《CodeName: FNL》 liFe The sunlight shouldn¡¯t flicker like that. Mirai blinked, rubbing his eyes. The starry ceiling lights above his room dimmed, fading into the soft glow of the morning. for a moment the light wavered, a faint pulse as if the room itself were holding its breath. He sat up shaking off the strange sensation. A yawn escaped him as his eyes drifted to the particles of time on his desk, but something about the digits: 7:00AM, right on schedule. Routine. Comforting. Yet, for reasons he couldn¡¯t explain, the sight of those digits made his stomach tighten. Game posters lined the walls, their bold colors muted in the morning light. Trophies from recent tournaments sat proudly on the shelves, their polished surfaces catching faint glints of sunlight. And in the corner, his high-end gaming setup hummed softly, a constant reminder of his sanctuary. His phone buzzed on the nightstand , pulling him from a half remembered dream. Grabbing it, his eyes blinked against the screen¡¯s brightness, the notification glowed in the dim light: ¡®A new reality!¡¯ His pulse quickened, but the sensation passed as quickly as it came. He groaned, scrolling to the sender. ¡°Takara¡­ you¡¯ve got to chill~¡± he chuckled, her flurry of messages flooding across the screen: ¡°OMG WAKE UP MIRAI!!! BIGGEST NEWS IN LIKE 15 YEARS!! GUESS WHO¡¯S TRENDING!!!¡± Mirai chuckled, half expecting another rumor about the next installment of the ¡®F-Series¡¯ again. Takara was always the first to pick up on rumors but even for her it felt over the top. ¡°LIKE LEGIT ARTICLES. THIS ISN¡¯T JUST ¡°OH MAYBE¡± BS. PROMINENT LEAKER!¡± Her enthusiasm was contagious. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his curiosity rising despite the skepticism. ¡°This year¡¯s different, huh?¡± His eyes lingered on the link, half-expecting another fake leak. A new reality. His thumb hesitated, the words gnawed at him, stirring something deep and unnameable. Click. The title blazed across his screen in bold font: ¡°Next installment in the ¡®F-Series¡¯ to be announced this year: A Long Awaited Revelation?¡± He skimmed the details, snippets flashing in his mind: ?¡°Insiders suggest a revolutionary new VR experience.¡± ?¡°A project shrouded in secrecy for 15 years.¡± ?¡°Square Phoenix refusing to comment.¡± Mirai frowned, his excitement tempered by doubt. But a strange thrill ran down his spine as he reached the bottom detail: ¡°Former developer claims: ¡®A new reality.¡¯ The words echoed louder than they should have, sending a chill through him, the weight of it finally sinking in. For a fleeting moment, the air seemed heavier, a faint sound brushed the edges of his awareness, like a distant echo of a voice¡ªa voice just out of reach. He froze, scanning the room, but nothing moved. Silence, save for the hum of his computer. He shook his head forcing a chuckle. ¡°Alright, Mirai, maybe lay off the night streams" he muttered, shaking it off. Tossing his phone onto the bed, he headed for the shower. Warm water sprayed over his snowy white hair, the steady rhythm grounding him. He let the steam blur the edge of his thoughts until they faded entirely. By the time he stepped, nanobots had already dried his skin, their hum barely noticeable.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. They stayed with him as his uniform materialized in a flash of white, crisp and tailored. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he couldn¡¯t shake Takara¡¯s messages replaying in his mind. After years of rumors and disappointments, could it be? ¡°A new game, huh. Maybe this year¡¯ll actually be different,¡± he thought. Glancing at his clock, he realized he still had time but not enough to take it slow. Light blue particles shimmered to life as Mirai passed, rippling briefly before evaporating like droplets into the air. Sunlight poured through the translucent ceiling, painting shifting golden patterns across the floor. Verdant plants lined the walls, their gentle green softening the sharp, futuristic lines of the hallway. ¡°Good morning, Mirai,¡± his AI assistant chimed, its calm voice echoing softly. ¡°At your current pace, you¡¯ll make it to class with approximately 2 minutes to spare.¡± Mirai grinned, shifting his bag. ¡°Two minutes? Guess I¡¯m going for a record today.¡± It responded with its usual calm tone, though Mirai could almost hear a hint of an eye-roll in its voice. ¡°I would recommend not attempting to break any records, Mirai. We wouldn¡¯t want any last-minute surprises.¡± Mirai chuckled as he headed toward the stairs. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the surprises for class. Thanks for the heads-up, though.¡± The AI¡¯s image disbanded into a scatter of light particles, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. Mirai caught the faint scent of sizzling eggs and toasted bread as he descended the stairs, his stomach growling in approval. The kitchen, warm and bright, was alive with the sound of clattering pans and a soft melody of shamisen strings and AI-generated melodies played from the countertops. His mother, still in her floral silk robe with her hair tied up in a loose bun, stood over the stove. ¡°Ah, the prodigal son graces us with his presence,¡± she said, not looking up as she expertly flipped an omelet in the pan. ¡°I was starting to think you were going to skip breakfast. Again.¡± Mirai grinned, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°You know me, Mom. Always keeping you guessing.¡± She turned, arching a brow with a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°Do I need to drag you out of bed? You¡¯ve been warned before, young man.¡± She waved a spatula at him as if it were a pointed finger before facing it toward the table. ¡°Sit. Food¡¯s almost ready. You¡¯re not leaving without eating.¡± He sighed but complied, dropping into a chair and scrolling through his messages as the scent of breakfast became impossible to ignore. Moments later, his mom placed a plate in front of him with quick, practiced movements. She lingered nearby, hands on her hips as she studied him. ¡°What?¡± he asked, mouth half-full of toast. ¡°I know that face,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Same one you used to have when you tried to convince me homework didn¡¯t exist. Spill it. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Mirai hesitated, then shrugged. ¡°Just this game design class,¡± he admitted. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s fine, but sometimes I can¡¯t tell if I¡¯m actually good at it or just wasting time.¡± Her expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing her face. ¡°Your dad used to get that look too whenever a big project was weighing on him,¡± she said, her tone quieter now. ¡°Always second-guessing himself before a big project. You¡¯re just like him.¡± Mirai felt a pang but quickly masked it with a grin. ¡°Guess I really am his kid, huh?¡± His mom snorted. ¡°Please, your dad actually had talent. You¡¯re just good at running your mouth.¡± ¡°Wow, thanks for the glow of endorsement,¡± he said, rolling his eyes dramatically. ¡°Anytime,¡± she quipped, ruffling his hair as she passed by. ¡°Now eat up and get moving. I don¡¯t want another call from school about you sprinting through the gates like a maniac.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take the scenic route, just for you,¡± he replied, scarfing down the last bite of his breakfast before grabbing his bag. Her voice softened as he reached the door. ¡°Be careful, Mirai.¡± He paused, glancing back at her with a warm smile. ¡°Always, Mom.¡± Outside, the lawn was meticulously maintained, the hedge trimmed into the shape of a radiant sun. Sleek lines of his neighborhood stretched before him, their white facades gleaming under the morning sun. Beyond the shimmering ocean, a distant island rose, crowned with a futuristic skyline. Towering, minimalist structures pierced the horizon, their smooth surfaces gleaming like polished glass. V-tols zipped between the spires, their low hum merging with the rhythmic whispers of the coastal breeze. He walked to a nearby post, pressed a button, and almost immediately, a sleek V-tol descended gracefully from above. Its doors slid open with a soft hiss, beckoning him inside. ¡°Welcome, Mirai,¡± The familiar AI greeted, its calm tone unwavering. We will arrive at Helios Interactive Academy in approximately 10 minutes. Shall I increase speed for a quicker journey?