October 27, 2012. 1:57 PM — Osaka Gakuen, Osaka

  Lunchtime had hit the public school in Osaka. Students flooded the hallways, racing toward the cafeteria in hopes of grabbing something to eat. As every Thursday, there was pizza—just not nearly enough.

  Twelve-year-old Shon Misugi walked down one of the corridors, eyes flicking in every direction, alert to any sudden movement. Then someone called his name, and he stopped dead.

  —Come here, Shon —said a boy with a friendly smile.

  Shon gave a small bow.

  —Kojiro-kun… I’m kind of in a hurry —he replied, his voice tight.

  An arm slipped firmly around his neck.

  —C’mon, Shon. You’ve got time for your friends —said another voice, just as pleasant.

  —Ike-kun… —he managed before they steered him toward the stairs, leaving him no room to refuse.

  They reached the end of the stairs and pushed open the door to the rooftop. A third boy was waiting there.

  The one holding Shon shoved him forward, sending him sprawling at the other boy’s feet. The boy looked down at him with a smile that held nothing friendly.

  —Why weren’t you in the cafeteria, Shon-kun? —he asked calmly.

  Shon lowered his gaze under the weight of those eyes. The boy grabbed his hair and yanked his head up.

  —I like it when people look at me while I’m talking —he said, the cold smile never leaving his face.

  —I’m sorry…

  —So? Why weren’t you in the cafeteria? We asked you—politely—to get there early on Thursdays. We like pizza.

  —But… I have class at that time…

  He didn’t finish the sentence. A kick slammed into his stomach. Shon folded instantly, clutching his gut as he dropped to his knees, forehead hitting the concrete with a muffled groan.

  It had been like this since he started junior high. He’d come from a small elementary school, where teachers were close and adults watched over the kids. Osaka Gakuen was different. Huge. Too big. Full of places where no adults ever looked.

  Worst of all—no one did anything.

  The first time they hit him, he told a teacher. The man spoke to the boys, but they claimed they were just messing around, that Shon was exaggerating.

  The next day, the beating was worse. And they made it clear: if he complained again, they’d kill him.

  Logically, he knew it was impossible for a group of kids to kill someone. But the survival instinct he’d started to develop told him not to test that theory.

  Another kick to the ribs dragged him back to the present.

  —Heeey… you’re not gonna pass out from that, are you? —Kojiro mocked.

  —Hey, don’t hit him more than necessary —said the third boy—the clear leader.

  He crouched down and helped Shon up, surprisingly gentle.

  —You okay? —he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

  Shon nodded, though he wasn’t sure it was true.

  —Good —the boy smiled—. Don’t think I enjoy this. I’d love to go through life without having to punish people. But when they don’t listen… I get really angry. You know?

  Shon swallowed hard.

  —I’m really sorry, Raito-kun. I’ll make sure I’m early at the cafeteria next week.

  Raito smiled, satisfied, and gave him a few almost-affectionate pats on the shoulder. Then he turned to the others.

  —See? I told you Shon-kun is a good kid.

  —You’re always right, Raito-kun.

  The three of them left the rooftop. Shon stayed behind, trembling—more from fear than pain.

  That’s when he realized he wasn’t completely alone.

  Another boy was lying on the ground, unmoving.

  Shon approached slowly, cautiously.

  —Did they leave? —a weak voice asked.

  —Yeah… they’re gone.

  The boy sat up suddenly and smiled. Or at least, it looked like a smile—it was hard to tell with his face covered in bruises and blood.

  —Don’t let them use you however they want. You have to stand up to them.

  —Sure… worked out great for you —Shon replied bitterly.

  The boy laughed, genuinely.

  —Nah. This is just for now. Eventually they’ll get bored and leave me alone. Bullies don’t like people who won’t bend.

  —And you’re just gonna let them beat you until then?

  —Let them? Are you crazy? —he said proudly—. Didn’t you see Raito? I messed up his hair.

  This time, Shon laughed, incredulous.

  The boy held out his hand.

  —Tetsuya Yamato. Call me Tetsu.

  —Shon Misugi. Not many options there —Shon smiled as he shook it.

  —Alright, Shon —Tetsu said—. Let’s survive the hell that is Osaka Gakuen.

