Reboot

A 5 minute run turned into a 30 minute walk home. Ryuuji took his time, stopping at a few places to charge some stamina, deciding it best to not fully rest until he got home.

When Ryuuji reaches the 4th floor of his apartment, he places his hand in his pocket to get the key, but it’s not there. Surprised, he checks all pockets with both hands to no avail. He then thinks back and realizes he may have left it on his desk.

“How could I remember my wallet, but not my keys?”

That was the first time he went out all day and, since you can open the door from the inside even when locked, he’s sure it’s still locked from last night. After all, he ran out of the apartment without considering that or to see if his dad was awake.

If he knocks, will his father answer? Doubtful, Ryuuji decides to turn the doorknob and, unexpectedly, it opens.

He enters the apartment and hears a “Welcome home” from his father who is sitting on the couch, watching TV as usual. With a grunt, Ryuuji takes off his shoes, saying “Thanks” before walking down the hall and into his room.

He immediately looks at his computer to see the game screen is completely black. No revival inquiry nor a link to return to the home screen. Despite knowing it would happen, he can’t help feeling disappointed. He falls into bed, laying on his back and looking at the ceiling,

That was the last thing I still had that dad gave me.

********************

When I was in elementary school, 5th grade I think it was, my dad started developing Starfight. The company released 3 games before with much success and hyped up the fact that this would combine a lot of elements from those same games, yet allow you to play with users worldwide. A lot of people were excited, myself included of course.

The young Ryuuji is walking out of his school and sees his father talking on his cell by his vehicle. Happy to see him, he runs up to him and winds up bumping into him as he hugs his waist.

“Ah- Ryuuji!” his father looks down at his son, quickly apologizing to whomever was on the phone. “My son is here, I’ll talk to you later.” After his father hangs up, he asks Ryuuji how school was.

“It was boring!” He shouts.

“You shouldn’t look at it like that. Instead, work hard so you can have a cool job like me.”

“But you just make video games. How hard can that be?”

“There’s way more to it than that.” his father sighs.

He opens the car door for his son to enter, with him getting in the driver’s seat after he’s settled. Ryuuji is awarethe company is currently deciding on character types for the upcoming online game and excitedly asks if the ninja was chosen.

Having played all of the company’s games so far, his favorite was ‘Red Ninja Gaiden’ which took place in ancient Japan. You play as a ninja, battling your way through the story. Since this new game will ‘combine elements’ he was sure that meant all character types would be included too.

Expecting a favorable response, his happiness fades as his father tells him the ninja, pirate, and mythical creatures are not to be playable in the online game, explaining that they don’t suit the story they decided upon. There is a rogue which can be considered the closest to a ninja and, depending on the skills and weapons you choose, it can still be customized into one. However, that doesn’t change how Ryuuji feels.

“But you own the company right? How come you can’t just put it in the game?”

“Because this is a team effort. We all had a lengthy discussion and a few people brought up good points regarding how it didn’t fit. I can’t just say ‘you’re wrong’ and pick what I want.”

Ryuuji doesn’t argue any further, not understanding what his father means, and simply looks outside, disappointed.

The game was released the next year on August 7th 2012. Despite the hype, my favorite character being scrapped made me lose all interest in playing. I remained stubborn until a year later on my birthday when my dad said he had a big surprise for me.

Ryuuji, having just turned 11, is sitting in front of his new computer with his father right beside him. It’s one of the latest gaming computers and they spent almost all morning setting it up. They are just waiting for Starfight to finish installing.

“So if the surprise isn’t the new computer then what is it?”

“I keep telling you the computer is from your grandparents.”

Ryuuji knows that’s a lie. His grandparents have no connection to the family company besides his mother’s marriage and they don’t know the first thing about computers or games. It’s obvious who actually picked it out.

His father takes a step back, telling Ryuuji to set up his character so he can show him the surprise. Remembering what his dad said before, Ryuuji chose the rogue since it can be considered the closest to a ninja. Going with blonde hair, brown eyes, and all red and black clothing, the character is complete. He then clicks ‘next’ so he can enter the name. On that screen, his father points to the bottom right where you can enter special codes.

“Right there! Enter the code ‘dragon fire’.”

“Isn’t that for downloadable content?”

“Trust me, you’ll love it.”

Following his father’s suggestion, he types ‘dragon fire’ and hits submit. After doing so, his character glows and reveals a completely different style of outfit and notices the class has changed from rogue to ninja. Speechless by what he sees, Ryuuji listens as his father explains.

