"What if you find yourself in a world you're unfamiliar with? What if you drift in a place where you don't know anything? What if you're summoned in a world where you've thought of nothing but a game? What will you do?"

Those are the thoughts that race through Guren's mind as he awakens in a place where he isn't supposed to be.

A narrow but not suffocating space, with enough space for even a truck to fit if measured. The walls were slightly illuminated by a mysterious blue light, so it was dim but not completely dark. And as he blinked open his eyes...

"Wait, where am I?!?"

Was the first thing that came out of his mouth as he mumbled in confusion.

"Wait, wasn't I on the school's rooftop with Hikari? What happened? Hikari... where is she?"

In a worried tone, he said. His confusion was all over his face, and his mind is still on the verge of comprehending the situation he finds himself in.

"HIKARI? HIKARI??!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!... no, shouting will not solve anything; I have to think calmly, analyze everything first... Yeah, first I have to..."

Bam!

"Arrggg!!!"

As he punched himself, he whimpered.

"Yeah, it appears that I am not dreaming..."

Punching himself to see if he was dreaming, his lips bled, and he was certain. Despite the fact that it was such a stupid way of confirming. Couldn't he just slap himself to wake up? Welp... stupidity is a weapon.

"If this isn't a dream, then what the hell is going on here?! What the... my wound healed already?!"

He was taken aback. The blood had vanished, as had the cut. It was as if it had never existed in the first place.

"What's going on?! Think... think... there has to be something... I need to remember... Yes, I know, I was just with Hikari at school... my house... no, I need more... Before that... I was..."

He then began to reminisce the event one by one, sorting through all the thoughts that could be useful in the current situation...

It was three hours before...

"help..."

"Ughnmmm..?"

Guren rolled on his bed as a faint sweet voice whispered silently in his ears...

"Arg!"

He growled as he landed on his bed with a loud "THUD!"

"Emmm, Hikari?... Hmm? she's not here, that's strange, I thought I heard her... Welp, back to sleep."

Climbed back up to his bed, pulled his blanket over himself, and then returned to his dreamland. But that was until...

"WAKE UP!"

...a loud voice interrupted the slumbering boy, who appeared to be too tired to wake up. Uncovering him, she threw the blanket over him and shaken him, hoping to wake him up completely.

"Kyaaaaaa!"

Screamed the girl who had been unexpectedly hugged by the still-half-asleep Guren...

"Hmm... Hikari... so soft and warm..."

"Gosh, Guren... Wake up, it's the start of the new semester, and umm, can you...umm... p-please release m-..."

"...and your boobs shoo bi-gufffuh!!"

Cried the boy who had taken a critical punch to the stomach.

"Geez, I'm such a fool for raising my expectations! Hurry up and go downstairs, I've already made breakfast!"

She pouted. Expectations? On what basis? She was stomping her way downstairs, steaming.

Guren's cousin and childhood friend is Hikari. A lovely young lady who exuded beauty. Her red rosy lips sparkle when she speaks, and her silky hair, as soft as velvet, sways with her every move. Her stunning features included round brown eyes, long lashes, elegant brows, and snow-white skin. A beauty on tier of it's own.

They have complete access to each other's homes and come to play there as if it were natural. Guren's parents had passed away. The novelist, overprotective older sister was the only one left to look after him.

Guren stepped out of his room, still dazed, and proceeded downstairs as instructed.

With a sigh, he blew up his long forelock, which was almost blocking his view. His black hair, which reached his nape, had been left uncut for quite some time. He stood 175cm tall, with a thin body frame and slightly visible muscles from training. In the dining room, he walked sluggishly downward (Note: This is our protagonist.)

As he made his way downstairs, he noticed a young girl wearing an apron and surrounded by a cherry aura. Happily preparing his meal.

"You know, Hikari, seeing you like this makes me think of you as a newly wedded bride."

"Say what?!"

She squealed in surprise.

"M-maried... we are still... too young, you know... but. if you..."(Mumble, mumbles...)

