The beginning in the end

The day of the apocalypse (2)

If I remember correctly, this is the day the apocalypse began...

"Hello?? Anyone at the reception? Hello?!?" The doctor shouted into the phone, but the call abruptly cut off.

Doctor Jae’s hands trembled as he turned toward the window. His face drained of color as he stared at the sky. It had turned unnaturally dark, a massive crack splitting the heavens as monstrous creatures began pouring through.

So I really have been sent to the past, huh... damn it!

Joon-ho yanked the IV from his wrist, blood trickling down his arm as he sat up and straightened his hospital gown.

"Joon-ho, s-stay put! I'll try to call—" Doctor Jae stammered, his voice laced with fear. He tried to maintain a calm front, but Joon-ho saw right through it.

"It's alright, Doctor Jae," Joon-ho said, a faint, bittersweet smile crossing his lips. "And thank you..."

The doctor blinked, confused. "Thank you for what?"

Thank you for protecting me with your life that day... but this time, I'll protect you.

Before the doctor could react, Joon-ho stood and started toward the exit.

"Wait, Joon-ho! Where are you going?" Doctor Jae shouted, his voice echoing through the halls.

This is where it all starts... Joon-ho thought, ignoring the doctor's protests. November 29. The day everything changed.

In his previous life, it was revealed later that those near the initial outbreak had awakened. Joon-ho, just a student and an outcast at the time, happened to be near the hospital when it all happened. His awakening briefly brought him recognition, but after his rank test revealed he was a "useless" D-rank hunter, the attention faded.

But this time, this time will be different.

Joon-ho stepped outside, his heart pounding as he surveyed the chaos unfolding before him. Buildings burned. Cars lay overturned. And everywhere, screams and cries echoed as the monsters tore through helpless humans.

Keep calm... huu... it'll happen any moment now... 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4...

The countdown echoed in his mind. He clenched his fists, his determination unwavering.

3... 2...

And—

"G00d evening, player Joon-ho."

A familiar red hologram materialized in front of him.

There it is!

"Status window!" Joon-ho yelled, expecting the system to display his stats.

...

[Y0u are not able to view the status window due to you not being awakened yet.]

"What?!? What do you mean I'm not awakened yet? I should already be awakened by now!"

“F0olish h#man. Th# p@st has alr#ady b#en ch@nged due t0 y0ur m#re exi$tence.”

"But I can't just stand here and watch people die!"

“0f course.” [Do you w@nt to open y0ur status w1ndow as a pl@yer? (One time)]
           [Yes]                          [No]

Joon-ho froze. The choice hovered before him. His mind raced as he weighed his options. If I don't do this now, there's no telling when—or if—I'll awaken. I need power. I need to get stronger... I need to save them!

"Yes," Joon-ho said firmly.

“G00d cho1ce.”

[Opening player Joon-ho's status window...]