Chapter 1: Introduction
The salmon and pink sunrise streamed in through Chiaki's bedroom window, casting a soft, playful glow across the room. The words "Game Over" hovered on the screen where she'd paused her game, the characters ragdolled and slack.
"Just one more match," she muttered to herself, casting a furtive glance at her alarm clock, already knowing that work would have to wait. The bottles scattered around the room emphatically stated the possibility of sleep had long left the chat room.
The gentle clatter of computer keyboard keys and mouse clicking intermingled, dominating the stillness of Chiaki's cozy bedroom. The air felt charged with the excitability she experienced; cyber soldiers, tanks, and artillery pounding through rapid succession of gaming fervor, satisfying her deep competitive streak. What a night to be alone, dying for a new, exciting escapade to unravel.
Chiaki's fingers danced over the computer keys, her eyes glued to the battle tactic unfolding on-screen.