"Hmm... you said something?"

"N-nothing... Just hurry up and eat!"

She was mumbling stuff that this dunderhead couldn't comprehend. Hikari sat down to dine after serving the lunch she had cooked.

"You know, Guren, you shouldn't do something like this simply because big sister Sakura isn't here; you stayed up all night playing games again, didn't you? I'm worrying too, you know."

"Hmm? Ahhh. You worry much too much, Hikari, but last night, online friends invited me, and I couldn't say no because they had already done so much for me."

"Haaaa..."

The girl sighed. She returned her gaze to him and spoke once more.

"OK, I understand, but don't do it again, okay? Staying up all night is not good, and if you don't stop, I'll inform Sakura-nee."

"Please, don't do that!"

Shocked he quickly replied.

"Then don't do that again, okay?"

"As you command, my master!"

"Good!"

Hikari knew that there's no one can handle Guren other than his own sister. And it's that frailty that keeps him in line.

Hikari took the remote and turned on the television. An electronic voice issued a report.

[The developer of the world's most popular online game, 'Virtual Legends Fantasia,' made an announcement about a bug in the game system. The sudden failure of the system this morning revealed that it was the result of a bug whose origin was unknown. The bug doesn't appear to be too serious, and the developer has promised to fix it as soon as possible... And now for the forecast...]

Virtual Legends Fantasia Online (VLF-O/VLF) is a cutting-edge game that debuted on June 03, 2035. It had been five years since the first installation of the virtual reality game that shook the entire world with its advanced system and provided wholesome support for full Virtual-Reality diving. The game was based on numerous theories, one of which was based on a certain world famous Light Novel, anime adapted series that was published on 04/10/2009(SAO series). The developer also admitted that this novel provided the most valuable hint of future entertainment. This idea sparked the idea of creating a life between lives.

"Hmm. Isn't that the game you were playing, Guren? Did it shut down?"

Hikari's gaze shifted  from  the  television  to Guren, who was still  eating. 

"It didn't exactly shut down, but yeah, it was the game I was playing. It crashed this morning, about 4am. So we were force to log out for a while. Hmm, so that was a work of bug, huh?.."

"Is there something wrong, Guren?"

Hikari inquired as soon as she noticed Guren's perplexed expression. He appeared to be concerned about something...

"No, I was just talking to myself; nothing important; by the way, Hikari, did it grow bigger again?"

"Hmm? Bigger? What did?"

"Your boo—Gufuuu!!!"

There is no need to inquire because we are all aware of what occurred. Yuiga Guren received divine retribution...

The two teenagers leave for school after breakfast. Their second-year high school's spring semester had already begun. The streets were painted in a pinkish flowery color as they followed the path full of fully-bloomed cherry blossoms. The season of spring has fully arrived.

The chilly wind was about to blow away, but the cold remained. But when they were walking side by side, there was no view more beautiful than Hikari, and Guren is the only one who doesn't know. After all, they'd been together for a long time, so seeing this beautiful view was nothing out of the ordinary for him. He was as if a different person than when he was with Hikari.

New classes, new classmates, and new junior students from the first years. It's just that Guren has no friends aside from those from his team online. A class lone wolf, a typical anti-social weeb.

The classroom was filled with happy voices, and greetings were all over the place. After a long winter vacation, a friend is chatting and telling silly stories. It was a pleasant atmosphere. However, not until...

"Fuwahahaha! Myth-level in three minutes! Peasants, bow before me!"

"Oh, wow, young master Matsuri, you're really good at this! No one can reach Myth-Level in three minutes; you're a true genius!"

This loud boasting voice shattered the atmosphere. Seemingly showing off that impossible feat of achievement.

