Categorys: The Beginning

Shingo Hiasa was at work. A simple room with minimal furniture and interiors. In front of Shingo, multiple windows were displayed in the air, and he was creating a single document using a translucent keyboard that floated in front of him. A woman in a maid's outfit waiting by his side says, without showing any sign that she was working on some kind of task.「 Master, the material you requested is ready.」「Thank you.」Shingo looks over the text in the newly displayed window, and by moving his finger, he copies the necessary parts and pastes them into the created document. Work is going well. If this is the case, it will be possible to finish it by the scheduled time. In Shingo's field of vision, both hands are moving as a matter of course. Of course, it is his intention to move it, and he is familiar with it without any discomfort. ──But this is not a real-world scene. Shingo had a certain physical sensation apart from the body he was moving now. His true physical sensation sitting deep in his own chair. The virtual world 『XANA』《Metaverse》. That was the name of the world spreading in front of the Shingo's eyes.『XANA』 is the current mainstream Metaverse, and what he is currently moving is his alter ego "Avatar". Since it is for work, the actual name is displayed overhead. Shingo's real body is equipped with a head-mounted display《HMD》, which has the function to read brain waves, allowing him to control his avatar with his thoughts. It is common to work in the Metaverse in modern times. In the past, working at home with a real body was called telework, but now it is a more advanced form. If it is work using a PC called desk work, it is possible to do it without any problem in the metaverse, and it is rather an advantage that it is not necessary to be tied to the physical space. I could also provide a supportive presence for myself here. The avatar in the shape of a woman standing by Shingo is not operated by a real human being. Her name is Yuri.

The next day was off, so Shingo woke up later than usual and had a leisurely breakfast. At that moment, I got a notification on my cell phone. A call from Yuri. Even if you are not in "XANA," you can interact with the partner who owns it.『A visitor comes to Master. How may I help you? 』「What's your name and what is your business?」『I would like to have a match with my avatar name as NONAME and my business as「SAMURAI」』Even though Shingo thought it was a silly name, he had no reason to refuse. This happens sometimes. Lately, he's famous as a strong man, so it's a grace period.「All right, tell him I'll be right there.」『Understood』Shingo put off cleaning up his meal, sat down on the Metaverse chair, and put on the HMD. When I activated『XANA』, the darkness was instantly filled with overflowing colors. It gradually forms a familiar sight. This is Shingo's room. Yuri and another avatar were standing there. Although it is a humanoid, it does not look like a human. It has a metallic appearance, and its eyes and mouth are nothing more than human imitations, making it look like a robot.「 Sorry to keep you waiting for 」「……no problem」NONAME muttered gravely. Judging from the atmosphere, it must be a man.「Then, let's go straight to the game. Any area is fine?」

「...」Shingo wakes up from discomfort. There was bare concrete in sight. It's the ceiling, and the walls are like rooms. Empty cans and steel pipes were lying around in the corners. Lately, he realizes the strangeness of his condition.「Wha, what is this!?」He was lying on a table and crucified with restraints. Even if you try to escape, there is only a clattering sound, and there is no sign of it coming off. When I was filled with anxiety, someone opened the door and entered the room.「 Wake up, Shingo Hisa」Woman. She has long, glossy black hair and a well-defined face. He wore a jet-black suit that covered his skin except for his face on his slender limbs.「Who the hell are you!? What's the purpose of doing this...!」「First of all, my name is 《Arisa Yarai》」A face I had never seen before, a name I had never heard of. I had no idea why I would be caught by such an opponent. Having sensed it, Arisa told me with a smile. I think it would be easier if I called myself... noname」「What ...!?」Shingo is speechless in surprise. For him, it was the opponent he fought in『SAMURAI』in『XANA』before he lost consciousness, but the atmosphere at that time was not at all similar. Even though it's an avatar, the way it speaks and the voice it uses are great pieces of information. I made sure that I was carefully disguised. In fact, it was easy to find out your real name and location.

「──Sorry!」「What?」Arisa took an unexpected action against Shingo, who thrusts one hand at him. Suddenly, he bowed his head. The atmosphere seemed different from before, and I could only be puzzled. 「I would never kill you. Instead, I contacted you to protect you. The truth is that we are the ones who are pushing for the birth of a new human race. You're right to wonder what we're trying to do when we're trying to kill you, but ...... you have to believe me.」Arisa looked at him with sincere eyes. It didn't look like he was lying, but I couldn't believe him so easily. However, looking back, Arisa didn't even mention which side she was a part of. Besides, given that she has the same new human abilities, it certainly makes more sense to promote than to oppose.「 Then why are you doing this...」「It's true that there are forces out there that don't want you or me. It doesn't seem that way now, but they may come to kill me for real eventually. That's why I wanted you to realize your abilities as soon as possible. Even if by extreme means. ......」From his words, I could sense that Arisa was also in a hurry. In fact, if I had not used the ability myself in this way, I might have had a hard time believing it. Shingo slowly lowered his hand that was thrust at him. However, I ask while maintaining my vigilance.「... so what should I do?」Arisa answered with a slightly relieved look.「Please help us. We need you.」 「But you're there, aren't you? When I increase there...」