3...2...1...0

The screen goes black, and the beautiful palace before him was gone. He takes off his helmet to open his eyes to see a run down apartment. He looks at the clock to see 12:01AM.

(Ah~ah. I have to work in a few hours. Better sleep now or I'll be late for my shit job.)

The man then sets his alarm clock, lays down and begins to sleep. He dreams of past his adventures with his friends during those years in the DMMORPG YGGDRASIL. Whether it was the good times or the bad times, they were all wonderful memories. He enjoys his peaceful sleep, only waking up to the sunlight on his face. He sits up stretching his limbs and lets out lengthy yawn, feeling very refreshed.

(Ah~... I feel pretty good maybe. I should sleep for three hours more often... Eh?)

He looks at the clock, and upon seeing it he feels like he has died.

"Eeeeh! Oh, no!"

He frantically grabs his phone, seeing the time was indeed 11:30AM.

"Damn it! Fuck! I overslept! HOW?!"

He dresses himself quickly, all the while trying to think of a reason to not get fired. He runs out of his apartment without even bothering to wash his face. He heads into the street to get a cab, but finds that it is empty. He stops to look around, and sees only empty streets. No people, no cars, not even a bird flying around overhead. The filth that covered every inch is gone. Even the air feels crisp.

(Uh... I must be having those dreams where you're awake, but not really awake. That's good then! Maybe I'll walk around and find something to do till my alarm wakes me up.)

He heads down the street, when he starts smelling fresh cooked meat. He sees a fast food joint was open, yet abandoned. He helps himself to a burger and drink, but feeling a small bang of guilt he leaves money on the counter. He eats while walking, still seeing no one on the streets.

(This dream's pretty weird. Hummm... Maybe if I think real hard I can make someone appear.)

He begins to focus his will like in the movies, when a young voice is suddenly heard from behind him.

"Hello.~"

He jumps from fright, but upon seeing the young girl he regained his composure.

(Eh? What's this? She looks familiar, but I can't remember. And pale skin, white hair, and a red/black dress? Huh?)

"Um, hello little girl. Are you a cosplayer?"

"Ara?~ What's a cosplayer?" She said in confusion with a slight head-tilt, and her right index finger tapping her chin.

(So she must also be a role player.)

"Well the, did you make that outfit? It looks really good on you."

"Ah, thank you!~ But, no. The supreme beings made it just for me after I was created."

"Oh! I see they did a wonderful job."

"Ara! Why thank you! Well, I have a question for you now."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Are you Lord Momonga?"

(Eh? My avatar name? I must be dreaming about my game life in some weird way.)

"Yeah, but how did you know?"

"I knew it! I could sense you were here, but why are you human?"

"Eh? Well, because..."

(If she's a role player, maybe I should just tag along, and play her little game.)

"Um, are you okay Lord Momonga?"

"Ah! Yes, sorry. I arrived with low mana so I took human form to blend in but after doing so I ran out so I haven't been able to revert."

"Oh, I see!~ That would explain quite a bit. Then let's go to Nazarick, my lord. We can inform everyone about the situation at hand." She said with a polite bow.

"Um... Okay."

(Aaah. Nazarick. I miss that place already. This might be me trying to cope with the loss of the game that I made so many friends on. Well, it's a nice dream.)

She leads him down the street, and a few seconds later police sirens are heard behind them.

(Oh? This must be some metaphor to end my gaming life and focus on adulthood...)

"Boy! Get away from her!" Shouted a cop in agitation.

She begins to walk towards them as she summons a lance from thin air. The policemen pull out their guns and fire without hesitation. The noise of gunfire makes him panic upon hearing such loud noises.

(Ah! This is one realistic dream.)

The woman lifts and twirls her lance, blocking nearly all the bullets, but one got past her to hit him in the arm. He falls onto the ground in shock and pain.

(Eh?! That hurts! Why does it hurt?! Isn't this just a dream?!)

The girl turns her head, and upon seeing him in pain she becomes enraged, appearing before the police officers, and within seconds their heads roll onto the ground. He sees the horrific sight before him and begins to panic.

"I deepest apologies my lord, for allowing them to inflict an injury on you!~ I, Shalltear Bloodfallen, shall do better to protect you, so please forgive me."

He turns to look at her, only to see her face covered in blood with a smile on her lips.

(Eh?... Is this... really happening?)

Author here: after receiving many messages this story shall begin. As always please feel free to leave a review or PM me.