Leo groaned as he opened his eyes, the world around him spinning wildly. A sharp, pungent scent filled his nostrils, and he struggled to sit up. As his vision cleared, he found himself in a dimly lit room with peeling wallpaper and cracked windows.
"Where... where am I?" he muttered, clutching his head. The last thing he remembered was crossing the street to get some coffee. Now, he was here—wherever "here" was.
Leo's eyes fell upon a body slumped over a desk in front of him. His breath caught in his throat as he realized it was his own body—or rather, it had been. Now, he was in someone else's. His hands were different, rougher and scarred. The clothes he wore were unfamiliar, a tattered shirt and worn-out pants.
A note lay next to the body, hastily scrawled: "I can't take it anymore. I'm sorry."
Panic surged through Leo. What had happened? Had he somehow transmigrated into this man's body at the moment of his death?
Before he could process further, a loud, robotic voice echoed through the room. "Welcome to the Game, contestant. You have been chosen to participate in the Ultimate Survival Challenge. Refusal to participate will result in immediate termination."
Leo's heart pounded. "A game? What kind of sick joke is this?"
The voice continued, "Your initial talent has been assessed. You have been granted the S-rank skill: Zombie Control. Utilize it to survive and advance. Good luck."