Chapter 0: Beginning

"What am I even doing?" I pondered, a question that echoed persistently in my mind these days. I found myself attending job interviews organized by companies I held little affection for, all in pursuit of work that failed to bring any joy.

But what alternatives did I have?

Almost everything that initially sparked my interest eventually morphed into a monotonous routine. Regardless of whether I excelled, struggled, or maintained an average performance, my attention span couldn't endure.

Games provided enduring engagement, followed by sports and occasionally puzzles or challenging problems.

And yet, with time, it all lost its meaning.

I became numb.

Nevertheless, I knew how to conform, seamlessly blending into the crowd and adapting to societal expectations.

Living a spiritless, dull life.

The air was chilly. The forecast hadn't predicted snowfall this week, but the plummeting temperature suggested otherwise.

'Maybe it's time to find a part-time job. Speaking of which...'

I pushed open the door and entered one of my regular fast-food joints that I enjoyed eating at.

Late at night, the place was relatively empty.

Making my way to my favorite window seat, I sat down and continued to gaze outside.

"The usual?"

A voice interrupted my thoughts, drawing my attention to the person it belonged to.

"Yes, the usual," I replied with a smile. My innocent response caused a vein to pop on the attendant's forehead.

Stolen novel; please report.

"I have to ask, why don't you learn to cook? You'd save a lot of money if you prepared your own meals instead of coming here practically every day."

He sighed in exasperation.

Unable to contain my laughter any longer, I said, "I do know how to cook, it's just tedious. Yes, I'd save money, but setting up a proper meal feels like too much work."

"A proper meal? You call this proper?" The server feigned annoyance.

I knew he was acting. We had been friends throughout college, and we had both recently graduated. Chris, the attendant, always worked part-time jobs to earn money for his sister's education, while I was currently "job hunting" and living alone in a small apartment.

My parents couldn't stay in one place for too long due to their work, and I couldn't keep moving with them. So, here I was in the city, searching for a job to become independent, or so they say.

"It'll take a few minutes. Call me if you need anything else," Chris said, about to leave, when I interjected.

"Wait, are you free after this? Want to go out for a drink once your shift is over?"

"Not today. I have one more shift after this. They offered to pay extra, and I was free, so... Maybe tomorrow? Yeah, tomorrow for sure."

"Don't ditch me, okay?" I reminded him playfully as Chris walked away to attend to other customers.

I sighed.

'Don't overwork yourself,' I wanted to shout, but I knew Chris wouldn't listen, as always.

By the time I finished, Chris had already left.

I glanced up at the sky and sighed. My breath froze, forming small droplets that disappeared moments later.

"It'll probably snow tonight," I mused, beginning my walk back to my apartment.

I had to catch a bus and make a few stops, but it was manageable. Taking public transport was much cheaper than a cab, and not many people traveled at this time of night.

Standing at the bus stop, waiting for my ride, when suddenly...

"Ugh!" A groan escaped my lips as I fell, clutching my chest.

My lungs felt full, and the world spun around me. My body grew heavy, and my heart raced.

[Range of influence increased]

[New stars found]

Robotic yet ethereal, an amalgamation of sounds reached my ears, difficult to discern or comprehend. A ringing buzz filled my head, and my senses went haywire as if something was drilling into me.

It felt as though something empty was finally being filled.

[Evaluating star]

[Sentient Life: Positive]

[Sapient Life: Positive]

[Enlightened Life: Negative]

[Rank: Increased by 2]

[Civilization Type: Fallen, Regressed, Scientific]

[Rank: Increased by 3]

[Final Rank: B]

[Protocol #47 initializing.]

[Beginning in 3]

[2]

[1]

[Moving...]

Though I couldn't fully grasp the situation, the voice in my head was undeniable.

As it ceased, I felt pressure all around me, as if my insides were being flipped multiple times.

After a couple of seconds, my senses reached their limit. My eyes rolled back, and I blacked out.