"Hey, hey, have you heard of the new game?" (Student)
"New World Online? Of course! Everyone in the school is talking about it." (Student)
"Guess what? My parents said they will buy me a [Oracle] when I get home!" (Student)
"Eh... those things cost a ton! So lucky..." (Student)
Every single day... Ever since the live show broadcasted about the new game and the device is going to be available in my city soon. People have been chattering non stop about NWO.
My name is Ariene Silveen, a normal 15 years old. I'm currently in my last year in Junior High.
Lately, there is a newly released game called New World Online or NWO for short. Not that I care. I'm not interested in those, useless games. They're just a waste of time for me... But for the others, it seemed pretty much a big deal.
I can prove that, this device that would 'change' humanity's opinion on technology on improving the world which is kind of distressing seemingly that I can only imagine some kids who have bought this thing would neglect everything in its surroundings and rather play the damn game all day.
Right now I'm reading a newly released light novel. I wouldn't consider it very good nor bad, the plots seem very predictable but I am impressed the author managed to make me feel tense, emotion which is something that I don't normally do. I carefully went through the pages while thoroughly reading every word.
It was getting hard to focus on reading because of all the murmuring, which made me almost lost my grip onto the book. Folding the pages, I hastily slapped myself back into reality to save the book. I can hear people talk about the new game all day every day, even in the streets. My Facebook account, Messenger, Instagram, and other active social media I check up on were full of [Oracle] this [Oracle] that.
Yesterday ticked me off the most, there was a 50% off sale at my local bookstore inside a mall. Next to it was the gaming store... You guessed it right. A crowd of people blocked my way when I tried to get to the book store, so I tried excusing myself and politely asking some people to move but they shoved me back.
Turns out the new [Oracle] was delivered personally at our mall. It pissed the hell out of me. There was one thing you don't wanna make me mad. Its all about the sales.
You mess with the 50% off sale with my books, you'll get yourself shoved off to the dang floor, that happened to me but whatever. Remembering about it makes me wanna burn the people who were blocking my way into my paradise.
I continued to read my book with a cheerful mood as I read the paragraphs about someone being reincarnated into her own family's body but with a twist---
''Ariene!!! Do you know that a very popular game just released!?"
I was stopped by my a train of thoughts as someone called my name and poked my back.
I glanced up to see an annoying loli who was widely grinning. This is my childhood friend, Liliane. She's quite popular in school.
For a fifteen-year-old, she's short compared to average people. She has blonde hair that she got from her father because he was born in German. She also her blue eyes from her father. The only thing she got from her mother was her attitude. She looked more like her father but acted like her mother.
Being a bishojou, Liliane got a lot of love confessions from guys and even girls but she rejected them all instead. She would've spent her days playing games or bug me all the time.
She's smart and is always a part of the top ranks, she also came from a rich family. People called her 'cute' in many ways. Her voice was high pitched. She had dimples on both sides of her cheeks and she was damn... cute.
But... she's childish. She tried to prank me a few times. It didn't work whatsoever.
Sometimes, her friends also got involved in it. If I remember correctly, she tried to prank the teacher on April Fools day by putting a frog in the teacher's drawer... she had to stand in the hall until lunch. Her frog was confiscated, but the principal decided to return it after school.
If I'm not wrong, she named her frog Kermit...?
From that puppet show... The green... thing... That was so long ago. My mom had videotapes of the old cartoon back in the days. I can't believe some cartoons were low quality colored ones or somehow even black and white.
"Let me guess, your parents bought you an [Oracle]?"
"Aww you guessed it teehee~ You're no fun Ariene~" (Liliane) said while having a 'fufufu' in her chuckle.
"I have no time for those games, please don't drag me into playing with you."
At the same time as I finished the sentence, the school bell rang, showing that it's lunchtime. I closed my book and stood up, walking past Liliane without looking at her. I could hear the whispers of the whole class as. The stares. And their wholehearted judgment of me.
"Rude much."
