Today felt like an eternity. My head throbs as if it's echoing the weight of a hundred unspoken thoughts.
Funny, how time slips through your fingers when you're not even paying attention. Has it really been that long? Maybe I should play something—just to take the edge off.
There's this new virtual game everyone's buzzing about. It's been on the rise for a while now, hasn't it? Should I download it?
Anything to escape reality. Even if it's just for a while.
I dragged myself out of bed, the world outside feeling far too heavy today. My chair creaked under my weight as I sat down and booted up my computer.
Typing almost absentmindedly, I searched for the game. Of course. There it was, splashed across every review site, forums, and advertisements. Why is everyone so obsessed with this thing? My colleagues never stop talking about it—it's all I hear in the office these days.
But what's the name again? Ah, right. Got it! [Eclipse Nexus]
That's the one.
Look at me—a guy in his twenties, still turning to video games for some kind of escape.
Pathetic, right? But honestly, what else is there? I come home to nothing but silence, the kind that feels heavier the longer it lingers.
My apartment's small, barely enough space to breathe, and I'm constantly scraping by just to cover the rent.
You might wonder, Where are my parents in all of this? The truth is... I don't really know. They're alive, sure, but as for how they're doing, that's anyone's guess. We don't talk much, unless they need something. Leeches. That's what they are—always draining whatever they can from me. And when I can't give anymore, I'm nothing but a disappointment in their eyes.
And it's not like I'm ungrateful. I'm stuck here in this rundown apartment because of them. They took out a massive loan in my name without so much as a heads-up.
It took me two years to pay it off, every cent earned with sweat and exhaustion. Just when I thought I was free, they kept coming back for more, as if I'm their personal bank. When I had money, I was their beloved son.
But the moment I couldn't 'lend' them 200,000 won, they kicked me out. That was almost five years ago. Since then, I've barely spoken to them, though they occasionally reach out, like a bad memory trying to claw its way back.
Oh, I just remembered. Back in high school, I used to lose myself in virtual action games.
They felt so real, like I could become someone else entirely—someone unknown, someone free from the burdens of my daily life.
Maybe that's exactly what I need right now.I downloaded the game, [Eclipse Nexus], and watched as the screen began to load, anticipation mingling with a fleeting sense of nostalgia.
As the screen finished loading, I was greeted by the avatar customization screen.
Having played similar games before, I knew the healer class was probably the safest choice for a newbie like me. I selected the female avatar option for the healer and named her Yuna. With long blonde hair, and a simple dress. Maybe the default settings of the healer.
With a few clicks, I logged into the game. My character materialized in what was clearly the newbie lounge.
Yuna was a level 1 healer, and she was equipped with a slender, ornate staff—a common tool for mages and healers. It felt oddly comforting, like a step back into a world where I could be someone different.
Suddenly, a system message flashed on the screen:
[Welcome to Eclipse Nexus, player Yuna. In this game, your objective is to hunt monsters and level up. To acquire equipment, you can raid dungeons or purchase items through the auction on the xx.eclipsenexus website. Please stay active, and for more information, visit the Admin Centre.]
The message settled in as I took in my surroundings, the digital world beginning to come to life around me.
I saw a lot of newbies around me, but one player caught my eye. They were sporting an extravagant avatar that looked like it had cost a fortune—definitely bought with real money.
Who was level 10, above their head was the name [Heecat], which I assumed was their character name.
Shaking off the distraction, I reminded myself that I needed to focus on leveling up. The game was surprisingly engaging, with stunning graphics that made the virtual world come alive.
I set my sights on the tasks ahead, determined to make a comeback as a gaming prodigy.