the beginning (rewrite)
Chapter One: The Beginning
Luna City was quiet at this hour. Mika, a 16-year-old girl with dyed red hair, dark skin, and piercings on both ears and her nose, was bored out of her mind. She worked at a video game store, but today was particularly slow. The only sound breaking the silence was the relentless ticking of the clock.
"Tik, tik, tik," Mika murmured as she glanced around the store, wondering why she had taken this job in the first place. Shelves filled with video games, comics, and toys surrounded her. She sighed, wishing for the day to end.
As she shuffled around the store, she accidentally bumped into a stack of games meant for the basement, sending them crashing to the floor. Cursing under her breath, Mika knelt to pick them up. As she did, one game caught her eye—a game titled "Solar Paradox." It seemed to call to her.
Before she could examine it further, her phone rang. It was her sister, Mimi.
"Hello?" Mika answered.
"Hey, we're outside to pick you up. Hurry up and close the store," Mimi's voice came through the line.
Mika glanced once more at the intriguing game before slipping it into her pocket. She locked up the store and headed outside, where Mimi and her boyfriend Max were waiting in the car.
Mimi, with her long dyed orange hair, pink heart-shaped glasses, sleeveless sweater, and ever-present happy smile, turned around as Mika got in. "Have a nice day at work, chump?" she teased.
In the driver's seat, Max, who had dark skin, tattoos, a white hoodie, dyed white hair, and glasses, looked back. "Are you two ready? We need to go," he said, starting the car.
Minutes later, they pulled into their driveway. Max unlocked the door, and they all walked inside. Mika, eager to share her discovery, pulled the game from her pocket. "Hey guys, I found something strange at the store."
Max's eyes widened as he recognized the game. "Whoa, where did you find this?" he asked, excitement tinged with sadness.
"Is it important?" Mimi asked, confused.
Max nodded. "This game was banned in every country. People believe it's connected to the disappearances of its creators. My twin brother was one of them."
Concerned, Mika and Mimi comforted him. "What happened?" Mika asked gently.
Max wiped his eyes. "He worked on this game with a few friends. They all disappeared."
Determined, Mika set up the console. "Maybe if we play this game, we can find out what happened to your brother and maybe even get him back," she suggested with a smile.
Mimi sighed but agreed. Max smiled and shook his head as they each grabbed a controller. As the game started, they chose their classes.
Mika: Dark Transformation Mage
Mimi: Element Soldier
Max: Necromancer Slime
Mika and Mimi looked at Max, puzzled. "Necromancer Slime?" they echoed.
Max shrugged. "It sounds cool."
Suddenly, the screen glitched, and a large burst of energy hit Max, knocking him down. Mika and Mimi rushed to him, only to see a mysterious figure standing next to Max.
The figure had blonde hair and wore a white fox mask with red lines, a black shirt, and a red plaid overlay. "Hello, please don't be alarmed. I need your help. My name is Damion, and I am the god of mystery," he said, trying to calm them.
Max, realizing something, spoke up. "Wait, you look like that missing boy from the poster. Aren't you from the Khione family?"
Damion smiled. "Yes, and you look like someone I know. You resemble Darry, one of the people who appeared in my world. I think he's your twin brother."
Max's eyes widened. "You said you needed help. Maybe we can help."
Mika and Mimi nodded. Damion explained, "In my world, there are gods trying to lure humans to their deaths to gain full power and extract the crystals of solar light."
Mimi gasped. "Crystals of solar light!? My father had one on his necklace. He said it was special and could bring good luck." She lifted the necklace around her neck, determined to find her father.
Damion, pleased with their resolve, snapped his fingers. Their bodies glowed, and they were transported into the game world.
**TO BE CONTINUED**