Samuel's point of view

Date: April 4, 20XX

Location: University Dorms.

Continent/State: America/Ohio

Time: Morning

The alarm clock was blaring as I woke up from my sleep. I had a very tired expression while sitting up. I looked at my alarm clock to keep hearing it go off. I had messy brown hair, a slight build to my muscles and a tired look in my eyes as they were of a blue color.

Samuel: Ugh... Just shut up already...

I slam my hand on the snooze button to stop it from going off as I lie back down on my comfy bed. Even when I wanted to go back to sleep, I opened my eyes as I thought of something.

Samuel: (Again with that same dream... Falling cards? A strange mark on my left hand? What kind of dream is that...?)

A thought goes through my head as I remember seeing a person save me from falling, struggling to pull me back up.

Samuel: (Who was that person even...?)

Looking at the time, I could see it was eight o'clock while I sighed to myself.

Samuel: (As much as I want to sleep... I don't want to stay in bed all day...) *yawns*

Looking over to my side, I could see that another person was in my bed. But not just any person in my bed, it was my roommate, who was also a female. When I slowly begin to wake up, my mind begins to click on what was going on as I blushed hard. I stood up on MY bed and began to yell.

Samuel: WHY THE HELL ARE YOU IN MY BED, KATY?! YOU HAVE YOUR OWN!!

My voice freaked out my roommate as she rolled out of bed in fright. Katy began to sit up with her hair being a mess. Katy had pink hair and white skin as she had purple eyes. Looking at her chest, Katy was about a size C.

Katy: Oooooow... Don't you know it's rude to yell at someone in their sleep...~?

Samuel: Not when it's their roommate of the opposite gender!! Honestly Katy...

Katy began to giggle as she stuck her tongue out playfully at me. As for introductions... This was Katy... My roommate that I was unfortunate enough to be paired with by accident... For over a year now, I have had to sometimes wake up in my bed with her next to me... Worst part about that was-

Samuel: And why the hell are you only in your shirt and panties again?! We talked about this for the 50th time!!

Katy: I'm a very warm person... I get hot easily sometimes...

I try to keep myself calm while looking at Katy to keep my composure about this.

Samuel: That doesn't mean sleeping in my bed Katy... If anything, it's just weird because we're of the opposite sex to each other...

Katy tilted her head as she put a finger to her lips.

Katy: That shouldn't mean people can't sleep in the same bed though...

Samuel: Katy... It's weird for me... Please understand that...

Katy stuck her tongue out playfully and held up a peace sign, only angering me because of it.

Samuel: You doing that just means you like to annoy me this way!!

Katy: Because you're funny when you react like this~ *giggles*

Samuel: Ugh... One of these days... One of these days Katy...

Katy giggles as she stands up to stretch. Her shirt is pulled up to where it shows her stomach and makes me look the other way to not see anything indecent.

Katy: I'm gonna get a shower~

Samuel: Y-Yeah... Sure, Katy...

Katy got a towel to head for the door of our dorm room. Once she left, I sighed and sat on my bed again.

Samuel: (Honestly... That damn woman... Of all people to be assigned a room... I get someone like her...? Ugh...)

Looking at the time, it was currently 7:15 A.M. and I had classes for the day. I sighed as I stretched out to get myself ready for the day.

Samuel: Okay... Let's get this day over with...

Once I got my clothes on for the day, I got something quick to eat and grabbed whatever I needed to have for my classes for the day. I left a note for Katy next to a plate of food for her to have before she decided to go to her classes for the day. I had brushed my hair to look presentable as I had a black shirt with a grey jacket, I had a pair of jeans on with some boots as I prepared for the long day once more.

Location: University Square

Time: Afternoon

I sighed as I was currently done with classes for the day.

Samuel: I swear... It doesn't get easier each day...

???: Dude... I feel ya on that.

???: It's hardly easy since it's college... But at least we have our down times to cool off.

I currently drank from my soda after hooking up with some friends of mine to relax after class. Alex was on my left as he had on a black jacket and a pair of shorts and sandals on. Underneath Alex's jacket was a blue tank-top that he liked to wear most of the time. Alex was black skinned as he had dreadlocks as it was his favorite hairstyle from Predator. Alex is currently 18-years-old. Alex was the laid back kind of guy who could never see studying eye to eye with life. For eye color though, it was that of a yellow color.

Alex: Wish those teachers would cut us some damn slack already... We have enough problems with our own life as we have to focus on this crap...

Our friend sitting to my right, sighs as she pushes her glasses up to look at Alex. Her name was Scarlett. Mostly named for that due to her hair color being just that. Scarlett's hair was in a ponytail as she had on a purple t-shirt and some shorts that went down to her knees with her eyes that matched her hair. Scarlett's chest size would be A due to her chest being flat. For footwear, Scarlett had on some sneakers as she was a runner for the school track team. Scarlett was currently 19-years-old, but just under my age by a few months.

Scarlett: Alex... If you thought high school was hard, why even go to college then...? College is meant for those who strive for success in life and while also finding what to do with their life. Sure some people are content with just flipping burgers, but not me.

Alex: Yeah. Because you could never get used to being in one place for too long.

Alex began to chuckle as Scarlett gained a tick mark on her head.

Scarlett: I can't help it if I get restless in one spot. Unlike you, I can't just sleep whenever and wherever I want.

Alex gave a smirk and pointed with both fingers towards Scarlett.

Alex: Ha! Admit it. You're jealous~

Scarlett gave a look at Alex based on what he said and shook her head.

Scarlett: Jealous isn't what I'm feeling. It's annoying.

Alex: I smell jealousy~

Scarlett: Grrr. And I smell unbearable pain...

I looked at both Alex and Scarlett based on them arguing and rubbed my eyes in annoyance.

Samuel: Both of you are so annoying... Honestly...

Alex looked at Samuel as he got in his face.

Alex: If you're annoyed with us, why are you even still here??

Samuel: Because you're the only people I'm used to hanging out with.

Alex: Why does that not surprise me and yet annoy me...?

Samuel: It shouldn't.

Alex groaned as he slammed his head against the table.

Scarlett: Speaking being around people... How's Katy been?

I sighed at having to be reminded of a memory I wanted to forget mostly about.

Samuel: Woke up once again in my bed with Katy only being in her shirt and panties...

Scarlett: Again??

Alex began to laugh as he began to slam the table with his hand.

Alex: Talk about your Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo reference! Too many times something like that has happened in that anime!! BWA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I looked at Alex and chopped him in the head with a book. Groups were looking at us as they were wondering what was going on.

Samuel: Urasai. Damare. Hitobito wa mite imasu Japanese Translation: You are loud. Shut up. People are watching.

Alex stood up and looked at me, to which I had a normal look on my face. Not showing any sign of annoyance.

Alex: If you are going to say something and do that, why are you not showing how serious you are?! And stop showing off your Japanese and say it in English! You're an American!!

Samuel: Because your stupidity is common to deal with and also, never.

Alex: WHAT?!

Scarlett: At least he can stomach your outbursts.

Alex sat back down in defeat as he took his burger and bit into it.

Alex: How come a barely dressed girl can have more of an effect on him more than his friends?? It's nuts... Tellin' ya, that ain't normal dude...

Scarlett looked at Alex based on that claim he made and glared at him.

Scarlett: And what does that make me?

Alex: Not a girl with your qualities.

A loud kick could be heard under the table as Scarlett had kicked Alex in the leg. Alex fell off his seat and began holding his leg in pain.

Scarlett: WHAT THE HELL!? Just because I run track doesn't mean I'm not a girl!!

Alex: OOOOWWWW!! What kind of legs do you have, lady?!

Scarlett: Hmph. That'll teach you not to mess with me.

Scarlett grabs her drink to calm her nerves by drinking it. I looked at both of my friends and sighed by how loud they were being.

Samuel: (*sighs* Why do I have to have noisy friends like these two...? Why can't I meet someone who isn't loud and just calm like me...? Well... I do tend to get angry... But mostly reserved about my emotions...)

There was a reason why I was so reserved. But even my friends know why. Only the friends I'm really close with that is. When I was young, I didn't have the best childhood... It was good at one time, but not until after a specific event. Before I could think about anything further, I heard the sound of a couple phone alarms going off as Alex and Scarlett both reached their phones.

Alex: Heh. Mines ready.

Scarlett: So is mine~

I looked at my friends and tilted my head at being curious about what they were talking about.

Samuel: I don't understand... What's ready?