"How dare she do that to our angel!?"
"She's coming this way."
I got ticked off, "I can't just forgive myself after that incident and you know that Liliane. Kenta would've been alive if it wasn't for me."
"Ariene..."
I went past her, almost shoving her out of the way through the classroom door but thankfully she moved as I ran out of the class and walked to wherever my legs would take me to. There were only a few students left.
I ended up in the school garden. In front of me, there's a majestic sakura tree. Looking at it calms me down when I'm in tough times. Strangely enough, I never see anyone around here even though it has such a beautiful view.
I sat down below the sakura tree and continue reading my book. The wind makes one's mind feels refreshing. I have no idea how much time flew by.
*sigh*
I wish all those expectations people put on me would just vanish away without a trace. Then again, I got to enter this prestigious school because of those expectations. Just because I have a photographic memory doesn't mean I would succeed in everything. I would even call this a curse, not a blessing.
Slowly, one by one the sakura petals fall down and started dancing around me. I unconsciously stand up, fascinated at the beauty the petals showed. Is this a natural phenomenon? No... I've never heard anyone encounter something like this before. It couldn't be the wind.
I glanced at my back, a girl around my age is standing next to the sakura tree. She had smooth purple hair and shining purple eyes. When I was about to approach her she gave me this shocked look before she vanished in a blink of an eye bringing some of the sakura petals with her and making a breeze of wind pressed onto my face.
Soon after that, the leftover sakura petals dropped to the ground, leaving a white papered note fell along with the petals. I reached out into the ground to pick it up and read it out loud. "You're late for class."
Wait... Late for Class? Huh? Certainly, I'm not late---
I gasped as I took a glimpse at my watch... I was already 5 minutes late.
''Shoot! I'm late!''
I exclaimed as I grip tightly onto my book held it in front of my chest, I ran as fast as I can. Running through the halls as fast as my legs can get me, almost slipping and bumping into a pillar that was in front me thankfully I managed to dodge it.
I forgot there's also a history exam!
I slid the note inside the book and continued to run. The halls were empty, not a single person can be seen. While running I consequently glanced around the other classroom having their own respective teachers and students.
I stopped in front of my classroom door, hesitating, stuttering when I hold grab of the doorknob.
I am Ariene Silveen, a girl from a small family with debts that we still need to pay. I got to enter this school as a top student and never missed any class before. If they see I'm late for class, it would certainly ruin my reputation in the school.
I took a huge gulp before entering my class. The teacher who was distributing the exam papers to the other students looked at me and gave me this brushing look of disappointment, I immediately looked down to the floor avoiding eye contact.
"Miss Ariene. This is unexpected, you're late."
"Yes, miss. I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
"Since this is your first time, I'll let you go. Please refrain yourself from being late again. Now please go on to your respective seats."
"Yes..."
I sweatdropped. At least there won't be any punishment for now. Most of the teachers in this school are strict. They usually don't let students go away without any punishment if they are late. Fortunately, the teacher seems to be in a good mood today. Wonder why?
I glanced around the room and saw Liliane staring at me giving me a weird worried look. She quickly shunned contact as soon our eyes met. I know I've been harsh on her but this is for the best. I sighed as I flipped the exam paper over that was on my desk. It had a series of fifty questions prior, multiple choice type of quiz.
Hmm...
These questions seem easy. No, this is way too easy.
I answered the questions, as I hastily read and circled the right answers. I also double-checked to make sure if there's anything I missed, stood up and turned in the exam paper to the teacher. The teacher examined it and gave me a nod. As I head back to my seat, I saw the others are having a tough time doing the exam. I felt their stares as I walked back to my respective seats while hearing them mumbling that I must've cheated or I'm a showoff. But that's what people get jealous off when you're talented and such.
I opened the light novel I was reading and the piece of paper fell onto the ground. I looked sideways and made sure no one saw it. I picked it up and examined it. Surely enough, it's my handwriting, but I never have written this note in my entire life. Is my brain fooling with me right now?
