My head throbbed as I forced my eyes open, squinting at the harsh glare of the Sun. I instinctively brought a hand to my eyes, turning my head to the side. From the corner of my eye, I noticed the sandy surrounding. I furrowed my brows, my hand clutching the rough sand beneath me. The hot sand slightly burning as I raised my hand, the grains trailing through my fingers as they smoothly slipped down.

Am I still dreaming?

I blinked my eyes, slowly bringing my hand down as I scanned my surroundings. I was in the middle of a desert, the sandy expanse stretching out to all corners as far as my eyes could see. I took a deep breath as hot air filled my lungs.

My heart raced, pounding in my chest.

This can’t be real.

I clawed at my sandy hair as if yanking it would somehow wake me up from this nightmare. But every rough grain scraping against my scalp only reminded me that I wasn’t dreaming.

This was real—and that terrified me.

But it feels so real…

My vision was filled with the view of the empty ground, a creeping dread filling my mind at the haunting familiarity.

This…looks just like the place in that video.

Suddenly, a sharp pain burst through my forehead, strange information flooding in.

What the…Connection? Ending? Death? What in the motherfucking hell is going on?!

As my mind raced, my vision briefly blurred. The surroundings appeared to be flickering. My eyes widened as a rectangular window popped up in front of me.

The screen flashed.

Welcome!

I blinked at the word before it vanished, replaced by more.

Good Morning. Congrats on waking up sleepy head, you almost didn’t make it lol.

‘What the…’ my voice trailed off as I read the next sentence.

I think you should know that it isn’t a joke. But oh well, we tried to make it easier for you but your lazy ass has led you to your death.

Huh? What? Death?!

Or was that your thrill-seeking impulsivity? Well, I suppose that won’t matter once you fail. Heh.

Excuse me?!

Anyway, you should turn around and get to saving before no one can save you, dear.

My lips trembled as I stared at the line of text, carefully turning my head around.

I gasped, feeling nauseous at the sight. It was the same scene as on my computer!

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

The man lay over a large carpet of red sand. From a short distance, you could see the hideous injuries that ran down his body. The silver sword glinted in the sun and reflected the form of the enemy ahead. The man’s chest faintly rose and fell as the arrow shaft stuck out through it.

My breath hitched as the wind carried the words of the dying man to my ears. He struggled to choke out, ‘N-no. H-help’ I gasped.

This is just like that video. No, this has got to be a prank it can’t be real!

The man somehow seemed to have heard me as he slowly turned his head toward me.

The enemy moved, stepping closer until I could make out a figure—a huge shape clad in black, with white bandages covering its face. The air around it seemed heavier. The figure loomed over the injured man, looking down on him.

My eyes darted, trying to find sign traces of a camera, false backgrounds, people hidden somewhere…anything.

This…is it really…? Did I transmigrate into a novel I didn’t know?! What the hell!

The words flashed.

Oh? Seems like you’re not as dumb as you look. Good job you deserve a gold star for your intelligence. But first, make some use of it and save the target.

I stared blankly at the screen, looking between the screen and the murder scene just ahead. I was surprised that the enemy hadn’t noticed me yet. Though it could be that the only reason that dude even noticed me was because of the protagonist’s op halo with multiple golden fingers.

I mumbled. ‘How the fuck do I…

As if responding to the question on my mind, the screen changed.

Your gold star: 100 Gold.

I tilted my head at the sentence. What do I do with that?

What? Do I have to lead you by the hand here? Ugh. Fine.

Three dots blinked at the upper right corner of the screen. I imagined how you would usually click them for a menu to appear. I jolted as it actually did.

The option ‘Shop’ blinked as I mentally selected it.

I glanced at the page taking in the options as an item box highlighted with a golden outline. I nodded my head, reading the description.

It was a large person clad in black, their hair and face wrapped in white bandages. He looked down on the man.

Portal to a random dimension (One-time use) - 20 Gold.

Without hesitation, I bought it.

Confirm Purchase? Yes or No

I selected Yes and something materialized in my lap. I looked down at it to find a purple orb glowing ominously. I took the item in my hand, taking a deep breath as I shakily stood up. I took a careful step forward, locking my eyes on the target. I raised my hand, heart pounding as I threw it at the potential enemy. The orb exploded in a swirling cloud of black smoke, coiling around the enemy. He flailed, trying to brush it off but it was too late. The darkness swallowed him whole, and the man had disappeared.

The man on the ground groaned as I looked down to see his pale face looking at me warily even at this time. Blood kept pouring out as I ran to his side. ‘What do I do…?

I made eye contact with the man who seemed to be looking at me with scrutinizing eyes. I remembered glancing at an object in the store when I looked at the window. My heart raced, eyes scanning through it until I found the item.

Heal - 60 gold.

I immediately bought it, and a text appeared.

Who do you wish to heal?

I thought about the image of his injured self, meeting his piercing gaze. Suddenly, he convulsed. My breath hitched as I watched the arrow push out of his chest. I stared wide-eyed as the wounds on his body began to slowly knit together. There was no blood—just an unnatural healing, like time had been reversed. My hands shook.

How did I just…? This isn’t real. It can’t be.

I gulped, my stomach churning.

What the hell is this power? How could I defy death like it was nothing?

The man gaped, eyes widening as his various injuries appeared to fade away. The color returned to his face as he clutched at the sand.

He slowly sat up, sand falling from his back forming a cloud before settling down. He turned his head, eyes narrowing at me in a scrutinizing gaze. For a moment, I thought he might lunge at me a chill running down my spine. If not for his blood-stained appearance and the red sand around us, I might’ve thought my mind was playing tricks on me. He was nothing like a man who had just been at death’s doorstep staring at his savior. But like an injured lion, staring warningly at anyone who dared come close.

He parted his lips and asked in a steady voice. ‘Who are you?

To be continued…

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