Hearing the words he never hoped to hear his whole life, the boy suddenly starts to cry.
“…So, I died?”
“How is that possible? The last thing I remember is leaving my dorm to buy some groceries, and then… wait?! I can’t remember anything after that!”
Reading the host’s thoughts, the system replied, “[The host died after returning from shopping. The host got caught in a shooting scene and got hit with a bullet. The memories of it are removed to avoid psychological problems for the host!]”
Hearing the system’s reply, the boy starts crying even more. “So, I died without accomplishing anything in life? Without giving back the love and support my parents gave me? Without accomplishing my dreams?”
“[Warning…warning… The mentality of the host is breaking down. Activating emergency cool-down procedures.]”
Suddenly, the boy feels a cooling sensation in him, and his dark thoughts somehow start to settle down.
“[Host, you might have died, but now you have the chance to write your future again. Please calm down and take deep breaths.]”
Feeling his sanity come back to him, his hazy eyes start to regain their clarity. Taking deep breaths, the boy tries to stand up, but he miserably fails and falls back. Laying on the carpet, the boy asks, “So how was it back at my home? Is everybody alright… a-ar-are my parents alright?”
“[Host, your parents are alright. They were at your funeral, and your parents did fall into depression, but they will get better.]”
Hearing what the system said, the boy heaves a sigh. “Give me some time alone to think.”
Hearing what his host said and reading the host’s mental state, the system becomes silent. Closing his eyes, the boy begins to remember his past, his life, his parents, everything. His total of 22 years old his life.
Half an hour passes in such a manner, and when he opens his eyes again, there is a myriad of emotions. The boy still feels pain and loss, and he has not fully forgotten his past, but he can now move forward for now…
“Hey system, I’m ready. Could you tell me why I can’t move?”
Finally hearing the words it wanted to hear, the system replies, “[Yes, host, we can start! Currently, the host’s soul is being connected to the current body. Since there is a mismatch between your soul and body, it might take some time to integrate. For worry not, I can speed up the time by giving your current body some shock.]”
Hearing the first half of the system’s words, the boy smiles, but hearing the rest, his face starts to contract. “How long will the normal route take?”
“[About 1 to 2 months.]”
“So, what you are telling me is that I have to take the shock, right? How are these even options?”
Taking a deep breath to control his rising anger, the boy replies, “Sure, give me those shocks.”
“[Right away, host. Better take a deep breath for the coming shock in 3…2…1!!]”
Suddenly, the boy’s body starts twitching like a fish taken out of the water. This goes on for about 20 seconds before it cools down.
“Argh…damn it. Hey system, why don’t you come in front of me so that I can ‘thank you’?”
“[No need, host. I am an ethereal figure. You can’t touch me.]”
Grumbling to himself, the boy raises himself from the ground
and takes a look around.
“Seeing the furniture and room, it seems like this boy’s family is quite rich,” he observes.
“Hey, system, tell me where am I? And who am I?” he asks.
“Host, better take a seat before I start,” the system advises.
Hearing this, the boy takes a seat on the bed, ready to hear about himself.
“[The host is currently in the world of ‘Ether’ from the game ‘Make Them All Yours’,]” the system reveals.
The boy’s eyes widen with surprise. He’s in a video game? But how is that even possible?
“Are you kidding me?” he exclaims.
“[No, host. This is not a joke. You have been reborn in the game,]” the system confirms.