Prologue: The Not-So-Distant Future

In a world where the digital and physical had become one, towering skyscrapers gleamed with neon lights, and holographic displays advertised the latest in Cyberworld advancements. Self-driving vehicles weaved through AI-controlled traffic, while drones zipped overhead, carrying packages to doorsteps before their owners even thought to open the app.

Augmented reality signs guided pedestrians at every corner, shifting and glowing to match each passerby’s preferences. A child with a headset saw a parade of cartoon mascots pointing the way to the arcade. An office worker, late for a meeting, was directed with sharp arrows pulsing red across the street. The city itself had become a personalized interface.

Every home was linked, every school wired, every person accompanied by their digital partner: a Navi. Programs no longer sat dormant on a screen—they talked, laughed, and battled at their operator’s command. The world had never been more connected, more alive, more dependent on the Net.

And yet, for all its cutting-edge technology, this story doesn’t begin in a lab or control center.

It starts in a messy bedroom. Posters of superheroes and battle tournaments plaster the walls. Game cartridges and textbooks scatter across the floor in a constant state of war. A desk groans under the weight of snack wrappers and a glowing Personal Terminal, its screen flickering with a familiar blue Navi.

Here sits a boy with tangled hair, leaning forward in his chair, eyes wide with determination. His world is smaller than the city outside, but his dream is larger than both combined.

This is where the story begins—with a boy, his computer, and a dream.

---

The Boy with the P.E.T.

“Why won’t this thing cooperate with me?” Lan yelled from the center of his room.

He was hunched over his floating holo-screen, frowning at a line of stubborn code. Tangled wires and old hardware cluttered his desk, standing in stark contrast to the sleek digital world outside. Posters of legendary NetBattlers covered the walls, their faded edges curling slightly with age.

He adjusted the blue and orange headband that kept his spiky brown hair in place. His red and white vest, worn over a long-sleeved undershirt, was slightly ruffled from a rushed morning. Black and yellow shorts and red-and-black sneakers completed the look—practical gear for a kid who was always on the move.

Strapped to his belt was his P.E.T.—his Personal Terminal. Unlike most, Lan Hikari’s wasn’t standard-issue.

His was a sleek blue and was built with his father. A red circular emblem—the Hikari family crest—was fixed to the corner, though it could be swapped out for a custom logo. The handle extended for a firmer grip during intense NetBattles, and an extra processing unit had been installed by his father for faster performance. It was more than a device. It was Lan’s lifeline to the Cyberworld.

A voice called out from the hallway.

“Lan, are you still messing with that thing?”

His mother, Haruka Hikari, stepped into view, a virtual assistant Navi hovering beside her as it managed a floating screen of digital paperwork.

She smiled knowingly.
“You get that stubbornness from your father. Isn’t today the day he promised to help with your school project?”

Lan sighed, rubbing his temple.
“If he ever takes a break from saving the digital world. I just wish his job wasn’t so… mysterious.”

Haruka chuckled.
“Your dad’s work keeps him busy, but you know he’ll always make time. Just send him a message.”

Lan clipped his P.E.T. to his belt and grabbed his bag.
“I know, Mom. But if I’m late again, Maylu’s gonna let me have it.”

Haruka laughed softly.
“Oh, she’s good for you. Have a great day, Lan.”

The city hummed with life. Digital billboards flashed animated ads, and pedestrian pathways lit up to indicate safe crossings.

Despite all the high-tech wonders, Lan’s focus was elsewhere.

Under a digital tree—its pixelated leaves shifting colors—stood Maylu Sakurai.
She barely looked up from her holographic watch.

“You ever gonna figure out how clocks work?”

Lan grinned.
“I like to keep people guessing.”

Maylu smirked, finally glancing up.

Her short crimson hair was styled in sharp outward flicks at the ends, held in place by a glossy pink hair clip. The clip bore a bold, simple emblem: a yellow chevron nested into a red circle, its lines crisp and symmetrical. Her eyes—bright and focused—had a confidence that matched her tone.

She wore a sleek, form-fitting blue jacket with glowing aqua seams tracing along the sleeves and shoulders, giving it a futuristic edge. The high collar brushed her chin, while the sleeves ended in reinforced cuffs that looked ready for action. A vivid pink pleated skirt provided contrast, subtly patterned and stylish, moving just slightly as she shifted her stance. Black thigh-high stockings and polished shoes grounded the look—practical, but never dull.

She crossed her arms, unimpressed.
“At this rate, the only thing you’ll be keeping is detention.”

Lan waved it off.
“Speaking of, did you crack that Navi code yet?”

A spark lit in Maylu’s eyes.
“I think I’ve got something. I want our Navi to be adaptable—more than just a combat program.”

Lan thought for a second, then nodded.
“As long as it doesn’t wake me up early, I’m on board.”

Maylu rolled her eyes.
“Some of us function before noon, Lan.”

Lan and Maylu had been friends their entire lives.

Their mothers met in college and became best friends—but it was their dads who took that bond and made it a rivalry. Eating contests, sports, even racing to finish a book—everything was a competition.

