Chapter 2

A mix of rain and snow fell for three days straight. We hadn't seen the sun in just as long. The entire world was shrouded in gloom, fierce winds tearing through fallen leaves, as if determined to rip everything apart. News anchors, who had started with optimistic predictions, now looked utterly distraught. No one could explain what was happening with this sudden, violent natural disaster.

Watching the flickering network signal, I started to panic. I even tried reaching out to my family, whom I hadn't contacted in ages, but all I got was: "Didn't you say those weird game characters were your family? Why don't you get them to come out of the game world and help you?"

"If you want us to pick you up, sure, but go ahead and withdraw from school first. Your dad's already lined up a family for you, and the money we'd get from it, over a hundred grand, will be enough for your brother..."

I hung up abruptly, burying my face in my arms and sobbing quietly.

Blair swung her legs idly. "See? People who get obsessed with games are unwelcome everywhere, even by their own families!"

I wiped away my tears, about to retort, when a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air outside the window. "Help me!!!"

We all rushed to the window, but what I saw next made my legs turn to jelly, and I collapsed onto the floor.

It was *him*. The familiar minor boss from the horror game, stabbing a person with a knife. Passersby tried to flee but were snatched back.

Then, blood dyed everything red.

"What IS that thing?! This... isn't this the real world? How are game characters appearing?"

Blair wasn't doing any better than me. She'd curled into a ball in the corner, shaking uncontrollably. Before we could even process it, the dorm door was kicked open.

The monster, who moments ago had been outside, now stood in our doorway, grinning at us with a mouth that stretched to its neck. "You're all so pretty. Can I be your friend?"

Everyone was too terrified to speak. Blair, quick to react, shoved me forward. "Kira! Don't you love these freaky things? Go be friends with him!"

Damn it.

Staring at that familiar monster face, my mind was a blur. I'd played this game for seven years, but deep down, I was still a total noob! All those times I cleared levels, it was always with the help of the main boss. But now...

Where was I going to find someone to help me?!

I pressed myself against the wardrobe, forcing a shaky smile. "Y-you... you calm down first. We can talk... How's... how's your family?"

The monster's smile faltered. "Family... I was choked to death right after I was born, just because I was a girl."

Sweat beaded on my forehead. "Oh... oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

Its icy gaze immediately locked onto me. The next second, it teleported to my side, its hands tightly gripping my throat. "You're a girl too. Why did *you* get to live?"

I immediately choked, my face turning crimson. "Oh God... go after whoever hurt you... I... I'm a victim of old prejudices too... We're both victims, why hurt me?"

But consumed by rage, it wasn't listening. Its grip tightened, making my eyes roll back.

Just before my consciousness faded, I heard a crackle from the outdoor broadcast:

**[ATTENTION! Recent studies indicate that the horror game, which closed recently, has merged with the real world due to an unknown cause.]**

**[Citizens are advised to quickly conceal their locations. Monsters from the horror world possess extreme aggression and lethality. If encountered, you must immediately flee!]**

**[Repeating! These monsters are highly lethal! If targeted, death is inevitable! Proceed with extreme caution!!!]**