The cafeteria had always been loud, a tide of chatter and laughter that rolled endlessly between meals. Yet, in moments like this, even that noise seemed to shift. It didn't disappear—no, it transformed. A thousand voices, once scattered across the hall, bent unconsciously toward a single point of focus.
I followed their gazes.
And there they were.
The main cast. The pillars of the Federation's future.
Ah, right. The cafeteria. This was where they first came together, where bonds were forged that would later shake the continent itself. In the game, this was the stage of their earliest appearances—the point where players first understood who mattered and who didn't.
But for me, sitting here with an emptying bowl and sticky juice glass, it was something else entirely.
It was proof. Proof that this wasn't just a hallucination or a dream I hadn't woken from. These were no longer sprites and pixels. They were real, breathing, existing in the same space as me.
And I knew every single one of them.
At the center of attention stood a boy with striking blue hair that seemed to catch the cafeteria's light just right. His hazel eyes sparkled with an easy warmth, a charisma that wasn't forced but natural. He wasn't posturing, wasn't even trying to stand out. Yet, people noticed him all the same.
Michael Orbane.
Michael Orbane was the protagonist of the game who belonged to the renewed family of hunters. The Orbane family.
The Orbanes are a renowned family of elite hunters, respected for their legacy and power within the Hunter industry. Yet Michael, unlike his kin, was considered a failure—unable to awaken and dismissed from succession struggles, though his kind nature earned him quiet affection from his relatives.
At Twelve, Michael's fate changed. Witnessing a young girl nearly slain by a monster, he threw himself in front of her despite being powerless. In that desperate moment, his hidden potential awakened, sparking the beginning of his true journey.
Recognizing his gift, the Orbanes sent Michael to Nexus Hunter Academy, the world's most prestigious training ground for future hunters. There, he started at the very bottom, viewed as weak and inexperienced. But his diligence, courage, and instincts—sharpened by lessons from his father and siblings—quickly set him apart.
Michael's heroic nature defined him: he was selfless, approachable, and willing to risk himself for others. This sense of justice, paired with a charismatic personality, won him allies, rivals, and respect. Though underestimated at first, he began his climb from the academy's lowest ranks, determined to rise and protect those who could not protect themselves.
Michael Orbane's story begins as the tale of a "good guy" destined to become much more.
Beside Michael sat Jurian Evercrest. Blonde hair, noble features, violet eyes that gleamed with charm. If Michael was sunlight, warm and approachable, then Jurian was lightning—sharp, dazzling, impossible to ignore.
To everyone else, he was Michael's closest companion, the one who stood beside him in countless battles. He cracked jokes, pulled Michael into mischief, and lightened the mood when tension grew too thick. He was admired, envied even, as someone who had it all: noble blood, skill with the sword, and the confidence of a man born to lead.
But I knew the truth.
Jurian Evercrest was the betrayer.
Not now, not yet. At this moment, he was still the Jurian Evercrest, best friend to Michael. But envy was already seeded deep in his heart. He hated how Michael outshone him—how every achievement of his was cast in the shadow of Michael's heroism. No matter how hard he trained, no matter how bright he burned, Michael's light was brighter.
And envy… envy was a cruel poison.
Eventually he volunteers to become a villain just for the sake of getting rid of Michael and once again becoming number one. He would sell his soul to demons, becoming a puppet for them at the end.
Watching Jurian laugh now, leaning close as if Michael was the brother he'd die for, I felt my jaw tighten.
He hadn't fallen yet. But he would.
On Michael's other side sat Silas Stormvale. Where Jurian radiated flamboyance and Michael shone with charisma, Silas was… still. His frame was broad, built on discipline, and his dark-grey eyes carried a weight far older than his years.
He didn't laugh like Jurian. He didn't bask in attention like Michael. But there was something steady about him, something immovable. Like a fortress in human form.
Silas Stormvale, heir to the Stormvale lineage—generals of the Federation, commanders of men.
In the story, he was never meant to be Michael's "first friend." That was Jurian's role. But after betrayal shattered Michael, Silas was the one who helped him stand again. The one who proved that loyalty wasn't a myth.
Watching him now, I felt a strange comfort. Unlike Jurian, Silas never wavered. He wasn't perfect—his rigidity sometimes clashed with others—but when the world burned, he was a shield.
And sometimes, a shield was worth more than a thousand swords.
Just as I was observing their talks, suddenly, I felt everyone's attention was directed to another source….
"Michael, we can sit here, right?"
And there I could see three beautiful girl's approaching the table with an air of confidence and elegance.
