Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring...

School starting today. The alarm clock's jingle was a reminder that another day of high school awaited Tatsuya Kuroi. He'd just entered his first year, a bright-eyed teenager filled with dreams of new friendships and exciting experiences.

The day held promise, but the events of the previous night still danced in Tatsuya's mind. With friends, he'd explored the newly released expansion of his favorite virtual reality game, "Infinite Realms." They'd navigated treacherous dungeons, defeated powerful foes, and forged memories that transcended the boundaries of their real lives.

Despite his anticipation for school, Tatsuya couldn't help but smile as he remembered the victory they'd achieved together as a team. The digital world had become an integral part of his life, providing a thrilling escape from the ordinary.

As he went through his morning routine, Tatsuya's thoughts wandered to the virtual world. His character was poised to embark on new adventures. The game's immersive landscapes and captivating lore had him eager to explore. Tying his shoelaces, he thought about the countless possibilities that awaited him in both his real and virtual lives.

Downstairs, the scent of a hearty breakfast filled the kitchen. Tatsuya's mother greeted him with a plate of pancakes.

Tatsuya's Mother: "It's your first day of high school, Tatsuya. Make it memorable."

Tatsuya: "Thanks, Mom. I'm excited to see what it's like."

Emiri: "Morning, Tatsuya."

Tatsuya: "Morning, Emiri. Don't forget to finish your book before school. Reading builds character, you know."

Emiri: "I'll try, but this book is just so captivating."

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Tatsuya: "Well, as long as you're enjoying it, that's what matters."

Emiri: "Captain Tatsuya's wise words."

Tatsuya: "Haha, that's me, Captain of the book club."

Emiri: "I've got my own adventures to follow in these pages."

Tatsuya: "Keep reading and keep those adventures alive, Emiri."

Tatsuya's Mother: "Be safe, both of you. Tatsuya, make some good friends today."

Tatsuya: "I will, Mom. And don't worry, Emiri will be the smartest kid in her class, thanks to her big brother's advice."

Emiri: "Aw, thanks, Tatsuya. You're the best."

With breakfast behind him, Tatsuya gathered his school bag and headed out the door, the morning sun bathing the world in golden light. He exchanged greetings with neighbors and friends, their familiar faces creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

High school awaited, and Tatsuya's excitement was palpable as he made his way along the familiar route. The promise of new experiences and knowledge fueled his steps.

The day started as he had hoped. But life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.

As Tatsuya approached the bustling intersection just a block away from his school. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun bathed the world in a warm, welcoming glow. Tatsuya was lost in thought, contemplating the adventures that awaited him in high school, completely unaware of the chaos that was about to erupt.

As he took a step onto the pedestrian crossing, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. The world seemed to twist and warp, and he felt a searing pain in his chest. His legs gave way, and he crumpled to the ground, his school bag scattering its contents across the pavement.

Around him, people gasped and shouted, their voices filled with panic. The screech of tires and the blaring of car horns filled the air.

As Tatsuya lay on the ground, his body aching and the world spinning around him, he couldn't make sense of the situation.

Tatsuya (inner dialogue): "Why does everything feel so strange and unclear? It's like I've been plunged into a realm of utter disarray. Am I fading away, or is this the end? The confusion is overwhelming, and I can't grasp what's happening. Will I ever get to see my family and friends again?"

These thoughts swirled in his mind, and he clung to a glimmer of hope that this perplexing moment would eventually pass.

A crowd began to gather, and someone dialed ***. The paramedics arrived swiftly, but time seemed to stretch as Tatsuya struggled to stay conscious. The pain in his chest was excruciating, and he knew something was terribly wrong.

And then, just as he was being loaded into the ambulance, everything went black. Tatsuya felt himself slipping away, his vision fading, and his last thoughts were of the life he was leaving behind.

In the realm of darkness, where time and space lost their meaning, Tatsuya felt weightless, as though he were floating in an endless void. There was no pain, no fear, only a profound sense of detachment.

It was in this state that Tatsuya experienced a sensation unlike anything he'd ever known. He felt himself being drawn into a vortex of light, a whirlwind of colors and shapes. It was a sensation of pure energy, of being transported from one world to another.

And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation stopped, and Tatsuya opened his eyes to find himself in a place that defied all logic and reason.

The sky was a vivid shade of purple, and the ground beneath him was a shimmering mosaic of colors. Strange creatures moved about, their forms unlike anything he'd ever seen.