As I stand before the mirror, I find myself momentarily speechless, captivated by the stunning transformation that has taken place. My hair now gleams with a rich, dark walnut brown. Each strand dances with subtle highlights, weaving together a breathtaking tapestry of color that breathes new life into my reflection. The glossy waves cascade around my shoulders, catching the light in a symphony of rich browns and warm undertones, evoking a sense of elegance and vitality that fills me with renewed confidence. I can almost feel the weight of drabness lifting, replaced by this vibrant new identity that stands before me, inviting me to embrace the change.
My face, however, remains a constant in this narrative, its familiar contours and features untouched by the passage of time. Yet, an unsettling dissonance tinges this encounter. The person staring back at me feels like a stranger, cloaked in my own skin. Despite my dark brown eyes holding on to their bright, vibrant hue—still sparkling with the familiar intensity I've always known—a wave of alienation washes over me, pulling at the edges of my self-perception.
I find myself captivated by the striking contrast between my unchanged facial features and the unexpected depth of my hair color. This profound alteration sends ripples of confusion through my mind, igniting a yearning within me to explore the enigma of this transformation. What events, decisions, or desires could have led to such an extraordinary shift? It's a delicate blend of intrigue and isolation, leaving me to ponder the essence of my identity within this altered visage. Is this new exterior a reflection of a deeper change within, or merely a façade that hides the continuity of my true self? My thoughts swirl, intertwining curiosity with an unsettling contemplation of who I am becoming.
"My hair… My hair is now brown!?"
I exclaimed, staring into the mirror in disbelief. I reached up to touch my once-blonde locks, running my fingers through the unfamiliar strands. The rich, deep brown color seemed to shimmer under the bathroom lights, completely transforming my appearance. How could this have happened? I felt a mix of surprise and confusion wash over me as I tried to make sense of this sudden change.
I'm truly astonished to discover that my face is now entirely unblemished, free from the scars and wounds that once marred my features in my previous existence. In that past life, I frequently found myself in perilous situations—brawls, accidents, and emotional turmoil—that etched their marks on my skin as permanent reminders of my struggles. Each scar told a story of pain and hardship, a testament to battles fought both openly and silently.
However, this new world I've been transported to feels like a true canvas for renewal and healing. It's as if the very magic of this isekai journey has not only whisked me away to a vibrant realm but has also worked miracles upon me, smoothing my skin and erasing the remnants of my past. The sensation is liberating, like shedding a heavy cloak that once weighed me down. I stand here, not just a survivor of my former life but reborn, a fresh start unburdened by the scars of yesterday.
"What the—"
I gasped, the words barely escaping my lips as the shocking sight before me registered. My heart raced, a mix of disbelief and astonishment coursing through my veins. The room was engulfed in chaos, colors swirling and blending into an almost surreal tapestry, while the air crackled with an electric tension. I found myself rooted to the spot, eyes wide, trying to comprehend the impossible scene unfolding just inches away.
I still can't believe what just happened. With a trembling hand, I carefully remove my glasses and rub my eyes, wishing desperately that this is just a bizarre dream from which I will soon awaken. As I blink a few times and look back into the mirror, my reflection stares back at me—unchanged yet utterly bewildering. The familiar contours of my face suddenly feel surreal, like a painting slightly askew.
What's truly shocking is that my vision is clear—crystal clear. I can see every detail in the once-distant surroundings of my room. The vibrant hues of my bedspread, the soft texture of the carpet, and even the tiny imperfections on the wall are now vividly alive before me.
My heart races, a wild drumbeat in my chest, and my hands tremble as disbelief washes over me like a tidal wave. In my astonishment, I accidentally let go of my glasses, and they clatter to the floor with a resonant thud, the sound echoing in the stillness as if mocking the very fabric of the world I thought I knew. I pause for a moment, grappling with the sheer improbability of it all, feeling as though I'm on the precipice of a reality I never truly understood.
Alice, who lived in the cozy apartment downstairs, felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as I stepped inside and took in the chaotic disarray that lingered from earlier. The remnants of a hasty clean-up surrounded me: dishes piled haphazardly in the sink, laundry draped over furniture, and half-finished projects scattered across surfaces. After a few moments of steeling herself against the sudden rush of self-consciousness, Alice took a deep breath, willing herself to cast aside the awkwardness that hung in the air like a heavy fog, thick and nearly suffocating.
