I lay in my hospital bed, my head pounding and my mind racing. I couldn't believe what had just happened. I had seen dark lightning strike a building, causing it to explode. I had even been hit by it myself, and yet here I was, lying in a hospital bed uninjured.
I had to be dreaming, right? But everything felt so real. The pain in my chest, the smell of disinfectant, the soft sheets beneath me.
What did the nurse mean, saying that I wasn't hit by the lightning?
Why was the date wrong anyway?
"So many questions..."
Sighing, I slowly rolled out of the hospital bed and made my way toward the ward's window.
Approaching the glass, I peered out into the world below.
I couldn't believe it.
The city below me was completely different from the one I remembered.
The buildings were smaller, the streets were narrower, and the traffic was heavier. People were also dressed in stylish, futuristic clothing that was supposed to be outdated years ago.
Squish...
I rubbed my eyes, thinking that I must be hallucinating. But when I opened them again, the city was still there.
"What the hell is going on?"
I muttered to myself.
Unknowingly, my eyes went back to the calendar hung on the wall.
"10 year difference..."
A silent gasp left my lips.
It suddenly dawned on me...
Was I by any chance back in time?
Immediately, I dashed toward my jacket hanging on the hook by the door. Frantically searching through the pockets, my hands trembled, grasping my phone.
I tapped on the screen, my fingers shaking, and opened the calendar app.
My eyes widened in disbelief.
The date was indeed 10 years ago.
I was back in time.
My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't believe it. I had always dreamed of time travel, but I never thought it would actually happen.
"..."
For a moment, I stood there, in shock and awe, trying to process the reality of what had just occurred.
I leaned my back against the wall as a flood of thoughts and emotions washed over me.
"I'm back..."
Words left my lips in a whisper, filled with equal parts excitement and trepidation.
My excitement and trepidation grew as I contemplated the possibilities and consequences of being back in time.
I had a chance to do things differently, to fix mistakes, and to make a difference in the world.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing mind. I needed to think clearly.
My first priority was to get out of the hospital. I didn't want to stay here anymore.
Putting on my clothes, I carefully made my way to the door. I peered out into the corridor, making sure there was no one around.
I slipped out of the ward and made my way down the empty corridors. For some reason, I was careful to move quietly, so as not to attract attention.
I reached the elevator and pressed the button. The doors opened, and I stepped inside, pushing the button for the ground floor.
The elevator descended slowly, and I took a deep breath.
I was so close to freedom.
Click...
The doors opened, and I stepped out into the lobby. I looked around and a small smile graced my face.
I walked over to the front desk and waved at the receptionist.
"Hello... I'm here to check out."
The receptionist smiled back at me.
"Sure, can I have your room number?"
She checked the system and asked for my identification.
I gave her my room number, and she typed it into her computer.
"It looks like you've already been discharged by your doctor. All you need to do is sign this form."
She handed me a form, and I signed it quickly.
"Thank you, here is your discharge papers. Please have a nice day."
I smiled and took the papers. I turned and walked out of the hospital, stepping into the bright sunlight.
Huff...
I stood outside the building, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. I felt like a new person, even though I was still the same.
The fact that I was back in time was still sinking in, but I was starting to feel a sense of excitement and possibility.
I looked around at the city, and it was like seeing it for the first time. Everything was so new and different. The buildings were smaller, the streets were narrower, and the people were dressed in stylish, futuristic clothing.
I started walking through the city, simply admiring the view. I passed by people wearing all sorts of different clothes, from traditional outfits to the latest fashion trends that were out of fashion in my previous timeline.
I walked past towering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and lush green parks. I saw children playing in the streets, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and elderly people sitting on benches, watching the world go by.
Tap... Tap...
I walked for hours, simply taking in all the sights and sounds. I felt like a child again, exploring the world for the first time.
At one point, I stopped in front of a large park and sat down on a bench. I watched as people of all ages went about their day.
I thought about all the things I could do now that I was back in time.
"I'm only good at one thing though..."
Smile spread across my face.
The only thing that I was decent at, was gaming, specifically at a game called "Realm of Legends".
It is a VRMMORPG game that is supposed to launch in one month's time and will take the world by storm.
It will generate billions of dollars in revenue and become the number one game in the gaming industry.
Realm of Legends will be so realistic and become so popular that in the future it will be called Life 2.0.
The money within the game will be tied to currencies of the outside world which would make many people millionaires in a few days.
"This is my chance..."
I leaned back on the bench, closing my eyes and envisioning the possibilities that lay ahead.
With my future knowledge I could do a lot, I could dominate the virtual world of Realm of Legends and become one of the most powerful and influential players.
My knowledge of the game mechanics, strategies, and upcoming events would give me a significant advantage over other players.
"This time it will be different..."
I muttered, observing the birds high in the sky.
"This time, I will become the strongest."
My words echoed softly, as the wind rustled through the trees.