I looked to see on Scarlett's phone to see that she had gotten some cards from the Fate series. A show of magicians who summon Servants to fight for the Holy Grail War. When looking at Alex's, he seems to have gotten JoJo's Bizarre Adventure cards. Where most of the series is people using the power of spirit-like beings called Stands. Others in the series would be Hamon Users, being able to use life energy as a means for attacks by how they breathe.

Samuel: What is this?

Alex and Scarlett looked at me as if I was crazy in not hearing about it with shocked expressions on their faces.

Alex: Wait. You never heard of this game? DO you LIVE under a ROCK?!

Scarlett: How did you not?? It's been advertised almost everywhere. It's been out over three years in fact.

I tilted my head as I wasn't even understanding them. Alex was quickly getting his phone ready as he showed me a video. It was a promotional video of the game my friends were playing as it showed players facing off in games with characters they could use. An announcer explained about the characters that span from multiple series of almost any anime possible. The game was called: Duel Summoners. The whole system was like a card gotcha game where you are able to draw cards. To keep it balanced, depending on the currency, a player could only buy so many cards until the price was up too high, or didn't have enough to spend.

Samuel: Duel... Summoners...?

Alex: Yeah! I picked this up a few months ago and have been keeping track of whenever I could get more chances to get more cards!

Scarlett: Even though I don't mainly play as much, it's something to help pass the time and think besides college sometimes.

I looked at both Alex and Scarlett, curious about this whole game as both of them seemed to be enjoying the game a lot.

Alex: We're telling you man. This game is the hypest shit.

I listened to Alex based on his word of how he thought of the game as Scarlett placed a hand on my shoulder.

Scarlett: If anything Sam, Alex would just take advantage of your profile and just benefit by getting double the cards he can get per day.

Alex gasped as he held a hand over his heart, looking at Scarlett at her accusation.

Alex: I am OFFENDED that you would- No actually, I would do it. I'm technically a card claimer at heart now. Call it my addiction if you will.

Samuel: Therapist is needed... Scarlett?

Scarlett holds up a hand to stop anything before it happens.

Scarlett: If there is anything I won't do, it is to psychoanalyze Alex.

Alex slammed his head on the table.

Alex: How come when I get attacked by both of you, Sam doesn't show how annoyed he actually feels?!

Scarlett: Sam just has more control. Unlike you Alex, who is too energetic for anything.

Alex groaned at having to hear everything as he looked at his phone and sighed.

Alex: Damn... As much as I want to keep hanging around with you guys, I have classes I need to get going... Man...

Scarlett: Later Alex.

Samuel: See ya later, Alex.

Alex gave a wave before grabbing his back and beginning to head for his next class. An alarm went off on Scarlett's phone that signaled her it was time for track.

Scarlett: And like Alex, I have to disappear like he did.

I looked at Scarlett and nodded my head.

Samuel: Okay. I'll just stay here a little longer. I still have food to eat.

Scarlett: Okay.

Scarlett grabbed her stuff and her carrier bag. Scarlett gave a smile to me as she gave a soft wave before jogging off to get some warm-up on the way. Seeing I was by myself now, I was free to think for myself due to being alone.

Samuel: (*sighs* Once again... I have nothing better to do than just sit here and do nothing...)

Looking at the time, I decided to take what food I had left and put it in a bag to carry.

Samuel: (Guess I'll just head back to my dorm...)

I head back to my dorm for the day as I wasn't comfortable being by myself in public.

Location: University Dorms.

Time: Evening.

After some time passed, the sun was setting as I was busy trying to focus on some of my assignments given to me by my professors. I yawned softly as I felt like I was almost dying of boredom. Well, I would be if I wasn't having to hear the biggest ruckus of my life...

Katy (Other room): And I was like, "That is the cutest thing alive!"

Katy's friend 1 (Other room): Really?? Can we see??

As I heard that, I sighed to myself and placed my hands over my ears as Katy's friends were screaming in joy.

Katy's friend 2 (Other room): Oh my goodness! That is the cutest thing ever!

Katy (Other room): I know!!

I groaned to myself as I was having a hard time trying to stomach all this noise. Hating it no matter how many times this happens to me...

Samuel: (Ugh... Again with one of Katy's get-together sleepovers... Don't people know that some are trying to study...? It's a wonder how I even suppress all of this...)

I thought for a moment and then shook my head as I refocused on my assignments.

Samuel: (Actually... I don't want to. Nothing comes good about thinking about the past...)

When I was about to begin writing, I heard a cell phone ringing and then a loud screech. The loud screech made me cover my ears as it was too loud. It was Katy as she seemed to be too happy about something along with her friends.

Katy (Outside room): IT'S HIM!! AHHHHH!

Katy's friend 1 (Outside room): Answer it!

Katy's friend 2 (Outside room): Hurry before it goes to voicemail!

I growled as I got up from my chair and went to my door and opened it. I could see Katy talking onto the phone as her friends were hugging each other tightly with what was happening. Katy was wearing pink pajamas as I stood at the doorway at having to hear all this noise. I glared slightly as I walked over to where Katy was and snatched the cell phone from her hand. I put it to my ear and heard whoever was talking to Katy on it.

???: -and then I made the highest riff on my guitar. It was sweet.

Samuel: So sorry to cut your "talk" short, but Katy needs to be going now.

???: W-Wait, huh?? Who the hell are-

Samuel: Her roommate. To which you caused me to take her phone away for the night.

Katy was shocked to hear this and got up from the floor.

Katy: HEY! You can't do that!!

Samuel: Goodbye.

Pressing a button on the touch screen, I ended the call and put it into my pocket. Katy was shocked from doing what I did and became angry at me.

Katy: Why did you do that?!

I kept myself from trying to raise my voice to be the better man in this.

Samuel: I told you why before when you planned for your stupid sleepover. Your sleep overs have been getting us in trouble with the other people LIVING near our room. How do you think I feel when I, your ROOMMATE, have to hear it directly from the other room??

Katy: It would have been quick!

Samuel: Katy! The last time I let that happen, we had a bunch of complaints with you making too much noise! It almost sounds like you're being murdered when you scream like that.

Katy: I'm not THAT loud!

I raised my arms and hands into the air and looked at Katy, beginning to emphasize my words to her.

Samuel: I HEARD you SCREAM from the other room, Katy! My room is RIGHT through there!

I point to my room that I stay in as I continue to look at Katy.

Samuel: If I can hear you, so can other people either above, below or through our stupid walls! This has GOT to stop Katy, honestly!

Katy: You're just jealous that you don't have any friends to have sleepovers with!!

I grit my teeth and looked at Katy, almost losing it when talking with her about this mess.

Samuel: At least I don't scream like banshees over a STUPID MAN!!

Katy stepped back and looked at me in shock that I said that as Katy's friends got in my face.

Katy's friend 1: Hey! Take that back you jerk!

Katy's friend 2: Who do you think you are talking to us like that?!

I glared at the two girls as I was losing my patience with all of them.

Samuel: The man who shares this dorm with Katy. This may be her "party", but I have the right to call it off!

Katy became shocked with me saying that as she stepped in the way.

Katy: You can't do that!

Samuel: I can, and I WILL if we get ONE more noise complaint Katy. This may not be important to you, but don't drag me down to where I lose MY rights with this dorm room too! Just- You know what??

Being fed up and not even caring about Katy's actions, I took her phone out and tossed it at a pillow nearby. I was close to losing it as I was getting angry at Katy.

Samuel: Take your stupid phone. I'm done with this! This ISN'T what FRIENDS do when living in the same dorm Katy!!

I walked back to my room with a slam of my door shut, locking it so that they couldn't follow me in if they even wanted too. I took my headphones and put them on to listen to some music. Music has always been a way to help me cope out my problems to keep me from losing my temper. I couldn't focus on any of my assignments for the night as I was too busy calming myself first.

Later...

Time: Night.

It was getting close to being 10 at night as I had calmed down a while ago. The weather outside was storming out there as rain was coming down hard, hitting against the window with how bad it was. I was currently trying to work on my next assignment as something had occurred to me. It was quiet. Somehow very silent from what I usually hear as it wasn't like Katy to be quiet at all.

Samuel: (First she's loud and now the whole party is silent as hell...? What's going on here...?)

I got up and walked to my door, but before I touched the doorknob, I saw something on my floor.

Samuel: Hmm? What's-

I knelt down to reach what I saw. It was a piece of paper that was addressed to me with some glitter on it. When opening it, I could see that it was a letter that had eraser marks in trying to find the right words to everything on it.

Letter: "Dear, Sam... I don't know what to say on this, but I'm trying... I... I'm sorry... I remember our "deal" about the party and... I got too excited... You had every right to be angry because of what happened... I got careless and... I'm sorry... From, Katy. P.S. I sent my friends home early, so that you can focus on studying and avoid getting us in trouble again..."

