The Line to the Future

Nasuke stood frozen, staring at the crowd outside the gaming store. People of all ages were lined up—some leaning on the walls half-asleep, others chatting animatedly. The store’s glowing sign cast an almost mocking shine over the scene, illuminating the eager faces of those ahead.

Nasuke (narrating in thoughts):

A line. Of course, there’s a line. Just when I thought I’d outsmart everyone by coming late.

Dragging his feet, he made his way to the end of the line, clutching his bruised side. Every step reminded him of the earlier attack, but he pushed through the ache, taking his place behind a few others. Ahead of him, people wore Mythos Rebirth-themed hoodies, while others passed the time on portable consoles or camping chairs.

Nasuke sighed heavily, leaning against the wall.

Nasuke (muttering):

"This is going to take forever..."

A snicker came from his side. Nasuke glanced over to see a boy about his age with spiky green hair and glasses, casually fiddling with his phone.

Green-Haired Boy:

"First time, huh?"

Nasuke (blinking):

"Uh... yeah. How’d you know?"

Green-Haired Boy (grinning):

"Your face says it all. ‘Why am I doing this to myself?’ That’s what you’re thinking, right?"

Nasuke frowned slightly but didn’t answer. The boy leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret.

Green-Haired Boy:

"Trust me, it’s worth it. This limited edition has stuff you won’t get anywhere else. Skins, early-access quests, and—get this—players from the beta say there’s an exclusive hidden class."

Nasuke’s eyes widened, his interest piqued despite himself.

Nasuke (thinking):

A hidden class...

Noticing the spark of interest, the boy smirked.

Green-Haired Boy:

"Yep. Totally OP. Rumor says only the first 500 people to get the game can unlock it."

Nasuke turned back to the crowd and silently counted. The line stretched too far for him to even be close to 500. His shoulders sagged.

Nasuke (narrating in thoughts):

Figures. I should’ve just stayed in my room.

Time passed slowly. The line crawled forward inch by inch, but the hours felt like days. Nasuke’s legs ached, his stomach grumbled, and the pain in his ribs refused to let him rest. He leaned back against the wall, tilting his head up to gaze at the dark, starless sky.

Nasuke (thinking):

Why do I care so much about this game?

His thoughts drifted to Mythos Rebirth—his avatar, Vemp, the confident vampire strategist who led his team to victory against impossible odds. In that world, he was respected. People listened to him, counted on him.

Nasuke (narrating in thoughts):

Because when I’m there, I’m not “Nasuke Yamada.” I’m someone better. Someone who matters.

Cheers erupted near the front of the line, snapping him out of his reverie.

Store Clerk (shouting):

"Next group! Come on up!"

The line moved again. Nasuke took another step forward, the store’s glowing entrance now within sight. Shiny Mythos Rebirth boxes glinted in the hands of those leaving the store, their faces alight with triumph.

A commotion broke out behind him.

Angry Voice:

"Hey! No cutting in line!"

Nasuke turned to see a group of older teens pushing their way through, ignoring the protests of those they shoved aside. The leader—a tall guy with spiky black hair—laughed loudly, followed by his cronies.

Nasuke’s stomach dropped.

Nasuke (thinking):

No... not now.

The group continued their advance, brushing off complaints with smirks and a few shoves. People muttered angrily, but no one stepped forward to stop them.

Green-Haired Boy (muttering):

"Unbelievable... they’re just gonna let them do that?"

Nasuke didn’t reply. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, trembling.

Nasuke (narrating in thoughts):

It’s the same thing. Every time. I just stand here... and do nothing.

But then, a memory surfaced: Vemp standing tall before the dragon, promising victory to his team. That wasn’t someone who stood by and let others trample over him.

Nasuke (thinking):

If I can be strong in the game... why not here?

Taking a shaky breath, Nasuke stepped forward.

Nasuke (calling out, voice shaking but loud):

"Hey! You can’t just cut the line!"

The crowd went silent. The spiky-haired guy stopped, turning to glare at Nasuke.

Spiky-Haired Guy (sneering):

"And who’s gonna stop us? You?"

Nasuke’s heart pounded in his chest, but he stood firm.

Nasuke (gritting his teeth):

"Yeah. I will."

The leader stepped closer, his towering frame looming over Nasuke.

Spiky-Haired Guy (mocking):

"You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But guts don’t win fights, kid."

Before Nasuke could respond, the store clerk’s voice cut through the tension.

Store Clerk (firmly):

"Hey! You guys in the front! If you’re causing trouble, you’re out."

The group hesitated, their bravado faltering under the clerk’s watchful gaze. With grumbles and curses, they retreated to the back of the line.

Nasuke exhaled sharply, his hands still trembling.

Green-Haired Boy (grinning as he clapped Nasuke’s back):

"Not bad, man. You’ve got some nerve."

Nasuke couldn’t help the small smile forming on his lips.

Nasuke (narrating in thoughts):

I guess... sometimes you’ve gotta act like the person you want to be.

The line moved again, and Nasuke stepped forward with renewed determination. The store was closer now, and for the first time that night, he felt like victory was within reach.

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