With a newfound resolve brightening her expression, she moved towards the cramped kitchen, which reflected a charming mix of vintage cookware—a collection of mismatched pots and pans hanging from a rack—and modern appliances that gleamed under the warm glow of the kitchen lights. The inviting scent of spices lingered from previous meals, wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She glanced toward the open pantry, her thoughts racing with ideas of the hearty dinner she envisioned preparing for us both. The thought of sharing a warm meal, packed with flavor and care, ignited a flicker of excitement in her heart. As she began to gather ingredients from the cluttered countertops—vivid red tomatoes, fragrant basil, and glistening garlic—the promise of a comforting meal transformed the atmosphere around her, lending a sense of purpose and warmth to the evening ahead.
Just as she started collecting the colorful produce, an unexpected voice suddenly echoed from my room upstairs, jolting her from her focus. She jumped slightly at the unexpected sound, her heart racing as she realized it was merely me. Meanwhile, I stood in front of the ornate mirror that hung on the wall, my breath hitching in my throat as I surveyed my reflection. Something was unsettling about the unfamiliarity of my own appearance, striking me like a bolt of lightning. The sharp angles of my jaw, the new depths of my gaze, and the subtle changes in my expression served as stark reminders of how much I had transformed since we last met, both inside and out.
"How did I become like this? Did I get cursed after being summoned into this world?"
I find myself mumbling into the stillness of my room, still captivated by the strange and almost otherworldly sensation of my transformed appearance. My gaze wanders along the delicate contours of my face, each curve and angle standing out with newfound clarity, as if I were peering at a long-lost stranger reflected in a polished glass. Just as I begin to lose myself in this reverie, a soft sound slices through the heavy silence outside my door, it's Alice, her voice light and melodic, like a soothing breeze rustling through the leaves, pulling me back to reality with an inviting warmth.
"Hey, are you okay? Do you need any help?"
"Ah—Uh—No, it's nothing."
I said, my voice trailing off as I shifted my gaze to the floor, avoiding the probing eyes of my friend. The words felt inadequate, almost hollow, as if I were desperately trying to mask the swirl of thoughts racing through my mind. A moment of silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken truths, and I could feel the weight of my hesitation hanging in the air.
As I continue to scrutinize my new face in the mirror, tracing the unfamiliar contours and features that evoke a mixture of strangeness and haunting familiarity, a small blue rectangle suddenly materializes behind me, cutting through my reflection like an apparition. Immersed in my contemplation, I remain blissfully oblivious to this unexpected presence. My thoughts whirl around the delicate nuances of my transformed visage—the way the light catches the subtle curve of my cheekbone and the depth of my newly defined jawline—unaware of the soft, ethereal glow emanating from the blue shape. It flickers gently, casting a serene luminescence that dances against the dim, shadowy corners of the room, as if beckoning me to acknowledge its significance amidst the disorientation of change.
«…»
The sudden sound erupted like a thunderclap, jolting me so violently that I nearly lost my grip on my very essence, teetering precariously on the brink of letting my soul tumble to the ground below. In an instant, I spun around, as if an unseen force had pressed the rewind button on my life, dragging me back to that crucial moment. Before me hung a glowing blue rectangle, its luminescence defying the laws of gravity, as if it were a tenant of the ether paying rent for its otherworldly presence.
Now, however, it pulsed rhythmically, adorned with three vibrant dots that blinked in synchrony, each flicker a sharp contrast to the stillness around me. Their dance felt almost mocking, taunting me with their insistent recurrence. I found myself ensnared in a trance, my gaze locked and unwavering on the enigmatic display, the air around me thick with tension.
The sudden sound made me flinch, though it wasn't loud—more like a tiny tap on the shoulder from the universe, enough to make me jerk around and squint in mild confusion. I turned slowly, half-expecting nothing, half-expecting a disaster, and there it was: the same glowing blue rectangle hovering in the air, serene and smug as if it had been waiting for me to notice it all along.
Now it had three blinking dots, blinking lazily and deliberately, like a cat tapping its paw impatiently at a human who is taking forever to serve dinner. I stared at it, my eyes refusing to look away, as if by sheer force of will I could make the dots explain themselves—or at least give me some clue about why rectangles had apparently evolved to judge humans.
Seconds dragged on and then stretched into what felt like a minor eternity; the air around me thickened, my thoughts became suspiciously philosophical, and I started wondering if the dots were actually alive, rolling their invisible eyes at my indecision.
The rectangle pulsed softly, almost mockingly, as though it were sighing in frustration: come on, make a move, I don't have all day. And still I stood there, frozen in place, my brain buffering, my body betraying me with awkward stiffness, caught in a staring contest I was clearly losing before it had even begun.