{VLF is a battle royale game with over one hundred players in teams of five in both the ranked and normal modes of the game. Thus, the system of Virtual Legends Fantasia(VLF) in game had Six Levels(6lev); Warrior was the default or starting level. Those who manage to kill one enemy are considered elite. Master, who defeated two foes. Grandmaster who defeated three foes. Epic, who killed 4. Legend, who defeated the number 5. The Myth-Legend exists beyond this point. Whether alone or with the rest of the squad, the last once standing will be the winner, representing the entire team.}

"You must be cheating..."

From the far corner of the room, a frigid voice could be heard.

Shifting with sharp eyes, he gives away. a quick response.

"Huh? Say it again, Yuiga, you jerk!"

Sighed. Guren has the notion that he shouldn't be concerned with such trivial matters. But he couldn't stand it when someone cheated on the game he loved just to brag about it.

"I said, you must be cheating, because characters in VLF aren't even allowed to meet in the time span of one minute (1min). Farming is the only system allowed in that time, and after another minute you're supposed to venture the map searching for weapons and healing potions, and the third minute will be the start of the actual battle."

"S-stop talking!"

"Analyzing from your perspective, you reached the Myth-level in less than a minute." In that case, you found and killed six (6) enemies in that short amount of time. Or did you kill them all at the same time? If so, that was quite interesting. It sounds more difficult than climbing the Last Tower of Light."

{The Last Tower of Light is the VLF's largest and tallest tower. It was situated in the game map's central continent. The VLF was made up of five (5) continents.

The Eastern continent is known as the "Land of the Sword," and those who originated here were endowed with sword skills.

The Western continent is known as the "Land of Magic," and it is home to two types of magic: dark magic and light magic. Healing magic is on the Light side, while summoning and cursing are on the Dark.

The Southern continent is known as the Land of Shooters; marksmen originated in this region. Archer, gunner, and any other projectile types.

Northern continent, The Land of Fighters; This region is populated by physically oriented characters. This continent excels at defensive and physical attack.

(All skills can be obtained if all of the conditions of each continent's quest are met.)

Finally, no one is more qualified to speak about the Central Continent than those who have completed the quest for the four continents. The right to stand at the Last Tower of Light, and will be given the title of 'The Mythical Emperor' no one has yet completed this quest, the tittle was still in the competition after the 5 years of development of this Worldwide game 'Virtual Legends Fantasia.' (The only ones who know about the skills inherent characteristics are the Players of Origin; The first players to play the game since the very beginning)}

"YOU POOR BASTARD ARE YOU MOCKING ME!?"

His agitated voice echoed throughout the classroom as he grabbed Guren's collar, putting a halt to the cheeriness of the other students. Guren's eyes were filled with the rage of someone who had been humiliated, but he showed no fear or even interest. His expression hasn't changed.

"Not really, I'm not, but I despise people who brag about false accomplishments in front of me."

Guren spoke in his cold, and seeming natural tone. The room was silent, but Matsuri's face was rumbling with rage. He was enraged to the point of rage, but Guren showed no concern at all.

"What is all this!?"

Entering, from the front of the classroom, a voice called out. It was Shizuru, the teacher in charge of the class where they were. Matsuri unhooked Guren's collar.

"It was nothing, Teacher!"

She furrowed her brows as she watched Guren mend his disintegrated clothes. She is doubtful, but seeing Guren's uninterested expression, she simply sighed and let it go.

"If that's the case, take your seat and begin the formal greeting."

"Yes, sensei!"

Matsuri whirled as he passed him... "I'll never forget this," he said as he took a seat on the other side of the room.

After that, the class began, and everything returned to normal. Well, not exactly normal, because the entire class was abuzz with whispers and murmurs about Guren's coolness. It's an incredibly rare sight to see, because he doesn't say much. If you are to ask, only Hikari knows his cheerful side.

"I had no idea Yuiga was this cool."

"Yeah, right? I was surprised as well. Come to think of it, you won't notice it because he doesn't talk much, but what a cool deep voice he has. It makes my heart go thump!"

"And look at those long lashes and that perfectly shaped face; Kyaa, I want to date him right now!"

That was from the female perspective, and for the males...