Looking at the letter, I felt sad for Katy because I basically had ruined her time in having fun with friends for my own expense.

Samuel: (Why do I have to feel bad for causing her to send her friends away...? I'm the one who was annoyed...)

I looked down at the note and just sighed. I folded the note back up and then just put it on my desk.

Samuel: (Maybe Katy really is sorry for once... Should I apologize for yelling at her...? I... I don't know...)

Not knowing what to do, I looked at my phone and remembered the game my friends have been playing earlier today and decided to look it up. It had the title of Duel Summoners on the game as it showed a mysterious symbol of some sort of spell circle. Other symbols contained being trademark signs of certain anime shows I have heard of or seen before. Some spots seemed to be blocked as question marks were filled on them.

Samuel: (There's so many... But some seem to be locked away... Maybe until further updates...?)

I thought about the game for a moment. Thinking back on my life, I didn't have the best of memories as I would just do what I could to live. Looking at the game, I hit the download button and began to wait for the game to finish downloading. Once it was, I was given a cinematic cutscene of the game. Showing me a tutorial of how to play the game and what collection I wanted to focus on. There were some that were unlocked as it showed some series like Hyperdimension Neptunia, JoJo's Bizarre Adventures, Kingdom Hearts and the Fate series.

Samuel: (If I understand this... I could collect any series I want and be able to get them. But trying to hit multiple cards from different series all at once will be tough... Maybe... I should focus on one series first...)

Looking at the available collections, I decided to focus more on the Hyperdimension Neptunia cards. From joining the game, I am given different options of what to do with my time on this game as it could be battling others in games or collecting cards peacefully in trades or claiming them when I can get the chance. For my first time claiming, I decided to do a claim of 5 as I got random cards given to me. Revealing the cards, one caught my attention as it showed me a character card that was Blanc. In the series, she would be the ruler of Lowee in Hyperdimension Neptunia.

Samuel: (Huh... Neat...)

I claimed a few more times on the game. Though, a weird card with only a question mark appeared in one of my claims. I looked at the cards in my phone, but some caught my eye in interest, but some didn't. The whole time I played, I had lost my sense of time and looked to see it was 11:30 P.M. at night.

Samuel: (When did it get to be so late...? Hmm... I should try and set my alarm soon...)

Deciding to play a little longer, I decided to test the battle system on my phone as it brought up a mock battle between a dummy opponent and myself choosing Blanc as my fighter. Unknown to me, the storm had picked up as it was worse than before. Lightning was happening more often as thunder would sound off after the lightning appeared. Considering how the game was played, it was fairly simple. I was able to win against the practice opponent and seemed to be enjoying myself. Something I haven't been able to do honestly. I was about to keep playing the game, when all of a sudden the power went out.

Samuel: Huh?? What happened to the power??

When I got up from the bed, I saw a bright light flash outside my window and I went to go see what it was. When looking out, I could almost see a weird wave racing across the sky. When seeing this, I went wide eyed in shock as the wave wasn't just in the sky, but able to reach the ground. When looking right at the wave, it gets closer to my window as I quickly backed away from it. What I expected the glass to break, the wave passed through the walls and impacted against my body. The force of the hit sent me flying as I hit the door with my back and heard the thunderous clap from the light I saw earlier. When my body fell, I felt a strange nauseating headache as I couldn't get up from the floor. The pain being too much for me as I passed out right then and there.

Date: April 5, 20XX

Time: Morning.

Samuel: Angh... Oh... My head... Huh...?

When waking up, I found myself on the floor. I couldn't remember how I got there in the first place.

Samuel: (How did I wind up here...? I was sure I was in my bed last night...)

I tried to remember what could have happened, but my eyes looked to see what time it was. It was currently 7:45 A.M.

Samuel: *sighs* I'm gonna be late for class...

Getting some clothes on, I went into the kitchen and took a microwavable burrito and began heating it up. While it was heating up. I looked at Katy's door to her bedroom. I remembered the note from last night as it made me think about her.

Samuel: (Sh-Should I apologize...? Katy didn't even try sleeping in my bed again last night... Normally she would do that if something scared her or if she just wanted to have fun... But did I hurt her feelings...?)

I went to the door and looked at it and was about to knock on it. But with how much time I have, I decided that it would be best for later.

Samuel: (I'll... I'll apologize later... I don't know how girls usually act when emotional...)

Once getting everything ready, I grabbed my burrito last and began heading to my class for the day.

Location: Mathematics Class.

Making it to class, I can see that it had already started as the Professor was busy doing their job to teach their class. In an attempt to quietly sneak into the classroom, I closed the door softly and hid behind my classmates.

Professor: And as we go further into this subject, these two equations should work like so.

I was able to reach my seat after carefully keeping a low profile. When pulling my chair out though...

Professor: Before we continue with today's class, thank you for gracing us with your presence, Mr. Price.

I froze on the spot as the Professor had his back to me.

Professor: You're not my first student to try and sneak into class AFTER attendance was called.

I held my breath at being caught as my Professor looked at me. The Professor of my class taught Mathematics

Samuel: Um... Good morning Sir...

Professor: Take your seat. I don't want any other distractions. PLEASE.

I nod my head and I hurry to take my seat to catch up on what I needed to know. Once I was ready, I began on doing what I can to take notes for the day. During the time, thirty minutes went by so far.

Professor: So, who here knows how to solve this equation?

I looked up to see what the Professor was talking about and kept writing what notes I needed for the day. Though, something kept me more focused on something else other than my class... There was a strange mark on the back of my left hand.

Samuel: (What the hell is this thing...? It's like I got a tattoo, but I don't remember getting one...)

When looking at it more, I felt an itch that was somewhat at the back of my head just from seeing this thing.

Samuel: (But... Why does this look so familiar...?)

When touching the rings of the mark, I began feeling a pulsating headache. A headache I never experienced before as I felt like it was splitting my head in two. I groaned in pain lightly as I tried to keep myself from drawing attention to myself. But as the seconds kept going by, the pressure was getting more intense. When I couldn't try to keep my pain in, people began to notice something wasn't right.

Classmate 1: *whispers* Hey. You okay...?

Samuel: *whispers, in pain* D-Don't worry about me... I'm okay...

Classmate 2: *whispers* You sure...? You really don't look so good right now...

Samuel: *whispers, in pain* I'm fine...

I tried to keep myself focused in class as I tried to fight against my headache. No matter what I could try and do, I could barely focus as I was sweating from the terrible pain in my head. I decided to put my head down for a moment to see if I could close my eyes for a moment, but I heard a hand slamming on the table in front of me.

Professor: Mr. PRICE. This is a place for LEARNING, not a place for SLEEPING.

I sat up slowly to look at my Professor as I was really struggling to keep myself controlled of the headache.

Samuel: *in pain* S-Sorry... Sir...

A classmate raised their hand and gained the Professor's attention.

Classmate 1: Sir... He seems to be in pain... Permission to help him to a Doctor on campus??

I looked at my classmate and then at the Professor as he was thinking about it. He sighed in making a decision about my condition.

Professor: It would probably be for the best. Please take Mr. Price and get him to the Clinic. BUT I expect you to return. You have no reason to be excused from class except to assist someone who's in pain.

Getting the confirmation, I was lifted up from my seat as steadily as possible and was being helped out of the room. Before I could reach the door, I passed out on the spot right then and there. The only thing I could see was the rings that I saw on my left hand when closing my eyes.

Location: Clinic.

I began to open my eyes slowly as I felt very groggy. I looked around me to see that I was someplace else as I seemed to be in a clinic on campus. I got off the bed softly and looked around. I could see it was a big room to help accommodate anyone if multiple people had to be treated at once. I placed my right hand to my head as I was slightly dizzy.

Samuel: Ngh... My head...

I began to hear footsteps as a person supervising the room approached me. It was the current Doctor in charge of the room in keeping track of what happens. The Doctor was a female as she had long purple hair and white skin. Her eyes were green as she also had the look of beauty as well. The Doctor's face looked smooth as she had some makeup to enhance her beauty more. The Doctor had on a white doctor's coat that reached to her legs, a blue top that showed the top of her D sized-breasts and a black tight skirt that reached to her knees. For footwear, she had on a pair black heels.

Doctor: Please, don't move so soon. You're still recovering from passing out in your class.

I looked at the doctor that had approached me as I stayed where I was. She was currently holding a clipboard in her hand and examining the pages it held. The Doctor's voice sounded like every man would swoon over her based on how she talked.