I shook my head and shrugged it off. This is peculiar but I have no clue on how would I solve this note or how did it know I was late for class. I continued reading the light novel without a care as the sound of the pencils fills the room. I am grateful that today is Friday. I have a lot of free time so I help my mom with the herbs... for the weekends.
.-.-.-.
The bell rang as a sign that we are allowed to go home. I immediately packed my things because I know Liliane will chase after me and ask me if she could go home with me, I don't want that.
I ran through the floors, to the front gate where some of the guards were patrolling the area. They spoke, ''Good work today.'' to the other students and some of them replied or smiled. We still had our I.D system in the front gate where we have to scan our I.D at a computer box. It would show the time we scanned, our class level, and a school picture.
I took my I.D card and swiped it to the computer box as it beeped, it gave me a license to go home as it kept the record of my swipe in the file. I went to the nearest bus stop. It took a while for a bus to arrive. I entered the bus and paid for the transport fee to go home. It was an hour ride away so it gets rather dark and dangerous at this time. I still have an hour to daze around so I decided to listen to some music. I wore my white earphones, the old ones that still had wires. Since the new gig that they sell these days are wireless ones costs a lot.
As I arrived home I promptly knocked on the door of my house.
There was some kind of rumbling noises happening inside my house. Wait, did I just hear something crack? I hear the heavy footsteps getting close until it stopped as I heard the sound ends on my front door, with clanking sounds when someone was unlocking the door. I got tackled by my black-haired, short and optimistic mother who can't take care of herself.
''Ariene!!! Mommy missed you! You don't know what a day I had. Our internet almost got cut because I forgot to pay it... heh heh...'' (Mom)
I facepalmed but I felt her squeeze me tighter and I couldn't respond. I poked her back to gain her attention and finally, she lets go of me after I heard her say, ''Oopsie.'' (Mom)
Even though she sounded cute, she still has the strength of a gorilla...
''Mom. Did you gave Uncle Shu his herbs?'' I asked. I remembered correctly giving her that task before attending school. She tilted her head with confusion before her sweatdropped a lot in front of me.
''Well you see... There's this new double points event in my farming game that only lasts for a day and I needed the points to make our horse run further than the neighbors'. You know the best I am highly competitive when it comes to Hay Day...'' (Mom) scratched her head while trying to keep her cheeky smile.
''Mom we need that to pay our next month's internet fee. If you can't deliver that I'll have no choice to let the electric company cut our internet, I am not joking ma. Did you even water the plants while I was gone?''
''I-I also...forgot...'' (Mom) replied which made me facepalmed.
''Mom if you continue this kind of behavior I won't hesitate to cut our internet, are we clear?'' I tried yelling softly.
She pouted and nodded. ''Good you still need some more scolding after dinner,'' I said as entered my house. I took my school shoes off and placed it on our shoe rack. Entered my room and changed my clothes into something more comfortable and wore my cute bunny slippers. Bunnies are truly the cutest thing... Rather than that Kermit the frog. I prefer Bugs Bunny from looney toons.
I heard mom come into our kitchen. I started to smell the strong spice she was gonna use. I also saw the fresh green vegetable that came personally from our greenhouse.
I turned on the tv but the announcement from the news disappointed me... It was the news channel reviewing the device that tortured my past days.
''This is the news. Reporting Live Tokyo, Japan where we now examine the new tech device called the [Oracle]. A nerve gear capable of transmuting brain wave commands into the game in real life.'' The news reporter said touching its black transparent screen lifting it up and trying it on his head.
''This feels actually quite comfortable. The device has no problem if you ordered one that doesn't fit you since it would automatically readjust its length and width just to fit your head! I have to agree that this is truly a genius idea.'' Through further compliments, I can't lie I was still captivated by its design and the logo mark of it. It was a blue shaped dragon at the back of it.