"Damn that Yuiga! He became so popular so quickly, but I can't say he's not cool."

"No one can do that to Matsuri Trading Company's heir; what a man."

Sighed...

"Class I can hear you! Can you please shut up and concentrate?! you too girls!"

"Y-yes! were sorry Shizuru-sensei!"

"Damn, Sensie is really scary!"

"Yeah..."

"What did you say!?"

"N-nothing... We're sorry!"

Except for Matsuri and his assistant, everyone in class was awestruck by Guren...

The bell rang, and with that familiar sound, the class came to an end, and it was time for lunch. Except for Guren and the teacher, who purposefully waited for everyone to leave.

"Haaaa... you're so reckless, you know? You actually offended someone from the Matsuri family. Aren't you worried?"

"I guess it's fine. it's not like I'm a significant person worth paying attention to."

"Oh, but you are!"

She smiled seductively and smoothly caressed his face.

"Teacher, do you realize this is sexual harassment?"

"Hmph! If you hadn't kissed me by then, I wouldn't do this either!"

She turned away, pretending to be irritated. And if you're wondering about the kiss, it's a different story for the time being.

"By the way, Fufu, just be careful, okay? I don't want my future husband to be entangled in problems."

She finally left with a wink. That is the side of Shizuru that only Guren is aware of...

"Haiz... what a carefree woman..." He can only sigh as he watches her walk away.

"Gureeenn..."

A hushed voice, but audible enough to reach Guren's ear, was heard... It was Hikari. Hikari belonged to Class 2-A, while Guren belonged to Class 2-C.

"Hm? It's that time already?"

Says the person who did nothing but nod off in class... Shizuru-sensie, for the most part, is unconcerned about this behavior. You could call it special treatment, but also not, when he excels in her class so much that it becomes a nuisance. Shizuru don't want other to pay attention to him either so.

"Let's go. Let's eat together."

"Ya."

They went up to the rooftop to eat lunch. There, a fence with a height high enough to not let anyone fell was covering the entire floor. There was no other people that time beside them, a coincidence? Maybe.

"Hey, Guren... I heard you picked a fight on your classmate. That's rare. You used to hate attention."

"Hmm? not really, I just don't want someone mock the game I love."

"Hmmm..."

"What?"

"Nothing... I just thought, that you really became so popular now."

Hikari said with a tamed look.

"Sheesh. What popular? It's just a flame with the gasoline. Not long, it will fade like it never happened."

"I don't think so. You we're a hot topic, you know?"

"Says the school idol. Everyone was talking about you, you know. Just like earlier, when you went to get me."

"Geez, don't change the topic! All the girls from your class kept talking about you. And girls from my class too are now aware of you."

"Hmm, are they now? Don't seems so real, though?"

"They are!"

"..."

"What's with the silent?! Hmph! You never believed everything I say!"

"Haiz. Silly. People just goes with the flow. And after that flow went a turn, everyone will forget about it."

"..."

She was left with a pause. And then,

"Hey, If ever I was bullied... Will do the same and pick a fight?—awwww!"

She wailed as a light chop landed on her head.

"Stupid , you already know the answer right?"

Hikari blushed as she heard these and smiled.

"Yeah."

With that, they sat down and began to eat their meal. It was supposed to be a quiet lunch break, but then there was a loud 'BAMM! ' was heard as the rooftop door was kicked open. I was once again Mitsuri and his assistant, but this time he had four more students with him. Metal bats were in their hands.

"Yo, poor Yuiga... Do you remember what I just said earlier?"

Matsuri smirked as he played with the bat, softly smacking it on his hand. But it was answered casually.

"No, not at all."

"Grrr. You fucker, playing dumb! boys surround him! Beat him until he can no longer move!!!"

He was even more enraged when he gave the order. He pointed his finger at Guren.

"Hikari, behind me, stay at a safe distance..."

"B-but..."

"Don't worry. I'll manage."

She was so worried so he said it with a smile in his face.