Every twitch of a dot, every subtle blink, felt like an indictment of my reaction speed, and I slowly realized I might be the slowest human alive when it came to noticing glowing rectangles that clearly had opinions.
"Waah!"
«That's a slow reaction I've never seen...»
The vivid blue rectangle, embellished with three small, shimmering dots that twinkle like distant stars, suddenly fades from view, dissolving into thin air. In its place, another blue rectangle emerges, this one adorned with a carefully arranged series of words that seem to dance along the surface. As I fix my gaze on the text, I can almost sense the quiet emotions that pulse beneath the vibrant exterior of the blue rectangle, as if it carries a poignant narrative yearning to be expressed. Just as I begin to delve into the depths of its meaning, the rectangle vanishes once again, only to reappear in an endless, mesmerizing cycle—elusive yet irresistibly captivating, inviting me to unlock the mysteries hidden within.
«When will you stop staring at me?»
"Oh, my bad, but what are you?"
«Me? I am your system, my job is to guide you.»
"A system? Are you like an AI or something?"
«Hey don't be disrespectful to me, I'm not a stupid Programs or those glorified chatbots that serves these dirty bastards like you guys on Earth.»
"You are just disrespectful to us and those AI— Hold on, wait a damn minute… did you just say Earth?!"
«…»
We drift into a profound silence, the kind that hangs heavily in the air, saturated with the weight of unsaid words that cling to the atmosphere like dense fog. The screen before me flickers with the familiar three dots, pausing momentarily like a heartbeat, as if deliberating the significance of the message that hovers just beyond reach. My expression remains meticulously crafted, a mask of calm resolve that belies the storm of thoughts swirling within. My eyes, unblinking and fixated on the screen, absorb every fragment of the moment. We hold this silent standoff for what feels like an eternity, a taut wire of anticipation crackling between us, until the silence becomes almost unbearable. Finally, I shatter the stillness with my voice, steady and deliberate, each word carefully chosen to cut through the tension that thrums in the air around us.
"I know you have some knowledge about Earth."
I said, my voice steady but laced with curiosity. The atmosphere between us felt different, as if the weight of unspoken truths hung in the air, begging to be released.
«Wha—What? N—No?»
I grabbed the 'system' and shook it like a vending machine that refused to drop my snack. The little thing tried to change the subject by mumbling, stuttering, and acting like it had suddenly forgotten every word it ever knew. I was not fooled for even a second. I narrowed my eyes and shook it even harder, and the 'system' started vibrating like a cheap phone stuck in silent mode. I told it not to play dumb with me, because I clearly knew it had a plan. I leaned in closer, making it obvious that I had questions, many questions, and the 'system' was not going anywhere until it answered at least one.
«Okay, fine, I know about you and your home called Earth, stop shaking me.»
"You promise?"
«Y—Yes…»
"Hmm ok…"
I finally manage to stop shaking, my fingers gripping the cold metal of the 'system' as I wait for it to respond—time feeling suspended in a thick, suffocating silence. The air around me is heavy, each moment stretching out like a taut string, amplifying the tension that hangs like a dense fog. My heart races, each beat echoing loudly in my ears, while my breath quickens, a primal response to the uncertainty that wraps around me like an unwelcome shroud. Just as I begin to steady my breath, the system vanishes without a trace.
I blink in disbelief, my mind struggling to catch up with this sudden shift. The anticipation that had surged through me only moments ago feels like a fading echo, replaced by a growing sense of unease that settles like lead in my chest. What could cause such a bizarre and abrupt disappearance? My thoughts swirl chaotically, each question crashing into the next: Was it some malfunction? Had I made a critical error in my approach or calculations? Desperation gnaws at me as I struggle to piece together the fragments of this unsettling experience. The oppressive silence around me thickens, wrapping itself more tightly as if to squeeze out any remaining sense of calm, only heightening my anxiety. It's as if the air has shifted, leaving me isolated in a void, desperately searching for answers that seem just out of reach.
"Wait—what?! You liar! Come back! Where are you?!"
I rummaged through my room, my heart racing as I searched for the elusive 'system'. I examined every corner meticulously—peering into the dark recesses of the closet, feeling around under the bed, and even lifting the blanket and pillow to see if it had somehow gotten lost in the chaos. I even glanced outside the window, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of something amiss. Despite my frantic efforts, there was still no sign of the system, and a growing sense of frustration tightened in my chest.
