Shibuya

[Bloodedge]

[Apollymi]

Late in the evening, a young woman looked around a high-tier game and manga shop in the streets of Shibuya, which was of course, her hometown. She had a bit of a high-class air about her, but she was still rather politely browsing the shelves. She was dressed currently in a short black skirt, and a white jacket complete with belts and clasps across her chest. Her hair was styled in pigtails complete with long flowing waves ending at her lower back. Her expression was rather sour, but this wasn't displeasure, it was simply how her face looked anytime she wasn't consciously smiling. She was looking for a new game to play on her VR system and her eyes had stopped on one top-selling title. "Age of Eternity... huh?" she said softly to herself. She then immediately pulled out her phone and began scanning online reviews for the game only to find... There were none.

[Bloodedge]

That same evening, the game titled 'Age of Eternity' was being played by one of few people who didn't shy away from a certain stigma surrounding the title. Age of Eternity was a game which had become infamous since its release, as many of its players went missing after logging a certain number of hours into the game. Some brave souls who knew of this urban legend didn't care at all, and continued to play it. One such individual in Shibuya was a young man in his late teens. In contrast to the lass presently inspecting the game for potential purchase, he sported a very disheveled appearance, though it didn't much matter, considering he was in the comfort of his own home with nothing more than his games, anime, manga and figures to accompany him. "Agh! Fuckin' Goblins again!? Can I pick up a quest that isn't just killing midget rape-demons?"

[Apollymi]

This young woman stared at the blank review page and shrugged. It had everything that was necessary for her to enjoy it. 'It doesn't have any reviews but it's a best-seller. It's also compatible with my new face scan, VR, and the quick-key interface on my new system...' she thought to herself. This moment of deep thought came with what seemed to be a sour expression on the girl's face. And this didn't change as she picked up the game, nor did it by the time she reached the front-counter. "I'll take this," she said without really looking up for a few seconds. When she finally did, she'd find a nice older woman staring at her in apparent fear. "No. No... you must not buy this game. It's cursed! Cursed! CURSED!" there was some extreme distress from this older woman which caused the girl with the pig-tails to look up at her with wide eyes. "Huh? But it's just a game..." she mentioned.

A young man came from the back. "Obaa-sama, please stop scaring the customers..." he said only to reach out for the game. "Age of Eternity, huh? It has become a bit of a Creepy-Pasta. It is said that people disappear when they play it too much. My Grandmother is here a lot and she's noticed people who bought that game stop coming by. She thinks it's cursed, but... I think she might have scared them off. I haven't heard anything bad about the game play. Admittedly, I haven't played it myself, I'm more of a shooter kind of a guy..." said the clerk, as he worked towards ringing the girl up. "Rewards card?" he asked and she produced one, along with removing a black credit card from her wallet to use as payment. "Oh... well, I can't find any reviews on it online either. But... I want a game I can dive into for a while. I have a three day weekend coming up..." she said. Having made a plan to dive into this game fully though it wasn't exactly the kind of game she normally played either. After this she turned the credit card swiper towards herself and paid for this product. "Arigatou gouzaimasu," the girl said as she walked off, with a bag in hand. "Come back and tell me about it sometime!~" this young man said as yet another person was claimed by the game known as Age of Eternity. If this girl thought anything of the warning she was given, it didn't show in her face as she headed home. If nothing else, there was a smile on her face.

[Bloodedge]

"Oh, wow!" the male currently engrossed in playing this game said aloud. "A Goblin Lord, huh? That's something different. Pretty strong, too," he continued. His questing was proving successful despite what he considered to be a major setback in his day initially, as he'd grown tired of the quests he'd randomly come across in this game as of late. Finally though, he'd managed to stumble upon what the game referred to as a Pseudo-Legendary enemy spawn, not quite unique, but allegedly with worthwhile loot at the end of combat. "Let's go, bitch! Just another stepping stone to find out where that Dragon is, and something else to get me ready for it!" As he spoke to no one but the game itself, this young man clicked his computer mouse and various keys numerous times. The result was his face being lit by flashy animations numerous times as he happily dominated the Goblin Lord he'd located mid-quest.

