SOUL SEARCH: Dualities

Prologue

Japan,
Tokyo,
Asakusa,
Tetraco Headquarters.
29th March, 2032.
7:38 AM

This was the place and date of the birth of the  world changing device -the full dive gear-. Meanwhile the researchers were still running tests on the system to ensure optimum functionality. A total of twenty applicants had volunteered to participate in the testing with a weekly income of 8000 yen.

CEO's OFFICE
The room was a labyrinth of documents and files, stacked haphazardly across every available surface. The air was thick with the scent of paper and ink. At the edge of this chaotic landscape, Sato Murasaki, the CEO of the industry, sat ensconced behind a cluttered desk.

Resplendent in a tailored black tuxedo, complemented by a crisp white office shirt and broad brown tie, Sato's imposing figure seemed at odds with the fatigue etched on his face. His furrowed brows deepened as he waded through the sea of paperwork.

Just as he was immersed in the financial reports, a sharp knock pierced the air.

"Come in," Sato called out, his voice husky from disuse.

The door creaked open, admitting a vision of elegance. Kenta, the handsome blonde, strode into the room, his green suit perfectly tailored to accentuate his chiseled features.

"Well, good morning to you too, Sato-kun!" Kenta greeted, his sonorous voice filling the room.

Sato's gaze never wavered from the documents. "I hardly believe you'd bother to come all this way just to greet me, Kenta. Spit it out – what is it?" His tone was gruff.

Kenta's smile faltered for an instant before he rebounded. "You're no fun, you know that, Sato-kun."

Sato's eyes narrowed.

"But seriously," Kenta continued, "when's the last time you slept?" His voice held a hint of concern.

Sato's sigh was audible. "Don't remember."

Kenta's eyes crinkled at the corners. "You need to take care of yourself."

Sato's gaze snapped up, his patience worn thin. "Why are you here, Kenta?"

A sly smile spread across Kenta's face. "I came to inform you that the tests have been completed."

Sato's eyes widened in disbelief. "They're finished?"

Kenta nodded, his smile deepening. "How did it go?" Sato pressed.

Kenta's eyes sparkled as he produced a file from behind his back. "See for yourself."

With a flourish, Kenta dropped the file onto Sato's desk.

The file's contents lay hidden, but the weight of its significance hung in the air like a promise – or a threat.

Sato's gaze locked onto the file, his heart pounding in anticipation.

"What does it say?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kenta's smile remained enigmatic. "That's for you to discover, Sato-kun."

The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting Sato's reaction.

The man pulled out its contents before proceeding to examine them closely.

Sato's hands trembled with anticipation as he pulled out the contents of the file. Seconds ticked by, swelling into minutes, as an oppressive silence engulfed the room. The only sound was the soft rustling of paper as Sato devoured the results, his eyes scanning the pages with rapt attention.

Finally, he looked up, a radiant smile illuminating his face. "Excellent, Kenta!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with triumph.

"Just in time for the beta's launch, too," Sato added, his grin broadening. "Run a maintenance check on the system; we launch tomorrow."

Kenta nodded curtly, his eyes shining with understanding. "Of course."

This was more than just a game launch – it was a revolution. The world's first immersive MMO game, "Blades in Paradise," would change the gaming landscape forever.

The full-dive technology, once deemed impossible, had been achieved. Tetraco's innovative brain-wave scanning head-gear, dubbed the "Full-Dive Gear," would transport gamers into the virtual world.

The next day, Tokyo and Japan witnessed the historic launch of "Blades in Paradise." Gamers worldwide clamored for the limited edition game set, eager to experience the groundbreaking technology.

Only a select few secured the coveted beta edition, among them 18-year-old Mato Takahara. The rest would have to wait two agonizing years for the official launch.

Tetraco's popularity soared as thousands sought the revolutionary gaming experience. The Full-Dive Gear became synonymous with cutting-edge innovation.

Sato's vision had become reality – a new era in gaming had dawned.

As the sun set on launch day, Sato and Kenta shared a moment of triumphant silence.

Their creation would reshape the gaming world.

Little did they know, however, that this revolutionary technology would also unlock the doors to unforeseen consequences.

The stage was set.

The players were ready.

The game was about to begin.