1 New Reality

In Earth XX90, a place of long-established peace, where war had become a lesson taught by educators, cities thrived with activity. People, their voices resonating, navigated the bustling streets, even enduring a four-hour traffic jam.

Yet, even in the nocturnal hours, there were those like Rave, working tirelessly for their families. An office worker with a standard 13-hour workday, including overtime, Rave's desk was a chaotic blend of folders and papers.

Sigh...

"Another Overtime for me!" Rave lamented, eyeing the towering pile of tasks. It wasn't a choice; losing his job was not an option, a situation he had encountered many times before.

Fully aware of the challenges his job posed, Rave persevered, motivated by the responsibility of supporting his siblings' studies. Amid thoughts of family, his father's words echoed in his mind.

'You can always quit your job; your health will slowly deteriorate. Don't worry about your brother and sister. We can pay for their studies ourselves. You're not the only one who can help your siblings.'

As the second eldest in the family, Rave hesitated to burden his older sibling, who already had a family. Lamenting his lack of a girlfriend, he consoled himself with a touch of humor.

'I don't need one anyway. I'll be a virgin for life. Games are the only things I love the most,' Rave proudly declared in his mind, though a twinge of self-consciousness lingered.

A few hours later, triumphant over his workload, Rave headed home, bubbling with excitement about a new game called 'New Horizon.' This highly anticipated VRMMORPG boasted three billion registered users for its opening night.

After getting off the train station, Rave ran several miles home, his face dripping with sweat. He made it just in time for the game's opening in three hours.

Quickly changing into more comfortable clothes, Rave arranged his VR Helmet with anticipation. With minutes to spare, he eagerly turned on the game, successfully entering for a few minutes before an unexpected turn of events.

A short circuit in his helmet caused a small electrical discharge, frying his brain and ending his life. Somewhere else, in a bustling marketplace, merchants peddled their wares to eager customers.

"Hey, good sir! Care to look at my wares? All fresh and good!"

"Mister, try this Gromp Lizard Tail! Just cooked, still hot!"

"Gather around! Fine products, no defects! Everything at a fair price!"

"How much for these antlers?"

"Good eyes, sir! These antlers are from a Honfir, tough as steel. Excellent for decoration and weaponry. It's a steal at 15 silver. What do you say?" The merchant, a rotund figure adorned with rings and gold, beamed.

"Good! I'll have them," declared the small, long-eared customer.

"Wonderful! You can have it, my good sir," the merchant happily obliged.

In a distant corner, near a lone garbage can, a seemingly lifeless body suddenly jolted back to consciousness.

"Shit! What happened? The last thing I remember is finishing character creation. In the middle of the tutorial, I got an error, and... My head suddenly hurts, shit!" The details of his demise eluded him, his head throbbing.

"System: Log out!" Rave exclaimed, but to his surprise, there was no response. Trying other functions proved futile. Seated by a puddle, he looked into the water and noticed his face, both unfamiliar and oddly familiar.

"Wait! My body."

Examining himself, Rave discovered he now inhabited the body he had created, but it was too young – around 18 years old. The body he intended was for someone in their mid-30s, creating a puzzle he hoped wouldn't lead to trouble.

Setting the body matter aside, Rave surveyed the fantastical scene around him – countless beings and creatures in the streets, some even riding giant lizards the size of hippos.

"Where the hell am I?" he questioned, surrounded by the bewildering spectacle of his new reality.