Hearing words he had never imagined hearing in his entire life, the boy’s composure shattered, and tears began to stream down his face.
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“…I… I died?”
“How is this possible? The last thing I remember was leaving my dorm to buy groceries… and then… wait… I can’t remember anything after that.”
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The system, reading the host’s thoughts, responded calmly but matter-of-factly:
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[Host died while returning from shopping. Caught in a shooting incident, the host was struck by a bullet. Memories of the event have been partially removed to prevent severe psychological trauma.]
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The boy’s sobs only grew louder.
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“So… I died… without accomplishing anything? Without ever repaying the love and support my parents gave me? Without achieving even a single dream?”
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[Warning: Host’s mental state critical…
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Activating emergency stabilization protocol…]
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Suddenly, a cool, soothing sensation spread across his body, easing the dark turmoil in his mind.
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[Host… you may have died, but this is your chance to rewrite your future. Please… calm down. Take slow, deep breaths.]
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With trembling lungs, the boy inhaled and exhaled, letting the cold calm wash over him. Gradually, his blurred vision cleared, and clarity returned to his hazy eyes.
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He tried to stand, only to collapse miserably onto the soft carpet. Lying there, he whispered:
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“So… what about home? Is everyone… are my parents… okay?”
[Host’s parents are alive. They attended your funeral and experienced grief, but they are recovering and will return to normal.]
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The boy exhaled a long, shaky sigh. “I… I need some time to think.”
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Reading his mental state, the system fell silent, allowing him the space he needed.
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Closing his eyes, memories began to flow back: his childhood, his family, his 22 years of life—everything he had lived, loved, and lost.
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Half an hour passed in quiet reflection. When he opened his eyes again, a storm of emotions still lingered, but he felt a strange sense of readiness. He hadn’t forgotten his past, yet he could now look forward.
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“System… I’m ready. Tell me… why can’t I move?”
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Finally, the system responded, delivering the words he had been waiting for:
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[Yes, Host. We can begin. Your soul is currently being integrated with this body. Because your soul and the current body are mismatched, the process may take some time to stabilize.]
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[Do not worry. The integration can be accelerated by administering a controlled shock to the body.]
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The boy’s lips curled into a tentative smile at the first part… but as the last words sank in, his expression twisted with apprehension.
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“How long would it take if I went the normal route?”
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[Approximately one to two months.]
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“So… what you’re basically telling me is that I have to take the shock? And these are even… options?”
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Taking a deep breath to calm the rising anger in his chest, the boy muttered, “Fine… go ahead. Give me the shocks.”
[Right away, Host. Better steady yourself… the shock will begin in 3… 2… 1!!]
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Suddenly, his body convulsed violently, writhing like a fish out of water. Muscles spasmed, his limbs flailing uncontrollably for what felt like an eternity—about twenty seconds—before the sensation finally faded, leaving him gasping on the floor.
“Argh… damn it! Hey, System, why don’t you just show yourself so I can… y’know… ‘thank you’ properly?”
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[No need, Host. I am an eternal presence—you cannot touch me.]
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Grumbling under his breath, the boy pushed himself upright and surveyed his surroundings.
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“Looking at the furniture… and this room… wow. This kid’s family must be loaded.”
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He turned back to the system. “Alright, enough games. Tell me where I am and… who I am.”
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[Host, I suggest you sit down before I start.]
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Obediently, he dropped onto the bed, bracing himself for the explanation.
[The Host is currently in the world of Ether, originating from the dimension known as “Valtheris Chronicle.”]
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The boy shot upright instantly, eyes wide with shock. “Wait… what?! You’re telling me… this isn’t even my world?!”
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and then Add to home screen.