D-DAY

June 11, 2035

1:35 PM

In the Game Room, a sterile, white-walled space filled with a low hum of machinery and the quiet focus of those present, the ten chosen individuals stood in a straight line before Dr. Asano and President Haruki Saito. Each of them wore the simple white attire of plain shirts and pants, without shoes, a uniform reminder of their shared purpose. The room felt charged, as though the very air held its breath in anticipation. This was the moment they had trained for—three months of relentless preparation, countless hours of physical, mental, and emotional conditioning for the mission that lay before them. Here, in this bare room, they were poised at the edge of something monumental, about to step into a world where life and death blurred into virtual reality.

Dr. Asano's gaze swept over each of them, his expression a mix of pride, worry, and unshakable resolve. His voice, calm yet firm, echoed through the room as he began to speak. "Today is the day you enter Eternal Nexus, the day you begin the mission that could save thousands of lives," he stated, pausing to let the weight of his words sink in. "Today, you will face dangers unlike any you have encountered. This is no game—it is life and death, reality and illusion. You will bring hope to those trapped inside and put an end to Kaito Nakamura's reign once and for all."

He allowed the gravity of his words to linger before he continued. "The past three months have been grueling, but you've shown resilience. We have prepared you as much as we could, trained you to adapt, strategize, and face the unknown. But in Eternal Nexus, it will be your unity, your strategy, and above all, your discipline that will lead you to victory. Nothing less will suffice."

The ten of them held steady, expressions resolute. They were focused, prepared to face the enormous risk ahead. President Saito stepped forward, his face a mixture of somber determination and unspoken encouragement. He called, "Riley Turner."

Riley stepped forward, meeting the president's gaze with unwavering confidence. Saito's voice took on a more personal tone. "You, Riley, have proven yourself more than capable of leadership. You'll serve as Captain, and it will be your responsibility to guide and protect this team in the chaos of Eternal Nexus. You're the one who will lead them through battle, keep them united, and make the calls that matter. I know you'll do it with both strength and integrity."

Riley nodded, his respect clear as he bowed his head briefly. "I understand, and I accept this responsibility," he replied, his voice steady. Saito's confidence in him was a grounding force, and he returned to his position in line.

"Naomi Bennett," President Saito continued.

Naomi stepped forward, standing tall and meeting his gaze. "Naomi, we entrust you with the team's well-being. Inside the game, you will be their healer, their shield, the one to assess injuries, stabilize conditions, and monitor everyone's health. Your role is vital; the team's lives may depend on your vigilance and care. Be their anchor."

Naomi nodded with determination, her face a mixture of humility and pride as she accepted her role. "I will do everything I can to protect them," she promised, her voice steady and warm. Then, she returned to her place in line.

President Saito addressed the group as a whole, his eyes sweeping over each of them. "Inside the game, your roles will be refined under Riley's command. Each of you has a skill set, a purpose, and a place on this team. Remember, you're stronger together. There's no room for division, no time for hesitation. The mission depends on each of you doing your part, no matter the cost. This is a one-shot operation, and we have no margin for error."

The room fell silent as the gravity of Saito's words settled over them. Every one of them knew that there was no turning back from this point. They were stepping into a world where the stakes were as high as they could be.

Dr. Asano gestured toward the array of beds lined up for each of them. "Take your places," he instructed, his voice steady but filled with unspoken weight. As they moved toward the beds, a team of assistants and technicians stepped forward, ensuring every detail was meticulously in place. They began securing the VIZion headsets over the team's eyes, each headset settling into position, cutting off the outside world and leaving only the dark void of the VR visor. For Rei, the weight of it was grounding, a final, visceral reminder of the leap he was about to take.

The technicians moved swiftly yet carefully, attaching life-supporting monitors and equipment to each participant's body. Electrodes were placed to track vital signs, while intravenous drips and nutrient tubes were inserted to sustain their health over extended gameplay, ensuring they would remain stable and nourished even without eating, drinking, or sleeping in the real world. The hum of machines monitoring each of their conditions blended with the quiet beeping of heart rate monitors, creating a steady rhythm that matched the resolve of those lying on the beds.

The technicians' hands worked with practiced precision, adjusting each device to seamlessly integrate with their bodies. It was as if each member was being transported into a new existence, caught between two worlds—anchored to this one by the machinery, yet ready to dive headfirst into another.

Rei's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing like a war drum as he prepared himself. The tension was palpable, an unspoken bond tightening among the team as they stood together, awaiting the unknown. His fists clenched, his breathing slowed, and his thoughts sharpened on the singular goal that had brought him here. It's time… It's time to save them. Takeshi… Ami… I'm coming for you.

Standing before the group one last time, President Saito raised his hand in farewell, a mixture of pride, fear, and hope reflected in his eyes. His voice was steady but held an unmistakable note of gravity. "Today, each of you steps into the unknown—not just for yourselves, but for every life depending on you. Remember, we believe in you. May you be strong, may you be victorious, and may you return." His voice lowered as he finished, "God bless to each of you."

A heavy silence settled over the group, broken only by the soft hum of machinery. The gravity of their mission hung in the air until Joaquin finally broke the tension with a loud, exaggerated sniffle, rubbing his eyes dramatically. "This isn't goodbye… It's just a 'see you later,' right?" he said, voice thick with mock seriousness.

"Oh, don't get all mushy on us now," Amirah teased, rolling her eyes but smiling all the same. "I mean, if you start crying, you're going to make me cry, and that's definitely not the vibe we're going for here."

