Being trapped without an option can be bearable, but knowing there's a way out yet being unable to seize it can drive one to the brink of insanity.
This was the reality Roger faced. Previously, the thought of departure had never crossed his mind because of his deep-rooted concern for others, despite enduring solitude for most of his life. But now, the grim possibility of his death on the island began to take root. With thoughts of ending it all, Roger approached the teleportation circle, the very source of his unintended confinement, with a knife in hand. He laid down, placed the blade against his wrist, and shut his eyes.
Simultaneously, on Earth, John was jolted awake by another crash. For the past three weeks, this had become the norm—constant destruction around him, mirroring the ruin of his dreams and everything he once cherished.
**Notes:** The subsequent paragraphs will delve into the loophole previously discussed regarding John.
During his time on the island, John was afforded one luxury: internet access. He had only ever used the internet for academics or work. But now, faced with an expanse of idle hours, he began exploring movies, dramas, and even dating sites. It was almost comical to him; before acquiring the destruction curse, he had zero luck in love, having never been in a relationship. Now, he smirked at the irony but decided to dive into the world of online dating, unaware that it would drastically shift his world.
John pondered, "Creating a profile shouldn't be too hard. But how should I present myself? Using my real name 'John' will be a disaster, given its recent association with catastrophe. No one would willingly approach someone synonymous with destruction." Without giving it much thought, he unconsciously chose the name 'Roger.' For his photo, he decided on a discreet side-profile, hiding his true identity.
Profile set, John decided to initiate a conversation. He sought out someone with sincere eyes and undeniable beauty. Little did he know, this seemingly trivial act would set the stage for monumental changes in his life.