Chapter 1 – The Fall of a Legend

  9:12 P.M., Clinton Hills Mansion, New York City, 2145

  Jin Black Star stood by the French window, gazing out at New York City's neon-lit streets beneath the rain-soaked sky. The holographic billboards and distant hover cars brought the city to life, but to Jin, it only accentuated the emptiness he felt inside. Once, he had built an empire in Refractal Online: twelve magnificent cities, loyal allies, and a legacy that had made him a legend. Now, that world lay in ruins, destroyed by betrayal and regret. He closed his eyes as the memory of the moment when Jason Wilder, also known as Mad Dog, had sealed his downfall, raced through his mind with relentless precision.

  Earlier That Day – Oblivion Guild Headquarters

  In a cold, unyielding conference room, a single contract lay between them—a harbinger of irreversible loss. Across the sleek table sat Jason Wilder (Mad Dog), his eyes gleaming with ruthless ambition. At 31 years old in this timeline, his youthful appearance belied the icy determination that lay beneath.

  Jason (Mad Dog): “Sign it.”

  Jin's trembling hand hovered over the document. His voice, heavy with despair, finally broke the silence:

  Jin: “Mad Dog, why are you doing this? We built Oblivion together. Every victory, every sacrifice—we fought for this empire. And now, you're willing to discard it all just to take control?” A cruel smile crept across Jason's face as he leaned forward, his tone measured and venomous.

  Jason (Mad Dog): “Control Isn't meant to be shared, Jin. You reveled in the glory of your twelve cities while I languished in your shadow. Today, I reclaim my worth. This contract erases everything you've built—your shares, your account, even your level 250 soldier. Refractal will be devoid of your presence.” With each word, Jin's stomach sank deeper, the betrayal cutting him to the core.

  Jin (voice shaking): “Is This all about your ego? Your need to dominate at any cost?”

  Jason's eyes hardened, a glint of triumph shining within them. Jason (Mad Dog): “It's about risk and reward. I offer you five million credits and this mansion as a parting gift—a final token of regret. You should consider yourself fortunate.” Defeat consumed Jin as his hand finally grasped the pen. With a heavy heart, he signed away his world.

  Back to the Present – Clinton Hills Mansion

  The memory still haunted Jin as he stared into the reflective window, each raindrop a reminder of his shattered legacy. In a whisper to the empty room, he vowed, “I will start over.” At that moment, the door creaked open, and Hinata entered quietly, her eyes filled with concern. As she wrapped her arms around him, a private turmoil stirred within her. For years, Hinata had harbored an unspoken, secret crush on Jin—a truth she guarded fiercely, never allowing it to cloud her thoughts. While offering words of comfort, her heart ached with the weight of unexpressed devotion, keeping her feelings locked away. Hinata: “Jin-San, I heard what happened. Mad Dog... he's as ruthless as they say. You should never have trusted someone like him.” Her voice, a sultry whisper tinged with concern and desire, carried a hint of allure with her Japanese accent. “But you know what, Jin? You're stronger than this. You Have fire within you, and I'm here to fuel it. Let's rebuild together. Let's show them what we're capable of, ne?” Her tone was gentle yet resolute, though inside, Hinata's thoughts raced: “I love you, Jin, in ways I dare not reveal. Even as you forge your new path, I will keep these feelings to myself, letting your journey speak for itself. But know this, my love, in 2045, you will be mine, and I will be yours in every way imaginable.”

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  Jin managed a faint, pained smile, touched by her presence but unaware of the depth of her feelings. That night, fate dealt an even harsher blow. In the silent corridors of the mansion, a shadow moved—a silent assassin sent by Jason Wilder. In moments, a crimson pool spread beneath Jin and Hinata as darkness enveloped them. Then, a brilliant light pierced the darkness, defying oblivion itself. April 25, 2135, 6:12 A.M., Jin's eyes snapped open to a modest, cluttered room filled with relics of his past—old consoles, battered keyboards, and faded game magazines whispering forgotten adventures. The mirror reflected an eighteen-year-old version of himself, while his mind carried the weight of ten years of memories. In his hand, he clutched a shattered pendant—his late grandmother's cherished heirloom and the trigger that had sent his consciousness back through time. It symbolized promise and purpose. This was his second chance: an opportunity to prevent the tragedies that had once torn him and Hinata apart. With only six days until the launch of Refractal Online, Jin resolved to rewrite destiny. The urgent chime of his Nova Watch 6 shattered the calm, signaling an incoming call from his best friend, Rickie Carter (Nemesis).

  Rickie (Brooklyn accent): “Yō, Jin, my man—Oblivion is in chaos. They're scrambling for recruits. I know you can't change the past, but maybe you can build something new. What do you say?”

  Jin (Black accent): “Rickie, I'm done fixing broken dreams. I'm carving out a new path—establishing dual headquarters, one in reality and one in Refractal Online. With unreleased Dreamscape virtual gaming pods replacing the outdated gear, we'll change the rules entirely.”

  Ricky's tone mixed caution with admiration. Rickie (Brooklyn accent): “That's bold—and risky. But if anyone can turn the tide, it's you, bro.” As dawn approached, Hinata's Nova Watch 6 buzzed with a call from Maria Costa (Bayonetta). Hinata answered, her voice reflecting steadfast support and the weight of her hidden feelings. Maria (Brazilian accent, via phone): “Oi, Cika Hinata, listen—Oblivion is conducting recruitment trials. Aren't you curious? Is it all for the Jin you care for?”

  Hinata hesitated briefly. Despite her unwavering loyalty to Jin, she kept her inner confession—a burning crush—hidden, choosing not to reveal the depth of her heart.

  Hinata: “My loyalty lies with Jin Black Star, no matter what. My support is unwavering, even if my true feelings remain a secret. But know this, Maria, Jin and I will be together, and nothing will stand in my way.”

  Maria's gentle encouragement crackled through the line, her Brazilian accent offering warmth and comfort.