Chapter One: Fracture

"**Chapter One: *Fracture***" is the second chapter of *CyberWorld*.

## Summary

After an unpleasant turn of events, Michael logs onto CyberWorld for the first time.

## Plot

Nine hours earlier at Dunflur High, 15-year-old Michael Leong is disappointed with his “D” in Geography, despite getting A for most of his subjects. His teacher, Ms. Harris urges Michael not to worry, assuring him that his future is safe in his family’s hands. Michael watches his classmate, Issac gloat over his results with his friends, much to his disgust. After school, Michael turns down Issac’s offer to help him with his schoolwork and passes many of his schoolmates using headsets and visors on the way home.

At the Leong household, Michael shows his father Adrian his results. Although he expects be reprimanded, Adrian is unfazed by his Geography grade and commends Michael for his other subjects, remaining oblivious to Michael’s tenseness. Before Michael can head upstairs, Adrian asks him to watch the news with him, recognising an old friend.

On the NHK World-Japan channel, a young male reporter named Matsuki Okawa interviews Aiko Tokoshima and Suki Hachiyo outside their headquarters—the creators of the world’s most successful video game, CyberWorld. Following some banter, Okawa asks Tokoshima about her thoughts regarding a rumoured attack at her next appearance. When Tokoshima is unable to reply, Hachiyo steps in and assures the public they have taken the necessary measures of their safety. When the interview ends, Tokoshima flirts with Okawa, leaving him flustered.

Back in Michael’s bedroom, he comes across a letter on his desk. He tears it open and finds a letter from Stallion University.

In a flashback set two weeks prior, Michael is seated across Adrian at the table eating dinner. Adrian receives a call from Kamau Umar (nicknamed Kumar), the principal of Stallion University, who expresses his desire for Michael to enrol due to the combined effort of his impressive grades and his father’s prior military service.  Without consulting Michael prior, Adrian takes up the offer. Michael is outraged at Adrian’s decision and demands to know why he agreed to Kamau without asking him first. Adrian tells him that his enrolment was already set in stone, but Michael retorts Michael’s mother comes downstairs to check the commotion. As Adrian heads upstairs, Michael's mother assures him that he is meant to do great things, but must find the right means to do so.

The following day, Michael struggles to stay awake through his History class, brought forth by his incessant studying. His teacher, Nick Sayles, concludes his lecture on World War II and asks the class to write an essay on any political power they want and its leader. Issac asks if he can write about the Apostles, and their leader, Enoch, as the latter was a former student from the school. Despite knowing of the organisation’s controversial nature, Mr. Sayles accedes to his request. Michael attempts to get some sleep during lunch break, but is nudged awake by Issac, who has a visor in his hands. He asks if Michael wishes to play CyberWorld with him, saying that he can help come up with his username. Michael declines after some deliberation, but Issac pushes for him to take up his offer. In a mix of vexation and lethargy, Michael slaps Issac’s visor out of his hands, an act that sends him to the principal’s office.

Twelve hours later, Michael stares at the brand new headset on his bed bought using Adrian's credit card. He reflects on the day's events, remembering how Adrian lectured him for his impulsive behaviour during the car ride to the store. Puzzled at how Issac and his peers have become so transfixed by CyberWorld, Michael gives in to his temptation and logs onto the game.

## Trivia

* Chapter One: *Fracture* is named after the map Fracture from *Valorant*.