Sitting on the bed, left alone once again, Dawn found herself in an unprecedented situation—able to leave the bed, something she'd never dared attempt before, fearing collapse.
Taking the mirror in her hand, she indulged in truly examining her reflection. Dawn's captivating beauty mirrored her dual existence straddling both the virtual and real worlds. Her chestnut brown hair cascaded in gentle waves, evoking images of sunlight filtering through a forest canopy. Her eyes, the most mesmerizing feature, showcased this duality: one a deep amber, reminiscent of virtual twilight landscapes, and the other a cerulean blue, evoking the untouched depths of oceans. Her heterochromia was a testament to her unique identity. A mix of curiosity and determination filled her gaze, hinting at her readiness to face the challenges ahead. Her rosy complexion radiated with life, echoing her experiences from both realms. The functional hospital gown she wore stood as a bridge between her transformational world and her created one.
The reflection before her sharply contrasted with the frail image she remembered. It was a challenge to believe that the person in the mirror was truly her.
She gently placed the mirror aside and contemplated her surroundings.
She was fairly certain she was in New Horizon, but she seemed to have landed in a time before the game's major events, far from her last memories. The presence of the Venin Corporation was a clear indicator. Natasha wasn't a cosmic entity, Twilight wasn't channeling elemental forces, and Venin was still in its prime.
Slowly, she pulled back the bedcovers, preparing to take an action that once would've been deemed too risky. Carefully stretching her legs, she stepped off the bed. She wobbled momentarily, adjusting to her newfound height, but quickly stabilized. Feeling the cool floor underfoot, a mundane sensation, confirmed her tangible existence in this unfamiliar reality.
She thought about the game's classes: Pugilist, Mage, Esper, Psyker, and Mechanic. Each class represented a distinct role she could potentially take on in this strange new world.
She felt drawn to the Mechanic and Mage classes. The former emphasized creation, while the latter had a strong command over the arcane. However, she recognized the commitment each path demanded.
Hesitating, she grasped the gravity of her choice. It wasn't merely about choosing a role—it was about shaping her destiny. Realizing the importance of her decision, Dawn decided to explore the intricacies of each class further before making her choice. Thus, her quest for knowledge in this tangible world began. With steely determination, she pressed on, keen on weaving a tale of magic, machinery, and unyielding spirit.
Pausing, she looked down at her attire: baby blue pajamas. It was a jarring yet welcome departure from the odd hospital gown she remembered donning upon awakening. She suspected Natasha, or more likely Twilight, had changed her.
Reaching for the tablet Twilight had given her, she studied its interface. The welcome message vanished as she touched the screen, replaced by a series of circular icons. Among them, a phone, a burger, a map, and a book were prominent, though numerous other options surrounded them.
She selected the phone icon, revealing a solitary contact: Twilight. Dawn texted her with an immediate concern.
[Dawn: Twilight, what about clothing? Wearing only these pajamas outside doesn't seem right, does it?]
She sent the message with slight uncertainty, but received a swift reply.
[Twilight: Press your hand against the wall near the bed, opposite the table. You'll find what you need.]
Confused by the response, Dawn approached the indicated spot. Upon touching the wall, a soft blue glow formed an outlined rectangle. The section then receded and lifted, revealing several uniforms identical to those worn by Natasha and Twilight.
Yet, before she could process this, her stomach growled loudly. Embarrassed, she acknowledged her hunger, reminding herself she hadn't eaten since awakening.
She donned a uniform, noting its comfortable texture. Turning back to the tablet, she clicked on the food icon. The display showcased an assortment of dishes, but she noted she'd need to visit a cafeteria for orders. With a newfound purpose, she headed for the exit. Eager to explore, gain knowledge, and most importantly, satiate her hunger, Dawn set forth into this enigmatic world.