Warcross

Emika wonders why she is going to enter the championship draft. With her criminal record and low scores, she should be ineligible. She accesses her Memory Worlds when she cannot sleep on the plane and scrolls through memories of her father including the birthday he surprised her with the last painting. When she sleeps, she dreams of Annie Pattridge, a fellow student at her high school. Bullies harassed Annie and a boy shared a naked photo of her online, causing Annie to drop out. Emika hacked into the phones of everyone who shared Annie’s photo and posted their private info and personal photos. For this she earned four months in juvenile detention and a criminal record despite her age. Authorities banned her use of computers for two years. She does not regret her act.

Arriving in Tokyo, Emika asks to see the city through the car windows instead of virtual scenes. She is amazed at the lights and activity. The sight is even more impressive when viewed through the NeuroLink glasses, as they add a layer of virtual reality. Emika “levels up” to Level 25 just for arriving in Tokyo. Hideo requested the best room at the Crystal Tower Hotel for Emika; she stays in a penthouse suite.