Dream World Online.
The game that shook the planet.
With its breathtaking realism, it dominated the global gaming market within months of its release. Players were drawn in by its lifelike environments, immersive mechanics, and unprecedented depth.
However, five years after its launch, something surreal occurred.
The people changed.
The power system of the world changed.
It was because the players had manifested their game powers in reality.
The planet itself was no longer the same.
In the tenth year after the game's launch, Earth trembled.
Aliens descended upon the planet.
They acknowledged the cause behind Earth's transformation and extended an invitation—an offer for humanity to join them. More precisely, to join the Intergalactic Federation.
That year, Earth officially became a member of the Federation.
Year 15 since the game's launch.
The game expanded.
[The tutorial for Earth is now complete. All players will now collaborate with players from other planets.]
[Welcome to the Planetary Games. Decide your future—and your planet's.]
Year 20 since the game's launch.
Earth was destroyed.
---
"I'm… alive?" Jake murmured as he awoke from his slumber.
Earth had lost.
Everyone was dead.
"What is going on? Why am I alive" He asked, however there was no reply.
All life w erased in a single instant—simply because they had lost a game.as
And yet, here he was. Alive.
[Date: March 26, 2046 AD.]
Jake took out his phone and look at the time.
Two days before the launch of Dream World Online.
"So… I've regressed?" Jake said with a hint of doubt. The situation felt real.
He could hardly believe it. Anyone who had witnessed the end of the world would find this situation absurd. Moreover, he had somehow regressed to the past.
Yet… Jake accepted his situation quickly. That was simply the kind of person he was.
During the Planetary Games, he had served twice as a scout. He had watched friends and strangers alike die before his eyes. He had seen thousands more perish through recorded footage, all in the name of Earth.
His mind had matured beyond that of most people his age.
"I will change the planet's fate," Jake vowed. He did not know why and how but he had regressed.
Regardless, he had no plans to waste this chance.
--
Jake Morrow was a nineteen-year-old college student—an orphan living in university housing.
No one had adopted him as a child. He was neither cute nor was he talented in anything.
But he was intelligent.
He never skipped school and earned admission into a prestigious university on a scholarship. At eighteen, he left the orphanage and moved into the university dorms.
He studied there for three years before finally getting a job—four years after the game's launch.
Despite starting four years late, he had still reached the top 10,000 in the global rankings 15 years of the game launch.
"I need to buy the headset," Jake thought.
However, for him, it was nearly impossible.
The VR headset required for Dream World Online costed $5,000. It was a neural interface device that connected directly to the brain, accessing neurological pathways to create a fully immersive experience.
It was revolutionary technology—and everyone who could afford it had already bought one.
Jake couldn't.
But he had to enter the game somehow.
After thinking for a long time, only one solution remained.
He opened his phone and messaged Koby.
Jake: I have something important to ask you.
Koby was Jake's closest friend, his childhood schoolmate. He came from a well-off family—not too rich, but not poor either.
If anyone could help him, it was Koby.
Still, Jake hesitated.
"Maybe I'm asking for too much…" he muttered.
A reply came almost instantly.
Koby: What's up, buddy?
Jake: I need a large amount of money. I can only rely on you. Of course, I'll pay you back.
Koby: Did something happen? How much?
Jake: Around $5,000.
Koby: Around what? I think you added a few extra zeros by mistake.
Jake: No. I need five grands. It's important.
Koby: Why do you need that much?
Jake: There's a game called Dream World Online. The headset costs $5,000.
Koby: The hell? Jake, are you trolling me? It's not even April.
Jake: I'm serious.
Koby: You've lost it. There's no way I'm lending you that much for a game.
Jake: I'll explain tomorrow at college.
Jake sighed. He didn't want to lie, but he knew Koby wouldn't take him seriously over text.
It was already 11 p.m. He went to sleep.
--
The next morning, Jake met Koby in the college corridor.
"I wasn't joking about what I said yesterday," Jake said.
"You're still on that?" Koby replied.
"Listen to me. Trust me. I'm not playing this game for fun—I can earn money from it."
"What's gotten into you? I was planning to buy a headset myself. You could just play at my place if you want, you know."
"No. I need you to play full-time too."
"Full-time? Are you insane?"
"I'm quitting college and playing the game full-time," Jake said calmly.
Koby froze.
"This isn't a joke… is it?"
"No."
"How are you so sure you can make money?"
"I'll show you. Come with me."
Jake led Koby to the college basketball court. It was empty.
Without a word, Jake sat down in a lotus position and closed his eyes.
Koby frowned, convinced his friend had finally snapped.
Then—
Jake controlled his breathing.
The air around him subtly shifted. His presence felt heavy, calm—immovable, like a mountain.
Koby felt it instinctively.
"What the hell…?"
Jake opened his eyes.
"Do you believe me now?"
Koby swallowed. What he had witnessed wasn't normal.
"Care to explain?"
"What I just did is a basic breathing technique from the game—a warrior skill. Now imagine something higher-level… like thunder control."
"You don't mean—"
"Yes. In five years, Players will be able to summon skills in real life."
"This is insane… but you did change."
"I'm telling you Koby. This is something that will change the world and we must play the game from the start to gain power."
"For the record, I'm telling you this not because I need money, but as a friend. Though I need it, if it's too much to ask then it's fine you know." Jake said.
Koby laughed softly. "Too much? Nah. Let's buy the damn headsets."
Koby wasn't wealthy beyond measure, but he was financially smart. As the only son of a well-off family, he received $500 a week as pocket money. Instead of wasting it, he invested carefully in the stock market.
At present, he had around $10,000 in his bank account and nearly $50,000 tied up in stocks. If needed, he could liquidate them easily.
Buying two headsets was no problem for him.
"I told you to invest in stocks," Koby said as they walked. "You wouldn't have to beg me for money now."
"I didn't have the capital," Jake replied calmly. "And I hate borrowing. This is just… unavoidable."
They soon arrived at the gaming store and purchased two Dream World Online neural VR headsets.
On their way out, Koby spoke again.
"Why don't you stay at my place for a while? Dorms aren't private, and you'll need peace to play seriously."
Jake considered it.
The plan aligned perfectly with his intentions. He was already planning to quit college—but there was no need to rush. He could disappear for a few days, establish himself in the game, earn money, and then leave properly.
"That works," Jake said. "I'll take the offer."
They headed to Jake's dorm.
Jake packed only the essentials—some clothes, personal items, and necessities. He left most things behind.
Standing at the door, bag slung over his shoulder, Jake looked at Koby.
"Then I'll be under your care for a while."
"No big deal, bro," Koby replied with a grin.
Just like that, the day passed.
--
The next day—
Jake held his breath.
It was the official launch day of Dream World Online.