I watched the original story and played it as well. However, I knew this world was different to some degree. To avoid spoiling the fun, I didn't look for the differences. Instead, the world unfolded in my mind like a thrilling slideshow, leaving me trembling with fear and excitement.

I opened my eyes to a familiar ceiling. This world must have been designed based on the game's legal system.

Leaving the room without examining the details, I saw a woman and a man eating breakfast. These weren't Gon's aunt and grandmother.

The woman looked at me and said, "We're not NPCs. Welcome to the game. Please, sit down for breakfast."

Unsure, I wondered, "Are they real characters? Is there even a way to know in this world?"

Sitting down, I held the spoon while observing them.

The man explained, "There are rules to protect new players like you. One of them is that other players must introduce themselves or face death. No need to worry."

"Really?" I said, surprised.

The woman added, "As for combat between players, it only occurs when both parties agree to the duel and its conditions. You should know this."

"Yes," I replied, understanding why I felt excited.

The man continued, "You'll pass the Hunter Exam with other beginners like yourself. None of you can use Nen yet. We've changed the Nen rules to prevent advantages for experienced players from the original game."

I gestured as I ate.

The woman concluded, "After the Hunter Exam, you'll receive a coach to teach you before starting your adventure in this world."

I took another bite and looked at the man.

"You can make friends like in normal games, and they won't betray you. Joining a Clan offers protection under the rules, but you'll be forced to fight in their wars if they choose."

"Sounds dangerous," I said.

"Your possessions are safe from theft, and anything you own can be safely sold."

"This game seems too safe," I remarked.

The woman shook her head. "The laws protect you from other players, but not from the environment. Many die during the initial Hunter Exam, and there are forced duels you'll encounter. You have three questions before the game begins."

"What?" I stood up, surprised. I started thinking of questions when I saw the 60-second countdown begin.

Looking at the woman, I asked, "When is a player forced into a duel?"

"During the Hunter Exam," she replied, "when challenged by a player at or below your strength level, or in competitions."

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"Ah, okay." I glanced at the timer, then back at the woman and the man before asking, "What do you mean the laws don't protect me from the world?"

"You can be robbed, killed, anything you expect from NPCs," the man explained.

"What? How is that fair? I thought this game protected newbies?"

"If that happens," the man said, "it's because you brought it on yourself. You also have three lives you can use if something in the environment kills you. However, they won't work if another player kills you. Remember that."

"Really," I sighed, feeling a little relieved. I sat back down.

"Because you asked him two questions while I only asked one, he'll be your teacher." said the woman.

The man stood up, walked towards the door, and said gruffly, "Let's go, you blockhead."

"What? Why?" I asked in confusion.

The man stormed over, slapped me, and growled, "Your questions are done. This is what happens if you ask again. Now come on."

I stared at the woman, surprised.

She simply said, "Don't ask. Just listen."

Rubbing my cheek, I followed him like a scolded dog.

"I made a bet on you," he muttered. "If you die during the Exam, I'll kill you myself."

"How can you kill me when..." I began.

He cut me off with another slap.

"You'll know when it happens," he said menacingly. "And you'll deeply regret it. I show no mercy."

I followed him silently after that, observing the world around me. It was the same world and island from the original game, which I'd completed numerous times. So, I didn't pay much attention until we reached the ship. The islanders stood there, waving goodbye one by one.

Finally, the man spoke. "Do you know why I chose you?"

"Why?" I questioned.

He slapped me again before saying, "You remind me of myself. What do you think happens after death?"

"Eternal sleep, I guess," I replied. "Or maybe a long, happy dream if you lived a good life."

"Can you prove this will happen?"

I was going to ask him what he believed in, but I stopped, holding my cheek, which still stung from the blow.

"There's no one who has come back from death to tell us what comes next. So expect anything, and be kind to yourself first before others if you want a happy afterlife. Throwing yourself away like this makes you a bad person. How can you be good when you don't even care about yourself? How many days have passed since you last showered? How many mice have shared your bed? How many calls from your parents have you ignored?

"Who are you?"

The man slapped me and said, "Stay alive until we meet again. Then you'll know who I am."

***

Throughout the journey, I pondered his words. I accept the idea of death, that's why I'm here. It's not like a single sentence from a stranger will change my mind. I try to be a good person, in case there's a Creator, because I simply don't know. But the idea that I haven't been good to myself? That's nonsense. It's my body, and I can do what I want with it.

I kept digging into the question: who am I? What if my body is like a player character, and I control it? Is that what he meant?

Does he mean there's a Creator, and we're just his toys? But what kind of Creator? It doesn't seem likely.

Damn, why can't someone just give us a definitive answer?

I'm so confused. This game obviously has a designer, we know that.

If the real world has a designer, why wouldn't we know? Does someone know and keep it a secret? Or am I completely off track here?

Dammit, have I become completely afraid of death? Why am I so easily swayed? Why does everything affect me so much? Why was I born like this? Was anyone ever truly strong from the start?

Dammit, the most important thing now is who this person is, and why they know me. To get answers, I have to survive this test.

Damn, I get it now. I never truly accepted death, and all he did was force me to confront it.

How could I not understand myself? It's me, right? Or maybe not? These questions are driving me crazy.