¡± ¡°Nah, I''m not in a rush,¡± he said, settling into the plush seat. He looked out the window with a smirk, gesturing toward the glowing skyline. ¡°Besides, why rush when you¡¯ve got a view like this? It paused briefly before replying. ¡°Acknowledged. Enjoy the journey, Mirai. Helios awaits.¡± As the V-tol rose into the air, Mirai watched the skyline grow closer, its towering structures gleaming like beacons in the sunlight. For a moment he let himself relax, the hum of the engine and breathtaking view easing the doubts that lingered in the back of his mind. ¡°A new reality.¡± This time they didn¡¯t feel like a promise. They felt like a warning. He stared out at the shimmering skyline. Somewhere in the distance the headquarters of Square Phoenix loomed, a beacon of innovation¡­ and the last place his father ever worked. harmoNy The V-tol gave Mirai a panoramic view of the city''s carefully curated brilliance. Towering holographic banners occasionally snagged his attention on sleek, reflective architecture, each displaying upbeat slogans: "One heart, one future." and "We thrive together"¡ªtheir brilliant neon glow reflecting the city''s near-obsessive focus on harmony and progress. Below, meticulously manicured parks spread out in precise geometric patterns, their hedges trimmed into stylized suns and pathways softly illuminated by bioluminescent lights. The city gleamed with perfection, but as awe-inspiring as the scene was, Mirai couldn''t help but feel a subtle unease. For all its polish, something about it felt¡­ strange. Maybe it was just the vague whispers in the air lately¡ªrumors of something big. Takara consistently updated him that morning. "Square Phoenix is working on a project that''ll change everything," she''d said in one of her voice messages. "They''re not just making a game this time." Could it be? It was the kind of cryptic buzz that had circulated online for months, but somehow it stuck in his mind now. He couldn''t explain why. "We will be arriving at Helios shortly," chimed the AI. "Thank you for flying with Gravity Air. This is your daily reminder to respect public property and preserve the image of our glorious future." Helios Interactive Academy came into view, its campus as meticulously designed as the city itself. A sleek fence of gently glowing plasma rods bordered the grounds, pulsing in perfect rhythm with the neon skyline. Beyond it, soaring glass structures arched gracefully, their shimmering exteriors adorned with digital panels showcasing student-designed art and speculative game concepts. Some of the panels caught his eye: speculative art of weapons, worlds, and characters clearly inspired by Square Phoenix''s legacy titles. One in particular stopped him¡ªa towering figure wrapped in dark energy, its glowing eyes eerily similar to something Takara had described. He blinked and looked away. "Eh, I''m overthinking it." He said, shrugging it off. The V-tol descended, and as the doors hissed open, Mirai''s adrenaline spiked. He glanced at his watch and smirked. "I might need to run," he mused. Let''s see how close I can push it today. He sprinted through a grand hallway filled with lush greenery and intricate sun-themed patterns. Softly glowing panels and holographic sculptures flickered in his peripheral vision, casting subtle reflections across the polished floor. The corridor stood deserted¡ªno voices, no commotion¡ªan unmistakable sign that class was about to begin. And the end of the corridor, Mirai turned into a pristine hallway with glossy white walls accented by a bold red stripe. He skidded to a stop in front of a sleek, glossy red wall labeled Class 4-3. A soft white holographic beam flickered across him, its voice crisp and efficient: "Present school ID for verification. Class begins in 2 minutes." With a quick tap of his ID, the glossy wall shimmered, dissolving smoothly into a doorway. He stepped inside, immediately feeling a flicker of unease. Nearly every eye in the room swiveled toward him. Curious looks landed on the latecomer, some fleeting, others lingering. A few students quickly turned back to their desks, but others broke into grins or waved, their excited chatter cutting through the tension: "GGs, Sephoric!" "Dude, that parry to capture the flag? Insane¡ªbest clip I''ve seen this season." "Nice win! Man~I was rooting for you guys¡ªI can''t stand Zephia." "Top five guilds are neck and neck right now. It''s so hype!" Mirai raised a hand, his easy smile slipping into place. "Thanks, guys," he replied, keeping his tone humble. "Honestly, it was all my team. They set me up for the play¡ªI just happened to be in the right place at the right time." A few more cheers and approving nods followed, but Mirai kept moving, steering himself toward his seat. The last thing he needed was to linger in the spotlight any longer than necessary. As the class of about thirty students gradually returned to their conversations and tasks, Mirai exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. He slipped along the edge of the room, heading for the back¡ªhis usual spot. It was his favorite spot¡ªnot just because it helped him avoid getting called on, but it also offered a full vantage of the room. More importantly, it was where one of his teammates and closest friends, Takara, always sat. As he approached, the sleek desk automatically activated, a glowing holographic interface flickering to life. He tapped his credentials onto the display, which immediately booted up the classroom UI. "Morning, Mirai!" Takara greeted cheerfully, her voice light and teasing. "Cutting it close as always. It''s honestly kind of funny at this point." "Morning, Takara," he replied with a grin, sliding into his chair. "What can I say? I like moving at my own pace¡ªit keeps things interesting. You know how I roll." He leaned back, flashing her a casual nod.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. She chuckled, shaking her head. "Wish I could get away with that. But nope, I''d probably give my parents a heart attack if I even tried. Everything I do reflects on the family name, unfortunately." Mirai tilted his head slightly, studying her. "So¡­ still planning to take that CEO spot after this year?" Her cheerful expression faltered for a moment, replaced by a quiet sigh. She glanced down at her hands. "I don''t know," she admitted, her voice softer now, tinged with uncertainty. "I don''t think I can handle the pressure. I mean¡­ I don''t even want it. But my parents expect an answer by the end of the year." Her shoulders drooped slightly as her words hung in the air. "Ah, can''t imagine being in your shoes," Mirai said, shaking his head. "Harmonious 500 company, global AI assistant, the largest OS system¡ªtalk about a lot to carry. Whatever decision you make, though, I''m here to back you up. Ehh¡ªnot that my support amounts to much. Like, ant-level support at best." He chuckled, the sound light and easy. She glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "No, it really means a lot. Especially coming from you." she said earnestly. Her gaze drifted downward again, and her voice softened. "My parents think this game design class is just some pointless extracurricular, a total waste of time. They don''t get it." She hesitated, letting the silence fill the space between them before continuing. "I can''t even tell them how much I love art, games, and just¡­ being myself online, where no one knows who I am." Mirai leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest. "That''s rough¡­ But if I were in your place, I''d try to find some peace of mind. What''s the point of having all the resources in the world if you''re stuck in a mental prison?" Takara exhaled softly, her gaze drifting to her desk. "It''s not just their judgment¡ªit''s the public reaction too. The thought terrifies me. I wish I could be more like you. So calm, so at ease with everything. Like nothing fazes you." Mirai tilted his head toward her, a grin already forming. "Yes ma''am that''s me¡ªmaster of the three C''s: calm, cool, and completely winging it." She shook her head, but a smile tugged at her lips. "You''re impossible." Before Mirai could respond, the classroom door hissed softly as it slid open. A stoic man entered with deliberate strides, his slick black