Prologue - Wait, . . . This is not my Bedroom!?

The hiss of the steamer was the last sound I heard that night—like a sigh from the machine after a long day of work. I wiped the espresso handle slowly, leave nothing stain marks on my sight. The café had emptied an almost hour ago, and the only other soul left here is my senior, who gave a half-hearted wave as he grabbed his brown coat.

“Thanks for your help today, Daiki. I’m heading out now. Don’t forget to turn off the lights, ‘kay?”

“Otsukaresama, Senpai. Thanks for the shift.” I gave him a thumbs up while slinging my pouch bag over my shoulder.

“Later,” he muttered, disappearing out the door.

I checked my bag—just the usual: smartphone, power bank, charger. With a tired sigh, I walked to the corner near the exit and flipped the switch. The café lights blinked off, and silence fell like a curtain.

“Finally . . . I could go home and take a rest.” I murmured to no one in particular.

The cold city air hit me the moment I stepped outside. I pulled my hoodie tight around me as my breath came out in small puffs. The streets were mostly empty, lit only by flickering lamps and the occasional hum from vending machines. In my hand, I carried a plastic bag with discounted bread—half-off leftovers from lunch.

“Fuuuh, at least i could save up half of my bread for dinner.”

It had been a hellish day—nonstop traffic, no part-timers around to help. I was running on fumes.

I close the door, put off shoes and walk slowly to the old wood shelf to put my jacket. Then I lay-down to the thin futon without changing my work clothes and throw my pouch bag slowly.

“God, I’m sooooo tired.”

I reach the small cabinet near the bed and open it. There is an old green transparent gamebot inside. I take it and turn it on. The screen menu pop up and the sound of the game starting.

“Ah, what a nostalgic sound. It's been a long time since I could play my old games again. It had been years since I had the time—or energy—to play. Haa . . ., if only i have much free time to play again without having to think about my savings . . . ”

Well, i am broke. Born into debt. My family went bankrupt when I was little, and work was always hard to find for my father. To gain re money, I lied about my age at ten just to land a cashier job at a local supermarket. Worked part-time nonstop through middle school. Barely passed high school because I never had time to study. Almost dropped out.

I wanted to work full-time back then, but i gapped in accident by my teacher. So I gave up part-time work and forced myself through school.

Okay, enough of the chit-chat. Back on the topic! My rent was on the second floor of an old building that always smelled faintly of mold and the lock jammed often. This is the only one apartment i could found affordable for the cost. Yeah, maybe because of ‘that rumour’ this room is cheap.

I sighed and continue playing.

“Ah... that sound brings back memories.”

Sound of the retro classic theme song playing . . . Filled the silence, echoing off cracked walls.

The screen flickered to life with that familiar beep. Pixels danced. A knight on a pixelated quest.

My thumb tappped instinctively every direction of the game-Left, right, top, and bottom.

.

.

Until the screen dimmed. Battery low.

I set the GameBoy beside me, leaned back against my pillow, and stared up at the ceiling.

“ . . . when this is gonna end? . . .”

. . . If only I had enough money to afford a business . . .

.

I rolled over and opened the small cabinet next to me. Inside was a dusty glass jar—my so-called “dream fund.”

There is a few folded bills, some coins I’d been hoarding for months . . . I stared at it for a while, longer than I should have.

“Still not enough . . .”

If only, . . . if only i have enough money. I really want to open a coffee shop in Tokyo. Just once, I wished I could escape this life. Live without stress. Brew coffee for people who smiled.

“Still not enough…”

My eyes burned. . . . I wanted to sleep, . . . but I didn’t. I choose to continue the quest i left on that tiny pixelated screen..

But, . . .

My fingers loosened on the GameBoy . . . The screen dimmed.

Faded . . .

Sleep came took mefast.

It didn’t last.

Everything was shaking.

My body jolted like I was strapped into a cheap rollercoaster. My back ached. My neck throbbed. Something felt very wrong.

I groaned.

“Ugh… earthquake?”

Wait. No.

The floor wasn’t shaking.

I was.

I wasn’t on my futon anymore.

My eyes shot open.

Stone walls. Flickering blue torches. The damp, earthy scent of moss and smoke. The sound of boots striking stone.

I was being carried—slung over someone’s back like a sack of potatoes.

“What the—HEY!”

The man carrying me turned his head slightly. He looked like a fantasy game character—tall, handsome, with a small sword on his back and leather armor.

“Kazuha! Kazuha! He’s awake!”

“I DON’T GIVE A SHIT IF HE’S AWAKE OR NOT! I JUST DON’T WANNA DIEEEEEEE!”

“Who—wait—WHAT?! WHERE THE HELL AM I?!”