''That's not all. This is only one of the [Oracle] designs. There are actually four kinds of [Oracle], what we have here is a cryptic dark blue design with a blue dragon at the back. Unfortunately, we only have the dragon design but our crew will present the newly released 3 other designs.'' The news reporter said pointing at the window panel which showed the whole four designs of the [Oracle].
A white tiger design. The [Oracle] being fully white with pink highlights.
A black turtle design. Now it's all black having green highlights.
A red phoenix design. The red color of the [Oracle]. Which has some bright yellow highlights.
And the last. A blue dragon design. All darkish blue with light blue highlights.
''Now as you've heard and other people, possibly thousands of people have entered or participated in the survey of questions dealt by Harukawa Tech.'s branch in Japan. The one who made the known device we are reviewing currently, they will be giving off free a [Oracle] specifically to one account in every person. There have been precautions of multiple uses of accounts, but the company has gained strict security and if a specific person won. They would have to come to pick up the device themselves. It was over a week ago and from our sources, we have determined that there is only a hundred and twenty-one [Oracle] remaining. You still have a chance to win a free [Oracle] by just taking this survey on our screen!''
The news reporter said as he took off the device that was on his head. ''We also have in-game footage to let you see a preview of it. This game would have a real-life vibe feeling. NPCs have different quests every time a player completes it. The dialogues are all different, same for backstories, and various options for avatar customization. Armors, weapons, an currency are also present. Best of all, better Magic Attributes for those players who have chosen Mage or Cleric as their class.''
Magic... Typical Fantasy stereotypes.
''Your avatar would spawn at one of the four kingdoms which have four main sections. The kingdoms were named after the cards. Kingdom of Heart, Spade, Clover, and Diamond. The new players have different races to choose from. Such as human, wolf-kin, cat-kin, Elf, dragon-kin, and more. The construction cost of this game is huge and cost more than a hundred million U.S dollars!''
A-A hundred million? What?!
''In fact, estimating that a single device cost more than 10 million dollars and if Harukawa Tech, Is giving away a thousand [Oracle] for free is just... such a bold move by the C.E.O Ryuuki Harukawa---''
I couldn't handle all of that gibberish and turned the tv off of annoyance.
The news reporter reviewing the game is just making me think that this is a waste of money and such. ''Honey! Dinners ready!'' I heard mom call out.
I sighed and quickly got up wore my bunny slippers and head on to our dining area which was next to the kitchen. When I arrived I saw mom panicking. Before I got into a seat, I raised a brow since just now she was being weird. As I sat down, a plate with food is presented in front of me. I gracefully held my chopsticks and ate.
Mom was in front of me, she has been giving off this feeling that something was bothering her ever since I saw her finish cooking. She wasn't talking just... staring at her food.
"Mom?'' I asked to break off the ice.
It took her a while to respond she stared at me then went back staring at her food before snapping back to herself, with her voice shaking she asked, ''W-What is it, honey?'' (Mom) avoided eye contact with me as she tried to let out a smile.
I exhaled, ''Mom you can't hide it for long. I've known you since I was just a fetus into your stomach now tell me what's wrong.''
Mom's small smile turned into an immediate frown. Laying her back into the chair she tried to compose herself. ''I know you don't like video games that much anymore now that you're a teenager but I felt like I've been a terrible mother. I always had these... flashbacks when you were just a tiny potato asking for a tablet or a phone because you wanted to have the same things as the other kids.'' (Mom)
I slowly clutched my hands into a fist and grind my teeth. My eye showed a hint of rage, we had this talk over and over again and can she not get it yet?
I hate video games.
It brought distraught to my life and I can't just forget about it.
''Mom I get where you stand and it doesn't matter anymore. I like how the ways are now. I have you!'' I screamed. ''And that's all that matters!!!''
She slammed her hands into the table, ''What if I'm suddenly gone?! Who would support you?!'' she asked.
I grind my teeth even harder and stood up into my chair glaring at my own mother. I tried thinking of anyone but all I can think about was myself. ''I don't need anyone. I only need you, mom...'' As I said that. She could only sigh and I slowly felt the aura around her calm down and she glanced her eyes turquoise eyes at me.
