Ji-hoon blinked awake, disoriented and heavy with an unfamiliar sensation. He was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling of a dimly lit room that felt both foreign and oddly comforting. As his thoughts cleared, memories flooded back—long days of grueling work, late nights spent staring at screens, and a job that felt like an endless treadmill. He had worked tirelessly in a small black company, feeling drained, yet too afraid to change paths.

But now, something was different. His memories revealed a life he didn't recognize, one where he had a newfound determination to pursue something meaningful. The thought of returning to his old life felt unbearable, and he knew he couldn't go back to the same routine.

Sitting up, Ji-hoon took a deep breath, feeling an unfamiliar spark of hope. He wanted to break free from the constraints of his previous life, to explore new horizons. It was then that he remembered his love for drawing—a skill he hadn't had the chance to nurture in years.

Later that day, as Ji-hoon wandered around the city, a large poster outside a building caught his eye. It was an advertisement for an open audition, a casting call that seemed to beckon him forward. Curious, he walked closer, reading the details.

"Casting for various roles—no experience necessary. Come as you are."

Without thinking, Ji-hoon found himself stepping into the building. He was greeted by a bustling crowd of aspiring actors, all hoping for their big break. His stomach fluttered with nerves, but he reminded himself that this was a chance to try something new.

As he waited, a man approached him, handing him a script. "Here, read through this. You'll act it out when it's your turn."

Ji-hoon glanced down at the paper, unsure. The script seemed challenging, depicting a character who had to portray intense fear. Just as he was about to reconsider, something unexpected happened—a system window appeared in front of him, floating in mid-air.

[System Activated. Binding initiated.]

The words flashed before his eyes, and he felt an odd sensation wash over him. He rushed to the bathroom, closing the door behind him, hoping to understand what was happening. Suddenly, he was transported into a void—a blank, endless space that felt strangely calming.

Curious, Ji-hoon began exploring the void, noticing an interface with different options. He saw a button labeled "Simulation" and pressed it, eager to understand the system's purpose. To his surprise, the script he had been handed earlier appeared on a virtual screen.

"Simulation mode?" Ji-hoon whispered, his mind racing. The system displayed details about the script, including the characters, settings, and a "readability rating" of 20%.

Deciding to test it out, Ji-hoon selected the role of a terrified man. Suddenly, the scene changed around him, and he found himself running, breathless and afraid, with no control over his body. He experienced every emotion as if it were real, each moment vivid and intense.

When the simulation ended, Ji-hoon returned to the void, shaken yet exhilarated. The experience felt incredibly lifelike, and he realized that the system allowed him to embody characters in a way that was both thrilling and transformative.

"This… this could be the start of something new," he murmured, a sense of excitement bubbling within him.

As he left the building, still processing the system's abilities, Ji-hoon bumped into his friend, Min-woo, who looked at him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

"Ji-hoon! What are you doing here?" Min-woo asked, raising an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're actually thinking about acting."

Ji-hoon laughed, though he felt a surge of excitement at the thought. "Maybe I am. I tried this… audition, I guess, and something clicked. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I finally have a chance to do something meaningful."

Min-woo studied him, sensing the genuine passion in his voice. "Well, if anyone can make it in this industry, it's you. You've always had that stubborn dedication. Just make sure you're careful—this industry can be tough."

Ji-hoon appreciated Min-woo's support. They had been friends since university, and Min-woo had always believed in him, even when he doubted himself.

"Actually," Min-woo added thoughtfully, "I know a couple of people in the industry. They're just minor connections, but they might help. If you're serious about this, maybe I can introduce you to some folks and guide you along the way."

Ji-hoon's eyes widened, feeling both grateful and a little daunted. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Min-woo replied, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "What are friends for? Besides, it sounds like you're finally doing something that makes you happy. Let's see where this goes."

The idea of pursuing acting with Min-woo's support filled Ji-hoon with hope. He knew the journey wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to embrace the challenges. For the first time in years, he felt like he was on the right path.

That night, Ji-hoon sat in his small apartment, replaying the day's events in his mind. He activated the system again, exploring its various functions. He discovered that it offered training in physical fitness, language skills, singing, and dancing. Each skill had its own interface, allowing him to practice and improve in real time.

The system even allowed him to return to the void and replay simulations of scenes, helping him hone his acting skills. Ji-hoon realized that with this tool, he could prepare for any role, mastering the nuances of each character.

As he practiced in the void, he felt his confidence growing. He knew he had a long way to go, but with each session, he felt more connected to his dream. The system was like a mentor, guiding him through the basics and helping him develop his abilities.

A few days later, Ji-hoon received a call from an agency scout who had seen his performance at the audition. Though he hadn't secured a role yet, his unique approach had caught someone's attention, and they expressed interest in seeing him again.

Ji-hoon shared the news with Min-woo, who grinned with pride. "See? I told you you'd make an impression. These are just small steps, but who knows where they'll lead?"

Ji-hoon felt a surge of motivation, determined to prove himself. With Min-woo's support and the system as his guide, he felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. This was only the beginning, but he knew he was headed in the right direction.

The dream of becoming an actor, once distant and impossible, was now within his grasp. And he was ready to make it a reality, one step at a time.