hair perfectly in place, and a gray camo-patterned business suit that radiated authority. His every movement seemed calculated, the room naturally quieting as he approached. At the front of the room, a sleek, floating desk hovered mid-air, waiting for him. As he neared, digital steps materialized beneath his feet, lifting him onto the platform. Above, the ceiling shifted into transparency, flooding the space with warm sunlight that nourished the greenery lining the classroom walls. Behind him, a glowing emblem materialized on the floating desk¡ªa circular design with two inner rings and the words ''Harmony Through Progress.'' It was the flag of the Sun Nation, a symbol of their country''s ideals. The remaining chatter dissolved into silence as the students made their final preparations for the day. A holographic display projected the attendance list onto the floating desk, and the man scanned it, marking each visible student as present with a subtle hand gesture. Stepping back down the digital steps, he moved toward the wooden-paneled wall near the entrance. The glossy surface reflected the sunlight, adding a serene yet commanding air to the room. With a smooth flick of his wrist, the wall transformed into a massive screen, displaying notes from the previous day''s lesson. He waved a hand over the holographic display, erasing the content with an elegant swipe, then turned back to face the class. He stood tall, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room with quiet authority. "Good morning, class," he greeted, his raspy yet firm voice cutting through the stillness. "Good morning, Mr. 00!" half the class responded in near-perfect unison. "How are we feeling today? Great, I would hopefully assume?" His tone carried a mix of expectation and faint amusement as he surveyed the students. He paced in front of the floating desk, his footsteps measured and deliberate, ensuring every eye was on him. "Right. Today, we''ll be going over new material," he announced, his voice carrying a subtle edge of expectation. "We''re going to be diving into the concept of immersive AI-driven environments." Mr. 00 began, his voice steady and authoritative. "Specifically, how to design non-player characters and world systems that adapt based on player decisions in real-time. Think of it as creating a world that''s constantly learning from the player, not just scripted interactions." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "Later on, we''ll touch on the ethics of creating sentient game worlds and the balance between player freedom and narrative control. But for now, let''s focus on the core of player engagement¡ªhow to keep them invested without controlling every single choice they make." Mirai leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath, "Back-to-back complex formulas, huh. I''m gonna have my hands tied tonight." Although he dreamed of becoming a game developer at Square Phoenix, he never particularly enjoyed math. Still, he knew it was a necessary evil on the path to designing worlds he envisioned. "It''s okay. I can help you before we leave," Takara whispered, her voice soft but reassuring. Mirai grinned. "My hero academia." Takara immediately stifled her laughter, but a few tears still slipped down her cheeks. As Mr. 00 continued his lecture, pacing deliberately in front of the holographic screen, Mirai''s focus began to waver. His gaze drifted toward the corner of the room, just as a crumpled piece of paper sailed through the air. It hit the back of a student''s head with a soft thud. Mirai glanced around, trying to spot the culprit, but whoever had thrown it was careful to remain unnoticed. The boy who''d been hit, however, knew exactly who it was. His shoulders stiffened, and a quiet sadness spread across his face. He hesitated, staring at the crumpled paper for a long moment before reaching out and tucking it into his desk, where it vanished into the digital storage system. But before he could fully settle back into his seat, something heavier struck him¡ªa hardcover book that crashed onto the floor with a resounding thud, breaking the classroom''s rhythm. All eyes turned toward the boy as his face flushed crimson. Mr. 00''s voice cut through the silence, sharp and unyielding. "If you intend to disrupt our class, I suggest you do it outside, where you won''t disturb your peers'' desire for knowledge." The boy''s hands trembled as he scrambled to retrieve the book. "I¡ªI didn''t mean to¡­" he stammered, his voice barely audible. "I accidentally elbowed it, and it fell. I''m sorry. I''ll be more careful." Mr. 00''s piercing gaze lingered on him for a moment before he turned back to the screen. "See that you do." The cold stares stung, and the boy couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being unfairly blamed. He had no idea why everyone seemed to be against him, but all he could think to do was hide his face in his arms, burying it in the safety of his desk. Mirai watched the boy carefully, a faint frown tugging at the corners of his mouth, his mind trying to linger on the identity of the person who threw the book as the next five hours of class pass in a blur. "Alright, it''s almost time," Mr. 00 announces, closing the display screen. "You may take your 50 minute break. Be back on time so we can wrap this up. Any questions or concerns save them for after class." eLevation On the rooftop, where sleek, minimalist skyscrapers blended seamlessly with nature, Mirai and Takara sat on a bench that adjusted automatically for optimal comfort. In the distance, a pagoda stood gracefully amidst lush greenery, its aged stone standing as a quiet contrast to the gleaming skyline. ¡°So,¡± Mirai began, tilting his head toward her, ¡°still coming to the sun circles tomorrow evening?¡± Takara smiled, a soft giggle escaping her lips. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s tradition. What kind of question is that?¡± ¡°Just making sure,¡± Mirai said, his tone casual but considerate. ¡°If you feel pressured, you don¡¯t have to. I know you¡¯ve been handling more business stuff this year.¡± She leaned back against the bench, her smile fading slightly as she gazed at the distant horizon. ¡°I¡¯d never miss it. It¡¯s one of the few times where I don¡¯t have to think about any of that.¡± The Sun Circles were a cherished tradition in the Sun Nation, a time for friends and family to gather in open spaces, form a circle, and share their achievements, challenges, or whatever was on their minds. The evening always brought a mix of joy, reflection, and connection, made even more special by the setting sun casting warm hues over the nation¡¯s cities. Besides, ¡±Takara added with a knowing grin,¡° it wouldn¡¯t feel right if I wasn¡¯t there to remind everyone why you always take the longest to share something.¡± Mirai smirked, shaking his head. ¡°Hey, what can I say, I¡¯m just giving everyone the time to savor the build-up. Can¡¯t rush greatness, right?¡± Takara raised an eyebrow, her grin widened. ¡°Please, the only thing you¡¯re building is everyone¡¯s patience. I should start charging you for the extra time.¡± Mirai grinned. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re admitting I¡¯m worth it.¡± ¡°Annoying,¡± she laughed, shaking her head. After a moment, her tone shifted slightly. ¡°So, did you catch the rumors earlier?¡± Mirai paused, furrowing his brow as he tried to recall the morning buzz. ¡°Rumors?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Oh! About the next F-Series game being in development. Yeah, I opened the link you sent.¡± Takara leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. ¡°-And?¡± ¡°I almost thought they¡¯d never get around to it, to be honest. I mean¡ª15 years ago we weren¡¯t even, what, 4?¡± He shrugged casually, then broke into a grin. ¡°But of course, I¡¯m excited. We¡¯ll crush it in that game too.¡± Takara¡¯s smile turned knowing, a hint of mischief in her eyes. ¡°Since I¡¯m heir to my parents¡¯ company, I get the insider scoop. That article I sent you? 100% real.¡± ¡°Wait, you¡¯re serious?