𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬

CHAPTER 1

RISH' POV,

"You know, Rish, we've been trying so hard to connect with you. I'm really sorry if it feels like we're distancing ourselves. It's not intentional, I promise." Ito ang nabasa ko sa group chat namin ng mga kaibigan ko isang buwan na ang nakalilipas.

But after that, there's no communication again. Nawala na naman ako sa eksena. Ang sakit lang. May pake ba talaga sila?

To be honest, it's been really tough for me to keep up with my friends and what they're up to. They seem to effortlessly navigate the online world, finding endless fun and making new connections. Meanwhile, I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities and barely have time to breathe.

'Sobrang nakakapanghina', to say the least.

It's not that I don't want indoor activities; it's just that life has handed me a different set of cards. I'd love to join in on virtual games, chat with people online, or even read popular books, but my schedule just doesn't allow it.

There's hardly any space in my life for relaxation or treating myself.  

Wala naman akong ibang masisi kundi ang sarili ko. And it's not anyone's fault that I'm left out. It's not my friends' fault for being technologically inclined or my family's fault for adapting to this digital age. It's simply the way the world has evolved, and I have to adapt too.

Sure, it is sad.

The fact that those deep connections I once cherished seem to be slipping away is a painful realization. Paulit-ulit akong sinasampal ng katotohanan. Ni hindi ko alam kung paano na makipag-usap sa mga ka-edad ko. I find myself on the sidelines, merely observing their lives from afar.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't hate technology - it definitely makes our lives easier. But, it feels like we're stuck in this virtual world and we need a way out.

Thus, when I heard about the 𝐒𝐲𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬, I felt a mix of emotions. The game claims to make the virtual world come alive, blending reality and fantasy. Maybe, just maybe, that interactive game will be a chance for us to break free from the chains of the virtual world. And wouldn't you know it, my prayers were answered..

It feels like a dream come true.

...

Bigla akong napadilat. Isang nakakasilaw na ilaw ang tumama sa aking mga mata. Ugh. The cold tile beneath me sent shivers down my spine. Confusion enveloped my mind as I tried to recall how I had ended up in this unfamiliar room. Oh it seems that I've made a wish and -

Gradually, I realized I wasn't alone. May apat pa na tao. Maririnig sa boses nila ang pagkagulumihan. "What is this place? How did we get here?" echoed throughout the desolate room. Oh, kilala ko sila. They are my classmates.

Una kong napansin si Ron. He let out a deep yawn. Nakapikit pa ang kaniyang mata. "Man, I have a dream. We've been transported to a completely different world or something daw," he muttered with disbelief. Ngunit bigla siyang natahimik nang makita ang paligid.

Then, Jay noticed something on the front of the classroom. He pointed and said, "Hey, look! Parang may nakasulat dun. It says 'Sych Games'. What could that mean?" His voice brimmed with curiosity as we all turned to examine the writing.

In the center of the room, a bold phrase adorns the board- "Sych Games." Its mysterious power beckons us closer, we exchange puzzled glances. Ah.