  February 8, 2013. 4:02 PM — Osaka Gakuen, Osaka

  The months passed without much changing.

  Shon was still Raito’s “assistant.” It wasn’t just lining up early on Thursdays anymore, missing history class. Once, the teacher asked if he thought the subject was a waste of time. Shon said no—he just had something to deal with at that hour. The teacher looked him over and went back to the lesson. Deep down, he didn’t really care if the boy attended. Less work for him.

  Things got worse when Ike and Kojiro started asking him to “borrow” money. Two months after the first loan, they hadn’t paid anything back—and kept demanding more.

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  Raito spoke to them in front of Shon, made them promise to return everything. Ike and Kojiro agreed without protest. Shon barely had time to feel relieved before Raito smiled and told him everything was settled—and that he could keep lending them money now, since they’d promised to pay it all back.

  Tetsuya had it worse.

  He still refused to submit to Raito’s group. Far from getting bored, they took every chance to beat him. In January, they broke his arm. Weeks later, they knocked out a tooth. He still wouldn’t bend.

  That day, Ike and Kojiro were especially vicious. They demanded money from Shon again. When he said he didn’t have any, they dragged him to the rooftop and started beating him.

  —Leave him alone.

  They looked up.

  Tetsuya stood in the doorway, holding a broom.

  —Get lost, Yamato. We don’t have time to beat you right now —Kojiro said without even looking at him.

  But Tetsuya walked toward them, calm and steady.

  Ike rushed him first, swinging a punch. Tetsuya brought the broom handle down on his forearm with just enough force to deflect the blow.

  Kojiro scowled and attacked too, his movement wide and sloppy. Tetsuya seized the opening and smashed the broom straight into his face. It didn’t drop him—but it sent him stumbling back.

  Shon watched from the ground, stunned.

  Both bullies charged, but Tetsuya kept them at bay, moving with precision, wielding the broom like a real weapon.

  After several minutes, Ike and Kojiro backed off, hurling threats as they left the rooftop.

  —You okay? —Tetsuya asked, helping Shon up.

  —That was… incredible —Shon said—. How did you do that?

  —Let’s just say I know a bit of kung fu.

  Shon stared at him, wide-eyed.

  —You can fight… and you still let them hit you?

  Tetsuya smiled.

  —Sounds weird, right? —he said with that familiar grin—. I trained to defend myself, but I don’t like fighting. Besides… Raito’s a karate expert. If I challenged him, I’d get beaten way worse.

  He laughed lightly, as if he’d just told a joke.

  Shon kept staring, processing it all.

  —Do you think I… could learn?

  —Of course! —Tetsu said confidently—. If you’ve got patience, anyone can.

  Shon smiled.

  For the first time in months, he felt something like hope.

  February 12, 2013. 8:28 AM — Osaka Gakuen, Osaka

  Shon stood still.

  He stared at the body beneath a black plastic sheet, lying on the ground by the building—directly below the rooftop.

  Murmurs spread unchecked among the students gathered around, faces pale with shock. A student had committed suicide, jumping from the roof. Those who arrived early said they’d seen the body before it was covered. Some even recognized him.

  Tetsuya Yamato.

  Shon had talked to him the day before.

  Tetsu had shown him the school where he practiced kung fu. They’d talked about weapons—about how the spear was the queen of combat: versatile, fast, able to attack and defend at once.

  Now his only friend lay beneath black plastic.

  Tetsuya would never have killed himself.

  He was the most cheerful person Shon had ever known.

  A cold sensation ran through him.

  He turned.

  Raito was there, watching him. Smiling with that twisted, unsettling expression Shon knew all too well.

  In that moment, he understood.

  Tetsu hadn’t committed suicide.

  They’d killed him.

  The air left Shon’s lungs.

  Tetsuya had endured for months—beatings, humiliation, threats—convinced that holding on would be enough for them to eventually leave him alone. It wasn’t. Not only did it fail—it cost him his life.

  Something inside Shon broke.

  He understood, with brutal clarity, that some battles can’t be won.

  And that insisting on fighting them can carry an irreversible price.

  That was the moment he made a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

  Not every battle is worth fighting.

