That day, everyone was talking about a game that had become the hottest topic among all groups—children, teenagers, adults, even the elderly. They were all discussing the most popular game of the year: Dream of RPG.
Dream of RPG was an MMORPG that could be played on all platforms—PlayStation, mobile phones, PCs, and even virtual reality—as long as someone purchased the game cartridge.
Not only was it available on multiple platforms, but Dream of RPG also offered many interesting features, such as:
•Unlimited Class – allowing players to freely choose any class they liked without restrictions, as long as they had enough in-game currency, letting them explore every available class.
•Rewards – the game constantly provided rewards for both new and veteran players, never stopping its flow of gifts to keep players engaged.
•Auto-Translate – a feature that allowed VR players to communicate easily with players from different countries.
•Raid System – raids were divided into three types:
—Normal Raid Boss, suitable for beginners as long as their levels and equipment were adequate.
—Special Raid Boss, much more difficult but offering tempting rewards, usually led by professional players with high levels and advanced equipment.
—Limited Raid Boss, special event raids held every few months, depending on seasonal events such as Valentine's Day, White Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year. These raids offered extraordinary rewards and were intended only for high-level players with top-tier equipment. At this level, anyone who died would lose their equipment, which then became part of the rewards.
•RMT Allowed – unlike many games that prohibited real-money trading, Dream of RPG allowed players to freely trade items and currency, making it extremely popular among the general public.
"Everyone really is talking about this new game."
A silver-haired young man with short hair, amber eyes, and handsome features leaned against a wall while waiting for someone to come out of their house. His height was about 166 cm, with an average build and slightly hunched posture. He held his phone in his hand.
"That game will only stay popular for a few months. After that, it'll just be forgotten," he muttered.
It was true—most popular games only lasted a few months before being replaced by newer, better ones.
That was why the young man, Hitami, hated people who chased popularity instead of genuinely enjoying games.
"Whatever."
He opened his phone and played the MMORPG he always played: Horizon Online.
The game still used pixel graphics, clearly outdated by modern standards, but Hitami didn't care about visuals. What mattered was the gameplay.
Unpredictable boss patterns, unmapped labyrinths full of traps, and dungeon difficulties divided into easy, normal, and hard—each offering different rewards.
"Hey… you seem to be enjoying yourself."
"Whoa!"
Startled, Hitami almost dropped his phone.
"Why did you scare me like that?"
The boy beside him, a short blond-haired youth with azure eyes and a tall, athletic build, smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, I thought you were busy."
"Geez…"
They began walking together. The blond boy was Ankagi.
"Why is everyone so obsessed with that game?" Hitami complained.
"Dream of RPG?"
"Yeah. They only play it for popularity."
Ankagi smiled. "Everyone plays for different reasons. Some for fame, some for story, some for money."
Hitami sighed. "You're right."
Ankagi patted his shoulder. "Besides, I'm the same as you. I stick to games I truly enjoy."
Hitami's face brightened.
•••••
At Rinma School, Hitami quietly played on his phone while Ankagi chatted with classmates. Soon, Koga and his group approached, mocking Hitami for playing an outdated game.
They showed him Dream of RPG, boasting about its graphics and high-level characters.
Hitami refused to acknowledge it.
The situation escalated until Koga publicly humiliated Hitami in front of the class.
Just as Hitami was about to lose control, Ankagi stepped in.
However, when Koga offered Ankagi to try the game, Ankagi hesitated.
Hitami, misunderstanding, felt betrayed and ran away.
•••••
Hitami POV
"Stupid… stupid… stupid…"
Why did you choose that game over me?
Loneliness haunted him. Memories of losing his parents at five years old resurfaced.
Back then, only Ankagi reached out to him.
"You can't abandon me…"
•••••
Ankagi POV
Hearing Hitami cry in the bathroom filled Ankagi with guilt.
Why had he been tempted?
Why did he ignore his friend's feelings?
"I'm such an idiot…"
•••••
Under the orange sunset, they walked side by side in silence.
"I'm sorry," Ankagi finally said.
After a moment, Hitami sighed.
"…I forgive you. But don't ever do that again."
Ankagi raised both hands. "I won't."
Hitami laughed.
Though embarrassed, Ankagi smiled, relieved that their friendship remained intact.