(revised version of Chapter 1: "Reborn as a Shipgirl")
Ch 1 Chapter 1: Reborn as a Shipgirl
It all started in the middle of the night.
I was lying on my bed, playing Azur Lane on my phone — completely absorbed, as usual. The room was dark except for the soft blue glow of my screen. Outside, thunder rumbled, but I barely noticed. I was too focused on the battle.
Then, everything changed.
A flash of blinding light filled the room — a lightning strike hit somewhere nearby, shaking the entire building. The power surged through the wires and into my phone before I could react. Pain, heat, and a sharp jolt shot through my body.
And then… nothing.
When I opened my eyes again, I wasn't in my room. I was floating — literally — in the middle of the ocean. Endless blue water surrounded me in every direction. The sky above was clear, with the faint scent of salt and wind.
"Huh…? What—what's going on?" I muttered. My voice sounded strange — softer, higher.
I remembered everything clearly: playing Azur Lane, the lightning strike, blacking out. But how was I suddenly here?
I looked down — and froze.
I was standing on the surface of the water. My reflection stared back at me — except it wasn't me. My hair was long and light purple, my eyes a soft blue, and I was wearing a delicate pink dress that shimmered like sunlight on the waves.
"What the…?"
Before I could process what I was seeing, a calm, feminine voice echoed inside my head.
> Welcome to the world of Azur Lane, Host.
I spun around, looking for the source, but there was no one. Just the endless ocean.
"Wait—what? Who said that?!"
> I am your System, Host. You have been transported into this world when you were struck by lightning.
My heart pounded. "System? Transported? What are you talking about?!"
> You have been reborn as a shipgirl in the world of Azur Lane. Specifically, as HMS Unicorn.
"Wait… HMS Unicorn? As in the Unicorn from the Royal Navy faction?!"
> Affirmative. You are now HMS Unicorn. Your mission is to grow stronger and become the most powerful shipgirl in this world.
My mind went blank for a few seconds.
Reborn? As a girl? As a shipgirl from a game?
"This… can't be real…" I whispered. But when I touched my face, the soft hair and the strange, smooth texture of my gloves felt completely real. The faint hum of mechanical energy under the water confirmed it — I wasn't dreaming.
> Do not be alarmed, Host. I am here to guide you. With my help, you will adapt, grow stronger, and uncover the truth behind your summoning.
I took a shaky breath, staring at my reflection again.
"Okay," I muttered. "Let me get this straight. I died — or something — got hit by lightning, and now I'm… HMS Unicorn?"
> Correct, Host. Welcome to your new life — the world of Azur Lane.
The voice faded slightly, leaving me with only the sound of gentle waves. My heart was still racing, my mind a blur of confusion and disbelief.
But deep down, one thought echoed louder than all the rest:
> If this is real… then maybe I really can start over.
And as the wind carried my reflection across the water, the horizon shimmered with light — a new world, and a new life, waiting just beyond the waves.
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End of Chapter 1