When the simulation ended, the two boys quickly slipped away, managing to escape unnoticed. Incredible—despite all the tight security, two fifteen-year-olds had just hacked reality.
A moment of silence followed as they sat on a park bench.
"We haven't signed up yet," Kiriya said.
"Oh, right—let's go." Ren stood up, Kiriya following.
They made their way quickly to the registration tent, still fueled by the adrenaline from what they had just witnessed. On the way, they noticed a man standing alone by the tournament poster, wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt. Sunglasses sat low on his nose, and he looked exhausted, but oddly relaxed.