¡± He exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. He looked at her for confirmation, and she gave a small, confident nod. ¡°100%,¡± she said, her grin widening as his excitement began to grow. Mirai could barely contain his enthusiasm, his eyes lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning. Takara giggled softly, watching him with amusement. ¡°Nice,¡± Mirai said, shaking his head with a grin. ¡°The first F game dropped 30 years ago, but 15 years between games? Bit of a stretch, don¡¯t you think? But hey, guess we were born lucky¡ªtwo F games in our lifetime? Can¡¯t complain about that.¡± ¡°Takara added onto his statement, her tone casual but tinged with curiosity. ¡°They¡¯ve done a great job keeping it under wraps. Upper management is just as passionate about the project as the developers. It¡¯s all hands on deck at every level. ¡°Though¡­¡± She paused, her lips curving into a faint smile. ¡°Some of the QA testers went missing last weekend. Guess they¡¯re really getting immersed in their work.¡± Her light tone didn¡¯t quite mask the oddity of her words, leaving a fleeting sense of unease hanging in the air. ¡°Are you sure you should be telling me all this?¡± Mirai asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m not gonna have men in black knocking on my door tonight, right?¡± Takara rolled her eyes, a playful look flashing across her face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, all of this went public this morning. I¡¯ve known about it for a little over two weeks now.¡± ¡°Well,¡± Mirai said, leaning back with a grin, ¡°If I suddenly go off the grid, you know why. But seriously, why does it take 15 years to make? They must be creating god or something.¡± ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± Takara replied, shaking her head but unable to suppress a chuckle. A small smile grew on her lips. ¡°If anything, it excites me that our scene is thriving more than ever. I feel enthusiastic to help more people improve their skills.¡± Mirai glanced at her, then toward the skyline, the city¡¯s glow reflecting in his eyes. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said with a softer tone. ¡°You¡¯re the type to inspire everyone. It¡¯s just what you do.¡± Takara leaned back, letting the soft hum of the rooftop garden¡¯s wind turbines fill the silence. A gentle breeze flowed through the buildings, ruffling their hair. Mirai, however, remained still, his eyes fixed on the distant pagoda. ¡°Fifteen years for one game¡­¡± The thought weighed on him as he fidgeted with his watch, a habit he¡¯d picked up whenever his thoughts wandered. ¡°Can I even do something like that someday? What if I get there and realize I¡¯m not good enough? Is this¡­ really what I want to do?¡± The breeze carried a faint scent of blooming flowers, but Mirai barely noticed, his mind tangled in doubt. Takara¡¯s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re awfully quiet for someone who just acted like a total know it all,¡± she teased, leaning forward slightly, her tone light but curious.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Mirai blinked, startled out of his daze. ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± he said with a sheepish grin. ¡°Just¡­ thinking about how wild it all is. If we¡¯re lucky, this new game¡¯s going to be our biggest shot yet.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more than a shot,¡± Takara replied confidently, clenching her fist with determination. ¡°We¡¯re going to dominate.¡± Her voice carried a certainty that seemed to push away any loose thoughts. Mirai smiled at her enthusiasm, but the lingering doubt gnawed at him, like a shadow he couldn¡¯t shake. Takara noticed the shift in his expression, her brows knitting slightly as if to silently ask what was wrong. Before she could say anything, a loud ping echoed from Mirai¡¯s watch. His eyes widened as he glanced at the screen, the headline glaring back at him: Breaking: Official ¡®FNL¡¯ Reveal Trailer to Release 2170, October 11¡ªJust 2 Days Away! Takara leaned over, catching sight of the notification. A sly smile spread across her face. ¡°Guess I wasn¡¯t supposed to tell you about that part, huh?¡± she teased, her tone playful. The soft murmurs grew louder, a ripple of energy spreading across the rooftop. Mirai looked around, catching glimpses of glowing watch screens and wide-eyed expressions. The doubts lingering in his mind were drowned out by the rising tide of anticipation in the air. The rooftop erupted into chaos. Some students broke into wild dances, spinning and jumping with reckless abandon. Others fell to their knees, overwhelmed by disbelief. A few even crawled dramatically across the ground, overcome by sheer emotion. ¡°This isn¡¯t even the trailer, and I¡¯m shaking, oh my god, bro!!¡± someone shouted, their voice cracking under the weight of excitement. ¡°Finally! Competition¡¯s way too far ahead. FNL is my time!¡± another declared, punching the air with fiery determination. ¡°They did it¡­ they finally did it¡­¡± a quieter voice murmured, as tears streamed down their face, unashamed and unrestrained. Mirai stood frozen in the center of the storm, his expression unreadable as the chaos swirled around him. But deep inside, something shifted. An intense, burning flame began to ignite¡ªa surge of adrenaline and purpose, growing stronger with every passing second. Takara watched him carefully, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as if she could see the gears turning in his mind. Subtly, she braced herself for what she knew was coming. ¡°LET¡¯S GOO¡ª!!!!¡± Mirai suddenly roared, his voice raw and guttural, a pure, unrestrained explosion of energy and hype. The rooftop roared back, voices blending into a cacophony of cheers, shouts, and clapping. The collective excitement reached its peak, a crescendo of pure anticipation. Takara burst into laughter, shaking her head at his infectious energy. Yet, she couldn¡¯t help but feel her own excitement surge as Mirai¡¯s enthusiasm spread like wildfire. For a brief moment, the world felt like it had stopped, every student united in their shared anticipation of what was to come. With the break ending soon, the rooftop began to settle, though the excited chatter persisted. Mirai and Takara made their way back into the sleek building, stepping into a hallway seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge biotech. The walls reflected soft, fluid patterns of light, scattering sunlight in mesmerizing shapes while optimizing the temperature. Mirai¡¯s watch buzzed with a steady stream of notifications, his lingering excitement pushing him to open the group chat Sephoric used daily for gaming updates and liFe banter. His adrenaline still coursing, he glances at the messages hurriedly. ¡°xSaiya: I know u guys saw that news. I have a headache.¡± Mirai chuckles, his fingers flying across the screen: ¡°Mirai-rai: Wow already? We haven¡¯t even seen anything yet¡± ¡°xSaiya: I don¡¯t need to know. I can already feel the chaos coming. Hope they nerf all the dumb phantom steppers into oblivion.¡± ¡±Issan_Eternal: Are you saying you¡¯re not ready for this, Saiya?¡± ¡°xSaiya: I¡¯m saying I don¡¯t want to deal with u losing ur mind over it.¡± Takara peeked over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Let me guess¡ªSaiya¡¯s already complaining?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Mirai replies, laughing softly as he types another message. ¡°Mirai-rai: Guess we¡¯ll just carry you through this one too huh?¡± ¡°xSaiya: Honestly can we kick Mirai? What is he even here for?¡± Mirai chuckles, shaking his head. ¡°Mirai-rai: I mean, hey, if you kicked me who would¡¯ve landed that parry over the weekend¡± ¡°xSaiya: Play me in a money match.¡± ¡°Mirai-rai: Nope, lol¡± ¡°xSaiya: Die. Coward. Whatever. Anyway¡ª¡° ¡°Issan_Eternal: If you¡¯re out, Saiya, that means I get top billing. Suffice to say I can work with that.¡± ¡°xSaiya: I will personally log out of life before I let that happen¡± Mirai grinned, savoring the familiar banter. The group chat continued to buzz, its playful energy filling the hallway as Takara¡¯s laughter joined in, light and infectious. Beyond their circle, the rest of the world felt distant¡ªa blur of soft light patterns and faint murmurs that faded into the background. The sleek, sunlit hallways stretched ahead as the both strolled at an easy pace. The biotech walls, attuned to the shifting sunlight, cast soft, flowing ripples across the floor, adding to the serene atmosphere. ¡°So,¡± Takara began, adjusting the strap of her bag with a small smirk, ¡°you think Saiya¡¯s actually going to let you live down that parry message?