*GASP*

A boy in his 15 to 16 wearing a pair of earbuds is spotted hurrying towards the direction of a store. He has pitch-black dark hair along with dark pupils. He has a face that is somewhat good looking but not head-turning. His body is thin and tall lacking any muscles to speak of. Not a very average guy but not very handsome either.

"Are you there yet! the shop is near closing times, it's our only shot of getting a spot for the beta test."

A sound came from the earbuds and enter my ear directly. It's even louder this time.

"It's our only shot, this is a dream all true gamers and anime fans alike have!"

"Yeah, yeah I got it! A VR RPG that EVERYBODY dreams about. It still pretty unbelievable how such a thing can exist in 2019." I exaggerated.

It is still a mystery to me on how such advanced technology was created. I tried many times to find any leads on the development process.

It was completely silent. It is one of those mysteries moments where it just pops out of nowhere. Even a guy like Sherlock Holmes will have trouble finding a lead.

"Seem Improbable and impossible quite possibly the work of aliens, some random God or an enemy stand."

Who knows there might even be a mastermind controlling all of this too. Maybe we are in a simulation or entertainment for higher beings.

"If we DID get the spot, am treating you to some udon. Well, consider it a done deal as there is no way for me to stop now."

I put even more effort into working my tired legs but the effort was futile as I still stopped for a few moments to gain my breath. It's hard for me to keep running for so long since I barely did exercise and the only thing I did was the minimum of just walking up and down multiple staircases.

I could finally see the store in front of me. A magnificent building open recently in this old city of mine. The building outside is adorned with various HD monitor showing the dream games of many many people. This imagination is shattered as I spotted the entrance. It is jam-packed with people and the queue is long enough to circle the whole building. I look toward the sky and it was only in the early morning. I look at my watch just to reconfirm what I saw.

This will be quite a long day.

~~~~~~

After waiting for hours I finally stepped inside the building. Surrounding me were holographic images with stylish interior design with custom furniture and everything. It looks similar to a space ship somehow.

I approach the receptionist wearing a blue uniform. It fits nicely as it seems to be in place with the atmosphere of the building.

"Hello, are you here to sign up for the beta test too?"

She said with an energetic expression. Honestly, I don't know how people can be this energetic this early in the morning. I hate mornings especially this Monday one.

"Yes, I would like to sign up for me and my friends."

"Friends? But I don't see any near you." The receptionist asked.

"But I do have his ID."

"They need to be here in person an ID alone isn't enough, we also need some genetic materials." She points toward the direction of another door.

"You have to go over there to register."

~~

Finally, I registered too bad my friend is sick. It still felt like a dream sometimes.

I walk out with great confidence and stride then made my way towards the road just as I was walking out of the building my phone started ringing. The songs that were played when it rang included a piano and the lyrics start playing.

"Dango Dango daikazoku."

I pick up my phone and answer the call.

"Hello, mom."

"The school just called me and said that they don't see you anywhere in school." She said with an angry tone.

I stayed silent as there is no way for me to argue back. I am an obedient child and don't go outside of school without telling anyone. It's simply because I was afraid of the consequences.

I listened silently as she berated me. Alright, destination change lets quickly get to school as fast as possible. I love my parents, it's just that sometimes I felt that we are disconnected. We don't really have similar interests and I also don't really strike much of a conversation, plus they are not at home most of the time due to work. I guess I just got loving parents.

I came to a crosswalk and as soon as the light turns green, I immediately dashed and sprinted across the street. I looked to the right just in case and the result is that there is no vehicle. I look toward my left and holy mother of GOD. Why is there a giant shipping truck heading this way at full speed with no intention of stopping.

The humongous truck in my perspective was very close to me, enough to warrant me a death sentence. How am I still be able to think, wouldn't I get smoosh immediately.

Ah, time has slowed down for me, so this is one of those near-death experiences where you feel that time has slowed down. It is quite a coincidence that I die by a truck but I don't want to die just yet. I still have so much to live for, I still haven't read those new chapters from my favorite web novel or finish my video game library but most importantly of all I can't just abandon my friends and family and leave them suffering.

I tried to urge my body to dodge out of the way but as soon as I try to send a command the truck interrupt and get really close. My consciousness faded and my body hot flattend. A huge tired has crushed my body.

What's left is a bloody pulp on the ground. A human, frail and weak vitality is what truly makes them who they are. It is even weaker in certain situation.