Samuel: And why can't I just try to see if I can get up?

Doctor: Because then I wouldn't be doing my job in making sure you don't pass out again.

The Doctor put her hand onto my forehead to see if she could feel a fever, but I kept a straight face when being touched.

Doctor: Hmm... You don't seem to have a fever...

Samuel: Shouldn't a thermometer be a better option to test out with...?

Doctor: It could, but I find this more effective.

I looked at the Doctor and just sighed. The reaction I gave her seemed to surprise her as she looked at me.

Doctor: You're pretty calm for someone who just woke up in the clinic...

Samuel: I'm... Not really much to get surprised often... But, if you're a doctor, aren't you supposed to introduce yourself to let me know who's helping me right now?

The Doctor looked at me and became shocked that she hadn't introduced herself.

Doctor: Ah, right. I had forgotten to address myself. My name is Dr. Selena, a Primary Care Doctor.

I nod my head while I still gave a straight face.

Samuel: Am I allowed to leave now...?

Dr. Selena: No. Not until I make sure you're completely okay. Now, just stay right there. I'll be right back. I need to go check on a few things before we can begin.

Dr. Selena began to head to the next room to prepare what she wanted me to partake. I sighed as I was potentially stuck in this place with hardly anything to do. All but except one thing.

Samuel: *sighs* Okay... Let's check the game again...

When getting my phone, I reached for where it could be. But reaching for it, I found it wasn't in my coat pocket.

Samuel: (Huh...? I know I put my phone in my pocket... Where did it-)

I heard my phone ring as it was on a table just a little ways from where I was.

Samuel: (How did it get over there??)

I got up and went over to where my phone was and looked to see who it was. It was Alex as he was calling me. I answered the phone to talk to Alex.

Samuel: Hello Alex.

Alex (Cellphone): Yo, dude. WHERE are you? You didn't show up to class.

Samuel: Well I don't know if you know this, but I had a little incident earlier today and now I'm in the clinic.

I heard Alex freaking out slightly as he yelled into the phone.

Alex (Cellphone): You WHAT?! More importantly, WHY are you not freaking out like I am?!

Samuel: Because I have no reason to. I have a capable doctor to help me out in preparing to see what happened.

Alex (Cellphone): May I ask WHO is treating you??

Samuel: Some doctor named Selena.

It was quiet for a moment as I looked at my phone at how quiet it was. I blinked softly a couple of times before speaking into it again.

Samuel: Alex? Did you-

Alex (Cellphone): It is almost noon and you are in HER care?! HOW are you THIS lucky?!

Samuel: Do you know this doctor?

Alex (Cellphone): Only the hottest doctor to see on campus if lucky enough!! More importantly why the hell do you keep having good things happen to you?!

I blinked a few times before speaking into my phone to reply.

Samuel: Passing out with a head-splitting headache and waking up in a clinic doesn't make me lucky...

Alex was about to say something next when I heard the sound of him getting beat up on the other end of the line. Who begins to talk next is Scarlett to take over the conversation.

Scarlett (Cellphone): Are you really okay Sam??

Samuel: Oh, hey Scarlett. Yeah. I'm doing fine.

Scarlett (Cellphone): You passed out in the middle of your class... Wind up in a clinic for people who don't feel well... And you're doing fine...?

Samuel: Yes.

I heard nothing on the other end of the phone as it was just a sigh as I pictured Scarlett rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Scarlett (Cellphone): Not freaking out... Same expression to answer our questions... Yeah. Nothing's wrong with you. Oh well. Just let the doctor do what she needs to do and we'll meet up later. Hopefully Alex can act more APPROPRIATE for when we see you after you meet up with us. Just keep playing the game we told you about until then.

Samuel: Okay. I'll talk to you guys later.

Scarlett (Cellphone): You too Sam. Now... As for you Alex...

Alex (Cellphone): Nonono! Wait!!

I heard the sound of a thwack being heard over the phone before it ended as it meant Scarlett was teaching him a lesson like usual. When heading back to the bed I woke up on, I opened the app as once it finished opening up, there was nothing but static on the screen.

Samuel: Hmm?

I tapped the screen a few times and did nothing as I tapped it a few more times.

Samuel: What's wrong with this thing...? It was working well last night... What happened to- Ahh...!

I soon began feeling a burning sensation on the back of my hand as I looked at it. On the back of my left hand was the same marks I had when noticing it during my class. It was glowing slightly as I had it near my phone, but glowed more when getting closer to it.

Samuel: (This... Is different...)

When I put my left hand nearer to the screen of the phone, it grew brighter until a light began shining as the static began to clear away for good. Once I was able to access the game again, I began looking to where my cards were and could see that my cards I claimed last night hadn't been deleted or were lost. I looked at the Blanc card I had and was glad it didn't disappear at least.

Samuel: Okay... That was weird... At least my game isn't-

???: Ngh... My head... Could you keep it down...?

I blinked for a moment at having been cut off as I looked around in the room. Trying to find the source of the voice. The voice belonging to that of a girl, but not that of Selena.

Samuel: Hello? Is someone here?

???: Uh, yeah. I am. Please be quiet...

I tried looking around more and thought I would check to see around both under the bed, a curtain and anywhere possible. To my luck, there was no one to be seen. Something I found to be weird.

Samuel: Um... Where are you...? I'm... honestly clueless as to where you're at...

???: Ugh... What do you mean??

Samuel: Um... I don't honestly know if I'm just imagining things... Or not...

I heard the voice again as they seemed to be getting annoyed more.

???: Jeez... Can't you use your eyes?? I'm right next to you...and...upside-down...? What...?

I looked to my left and right and was super confused with trying to look for the source of the voice.

Samuel: But... Where though...? I honestly don't see you.

???: Well, I can at least. Though... Why does everything seem bigger...? Like I'm smaller or something?

Samuel: "Smaller...?" What do you mean...? I'm getting really confused...

I tried to think as I raised my right hand that held the phone in making some sort of gesture of trying to figure out what was going on.

???: Well, I don't know... But at least I can see your face now at least.

I thought about what I had just heard. I wondered how the person could see me right now.

???: If you're still clueless, try looking to your right.

I blinked a few times before looking to my right. I looked at the card I still had up when having the game open. Though, the character card of Blanc seemed different as she seems to be standing in a different way. More like... She was looking directly at the screen. I got a closer look at my phone, poked at the screen a couple of times and got a reaction when it happened.

Blanc (Inside phone): Excuse me... Could you not poke me like that...

I went wide eyed as I let go of the phone quickly and let it fall to the bed face first.

Blanc (Inside Phone): H-Hey!

I was surprised by how the card has been talking to me this whole time as it had talked to me the entire time.

Samuel: Kādo wa...Hanashite iru...? Nanto dono yō ni...? Translation: The card...is talking...? What and how...?

I looked at my phone again and heard Blanc speaking again.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Hello? Are you still there??

Deciding to pick the phone back up, I turned it over and had the screen facing me. Blanc was still there as she was looking around.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Strange... No matter how much I look, I can't seem to see anywhere else that I want to see. All I can see is what's in front of me through this window in front of me...

Samuel: Um... Well... I don't know how to explain it...

Blanc (Inside Phone): What do you mean?

In having to give real evidence, I found a mirror nearby and held my phone up to it to show a reflection.

Samuel: You're... Kinda in my phone...

Blanc looked at the mirror and pressed her hands against the screen of my phone. She blinked a couple of times before looking at the character card name and read it to herself.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Could I see you face to face again...?

Lowering the mirror, I turned my phone back towards me as Blanc had a composed look.

Samuel: Yes, Blanc...?

When looking at her again, she took a deep breath and became angry as she began pounding her hands against the screen. Even doing her signature look when she gets really angry.

https://youtu.be/pMZvI_RzfzM

Blanc (Inside Phone): WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!? WHO'S THE JACKASS THAT PUT ME IN HERE!? LET ME OUT OF THIS DAMN THING, RIGHT NOOOOOOOOOOW!!!

I began to sweat as I tried to talk to talk with Blanc. Crazy as it occurred that I was still doing it in the first place. Like it was just normal.

Samuel: B-Blanc... Please, calm down...

Blanc (Inside Phone): Don't tell me to calm down!! I have the RIGHT to be angry right now!! How would YOU feel if you were the one trapped in here?!

Samuel: Yelling and trying to break something isn't going to work... At least...for you...?

Blanc (Inside Phone): It's worked for me before!! It will work again!! You just watch!!

I began to sweat more at how unreasonable Blanc was being, given I know her history to lose her cool at times...