¡± Mirai smirked, his stride unbothered. ¡°Nope. She¡¯ll probably challenge me again tonight.¡± Takara chuckled, nudging him lightly. ¡°She¡¯s lucky you don¡¯t take her bait. I¡¯d probably lose my mind if I had to deal with her comebacks all the time.¡± ¡°Eh, you¡¯d get the hang of it,¡± Mirai replied with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s all about timing¡ªand not taking her too seriously.¡± Takara smiled, her tone softening slightly. ¡°Still, you¡¯ve helped me get better at it. I don¡¯t feel as awkward trying to keep up with her anymore.¡± Mirai chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s just how we do things. She¡¯s like the sister I never had.¡± His tone softened, a flicker of warmth threading through his words. ¡°You already know she¡¯s a big softy underneath all that attitude.¡± ¡°That¡¯s unbelievably true,¡± Takara said with a laugh, shaking her head. ¡°I still find it hard to wrap my head around. She wears all black like she¡¯s in a rock band and has an ice-cold glare that could freeze lava.¡± Mirai grinned. ¡°She probably thinks it makes her look more intimidating. Gotta keep up that ¡®fearless leader¡¯ image.¡± ¡°But we both know,¡± Takara added, smiling knowingly, ¡°Saiya would drop everything in a second to help someone she cares about.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Mirai said, nodding. ¡°She¡¯d never admit it, though.¡± Their laughter mingled as they walked, the echoes of other conversations fading into the background. For a moment, the weight of Mirai¡¯s earlier doubts seemed lighter, the companionship of his friend steadying him. He checked his watch once more, scrolling for any updates regarding the earlier announcement. His eyes narrowed as he stumbled across a strange, minimalist site with cryptic messages sprawled across the screen: A new dawn rises. The boundaries of reality are blurred. Step forward. Awaken. Become eternal. As he stared at the unsettling phrases, the air around him seemed to grow heavier. His breath hitched as a low, disembodied voice echoed softly, its tone haunting and foreboding: ¡°The threads of destiny weave tight, A cycle reborn, day turns to night. In time, fate shall parallel thee, Forgive me¡­ chaos births eternity.¡± Mirai froze, his heart racing. ¡°That voice again¡­¡± he thought, his brows knitting together as a chill ran down his spine. ¡°I heard it this morning. What the hell is going on?¡± ¡°Mirai?¡± Takara¡¯s voice broke his spiraling thoughts, pulling him back to the present. He turned to face her, his confusion evident. ¡°Uh, did you hear that?¡± he asked, his voice edged with unease. ¡°Hear what?¡± Takara tilted her head, her expression puzzled. ¡°It¡¯s silent. Did something happen?¡± Mirai hesitated, glancing back at his watch. The cryptic site was gone, replaced with a generic error message: Page Not Found. Falter ¡°Huh?¡± he blinked, shaking off his thoughts. ¡°I think our class is frying my brain cells,¡± he said with a sheepish grin. ¡°Well, don¡¯t scare me like that,¡± she said, her tone light but laced with concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she replied with a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll help you with the classwork. You¡¯ve got this.¡± Mirai managed a small smile, but the weight of the message lingered in his chest. As they walked together down the sunlit corridor, the patterns of light on the walls danced and rippled, but the ominous words echoed in his mind. As they approached the glossy red wall of Class 4-3, Mirai¡¯s attention was drawn to a familiar figure walking farther up the hallway. A classmate, hunched and stiff, was accompanied by an unfamiliar boy who had his arm draped over him in a way that looked friendly but felt anything but. Something about the scene didn¡¯t sit right. The classmate¡¯s averted gaze and tense posture were clear signs of discomfort. Though too far to hear their conversation, Mirai slowed his steps, watching the exchange with growing unease. ¡°So, where are you heading, friend?¡± the bully said, his voice laced with mockery. ¡°Just leave me alone,¡± the classmate muttered, his voice barely audible as he stared at the floor. ¡°It¡¯s not that big of a deal.¡± ¡°Just leave you alone?¡± the bully laughed sharply. ¡°Man, it¡¯s tough to go at it alone in this cold, dark world! But lucky for you, I¡¯m feeling generous. As your new best friend, I say we take a little detour. Come on, it¡¯ll be fun¡ªI promise.¡± The bully¡¯s grip tightened on the classmate¡¯s shoulder as he steered him toward a section of the biotech hallway. A seamless panel of the wall slid open with a soft mechanical hiss, revealing a narrower corridor bathed in diffused sunlight. Mirai stopped mid-step, his jaw tightening. His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just an innocent detour. He watched as the two vanished into the secluded corridor, the door sliding shut behind them. Without hesitation, he approached the ¡®now-closed¡¯ panel. A prompt flickered to life on the surface, requesting a hand scan for access. ¡°Guess this isn¡¯t an on the class tour,¡± Mirai said to himself, his tone low. He pressed his hand against the glowing outline, and the door hissed open, granting him entry. Inside, the atmosphere shifted¡ªcolder, heavier. The secluded corridor stretched ahead, the light dimmer here, casting long shadows across the walls. Inside the secluded corridor, the classmate finally speaks, his voice shaky. ¡°I just want to study¡ª¡± Before he can finish, the bully smacks him hard across the face, echoing like a whip in the confined space faintly. Grabbing his collar the bully continues to drag him down the corridor. ¡°Shut up!¡± the bully snarled, his grip tightening on the boy¡¯s collar. ¡°You think you can lose a money match and not pay up? Thought you could pull a fast one on me and my team? Time to settle this, friend.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d lose,¡± the boy mumbled, his voice trembling. ¡°I only played because¡­ I needed to see if I could keep up. If I couldn¡¯t¡ªwhat¡¯s the point of even trying?¡± ¡°Oh, so we¡¯re your test dummy now?¡± the bully sneered, his voice laced with venom. ¡°We may not be one of the best teams out there, but you think you can just waltz in, drop my team¡¯s name for practice, and not take it seriously? Do you even know how much work goes into this?¡± ¡°I know!¡± the boy¡¯s voice cracked, his hands shaking. He paused, letting his words sink in. ¡°I know¡­ I¡¯m not good enough. I thought if I played with decent players like you, I could push myself. The pros¡ªthey make it look so easy. The money, the fame¡­ I thought maybe, just maybe, if I pushed myself¡ª¡± ¡°Pushed yourself?¡± the bully interrupted, his voice cutting like a knife. He let out a sharp, mocking laugh. ¡°Be serious.¡± He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, menacing growl. ¡°I¡¯m closer to Zephia than you¡¯ll ever be to me. My team spent years building our name. You throw a match, refuse to pay up, and make us look like clowns? Think I¡¯ll let that slide?¡± The boy looked away, his shoulders slumping in defeat, but his trembling hands betrayed his fear ¡°I-I was going to pay¡­¡± His words faltered. ¡°I just¡­ I didn¡¯t have enough. I thought if I won, I could use the prize money to cover it and¡ª¡± ¡°And you made us lose¡ªmultiple times.¡± the bully cut in, his voice rising with indignation. ¡°I refuse to take the blame. You lied about your skill level, joined my team under false pretenses, and cost us a match that could¡¯ve bumped our rank!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡± the boy tried, but the bully yanked him closer by the collar, his glare murderous.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to? Our sponsors bailed, my teammates are pissed¡ªsome leaving, and now you think I¡¯m just gonna let it go¡ª?¡± ¡°Hey,¡± a calm voice interrupted from behind, slicing through the bully¡¯s tirade. The bully turned sharply, his sneer momentarily faltering as he spotted someone leaning casually against the wall. The snowy-haired boy¡¯s posture was relaxed, his hands stuffed in his pockets, but there was an edge to his smirk. ¡°Mirai?¡± the bully peered, his voice laced with irritation. Mirai¡¯s gaze swept the scene, his eyes lingering briefly on the trembling boy before meeting the bully¡¯s glare. ¡°Yo,¡± he said casually, his tone almost lazy. ¡°You¡¯re really doing this right now?