I slouched in my chair, eyes scanning the noisy classroom. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting the wornout room. Our class's eclectic mix of students chattered, exchanging stories and laughter.
Ken Magnum, with his athletic build, leaned over, his eyes sparkling. "Hey, Avi! Have you heard?" Emily Chen, sitting beside him, looked up from her book, curiosity flickering across her face.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's the latest rumor, Ken?"
Emily chimed in softly, "Is it true someone's gone crazy?"
Ken nodded. "Yeah! Muttering weird stuff, 'We lost. They're coming. It's the end.' Some say he's predicting the apocalypse."
I feigned interest. "That's wild. Got any proof?"
Ken grinned. "My sources are solid. Trust me, Avi."
I shrugged. "Yeah, sure. Because that's exactly what we need. More drama."
Ken chuckled. "You're just skeptical because you're not in the loop."
I retorted, "I'm skeptical because I have better things to do than spread rumors."
Emily's eyes widened. "But what if it's true?"
Ken reassured her, "Don't worry, Emily. We'll figure it out."
Mrs. Rodriguez swept in, her bright smile faltering. "Good morning, class!" She began writing on the board.
I zoned out with boredom, drifting into a vivid dream.
All was black and I could not feel my other senses aside from hearing. A faint whisper echoed: "Save them... Save both worlds... Only you can." With just that, the voice faded.
Mrs. Rodriguez's shrill voice jolted me awake. "Mr. Eques! Sleeping in my class?" The room fell silent and all eyes were directed on me.
I scanned my surroundings, taking in Ken's concern and Emily's curiosity.
"Sorry," I can only apologize.
Mrs. Rodriguez's gaze narrowed. "Detention, Mr. Eques. After school! I hope you will learn from this."
As the lesson dragged on, students fidgeted. Ken's wild rumor spread, fueling anxiety and curiosity of the class.
"Hey, Avi, you think it's true?" Emily whispered, still curious about the rumor.
I shrugged. "Don't know, don't care."
Ken intervened, "Come on, Avi, share your expertise."
I rolled my eyes. "Which expertise? You mean my vast knowledge of rumors and nonsense?"
Ken chuckled. "That's the spirit!"
As Mrs. Rodriguez notice our discussion, she angrily approached, but a faint glow emanated from the floor. A glowing circle that look like the magic circle in those animated series enveloped her feet.
"What's...what's happening?" she stuttered.
[System notices unnecessary character.]
[System begins character erasure.]
The glow intensified, engulfing Mrs. Rodriguez. Her screams only dissolved into ashes.
Screams filled the air. Ken rushed toward Emily, shielding her.
"Avi, what's going on?" Emily asked in fear.
I shook my head.
"Everyone, stay calm!" Ken boomed.
A transparent grey screen hovered before me:
[System scan complete.]
[Analyzing players...]
[Game parameters set.]
The room fell silent.
[Game Start!]