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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Transmigration

Chapter 1: Transmigration

My name is Ethan.

I live in an old, run-down building on the second floor. At 23 years old, I'm currently unemployed, spending most of my time searching for jobs online using my old laptop.

Right now, I'm sitting on my creaky chair, one hand on the laptop and the other holding a burger, with a soda resting beside me.

"Hmm…"

Another job listing pops up on the screen.

"Currently hiring: Person with artistic imagination. Full-time."

My eyes light up.

"Yeah… this job is literally made for me."

Without thinking too much, I click Apply.

A second later, a message appears on the screen.

"Congratulations. You are hired."

"…Huh?"

I blink.

"I'm hired? I didn't even read the full job description… or the company name."

Curious, I lean closer to the screen to check the details. The company name and address are written in tiny text at the bottom.

As I move closer to read—

Suddenly—

CRASH!!

Everything goes black.

A strange voice echoes.

"Ethan… Ethan…"

My consciousness slowly returns.

As I open my eyes, I feel… strange.

Light. Weightless.

I look down—

My body is transparent.

"…What?"

Shock hits me like a truck.

"I… died?"

Memories rush back.

A 360-pound old lady falling from the building roof.

Right onto me.

"…Are you serious?"

I stare blankly into space.

"I died… like that?"

My expression twists in disbelief.

"Crushed by a 360-pound old lady…? What will my friends think? I'll be a joke forever!"

Then another horrifying thought hits me.

"…I didn't even clear my browser history."

I facepalm.

"What a shame…"

Suddenly, I remember the voice.

"Ethan… Ethan…"

I look around.

Floating in front of me is… a glowing ball.

The ball speaks.

"Hello, Host. You may call me Emily, your assistant—or simply Emily."

I stare at it.

"…A talking floating ball?"

"I am a system assigned to you by the Quick Transmigration Bureau."

"Quick… Transmigration Bureau?"

"Yes, Host. Do you remember applying for a job?"

"…Oh."

I nod slowly.

This situation feels oddly familiar.

"I've read novels like this before…"

Surprisingly, I'm not panicking.

Instead, I look around curiously.

"So, where are we? And what exactly am I supposed to do?"

Emily replies calmly.

"This is a designated resting space for company employees. You will return here after completing missions."

"Missions?"

"Yes. You will be sent to different worlds. Due to certain anomalies, multiple novel storylines sometimes merge into a single world."

I frown slightly.

"And?"

"You will either replace certain characters or guide the story back on track. In some cases, individuals regain their memories or realize they are inside a novel and attempt to escape their roles."

"…And I have to deal with that?"

"Yes, Host. You may need to take their place or ensure the story reaches its intended conclusion."

I cross my arms.

"So basically… I can do whatever I want?"

"Within limits," Emily responds.

"You must not destroy the world or cause major irreversible disruptions. Aside from that, your freedom is… flexible."

"…Sounds interesting."

Emily pauses briefly.

"So, Host, would you like to begin your first mission?"

A grin forms on my face.

"Yeah."

I take a deep breath.

"Let's do it."

"Mission loading…"

"Please prepare, Host."

"3…"

"2…"

"1…"

A swirling vortex suddenly appears and pulls me in.

Everything spins.

Then—

Darkness.

I open my eyes.

My head feels dizzy.

"…Ugh…"

The world around me slowly comes into focus.

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