¡± The bully¡¯s grip on the boy tightened. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡± Mirai shrugged, his smirk widening. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know. ¡®A decision I made didn¡¯t go my way and now I¡¯m upset.¡¯ This tantrum is top-tier entertainment.¡± The bully bristled, stepping closer. ¡°You think this is funny? He lied. He wasted my time, trashed my team¡¯s reputation, and cost us sponsors. You know how much work goes into building a team like mine?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°Mirai shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes flicking briefly to the trembling boy before returning to the bully. ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. Sounds like you gave him a shot, and it didn¡¯t work. Happens. Bit of an ego issue, don¡¯t you think?¡± The bully stepped forward, trying to reassert control. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about me or my team!¡± he snarled, his voice rising. ¡°Maybe not,¡± Mirai replied with a faint grin, his tone still infuriatingly calm. ¡°But from what I¡¯m seeing you guys aren¡¯t even worth the effort.¡± The bully was visibly bothered by the comment; it cut straight to the heart of everything he¡¯d worked for. But he knew he couldn¡¯t back down. Just as the bully¡¯s frustration seemed to reach its boiling point, Mirai spoke again, his tone calm yet undeniably sharp. ¡°Tell you what,¡± he began, a smirk tugging at his lips, ¡°I¡¯m going to give you the opportunity of a lifetime. If you really want to save your team, how about you play us? Beat us, and wow¡ªimagine the fame and the glory. And hey, I stay out of this little mess. But if you lose¡­¡± Mirai leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to add weight to his words. ¡°Better start searching for a new game to play.¡± The bully hesitated, visibly thrown off by the challenge. His jaw tightened as he swallowed hard, his mind racing. Before he could respond, Takara appeared in the hallway, her breathing quickened from running. Her eyes scanned the tense scene, locking onto the bully before moving to Mirai. She stepped forward, her expression unreadable but ready to intervene if necessary. ¡°They just beat Zephia and Cosmic at the recent major tournament,¡± the bully thought bitterly, his confidence faltering. ¡°If I lost again in another embarrassing fashion, especially on the biggest stage, my career is just over. They¡¯re too strong. Wait, how about this...¡± the bully thought. After some time, Mirai¡¯s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts. ¡°Well?¡± he asked, his tone still maddeningly casual. ¡°Take all the time you need. Hell, if your team¡¯s this slow during matches we¡¯ll even tell you our next moves mid-match, just to keep things fair.¡± His smirk widened, the playful jab cutting deeper than any raised voice could. The bully¡¯s face flushed with anger and humiliation, his bravado quickly unraveling. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what,¡± he sneered, his voice straining to sound confident. ¡°How about Sephoric gives my guild a shoutout instead? You do that, this kid doesn¡¯t exist, and we all pretend like this didn¡¯t happen. Deal? Takara¡¯s eyes narrowed, her expression sharpening from cold to razor-edged fury. Her voice was like ice, laced with venom when she spoke. ¡°How about you shout out your household troubles instead?¡± she spat, her words slicing through the air like a blade. ¡°Like hell we¡¯d give someone as vain as you a shoutout.¡± The bully froze, visibly taken aback. Takara¡¯s words hit harder than anything Mirai had said. Mirai could see it clearly now¡ªthe way her anger wasn¡¯t just about this moment. It was something deeper, something personal. It had been simmering beneath the surface for years, and now it erupted with a force that left him momentarily stunned. He blinked, caught off guard by this unfamiliar side of her. Before anyone could process what had just happened, a commanding voice sliced through the tension like a whip. ¡°Miss Koizumi,¡± the voice said, low and chilling. ¡°If this is how your parents raised you, then I truly fear for the future leadership of their company¡ªand for the island of Freya.¡± All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway, each step deliberate and measured. A figure cutting through the interplay of sunlight and shadow, his silhouette cutting sharply against the glowing walls. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, but there was nothing casual about his presence. His piercing gaze swept over the group, cold and unrelenting, carrying an air of authority that silenced the tension in an instant. ¡°You know the rules,¡± he continued, his tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Fighting¡ªverbal or physical is a strict no-tolerance policy. And it could lead to your expulsion.¡± Takara¡¯s heart skipped a beat as her defiance faltered for a brief moment. ¡°Mr. 00¡­¡± she muttered, her voice quieter now but still tinged with frustration. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she fought to hold her ground. They hadn¡¯t even heard him approach, but it was clear he was not happy. ¡°I humbly apologize, sir,¡± Takara said, she bows, her voice steady but laced with urgency. ¡°Please understand, I did not act without a reason.¡± Her mind raced back to the classroom incident¡ªthe moment he had called the boy out for disturbing class. At the time, she hadn¡¯t given it much thought, as she was too focused on the lesson. But now, the pieces clicked together. ¡°Sir,¡± she continued, her voice firmer now as she straightened and pointed at the boy. ¡°Do you remember when that book fell onto the floor and disrupted class? It was not an accident, he threw it at him.¡± Her finger shifted to the bully, who stiffened, his face paling as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Mr. 00 remained unmoving, his posture as composed as ever. His hands were still in his pockets, his piercing eyes locked onto Takara with an intensity that could shatter glass. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm yet cutting. ¡°The gentleman here,¡± he said, gesturing vaguely toward the boy, ¡°is independent enough to notify someone if he has an issue with a particular student. If he cannot manage to solve that problem himself, then I¡¯m afraid it cannot be helped.¡± His words were deliberate, his tone unyielding. ¡°I am not here to babysit. I am here to create talent. If he cannot rise to the challenge, then perhaps he doesn¡¯t belong here at all.¡± Takara¡¯s frustration boiled over as she took a deep breath, her tone sharpening with urgency. ¡°But, sir, you cannot create talent if an environment like this destroys someone¡¯s mental state. Look at him.¡± She gestured to the boy, his shoulders hunched, face downcast. ¡°Does he look happy to you? He looks like he is barely holding on.¡± Mr. 00¡¯s expression remained cold, his gaze unyielding. ¡°If he cannot advocate for himself, then that is his burden to bear. Life offers no guarantees of peace or fairness, Miss Koizumi. It cannot be helped.¡± Takara¡¯s jaw tightened, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to stay composed. The weight of the moment pressed down on her¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just about a classroom conflict anymore; it was a clash of ideals. But then his words triggered something buried deep within her¡ªa memory she couldn¡¯t suppress. Flashes of the past seared through her mind: the harsh screech of tires, a blaring truck horn, the sensation of helplessness as she lay injured in the middle of a road. It was a moment that defined her, a moment when she had been powerless. The echoes of that day merged with the present, her fury growing as she stared at the unflinching figure of Mr. 00. The anger she had been holding back finally reached its breaking point. Her expression darkened, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. ¡°Is this how you ¡®create talent¡¯?¡± she sneered, stepping forward, her words cutting like a blade. ¡°By crushing anyone who doesn¡¯t fit into your perfect little mold? Maybe someone should push you into an oncoming truck. Then you¡¯d know what real humanity looks like.