An older man in a white coat stared at a shirtless patient. He adjusted his glasses as he smiled. "Well kid, I must say this annual checkup is uneventful for a change." The doctor took in the numerous scars on the teenager before him. 'Far too many for a boy his age.' Was his sad thought.

Yuske sighed as he was reminded of the price of fighting a lot. Several broken bones, some of which happened repeatedly. Burn scars and abrasions from his more savage rivals. He traced a long gash on his chest near his heart. The memory of the rage that possessed him that night still gave him chills. The wound was the trigger for his murderous reaction.

"That's good to know Doctor. Hopefully, my parents will be pleased with the news." He put his shirt back on as he prepared to leave. He gave a wave of his hand as he left. While walking down to the entrance he passed the emergency room. The obvious panic caused him to pause.

"Teenage female between fourteen and fifteen! Several internal injuries and broken bones! Blunt trauma caused by vehicle impact!" The briefly open doors closed as the medical staff continued discussing the situation.

'That poor girl!' He saw the briefest flash of long black hair. Sometimes, life could be exceptionally cruel. At least medical treatment was advanced enough now. Her chance of survival was fairly decent. He reached the exit a few minutes later. A rather desperate looking heavy set boy wrapped in a blanket was glaring at the door to outside.

Yuske probably should've kept walking. However, something about the guy made him want to stop. The younger male looked so sad. He was exceptionally average looking apart from obviously needing more exercise. He supposed it was the protective instinct he had when seeing someone in need. He had never been the type to bully anyone that didn't deserve it. When he was a delinquent he normally targeted those that abused kids like this. So he sighed hoping his normal life would stay uneventful. He sat down behind the younger person. "Listen man, have you ever heard the expression. A watched pot doesn't boil?"

Haruyuki turned his head just enough to see the newcomer. Then faced the door once more. "Can't say that I have, sounds a bit archaic though. What's it mean?"

"It means that if you look at something constantly. Time will not seem to pass. Or something like that anyway." He noticed the kid relax a little after glancing at him.

"Interesting observation, but senpai needs me to keep watch. She is defenseless right now." He shut up immediately as he realized he had already said too much. Suddenly, the hospital door opened and to his surprise it was Taku. He brightened up as his best friend walked thru the door. He must of come to check on him. However, an icy chill grasped his heart as he realized he hadn't called him. Then he saw his lips moving with a familiar phrase. Quietly the boy responded in kind. "Burst Link!"

The first year high schooler wondered what happened to this middle grader's upper classmate. It really wasn't his business anyway. Though his mention of a female sparked his concern. 'Could that injured girl be his senpai?'

"Well I'm sorry to hear that man. My name is..." That was when he heard an unexpected phrase from the stressed guy. The former delinquent followed along a heartbeat later.

Accelerated World...

Time slowed as he entered the alternate phase of the hospital net. He had been in the spectators gallery a few times at this point. So he adjusted quickly to the distant perspective on an emotional screaming match. He had heard of Silver Crow since his winged avatar was unique. However, Cyan Pile was new to him at least.

A few of other watchers spoke on that avatar. "He's part of the Blue Legion isn't he?"

"Yeah, I've heard he wasn't in his masters good graces at the moment. One of the typical newbie mistakes. He keeps overusing his points in reality."

"Really, he must have gotten pretty desperate at this point. Huh, looks like the talk is over. Now the real match, has finally started!"

Yuske watched his peers in a slugfest bellow. He smiled beneath his mask. He could feel the difference in motivation as the duel went on. 'Protecting something important versus greed for power!' There was certainly a level gap between the two. Yet, it was closer than expected thanks to the difference in motivation. Which was the one his true body sat beside he wondered?

"Like what you see, Steel Bear?" The question originated from a greenish blue avatar. Clearly female due to her obvious slightly naughty proportions. Not to mention a voice like honey over chocolate. She moved like she knew it too. "An unexpected pleasure meeting you here. I've been meaning to introduce myself with a match." She left her name unsaid as looking at her profile was easy enough.

The boy picked up on her unspoken implication. 'Turquoise Fate, seventh level, affiliated with the White Legion.' A rather high level when he was only second himself. "I see Miss Fate. I do believe you would grind me into dust if you were serious. Despite that, it might be fun to test myself against a superior opponent. So I will kindly accept when your ready."

She affectionately touched his right shoulder as she laughed seductively. "Oh really, well aren't you a brave one. I think I like that irrational courage of yours. It's a date then. If I like what I see. I may recommend you for the strongest Legion in the Accelerated World." She looked past their little meeting briefly to the battle below. "Hmm, looks like the fights almost over" As he turned she disconnected with a sexy twirl of her hips.

He swallowed as her farewell wasn't missed. 'So that kind of Burst Linker exist too. Takes all kinds I suppose.' He had to hand it to Silver Crow. His mind was just as much a weapon as his metal frame. That was the deciding factor ultimately. He fought the urge to clap. His encounter with female avatar earlier made him subconsciously adopt his uncaring persona.

"Let it be known throughout the Accelerated World, Nega Nebulis has returned! As the Black King I'm warning all you complacent Legion Masters. We intend to reach the final stage." Despite her weakened condition, Kuroyukihime was proud of herself. "Come Haruyuki let's return to reality."

Reality...

All the tension drained out of the chubby middle schooler as he returned. He genuinely felt like he had broken new ground with Taku. Hopefully, it was a better place. He realized that his unexpected visitor had cleared a few of his dark clouds before he went to battle. He hopped up and bowed respectfully to the older boy. "Thank you for distracting me. I am Haruyuki Arita."

He grinned as the kid introduced himself. "Got your thoughts in order huh. Good too much tension is bad for you. Nice to meet you Arita." He pointed at himself as he stood. "Names Yuske Shouada, glad to be of help."