Another four years had passed since I was reincarnated, and today was — unfortunately, once again — my first day of school.School in this world was pretty much the same as in my original world, except for one major difference: several hours a week were dedicated to courses on Full Dive VR, often with practical lessons using modified devices adapted for children. Apparently, it wasn't just used for gaming — it was used for everything: socializing, working, studying. The concept of distance had essentially been erased. For example, a university student could attend classes in Full Dive from a university on the other side of the world.
As for the classes, they were mixed and usually had a small number of students, to maximize each individual's learning.
Over the months, I ended up becoming friends with two people — a boy and a girl.The girl's name was Marie. She was a rather shy child, but over time she proved to be a good friend.The boy, on the other hand, was Kaiser just as lively and unusual as his name suggested. He had this strange obsession with a cartoon character called Astolfy, but at the time I couldn't yet imagine where that obsession would eventually lead him.Not that I really cared, he was my best friend, and the most loyal person I had ever met.
The elementary school years flew by quickly, and soon the year came when Marie, Kaiser, and I were about to turn 14.
I remember the night before my birthday. I was celebrating with my two friends — even though they had already turned 14 a while ago. I was born in November, so I was the last one to hit that milestone.But because of a promise we had made years earlier, they had waited for me, so we could buy our Full Dive VR devices together.
I remember that evening well — Marie and Kaiser were teasing each other as usual:
Marie: "I bet Kaiser can't wait to make himself a female avatar, knowing him." she said with a giggle.
Kaiser: "Cut it out, Marie! You're not funny!"
While my friends were talking, I drifted off into my own thoughts.I knew what I had been capable of in my previous life, and I didn't want to become that kind of person again.But unfortunately, those were the only words I knew that could create magic.I was terrified of ending up like I had in the old world — of losing the people I cared about, all in the name of a hatred I had never truly felt.Of being misunderstood again.
But no! Not this time.In the game world, there would be no "VerbTanks."I could carefully calibrate the use of my words — I was sure of it.I kept repeating it to myself.
And just like that, midnight struck on the day of my fourteenth birthday.