As I searched, I was acutely aware of the sounds coming from outside my door. Alice, who had heard my earlier outburst, filled the air with the comforting aromas of dinner. She was in the kitchen, blissfully lost in the process of cooking steaks and a fragrant soup, clearly excited about preparing a meal for us. Her passion for cooking always had a way of lighting up the space, and for a moment, I let the pleasant scent ease my tension.
Just as I began to calm down, my scream echoed in the house again—this time, startling Alice. She briefly paused, her brow furrowed in confusion. Instead of asking about my frantic state, though, she chose to check on me, her curiosity outweighing her hesitation.
Remembering that the 'system' might be lurking elsewhere, perhaps in the living room, I decided to open my bedroom door. To my astonishment, there was Alice, standing in the hallway, an expression of concern etched on her face. She must have been there all along, silently observing my chaotic search. The surprise of her presence mixed with my panic, leaving me at a peculiar crossroads of confusion and relief.
"What are you screaming and who are you screaming at?"
"Oh… I—I…"
The 'system' resurfaces, its presence looming like a shadow that's determined to penetrate the intricate web of drama enveloping me. Its incessant inquiries seem almost invasive, probing deeper as if it seeks to untangle the complexities woven into my circumstances. I find myself ensnared in a delicate balance of curiosity and unease—an internal tug-of-war ignited by a blend of fascination and apprehension as I wrestle with the ramifications of this unyielding scrutiny.
After much contemplation, I resolve to capture the 'system' in action and present it to Alice. I can almost envision her reaction, the way her eyes might widen in surprise and skepticism, as she grapples with the bizarre nature of this phenomenon alongside me. It's a risky move, yet I sense that revealing this enigma to her could unravel new insights, painting a clearer picture of the unsettling forces at play in our lives.
"Hehe, gotcha…"
The 'system' remains ominously quiet, as if harboring a significant secret. Its silence suggests an underlying awareness of deeper truths and a meticulously laid plan that is yet to unfold. The unspoken knowledge it possesses indicates that it is poised to act, waiting for the right moment to reveal its intentions.
"What are you doing, Zin?"
"Oh, here I was talking to this thing."
With a sense of anticipation building within me, I slowly unveil the 'system' I had just captured, extending it cautiously in front of her face, mere inches away, hoping for a spark of recognition. My fingers envelop the delicate structure, its intricate designs shimmering in the soft light, reflecting patterns that seem almost alive. Yet, despite my eagerness, all I receive is a furrowed brow of confusion, a clear signal that my gesture has not translated into understanding.
To her, it might as well be an empty gesture; my hands cradle what she perceives as nothing but air. The weight of her bewilderment presses down on me, and I can feel the frustration bubbling up inside. It's a frustrating realization—the stark disconnect between my vivid perception of this remarkable object and her inability to see it as I do. I long to bridge this gap, to convey the wonder etched into every curve and detail of the 'system', but words seem inadequate, leaving me grappling with the silence that lies between us.
"Are you okay, Zin?"
"Wait, what? No, I'm fine, wait… You don't see what I'm holding…?"
"Umm..."
She hesitated, a look of confusion crossing her face as she searched for the right words.
I gaze at her, my mind swirling with confusion as the familiar 'system' that organizes my thoughts begins to fade away, leaving me in a fog of uncertainty. I find myself waiting, almost holding my breath, for her to say something—anything—that might unravel the tension in the air. Finally, she speaks, her voice trembling, and I catch sight of the tears glistening in her eyes, reflecting a mix of vulnerability and pain. Each word she utters feels heavy with unspoken emotions, and I brace myself, sensing that what comes next will change everything.
"Are you hallucinating because you miss your home…?"
"Wait—What—"
As her words sink in, disbelief washes over me like a cold wave crashing against the shore. I never imagined she would suggest that I'm hallucinating; the accusation hits me with a jolt, leaving me completely off guard. My heart races, and my thoughts scramble as I search for the right words to clarify my reality, to peel back the intricate layers of my experiences and share them with her.
While I struggle to articulate my feelings, an odd presence starts to emerge—an unsettling 'system' that laughs mockingly within my mind. The sound is taunting, echoing with a sinister clarity that only compounds my confusion. It feels as though this invisible force is determined to undermine my credibility, to drown out my voice with its relentless mocking.
In this moment, I realize that I must not only articulate my truth to her but also confront this disorienting distraction that insists on casting doubt on my perceptions. I take a deep breath, trying to center myself amidst the chaos, knowing that navigating both my internal struggle and her skeptical gaze is crucial if I am to be truly understood.
«Gahahaha, hallucinating… Ahahahaha!»