Samuel: Blanc... I'm confused like you are... But if we are going to figure this out, we need to help each other... Not just helping solve one problem...

Hearing my voice in finding reason, Blanc calmed down slowly and took some deep breaths.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Fine. Fine. Okay. Being rational about this is more important than just losing it is a better option... Even IF I wanted to find a way out of here at this very second... Where should we start?

For a few minutes, I began to "talk" with Blanc as I still had trouble coming to terms with that logic. We talked about recent events as I talked about the game of Duel Summoner and the reason why she was a Character Card for the game. Including who I was in a retrospect of trying to answer any questions Blanc had. In order to figure out what was going on, trust and cooperation was needed for this endeavor.

https://youtu.be/E3bOruXptlg

Blanc (Inside Phone): So... I'm in a... "Phone Game?" A game called "Duel Summoners?"

Samuel: Yes. That's what I said. As for how... THIS happened... I have no logical idea of what happened at this moment...

Blanc (Inside Phone): If you don't know, then this is going to be troubling in solving this dilemma... Jeez...

Samuel: Agree... To be honest... It's weird to even be talking to a video game/anime girl from a series I know... And stuff like this never happens in the real world...

Blanc nods her head as it did seem to weird me out from what she could understand.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Yes. It is quite strange... What's more... I don't have a clue how I got placed into here in the first place... All I remember is being in my Basilicom at Gamindustri...

Samuel: Nothing about how you became trapped? Or anything like that??

Blanc shook her head to indicate that her answer was no.

Blanc (Inside Phone): No... For whatever reason why, I can't remember... I try to remember, but the mere thought causes my head to feel like it's splitting open.

Samuel: "Splitting open??" Interesting... Not long ago, I passed out and wound up in the clinic of the campus I go to. Reason why is because I passed out from a head-splitting headache. Normally I don't just get them spontaneously and feel a wave of unprecedented pain.

Blanc looked at me with a tilt of her head at hearing that from me.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Really? What caused it??

I then lifted my left hand to show Blanc the marks on the back of my hand.

Samuel: These marks appeared after I noticed them in my class. I don't know when they appeared, but I know I didn't have them until today. This was the cause of my headache when I tried to touch it.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Could someone have put them on you in your sleep?

I shook my head to answer no to her question.

Samuel: Not possible. The door was blocked with my body. I woke up today on the floor instead of my bed. No one could've- Wait...

Blanc looked at me in curiosity of what I was thinking.

Samuel: I woke up from on the floor... I felt dizzy when I woke up. As if I had a headache last night also.

Blanc (Inside Phone): What do you mean?

I began to try and think hard of what I was doing last night before waking up as I remembered what happened.

Samuel: There... There was a storm last night... At least, it WAS a normal storm. But then, I saw a big flash of light. I went to my window...and there was this "wave". A wave that didn't look normal... I wasn't even on my bed when I experienced it. That LIGHT, must be why this mark appeared. And I think it affected the game that I have on my phone too...

Blanc (Inside Phone): In what way? What happened?

Samuel: The game was just showing static. Not showing anything at all. When I brought my left hand closer to it, the markings glowed. Glowing until the static went away and let me gain access. That when I began hearing you.

Blanc took in my words and nodded her head at my claims.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Hmm... Crazy that it all seems... It all does seem to connect together once we put the pieces in the right place. I felt like I was in a state of floating through nothing, not until I began to talk to you. If that's the case, the game could have been changed in more ways than what we know right now, considering that we're only talking right now...

Samuel: That's what I believe too. Maybe I should check in with my friends. They have the game too and-

Before I could speak any further, my message notifications went off as a caller ID was hidden. It caught my attention as I looked to see what the message said. Surprising me slightly based on what was written. Blanc could see my shocked expression and wondered what was happening.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Sam? What's wrong??

Looking at the message, it read "You are in danger. Get out now." I could feel my heart slightly begin to race as I never got a message like this before.

Samuel: We shouldn't discuss right now... Receiving omens like this are never good...

Blanc was about to say something when I heard the door opening up as I turned the volume on my phone down to zero. I quickly put my phone in my jacket to hide my phone and hide my hand in my pockets. Selena stepped out of the room she was in, sighing while rubbing the back of her neck and looked at me.

Dr. Selena: Sorry that took so long, but now we can get started on seeing what's wrong with you.

I looked at the doctor and shook my head.

Samuel: I'm feeling better now. I don't think an examination would be needed, Dr. Selena.

The doctor tilted her head as she approached where I was and sat down.

Dr. Selena: I promise it will be quite quick.

Once again, I shook my head to tell her no as I didn't want to stay here any longer. If I was in danger, I could be placing Dr. Selena in danger also.

Samuel: I'm sure I am feeling better. Everything is fine and I don't need an examination. If you will excuse me...

I began to sweat as I got up and began to head for the door of the clinic. The doctor watched my movements as I kept my hands in my pockets. When I made it halfway through, I felt myself being pulled back and felt myself shiver. I shivered as I was feeling a tongue licking my cheek as I looked to see that it was Dr. Selena who was doing it. I could then hear her whispering into my ear as it caused me to be more cautious than the last.

Dr. Selena?: *whispering* You know, there are many ways a person can tell if one is lying. This distinct taste is that of someone who's lying.

I broke free from Dr. Selena's grasp as I moved away from her quickly. Looking at her as I was weirded out by what she did.

Samuel: Okay, doc... What the hell was that about...?

I began to hear a chuckle as I began to see two of Dr. Selena!

Samuel: Wh-What??

Dr. Selena: Heh. Surprised? Well, guess it should be the same. Although, this was a perfect test to see if you were... "Different."

Samuel: What does that supposed to mean...? Why are there two of you...?

Dr. Selena snapped her fingers as the one closest to me reached over to her left shoulder and pulled it off. What I saw before me was a character from Blanc's world in Hyper dimension. The character I see is Underling, a green-haired female who always has her hood up that looks like that of a mouse. She had purplish skin as Underling would have her stomach showing most of the time. She wore a choker, black gloves, grey pants and a pair of boots. Underling was holding onto an iron pipe in her hand as she smirked. Weirdest part was, I could see a character card above her head in a holographic form.

Underling: Hello~

Samuel: Wh-What?!

Underling slung her pipe over her head as I was flabbergasted by what I was seeing. I heard chuckling as I looked over to where the real doctor was.

Dr. Selena: Underling, her passive ability is being able to disguise herself to being anyone and tricking them. Though, I'm surprised that she wasn't enough to keep you here. Oh well.

I looked in shock as I tried to take a step back, but I saw Underling slam her iron pipe on the ground with a loud hit.

Underling: I wouldn't move if I were you. The Doc isn't finished with you yet.

Dr. Selena: Unfortunately, she is right. I can't have you leave quite yet. There is a matter of... "Tests" I need to do on you.

Samuel: And what do they entail of?

Dr. Selena: *chuckles* Well, you could cooperate and do what I say... Or I do my tests with your dead body.

I made a hitch in my breathing as I didn't expect to hear such a thing.

Samuel: What the hell?? What kind of doctor gets paid to kill people like this??

Dr. Selena: Hmm... The good kind that is enough to cooperate with anyone under the right price. You see, there are things that people don't need to know about and needing to keep things nice and quiet. But continue like this, and I'll be forced to take a life rather than saving it.

Dr. Selena began to approach me as I was frozen in being scared. Scared for the first time in my life after THAT time...

Dr. Selena: Now, just stay there, and I'll do my tests in peace~

Before Selena, as I had lost any respect to call her a doctor, could get any closer, I heard the sound of an object bouncing into the room. When looking down, it was a weird object as it then exploded. Creating smoke as it made it hard to breathe while hard to see anything also.

???: Hurry and get out of there while you have the chance! I'm not using one of my resources for the hell of it!

https://youtu.be/1y8aFLxDC6g

I heard a voice coming from the doorway out of the room as I didn't dare think twice at the thought. Being in the same room with Selena was meaning death if I stayed there any longer. When getting out of the room, I closed it and found a chair to barge the door with it. I began to see the door handle turn and try to open the door as Selena was not happy at what was happening.

Selena: Open this door!!

Samuel: I would, but you're the reason I'm running away. So sorry.

I began to run away from the area as I didn't want to waste any second in trying to get away. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at it while turning my phone up to talk to Blanc.

Blanc (Inside Phone): What the HELL just happened?!

Samuel: The doctor I was with isn't as "friendly" as my friend told me about, she's nothing but a psycho. Talking weird stuff about being paid to keep quiet and doing things no normal doctor would agree to do. I don't even think that woman is even a doctor to begin with.