“I know you were upset there would be no ninja so I programmed this just for you. The only way I could make it work was through a code, which took a lot longer than I planned.” He’s ashamed to admit, “It will be erased after today though. Oh, and it still isn’t much different from a rogue, but you have enhanced speed and 2 unique skills.”

With his eyes glowing, Ryuuji is overflowing with joy. “This is the coolest gift ever! Thanks dad!!”

After watching his reaction, Ryuuji’s father smiles and says, “Happy birthday, Ryuuji.”

********************

Back then, I truly thought I had the coolest dad in the world. To go to the lengths to create a custom character just for me, it remained one of the best gifts I ever received. Then in the summer of 2018, it was lost in the void of my turbulent life along with my father.

Ryuuji yawns and turns to his side in bed. Despite it only being noon, he falls fast asleep. Any remaining adrenaline has disappeared and exhaustion hits him all at once.

His slumber doesn’t last long. A little over an hour later, he is woken up by his ringtone.

“What is it now?”

Ryuuji complains and reaches into his back pocket to take out his phone. It’s Sun, which reminds him that they all wanted to know what happened. Unwillingly, he sits up and answers.

“Hello?”

“Hello? Ryuuji? You didn’t say anything so I wanted to call and make sure you’re okay.”

“Sorry about that. My screen is completely blank. AkaNinja is gone.”

“...are you alright? You sound a little off.”

Wondering what she could mean, Ryuuji assumes it’s because he just woke up.

“I’m tired from rushing to Seiji’s in this heat. I practically collapsed after getting home.”

“If that’s really all there is to it then that’s fine.”

Sensing that Sun didn’t fully believe him, he tries to sound more cheerful.

“Yeah you worry too much! And can you tell the others what happened for me? I have to get ready for work.”

“Sure. Let me know when you make a new character, maybe I can teach you a few things now that I’m a higher level.”

“That’s not really how it works.”

Ryuuji couldn’t tell if she was joking or not, but still said the first thing that came to mind. After hearing everything she needed, Sun decides to continue this later so he won’t be late for work. Still feeling groggy, Ryuuji simply says “Yeah” and they both hang up.

After considering the conversation, with how little he spoke and how odd it was that she didn’t push for more answers, Ryuuji knows that won’t be the end of it. Sun has always wanted to help with every problem up to this point and she won’t stop now. Ryuuji scratches his head and smiles.

“She is definitely going to yell at me later.”

August 4th 2018

As the days passed, Ryuuji didn’t contact any of his friends. The fact that he couldn’t bring himself to make a new character made him feel nothing short of pathetic. Besides having no interest in any other class, just thinking about the many hours he put into something that was lost within a matter of minutes, it was difficult to accept.

In his free time, he opted to play one of Komi Co.’s older games from which his ninja originated, Red Ninja Gaiden. It was comforting to know the most he could lose there were his saves.

Playing almost everyday before work, he may have been staring at the screen, but his mind was preoccupied. When I was told the ninja wasn’t gonna be in the game…why did I have to remember that? Comparing how I reacted then to now, even after everything, I really haven’t changed much.

The more Ryuuji thinks about it, the more frustrated he becomes until he grumbles and tosses his controller onto the bed. Normally this kind of reaction would be directed at someone, or something, else, but this time he’s annoyed at himself.

When Starfight was first released, I refused to play for an entire year due to the simple fact that I couldn’t choose a character I wanted. It took my dad creating a one of a kind Ninja to get me to play. Everytime I look back on it, I’m reminded how much of a stupid brat I was.

It made me realize that although I tried to change during that summer, deep down I was still that same brat. I asked myself, did I really want to wait around for them to say something? To have my friends push me forward just as they did these past few months?

On his computer, Ryuuji opens Starfight, the first time he’s done so since the Colosseum challenge. He attempts to log into his original account, but a window pops up, ‘Account not found. Please make sure your information was entered correctly.’ Despite expecting this, Ryuuji frowns.

Moving past that, he creates a new account with the same email. You’re able to make any number of accounts with different characters. The company hasn’t set a limit. You only can’t be logged into more than one at a time.

At the screen where you choose your class, Ryuuji picks a rogue again to try to replicate his ninja, but instead he has black hair, golden eyes, and red and black clothing. He types the username ‘RedShinobi’.

