"Eric, at least give the park a chance," June said gently as she adjusted the blanket over his legs. "You've been cooped up inside all week."
Eric sighed. "Fresh air isn't going anywhere."
She smiled, the kind that never quite gave him room to refuse. "And neither am I. Come on. Just one walk."
In the end, as always, she won.
The park was lively, filled with morning chatter and the rustle of leaves. Eric rolled along the paved path, June walking beside him at an unhurried pace. For a brief moment, it almost felt… normal.
Then he noticed the looks.
They were subtle—quick glances, hushed whispers—but he felt them all the same. Pity. Curiosity. Sympathy disguised as kindness.
"…that's him, right?"
"I heard he doesn't play anymore."
"What a shame…"
Eric clenched his hands.
He hated this part.
If only I could walk, he thought bitterly. Just once. Just like everyone else.
As if fate wanted to mock him, a man nearby suddenly froze, staring openly this time.
"Wait," the man said hesitantly. "Eric Johnson?"
Eric looked up.
"You're— you're the Guitar God, right?"
A small crowd gathered almost instantly. In this age of electronic beats and AI-composed music, guitar enthusiasts were rare—but when they appeared, they were devoted.
Eric forced a polite smile. "I was."
The word tasted strange.
June noticed the tension in his shoulders. "That's enough for today," she said firmly, turning the wheelchair around before he could protest.
Eric didn't stop her.
By the time they returned home, the park already felt distant.
The moment they entered the living room, Eric's wristband vibrated.
His breath caught.
A single notification glowed before his eyes.
[Delivery Confirmed: Gaming Capsule — Arrived]
His heart started pounding.
Today.
The launch was scheduled for midday.
Eric glanced at the time.
10:00 AM.
"June," he said quickly, "we need to go back."
She raised an eyebrow. "Back where? We just got home."
"The capsule—it's here. The game launches today."
She looked at him for a long moment, then sighed. "I knew this would happen."
Eric wheeled himself toward his room. "I don't want to waste a single second."
"Eric," June called out sharply. "Breakfast first."
He stopped. "June, the capsule—"
"I don't care if the capsule can keep you fed for a year," she interrupted. "You're eating now."
There it was. The tone that meant resistance was pointless.
"…Fine," Eric muttered.
After breakfast—eaten far slower than he liked—June finally stepped aside.
"Go," she said softly. "I'll wake you when the world ends."
Eric smiled.
Inside his room stood the sleek, silver capsule. Smooth. Silent. Waiting.
He transferred himself inside and lay back as the lid closed overhead.
Loading…
The interface flickered to life.
Time ticked by.
11:59.
11:59:30.
Then—
12:00 PM
A calm, resonant voice echoed through his consciousness.
"Welcome to Gods Sanctuary."
"Here, the impossible becomes possible."
"Dreams become reality."
"Power, wealth, and fortune—everything can be yours."
Eric's vision dissolved into light.
Initializing…
Loading character data…
And for the first time in years—
Eric felt something he thought he had lost forever.
Anticipation.