¡± The air grew heavy with tension. Mr. 00¡¯s stoic demeanor didn¡¯t shift, but there was a flicker in his eyes¡ªa mix of surprise and displeasure. Silence filled the hallway, the weight of her words lingering like an unspoken challenge. Mr. 00¡¯s gaze remained as unyielding as ever. ¡°Miss Koizumi,¡± he said, his voice cold and firm, cutting through the tense silence. ¡°Go home. I¡¯ll let you off with a warning this time, but be grateful I am not notifying your parents about this behavior. Perhaps they should take a closer look at how you¡¯re conducting yourself.¡± His piercing eyes swept over the group. ¡°Return to class, all of you, or I¡¯ll have security escort you out.¡± Takara¡¯s heart pounded in her chest. She had never been so confrontational, especially with a figure of authority, and the feeling was strange¡ªalien even. But as she stood there, her own words echoing in her mind, she didn¡¯t regret them. Every word felt justified, even if the weight of the moment threatened to overwhelm her. Anger burned behind her eyes, a fire she couldn¡¯t extinguish, but now it mixed with a stinging pain she hadn¡¯t expected. Her vision blurred, the world around her shimmering as tears welled up and began to fall. With a defiant turn, she ran, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. The tears streamed down her face, catching the light like falling stars, each one a reflection of the storm raging inside her. Behind her, the hallway grew silent once more, save for the faint, fading sound of her retreating steps. tensioN The brisk afternoon air hit her skin as she stepped outside, but it did little to cool the storm raging in her mind. Takara¡¯s thoughts raced, looping endlessly around Mr. 00¡¯s words: ¡°If he cannot speak up for himself, then perhaps that is his burden.¡± ¡°Why did he have to be so cruel?¡± she thought, clutching her arms tightly around herself. She replayed the scene in her head¡ªher outburst, the boy¡¯s downcast face, the sneering bully. The weight of it all pressed down on her, and for a moment, she felt like she couldn¡¯t breathe. Her parents¡¯ voices echoed in her mind, layering over her spiraling thoughts: ¡°Takara, your emotions will get the better of you. Control yourself if you want to lead.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not good enough for this,¡± she thought, staring off into the view, the city¡¯s bioluminescent lights starting to flicker to life. She felt small amidst the grand, glowing skyline, a stark contrast to the chaos within her. ¡°Why did I have to go that far?¡± Her brow furrowed, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. ¡°I could¡¯ve just made my point calmly. Now I¡¯ve probably made everything worse¡­ Mr. 00 was harsh, but maybe he wasn¡¯t wrong to call me out. Was I out of line?¡± The memory of her words¡ªthe venom in her voice, the mention of the truck¡ªflashed in her mind like a cruel spotlight. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said that about the truck. What was I even thinking? It wasn¡¯t just rude¡ªit was unprofessional. What if someone tells my parents?¡± Her chest tightened. ¡°If I can¡¯t handle something like this, how will I ever survive the pressure of running a company? But¡­ he deserved it, didn¡¯t he? Her eyes closed for a brief moment.¡± Or¡­ was it not my place?¡± The self-doubt spiraled further. ¡°Why can¡¯t I just stay composed like Mirai? He¡¯d probably laugh this off and come out looking like the good guy. Instead, I just look¡­ childish.¡± She leaned against a sleek, bioluminescent railing overlooking the school plaza, her breathing shallow. The lights of Freya sparkled like stars, their beauty dimmed by the storm in her heart. The tears she¡¯d held back earlier finally slipped free, tracing silent trails down her cheeks. For a moment, the city¡¯s hum surrounded her¡ªthe soft chatter of people in the distance, the faint buzz of the glowing lights. It was peaceful, but it felt so far away, disconnected from the turmoil inside her. ¡°Hey,¡± someone said, stepping towards her, his hands in his pockets. You''re not wrong, you know.¡± Takara stiffened, quickly wiping her face as Mirai stepped up beside her, his expression calm but his eyes betraying genuine concern. She didn¡¯t turn to face him, the sting of her emotions still heavy in her chest. Her steps faltered for a brief moment, the words sinking in, but she still couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. She felt exposed, vulnerable after everything she had just said. ¡°How did you¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯re not exactly subtle when you¡¯re upset,¡± he said, leaning casually against the railing. ¡°Plus, I saw you bolt out of there like you were being chased by a mob boss.¡± She let out a shaky laugh, but it quickly turned into a sigh. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have followed me. I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Yeah, because running outside crying definitely screams ¡®I¡¯m fine,¡¯ ¡± he quipped, his tone light but his eyes softening. He tilted his head, glancing out at the cityscape. ¡°Wanna talk about it?¡± She hesitated, her grip tightening on the railing. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I just¡­ I hate how people can be so cruel. Mr. 00 just stood there, acting like it didn¡¯t matter. Like none of it mattered.¡± Mirai nodded slowly, letting her vent. ¡°And what he said about me¡­ about my parents¡­¡± Her voice cracked, and she shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s like no matter what I do, I¡¯m always this¡­ disappointment waiting to happen.¡± ¡°Takara,¡± he said, his voice unusually firm. She turned to look at him, surprised. ¡°You¡¯re not a disappointment. Not to me, not to Sephoric, not to anyone who actually knows you. You stood up for someone who couldn¡¯t stand up for themselves. That¡¯s¡­ rare. And honestly, kind of badass.¡± Her lips trembled as more tears welled up. ¡°It didn¡¯t fix anything, though. That boy is still miserable, and Mr. 00 just brushed it off like it was nothing.¡± ¡°Maybe not,¡± he admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s not about fixing everything. Sometimes it¡¯s just about doing the right thing, even if it feels small.¡± For a moment, they stood in silence, the hum of the city filling the space between them. ¡°Why do you always know what to say?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Mirai shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. ¡°What can I say? I¡¯m a man of many talents. Who knew I was good at comforting distraught teammates.¡± She let out a small laugh, wiping her face again. ¡°Thanks, Mirai. I needed that.¡± He leaned back slightly, his smirk softening into a reassuring grin. ¡°No problem. Just don¡¯t let Mr. 00 get in your head too much. He¡¯s not the final boss, okay?¡± Her smile widened a bit, the tensioN slightly eased in her shoulders. ¡°Yeah¡­ okay.¡± As they turned to head back inside, Takara glanced at Mirai, feeling a small weight lift from her chest. Maybe she didn¡¯t have all the answers yet, but at least she didn¡¯t have to face it alone. The bell rang, echoing through the halls as students began to pour in, their voices blending with the crisp afternoon air. The hallways filled with a golden glow, patterns of sunlight rippling across the ground like slow-moving water, filtered through the innovative windows of Helios Interactive Academy.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A female student with jet-black hair and striking silver eyes strolled alongside a taller male student with sleek ash-brown hair. Both wore the academy¡¯s signature crisp uniforms, all-black with subtle custom embroidery, accented by a sharp silver trim. As they stepped into the open plaza outside, the meticulous design of the Freya unfolded before them. Bioluminescent lights began to flicker on as the setting sun cast long shadows across the sleek pathways. Floating rays from nearby sky skyscrapers reflected off the glass buildings, while the ambient hum of drones maintaining the greenery created a tranquil backdrop. ¡°I swear, if Mr. 01 drones on about ¡®narrative immersion¡¯ one more time, I¡¯m going to throw my tablet out the window,¡± she grumbled, kicking a small rock across the plaza and watching it bounce into a perfectly manicured hedge. He adjusted his bag and glanced at her with an amused expression. ¡°Ah, yes. Violence against inanimate objects. A proven cure for boredom.