[Apollymi]

The girl in question, made her way home. Upon entering she found a note located in the front hallway of a house considered to be rather massive. It was a simple message, scribbled in the handwriting of the girl's own mother and it simply read. "We headed out on a flight after coming home. Sorry we missed you... enjoy your long weekend relaxing post exams. XoXo Mom and Dad." This young woman looked at this, and strangely it didn't make her sad, a large grin spread across her face as she headed deeper in the house to prepare for a long gaming session. Some fifteen minutes later and she was within a her bedroom, sitting in the middle of a large four-post bed. She'd had a bath and dressed down, sitting in nothing but an exquisite set of lingerie. She was wearing, panties, a bra, and silk thigh-high stockings as she logged into her gaming system. Beside her bed a mini-fridge full of drinks and snacks the lights of the room set to dim as she slipped her fingers into a strange set of gloves which functioned as the mouse and connected directly to the keyboard of her computer. With the simple movements of her fingers, she was able to type as if she had a full keyboard in front of her. And the massive wall across from her bed, showed the high definition TV which was more than 70 inches and mounted to the wall. "Yosh!~ Game time!~" she chimed to herself as she signed in under her online ID and started up the game known as Age of Eternity. Beginning first with a scan of her face unobstructed to create her first character. After this was done, she spent a few extra minutes picking her set up before she would start her online experience properly.

[Bloodedge]

Though it took minutes on end to slay the Goblin Lord, the young male at his computer completed the quest and retrieved his loot. In that very moment, he also achieved Avatar Level 50, at which point he was presented with a few surprises. "Osu! Max Level! And... what?" he wondered aloud as he viewed these additional achievements. "Omega-tier skill unlock... Dragon Emperor's Mask fragment... Minor Class unlock pending? Unlocked requirements for Special Class: Alter Ego? There are more than 50 levels in this now?" The lad's tangent went on for some time, but he decided in the end to save this additional Class choice for after he experienced everything else the game was presently throwing at him. At the very least, he knew he would be taking a shot at this 'Alter Ego' Minor Class he was being shown, as it seemed like something he wouldn't be able to unlock a second time if he skipped it once.

[Apollymi]

Soon the blonde version of this girl had been named and was walking through the introductory dungeon dressed in a plain red cloak with nothing but a naginata to fight with. "Ugh, it's a cave. Well, at least they got these cute crystals everywhere..." she mumbled. She began gathering things within this game. Only to be attacked by a small orange balloon like creature. She forced her avatar to jump back and swing the poled weapon down quickly. This would result in the balloon bursting and her gaining experience. "Huh... pretty simple combat, but at least this character is quick... Alright Miki... time to grind," she said speaking specifically to the character she was currently using. And as such she began her early world grind, within this closed off space.

[Bloodedge]

Needless to say, the male playing this game had been immersed for days at minimum. Days later, he finally returned to the game with intentions of selecting his Minor Class. He'd finally discovered the mystery behind the Dragon Emperor's Mask fragment he collected, as well as the mysterious extra levels beyond 50. Now, he was ready to make a selection. In front of him on screen were all seven original selections he had when choosing his Major Class, as well as a few other special selections... including the very exclusive 'Alter Ego' Special Class which registered differently compared to all the others. This was his selection without a doubt, but the moment he confirmed his choice, his screen blanked out with a bright white light... and his consciousness did the same.

[Apollymi]

This girl found herself immersed, and days later she was approaching what she thought was max level as well. Within a deep dungeon she was looking for some rare loot. At her side, a Winged Dire Wolf as she stealthily approached a creature which looked unlike any other. A simple use of a skill allowed her to sneak up on this creature, which she immediately used to aim her naginata at its heart. She stabbed it through the back and it dealt critical damage, even before it had been properly identified. "Ugh, an Orc... Lord? Well, I guess if I am going to have to kill pig people, they might as well be high-class pig people. Must just be this region in the game," she mused to herself as she began to string together an series of attacks. The screen on her far wall, showed a great deal of colorful attacks as she stabbed each area of this creature several slashes took place. It would take her no less than ten minutes to kill this creature, but rare loot it would drop would be well worth it. Sometime over the last couple of days, she'd bought a complete guidebook to the game and knew this Orc Lord would drop some interesting loot for her Class and Type choices. And then it did, the loot drop at the end of this epic fight was one which she found to be relieving. "Woooah!~ Level 50!!~" she said only to see the messages about the increase in level as well as something about the creation of a sub-class of the ones she saw she saw one which had her attention. "Alter Ego... huh? I think I like the way that sounds. Miki is basically my alter-ego already. Plus, that isn't in the guidebook, it must be one of those intuitive things. It will help me get to the dragon!~" she chimed. She made this choice with no other research necessary. And then right after the selections had been made, her screen blinked white, and then her consciousness went blank as well.

Continue the Adventure Here.

[Bloodedge]

A long journey had been taken in another world. Aiba Yugi had seen things, done things, experienced things he could have never imagined... and with people he could have never imagined having those experience with. Sadly, he was just robbed of the experience that could have changed him in an irreversible way. Ashikaga Kimiko was the name in his mind as he woke before the same computer he'd last seen in this world. Nothing seemed to have changed since he was transported to that other world, bar his computer shutting itself off. He sat in darkness with puckered lips when his eyes opened, having only a single thing to say. . .