"Grrrr... flirting are we?!" Do it boyss!!!? Beat him!"

"GRAAAAAAA!!!"

*[At the same time, in Fantasia, at the summit of the Last Tower of Light]

"Oh, Great God of Time and Space, heed me and listen to my plea... I pray to summon the hero from the other side of this dimension, a pure and brave heart. The hope of all Fantasia, summon our savior... {GRAND MAGIC; DIMENSION CALL!}"

The entire Continent was illuminated by a bright white light, causing confusion throughout Fantasia... The Shrine Princess Maiden's ritual was completed.

Is it a part of a large event? Or was it...

*[Back to the Real world]

"Huff...Huff.Huff..."

"We can't get close, Matsuri-sama! This guy is berry-berry strong!"

"What do you mean 'beryy-berry'!? do something, I am paying you here! All of you, attack at once!!! GO BEAT HIM!"

"Never learned, do you?"

They launched another attack without learning, despite the fact that it was obviously pointless for Guren, who learned all kinds of fighting skills from his late grandfather's Dojo... However, in the midst of the attack, a circle of white light encircled Guren. The light had no effect on Guren, but it threw all of the attackers away with its strength. It was as if a small explosion sent them flying off into the distance.

"Gyaaaaaaaa!!!"

They trembled with fear as they slowly stood, and Mitsuri's gang fled in a rush and panic, Mitsuri even pissed his pants in the process.

Guren and Hikari were the only ones left... Perplexed and terrified...

"G-Guren... What is this!?"

Hikari asked in a trembling voice... Her face were pale by the shock but she never left Guren behind...

"Stay away, Hikari. It's dangerous!"

"B-but...!"

"Please..."

Guren is aware of it. It was in the game as well, but no one had ever cast the GRAND MAGIC before, and it even appeared in real life. How is this even possible?

"Don't worry, Hikari. I'll be fine! Please tell Sakura-nee as well. I'll definitely return! So please be safe!"

He said it as if he was absolutely certain. But he has a sneaking suspicion that something strange is going on here. And, in some ways, keeping Hikari at a safe distance is the best option.

Guren gave a gentle smile as he was swallowed by the light, and in an instant he faded like silver shining ashes. Hikari was in tears, and she teared with shock and sadness, but she didn't cry...

"How! How could this happen so soon!"

She clenched her teeth, enraged, as she said this. She then went on to say...

"I'm sorry, Guren... I love you... please stay safe until..."

....

[End of the Flashback]

And now we're back in the narrow room, lit by a soft blue light.

"I see, I'm in a game, I was summoned here, but why here? Why not in a Summon Channel?"

{Summon Channel: A common Place for the summon to appear}

"I'm guessing I'm inside a labyrinth based on the space and design of the room... But why am I here, I haven't even logged in... and my appearance... whoa!"

He looked at himself in a small puddle of water and saw himself as usual, even wearing his school uniform...

"Why do I look like me in the real world... Is this really a game? Also, it hurts when I punched myself, but my wound healed instantly... Am I... really in a game!? Wait, this isn't one of those isekai stories in manhwas, shonen manga and LNs, right?"

Guren was still dazed and perplexed when a 'Clicking' sound echoed throughout the labyrinth. After that, he heard a mechanical-like start-up sound, and as he looked back...

[System boots up... Detection of a Foreign Object... The system has switched from defense mode... Starting the target elimination process... Battle mode is now complete! System Initiating attack! System Analysis: Completed...Stating the password... Complete...Elimination Password:..]

"Ehh?..."

"[{GET THE HELL OUT... FUCKER!}]"

"Wait, what do you mean password!" You're just badmouthing me!!! "

[System: Foreign Object Elimination Initiating...!]

"W-wait! Let's talk this out!"

Guren's first encounter? What will happen to him in this strange land? What's the deal with this mechanical-looking thing?

With all of these questions, Guren's journey in the VIRTUAL WORLD(?) has begun.

...To be continued...