Invernia:Reality's edge

The golden light of sunrise filtered through the gaming store's windows as Nasuke shuffled to the counter, exhaustion weighing down every step. The long hours of waiting had worn him thin, but the anticipation that had driven him through the night still flickered in his chest, keeping him upright.

"Next!" the store clerk called out, his voice tinged with monotony.

Nasuke stepped forward, doing his best to steady his voice despite the ache in his ribs. "Hi… I'd like to purchase the Mythos Rebirth: Limited Edition."

The clerk, a tall man with tired eyes and a name tag that read Kenji, began typing on the register, scanning the inventory list. Nasuke's heart thudded in his chest as he waited.

Kenji frowned. "Oh…"

The single syllable hit Nasuke like a blow.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice tight.

"Sorry, kid," Kenji said with a sympathetic shrug. "The last copy just left. That guy who walked out before you snagged it."

Nasuke stared at him, the words not quite sinking in. "So… the game's sold out?"

Kenji nodded. "Yeah, that's it for now. We've got plenty of other titles, though. Anything else you want?"

For a moment, Nasuke thought about buying something else, anything to avoid leaving empty-handed. But the idea felt hollow. He shook his head. "No, I'll take my leave."

Kenji offered a practiced smile. "Alright. Do come again!"

Nasuke turned and trudged out of the store, the morning air cool against his skin. It was over. Hours of waiting, the bruises from the thugs, the ache in his legs—it had all been for nothing.

He walked slowly down the sidewalk, his steps heavy, his mind spinning with frustration.

"All that time… waiting… for nothing," he muttered under his breath.

A figure leaning against a nearby lamppost caught his eye. It was the green-haired boy from earlier, still wearing the same smug grin as he straightened up and fell into step beside Nasuke.

"Let me guess," the boy said, his tone light. "Sold out, right?"

Nasuke glanced at him and nodded. "Yeah…"

"Figures." The boy shrugged. "Limited editions always disappear fast. Name's Ryo, by the way."

"Nasuke."

"Nice to meet you, Nasuke." Ryo grinned, shoving his hands into his pockets. "So… what now? Let me guess—you've been playing Mythos Rebirth forever, huh?"

Nasuke shook his head. "Not really. I've played plenty of other games before."

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Nasuke blinked, confused. "Huh? What do you mean, why?"

"I mean, why do you play?" Ryo clarified, his tone casual. "For fun? The story? Or is it something else?"

The question caught Nasuke off guard. He frowned, turning his gaze away as he thought. "Honestly… it's for the raid."

Ryo stopped walking, his interest piqued. "The raid?"

"Yeah," Nasuke said, glancing back at him. "I've played all kinds of MMOs just to see how strong the bosses are and how far I can push myself. That's the fun part for me."

Ryo nodded slowly, a smirk creeping onto his face. "I get it. You're one of those players who live for the challenge—seeing just how far you can go, right?"

Nasuke nodded, though he didn't say anything.

Ryo leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, what if I told you there's a game out there… far better than Mythos Rebirth?"

Nasuke raised an eyebrow, skepticism plain on his face. "What are you talking about?"

"It's called Invernia: Reality's Edge."

Nasuke snorted. "Never heard of it."

"Of course you haven't," Ryo said, his grin widening. "It's not like any other MMO out there. It's a fully immersive experience, way beyond anything VR has ever done."

Nasuke folded his arms. "And what makes it so special?"

"Because in Invernia, only three players—out of the millions playing—have unlocked the rarest original character class of all time."

Nasuke rolled his eyes. "So what? Rare classes exist in every MMO. That's not exactly groundbreaking."

Ryo's eyes gleamed as he leaned even closer, lowering his voice further. "Ah, but there's more. It's rumored that if you finish the game, you'll unlock something far greater than power itself."

"Sounds like a scam," Nasuke said flatly, turning away.

"Man, you're no fun." Ryo laughed, falling back slightly. "I thought a 'raid maniac' like you would be dying for a challenge like this."

"I'm not interested," Nasuke replied without looking back.

"Suit yourself," Ryo called after him, his tone light. "But when you change your mind, I'll be waiting for you… in Invernia."

Nasuke paused briefly, glancing over his shoulder, but Ryo was already gone, disappearing down a side street.

Back home, Nasuke pushed through the door, tossing his jacket onto a chair. The house was silent, as always. He sat heavily on the edge of his bed, pressing a hand against his bruised ribs.

"That guy was weird," he muttered to himself. "Why'd he talk to me anyway?"

He lay back, staring at the ceiling, but Ryo's words echoed in his mind.

"Only three players… something greater than power itself…"

Nasuke shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. "Whatever. I'll just wait until the next restock."

But even as he closed his eyes, a flicker of curiosity lingered—a small spark that refused to be extinguished.

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