Episode 1

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"Episode 1"

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It was a very good day for me; The birds gave their morning songs, as always.

With a jump, I stood up energetically from my bed. I went to the bathroom in my room, took a quick shower and got dressed in my school uniform. Once I changed I went down the stairs of the house and went to the kitchen.

Already in the kitchen, I took a frying pan and began to look in the refrigerator. There wasn't much to tell the truth. The only thing there was: a few eggs and a few slices of ham.

[I think when I go out in the afternoon, I will go to the supermarket]

Without complaining, I only had four eggs and ham. I turned on the stove, and made an egg and ham and two other fried eggs.

--Mom, Sara, breakfast is ready!

I served what I prepared on some plates and left them on the dining room table.

The sound of my mother and sister's footsteps coming down the stairs reached my ears. They both entered the kitchen dining room and sat down to have breakfast.

--Thank you very much honey.

My mother said with a smile.

--It's nothing mom.

I said smiling to her.

My mother just took a sip from her cup of coffee and began to eat her breakfast.

My mom is someone very special to me; She alone has been the only one who took care of me and my younger sister. And I say it like that, because she is a single mother.

My father died after my sister was born.

But whatever. This is my mom: a woman with dark black hair and honey-colored eyes, who always wears the classic ponytail that every mother wears. Although despite being almost forty years old, she still looks less than thirty.

--…

--Passing dear? Aren't you going to eat the breakfast your brother prepared?

My mother asked my sister.

--If you don't like it, I can make you some cereal.

I told my sister.

--No, it's okay, I'm just not hungry.

My sister got up from the table and once again walked up the stairs.

My sister is now 13 years old. And although she has a great resemblance to my mother, her character is completely different from hers.

--Now what happens to that girl?

To tell the truth, the relationship that my sister and I have is somewhat distant. I don't know why, she just stays distant from me, but I still try to make our relationship not like that of conflictive siblings.

--It doesn't matter, mom. Leave it like this. I'm leaving, I'll be back in the afternoon as always.

I kissed my mother on the cheek and she only gave me a few words.

--Take care Alex, and by the way, could you bring some sweet cream buns when you get back?

As my mom said, my name was Alex.

--Of course, if I find them I will bring them.

--Thank you dear, happy last day of school.

--Thanks Mom!.

I quickly headed to the front door of the house and left my mom drinking her coffee.

The place we live in is a middle class neighborhood that is close to the city center.

When I left the house I walked for a few blocks to the exit of the Io neighborhood. As always, I found some police officers roaming around these parts. I didn't give it much importance to them, so they just ignored me and continued with their patrol...

It may be a little late for introductions, but my mom says there's no better time than now.

My name is "Alex Miller, a high school junior and college prospect. I have black hair and brown eyes, my physical appearance is not a big deal, but I'm not that bad either... Or at least that's what I think? Well now that I have introduced myself let's continue...

It didn't take me long to reach the outskirts of the neighborhood, so I went to the main street, right at the bus stop.

It didn't take me long to get to the stop and luckily when I arrived, my transport was arriving. Without thinking I got on, paid my ticket and sat in one of the few seats that were empty. It didn't take long to start moving forward. I simply turned my gaze to the window and began to admire the suburban landscape outside the window.

There were many posters of different items and brands, it was normal, after all this was the city; a few tall buildings, plenty of restaurants, and an excessive amount of marketing.

People walked on the sidewalks of the streets. Today seemed to be a pretty busy day. Although I don't know why.

Without thinking about it, I looked at the watch on my right wrist: it said 7:00 A.M.

[Damn I'm already a little late!]

I got a little nervous, since I only had 30 minutes left before classes started… Anyway, today is the last day of my study, as a high school student, so I don't think it will be that bad of a day. Likewise today is the last day, and usually we never do anything on the last day.

About 20 minutes quickly passed. The bus stopped at a stop, people started to get off and I did the same. Once downstairs I started walking along the sidewalk of the street. Strangely in this part of the city everything was very quiet.

--Hey, did you see the tournament last night?

--Yes, it was very good!

The conversation of some children who seemed to be about to finish primary school caught my attention.

--Yes, especially the final fight.

--It was incredible and all, but it seemed a little different to me than last year, or is that just me?

--Yes, I noticed it too, "The Black Knight" seemed different.

--He seemed like a different person, but he still challenged "The White Valkyrie" to a fight without weapons.

--I thought the Valkyrie was strong because of all her items, but I retract everything I said.

--Hey, do you want to go to my house to play after school?

