoo offered a range of designs, each a nod to the four heavenly beasts – the dragon, the turtle, the tiger, and the bird. Without hesitation, I selected the tiger, a symbol of grace and strength that resonated with my style.

Exiting the company alongside Rika and her vigilant bodyguards, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. My objectives for the day had been fulfilled, and I was poised for the adventures that lay ahead. As I prepared to depart, keys in hand, Rika's voice interrupted my thoughts, leaving me curious and eager for what she had to say next.

"Hey there, we haven't had a proper introduction yet, have we? I'm Tsukinara Rika, but you can call me Rika. Let's make this official and be friends!" Rika's warm smile stretched across her face as she extended her hand for a friendly handshake.

I welcomed the gesture, giving her a nod. "Tsukasa Manato, a pleasure to meet you," I replied, our hands firmly clasped in a friendly greeting.

Before Rika could utter another word, I made my exit, heading towards the parking lot to retrieve my trusty motorcycle. As I pulled the hood of my jacket over my head, I couldn't help but feel a shiver of apprehension. It wouldn't bode well if anyone in this camp found out that I had acquired the coveted Reality Verse Nexus for free. Without looking back, I revved the engine and sped away from the area, leaving Rika behind with a puzzled expression etched on her face.

"Am I not to his liking? Perhaps I am too ugly?" Rika murmured to herself, her fingers lightly tracing her face, her bodyguards equally bewildered by my swift departure.

...

With the Reality Verse Nexus now in my possession, it was time to stock up on essential supplies. Thanks to the generous windfall, my bank account was flush with cash, ensuring that I wouldn't be facing any financial woes in the foreseeable future. My only expenditures would be limited to electricity, water, and of course, food.

If only I had known that the Reality Verse could be mine for free, I wouldn't have toiled away, working tirelessly to scrape together the necessary funds to acquire it. Yet, I don't carry the weight of regret on my shoulders, for my hard-earned money still offers me the promise of other indulgences.

In my Tokyo days, my parents, residing in Nagoya, faithfully sent me a monthly allowance to support my studies. That financial lifeline, however, came to a sudden halt when they tragically passed away when I was a mere 19 years old. Left to fend for myself, I turned to the meager earnings from the Alternate World, a realm that offered no easy riches.

In light of my current circumstances, perhaps it's time for me to repay the favor. Who's to say my parents don't face their own financial struggles? A surprise financial gift could provide them with some much-needed relief. Returning home in the late afternoon, groceries in hand, I paused in front of my unchanged abode. This house had been my sanctuary ever since my parents' untimely departure. It stood as a testament to their legacy, now my own, until the day I could purchase my dream mansion.

The house, while not opulent, held its own charm—a spacious, two-story dwelling with a welcoming veranda, perfect for moonlit nights of contemplation. Its appeal was undeniable, but the solitude that accompanied it was equally unmistakable. A lonely life had become my norm, but one I had grown accustomed to.

Change is inevitable, and I must remain adaptable. The errors of my past must not repeat themselves; lessons learned must not be in vain. The future may bring uncertainty, but I am resolved to face it head-on, with newfound wisdom and unwavering determination.