Invernia:Reality's edge

The glowing sign of the gaming store cast a bright, almost mocking light over the scene. A line of people stretched down the block—some leaning against walls half-asleep, others chatting with excitement. The eager faces of the crowd made Nasuke feel like an outsider, their energy in stark contrast to his aching body and bruised pride.

A line. Of course, there's a line. Just when I thought I'd outsmart everyone by coming late.

Dragging his feet, Nasuke made his way to the end of the line. Each step sent sharp jolts of pain through his side from the earlier attack, but he gritted his teeth and pushed on. He took his place behind a cluster of people wearing Mythos Rebirth-themed hoodies, some passing the time with portable consoles or foldable chairs.

He sighed heavily, leaning against the wall.

"This is going to take forever..." he muttered to himself.

A snicker came from beside him. Nasuke turned to see a boy about his age with spiky green hair and glasses, casually scrolling through his phone.

"First time, huh?" the boy asked, his grin amused.

"Uh... yeah," Nasuke replied awkwardly. "How'd you know?"

The boy smirked knowingly. "Your face says it all. 'Why am I doing this to myself?' That's what you're thinking, right?"

Nasuke frowned slightly, unsure how to respond. The boy leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially.

"Trust me, it's worth it. This limited edition has stuff you won't get anywhere else. Skins, early-access quests, and—get this—players from the beta say there's an exclusive hidden class."

Nasuke's eyes widened. "A hidden class?"

The boy nodded, clearly enjoying the attention. "Yep. Totally OP. Rumor has it only the first 500 players can unlock it."

Nasuke's gaze shifted to the line ahead of him. It stretched far too long for him to be anywhere close to the first 500. His shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Figures. I should've just stayed in my room.

Time dragged on as the line inched forward. Every minute felt like an hour, and the ache in Nasuke's ribs refused to let him rest. His stomach grumbled loudly, drawing a few amused glances. He leaned back against the wall, tilting his head to stare at the dark, starless sky.

Why do I care so much about this game?

His thoughts drifted to Mythos Rebirth—to Vemp, his confident and capable avatar. In that world, Nasuke was someone who mattered. A leader. A hero.

Because when I'm there, I'm not "Nasuke Yamada." I'm someone better.

A cheer erupted near the front of the line, snapping him out of his reverie.

"Next group! Come on up!" a store clerk shouted.

The line shuffled forward, the store's glowing entrance now tantalizingly close. People emerged with shiny Mythos Rebirth boxes, their faces lit with triumph. Nasuke's heart raced. He was almost there.

But a commotion behind him shattered his focus.

"Hey! No cutting in line!" an angry voice shouted.

Nasuke turned to see a group of older teens muscling their way through. The leader—a tall guy with spiky black hair—laughed loudly, followed by his smirking cronies.

Nasuke's stomach dropped. No... not now.

The group shoved past with arrogant grins, brushing off complaints with jeers and a few careless shoves.

"Unbelievable," the green-haired boy muttered beside Nasuke. "They're just gonna let them do that?"

Nasuke didn't answer. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, trembling.

It's the same thing. Every time. I just stand here... and do nothing.

But then, an image surfaced in his mind: Vemp, standing tall before an impossible enemy, promising victory to his team. That wasn't someone who let others walk all over him.

If I can be strong in the game... why not here?

Taking a shaky breath, Nasuke stepped forward.

"Hey! You can't just cut the line!" he shouted, his voice trembling but loud enough to be heard.

The crowd fell silent. All eyes turned to Nasuke. The spiky-haired leader stopped mid-stride and turned, his glare like a blade.

"And who's gonna stop us? You?" the leader sneered, towering over Nasuke.

Nasuke's heart pounded, but he forced himself to hold his ground. "Yeah. I will."

The leader stepped closer, his smirk widening. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts don't win fights, kid."

Before Nasuke could respond, the store clerk's sharp voice cut through the tension.

"Hey! You guys causing trouble in the front! If you don't back off, you're out!"

The leader faltered, his bravado flickering under the clerk's watchful gaze. With a growl of frustration, he motioned for his group to retreat. Muttering curses, they slunk to the back of the line.

Nasuke exhaled sharply, his hands still trembling.

"Not bad, man," the green-haired boy said, clapping Nasuke on the back. "You've got some nerve."

Nasuke blinked in surprise, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I guess... sometimes you've gotta act like the person you want to be.

The line moved forward, and Nasuke stepped closer to the store's entrance with renewed determination. For the first time that night, the game felt within reach—not just the game, but something more. Something better.