"... Fuck," he muttered. Unbeknownst to Yugi, he was being watched through hidden cameras placed inside the box of a room he lived in. Three days had passed since he was sent to that world, and that was all it took for a hidden group to find him as one who disappeared playing Age of Eternity. This group was quite excited to finally locate a player who returned after vanishing, and in such a short amount of time to boot! Yugi, on the other hand, could not have been more disappointed.

He hadn't been dreaming. There was no conceivable way that he'd fallen asleep while gaming, and imagined so very much in what he thought to be a matter of hours. There was also that cryptic message from the Nexus to consider, but he couldn't be bothered to do so. What was he to do about the developing situation with one Ashikaga Kimiko? He felt a desire to find her; doing so would be a very easy task for him. Alas, there was an existence within himself that said otherwise. He'd given her the method of answering the greatest question he could ask her, and the only way that could be done... would be for Yugi to lead his normal life in this world─ that much he understood deep within.

[Apollymi]

Parting words? He was so close that last kiss might have helped her deeply... but alas it wasn't to be. A frown over took this girl's face. Who actually expected her to be okay with this parting? Her mind drifted as her eyes opened. Ashikaga Kimiko sat herself up in bed and leaned forward into her hands. She had been so close to what she wanted. She didn't dream that... right? She wouldn't have made up a guy in her head who fit all her necessary criteria? A single tear rolled out of her eyes and she heard a chiming as she moved back? What was that sound? It was... the sound of a jewel hitting the keyboard in her lap. She was once again in her own room and her own body. She was still wearing lingerie but added to her fit was this large red jewel on a golden chain necklace. It was so clear it reflected the color of her eyes perfectly. 'Sou ka... it was real. So I guess that was my actual warning for the game of tag this time?' she thought but... that didn't sit right with her. She threw herself out of bed pushing her keyboard to the side. Her projector was off and so was her set up but none of that mattered now because she needed to think. She stood and walked towards her private bathroom while rubbing away that tear. 'He actually wants to be found right? He actually likes me too?' she questioned. An old insecurity, part of what had fallen away from her in the other world, was rather suddenly back. She knew that he knew who she was, but what if he really didn't like her? Earlier in their adventures she'd been a bit worried and those worries resurfaced immediately. Anxiety plagued this girl as she showered water hitting her body and washing away everything, including the random tears she allowed to fall.

What she couldn't know, was that within this large mansion there were many extra bodies moving around. They were all looking for evidence of her disappearance. She'd come out of her shower wrapped in a towel with newfound purpose. Of course, she'd spent a large amount of time talking herself in and out of finding the lad. And she'd settled based on her own selfish desires. 'He really isn't the type to lead me on like that. I have to trust this... and find him. Ask him directly, and maybe...' she paused that thought. They'd spend far too much time together, she'd grown so attached to him. She really wanted to know him and didn't think it was weird at all. It could be considered like internet dating right? They liked each others personalities so they could like each other in actuality once they got past the awkward stage of it. Once she found him... it would be easy to know or not. Kimiko wasn't shallow, as long as he didn't classify as a fat-ugly bastard she could see herself easily finding the good in whatever form his body had now. As long as he was truly the guy she'd gotten to know and like... everything else would be fine. Aside from that... that final face looked like one she'd seen before... she simply couldn't remember from where. But... they went to the same school so he could have easily just been a face in a crowd. 'Or outside of it... he definitely isn't really a crowds person. Anyways, Akashi said I had everything I needed and I am pretty sure that face at the end was his... so...' as she walked across the room towards her closet her bedroom door opened. She'd already started using processes of elimination to narrow down her search. Assuming it was one of her parents she simply called out, slightly hostile because they were breaking up her concentration. "Oi oi, let me get dressed first. You guys promised to start knocking before you opened my door!"

[Bloodedge]

'Shit. What do I even do now?' Yugi wondered. Aside from a budding relationship that surpassed all expectation, there were so many things in that world worth sticking around for. His sister, Yumi, could likely not exist in this world since her passing roughly one year ago. He never wanted for resources in that world, nor did he ever experience a dull moment. Many things could receive thanks for that, but there was one in particular that always came to mind. Now was no exception as the lad leaned back in his gaming chair, staring into the ceiling. 'I wonder if she'll actually want to go on a stupid wild goose chase like that─' he pondered. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Kimiko could solve the puzzle, but he did wonder if solving it would even be a worthwhile endeavor. Time would tell, he supposed.

Lazing around to push his way through the funk seemed to be a good idea to the young man. Being in this world had long since become a cause of lethargy, and this return made things worse than ever before. Why couldn't he just have a bit more time? Oh well. This would either be for the best, or for the worst; there was nothing between the two options. Worse yet, the lad who thought to push through an encroaching bout of depression would soon be receiving a type of excitement he didn't want at all. . .