Blanc (Inside Phone): This will be awkward for you to explain this to your friend then...

Samuel: You think?? He's the one who was jealous when I was brought in to meet her... On top of that, there was a character from your world that was in there with us.

This surprises Blanc as this concerned her by who I was talking about.

Blanc (Inside Phone): What?! Who?!

While I ran down the hall, I heard the noise of something breaking back down the way I came from. I looked back and could see a person coming around the corner and began catching up to where I was. Looking pissed that she was having to chase me down.

Underling: Get back here! One way or another, you will get what's coming to you!

Samuel: Okay... This day just keeps getting weirder... As I get chased through the halls in this precedent matter...

Blanc (Inside Phone): What's happening?? Who is that??

I lift the phone to have Blanc look over my shoulder and see that it was Underling who was chasing me. Blanc becomes surprised when seeing it was Underling who was chasing me.

Blanc (Inside Phone): WHAT?! How is that low-life, Underling even chasing you?! What the hell is this?!

Samuel: I'm wondering the same thing... But when I was listening, I heard something breaking from where I used to be. Could she have broken the door open from the inside??

Blanc (Inside Phone): Don't be trying to figure that crap out right now! Underling is slowly catching up to you and you have no weapon to fight with! Just keep running!

Nodding my head, I put my phone back in my pocket and zip it up. Making sure it won't fall out of my pocket in my run. I kept running as I turned the corner and could see a couple people down the hall. I couldn't risk their safety if they weren't aware of what was happening. So I began to yell to them.

Samuel: Hey! Listen! There's a crazy lady trying to chase me! Get out of here and- What?!

When getting closer, I was able to glimpse at the two people in the hall as if they seemed like they were talking, but the weirdest thing was... It was as if time had stopped and I was the only one aware of what was going on.

Samuel: (Th-They're frozen...?? Frozen in time...?? H-How? Am I the only one who's even conscious of what's happening??)

I kept running to not slow down while I was being chased. Turning a corner, I saw there was a bathroom as I went to the door and quickly went in. Hurrying to close the door and peek softly from it. I saw Underling rushing by as I heard her being confused.

Underling: What the-?! Where did that guy go?! Ugh! I'll turn this whole building over if I have to find him! Either that, or that crazy lady will end up testing on me again... And I would rather be the first option than that.

I then began to hear Underling running down the hall again as I closed the door softly. I sighed in relief that I was safe for the moment as I looked at Blanc, panting from being able to catch my breath.

Samuel: That... *pants* That was close... *pants*

Blanc (Inside Phone): Yes, indeed. But we have more information to go by now from what we know at least.

Samuel: Mind explaining... *pants* C-Can't talk... *pants* ...Out of breath...

Blanc sighed as she began to explain to me about what she was able to learn.

Blanc (Inside Phone): From what happened, we saw that there's more to what is going on than meets the eye. Underling being out in your world is a clear indication to that.

I looked at Blanc and nodded my head. It did seem weird that a character had a physical presence out in my world when they shouldn't be able to. After catching my breath, I was able to have a proper discussion.

Samuel: Right... What's more... Two people in the halls I ran past were completely standstill. As if time had frozen over everything around everything except us... Making us the only ones able to know what is going on.

Blanc (Inside Phone): But this can't be a normal thing. Time just freezing without a cause is too weird. There has to be a reason behind it. Especially if BOTH of us are able to still be conscious about it.

I thought of the same thing that Blanc did, but my thoughts go back to when I was being chased in the halls by Underling. Something that had caught my attention after getting time to think.

Samuel: Blanc, I don't think this is some sort of coincidence.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Really?

I nod my head at what I believed what I know.

Samuel: When I was being chased, Underling said that the "Doc" still had plans for me. Meaning Underling must have been brought out by that lady.

Blanc (Inside Phone): If that's the case, then there must be a way I can come out too. But to even know that, we don't even know how yet.

Samuel: Kinda wish I knew about something like that by now... Or at least there will be a tutorial about it...

Blanc looked at me and sighed from what I said.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Please don't insinuate anything related to 4th walls... This is weird enough as it is without Neptune saying stuff like that...

I looked at Blanc by what she meant and just kept quiet about it. I sat at the table where the sinks were in the bathroom. For 10 minutes I sat there, as it was hard to go back out and find some place safer than here. Knowing that Underling or maybe something worse would be trying to find me.

Blanc: Like it or not... We have to find some place other than here... It's only a matter of time before we get found out...

Samuel: I know... But it isn't easy when you only have one life and everything.

Blanc (Inside Phone): I get that. But don't forget, I'm here with you. Just think that due to my current situation, you're all that's helping to protect me. Protecting me from something that could be more dangerous than being caught.

Having to hear that coming from Blanc, there's no telling what that woman calling herself Selena would do. If she was able to summon Underling to chase after me, what would happen if Blanc had been captured by Selena? I shook those thoughts away from my head as I had to find my will and get out of the building somehow.

Samuel: Your right. Ngh... I really hope this isn't just some dream I've been having... Or all of this is going to sound crazy to my friends...

Blanc (Inside Phone): And if this is real, this will make quite the story to share with your friends.

Samuel: Right...

I took a deep breath as I got off of the table softly and made my way to the door. I could feel my heart was pounding in my chest as I clenched the phone with my left hand. My breath was shaky as I was honestly afraid.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Don't worry. I'm scared too. You're not alone, okay?

I looked at Blanc when I heard her say that as it was one of the last things I thought I would hear.

Blanc (Inside Phone): You won't be alone when going back out there. I promise.

I took another deep breath as I did everything I could to not freak out in trying to get out of here. I began reaching for the door handle and turning it softly. I opened the door by only a crack to peek through to check if the coast was clear. When not hearing anyone or not seeing anyone go by, I slowly opened the door more and looked to Blanc.

Samuel: I'm gonna put you back in my pocket. That way I don't drop it by accident.

Blanc only nodded her head as to keep talking down to a minimum for now. Once I had it secured in my pocket, I exited the bathroom and closed the door softly. I carefully looked around the corners to look down the halls to check for any danger. When I didn't hear or see anything, I slowly made my way to get myself to go forward. I held my breath softly each time to keep calm about my situation. I thought to myself, that if I were to get caught, Blanc's fate would be something worse than anything could be in store for myself. So I had to do everything I could to avoid being caught at all times. I looked up to see an exit sign as it would help lead me to getting out of here. If I could escape, I would be guaranteed of safety for both Blanc and I.

Samuel: (Even if I do find safety, what am I supposed to do about the Doc... I can't just go to someone and say that I was almost attacked by someone like that... There's hardly anyone that-)

A thought came to me as I stopped in the hall for a moment to think. A thought that came back to me after I remembered what happened. I was afraid in Selena's office, but someone came to my rescue and was able to distract me for that one moment of being scared. Giving me the chance to get out of there.

Samuel: (But if I had escaped from there... Then where did-??)

Before I could think about it more, I heard the feet of someone beginning to run. I turned around and could see that it was Underling!

Underling: Found you ya scum! Now once I catch you, my hide is as good as safe!

Samuel: C-Crap! I've been spotted!

https://youtu.be/FVv87koTqws

I began to run away from where Underling was as I followed the signs to where the exit was supposed to be. When I found it, I tried opening the door as quickly as I could. But I couldn't get it to open as it was locked tight and seemed it could only be unlocked by a key.

Samuel: No! Come on! Open damn it!

I looked behind me to see that Underling was getting closer and closer to where I was without the slightest look of wanting to go easy on me. I thought about my options as I couldn't let myself be caught by any means. I looked at the door once again to examine it as fast as possible. It was a glass door as it looked to be fragile. Glancing behind me, I looked to see that Underling was charging fast towards where I was. I took a deep breath as I backed myself slowly to the door to watch Underling keep charging at me.

Underling: Ha! You're so scared, you're like a mouse cornered to a wall! This will be so easy!

When Underling got to where I had set a mental start point, I quickly changed my stance to then be prepared for when Underling swung down on me with her iron pipe. Once Underling was at the point of no stopping, I charged towards where she was to see her swinging down her weapon. I shifted my weight to catch the iron pipe Underling was using and grab hold of her arm at nearly the same time.

Underling: Wh-What are you doing?!

Samuel: Using force plus momentum to my advantage!

Underling: Huh?!

To show her what I meant, I twisted my body to quickly keep Underling going until she crashed into the glass door and broke it open. Underling rolled against the ground as her body wasn't prepared for a reversal like that to happen. I carefully stepped through the broken door as I looked to see that there were people nearby as some glass shards could hit them by accident.

