Three weeks later...

Serena: "School..."

Serena is wearing a dark purple shirt with dark grey hearts around the sleeves, short, dark blue jeans, dark grey shoes with black laces, and ankle high, white socks.

Zack: "Well, you're a freshman now, so we're not going to lose you again."

The two are heading towards Caile High School.

Serena: "(smiling) Had a feeling."

They arrive at the school gates.

Zack: "You were an A+ student, so you'll breeze by no problem."

They spot two twins rushing towards five familiar faces.

Serena: "Who're they?"

They stroll by.

Zack: "A Pixel Reality guild called, 'Shining Star.' They dominated the media when we pulled you out."

Serena looks at the one with black hair and glasses.

Serena: "Who's that one?"

Zack: "Can't remember his name, but he's the leader."

Serena: "(in awe) Wow..."

They head for the center of school, where six people await the two.

Zack: "Hey guys!"

The first is the shortest and male, wearing a light blue hoodie, black cargo shorts, short, dark brown hair, white, ankle high socks, and black sneakers.

Male 1: "Good to see you again Serena!"

Serena: "S-Same Edo."

The first female is wearing a lavender shirt with a red star pattern at the bottom, dark blue shorts, lavender shoes with navy blue laces, and short, black air in a ponytail.

Female 1: "How was the walk?"

Serena: "N-Not bad Tori."

The second female is wearing light brown hair, green hairpin, orange and purple t-shirt, tan short shorts, white socks that go up to the midway point on her shins, and orange sneakers.

Female 2: "Was the hospital nice?"

Serena: "Why wouldn't it be Emily?"

The last three however, are unfamiliar to Serena.

Serena: "Who are..."

The first of the mystery three is male, with a black shirt with blue, Japanese text, dark blue jeans, brown hair, and white sneakers.

Roy: "Don't worry Serena, I'm Roy."

The second is female, wearing teal shirt with a yellow, floral around the sleeves, black, short shorts, white shoes and black socks with her short, brown tied into a ponytail.

Asaka: "It's Asaka."

The last one is the biggest in the group, and is wearing white t-shirt with a fade to blue at the bottom, light blue jeans, dark orange shoes with white laces, shaggy, dirty blond hair, and a necklace with a grey, kitten head.

Cole: "(sighing) I'm Cole."

Zack: "They're like you."

Serena: "R-Really?"

Asaka: "Yeah."

Serena: "Wow..."

The bell rings.

Roy: "Already?"

Edo: "We're logging in after class?"

Zack: "Yeah, after I get Serena home."

Everyone is beginning to head for class.

Serena: "Why don't join you?"

Tori: "Actually?"

Serena: "Better than Zack treating me like I'm nine."

Zack: "Hey!"

Everyone heads for class.

Meanwhile...

???: "Now for stage two of the game."

A mysterious figure looks toward a night sky.

Several hours later...

Serena: "So this is what I use to log in?"

Serena's phone has a slot on the back for some sort of card, along with a card in her hand.

Tori: "Just insert your ID Card into the slot and you'll instantly log in."

The others hold out identical cards as they stand outside of the school.

Cole: "Trust me, it doesn't hurt."

Everyone except Serena inserts the cards before vanishing into thin air.

Serena: "(deep breath) Okay."

Serena logs in with a bright light surrounding her...