"Already morning?" I mumbled, yawning as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. The blur gradually lifted, and I tossed off the covers, rising from my cozy bed to start my day with a refreshing trip to the bathroom.
I stepped up to the sink and studied my reflection. The mirror revealed a face that turned heads: chiseled features, piercing crystal-green eyes, and a tumble of black hair that fell across my forehead.
In the mirror, my reflection showed a face that could stop traffic, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that, in the grand narrative of life, I was destined for a supporting role. No remarkable talents, no extraordinary abilities – just an ordinary existence.
Shaking off the thought, I attended to my morning rituals: toothbrush in hand, followed by a relaxing soak in the bathtub, the warm water a comforting respite from my introspection.
Following a 30-minute soak, I emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed. I headed to my wardrobe and chose a simple yet stylish outfit for school: a crisp white turtleneck sweater, paired with black jeans and a pair of canvas sneakers, complemented by plain black socks.
Following my morning routine, I rushed downstairs to fuel up with a quick breakfast – crispy bread and a savory omelette. Eating rapidly, mindful of the ticking clock, I finished my meal, dabbed my mouth with a tissue, and grabbed my bag with the house key from the dining table. With key in hand, I exited the house, ensuring the door was locked firmly before heading out
"I made the right call with the long sleeves," I thought aloud, hastening my stride. Late slips were becoming a bad habit. Ten minutes of rapid walking flew by, and I burst through the school gates, only to be halted by a cheerful shout.
"Lucy!"
I turned to see Olivia, her long brown hair bouncing with each step, her ocean-blue eyes sparkling as she jogged towards me. We'd been friends long enough that I didn't stare, but a warm smile spread across my face. "Hey, Olivia," I greeted, waving my right arm as I waited for her to catch up.
Olivia huffed, "You're ridiculously fast! I saw you from a distance, but by the time I caught up, you were already at the gate!" She punctuated her complaint with a playful jab to my chest.
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my head. "Sorry, Liv. I'm just trying to avoid another tardy slip. Can't risk hurting my grades."
Olivia's expression softened, and she grinned mischievously. "You're so paranoid about grades, Lucy. You're already acing every subject."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "You're one to talk, Olivia. You're just as obsessed with getting into that top-tier university."
Olivia's grin widened. "Hey, someone's got to keep you competitive."
As we bantered, we turned a corner and entered the school's main building.
After weaving through the crowded corridors, we entered our classroom, where students were chatting, reading, or working on assignments. As we took our seats, the room buzzed with anticipation.
I settled into my favorite spot beside the window on the left, enjoying the warm glow. Olivia, on the other hand, joined her tight-knit circle of friends in the middle of the classroom, exchanging lively whispers.
Our homeroom teacher, Mrs. Thompson, entered the room, carrying her register and books. As she settled at the front, the class fell silent. She began taking attendance, her voice steady and clear. I responded automatically when my name was called, then turned to gaze out the window, lost in thought.
My mind wandered to my family, memories of them still etched vividly in my mind. The pain of their loss in the car accident lingered, leaving an unfillable void. I was now alone in that sprawling house, a constant reminder of what I'd lost.
Without warning, the sky outside darkened, as if night had fallen prematurely. A scarlet holographic display erupted into view, shattering the morning's serenity.
[Ding! Server #156C808F initialized!]
[Game commencement imminent!]
Stunned, I whispered, "What's happening?"
A low, menacing voice crawled under my skin, accelerating my heartbeat.
[Greetings, players. Welcome to server #156C808F. I am your Driver and Host. Prepare for the experience.]
No sooner had the ominous voice faded than another holographic screen flashed into existence.
[Ding! Class Selection process may now begin!]
I reeled, my mind racing. "What the hell is going on?" My thoughts swirled in chaos.
"What the hell was that voice..."
"Am I dreaming?"
"Mom..."
"Shit..."
Around me, classmates erupted into anxious whispers, struggling to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before us. Some exchanged fearful glances, while others seemed remarkably composed, their eyes locked intently on the screen.
Olivia, now beside me, grasped my arm, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lucy, what's happening?"
I shook my head, equally bewildered.
"I honestly don't know..." I trailed off, shaking my head. "Just follow the instructions, I guess."
Olivia nodded resolutely and turned back to the holographic screen. I did the same, scanning the class options.
[Class Selection]
COMMON CLASSES
1. Archer
2. Warrior
3. Berserker
4. Mage
5. Shaman
6. Assassin
7. Knight
I hesitated, unsure which class to choose. Olivia, however, seemed more decisive.
"Which one are you picking?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"I'll go with the Archer class," Olivia said. "It's safer, and I can hit targets from a distance."
I nodded in agreement, thinking her decision wise. However, I knew archers had a significant weakness in close combat.
"I know archers struggle up close," Olivia added, "but with you by my side, I'm not worried."
Her smile filled me with warmth.
Just then, I turned back to the holographic screen to make my own selection. But before I could, a sudden notification appeared:
[Ding! You have been assigned to the Necromancer class!]
My eyes widened in shock as I stared at the blood-red screen.
"Huh?!" I exclaimed, helpless and disbelieving.
[Ding! Class selection concluded!]
[Game initiation sequence activated!]
The announcements sent a frisson of fear through me. I turned to the window, and my heart sank. Purple portals had erupted outside, unleashing mythical creatures from the very pages of legend.
Amethyst-scaled dragons, winged gargoyles, and shadowy humanoids with luminescent eyes – the stuff of nightmares – now roamed our reality.
Olivia's grip on my arm tightened. "Lucy, what's going on?"
I shook my head, stunned into silence.