True Dementia

Prologue

My thumbs directed the digital player on the screen, allowing her to run around freely and expertly deliver those bombs. She spun around in the abandoned village, her tech suit distinguishing herself from the ancient ruins. Her ebony hair flicked behind her back, the glowing helmet protecting her head. A pack of bims were prepared to be launched from her left waist, being sent flying in the air and onto the opponents.

Explosions erupted from the glowing screen, and I couldn’t tell whether I lived in this twisted reality or the Btooom! world inside that game. Licking my lips, I maneuvered Uri around her allies and launched explosions far out at enemy territory. The screen was blocked with the ranking of my team, resulting with me at second from the Netherlands.

“Damn it,” I cursed to myself, almost flinging the game controller to the open window. Catching my peculiar behavior, I exited the ranking system and allowed Uri to laze in the “lounge”. Players from all around the world were indulged in conversation, their emoticons and chat text appearing annoyingly on the screen. Scowling, I led Uri to a safe section of the lounge where she could recover her HP and SKILL.

She sat down on a leather couch and crossed her legs, casually folding her hands together in a polite manner. What a good-mannered fighter, ironic to the part where she is merciless and cruel during combat.

Ugh, this game had came out last week, and already I am playing until three in the morning! Clicking my tongue, I was about to join a team-player quest until a fellow fighter jumped in my way. Not the mean type, I typed in the digital words on the screen.

Uri: Excuse me, but I need to go through.

Unknown: But I need another player for my team.

Uri: But I need to accept a team-player quest.

Unknown: Then why not mine?

I squinted at the glowing television and made a ‘tch’ sound. Who did this guy think he is? So desperate. Clicking on his handsome icon, I gaped at the Level 156 letters that flashed before my eyes. And I was only five levels below him. This could be my chance to level up much more faster!

Taking a quick glance at the clock, I inhaled sharply at the hour hand that landed on 3. Oh what the hell, I’m not missing anything from this guy.

Uri: What is your name?

Unknown: Kira. Is Uri your real name? Or is it something for you to cover up yourself?

Uri: Uri is my real name!

Kira: Okay, whatever. Let’s go already.

And that was how my love for Kira began.