Prologue: The Unsullied Monster
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──I’ve always been jealous.
I love fun things. That’s all I need—nothing else matters. I wish this world was just overflowing with fun things. That’s how I’ve lived my life so far, and that’s how I plan to keep living.
But because I’ve lived like that, there are things I could never obtain. Those things were so dazzling to me, sparkling so brightly… but it didn’t seem like I had any right to claim them, so I just sulked about it.
…But.
But even someone like me got a chance. A chance to touch that dazzling thing. It might not be the real thing—it could just be a fake—but even so, it still sparkles just the same.
“Finally… finally, it’s here…”
I was so happy, so excited, that I don’t have any memories from yesterday other than kicking my legs on the bed. There are probably a ton of things I should be preparing for, but my heart’s so restless I can’t help it.
The massive event that involves the entire Academy Island, the Exchange Tournament.
I used to sit in front of my device, glued to the screen, watching it intently. But this year, it’s mine.
“~~~~~~~~~~~~~~”
Just thinking about it already has me over the moon. I mean, it’s the island’s biggest event! The top-ranked players in the Star-Seizing Game, people so strong they’ll be talked about as legends, all come together to participate. It’s bound to be so fun it’ll make my head spin.
I stretch both hands high above me, looking at the fluorescent light filtering through my palms.
My device, sitting by the pillow, is buzzing with back-to-back messages from that person… but, well, those can wait. Right now, more than anything, it’s time for my declaration of intent.
Because this is a chance I finally got.
I might never get another one… so there’s no way I’d let it go to waste.
“I’m gonna have tons and tons of fun—no, I’m gonna stir things up!”
While dreaming of the《Duel》with yet-to-be-seen formidable opponents, I said that with a wicked grin.