Meanwhile, Kimiko's place of residence was not nearly as vacant as it had been when she last left this reality. Her home had been invaded by the police force─ several officers and detectives even remained just outside of her room when she spoke aloud. Surprise appeared on the face of multiple figures. There was no one here but them, right? Ah, but that was certainly someone within a room that had been marked as a restricted area. "Who the hell is in there?!" spoke an adult male as four total members of his squadron aimed assault firearms at the bedroom door. "Come out! We have you surrounded!"

[Apollymi]

Kimiko decided on her clothes. It was pretty late, but she could go out and visit her favorite arcade and wait out the start of the school day while she thought over the clues given to her by Akashi. Instead of an answer or barging in from her parents, Kimiko received silence initially. So, she began picking out her clothing, within her walk-in closet. A nice set of lingerie white lace with red trim were what she chose throwing them into her bed from within. 'I'm going to find him. I wonder if he'll have a preference... maybe I should have chosen something different?' she questioned her wardrobe choices but continued pick her favorites. Soon after a small black pleated mini skirt and a long sleeved sweater with a cross like silver marking in the middle. This was her favorite and because it was a turtle neck she could easily hide the necklace she wore which was also on her bed. She stripped the towel from her hair and tossed it into the shape she normally wore, while striding in just her towel. "WHAT!?" she stepped out of her closet and opened her bedroom door. What kind of new staff had been hired in her absence or how long had she been gone? She hadn't checked the calendar yet and her phone was still charging so it was off. There was a bit of a break in her memory, so perhaps someone would be surprised to see her. She opened her door and immediately became furious. Four assault weapons were pointed at her and she saw caution tape across her door. "RUDE! You're pointing guns at me in my house? Who let you in here?" she questioned immediately seemingly unafraid. But if the cops were here perhaps she was gone for longer than she would like to have to explain. She needed more context clues to figure out how she would handle this situation. But outraged rich teen would at least get the start of the job going.

Meanwhile at an internet café a while away from Yugi's house someone was watching the cameras. They'd seen him reappear and had been shocked by it. A series of hushed phone calls later within the private room of this café and someone was soon madly typing away on a computer screen. This was a hack and was set up a couple of days prior to this one. It would lead of course to the lad's computer screen turning on while he looked at it and begin relaying several sets of instructions.

We've been waiting for you to return.
Now that you know the truth, nothing will ever be the same.
Put on some clothes and pick up your phone.
We charged it for you.
Leave your place and walk a block down the street.
Towards Shibuya Crossing.
More instructions to follow.
Do not deviate.
We will not harm you.

The instructions were a bit too specific for them to be fake. And to prove that he should comply at the end of the message which turned on his computer, he was given a point of view photo of him exactly as he was at the point the messages started. Several over the course of seconds as he read so he couldn't deny the reality of the situation.

[Bloodedge]

Whatever person had made their way into the Ashikaga household, they were to be considered an intruder and a suspect in more than a single case. Ashikaga Kimiko had vanished with neither rhyme nor reason behind her disappearance, and even a single day of letting the case sit was viewed as absurd. More importantly, it had been discovered that she was in possession of the game called Age of Eternity after being reported missing. Who could the culprit be?

These officers were immediately shocked the moment that door opened. This girl, in her bath towel, was recognizable even to the few who weren't fully aware of the missing person. "Ashikaga─" said one gun-wielding male who went on to discourage the aim of his comrades. Clearly, none of them expected the missing girl to appear angry, in her bedroom, after a bath. The man who spoke up would soon be speaking again, into a receiver this time. "Sir, we've found... Ashikaga Kimiko. Hai. No, sir. She's at home... in a towel. Sir, but she's─... Hai." It seemed whatever person this man answered to, required something of the group. "Ashikaga Kimiko, we would ask that you come with us immediately. This building is under quarantine, and you are being considered a suspect in numerous missing persons cases," he said to the girl. "Please, come quietly. We will at least give you a chance to get dressed."

All the while, Yugi was met by a surprising stranger as well. In his case, his gaming computer was hacked into, and used to relay a message. He raised a brow, thinking this to be an impossible occurrence. 'What the fuck? Nobody should be able to get past my security,' he thought, knowing he possessed what could be viewed as some of the world's best protocols due solely to the situation of his upbringing. Surely enough, though, there was proof provided in the form of an image series. The images... were of Yugi himself, as he sat there receiving the message. Being given these bits of proof, he threw his head back and let an exasperated sigh escape him. "Ugh, fuck!" he exclaimed. 'Don't tell me I wound up in an isekai scenario within the best game ever, and came back just to be thrown into Welcome to the Game. This is bullshit. . .' Yugi did have one thing to say. Since he was being watched so closely, there was a single question that came to mind. "And if I tell you to go fuck yourself?"