A pop up window then appears; ‘Are you prepared to protect the world of Aioria with all of your power? Yes or No’. After clicking ‘yes’, an introductory video begins playing, describing the story, villain, and current state of the world. Basically the synopsis in more detail.

Having watched it many times before, Ryuuji half pays attention, simply waiting for it to end. Once it’s over and the process is complete, he quickly logs out. His friends have no way of figuring out that’s him, maybe only recognizing the similar name if anything, but didn’t want to take any chances.

Ryuuji feels relieved after safely escaping from his friends bombarding him. At least that’s what he thought. He then hears his phone ring and glances at the screen, disliking the name he sees. “Out of everyone it has to be that...kid.”

Even if he’s not right in front of him, Ryuuji is committed to not call Seiji a brat anymore. He lets it ring a few more times before finally answering, but he doesn’t hear the voice he expects.

“What do you–”

“Hello Ryuuji~”

Hearing two girls greet him simultaneously, Ryuuji is caught off guard and questions if he read his phone right. He checks again and it does indeed say Seiji. He then places the phone against his ear to hear them again, now recognizing who they are.

“Don’t worry your eyes are just fine.” Sun reassures him.

“Sun and I decided to come over to Seiji’s to give you a group call since we haven’t heard from you.” Hanabi says.

“So you’re okay with having two girls over, but you almost refused me in an emergency?!” Ryuuji complains, annoyed from both seeing his name and being attacked through the phone.

“I didn’t have a choice! Hana and Sun just appeared out of nowhere!” Seiji shouts in the background.

“You’ll be fine.” Hanabi says.

“Why haven’t you made a new character yet? We were looking forward to helping you level up.” Sun says.

“That’s–” Ryuuji hesitates. He planned to reach out to them through text to set up a time to meet and show that he did make a character, but they called before he could even prepare what to say. It’s as if they read his mind or secretly hacked his computer. That silly theory causes him to turn the computer off just in case.

“Are you still there?” Sun asks.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he hung up.” Seiji says, though he’s shushed right after.

Trying to keep up with the flow of the conversation, Ryuuji figures they must have Seiji’s home phone on speaker as they talk since they each sound just as clear as the other. Though to him, it only feels like two girls are ganging up on him.

“You guys are ridiculous.” Ryuuji says with a sigh, “I was about to send a text to plan a day to meet. I’ll make the character then.”

“That’s perfect! How about on the 7th? Steve can be there too.” Sun says.

“We want to show you something cool, too!” Hanabi adds.

Since Hanabi has some sort of idea regarding Sun’s suggestion, this must have been their plan from the start.

“Sure, I have the day off.”

Ryuuji can hear gasps and laughter filled with excitement, from the two girls at least. Seiji remains quiet. They decide to meet at Rayna at 11am, making it a reasonable time for Steve as well.

“We’ll see you then!”

“Just make sure you’re not late!” Hanabi adds.

“Hana you’ve been a bit more cynical recently, bursting in here even. Is Ryuuji rubbing off on you?”

Also bothered by this situation, Seiji cuts in. Hanabi turns around to look at Seiji, noticing he’s standing with his arms crossed, tapping his finger on his elbow and foot on the floor. Hanabi walks up to him and gives him a hug, causing Seiji to loosen his arms.

“Hana?”

“I’m sorry for suddenly coming over like this with Sun. I know how uncomfortable it makes you, but after the incident, I just wanted to try and help you some more.”

Seiji takes a deep breath and lets it out, then hugs Hanabi in return.

“I’m not mad, but next time just let me know ahead of time alright?”

“I will.”

Ryuuji hears a dial tone, indicating they hung up. It may be for the best before Seiji realizes he was listening in on that conversation as well. Although he wants to complain, Ryuuji lets out a laugh instead.

He notices it’s nearly 2 pm and decides to get ready for work. After taking a quick shower, he throws on a work shirt and black pants. Even in the hot and humid summer, the dress code remains the same. At the end of the hallway, Ryuuji looks at his sleeping father, still the same mess as before, and makes a declaration to himself; I refuse to fall back again.

August 7th 2018

On the promised day, Ryuuji logs in and appears in Rayna, the town of beginnings. Scrolling around the area, he sees many decorations strung about, as well as balloons and fireworks in the background. There are also many more players than you would normally see at this time. He then remembers,

“That’s right, this is the week of the game’s anniversary.”