''You know I won't be always around. Listen, the reason why I was so out of space today was that I didn't know how you would feel if I got you something that not in your mother's life can she afford.'' (Mom)
I calmed down a bit. And decided to let things go I sat back down to my seat. She's right... I can't be alone all the time... I gave up my argument with mother and decided to hear her out. ''You know the new kids talk about these days was about the [Oracle] right?'' (Mom)
''Yeah what about them?''
''You see... I sorta partook in this survey where I can get a free... [Oracle]... and the game New World Online... It's similar to a lottery, to be honest. Apparently, I won one. '' (Mom)
...
"Mom you got picked?! In a lottery for a free [Oracle] and the new game New World Online?!'' I shouted leaving her feeling somewhat guilty since she didn't tell me anything about this. I crossed my arms and tried processing all this. We could sell this and get money but my mother's account and everything might be registered so it's too risky.
''Y-Yes I didn't want to tell you beforehand. I know you too well you would think its highly impossible for your mother to win or even let me participate. But hey! I won and I want you to use it.'' (Mom) said it ever so carefree that it made me... jealous.
''Mom its been years since I've touched a game. You know I hate them now. How will this solve anything?'' I asked. She just chuckled. ''You would gain online friends. You know I have a lot of them, especially in some games. There are a lot of perverts you would encounter, but I say this is worth the shot.'' (Mom) said smirking triumphantly as she got me where she wanted me.
''How would even online friends help? I feel like they are two-faced people who act as someone else. I don't see what's the point in doing this, mom.''
''They do that because some people need to feel somewhat accepted and free. Games are ways to escape problems back in my day.'' (Mom) showed me puppy eyes which is my weakness. I tried ignoring it but... she was so... cute... How can an old woman look this young?! She was in her 40's but she still has these nice curves, huge blossom, refined lips, and her unique eyes. Her face could pass a modeling job.
I couldn't handle her cuteness so I decided to give in, ''...Fine, but if these so-called online friends don't work... I'm going alone.''
''Oh honey, You need to learn a little bit about yourself a bit more. I think this is a good idea!'' (Mom) said still wearing her smile.
She stood up from her chair and walked towards a cupboard and took out a box... Harukawa Tech... It is the real deal. ''Here we go... One two three--!'' (Mom) lifted the box to the table and I quickly helped her by getting the other side of the box.
''I have to admit I'm turning old... My bones aren't what they used to.'' (Mom)
As we placed the box into the table mom grabbed a pair of scissors and cut open the packaging tape. There was a lot of styrofoam and as I looked through it. I found the thing I was looking for. I quickly grabbed it and held it out. ''T-The White Tiger design,'' I muttered.
''Oh! Pink!'' (Mom) said as she took the thing from me and started examining it. Her eyes were sparkling as she really wanted it for herself. Her favorite color is pink after all. I took it back and looked at the tiger logo at back. I-It actually looks cool. I heard mom scoff and said, ''You seem to like it don't you, Ariene?''
''...''
Guh... That made me go red from the embarrassment. It reminded me that I was still the little nerd from back then, I actually loved games. I've just come to accept that... Games changed my life in a bad way and it's been years after the accident.
I've been blaming myself for eight years. I don't know if I can even handle this one. Mom grabbed the Manual book and she smiled at me. ''I'll help you understand what to do with that. Now let's get reading.'' (Mom)
She dragged me into this lecture of what to do and what not to do. I can rest my body on a couch or a bed. As long as my body it's safe and all. To get in the game we have to say, 'System Start' and if we want to leave we have this log out button where we can leave anytime. Excessive use of the device may conclude headaches, tummy aches due from not eating, dizziness, vomiting, and seizure. It would alarm or warn us if we're using it too much and immediately ends the game. Resting our mind, locking the device and such to avoid these things.
