I wonder when it first started.
All my life, I thought that with every moment spent, I could earn something in return.
Oh, how naive I was…
Well, you couldn't blame me. I was just an immature teen struggling under expectations.
Or at least, that's what I thought
The platform smelled faintly of coffee and metal as Kim Do-hyeon checked the time for the third time.
He stood there, listening to the familiar hum of the station while waiting for the train.
' I wonder what I'll have for dinner... ' I thought, glancing at my watch yet again.
How many more minutes will it take for this train to appear? I've been waiting for nearly an hour!
My irritation nearly skyrocketed, my feet tapping relentlessly against the platform. Ironically, the reason I was late in the first place was my own fault.
Clenching my fist, a vein throbbed at my temple.
If only I hadn't done that guy's paperwork instead, I'd be home by now. This is the last time I'll ever do someone else's work instead of my own!
…
Well, it wouldn't matter anyway. It's not like anyone's waiting for me at home…
"—Wait, this isn't the time for that."
I slapped my face lightly, snapping myself back to reality.
"The release of Silksong is tonight, and nothing's going to stop me!" I muttered, raising a clenched fist in determination.
Time passed, until a screeching sound tore through the station as the train rushed in at full speed. I stepped forward into the packed car, squeezing my way between bodies until I finally found a seat.
Letting myself relax, I pulled out my phone and began my daily doom-scrolling.
For a while, I just sat there, quietly giggling at whatever video came up next. You could almost call it peaceful.
Well—
Not for the people sitting in front of me.
"Hey, Dokja-ssi, what novel are you reading right now?" the girl asked, leaning in far too close.
The man called Dokja visibly froze. His embarrassed expression was impossible to hide as he quickly pulled his phone back, fumbling over his words.
"It's—uh—it's not interesting or anything."
…Were these two a couple or something?
Didn't they realize there were other people around them?
I thought critically, though I really had no right to judge. I was a virgin in disguise myself. Still, at the very least, I wouldn't act all lovey-dovey in public.
Despite my thoughts, a small smile crept onto my face as I watched the scene unfold.
How peaceful days can be…
The moment that thought crossed my mind, a strange sensation crawled up my spine.
I couldn't quite place it—something between déjà vu and an unnamed unease.
But I ignored it.
…Looking back, I really shouldn't have.
The train suddenly screeched to a violent halt. People were thrown forward, gripping onto anything they could.
What the fuck is happening?!
I clung to the pole for dear life as the train finally stopped.
A distorted announcement crackled through the intercom.
"Attention all passengers! Everyone—run away!"
The man's voice was rushed, panicked—like he was fleeing from something.
A few seconds of silence followed.
Then—
A blinding crack of lightning tore through the air ahead of us.
People stood up from their seats, frozen in shock.
And then, without warning, a mechanical voice echoed throughout the car.
---
[ THE FREE SERVICE OF PLANETARY SYSTEM 8612 HAS BEEN TERMINATED ]
[ THE MAIN SCENARIO STARTS NOW ]
---
From the crackling pillar of light emerged a creature resembling an imp.
Its fur was unlike anything I had ever seen, small horns curling out from its head. At first glance, it almost looked cute.
That illusion shattered the moment it smiled.
What the fuck is happening…
I thought again, my mind unable to process what was unfolding.
Suddenly—
A person's head exploded.
Blood splattered across the train, screams erupting as bodies recoiled in horror.
My stomach churned.
The imp began speaking—rambling about life, entertainment, something about fairness—but I barely heard a word. My hands trembled as I stared at my phone, desperately searching for confirmation.
This has to be a dream, right?
I pinched myself.
Pain flared instantly.
Reality didn't fade.
A thousand thoughts flooded my head as I tried—desperately—to deny what I was seeing.
To wake up.
But this wasn't a dream.
This was surreal yet true reality.
Now focusing my gaze forward, the imp snapped his fingers. Instantly, floating screens materialized in front of everyone.
[The Main Scenario Has Begun]
[Proof of Value:
Kill one or more living beings
Type: Main
Difficulty: F
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Reward: 300 coins
Failure: Death]
I couldn't believe it.
No—there was no point denying it anymore. This was my reality now.
If I didn't adapt right here, right now, I would die without ever understanding what happened.
I wasn't some main character from the countless anime I'd watched. I didn't have absurd talent or a destined power awakening.
But I did have one thing.
A trick up my sleeve.
And Its that Iwasn't afraid to Win