"With each passing day, the popularity of Elder Tale, the groundbreaking VRMMORPG, continues to soar!"
Exclaimed a woman featured on the massive screen adorning the side of a building. Her face brimmed with infectious joy, reflecting the game's immense success.
"Truly remarkable, partner! Within a mere month of its release, Elder Tale has skyrocketed to become the most played game throughout the world."
Her companion, a man sitting beside her, chimed in with surprise.
"Well, Amanda, it's no wonder considering the game's stunning graphics and immersive mechanics. They say it's like a second world, an impeccable replica of our own Earth."
The man quipped, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Well, minus the flying dragons, monsters, and supernatural powers, of course."
Their banter elicited laughter as they both shared a lighthearted moment.
"Jeric, joking aside, I've personally experienced the game, and let me tell you, the hype surrounding Elder Tale doesn't even do it justice."
Amanda exclaimed with genuine excitement.
"Elder Tale! Will most likely be the start of a new era!"
—------------------
In a bustling city, a young man named Yu found himself wandering aimlessly through the crowded streets. The cityscape was adorned with towering buildings, and the vibrant energy of the urban setting enveloped him. As he walked, his weariness weighed heavily on him, evident in his sluggish steps and distant gaze.
Amidst the commotion, his attention was momentarily captured by a massive screen plastered on the side of a building. A news anchor spoke passionately about a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game (VRMMORPG) called Elder Tale, touting it as the next big sensation. The anchor's enthusiasm filled the air, declaring that this immersive world would revolutionize gaming.
Although Yu heard it himself he just ignored it as he was solely on finding solace in the familiar walls of his own dwelling after a long day of working.
This young man's appearance betrays a weariness that seemed to extend well beyond his years. Despite his youth, his face bore the marks of a life laden with burdens and exhaustion, giving him an uncanny resemblance to a middle-aged man. Lines etched deeply across his forehead, creases formed at the corners of his eyes, and his countenance seemed marked by the weight of countless sleepless nights.
Yu Kagami, a 26-year-old man, had once been deeply immersed in the world of gaming during his teenage years. Hours would effortlessly slip away as he found solace in the embrace of his comfortable gaming chair, passionately engrossed in the game. However, at the age of 19, tragedy struck when his parents met with a fatal car accident. Leaving his mom comatosed at the hospital bed and burdened with the responsibility of raising his younger siblings.
In the face of this immense loss and newfound duty, Yu made a profound sacrifice. He recognized that his siblings' education and well-being were of utmost importance, surpassing his own personal indulgences. Thus, he made the decision to relinquish his beloved gaming consoles, selling them to secure the necessary financial means to support his siblings' studies and provide for their daily needs.
Yu tirelessly scoured the job market, seeking part-time employment opportunities suitable for someone of his age. Day and night, he toiled relentlessly, pouring his energy into any work he could find. Seven long years had elapsed since he shouldered the weight of responsibility, and the weariness that accompanied his efforts had begun to take its toll on him.
Weary and worn, Yu's journey led him to a small, pitiful-looking apartment building. Slowly, he made his way to the front door, a sense of anticipation mixed with fatigue permeating his being. As he stepped inside, a somber darkness enveloped the room, and his siblings were conspicuously absent.
"I'm home, Kuga and Sakura!"
He called out, his voice echoing through the desolate space. Silence greeted his words, devoid of any response. Perhaps his siblings were still engrossed in their club activities, he mused, attempting to assuage the sudden concern that gnawed at his tired mind.
Without delay, he retreated to a room within the apartment, seeking solace in the familiar embrace of his bed. Fatigue weighed heavily upon him, luring him into the realm of deep slumber. However, amidst the threshold of sleep, a nagging thought emerged, interrupting his tranquility. A bittersweet chuckle escaped his lips as a thought came into his mind.
'Was this the life I've always wanted?'
In the quiet darkness of that room, where weariness and introspection mingled, Yu questioned if this was truly the life he had once desired. The laughter that escaped him carried a tinge of melancholy, a reflection of the complex emotions swirling within.
In that precise moment, an undeniable presence loomed beside him, yet the weight of weariness prevented him from mustering the energy to open his eyes.
"Happy birthday, dear Yu~ Happy birthday, dear Yu~"
Echoed a melodic voice, its high pitch girl's voice interwoven with the deep undertones of a boy's voice. With each passing second, the song swelled in volume, washing over his weary senses.
"Could it be my younger sister and brother?"
A flicker of recognition sparked within him. He wondered, his thoughts weaving through the haze of fatigue. Suddenly, a realization dawned upon him—today was supposed to be his birthday. The realization snapped him awake, urging him to open his eyes and sit up in bed.
As his eyes adjusted to the surroundings, he beheld a young girl, her face beaming with excitement, clutching a cake adorned with flickering candles. Beside her stood a young boy, providing the harmonious backdrop of the birthday song.
"Make a wish and blow out the candle quickly!"
The young girl exclaimed with unabated enthusiasm. Yu closed his eyes, summoning his deepest desires within the recesses of his heart.
"I simply wish for my family's eternal happiness,"
He whispered in his thoughts.
With a renewed sense of purpose, he opened his eyes and blew out the candles, their extinguished flames casting the room into darkness. Swiftly, the young man reached out to the side, flipping the switch that flooded the room with light once more, illuminating the moment of celebration and love.
As the bright light illuminated the room, the twin siblings stood side by side, their contrasting appearances captivating in their own unique ways. The girl, aged 18, named Sakura Kagami possessed an undeniable beauty that radiated from within her. Her silky, long black hair cascaded down her back, framing her face like a waterfall of obsidian. Each strand seemed to glisten with its own lustrous allure, a testament to her natural grace.
But it was not just her physical beauty that captured attention. It was the spark of eccentricity that danced in her eyes, hinting at a vibrant and unconventional personality. Her expressive features, adorned with a mischievous smile.
Beside her stood her twin brother, a young boy of the same age, named Kuga Kagami. At first glance, his appearance seemed fragile and unassuming. His countenance carried an air of quiet vulnerability, as if he harbored hidden depths beneath his seemingly delicate exterior. His features, though gentle and unassuming, possessed a captivating handsomeness.
His hair, perhaps tousled and unkempt, held a subtle allure, framing his face in a way that accentuated his features. Though his posture hinted at a lack of confidence, there was an undeniable magnetism within him that yearned to be recognized. If only he could unlock the belief in his own worth, his radiant potential would illuminate the world around him.
"Happy birthday my dear sweet brother!"
"Happy birthday Yu!"
Sakura and Kuga happily greeted their brother.