  March 25, 2020. 5:48 PM — Starlight Coffee, Osaka

  Shon stood behind the counter, as he did every day at the same hour.

  It was the busiest time of the day. Students from the school across the street mixed with regular customers, filling the café with chatter, hurried footsteps, and the constant hiss of the espresso machine.

  For Shon, it was also the best moment of the day.

  It was when a special girl walked through the door, always with two friends.

  Akane.

  The most beautiful girl Shon had ever seen.

  Natural red hair. Blue eyes, deep as the ocean. Pale skin, almost porcelain.

  But that wasn’t what made her irresistible.

  He watched her approach the register and pay, as she did every afternoon. Shon began preparing her drink before the cup with her name even reached the counter. She always ordered the same thing: coffee with a double shot of chocolate. He added a third—quietly.

  And instead of the heart the manager required for all female customers, Shon drew a butterfly.

  Not out of rebellion.

  But because she deserved something that wasn’t universal.

  —Akane-san —he said her name, as always.

  The most important moment of his day.

  Akane stepped up, took the cup from his hands, and gave him a bright smile. Warm. Real.

  That was what made her unforgettable.

  —Thank you very much —she said.

  Her voice was music to Shon.

  As long as he could see that smile—even for just a moment each day—he thought his life was enough.

  November 20, 2022. 7:12 PM — Tolbana, Floor 1

  Shon stared at his reflection in the mirror the administrator had given them as a “gift.”

  He was no longer the handsome, athletic avatar he’d carefully designed.

  It was him.

  His stomach knotted.

  Several days had passed since the announcement that the game had become a death trap. No notification had arrived claiming it was a joke, a special event, or a system error.

  The logout button was still missing.

  He adapted quickly to the combat system. His experience with other VR games proved vital. Most players chose swords—flashy moves, spectacular attacks. But when it came time to choose his weapon, he remembered Tetsu and didn’t hesitate.

  “The spear is the most complete weapon. Attack, defense, and control of space.”

  Shon followed his friend’s advice.

  He wandered through Tolbana without a clear destination, watching the buildings, the market stalls, the fountain in the plaza where many players still gathered. Some shouted. Some searched for parties. Others stood frozen, as if moving meant accepting reality.

  Then a voice pierced his chest like a gunshot.

  —What are we going to do, onii-san?

  He froze.

  It was beautiful—even laced with fear.

  He turned so slowly it felt like lag.

  The first thing he saw was red hair, softly wavy. A slender figure, impossible to ignore even from behind, a tunic worn like a cape fluttering gently in the wind.

  She turned.

  And Shon’s soul nearly left his avatar.

  Akane.

  Akane was there.

  His first feeling was happiness. He hadn’t seen her in nearly two years. Maybe she’d graduated. Maybe she’d never come back to the café.

  Then reality hit.

  If she was trapped here, she was in danger.

  He stepped closer. When their eyes met, she smiled and asked if he needed something.

  Shon stopped cold.

  She didn’t recognize him.

  Didn’t remember him.

  And against all logic, he didn’t feel sadness. He felt relief.

  If she didn’t know who he was, then he could be whoever he wanted.

  Not Shon Misugi, the frightened boy.

  HappyGoose. Funny. Brave. Bold.

  —Sorry, I couldn’t ignore someone that beautiful. I fell in love with you at first sight —HappyGoose said with an exaggerated, ear-to-ear grin.

  She stared at him for a second… then burst out laughing, deep and genuine.

  —Well, I can’t blame you for falling in love with me —she replied with a smile.

  HappyGoose felt like he might faint—but he couldn’t betray the character he’d just created.

  That’s when he noticed the guy standing beside her. Samurai look. Clearly hostile eyes.

  —I think your boyfriend just got jealous.

  She laughed even harder.

  —Boyfriend? That’s my brother. Ryuho —she thought for a second—. Oh, and I’m Miwa.

  —Beautiful name, Miwa. I’m HappyGoose.

  Miwa looked at him with open amusement.

  —Of all the guys who’ve approached me today, you’re the funniest. You pass… for now —she said with a teasing smile.

  And just like that, HappyGoose joined the party.

  Determined to protect Miwa.