"Ah, Julia…. Of course, you can…"
Julia Evercrest.' I thought, seeing the girl—the twin sister of Jurian. She was also another childhood friend of Michael and the first heroine candidate of the game.
Blonde hair cascaded down to her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with her vibrant blue eyes. She was undeniably blessed with exquisite beauty, capturing the attention of those around her effortlessly.
With my eyes, I could see the calluses on her hands, showing her rigorous training. Different from her twin's real face, she was someone that liked to train very hard. She was a girl with ambitions, especially when it came to fighting, as she loved wielding swords.
And normally, she was a bit dumb that was not academically bright, but she at least knew how to behave herself.
"Thanks, man!" Well, I guess that was not entirely true, as I saw her hand hitting Michael'd back.
As she sat down, the other two following her also did.
The second girl, Amelia Crimsonheart, exuded an aura of fiery passion and power, giving a vibe of intensity to students.
Her vibrant red hair cascaded down her back, matching the intensity of her personality. Her eyes, a striking shade of yellow, seemed to flicker with an inner flame, hinting at the immense magical potential she possessed.
Amelia hailed from a renowned family deeply rooted in the Luminaris Dominion, a place where magic is valued the most, their name synonymous with greatness in the realm of magic.
She was a skilled Fire Mage who controlled the elements with elegance and precision. Her ability to wield fire, a destructive yet captivating force, made her a formidable opponent. Whenever she had cast a spell, flames would swirl around her fingers, obediently following her every command.
And her personality was also as fiery as her fire magic. She was someone that was hot-blooded and was easy to anger, but at the same time, she was passionate about everything she was doing.
Amelia was academically gifted and excelled in her studies, demonstrating a sharp intellect and deep understanding of the magical theory that earned her the title of 'Genius.'
She had an intense desire for knowledge, which was comparable to the fiery flames she could manipulate. This propelled her to investigate the enigmas of magic and exceed the expectations placed upon her.
And lastly, the third girl, Melissa Goldvain, possessed an ethereal beauty that turned heads wherever she went.
Her striking green hair flowed gracefully down her back, a vibrant contrast against her captivating red eyes. At first glance, she appeared to be a gentle and delicate presence, but beneath her soft exterior, I knew there laid a mind as sharp as an arrow's point.
Melissa stood out from her peers with her intelligence and cunning. She had a knack for observation and analysis, allowing her to assess situations and develop effective strategies. Her mind was like a well-oiled machine, constantly evaluating and calculating the best course of action.
'This is what makes her more dangerous than others.' I thought, slightly lowering my gaze . Predicting her actions was difficult due to her intelligence.
As the heir to the future strongest guild, Elysian Wardens, Melissa carried a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. The legacy of her guild, renowned for its power and influence, loomed large over her aspirations. She was a capable leader with the necessary qualities to guide others with grace and wisdom.
Beyond her intellectual prowess, Melissa was a respected figure on the academy campus. Her charisma and charm captivated those around her, earning her the title of the campus belle. She was adored by many, admired not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence and strength of character.
As the group of six settled at their table, their presence became the subject of hushed whispers and intrigued gazes from the surrounding students. The conversations swirled with curiosity and speculation.
The whispers spread like wildfire.
"The holy trinity—Michael, Jurian, and Julia—they're all here!"
"Did you see Amelia's entrance? Her flames in last week's duel—amazing."
"Melissa Goldvain… she's even more beautiful in person. And she's guild royalty."
"Don't forget Silas Stormvale. He's the only one here who feels like a commander already. Just look at him."
Admiration, envy, excitement—all of it swirled together into a storm of chatter. Students craned their necks for a glimpse, some whispering reverently, others jealously.
These six weren't just students. They were legends in the making. Everyone could feel it, even if they didn't know the story as I did. Their presence filled the cafeteria, turning an ordinary lunch into a moment everyone would remember.
And I?
I just ate in silence, watching.
It was almost funny.
Here they were—the chosen ones, the future heroes, the names history would sing. And here I was, tucked in the corner with my empty tray, a bystander.
In the game, this was where the story truly began. The protagonist surrounded by allies, rivals, and betrayers. A cast designed to shape destiny itself.
But this wasn't a game anymore.
I wasn't a player. I wasn't some spectator behind a screen.
I was here.
And that meant the script could change.
I pushed my tray aside and stood. My stomach was satisfied, my energy restored, but my mind buzzed with a dangerous thought:
Would I let things play out as they had before? Or would I twist the story, bend it, and break it into something entirely new?
My lips curved into a faint smirk.
Whatever the case, this was only the beginning.