I woke up in the morning feeling well rested, pulling out my phone to check the time. 7:00 on the dot, time to get ready for school. My bracelet was still worn and still in good condition. Well, as good a condition as it could be minus the crack.
Getting to my feet I entered the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. Something was different, I think I've grown a little taller and lost some weight. Nothing too drastic, but I could tell straight away that I was different. My chin itched just like yesterday as I idly scratched it, oblivion to the small hairs that had grown overnight.
Knowing I needed to shower for the day, I stared at the bracelet. Probably should take this off otherwise it'll be fried. My hand reaches for it, gripping the metallic device and slowly sliding it free. It was actually difficult to take off, my hand refused to move for a few moments before I forced it free and had a shower. The days oddities unnoticed to me as my mind was working to accept them as ordinary reality.
Downstairs, mum had already prepared a plate of cereal. Which I devoured in seconds, I was hungrier than normal. She attributed this to me going through a growth spurt as she handed over my bag and rushed me out the door.
School wasn't too far from the house. Just a five minute walk. I saw a lot of other students from school, almost of them had the same bracelet I did. Guess the game really did go viral. Sam catches up to me as I get to the gate, giving a wave and smile.
"Hey 'Jeremy'."
"Hi 'Turbidluck'."
"Okay, maybe we don't do that. Sounds kinda lame when saying me screen name in person."
He laughs then squints his eyes.
"You uh. Gotten taller? Lost weight?"
"Don't know. Haven't exactly measured myself. Or weighed myself."
"Huh. Might just be me... Anyway, dungeons open at level 9. Want to run one tonight?"
"I'm down."
The two of you talk about the game all through the morning. The whole school is in fact talking about it, even some teachers are proudly wearing the bracelet. You go through the boring school routine, maths, english. Having morning tea then science. Followed by gym before lunch.
Though at gym is where things spice up. For one, Coach Sullivan has a bracelet on. The entire class is surprised that this sporty man in his late 30s would be into a VRPG. A few kids probing him before the class starts to see if he's posing or not. But Sullivan answers each question perfectly, a few times he even explains mechanics that you didn't know existed. What happens if you're defeated, raids and capturing other players, where the fight hotspots are. Seems like coach loves his PvP.
After a few minutes of humouring the students, he starts off with a group game of dodgeball. You've never been agile enough to win at the game, usually eliminated in the first few throws. The class knows how easy of a target you are, and just like usual there's a barrage of balls throw at you... And you catch one and deflect the rest.
Quickly retaliating at one of your attackers as he fails to duck out of the way and is hit on the shoulder. The game continues with you being one of the better players on the team. You're not flawless, but you're experienced. Ducking and weaving, as you help your team achieve a narrow victory. The coach commenting that he'll have to swap around the squads next time, with the students dispersing for launch the moment the bell rings.
Though while you leave, you can see a few of the students armbands are also damaged. Probably from when they tried to dodge a ball. You hope their bracelets will still function fine. Most of them are rich kids who can just buy another console.
The rest of the day breezes by. Some of the students far more friendly after you showed off during gym. You even get a few of their screen names. 'Dyrus Farun' 'Miashi' 'Bolvan Mortelo'. Though that last student had his bracelet damaged, you hope it's okay...
Getting home, you finish your chores in minutes then grab dinner early. It's just leftovers which you scoff down and then head to your room. Starting up the game to see your familiar character, he's looking good! You can't wait until you get a bit older and match this image.
Sam doesn't seem to be online yet. You've got some time to kill before your friend hops on.