Samuel: (Got to clear some of this away... There's no telling when this anomaly will end and time resumes on me...)

I took my jacket off to wrap my arms up with the sleeves. This was to prevent broken shards in the air from cutting my arm and hands while I tried to clear away the glass. I did my best to change the trajectory of each shard I could physically see in the air as most was going in the trash bag. Once I got my coat on, I could hear Blanc had been calling for me as I pulled my phone out.

Blanc (Inside Phone): What the hell happened?! I heard something crashing while I was in your pockets!

Samuel: Underling going through a glass door. Honestly, she attacks the same way my friend does. So glad I took reversal techniques of Martial Arts in classes during high school...

Blanc (Inside Phone): You are just full of weird surprises...

Samuel: Tell me about it...

Before our conversation could go any further, my ears flexed softly to the slightest sound it could hear. I looked behind me to see Selena slowly approaching me as she glanced around to see Underling was on the floor.

Selena: Get up you useless character! Get him now! I didn't choose you just for the hell of it!

I looked back to see Underling getting up slowly to shake off the pain she felt as I quickly began to run once more to escape from the building.

Location: University Plaza.

Once I was outside, I kept on running until I was at the Plaza of the University. On my way there, I saw that there were cars, other students, and even birds and planes had halted in time. I leaned against a pole and began to slide down it softly while out of breath. I took deep breaths as my muscles were screaming in pain from having to run so much.

Samuel: So tired... Augh... *cough cough* Can't keep running...

Blanc could hear my voice as I could hear her hands hitting against the screen of my phone. I took my phone out. She had her hands pressed against the screen as she was worried.

Blanc (Inside Phone): Get up! You have to keep running! Look around you!

I looked around myself to see that everyone was still frozen in place. Meaning I was nowhere being safe yet.

Blanc (Inside Phone): If everyone is still frozen here, Underling is still running around! Get up!

I knew Blanc was right and I had to keep trying to move. Even though I couldn't, I still had to try. I steeled myself to try and get up on my feet, but my strength was failing me as my muscles were screaming for me to stop. With the sound being so quiet around me, I began to hear the sound of two footsteps approaching towards where I was. I looked to see that it was Selena and Underling as I could feel my heart beating from seeing both of them approaching me.

Selena: And so the chase ends here...

Underling: Heh. You sure gave me a run for my money, you asshole.

Samuel: As if you were getting paid... *pants* You're nothing but a throwaway enemy at best... *pants*

This surprises Underling as it seemed to piss her off.

Underling: WHAT?! I-! You-! Son of a-!

Selena: Enough. Your rambling is annoying.

Underling: But that bastard just-!

Selena gave an instinctive glare at Underling and scared the shit out of her just by one gaze.

Selena: Don't make me have to use Full Command on the likes of you. Using it on someone like you is pointless.

I raised an eyebrow when I saw Underling become more scared by hearing that. As if Underling knew what it was.

Underling: N-Not that! Please!

Selena: Then you'll do well to listen. Right?

Underling began to nod her head frantically as she never has a problem following orders from people like Selena.

Selena: Good. Now, go destroy the evidence and bring me his phone. He's seen too much. Anymore and he may become a problem in the future.

Underling: Y-Yes ma'am.

After accepting the command, Underling began to approach towards where I was. I looked at my phone and could see Blanc pounding on the screen to try and break it open. I gripped my phone tightly and brought it closer. I never felt the feeling of death as I could never grasp the thought of it in my life. I whispered to Blanc softly in feeling so scared right now. Feeling scared even though my friends mostly know me for always being calm in my life.

Samuel: *whispers* I'm sorry Blanc... I couldn't get away... If I could have been able to talk with you more... It would have been great...

Blanc (Inside Phone): No! Sam!!

Feeling Underling's shadow covering over me, I embraced the inevitable as I could feel Death's grip slowly reaching for me. When I heard Underling grunt to swing her iron pipe, I didn't flinch at all as I had nowhere I could go. Time was moving like it was in slow-motion as I had to wait for the attack to hit me.

Samuel: (Guess... This is it...)

I clutched my phone more as I was scared about dying. But the more I clutched my phone, I soon began to feel a burning sensation on the back of my left hand. Only to feel like it was on fire.

Samuel: Argh! My hand...!

Before Underling's attack could connect to me, I felt like a pulse of energy surge outward in the form of an AOE attack. Underling bounced across the ground until she was on her stomach.

Selena: What?!

I gripped my left wrist at the burning sensation my left hand was giving off as it was a horrible pain. I looked at it to see that it was glowing brightly as it radiated with a bright glow.

Samuel: Wh-What...?

When looking at the marks on my left hand, I see a form of another strange mark being created by hovering over my left hand. It looked to be hollow and see through as my fingers would go through it softly.

Samuel: What's going on...?

When trying to get up, I placed my left hand on the ground to try and push up to my feet. But placing my hand on the ground, the mark that appeared above my left hand disappears from my wrist in an instant.

Samuel: Huh...? Where did it-

To answer my question before I was finished, the ground began to light up with an enlarged version of the strange mark as it caught me by surprise.

Samuel: Wh-What??

I looked to see if I could tell Blanc what was happening, but my phone was giving off a bright light on the screen with the same mark that was on the ground right now. Wind rushed in from any given direction as I shielded my eyes from getting dust blown into them. I was inside the area of where the wind was conglomerating. I couldn't see anything at the moment, but I could faintly hear the anger of Selena through this surging wind.

Selena: No! Underling! Get up! Stop him before it's too late!

I began to hear footsteps heading towards where I was and couldn't do anything to dodge with my eyes closed. As the wind died down, the footsteps I was hearing stopped to a halt. I felt a hand being placed on my shoulder as it frightened me a little bit.

???: Everything is going to be okay now. Open your eyes, Sam.

When hearing a familiar voice, I opened them to see that Blanc was in front of me as she smiled softly. My eyes went wide in shock by what I was seeing as I couldn't believe it.

Samuel: B-Blanc...?

Blanc: Thank you for doing your best to protect me up till now. Now, it's my turn to do the same.

Blanc gave a smile as she stood up and turned to face Selena and Underling. Selena had the look of surprise on her face while Underling trembled in fear softly.

Blanc: Hello, Linda.

Underling (Linda): H-Hi...

In my haste of trying to get to safety, I had almost forgotten that Linda was Underling's real name. I could see Selena tightening her hand as she white knuckles to show droplets of blood dripping from her palm.

Selena: What is the meaning of this?? How did you execute a complete summon?!

I looked at Selena and then the strange mark I had seen earlier.

Samuel: I don't know what you mean. I don't know anything.

Selena growled at me due to not knowing any reason why, but she took a deep breath to compose herself.

Selena: No matter... Underling. Go defeat her.

Underling doesn't respond as she didn't move at all. Selena raised an eyebrow and looked at Underling still.

Selena: Underling! Did you hear me?!

Underling (Linda): Um... I did...

Selena: Then why aren't you following my orders?!

Underling didn't answer until she turned her head to face towards Selena.

Underling (Linda): Ma'am... I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my ass whooped by this one... We... Kinda fought in the past when I worked for CFW Magic...

Selena groaned at hearing the complaints of Underling and looked at her.

Selena: I get that. But if you think about it this way: That "idiot" doesn't even have a clue of what to even do right now. If he couldn't figure out how to summon, then that should entail that you MIGHT have a chance!

Underling thought about it for a moment before she understood what Selena meant.

Underling (Linda): Oh riiiiiiight. If that's the case, then that means this goddess doesn't even have any way of transforming. Fair game I see~

Blanc glared at Underling as she brought out her weapon to which was a hammer and got into a stance.

Blanc: Just because I'm under a set of restrictions, doesn't mean I can't kick your ass bitch.

Underling (Linda): Ha! Let's see you try!

https://youtu.be/1l99LcW1Ogg

I watched as Blanc and Underling charged towards one another and clashed with their weapons. The shockwave both of them caused almost knocked me onto my ass as I wasn't expecting it. It's almost scary to even see a fight like this happen on Earth when I usually see it in Anime or Manga. Blanc swung her hammer each time in attempting to hit Underling, but she couldn't land a hit on each attempt.

Underling (Linda): Ha! What's the matter?? Can't land a hit?

Blanc: Ngh. Shut up!

I kept looking curiously by just watching the fight as I stayed out of it as best I could. Both Blanc and Underling would exchange attacks as they moved throughout the area. The longer the battle went on, it seemed to look about evenly matched as both were evenly matched. I began to hear some chuckling as it caught my attention that it was coming from Selena.