--Of course! I also hope the new map update will be ready by then!

The children's conversation ended and I think they went to their school. Well, I just continued on my way and without realizing it I arrived at my institute:

A three-story building, with blue and white colors, which characterize all educational facilities in the country. At the main entrance, above the door, there was a sign with gold letters that said:

Lázaro Tormes National Institute.

As far as I know, its name is dedicated to or inspired by a 16th century novel. I read it as part of a language activity, but it was a little difficult to understand some of the words. But it still wasn't anything out of this world.

I entered the building and inside there were some of the first-year students or at least the former first-year students sitting in the stands. They were talking about what would be the most popular and best-selling game in the world.

An unreal world.

If I remember correctly, it was developed and made by a South Korean company. And that's why it has a wide variety of maps set in Asia, but it also has some maps inspired by America.

The pyramid of snakes: inspired by one of the pyramids in Mexico.

The blue coasts: inspired by the beaches of Mesoamerica.

And the best known. The mountain ruins. I think this was inspiration from Machu Picchu.

But whatever, it is the most popular and futuristic game in the world. It is a relatively simple and complete game at the same time. It's a kind of RPG in virtual reality. You can literally do everything on it, and I mean EVERYTHING, but you have to pay for special equipment and a VIP account, to have… Well, you know…

Strangely today the building was somewhat empty, there were only some first and second year students. Well, maybe almost all of the third years are looking for a university with open enrollment, but even so, I think that maybe everyone didn't want to come and that's it.

Well, I had no choice but to be the only one in my classroom. I sat in the same place I've been all year; in one of the many rooms on the top floor.

*Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock*

The only sound there was was that of the clock.

I looked at the clock, it said 7:30. I was literally the only soul in the room. Professor 'Portillo' entered through the classroom door; my classroom counselor and the language teacher.

She just sighed when she saw that I was the only one in the room.

--I expected that not many would come, but this was not in my plans.

--This... teacher, shall we start the class?

Somewhat doubtful, I turn to the teacher.

--No, it's okay Alex. I am glad that at least you came on the last day of your studies at this institution.

Professor Portillo sat at her desk.

--Well, if you want you can go.

--Ummmm, are you sure?

--Of course there is, there is no one besides you. Besides, I don't want to keep you wasting your time.

--Then, with your permission I leave.

I got up from my place and took my things, ready to leave I approached the door.

--Wait!.

The teacher stopped me and I turned around to see her.

--I-is something wrong?

--Before I forget. The director told me that if he saw you, he would tell you to go to his office.

--Director? Did I do something wrong!?

--No, I think it's for something else.

--Ummm!..

--Don't be nervous, be nervous when you're the only 17-year-old in college.

--Umm... Well, I guess you're right... Have a good day, professor.

--Also Alex...

★★★

I was in front of the director's office. Without further ado I knocked on the door and quickly received a response from the other side.

-Forward.

I opened the door and entered.

--C-excuse me!

--ah, young Miller, you don't have to be nervous!

The director was a fairly calm person; He was a man of about 50 years old, a little slender with gray hair, and a black dress suit.

--Hey, did you ask me to come?

--That's right, I took a seat, don't be shy.

I did as the director asked and sat in the chair in front of his desk.

--I wanted to talk to you about a topic that might interest you.

--C-could I know what it is about?

--first of all I want to say that several of the professors have told me a lot about you in the last three years, and because of them you have caught my attention.

--So what?

--You see, I have a friend who is looking for talented young people to enroll in his university, and that is why I asked him for a copy of the entrance exam so that you could do it. It all depends on his decision, of course.

--…Huh?....

--It may be something unexpected, but a young man with great innate talent like you is something you don't see every day.

--…Huh?..

--So.What do you think?. Also depending on your grade my friend could even give you a scholarship.

--… What's the trick?.

--… Hahaha. There is no trick.

--Then why do you do this?

It was just strange. Who in the holy life of him would do something like that for someone without gaining something in return.

--There is no special reason... Although... I originally made a bet with my friend.

[And you say it like that without further ado and without hesitation after having said that there was no reason, old man!.]

I thought annoyed.

--A bet?.

--That's how it is. He and I bet; that I would send him an outstanding student who could beat his best student, and that the winner would buy the other a beer.

[Just for a stupid beer crazy old man!.]

I thought even more upset.

Even though it was a one-in-a-million event, he couldn't waste a chance like this.

--Then tell me, do you accept?

I just sighed.

--… Okay I accept.