¡± ¡°Oh, please.¡± she rolled her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t even need that class. I already make more money than most of these instructors combined. Why waste my time?¡± ¡°True,¡± he said, his voice calm but pointed. ¡°But life isn¡¯t just about what you¡¯ve already achieved. It¡¯s about¡ªwhat do they call it¡ªgrowth? Besides, earning money now doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯ll never want something different later.¡± ¡°What, like sitting in an office and filing reports? Yeah, no thanks.¡± she shrugged, her tone sharp but not entirely dismissive. ¡°I¡¯ve got a good thing going: play games, win money, rinse, repeat. Why mess with it? The game we play is massive¡ªit¡¯s not going anywhere. FNL just got announced, we¡¯ve got sponsors, and I can always stream.¡± He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Fair point. But have you thought about what happens when all of that isn¡¯t enough? Sponsors come and go. Even the biggest games fade eventually. And streaming? It¡¯s not exactly a retirement plan.¡± She let out a sigh, kicking another rock down the path. ¡°Why do you always have to be so practical? Let me enjoy my success for once. You sound like my parents. ¡®Oh, Saiya, what are you going to do with your future? You can¡¯t play games forever.¡¯ They should be grateful.¡± ¡°And yet you¡¯ve just admitted they might have a point,¡± he said with a smirk, earning a sharp side-eye from her. She crossed her arms. ¡°You make it sound like I¡¯m gonna fall off the map tomorrow. Besides, I¡¯m not just some random player. We¡¯re Sephoric. We pull views. We don¡¯t fade out.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to bring you down,¡± he replied. ¡°That path is simple, sure. But is it fulfilling? That¡¯s the question.¡± He paused, letting the thought linger before continuing. ¡°We¡¯re young, Saiya. We¡¯ve got time to figure things out. But rushing to dismiss every opportunity might leave you without one when you need it most. Just remember: indecision is also a choice¡ªand often not the best one.¡± ¡°Blah, blah, blah, Issan. This is coming from the guy who¡¯s practically married to his books,¡± she said, though there was a flicker of thoughtfulness in her expression. ¡°Guilty as charged,¡± he said with a small smile. ¡°But even I know the value of exploring options. After all, they¡¯re not mutually exclusive.¡± He glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. ¡°You could always keep gaming and use that excellent brain of yours for something more.¡± ¡°Something more, huh?¡± she snorted. ¡°Like what? Being a scholar like you? That¡¯s not exactly my style.¡± His smile softened. ¡°No, but the world doesn¡¯t just need scholars. It needs people like you¡ªleaders who can see the big picture. You don¡¯t have to decide now, but don¡¯t shut the door before you¡¯ve even looked inside.¡± ¡°You sound like one of those motivational holo-ads.¡± She smirked but sighed, her tone softening. ¡°I get it, okay? You don¡¯t have to play career counselor. But seriously¡ªyour scholar thing. What¡¯s the end goal there? What do you even do as a scholar?¡± ¡°Honestly?¡± he said, his tone contemplative. ¡°I¡¯d love to teach. Maybe even write. There¡¯s something satisfying about uncovering knowledge and sharing it with others. It¡¯s like solving a puzzle and showing people how all the pieces fit together.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± she tilted her head slightly. ¡°So basically, you want to live in a library and be everyone¡¯s teacher.¡± She raised an eyebrow, though her teasing lacked any real bite. ¡°Sounds like a snore-fest, but hey, if it makes you happy, knock yourself out.¡± ¡°And here I thought you¡¯d be supportive. Truly, my mistake,¡± he replied, his dry tone earning a laugh from Saiya. She kicked another rock forward, her silver eyes glinting in the light of the bioluminescent pathways. ¡°You know I don¡¯t do supportive. But I¡¯ll let you know if I need a lecture on big-picture planning.¡± He chuckled, shaking his head as they continued toward the plaza, their conversation fading into the hum of the bustling city. She crossed her arms, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll think about it. But don¡¯t expect some big ¡®you were right¡¯ speech anytime soon.¡± Issan¡¯s expression remained calm, a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll wait. Patience is one of my many virtues. Along with the hidden talent of tolerating you.¡± ¡°Careful, scholar,¡± she warned, her smirk growing sharper. ¡°My patience has limits.¡± ¡°And yet mine knows no bounds.¡± he quipped back smoothly, earning a soft laugh from her as they continued toward the plaza. The air was crisp, and the city¡¯s neon lights and bioluminescence were beginning to awaken, casting a soft glow that blended with the warm hues of sunlight filtering through the skyline. The gentle hum of activity in Freya provided a serene backdrop as Mirai sat alone on a sleek bench near a cascading fountain, his posture relaxed but his eyes distant, lost in thought. ¡°Sun salutations, Mirai,¡± Issan greeted as he approached. ¡°Yo,¡± he replied, giving a casual hand wave. ¡°Aww, look at Mirai, sitting all alone with his imaginary friend,¡± her voice cut through the quiet moment, her words sharp but carrying a playful edge.¡± He smirked, leaning back lazily. ¡°What can I say, my imaginary friends offer more support than you do, Saiya.¡± She grinned, crossing her arms. ¡°Yeah? Well, without my support, you wouldn¡¯t have made that parry, hmph. You''re welcome.¡± A casual smile played on his lips, leaning forward with a casual shrug. ¡°True, I couldn¡¯t have done it without you. But hey, miracles do happen once in a while, right?¡± Her eyes narrowed, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward. ¡°Keep talking, and your next miracle will be me not kicking your teeth in. Anyway¡ª¡± she said as she scanned the surroundings.¡± Where¡¯s Takara?¡± He hesitated, shaking his head slightly. ¡°She got sent home early.¡± Both Issan and Saiya froze, identical expressions of disbelief crossing their faces. ¡°Huh?¡± she blurted, her brow furrowing. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Issan added, adjusting his glasses as if he hadn¡¯t heard correctly. ¡°Takara? Sent home early? That doesn¡¯t sound quite right.¡± Saiya crossed her arms, her confusion quickly morphing into suspicion. ¡°She¡¯s like the last person I¡¯d expect to get in trouble.¡± Mirai sighed, leaning back on the bench. ¡°Let¡¯s just say she had a¡­ disagreement with Mr. 00. Things got heated.¡± ¡°Oh, that guy,¡± she muttered, rolling her eyes. Issan exchanged a quick glance with Saiya. ¡°Define ¡®heated,¡¯ ¡± he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. ¡°Enough for him to suggest her parents might want to ¡®revisit her conduct,¡¯ ¡± Mirai said, air-quoting the words with a grimace. Issan¡¯s voice softened. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like her at all¡­ maybe something more in line with Saiya, but she must¡¯ve been really upset.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never been sent home early though!¡± she shot back, her tone defensive but laced with intrigue. Mirai smirked slightly. ¡°Guess Takara¡¯s got you beat in that department now.¡± Saiya glared at him, but there was a flicker of concern in her silver eyes. ¡°Sometimes I really hate you guys. But what did he even say to set her off?¡± ¡°Something about burdens and talent,¡± Mirai replied, his tone losing its usual lightness. ¡°She snapped, said some things that were¡­ let¡¯s just say, personal. I managed to talk to her afterward, though.¡± Issan tilted his head, slipping into a thinking pose. ¡°I would hope this doesn¡¯t result in her parents being notified. They are quite the¡­ architects of expectation type.¡± ¡°Nah, he let her off this time,¡± Mirai assured them. ¡°You guys can ask her about it later if you want. She¡¯s fine with it.¡± He stood, dusting off his pants as they started walking through the illuminated garden paths. The soft glow of bioluminescent plants cast shifting patterns across their steps, but the tension lingered. ¡°Wait,¡± Saiya said, her tone unamused as she scanned the plaza. ¡°Where¡¯s Zenobia?¡±