ARC I — The Day the World Chose Silence
I believed the world would stay silent, as long as I didn't ask for anything more.
We sold our house and moved into a rented apartment. My father's savings were reserved for my studies. As time passed, I also started working part-time at Burger Queen after school.
Life became routine. Predictable. Fragile.
At school, I usually sat by the window.
The sky outside was clear, almost unnaturally so.
"Hey, Kim."
I turned to see Nori, leaning over from his seat. Cheerful as always. He placed a book on my desk.
"Have you read the new light novel by Ito Yamamoto? It's really popular right now."
"I don't think so," I replied.
"You should try it. This is the last copy I managed to get from the mall."
He paused, grinning. "In return…"
Before I could react, he took my homework and slipped the book into my bag.
"Thanks for the answers."
I sighed. "You're unbelievable."
During the tiffin break, Nori insisted on going to the cafeteria—his treat.
That was when Mina joined us.
"Hey, Kim," she said brightly. "Are you going on the school tour next week?"
"I have work," I replied. "I can't take time off."
For a brief moment, disappointment flickered across her face before she smiled again.
Nori clicked his tongue. "I really envy you. Good grades and a part-time job. Genius people stay geniuses no matter what."
I didn't respond.
After school, I headed straight to work. By the time I returned home, it was already dark.
"Freshen up and come to the table," my sister, Shoyun, called out.
While organizing my bag in my room, I noticed the novel Nori had given me.
The World Beyond.
It was a story about someone from Earth being transported to a world called Athelgard—a land of demons, kingdoms, and countless races—chosen as a hero to defeat the Demon King.
As I flipped through the pages, a dull headache bloomed behind my eyes.
For a moment, my vision blurred.
I saw unfamiliar figures. Vast landscapes. Creatures that shouldn't exist.
I rubbed my temples.
"Have I been getting headaches more often lately…?"
I swallowed a pain-relief tablet and looked back at the book.
"Same isekai plot," I muttered. "But… not bad."
"Kim!" my sister called again.
"I'm coming."
That
night, sleep came easily.
Too easily.