Rain pattered lightly against the window pane. The room was dim, lit only by the soft orange glow of a table lamp. Ryu Nakamura sat on the couch, silent, his eyes fixed on the floor. His mother, Haruka, sat beside him, gently stroking his arm. His father, Daichi, stood with arms crossed near the window, watching the rain fall. Across from him, his younger sister, Aiko, clutched a blanket, her eyes filled with concern.
"You can't stay like this forever, Ryu," Haruka said softly. "We know what she did was cruel, but that doesn't mean your life is over."
Ryu said nothing. The betrayal still stung too deeply. The woman he loved, whom he had trusted with everything, had turned his life into a public humiliation.
Daichi stepped forward. "You built your life from nothing, son. You're strong. Stronger than you think."
"I believed in her," Ryu finally said, his voice low. "And she used me like I was nothing."
Before anyone could respond, the room went dark.
The lights, the rain, everything stopped. Then the sky itself spoke.
A voice, calm and thunderous, echoed through the air, projected to every corner of the planet.
"People of the blue planet, your world is not alone. Beyond your stars lies a network of civilizations far older, far greater. One thousand years ago, our universe was at war. Countless civilizations perished in pursuit of power. In the aftermath, the Council of Five Supreme Beings ended the violence by founding the Universal Entertainment Games, or UEG. A system where disputes are resolved, and strength is proven, through competition rather than war."
"Your planet has now been discovered. You have a choice: join the UEG and accept its laws, or be declared a rogue planet, without protection or recognition."
Silence followed.
Then chaos.
Phones buzzed, news anchors scrambled to interpret the message, social media exploded with speculation and panic.
Global Assembly - Geneva, Switzerland
Inside the United World Assembly Hall, the world's most powerful leaders gathered within hours. The tension was palpable. Seated at the central table were:
President Elaine Carter of the United States
Chairman Wei Long of China
Prime Minister Rajeev Thakur of India
Chancellor Greta Meier of Germany
President Ahmed El-Souri of Egypt
Prime Minister Hana Takeda of Japan
Secretary-General Maria Velasquez of the United Nations
"We cannot ignore the threat," said Chairman Wei. "Rogue status means extermination."
"Or worse, isolation," Chancellor Meier added. "We'd be left behind in every way."
President Carter leaned forward. "Joining gives us access to technology, resources, and security. We would be equals among giants."
"We must be united in this," said Secretary-General Velasquez. "Not as nations, but as Earth."
With a unanimous vote, the Blue Planet accepted the invitation to join the UEG.
Thanks to the assistance of UEG operatives and coordinators, the necessary VR entry devices—sleek bracelet-like bands—were quickly distributed around the world. The devices, indestructible and adaptive to the user's body, allowed players to enter the UEG safely. They were given first to volunteers—those bold enough to face the unknown.
Many across the world were skeptical. Was it real? Was it safe? But pioneers and dreamers stepped forward. Among them was Ryu Nakamura.
Back in Japan – Nakamura Residence
The TV displayed the decision live.
"...With a unanimous vote, Earth will join the Universal Entertainment Games. In return, individuals will be allowed to compete in virtual reality matches to earn universal currency. This currency can be used to purchase real-world items, services, and even medical treatment. Planets will also compete to gain research data, technologies, and more."
Ryu stared at his device, freshly delivered and gleaming on the desk.
As a child, Ryu had once dreamed of exploring the stars. Posters of galaxies and spacecraft still hung faintly on the walls of his old room. But life had clipped his wings. With his mother's chronic illness and his father struggling to keep the family afloat, Ryu had set aside his dreams. He joined a corporate firm to support them. He gave up space... for survival.
And then, betrayal.
Now, a new dream stirred.
UEG technology included miracle-grade medical advances—nanotech healing, regeneration drugs, and neurological reconnection therapy. If he could win games, he could buy the treatment to cure his mother. He could give his family a better life. He could finally look up at the stars and not feel empty.
"I want to join," he said again, firmer this time.
Haruka blinked, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. "Do it for you... and for all of us."
Daichi placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "You'll make us proud, Ryu."
Introduction to UEG Mechanics
A global broadcast followed, detailing the structure:
"Each player begins with a Zero Tier Game. Upon completion, the player may select one power from the following types: Power Type, Elemental Boost, Morphosis, Skill, or Rule."
"After this, the player enters Tier 1. Win three Tier 1 games to qualify for a Promotion Match. Win the Promotion Match to ascend to Tier 2. Losing requires one more win before the next promotion chance."
"Every third tier—3, 6, 9, 12—players who succeed in promotion games are granted access to select one more power. The final Tier is 15."
"Planetary Games operate similarly but do not grant power selection. Instead, they provide planetary points to be exchanged for technology, research, currency, or information."
Each individual also possesses a unique Inherent Trait—a power or skill that is deeply tied to their identity. These traits range from seemingly mundane to extraordinarily potent and are often kept secret, as revealing them could expose vulnerabilities or attract enemies.
A Vast Universe
The UEG wasn't limited to humans. In the virtual arenas and interstellar hubs, Ryu learned, existed a myriad of species:
Towering orcs with brutal strength
Graceful elves with elemental control
Hardy dwarves from gravity-dense worlds
Insectoid races with hive-mind coordination
Reptilian and snake-like species with venomous abilities
Beastkin: cat, rabbit, wolf, and other hybrid humanoids with enhanced senses or reflexes
Rock-skinned or steel-skinned species hardened by extreme environments
It was a melting pot of power, culture, and ambition.
And into this world stepped Ryu Nakamura.
He slid the VR bracelet onto his wrist. It shimmered for a moment, resizing perfectly. A soft hum echoed through it.
"Device linked. DNA signature confirmed. Player Registered: Ryu Nakamura." "Zero Tier Game initializing..."
Ryu looked up, eyes shining.
The game had begun.
And so had his true life.