I woke up early the next morning.
The headache lingered.
When I reached school, the classroom felt strangely quiet.
There were empty seats.
Is it because the test results are coming out today? I wondered.
Before I could think further, Nori rushed in, slightly out of breath.
"Kim! Did you see the news?"
He shoved his phone toward me.
"People have been disappearing after sudden lightning strikes," he said. "Just like the novel I gave you yesterday."
I stared at the screen.
"…What are the public safety departments doing?" I asked.
"They say they're investigating. Even the president addressed it." He laughed nervously.
"My mom told me not to go out. Honestly, though? I kinda hope I get transported too. Imagine saving another world—and maybe building a harem."
"That sounds exactly like you," I said. Then paused. "But…"
The sky darkened.
The lights went out.
Strong winds slammed against the windows, though there had been no weather warnings.
Then—
A thunderous crash shook the building.
Through the window, I saw it.
A purple lightning bolt, unnatural in color, tearing through the sky.
A voice echoed.
A woman's voice.
"O chosen heroes… you are honored to protect the world of Athelgard…"
Pain exploded in my head.
I couldn't hear the rest.
Light swallowed everything.
When it faded, I was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily.
The classroom was in chaos.
But something was wrong.
Several seats were empty.
"Nori?" I called out.
No answer.
My classmates stared at me in confusion. They hadn't heard the voice. They hadn't seen the lightning.
I was the only one.
The teachers contacted the police. Parents were called. Questions were asked.
No one fully believed me.
The principal advised me to stay quiet.
I went home immediately.
Something felt wrong.
I called my sister.
No answer.
I contacted her workplace.
"She left early," they said. "Given the recent incidents."
Fear tightened around my heart.
I can't lose anyone else.
At 9:00 p.m., I ran out into the streets, following the path my sister usually took.
She wasn't there.
My headache returned—stronger this time.
Then—
Bright headlights.
Impact.
Darkness.
"That was the moment everything ended.
I just didn't know it yet."