''Here you go honey. I know its Saturday tomorrow so you won't have to worry about anything about lazing off.'' (Mom) said laughing as we both entered my room full of nerdy stuff and posters about science. I took off my bunny slippers and sat on my bed. I motioned my mom to sit next to me which she smiled and gladly took the empty spot beside me. I placed the [Oracle] on my other side as I heard my mom sigh.
''I've been a terrible mother. I've given you not too much of a fun childhood. I'm sorry, all of my responsibilities... was handed over to you. I'm so sorry Ariene. You've been studying hard and while I just... did nothing but play games most of the time...'' (Mom)
I held her hand, ''Mom I chose to be this way. You didn't ever hear me complain meaning I liked it.''
''B-But you've been missing out on kid things... Your mother is just glad you're giving games a chance again after that incident. Listen, honey, it's not your fault. It was an accident. You didn't know... How could anyone knew---'' (Mom) stopped as she saw my face trying not to shed a single tear.
''I don't care anymore. I will get over that trauma and this game. T-This game will help me get over it.'' I replied. With a satisfied look, she caressed my black hair, pressed her hand between mine and whispered in my ear. 'I love you so much, my child.'
We had our arguments, especially what errors we both did in our past. I'm just glad we're patching things and fixing those mistakes we can fix. Never just throw them away. Mom held me through and embrace and I hugged back. We stayed like that for a while before her phone beeping a notification from her game Hay Day. ''I thought I had that phone locked away in the washing machine because you wouldn't water the plants.''
She giggled and gave me a cute hmph. ''You underestimate your mother too much young lady.'' (Mom)
Another notification beeped and the look in her eyes seemed it was bad news. ''The other neighbors are beating us. Oh no, they won't! Cows here I come! I need to milk them and gather all my bacon... See you later honey! I just need to get pass through level 324 and---''
''Mom just go.''
''Thanks honey your the best!'' (Mom)
...
I can only sigh at my mom's childish behavior. As I heard the door close, I took a deep breath.
I can do this... I can do this... Come on Ariene!
I took the [Oracle] from my back and laid my body onto my soft bed. It was Saturday and I could do my homework on Sunday in time for Monday deadline. I stared at the cool designs, the pink highlights, the materials they used to make these seemed superb and... I wore it. I felt it readjust itself to fit through my head. As I felt it vibrate and a green light scanned my whole body it scared me at first but calmed down after a while thinking it's only possibly looking through my measurements... due to avatar reasons.
After the scanning, I closed my eyes and said. "System Start!"
I saw the loading menu with a bar. As a robotic-voiced spoke to me.
[System loading 0%]
[System loading 19%]
[System loading 48%]
[System loading 65%]
[System loading 83%]
[System loading 99%]
[System loading 100%]
[System loading complete. Welcome to [New World Online] Player #5891]
At the moment that robotic voice said that. A bright light shined into my eyes. I started blinking like crazy...
I-I'm really here? I tried to look at my hands... it looked realistic. I tried to move it and it's moving naturally. I'm so shocked to see how detailed it is, it's like... I'm not in a game but in real life. I took a step back and I accidentally banged my head into a holographic window. My mouth went wide when I saw the person in that window. It was me!
A window popped up in front of me.
[Beginning character customization.]
''Hah?!''
~~~~~
To be Continued: Volume I: Chapter 2 ''Exploring the Game''
~~~~~
Author: This is the Author Zerin, while along with my Editor Hana :3, this project [New World Online] will have a crossover with my book on wattpad. It wouldn't hurt for somebody to check if its fantasy and a whole lot of cringe are what you want to experience alongside all this. New World Online, is an idea my editor and I had. She wanted to make this a reality and yes maybe I am a little as well.
Hi, this is Hana, NWO's editor. So apparently, I accidentally deleted the old version of this chapter 1. I and zerin are quite glad I did so it's a win-win situation and yeah. We panicked a lot when I did but things went well and zerin managed to write a better version of this.
In any case please do give us support and thank you again for giving, New World Online a chance!