Step step
At dawn, as the city was just beginning to stir, with the morning fog still lingering, a young man walked toward his destination with empty pockets and heavy steps, as he always did.
“Sigh… It’s even colder today.”
Though burdened by prolonged economic struggles, estranged from his family, and isolated from society, he had lived a life of chastity without companionship or purpose. Yet, despite it all, he remained grateful and persevered day by day.
For him, who had barely endured a life of utmost hardship, the only comfort was a game commonly known as “Aether Punk.” It allowed him to experience a new life, as if he were directing it himself.
Within the game’s setting, a world far removed from reality, he had, as always, tasted countless pains and frustrations. Nevertheless, he continued to cling to this fictional realm because he could witness his avatar gradually improving, step by step, transforming into a hero. That sight was, for him, a moment of encountering light.
“It’s neither a dream nor a lie; it’s real!”
He gazed intently at the screen of the smartphone in his hand. This time, the moment had truly arrived—a chance to manifest a dream that had once been nothing more than a fantasy, built on what he truly loved and the experiences he had gained.
“To think that I was selected for the pre-experience!”
The announcement of a new version of Aether Punkhad sent its users into a frenzy of excitement. The young man, too, found it hard to suppress his soaring spirits at the news that the game’s world would expand even further.
“This isn’t a dream, is it?”
Slap
“Ugh… It seems to be real.”
Not only would he get to experience it firsthand, but through testing, he could also suggest improvements and additions for the future. The realization that he, like the developers, was now in a position to help shape this dreamlike world left him dazed at first. But as a little time passed, he began to understand, if only slightly, that life wasn’t always just harsh and unforgiving.
Step step
In high spirits, he quickened his pace as he thought, “If I get some income this time, first I’ll buy some meat…! Wait, actually, I need to pay the overdue rent first…”
Even though sunlight was slowly rising beyond the horizon, the narrow alley remained dull and dark. He pressed on without complaint. Compared to when he had first set out, now that he was much closer to his destination, his entire demeanor had shifted—so much so that he seemed like a different person.
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“I should be grateful that I don’t have to go hungry like before!”
Having cast off despair and pain, his steps grew lighter and more vigorous, brimming with anticipation and hope for a new beginning.
Ding
An alarm pierced the heavy silence that enveloped the alley. Reflexively, he reached into his pocket with his right hand, pulled out his smartphone, and saw a newly arrived message.
“Huh?”
“Is there something else the developers need to contact me about?”
Most matters had already been settled during his earlier visit to the company, so his confusion only deepened.
“Ah!”
Quickly scanning the message, he soon nodded in understanding.
“Well, then, it can’t be helped.”
The message explained that while most preparations were complete, the user data transfer had yet to occur due to a mistake by the service team. They needed his cooperation to resolve it.
His fingers moved swiftly to fill out the form linked in the message, entering the required information.
“They must be really busy.”
He completed the impersonal form with no blanks left unfilled and reached for the send button.
“What a strange feeling!”
It was hard to believe that such a simple task could mark the turning point for his future.
“With this, it’s definitely starting! The second act of my life!”
A faint smile spread across his face as he felt his heart swell with hope, growing larger and stronger.
His gaze remained locked on the smartphone screen. Yet his legs kept moving diligently, as if unaware of any changes or lurking dangers, propelling him forward.
Whoooosh!
“Ugh!”
A wind so fierce it made him wince swept through the shadows still clinging between the buildings. His old, tattered coat flapped wildly, and his steps faltered to a stop.
Vroooom!
At that moment, a dump truck emerged without warning, barreling toward him.
Honk!
“Wha—!?”
High beams blinded his vision, and the blaring horn scrambled his thoughts. His mind failed to register the situation in time, leaving him frozen—unable to move or react. Then, the truck, showing no sign of slowing, crashed into his defenseless body as he stood there, dazed.
“Aaaah!”
His body seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before slamming into the cold, hard asphalt. It rolled several times, momentum unbroken.
“A-at this rate, I’ll be late…!”
“Uuugh…”
Amid the acrid stench of burning rubber, his clouded eyes—muddled by the impact—caught sight of a puddle forming around him.
“From now on, things were supposed to get better for me…!”
Blood seeped from his body, steaming on the frigid asphalt before cooling, mirrored in his eyes as their light slowly faded.
“Kuhuk!”
In the stillness where all seemed to halt, his final breath slipped away.
A futile moment.
Suddenly, a brilliant light erupted from the screen of the smartphone he had cherished as dearly as his own life. The display flickered and shifted, as if manipulated by an unseen hand.
“Transmission complete.”
For reasons unknown, the user information he had painstakingly built up was sent.
“Thank you sincerely for using our company’s service!”
Though no one remained to see it, the message reflected in his vacant eyes.
“We look forward to your continued support!”
The bizarre words lingered, etched into the gaze of his lifeless eyes.