Naruya nudged Joaquin playfully. "I think we should get him a tissue, just in case," she joked, sniffling herself for effect. "Or better yet, a whole box!"

Ethan joined in, his grin mischievous. "Keep it together, man. If you start bawling now, I'm charging you for emotional trauma fees once we get out of here," he said, putting on an exaggeratedly serious expression. "And trust me, they're not cheap."

Joaquin groaned, laughing. "You think you're all so funny now, huh? Just wait until we're in there, and you'll be begging for my help." He struck a dramatic pose, crossing his arms and lifting his chin. "Without me, the group would just fall apart. I'm the heart and soul of this operation."

Liang shook his head, smirking. "Yeah, sure, just like how you thought 'stealth training' meant jumping into enemy fire like some sort of hero," he commented dryly. "We'll see how 'heroic' that is in Eternal Nexus."

"I was being tactical!" Joaquin defended, holding up his hands. "There's a difference, okay? It's called… uh… intimidating the opposition."

Soo-jin chuckled, leaning forward with a raised brow. "Right. And how many times did you end up on the floor after 'tactically intimidating' Ethan?"

Joaquin pointed at Ethan accusingly. "Ethan's just built like a tank. That's not fair. He's supposed to be on our side!"

Ethan laughed, giving Joaquin a playful shove. "You can count on me in there, Joaquin. Just maybe… don't go running headfirst into enemy lines this time?"

Joaquin let out a loud sigh. "Fine, fine. But I'll have my heroic moment, and when it happens, you'll all remember this moment and thank me."

The group's laughter lightened the air, taking some of the weight off their shoulders. For a moment, the enormity of their mission seemed to shrink in the face of camaraderie. Even Rei, who'd been so quiet and focused, couldn't help but feel a warmth spread in his chest. These people—they weren't just teammates; they were beginning to feel like family.

The mood lightened briefly, and a ripple of laughter spread among them, softening the tension that had been steadily building. For a moment, the sterile, intimidating Game Room felt warmer, as though the looming weight of their mission had lifted slightly, letting them breathe. Rei found himself unexpectedly grateful to be surrounded by these people, his fellow warriors on this daunting mission. Each one was unique, and yet they were united, bound by a shared purpose and the same blend of humor and resilience that kept the fear at bay. In a way, they felt like allies—maybe even family. They'd all been through the same grueling training, each day forging a connection he hadn't anticipated.

Soo-jin broke the silence with a small, wry smile. "You all realize this could be the most intense 'family bonding trip' ever, right?" he said, nudging Naruya, who grinned in agreement.

Joaquin chuckled, crossing his arms as he looked around the group. "Well, if we're all risking our lives, I better see some top-tier gaming skills out there. No carrying dead weight!"

"Trust me, Joaquin, we'll be the ones carrying you," Amirah shot back, rolling her eyes. "You're going to owe us big after this."

"Big? Try lifelong gratitude," Riley added with a laugh, giving Joaquin a pat on the shoulder. "Just focus on keeping up."

Joaquin groaned dramatically, "Fine, fine, but don't come crying to me if I'm the one pulling your weight."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I'll be too busy carrying both of you." His tone was calm but laced with enough humor to keep the group laughing.

Rei, feeling a rare spark of lightheartedness himself, joined in. "Guess we'll see who's really pulling who when we're in there," he said, glancing around, catching the brief, competitive gleam in everyone's eyes.

Riley's face softened, and he nodded as he looked around at each of them. "All right, everyone—let's remember why we're here. We've got each other's backs, no matter what, right?"

A chorus of "right" echoed back to him, voices strong and resolute. They weren't just going in as individuals anymore; they were entering Eternal Nexus as a team, a united force with a single purpose.

With one last look, Dr. Asano and President Saito stepped back, their faces a mixture of pride and trepidation. This was the moment they had worked toward, the last step before these chosen ten faded into the digital landscape of Eternal Nexus.

President Saito cleared his throat, his voice softer than usual. "Before you go… know that every one of you has a country, a world, and people who believe in you. You're not just ten individuals—you represent the hopes of thousands. So, go with courage and come back victorious."

Dr. Asano nodded, adding, "Each of you has shown strength beyond what any of us imagined. But remember—this isn't just about fighting. It's about making it out together, bringing everyone back. Lean on each other, protect each other. That's how you'll survive."

The group exchanged glances, faces marked by determination, but a few were visibly moved by the heartfelt words. Naruya, who had held a smile all day, lowered her gaze for a moment, nodding as she whispered, "We'll make it. We have to."

Riley gave a solemn nod. "We won't let you down, Dr. Asano. We'll end this."

Joaquin, never one to miss a chance for humor, gave an exaggerated salute. "Don't worry, Doc, I plan to come back in one piece. Maybe even two pieces if that's what it takes."

Everyone laughed, lightening the weight of the moment. Soo-jin looking forward, giving Dr. Asano and President Saito a deep nod. "Thank you both… for everything. We'll make sure to carry your hopes with us."

Naomi clasped her hands together, glancing between their two leaders. "We're honored to do this. We'll bring them home."

Dr. Asano's eyes glistened briefly. "Then go… and come back." He looked at each one of them, his voice a whisper of hope. "Godspeed."

As they laid down, settling into their beds for the last time in the physical world, each took in one last deep breath. The silence thickened, their minds focused on the mission. And as the VR headsets powered up, the digital world began to pull them in, enveloping them entirely.

In the quiet of his mind, Rei's final thoughts echoed fiercely, like a promise. Hold on, Takeshi… Ami… I'm coming. Wait for me.