--Excellent! If you like, you can take the exam right now.

--Already!? But I haven't studied!

--Don't worry... Bring a support guide with you.

[This old man is crazy with such a calm attitude.]

--You have 4 hours to take the exam. You can make them here if you like.

The director stood up.

--I'll be back in 4 hours, so make the most of them as much as you can. I'll see you later.

The director left, but before leaving the exam and the supporting guide in front of me.

I just sighed listlessly, took a pen out of my backpack, and took the test. On the first page of the exam there was a stamp that I didn't know about; The seal was in the shape of a wolf.

[Well, I better leave the distractions and start at once.]

Once and for all I began to take the exam that will decide my future.

…

This… This was really complicated! But what kind of exam was that? It was undoubtedly the most difficult exam of my entire life, but at least after 3 hours and 45 minutes, I was finally able to finish all the questions.

I got up and stretched my numb body. I looked at my wrist watch and saw that it was almost twelve noon.

[Did you ask me when the director will arrive?]

The truth is I couldn't get impatient, after all I finished the exam 15 minutes early.

I just shrugged, completely exhausted. Without anything else to do or say, I left the exam on the principal's desk, grabbed my things and left the office.

After leaving the office, I went down some steps, and after saying goodbye to the guard at the door, I left through the door.

Once again I looked at my watch and now it really showed twelve o'clock.

For one last time I sighed in complete relief…

A flash in the sky caught my attention. I looked up and saw that the sky was getting dark.

[It seems like it's going to rain.]

Just in case, I took my folding umbrella out of my backpack and started walking to the market that was near the institute.

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An event that rarely occurs was about to happen.

In the middle of cold space "An asteroid" advanced, leaving an electrified violet trail. In front of him was a celestial being. A celestial being in which his destiny was to collide and change him completely.

That celestial being was "The Earth."

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★★★

Already in the market, I started looking at a few vegetable and meat stalls. I bought a few vegetables, some meat and sausages, and finally a carton of eggs. Once I finished shopping I left the market with the bags in one hand and the carton of eggs in the other.

I looked at the sky once more and saw that this time it was quite dark...

[Soups!...]

As we headed to the bus stop, the rain started to fall and because of the things I brought I couldn't use my umbrella.

Luckily a bus that was passing a few blocks from my neighborhood arrived. Without thinking more than once I got on it, paid my fare and although I had to stand up, at least I wasn't getting wet.

…

The minutes passed and the rain did not stop. The bus arrived at my stop and along with other people we got off. When I got off the bus I started walking as fast as possible to get home. It took me about 7 minutes to get to the house, but at least thanks to some metal sheets; that made a roof over the door, I was able to avoid the rain.

I put the egg carton on the floor, took my keys out of my backpack and without further ado opened the door. I went inside and put the things in.

--Achuu!... Ahg!... I hope I don't catch a cold...

I left the purchases in the kitchen, and after that I went to my room, took a towel and dried myself, I changed my wet clothes for dry ones. I went to my sister's room and as always, it was locked.

--Sara?

Call the door. I could hear her, I knew she was inside. Well, I left her alone, now that I knew she was home I was calmer.

I went back to the kitchen, washed and put the things in the refrigerator. And after that I went up to my room. I looked out the window of my room and saw that the rain was falling harder.

[I hope he calms down when mom gets off work.]

--…

I looked at the clock in my room, it said 1:10 P.M.

I just sighed.

I cast my gaze on my wooden wardrobe. I walked over to him and opened his door and started searching through my shirts. From between my shirts I took out a black helmet; It was comparable to a motorcycle helmet, but it was not that.

It was a virtual reality headset.

It was a gift that my mother gave me, when I turned twelve, she had to work for days to be able to buy it, and that is something I am grateful for, and that is why I have taken care of it the best I can. In short, this helmet and I have been through countless adventures for 5 years.

But at that time an unreal world was starting the beta of its game, and by mere coincidence it was the game that my mother bought with the helmet. As I remember those times, the game only had Korean and English languages, but there was nothing that the Internet translator couldn't fix. In those days you had to make an account and depending on the account number the character and skill were predefined, at first I didn't care, but now I think it would have been better to have made another account. But what's interesting, you can't cry over spilled milk after all.

I placed the helmet on my head, lay down on my bed and went into…

"An unreal world."

★★★

Millions of pixels appeared in front of me. From one moment to the next the pixels began to take shape. Once the pixels settled; The whole place looked like a log cabin.

There was a living room, a kitchen and several chests.