"Shut up…"
I leaned closer to the 'system', my voice barely above a whisper, ensuring that only it could hear my words. A heavy weight of uncertainty nestled in my chest, each heartbeat echoing like a distant drum in the stillness of the room. The air was thick with anticipation, vibrating with unspoken fears and hopes. After what felt like an eternity, the tension began to dissipate; Alice finally quieted, her sobs softening like the last remnants of a storm drifting away into the horizon.
As she gathered herself, I couldn't help but notice the shimmer of unshed tears glistening in her wide eyes, a reflection of the inner turmoil I knew all too well. Her cheeks were flushed, a testament to the emotional upheaval that coursed through her. With a heavy heart, I watched her take a shaky breath, her shoulders lifting slightly as if preparing to carry an unseen burden. One last, lingering glance back at me spoke volumes—the silent plea for understanding and connection hung between us, thick with unsaid words.
Then, she turned and walked toward the door, her silhouette framed by the warm glow of the hallway light spilling into the dimly lit room. As the door creaked open, the palpable weight of her departure hung in the air like an unspoken promise, amplifying the silence that followed. It cascaded around me, leaving an aching emptiness in the space between us, a chasm filled with everything we couldn't articulate. The world outside continued, but in that moment, time felt suspended, caught in the bittersweet wake of her leaving.
"It's okay, Zin. You don't need to explain to me anything. I know how it feels…"
"Wait, hold on—"
She had already closed the door behind her with a deliberate finality, leaving me standing there in a daze. My heart raced as I tried to process the whirlwind of emotions that had just surged through me—shock, confusion, and an overwhelming wave of embarrassment. The moment was steeped in misunderstanding, a miscommunication that had caught me entirely off guard, leaving me reeling from its impact.
As I stood there, the air thick with tension, I could almost hear the quiet laughter of the 'system'—an unseen force that thrived on my discomfort, its mocking undertones reverberating deep within my mind. It felt as if the very walls were closing in around me, its oppressive presence suffocating me with the weight of their scorn. This invisible burden wrapped around my chest like a vice, intensifying the sting of humiliation that coursed through me, a relentless reminder of my perceived failures.
In that agonizing silence, where each heartbeat seemed to echo louder than the last, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had unwittingly become a player in a game rigged against me. The rules were shrouded in darkness, cruel and arbitrary, designed to trap me in my own vulnerabilities. I stood there, an exposed figure on a stage drenched in harsh, unforgiving lights, painfully aware that everyone was watching but no one dared to intervene. The solitude of my predicament wrapped around me like a shroud, amplifying my bewilderment and despair, leaving me feeling utterly isolated in a world that appeared indifferent to my plight.
«Gahahaha! Oh wow, does she really think you are an illusion? That's new even to me, Zin!»
"Shut up, stupid AI. It's not funny."
«It is—Wait, you just called me 'AI'?»
"Yeah!"
«I'm not those programs from your earth.»
"Then why do you appear to me? Are you a thing guide me?"
«A guider? Well, you could say that.»
"Just disappears so I can have my first peaceful dinner in this world."
As the suffocating weight of the 'system' finally lifts from my shoulders, I find myself cocooned in a profound silence that stretches infinitely around me, a stark contrast to the cacophony that once ruled my life. The relentless mechanisms of judgment and misunderstanding—those invisible chains that ensnared my spirit—begin to dissolve into the ether, dissipating like morning fog under the warmth of the sun. In this serene aftermath, however, I am confronted with a disquieting truth: the sting of pity settles upon me like a heavy cloak, its fabric woven from threads of disappointment, longing, and a deep sense of isolation.
What troubles me is not merely the misunderstanding that has shadowed my existence, but the piercing realization of how desperately I craved connection and clarity. I had longed for a sense of belonging, to have others reach out and grasp the intricacies of my experience, to see beyond the façade and recognize the maze of emotions within. Yet, the chasm between me and that elusive understanding remained stark and unyielding. Those moments of acute isolation replay in my mind like echoes reverberating through a vast canyon, accentuating the deep divides between myself and the world that spins indifferent around me.
As I sit enveloped in this silence, I grapple with the weight of my thoughts—each one like a stone dropped into still water, sending ripples into the depths of my consciousness. I reflect on the longing that has tethered me to my past, an anchor entwined with regret and unfulfilled desires. At the same time, a flicker of hope persists within me, fragile yet enduring, illuminating the shadows of my soul. I yearn for a future where genuine understanding might finally be within reach, where the barriers that separate us could dissolve, allowing for authentic connection and empathy to flourish.