That same energy trickled down to Lan and Maylu. From the moment they could walk, they were racing, challenging, and constantly trying to one-up each other. But unlike their fathers, their rivalry had a different edge: teamwork. They didn’t just compete—they pushed each other to grow. To improve. To be better.

If Lan started a project, Maylu would find a way to refine it. If Maylu came up with an idea, Lan would figure out how to make it even bolder.

Their true strength didn’t shine in rivalry—it thrived in collaboration.

That’s why they were building their Navis together. Because no matter how far they could go on their own, they always went further together.

---

Dr. Light’s classroom was a blend of old and new—chalkboards and wooden desks standing proudly beside holo-displays and advanced terminals. The room felt like a bridge between generations, honoring the past while leaning into the future.

As students settled into their seats, Dr. Light adjusted his glasses and turned to face the class.

“Before we begin today’s lesson,” he said, “let’s review something fundamental. What are NetNavis?”

A few students perked up, while others leaned back, waiting for him to continue.

“NetNavis—or Network Navigators—are more than just digital assistants. They are AI-driven entities designed to interface with the Cyberworld, carrying out a wide range of tasks: data management, security enforcement, medical diagnostics, and, of course…”
He smiled knowingly.
“NetBattling.”

Dr. Light paused, his gaze sweeping the room.

“But more than that, a Navi is an extension of its Operator. A truly skilled NetOp doesn’t simply command their Navi—they work with them. As partners. As a team.”

His eyes settled on Lan and Maylu, seated near the middle row.

“I’ve been hearing rumors about a certain Navi project. Care to share?”

Lan exchanged a glance with Maylu, then rubbed the back of his neck.
“Well… it’s kind of an experiment. We don’t just want a Navi that fights or follows commands. We want one that grows with us.”

Maylu nodded, leaning forward.
“Not just reactive—something that actually learns and adapts. More like a real partner than just a program.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the classroom—some intrigued, others skeptical.

Dr. Light studied them for a moment, his expression thoughtful, then nodded.

“That’s ambitious. But if you want something to learn, you need to challenge it.”
He tilted his head, curious.
“How do you plan to do that?”

Lan smirked at Maylu.
“Guess we’ll figure that out as we go.”

Dr. Light chuckled softly, folding his arms.
“I’d expect nothing less. If anyone can make it work, it’s you two.”

The classroom buzzed with conversation—this was something new. Something big.

By the time the final bell rang, Lan and Maylu exchanged a knowing look.
This wasn’t just a school project anymore.

---

Lan shot Maylu a knowing look.
“Remember when we tried building those robots?”

Maylu snorted.
“The ones that couldn’t stay standing for more than five seconds?”

“Exactly!” Lan laughed. “What if we use that as a starting point? Your designs were all about balance. Mine… well, mine were built to take a hit.”

Maylu’s eyes lit up.
“Rock and Roll!”

Lan blinked.

“Seriously? That’s so cheesy.”

Maylu grinned, undeterred.

“Your Navi—sturdy, strong, takes a beating. Mine—quick, graceful, dodges everything. Rock and Roll!”

Lan’s grin broke through.

“…Okay, yeah, that’s awesome.”

Lan’s grin widened.
“Oh, that’s perfect!” He punched the air. “Let’s Rock!”

Maylu twirled dramatically.
“And Roll!”

Nearby students gave them a few odd looks, but Lan and Maylu didn’t care. This wasn’t just a cool idea anymore—this was happening.

The rest of the day flew by. Between lessons, they stole whatever time they could to sketch, tweak, and refine their designs.

When the final bell rang, they didn’t head home. Instead, they made their way to the after-school Programming Club—where the real work would begin.

---

The hum of computers and quiet conversation filled the lab as the Programming Club kicked into gear. Screens glowed across the room, code lines scrolling, Navis materializing in test windows, and strategy diagrams pinned to holo-boards.

At the front of the room, Dr. Light scanned Lan and Maylu’s sketches, his interest clear.
“Rock and Roll, huh?” He traced the names thoughtfully with a finger. “Interesting contrast. Strength and speed. Tell me more.”

Maylu leaned forward, her eyes bright.
“Rock is all about defense—built to take hits and keep standing.”

Lan nodded.
“And Roll? She’s fast, precise—dodging instead of tanking damage.”

Dr. Light studied the designs for a long moment, then gave an approving nod.
“A strong duo. Covering each other’s weaknesses. Ambitious… but I like it.”

That was all the encouragement they needed.

The next few hours blurred together—coding, debugging, fine-tuning. Dr. Light dropped in occasionally with advice and questions, but for the most part, they were locked in, fully absorbed in their work.

By the time they finally leaned back from their screens, the foundation was set.

Lan stretched, cracking his knuckles.
“All right. First phase—done.”

Maylu smirked, pushing her hair back behind her ear.
“Let’s keep the momentum going.”Their Navis weren’t online yet—but they would be soon.
The journey had officially begun.