It was still semi-dark outside, the sky quiet and brooding as it waited for the sun to rise. Jake's alarm went off at 5:30 in the morning, its usual annoying tone breaking the silence. Still half-asleep, Jake instinctively reached out to snooze it, but as soon as his hand hit the button, the reality of what today was hit him like a wave.
"Right! today's the day," he muttered, immediately forcing himself upright. Today was his first dungeon dive. The mix of excitement and nervousness made his heart beat a little faster. "No turning back now, I guess..."
He quickly reheated the leftovers from last night, eating them in a hurry while mentally going over his plans. Afterward, he jumped into the shower—keeping it short since he didn't want to risk being late. He had to commute to the training facility near the hospital where he first transmigrated into this world.
Once out of the shower, Jake opened Joo-Hee's closet and immediately felt a surge of excitement.
Today was the day he'd finally get to wear the leather cloak and gears that Joo-Hee had used as a hunter. A smile crept across his face, and before he could stop himself, he let out a little squeal of excitement.
"Man, this really feels like I'm actually in another world," he laughed to himself, shaking his head. "Why am I acting like some cosplayer getting ready for an event?"
But the truth was, it did feel unreal. He was actually living in another world, just like those isekai protagonists from manga or novels he used to read.
As he dried off and got dressed, he felt the thrill creeping in again. The hunter clothes fit perfectly, snug yet comfortable, as if they were made specifically for him. He draped the leather cloak over his shoulders and turned to the mirror.
"Wow... this really is something else," Jake murmured, taking in the sight of himself in the mirror. "I actually look like a real hunter... or even an adventurer. Like I'm about to step into an MMORPG or something." He chuckled, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside him."If full-dive virtual reality were real, this might be what it feels like." He could feel his heart beating faster, the weight of the situation sinking in. "It feels so foreign, but... weirdly right at the same time."
The intricate design of the clothes, the craftsmanship that no cosplayer back in his world could ever hope to recreate, left Jake in awe. The high-quality material, the weight of it on his shoulders—it all felt so surreal. He couldn't help but admire how well-crafted everything was.
For a moment, he just stood there, turning from side to side, checking himself out in the mirror. "This is really, really good... no way anyone back home could pull off something like this. It's like stepping into a fantasy, except... it's real." He smiled at the thought. "Who knew I'd be geeking out like this before heading into actual danger?"
"Okay, focus, Jake, now's not the time for this," he muttered, snapping himself back to reality. He shook off the excitement, knowing that the real challenge was still ahead. Admiring his outfit wasn't going to help him survive the dungeon.
With a deep breath, he turned his attention to the rest of the essentials for the dive. He quickly gathered a few potions, some extra mana crystals for emergencies, and the small first-aid kit Joo-Hee always kept handy. His mind ran through everything he'd need for the day, making sure he didn't miss a thing.
With one last look around, Jake opened the door and stepped out, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety wash over him. He smiled to himself, almost like he was talking to Joo-Hee.
"I'll be back soon, Joo-Hee… after I conquer this fear." The words felt more like a promise to himself and Joo-Hee than anything else, giving him that extra push of reassurance he needed.
And with that, he stepped out, ready to face whatever was waiting for him.
After a half-hour commute, Jake arrived at the training facility, greeted by Mr. Kang Ho, who was overseeing preparations for the day's small event.
The facility was bustling with activity, full of hunters milling around—Jake estimated there were about a hundred of them, a mix of veterans and rookies alike. Some looked like they were still recovering from recent injuries, likely sustained from previous dungeon raids.
Jake drifted into the middle of the crowd, trying to blend in, but the situation felt awkward. He didn't know anyone, and the last thing he wanted was to approach anyone and force small talk. To make matters more uncomfortable, a few guys kept sneaking glances in his direction, some even blushing when he caught their gaze.
Must be because of Joo-Hee's looks, Jake thought with a sigh, reminding himself that he was inhabiting the body of someone who was, by all standards, beautiful. Thankfully, no one was brave or foolish enough to approach him. There were no overconfident, cocky types pestering him, unlike the clichés Jake had read before—no " toad lusting after a swan's meat," as the saying went.
At least I don't have to deal with that, Jake thought, thankful that, for the moment, he could focus on the task ahead without unnecessary distractions.
At exactly 8 AM, Mr. Kang called everyone to attention, his voice booming over the chatter. "Alright, hunters, listen up! We're about to start the group assignments for today's dungeon dive. Once you find your name, gather your gear and meet with your team at the right side of the facility. Porters will handle your items, so make sure everything's in order."
Jake's pulse quickened as he heard the announcement. Alright, this is it. My first real dungeon dive... He gulped, anxiety gnawing at the edges of his thoughts. "Please let me be with capable people..." he muttered under his breath, nervously rubbing his hands together.
The large monitor behind Mr. Kang flickered to life, revealing team groupings. Jake's eyes scanned the list, hoping for familiar names. But, of course, he barely knew anyone here, let alone their reputations.
Great... Jake thought, I'm probably going to get stuck with rookies, aren't I? He felt a knot tighten in his chest. Even though Joo-Hee was registered as a B-rank, he knew her body was only good for C-rank performance, especially after her mana pool had deteriorated from the near-death incident.
He sighed aloud, trying to calm his nerves. "Come on, Jake... you've got this. You've been training like crazy. Just stick to healing and support... No hero moves today."