I looked at my feet and I was wearing a black robe, which I assumed covered my entire avatar.

Well... I didn't really pay much attention to the house, I just snapped my fingers and a status screen appeared in front of me.

...…

Name: Alex_125

Race: Vampire

Level: 900

Attack:0

Defense:0

Agility:0

Luck:1,000

[Items:1000,000,000]

[Unique Skill: Self-Sacrifice]

...…

It was a pretty simple status bar, but I still just snapped my fingers again and the status bar disappeared.

--Who would have thought! I've already reached level 900!

He was quite happy, after all, reaching level 900 is very special.

[You have received a message]

--Hey?.

I thought for a few moments, since I couldn't remember anyone I had added to my friends list in the game...

Unless.

I opened the message that had arrived and read it.

--"Hello, cousin, I'm Lily, do you want to come to the goblins' cave?"

I just sighed a little relieved. The message had been sent by a cousin of mine, who also plays here.

--Well, let's see what cousin Lily wants.

I left the aforementioned cabin, closed the door. And I opened the world map; It was a large map that marked my location, but in addition to that at the top there was a search bar. I clicked on the search bar and started typing my destination.

--Tavern... Of... The... Goblins... Ready!

Once again, everything was filled with pixels and they were rearranged again; and now I was in a medieval city. In front of the goblin tavern to be more exact.

According to the minimap the city was full of players, but I didn't pay much attention to it, after all it is always full of players.

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The asteroid was nowhere near reaching Earth.

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I arrived in front of the door of the tavern and opened it.

--Cousin, over here!

Just as I entered, a girl who was sitting at the back tables began to greet me and make gestures with her hands.

I went to where she was and sat at the table.

--Hello cousin! How have you been?.

My cousin Lily's avatar; She was a brown girl with amber eyes. She had more or less the appearance of a girl of about 19 years old.

--Well, I guess? And you, Lily, how have you been?

--Very good of course! Although it has been a little difficult to get used to the new environment.

I could see some emotion in her.

--Really? I heard that you and Aunt Margaret went to live abroad?

--That's how it is!. My mom managed to get a position abroad! .

--Exactly what country are they in? My mother didn't tell me anything about the country they went to.

--In Asia, in South Korea to be more specific.

--Korea?.

--Yes! It is an amazing place! There are thousands of buildings, stores and thousands of shopping centers! It's... It's paradise for every girl!

--Excellent…

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The asteroid, or rather the now meteorite, had entered the Earth's atmosphere. The meteorite began to fragment into thousands of fragments.

The fragments began to spread throughout the world.

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--And how is the weather in Korea?

--I don't know how to tell you, but it's been raining all day.

--Is it raining there too?

--yes, where are you too?

--yes, today at noon it started to rain.

--Well, how have you been? How are the classes? I heard that you will be going to university very soon!

--That's the idea, but I still don't know...

--Hey... How did the tournament go yesterday?

--You saw it?.

--Of course yes, plus you knew that the guy you faced is the number 1 in Asia.

--Hey?.

I was surprised.

--Didn't you know?

--No.

Strangely I started to feel embarrassed with the look Lily was giving me.

--Should I have known?

--Not really, but I still thought you knew.

--Not really, but it's good to know.

--And well~... Do you already have a girlfriend or boyfriend?

--Hey!?.

I was stunned by Lily's words...

--Why would I have a boyfriend!?

--Don't know. I thought that because of your avatar you liked men.

--No way! I'm completely straight!

--Oh, sorry... But I would still have liked to see you with another boy.

--…

I just sighed.

--What do you want?.

-Finally you get to the point. Well I wanted to ask you for a…

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Thousands of fragments of the meteorite began to roll through the clouds. Some hit the ocean, others in valleys, forests, deserts, and even in the distance from cities...

But still…

The electric trail of the meteorite mixed with the clouds.

The clouds left their black color for a flashing violet color.

Lightning struck an antenna on a building... And so on on every antenna in the world...

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--So you want me to do you a favor?

--Yes, you see I have a friend who... What... What... What... What...

--Hum?

Suddenly Lily's avatar started to get stuck.

--Are you okay Lily? Did the signal go away or something?

I stood up and looked around. All the players were static in the same place and with glish body parts.

--What's going on... Ahg!

Suddenly I felt an electric shock.

--But what was it...! AHGGG!!!

That electric shock intensified. I could feel a large amount of electricity throughout my body.

The game scenario began to deform and finally remained in a dark black...

[to be continue]