The bus came to a halt, and Aria and Riu stepped off, greeted by a mesmerizing sight. Towering futuristic structures, vibrant lights, and the bustling energy of eager players surrounded them, immersing them in a world of endless possibilities and adventure. Aria's gaze fell upon a handsome boy with black hair, triggering a wave of memories. Mia, sensing the connection, approached him, and they began to converse.
The boy, named Alex, expressed how it had been a long time since they had seen each other. Mia reciprocated the sentiment, acknowledging that she missed him. She inquired about the girl who was supposed to pick them up with Alex, to which he responded that Luna was busy fixing a bug and couldn't make it.
Aria, observing their interaction, realized that Alex was the owner of this virtual reality world called "Game World." As Mia introduced Aria and Riu as her friends, Alex greeted them warmly, acknowledging their presence. Recognizing their fatigue, he offered to take them to their rooms.
Just as they were about to leave, a robot approached them and handed them bracelets to wear, along with a form to fill out. Aria questioned the purpose of the bracelets, and Alex explained that they would help navigate within the "Game World." With a hint of mystery, he mentioned that it served a specific purpose. After filling out the forms, they proceeded to a gathering area.
Alex took the opportunity to add everyone to his friend list, demonstrating his friendliness. However, Aria couldn't help but notice that he didn't smile, his expressions devoid of any emotion. Nevertheless, they continued as Alex added each person to his friend list, eventually forming a party that would allow them to teleport together.
With a swift motion, Alex teleported them to a breathtaking villa within the virtual world. Aria and Riu marveled at the beauty of their surroundings, while Aria couldn't help but notice that the rooms Alex had chosen for them were not as luxurious as her own. Mia and Riu, on the other hand, were amazed by the accommodations, their excitement palpable.
Meanwhile, in Mia's room, Alex engaged in a conversation with her. Mia's tone suddenly turned sinister as she asked Alex if he would kill Aria the following day. Alex, taken aback, questioned the necessity of such an act and proposed the idea of having fun together instead. However, Mia reminded him of their close friendship and urged him to fulfill her request. She assured him that nobody would question any actions within the confines of the "Game World."
Reluctantly, Alex agreed not to anger Mia further. The weight of their conversation hung in the air as they prepared for the next day's events.
The following day, Aria and Riu felt a surge of excitement as they entered the virtual reality hub once again. The atmosphere buzzed with electric energy, igniting their anticipation for the adventures that awaited them. Guided by Alex, they navigated through the process of acquiring their virtual avatars, ensuring they were prepared for the gaming journey ahead.
Stepping into the virtual world, they found themselves in a bustling central hub, teeming with players from diverse backgrounds. The metropolis offered a vibrant tapestry of interaction, trade, and collaborative quests. Aria marveled at the astonishing graphics and the remarkably lifelike simulations, making her feel as if she had entered a whole new reality.
Curiosity led Aria to a crowd gathered around a large bulletin board within the hub. Eager to explore, she joined the throng of players, eager to discover what awaited them. The bulletin board displayed a myriad of quests, challenges, and opportunities for adventure, each one beckoning with its own allure.
Her heart raced with the desire for thrilling experiences, and then she saw it—a quest titled "The Enigmatic Journey." The description spoke of a mysterious realm filled with riddles, secrets, and untold treasures waiting to be discovered. Aria's eyes widened with excitement, and she shared her finding with Mia and Riu, who were equally captivated by the quest's promises.
To be continued...