The stack of papers was a stream that carried me into the world of duties and responsibilities.

I felt the fatigue, a constant companion to my work. There was no time for breaks. Bars and favorite books remained out of reach. But I couldn't leave. In the current economic situation, it was impossible. Ironically, it was the truth.

With a deep sigh, I tried to overcome the throbbing headache by closing my eyes. Everything became too heavy and exhausting. The routine induced boredom. I sat on the couch, leaning against it, and stared into emptiness.

My apartment, for which I directed my efforts, remained empty. It always was. But despite years of solitude, I didn't feel as helpless as in the first years after losing my parents. Despite moving from my hometown, persistent advice from the therapist, and regular medication, my past remained an integral part of me.

Perhaps, as a crazy mother, it was time for me to end this loneliness on my own? However, I didn't want to succumb to that dark thought. It seemed dreadful and unacceptable.

A notification popped up on my phone: a new chapter of "Jujutsu Kaisen" had finally been released. Nevertheless, I didn't rush to read it.

These fictional characters became my refuge from the mundane and challenging reality. However, the author decided to shatter my illusions completely, gradually removing my favorite heroes from the plot. Sometimes I want to go to Japan, find the author, and shake his soul out of him.

Realizing that I got carried away and forgot about work, I still opened the website and started reading the new chapter. The continuation of the battle between Gojo Satoru and Sukuna Ryomen was beginning.

I won't hide it; my favorite character was Gojo, just like many others. The choice was for a character who never knew a peaceful day, whose life resembled an article about depressed people.

Some might argue he was cheerful. Opinions can differ, especially about his character. Perhaps not everyone saw the depth and complexity hidden behind his mask of joy.

Damn it, Gege Akutami.

Tears couldn't stop. Looking at him lying dead on the ground, I couldn't imagine the author would dispose of him in such a way. Anger and disappointment overwhelmed me.

I've had enough of this manga.

The phone, thrown on the glass table, scattered all the reports I had worked on all evening. As soon as I washed off the makeup, my reflection in the mirror showed me swollen eyes, cracked lips, and hair devoid of its usual honey hue. It's time to dye them again.

If I were there, in that other universe, could I change anything? Could I arrive earlier with the power to save everyone? Maybe I could change something?

"What if?" — too many thoughts like this.

Doctor Kim, my therapist, reproached me for fixating on things unrelated to reality. He advised thinking about the future, goals, and dreams, rather than wasting time on virtual worlds.

Intrusive dreams? Better to immerse oneself in fantasies than to exist in the present.

Turning off all the lights in the house and taking the prescribed pills, I finally lay down in bed, feeling exhaustion engulf me and lead me into sleep.

To sleep through eternity.

*

"Park Miyeon, wake up! The game will start soon," a voice echoed from somewhere far away, barely touching my consciousness.

Is this a dream? I've never heard voices in a dream before. Opening my eyes, I instinctively reached for the blanket but found it missing. Beneath me was a solid surface unlike my bed.

"The system will reboot soon," an unfamiliar voice said. "Park Miyeon, there's no time." Someone abruptly pulled me by the shoulders.

Wide-eyed, I quickly glanced around and realized this wasn't where I usually woke up. A white space with no signs of my home. Everything empty. Everything white.

A boy with cute green hair and... wings on his back? Wings?

"Who are you? Where am I?" I looked at him with surprise and curiosity. He smiled. "Is this a dream? Probably a weird dream. I did tell the doctor that the pills don't help."

Laughing, I tried again to look around and pinch myself, but I couldn't wake up.

"Park Miyeon, twenty-five years old, from Korea, no parents. You work in a food production company, love cats but can't have one because you can't take care of it. This is not a dream; it's a system," the boy confidently stated, standing up and scrutinizing me. "You are the main heroine of this game!"

This must be a dream. Medication. Fatigue. Anything but this.

Jumping away from the strange creature, I tried to find an exit, but what can you find in this endless space?

"You!" I shouted hoarsely, stepping back. "Who are you? How do you know about me? What is this place? Take me home!"

"I'm your guide! You asked for it yourself, and I heard you. The game will start soon, and you'll go where you wanted."

This is complete nonsense. I must have lost my mind, like my mother.

A window appeared before me.

[Park Mieun.]

[New character.]

[Level 0/100.]

[Main task: survive.]

"There you go," said the boy, instantly appearing beside me. "This is the system I was talking about. Time is running out. You are the main heroine this time! Aren't you curious? It's a new world!"

"Take me home. I don't want to be here."

He smiled.

"No. You wanted this yourself. I just fulfilled your wish. You'll return home after completing the game, once you earn all one hundred points!"

I stared at the window, processing the information in disbelief.

Come on, this is absurd. It's not a typical isekai novel like my friend told me.

Incredible. I looked at this guy, who had all the signs of a real angel, and burst into laughter.

"I must have gone crazy, and you're just my invention. This whole system and the window are absurd. Even if it's a game, who the hell came up with this?"

"Oh, that's not up to me. And he's not an idiot at all," he said, pouting offendedly, then smiled again. "The portal will open soon. I can't tell you more. Good luck!"

He began to vanish, and I tried to grab him, but it was futile.

"At least tell me where I'll be transported! What are the rules?"

He smiled and snapped his fingers.

A sudden bright light. Too vivid.

Opening my eyes, I no longer saw him or the white space.

I was transported to another place. A forest, surrounded by trees. I was lying on the ground.

A blue window appeared before my eyes.

"Welcome to the game, Park Miyeon!"

Nonsense.

"Your level is currently zero. Increase your level through tasks and quests. Upgrade your powers."

Truly insane.

"With each completed task, you'll earn bonuses and unlock secret boxes in your inventory."

Ha.

"Three lives. Die three times, and you die forever."

What?

"First task: defeat the curse of the third level in the forest and find the Magic School."

Curse? Magic School? Did the author of this game happen to be inspired by works like 'Harry Potter' or 'Jujutsu Kaisen'?

"Good luck on your journey!"