As Jacob looked at the missions displayed on the orb that appeared in his hands, fireworks echoed in the sky.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"[Now, the surviving players will choose between two alternatives. Please decide if you accept or not to become citizens and permanent inhabitants of these lands!]"
"I decline..." Jacob murmured with an indifferent expression.
...
World beyond the border between life and death.
When Jacob opened his eyes, he found himself amidst a world of smoke and ashes. The air smelled of burnt matter, and the surroundings were filled with cries and noises.
"He has a pulse!"
"A stretcher, quickly!"
The sound of sirens could be heard all around, and everything seemed to be filled with unprecedented chaos.
"Why do I still have to endure this?" Jacob asked after losing consciousness.
"[A meteorite had fallen in Tokyo, causing various collateral damages. This means that while all the players fought for their lives, in the real world, they were between life and death!]"
...
Jacob woke up in an unfamiliar room, surrounded by the dim light of hospital lights. His left hand was in a cast, and his body felt the weakness that only a long period of unconsciousness could cause. Despite the initial confusion, his mind cleared quickly, as if his survival instinct had taken control.
"[Master, we are in the real world just moments before departing to the waiting world!]"
Jacob, with slow but determined movements, sat up on the bed, ignoring the pain and discomfort radiating from his injured hand.
Without wasting time, he stood up, feeling his body sway momentarily before finding his balance. His mind was clear, his senses alert, as if every cell in his body was connected to a primal survival instinct.
He walked with steady steps to the room's door, his mind absorbed in his surroundings. The hospital corridors were silent, interrupted only by the soft hum of lights and the faint murmur of hospital life. Although everything seemed normal, a strange sensation gripped him, as if he had crossed a threshold between life and death and returned to tell the tale.
As he surveyed his surroundings, his mind rewound to the horrors he had experienced in the world between life and death. Images of battles, destruction, and strife flooded his mind. He remembered the faces of friends and foes, the gunfire's roar, and the sensation of danger lurking around every corner. He had been in a constant struggle, both within and outside his body, fighting battles that went beyond the physical realm.
The reflection overwhelmed him as he walked down the hospital corridor. He had witnessed the worst of humanity and felt the fragility of his own existence. He had faced the abyss and returned with a unique perspective on life and death. Each step he took was a reminder of his own tenacity and the determination that had kept him alive.
His thoughts centered on the lessons learned during his journey between life and death. The importance of hope amidst darkness, the strength that can arise from adversity, and the ability to find light even in the darkest moments. Each memory, each emotion, was a testament to his resilience and his capacity to overcome challenges.
As he walked down the hallway, his gaze met the window overlooking the outside. Daylight filtered through the glass, gently illuminating the room. Jacob felt a lump in his throat as he looked towards the horizon, knowing he had crossed a threshold between life and death and had returned with a renewed appreciation for the life ahead.
"Excuse me, do we know each other?" Usagi's voice came from Jacob's side, and he immediately looked into her eyes.
"[According to my initial analyses, all players do not remember what happened in the world between life and death!]"
"I don't speak Japanese!" Jacob said as he leaned slightly and took a few steps back.
This is the end, Jacob thought after learning that everyone lost their memories. He knows he used certain people to survive, and they benefited in order to win without many losses.
The final decision everyone made is no longer his concern, as it's time to travel to another world.
Once again, he needed to experience new emotions and complete certain missions to move forward.
"I'm content with the fact that no one remembers what happened. This way, I can leave peacefully without feeling guilty... Usagi, you're an amazing girl, and since everything we experienced in the world of life and death didn't happen, I find solace in the fact that you can live your life without regrets from now on."
"I, on the other hand, have to travel. I carry with me memories of life and the will to live that awakened in my soul after overcoming all those adventures by your side. I'm sorry a part of me can't stay in this world, but if you ever remember me, I want you to know..."
Sitting on the bed in a room, Jacob closed his eyes, and his consciousness departed from this world.
"[... Generating missions to complete...
Main missions:
1: Survive the first phase of the games
Completed!
2: Defeat a King
Completed!
Secondary missions:
1: Participate in a game of each type
Not completed!
2: Find an ally
Completed!
3: Participate in numerous games:
Completed!
4: Survive to the end:
Completed...]"
"[Congratulations for completing the special tasks of the second world you traveled to. Remember that these missions are special to allow you to experience the world you visit!]"
"[Qualification of visited world...
World D: Alice in Borderland
Difficulty level: ☆☆☆☆
Class Ratings: S...]"
"[Traveling to the waiting world... Three... Two... One... Success!]"