Mr. Kang's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Once you've found your group, go ahead and start preparing. Porters will assist you, but it's your responsibility to be ready."
Jake winced at the mention of porters. His thoughts drifted to Sung Jin-Woo's past, the image of Jin-Woo as a powerless porter, mistreated by those around him. I guess no matter what world you go to, people will continue to treat someone cruelly, Jake wondered, bitterness filling his chest. He remembered Joo-Hee's feelings too—the quiet sorrow she felt witnessing it all.
Jake felt bitter at the thought, and memories of Lee Joo-Hee replayed in his mind. Is this what happens when a world gains powers akin to gods? he pondered, frustration tightening his chest. Maybe that's why my world didn't have any supernatural users. Or maybe it's just that there's no record of it. After all, humanity has thrived for thousands of years. It's foolish to think that there haven't been people in the past who wielded abilities beyond human comprehension.
He could almost picture it—warriors and felons, battles that shaped the course of history, all woven into legends. History books don't always tell the full truth, Jake mused. Take the Spartans, for example. They say 300 fought against more than 10,000 enemies, but come on—that's ridiculous. Humans have limited stamina. How could they pull that off?
Jake considered the absurdity of such a feat. Unless… there was something more at play. Forgotten arts, supernatural abilities—techniques lost to time that allowed them to achieve such impossible victories. Stories like these aren't one-offs either. There are plenty of other myths and records that point to a past far stranger than we're led to believe.
But what really cemented Jake's theories were the undeniable experiences he'd been living through. I mean, look at me, he thought, his heart heavy. I've transmigrated into another world, a world inside a light novel of all things—a novel created by man itself. If powers didn't exist, how could I—a mere human—end up here?
It was a thought that tugged at him constantly. Something—someone—had to be behind it all. This didn't just happen by accident. There's no way. I would be a fool if I were to think that all of this is just a mere dream or even an illusion.
But as much as these thoughts raced through his mind, he couldn't shake the sadness that always accompanied them. His chest tightened, and his lips trembled as he lowered his head. Not that I'm angry about being transmigrated... I mean, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he admitted, the tiniest of smiles flickering before it faded. But... I left my family without any warning. I just vanished from their lives.
The thought of them—his parents, his siblings—waiting, wondering where he'd gone, what had happened to him, gnawed at him. He bit his lips, holding back the emotions that threatened to rise. They probably think I'm dead by now, he realized bitterly.
Jake straightened himself, taking a deep breath, pushing the grief to the back of his mind. I can't dwell on this now, he reminded himself, looking up at the crowd of hunters. I have to keep moving forward.
Shaking his head to dispel the wandering thoughts, Jake muttered, "Focus, Jake. Now's not the time for rabbit holes." He recalled how often he would lose himself in endless theories about the origin of the past, back in his old world, pondering the possibilities of existence rather than moving into the present. I can't let myself get distracted now, he reminded himself. Today is about moving forward, not getting lost in what-ifs.
He took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared for the announcement. Whatever the past holds, it's done, Jake thought, trying to shake off the lingering weight of his memories. I'm here now. I just have to make sure I use what I know, and make the most of my time in this world. Experience things I never could back home—where magic, dungeons, and all this craziness didn't exist in the first place.
Jake scanned the screen, eyes darting across the names listed under each team. His breath hitched when he found his name next to four unfamiliar ones: Ryu Min-Soo, listed as the porter; Kim Da-Sol and Park Jae-Sung, both swordsmen; Ha Yoon-Ji and Choi Eun-Bi, ranged fighters.
"Okay... doesn't look too bad," Jake murmured, trying to keep his spirits up. "At least it's a mix of roles. Let's just hope they know what they're doing."
Jake glanced around at the growing groups forming, people calling out names and waving to find their teammates. He couldn't help but feel out of place. Should I shout like them? he wondered. My introverted ass can't do that, he cried internally, cringing at the thought of making a scene.
Just as his embarrassment was about to swallow him, a figure approached—a tall, average-looking guy with brown hair. At first, Jake tensed, thinking the guy might be one of those trying to flirt. But, thankfully, the man introduced himself instead.
"Lee Joo-Hee, right?" the man said with a grin. "I'm Kim Da-Sol. It's good to see you again."
Jake blinked in surprise. Again? He hadn't fully integrated with Joo-Hee's memories yet—most of them were fragmented, and only specific triggers would unlock them in his mind like a flash of short scenes. Crap... who is this guy? Jake gulped before responding. "Re... really? I'm so sorry, I have a terrible memory when it comes to people. I've met and partied with so many that... I might not really remember," Jake said, bowing slightly and giving a polite smile.
Kim Da-Sol chuckled. "You're still the same as before, Unnie. I guess that happens when you're a B-rank and a rare healer, huh?"
Unnie? Jake could barely hide his discomfort from being called as such but kept smiling. "Yeah... it happens," he said, trying to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. He learned that Da-Sol had met Joo-Hee when he was still starting out, two years ago.
As they chatted, Jake relaxed a bit. He was grateful that Da-Sol wasn't a total stranger after all. "It's nice to have someone familiar on the team, especially a high-rank healer," Da-Sol said, his tone genuinely appreciative. "Let's go find the others."
Jake nodded, feeling a little better now that he wasn't completely alone. Okay, one down... let's hope the others are just as friendly.