The sun's rays filter through dimmable space theme lights, the starry theme fading as subtle roof sunlight casts soft shadows across the room.
Mirai groggily stretched out, rolling lazily to the side of his bed. A yawn escaped him as his eyes drifted to the particles of time on his desk, but something about the digits: 7:00AM, right on schedule—felt oddly significant.
He rubbed his eyes and scanned the room: game posters from his favorite franchises lined the walls, trophies gleaming from recent tournaments, and his high-end gaming setup—his haven. But today, something felt… off.
His phone buzzed, pulling him from a half remembered dream. Grabbing it, his eyes blinked against the screen's brightness, the notification glowing in the dim light:
'A new reality!'
His stomach flipped, but the sensation passed as quickly as it came.
He groaned, scrolling to the sender. "Takara… you've got to chill~" he chuckled, her flurry of messages scrolling across the screen:
"OMG WAKE UP MIRAI!!! BIGGEST NEWS IN LIKE 15 YEARS!! GUESS WHO'S TRENDING!!!"
Mirai chuckled, half expecting another rumor about the next installment of the 'F-series' again. Takara was always the first to pick up on rumors:
"LIKE LEGIT ARTICLES. THIS ISN'T JUST "OH MAYBE" BS. PROMINENT LEAKER!"
Her enthusiasm was contagious. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his curiosity rising despite the skepticism. "This year's different, huh?" His eyes lingered on the link, half-expecting another fake leak. His thumb hesitated before finally clicking through.
The title blazed across his screen in bold font:
"Next installment in the 'F series' to be announced this year: A Long Awaited Revelation?"
He skimmed the text, snippets jumping out at him:
•"Insiders suggest a revolutionary new VR experience."
•"A project shrouded in secrecy for 15 years."
•"Square Phoenix refusing to comment."
Mirai frowned, his excitement tempered by doubt. But a strange thrill ran down his spine as he reached the bottom detail:
"Former developer claims: 'A new reality.'
The words sent a chill through him. "A new reality?" He repeated the phrase under his breath, the weight of it finally sinking in. For a moment, the air seemed heavier, a faint sound brushed the edges of his awareness, like a distant echo of a voice—a voice just out of reach. He froze, scanning the room, but nothing moved. Silence, save for the hum of his computer.
He shook his head forcing a chuckle. "Alright, Mirai, maybe lay off the night streams" he muttered, shaking it off. Tossing his phone onto the bed, he headed for the shower.
Warm water sprayed over his snowy white hair, the steady rhythm grounding him. He let the steam blur the edge of his thoughts until they faded entirely. By the time he stepped, nanobots had already dried his skin, their hum barely noticeable.
They stayed with him and as he moved to his closet, his uniform materialized in a flash, crisp and tailored. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he couldn't shake Takara's messages replaying in his mind.
"A new game, huh. Maybe this year'll actually be different," he thought. Glancing at his clock, he realized he still had time but not enough to take it slow.
Light blue particles materialize, its form rippling and evaporating like water as Mirai walked past it. The hallway's ceiling allowed the golden hue of morning sunlight to flood the walls, casting intricate patterns across the floor. Plants lined the walls, softening the serene atmosphere.
"Good morning, Mirai," his AI assistant chimed, its calm voice echoing softly. "At your current pace, you'll make it to class with approximately 2 minutes to spare."
Mirai grinned, shifting his bag. "Two minutes? Guess I'm going for a record today."
It responded with its usual calm tone, though Mirai could almost hear a hint of an eye-roll in its voice. "I would recommend not attempting to break any records, Mirai. We wouldn't want any last-minute surprises."
Mirai chuckled as he headed toward the stairs. "I'll leave the surprises for class. Thanks for the heads-up, though."
The AI's image disbanded into a scatter of light particles, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.
Mirai caught the faint scent of sizzling eggs and toasted bread as he descended the stairs, his stomach growling in approval.
The kitchen, warm and bright, was alive with the sound of clattering pans and the low hum of music—a mix of shamisen strings and AI-generated melodies—playing from the countertop speakers. His mother, still in her floral silk robe with her hair tied up in a loose bun, stood over the stove.
"Ah, the prodigal son graces us with his presence," she said, not looking up as she expertly flipped an omelet in the pan. "I was starting to think you were going to skip breakfast. Again."
Mirai grinned, scratching the back of his neck. "You know me, Mom. Always keeping you guessing."
She turned, arching a brow with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Do I need to drag you out of bed? You've been warned before, young man." She waved a spatula at him as if it were a pointed finger before facing it toward the table. "Sit. Food's almost ready. You're not leaving without eating."
He sighed but complied, dropping into a chair and scrolling through his messages as the scent of breakfast became impossible to ignore. Moments later, his mom placed a plate in front of him with quick, practiced movements. She lingered nearby, hands on her hips as she studied him.
"What?" he asked, mouth half-full of toast.
"I know that face," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Same one you used to have when you tried to convince me homework didn't exist. Spill it. What's on your mind?"
Mirai hesitated, then shrugged. "Just this game design class," he admitted. "I mean, it's fine, but sometimes I can't tell if I'm actually good at it or just wasting time."
Her expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing her face. "Your dad used to get that look too whenever a big project was weighing on him," she said, her tone quieter now. "Always second-guessing himself before a big project. You're just like him."
Mirai felt a pang but quickly masked it with a grin. "Guess I really am his kid, huh?"
His mom snorted. "Please, your dad actually had talent. You're just good at running your mouth."
"Wow, thanks for the glow of endorsement," he said, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Anytime," she quipped, ruffling his hair as she passed by. "Now eat up and get moving. I don't want another call from school about you sprinting through the gates like a maniac."
"I'll take the scenic route, just for you," he replied, scarfing down the last bite of his breakfast before grabbing his bag.
Her voice softened as he reached the door. "Be careful, Mirai."
He paused, glancing back at her with a warm smile. "Always, Mom."
Outside, the lawn was meticulously maintained, the hedge trimmed into the shape of a radiant sun. Sleek, minimalist houses lined the street, their white facades gleaming under the morning sun. A circular emblem with two inner rings fluttered proudly on flags outside each home, marking the neighborhood's pristine unity.
In the distance, the ocean glimmered under the light, and on a distant island, a towering futuristic skyline rose elegantly, its minimalist structures piercing the horizon. V-tols flitted by, their hum blending with the serene sounds of the coastal breeze.
He walked to a nearby post, pressed a button, and almost immediately, a sleek V-tol descended gracefully from above. Its doors slid open with a soft hiss, beckoning him inside.
"Welcome, Mirai," The familiar AI greeted, its calm tone unwavering. We will arrive at Helios Interactive Academy in approximately 10 minutes. Shall I increase speed for a quicker journey?"
"Nah, I'm not in a rush," he said, settling into the plush seat. He looked out the window with a smirk, gesturing toward the glowing skyline. "Besides, why rush when you've got a view like this?
It paused briefly before replying. "Acknowledged. Though I am programmed to prioritize efficiency, I suppose 'savoring the ride' has its merits. Enjoy the journey, Mirai. Helios awaits."
As the V-tol rose into the air, Mirai watched the skyline grow closer, its towering structures gleaming like beacons in the sunlight. For a moment he let himself relax, the hum of the engine and breathtaking view easing the doubts that lingered in the back of his mind.