The beginning in the end

The day of the apocalypse (1)

[You have accepted to be a player.]
Calculating the year to be transmitted to...

A pause. The glowing letters flickered, shifting erratically.

Year selected: 20XX.
Player name: Joon-ho.
Age: 18 (28).
Rank: N/A.
Class: None.
Skills: None.

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“Where… am I?”

Joon-ho opened his eyes, squinting against the soft, sterile light. He sat up slowly, wincing as a dull ache coursed through his body. He looked around—the room was small, clean, and faintly familiar. White walls, a bed, and the faint smell of disinfectant.

This setup… it looks like a hospital.

He flexed his fingers, feeling the rough texture of the blanket. It hurt—his whole body throbbed—but the pain was dull compared to the agony he had felt earlier.

Why… how am I here?

“I thought I died…” Joon-ho muttered to himself. The memories of his broken body, the screams, and the red hologram were vivid in his mind. It couldn’t have been a dream; it was too real.

“Anyone there…?” His voice cracked, unsure if it was a cry for help or a plea for answers.

The door swung open, and a man rushed in—a face from long ago.

“Joon-ho! Did you get into a fight again? How’s your head? Are you feeling alright? Oh, you poor kid…”

The man’s voice was soft, tinged with worry, and achingly familiar. Joon-ho blinked, his mind racing.

Wait… this man… Doctor Jae?

Joon-ho’s heart skipped a beat as he stared at the figure. It was Doctor Jae—the man who had patched him up countless times during his school days.

“Joon-ho, why are you so silent? You know you can tell me anything. Don’t be scared. Tell me who beat you this time.” Doctor Jae leaned closer, examining him with concern.

‘Beat me this time’? The words struck a strange chord in Joon-ho. What is he talking about? I’m an adult—

Or was I?

The realization hit him like a thunderclap.

This can’t be real. Did I really… travel back in time?

His breath quickened, and his thoughts spiraled. He stared at Doctor Jae, trying to convince himself this was a hallucination or some cruel dream.

“Doctor Jae…” His voice was hoarse. “What year is it?”

Doctor Jae’s expression shifted, his concern deepening. “What?! Did you hit your head harder than I thought? Oh dear… is this amnesia?”

He began muttering to himself, pacing back and forth. “It’s the year 20XX. November 29th. Oh gosh! Did you seriously—”

Before he could finish, a deafening BANG echoed from outside the hospital. The ground trembled, and distant screams pierced the air.

Joon-ho froze, his blood running cold.

Year 20XX, November 29th. That’s… that’s the day the apocalypse began.

And the day Doctor Jae died.