Parallel Worlds: Waking Up as a Famous Actress

Chapter 2

Majo woke up feeling dizzy and confused. When she opened her eyes, she saw the light coming from the ceiling. She wondered if the maintenance people had recently changed the lights.

"Welcome, host."

Majo got scared and sat up quickly, looking around for the voice. She was confused. Where did that soft voice come from? Then, she realized something surprising.

The room she was in was much bigger than hers, almost four times the size. The walls were a calming light blue, and there weren't many decorations, but they looked expensive. The bed she was on was fancy, not like her simple one. It was clear this wasn't her room. Panic rushed through her. Where was she?

"Host, please, stay calm. No need to worry. You're in your room."

The voice kept talking, even though Majo couldn't see anyone. She felt even more nervous. Was she being haunted?

"No, host, you're not haunted or crazy. I'm inside you, invisible."

Majo was amazed. So, she wasn't being haunted by a ghost; instead, she was in a strange and unreal situation she somehow got into?

"Don't think too much, dear host. I'm your guide, called System 37. I'm here to help you in this new world. Remember the code you scanned yesterday? You were right. It was a game, a really unique one. The goal is for people to experience a different world from their own. Since you scanned the code, you're now in the game."

Majo was puzzled, and her forehead wrinkled. Why was it hard for her to understand the voice's words, even though it was speaking her language? System? Different world?

"I get that you're confused, but don't worry, host. This situation would surprise anyone. Just from scanning a code, you find yourself in a totally different place. I told my bosses that the flyers didn't explain well, but they haven't changed it yet."

While the system complained about its bosses, Majo began to understand better.

She remembered scanning the QR code on the paper because she was curious, and then nothing. She didn't remember what happened next.

Was she kidnapped? No, that didn't make sense. She lived on the safe 12th floor of the dormitory. Someone would have noticed if she was taken. Plus, she wasn't rich or important, so kidnapping her wouldn't really make sense.

Was this a dream? Majo quietly pinched her thigh and winced from the pain. The pain was real.

If what the voice was saying was true, what kind of advanced technology could take a person to another world?

"A very advanced technology. But the company I work for is from another world. We recently started working in different worlds, including yours. Your consciousness was swapped with your other self who also scanned the code."

Majo thought for a moment and reluctantly accepted her situation. Well, truth be told, she didn't really have any other choices.

"Can I know more about who I am here? I mean, the version of me in this world."

"I'm glad you asked. Please brace yourself, as I'm going to transfer all the memories of the original owner into your mind in a few seconds. It might be a bit uncomfortable, so hold on tight."

Majo took a deep breath and braced herself, just as the entity had advised. It didn't take long before a series of images flooded her mind, like scenes from a long movie.

Her name was also Maria Josephine Mendez, but her life was quite different from Majo's. She was born into a wealthy and powerful family. Her mom was a famous songwriter, and her dad owned a big company. From a young age, she had been pampered and spoiled by those around her. As a result, she developed a spoiled and arrogant attitude. During high school, a talent agency noticed her beauty and charm and wanted to sign her, but she declined and  asked her parents to set up a personal studio for her instead. Thanks to her parents' influence, she smoothly entered the entertainment industry. Her first movie was directed by a well-known filmmaker, and even though she wasn't the main character, she still gained a large fanbase. It had been five years since she entered the industry, and she had become a famous actress. While she had many fans, she also had her fair share of critics. Her behavior towards others often rubbed fans of other actors the wrong way.

And that was her life there. Majo took a deep breath after absorbing those memories. She and that Maria were really like night and day. The only thing they had in common was their name.

After settling her emotions once again, Majo's mind turned to a very important question. What about her own life? Was she now living as that previous Maria?

"Yes. The original person whose body you now inhabit has taken on your life in your original world. Don't worry. Another system is helping her navigate that world."

Majo could imagine the shock the original person must have felt upon realizing their situation. Majo's situation here seemed much more manageable compared to that. She silently hoped that the original person could also find a way to cope and eventually everything would return to normal. Oh wait, she almost forgot.

"Can I go back to my own world after this game or whatever it is?" Majo quickly inquired of the system.

"Absolutely. Once the game is over, everything you've experienced here will be like a very long dream after a good sleep. Our goal is to simply let you experience life as another version of yourself."

Majo felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The guilt she felt about essentially taking over the other person's life lessened. She hoped that she and the original person could complete their tasks efficiently and return to their respective lives soon.

"It seems like you've come to terms with your situation. In that case, I'll assign you your tasks. I hope you can excel at them all."

Majo nodded, eagerly awaiting her assignments from the system.

"For your first task, I'd like you to take part in the reality show 'A Day in the Life of a Superstar' and change how others perceive you."

Majo's mind went blank. This could be quite a challenge for her. Dealing with people wasn't her favorite thing, but being an actress meant she had to.

~~~Author's Note~~~

The italicized pronouns refer to the original person whose memories were transferred to Majo.