Samuel: What's so funny?

Selena: Tell me, do you know anything about... "Abilities"?

I tilted my head at the mention as I didn't know what Selena meant. Bringing her phone up, it showed a picture of a card on it as she touched her phone with her left hand. Marks began to glow on the back of her hand. What caught my attention the most was that Selena began to pull the card out as if it was normal to her.

Selena: Activate! Dogoo Swarm!

I began to feel the ground to rumble as I looked around to check on what was going on. Blanc and Underling stopped in their fight as this had caught their attention. When catching sight of what was making the ground shake, I could see that it was a swarm of Dogoo.

Samuel: This is unreal...

Blanc: What the-?! What are Dogoo doing here?!

Underling (Linda): Heh.

Kicking Blanc from behind, Underling sent her flying to the swarm as they were all over Blanc.

Blanc: RRRRRAGH!! You bitch!!

Blanc got up from within the swarm she was in as she began to try and make quick work of them. Blanc lifted her hammer up into the air and brought it down to send the few in front of her flying backwards in a ground slam attack. Blanc begins to turn around as she uses the momentum to swing her hammer into groups of enemies behind her. As more Dogoo surrounded Blanc more, I could see some damage beginning to show as she was panting softly.

Selena: Hmm. Your character seems to be wearing down. Better think of something to help her. But that won't be much. *chuckles*

This caused me to get annoyed slightly due to the confidence she was beaming. During the distraction, I saw Underling jump onto a car and then jump towards Blanc. My eyes went wide as I reached out by instinct.

Samuel: Blanc!! Look out!!

Looking behind her, she saw Underling swing at the last second as the pipe hit her in the stomach. Blanc coughs up in pain as she is sent flying into a pole and bends it due to the impact.

Samuel: Blanc!

Underling (Linda): Hahahaha! Nice setup lady!

Selena: Congratulate me later. Take care of the target, then take care of the summoner.

Nodding Underling began to walk towards a stunned Blanc as she was dizzy from the last attack.

Underling (Linda): Time for the finishing blow. I'll take my sweet time with this~

I watched as my eyes were dilated to being small. A tunnel vision from my perspective at having to watch what was happening. I was breathing heavily as I was having to watch Underling approach Blanc while she was dazed from the last attack. Flashes of images go through my head as I watch as if two scenes of similar events happened at once.

Samuel: G-Get up...

Underling approached Blanc more as she chuckled while patting her hand with her pipe. Blanc lifted her head up to see Underling approaching closer and closer to her before letting her head fall down softly once again. I began to sweat in having to watch this happening in front of me as a soft ringing could be heard in my ear.

Samuel: B-Blanc... Get up...

Underling began to go into a running sprint as she prepared to land the final strike on Blanc as a teardrop rolled down my cheek and crashed into the ground. I began to feel a burning sensation on my left hand as my eyes opened wide and screamed to the top of my lungs.

Samuel: BLANC!! DON'T LOSE TO THIS BITCH!! GET UP NOOOOOOOW!!!

This shocks Blanc wide awake as she raises her hammer to block the incoming strike just at the last second. Energy seemed to flow back into her as my phone pinged. I looked at it as it gave me an update on Blanc's passive skill. It read "Power of the CPU: When giving encouragement to keep your fighter going, they gain strength and health back based on how much support is given to them." When looking at Blanc, I gripped my phone tighter as I focused on supporting Blanc from where I was.

Samuel: Come on Blanc! You got this!!

I could sense Blanc's power increasing due to my faith in her. She smiled at the advantage of energy she was getting as Blanc was pushing Underling back.

Underling (Linda): H-Hey! You couldn't push me back before! How come now?!

Blanc: I'm a goddess you little shrimp! And when you pick a fight with one, you're going to regret it!!

Blanc pushed up against Underling and kicked her in the stomach. This caused Underling to stumble backwards while Blanc jumped towards Underling quickly, breaking the ground from where she launched. Blanc brought her hammer back and then swung forward to connect the hammer to her enemy. The attack sent Underling flying until she crashed into a wall and became stuck to it. Underling groaned for a moment or two, before disappearing and her card floating in that spot. Selena growled at having to see Underling defeated so easily as she looked at us.

Selena: Grrrr! Useless character. I can't believe she lost to a newbie like this!

Blanc: And guess what bitch, you're going to start talking if you know what's good for you!

Blanc focused her attention on Selena and began to charge towards her next. Selena chuckled before pulling out something that I recognized in a video game. I tried to reach out to Blanc before it was too late, but couldn't.

Selena: Not for now~ Later~

Dropping the item, it was a blue canister as it emitted a bright light while Selena turned away quickly. Blanc and I got blinded by the Flash Grenade as Selena made a getaway from where we were. Once we were able to see, we couldn't tell where Selena had gone off to.

Blanc: Damn it! Every time this happens when trying to capture someone! My friends or myself corner the enemy, and then they get away at the last chance! RAGH!!

Blanc slammed the ground with her hammer as I approached her slowly. Myself having calmed down since the fight had come to a close.

Samuel: I-It's okay, Blanc... The better part is that we're okay...

Blanc looked at me and then around if there were any signs of Selena. Upon closer look around the area, Underling's character card was gone. Seemingly to have been recollected by Selena before getting away.

Blanc: Yeah... Just being alive is actually better than the alternative...

I smiled at Blanc as she took this better than anticipated.

Samuel: But hey, you got to kick some ass during the time.

Blanc looked at me and smiled softly at having to be out of my phone.

Blanc: You're right about that.

We looked around and could see that everyone was still frozen in place as time wasn't moving again.

Samuel: Huh...? The people are still frozen...

Blanc looked around and could see the same thing I was seeing. She thought for a moment before realizing something.

Blanc: I don't think time will resume until I'm back in your phone.

I looked at Blanc by what she meant.

Blanc: If Underling was out in your world and everything, but us was frozen in place... The same goes for when I'm out and about. Like we said, this isn't a normal thing that's happening. Meaning I have to return to the phone if we want everyone to begin moving once more.

I thought about it for a moment and came to the same conclusion like she did. But how to do that, I wasn't sure of how to do it. I held my phone gently and looked at the screen and saw an option that said "Return Fighters" button on the screen.

Samuel: Maybe this is how we do it...?

Blanc: Maybe. Only one way to find out.

Blanc had me press the button gently as a bright light submerged us and made us go blind for a moment. Once I was able to see again, I could hear people talking and see many other things moving once again. As if all that I experienced had never happened. It was like I was hallucinating. But then I heard Blanc's voice once more coming from my phone.

Blanc (Inside Phone): That seemed to have done it.

Samuel: Yeah... It's...very hard to believe...

Blanc (Inside Phone): Almost like a bad dream, huh?

I nodded my head as I looked at Blanc from my phone. I heard a scream behind me as I saw the light post Blanc had crashed into earlier finally fell over and crashed to the ground. I looked at other places nearby as some places on the ground were damaged or destroyed. While the wall Underling had been defeated, it crumbled once time began to move.

Samuel: Even after the fight ends... The damage persists...

Blanc (Inside Phone): Huh? What do you mean??

Samuel: I think... We're going to have to be careful where we fight from now on...

Location: ???

Third point of view.

Walking down a hall, Selena faced towards a chair that was monitoring several screens in front of whoever was sitting there.

Selena: Sir...

???: Gained any new insight?

Selena: Yes... But there is a problem...

The screens shut off as the chair turned to face Selena, but the darkness made it hard to see whoever it was.

???: Go on...

Selena: You see sir... There is a new summoner now.

???: WHAT?!

The hand of the individual hits against the armrest and frightens Selena.

Selena: I-I tried to contain the individual sir...! But they caught me off guard due to my overconfidence...!

???: Confidence is good in a fight, but getting OVERCONFIDENT can spell defeat!

Selena: I know sir! I'm sorry!

The sigh coming from whoever Selena was talking to as they were calming down.

???: Be sure to remember this. Defeats are what help all of us learn about who we deal with. Repeat the same mistake again, and I will not be as forgiving next time.

Selena nods her head as she walks off to continue plans on her end. The person sitting in the chair turns back to the computer and activates the computers again as it pinpoints the location where Samuel was at. Cameras of the area appeared on the screens as it showed Samuel on the screens as the person looked through it.

???: So, you're the lucky person that was able to survive for the next day huh?? Hmph. Next time, you won't be so lucky.

Chuckling could be heard, until a bellow of laughter was being sounded as each screen went out one by one, until the screen showing Samuel shut off also.

Chapter 1. END.