All of a sudden, Ryuuji is flooded with communication requests from his usual friends. He accepts them and puts on his headset, prepared to hear them all at once.

“Hey you made it!” Steve shouts.

“We were worried you might not login.” Sun says, relieved.

“What’s with that username? It’s hardly different from before.” Seiji says.

“Ninjas are cool, got a problem with that?” Ryuuji says in defense.

“Pretty sure that has nothing to do with your username itself.”

“I thought you were making your character today? Your account says you made it last week.” Steve points out.

“August 4th, isn’t that the day we called him, Sun?” Hanabi asks.

“I think so.” Sun says as she thinks back.

“M-minor details. Anyway, what did you want to show me?” Ryuuji says, attempting to slide past that conversation.

After this is brought to their attention, the fact that Ryuuji rejoined the server without them having to do anything, the group can’t help talking with more joy in their voice.

“Let’s move to a different field for the surprise!” Hanabi suggests.

“I probably don’t need to remind you I can’t go to certain areas at level 1.”

“You think we didn’t consider that? Besides, what do you have to worry about with Hargrave here?” Seiji adds.

“That statement became moot after the last dungeon we did.” Ryuuji doesn’t hide his disdain.

After forming a party, they transport to the Voiceless Meadow. There, everyone counts down from 3 and shouts, “Happy birthday Ryuuji!” while setting off some fireworks that can only be purchased during the anniversary. Taken by complete surprise, it takes Ryuuji a few seconds to respond.

“...that’s right it is my birthday!”

Ryuuji never mentioned his birthdate to any of them, but friends are able to see it on your profile. Sun probably doesn’t know where to look so it had to be one of the other 3 who noticed. Ryuuji now understands this is why they wanted him to log in, simply to wish him a happy birthday in a place where everyone can be together. Ryuuji can’t help smiling.

“Thank you guys. Really.”

“But how could you forget your birthday? Don’t you have to enter it to make an account?” Steve asks.

“Well, this all bothered me more than I’d like to admit. AkaNinja was a gift that I can never get back, not to mention all those years of hard work gone instantly...it sucks.”

Sun is the only one aware of Ryuuji’s situation and if he forgot his own birthday, then she’s sure his father didn’t say anything either. Sun originally didn’t consider that, this decision was a spur of the moment. She then goes back to what he said earlier.

“To think you made an account without us doing anything. I’m so proud.” Sun says in a teasing manner.

“Stop acting like my mom, it’s creepy.” Ryuuji then adds, “But I can’t deny you know how to cheer me up.”

Seiji tells Ryuuji to let him know when he’s ready for another dungeon. There are a lot of limited quests for the anniversary to make leveling up easy and more fun. Although Ryuuji would rather not rely on Hargrave, he knows he could use it.

That’s when Steve interrupts.

“Tsk tsk tsk. You guys are talking like we’re done for today, but I have one more piece of good news; I’ll be moving to Japan within the coming weeks!”

This news brings with it a different level of excitement. Steve and Sun haven’t seen each other in many years so naturally Sun is the most excited, but this also gives Ryuuji something new to look forward to.

The three are in the same grade, but since their breaks and curriculum are different, there’s no guarantee it will remain that way. Afterall, in America the school year is now over so Steve already passed 11th grade. However, he will definitely be attending the same school. Steve made sure of it.

Though there is some worry mixed in. Not only is Steve a foreigner, but there’s also his easy-going personality.

“Sounds like we’ll have another person to look after.” Seiji says.

“He does seem like an easy target for bullies.” Ryuuji agrees.

This only adds to Steve’s joy. “Just imagining the great Hargrave saving me in real life...that’s amazing!!”

“Please don’t say embarrassing stuff like that at school.” Ryuuji knows there’s no use in saying that, though.

Afterward, we did a few anniversary quests for me to level up. This is the first time we played as a full group with Steve included. It was a blast and revitalized my interest in playing again. After 2 hours Steve had to log off, but I at least was able to reach level 22, which is enough to do some quests on my own.

“The next time we speak, it will be in person.” Steve says before leaving.

“You know it!” Ryuuji says.

********************

Starfight Tips;;

The anniversary is always celebrated during a week-long period. Since the game was first released on August 7th, it’s the week containing that date. There are special limited quests that rotate throughout that time and give special bonuses to those who complete them. Players have the option to purchase fireworks that can only be used during the anniversary, in addition to special outfits.