Chapter 1: Solitude
The relentless downpour mirrored the turmoil within Daryl Evangelista's heart as he trudged along the familiar path from his government office to his solitary apartment. Each step resonated with the weight of memories from that fateful day years ago—a day that had irrevocably altered the course of his life.
As an engineering student, Daryl had envisioned a future filled with promise and shared dreams with her. But destiny had other plans. The sudden terrorist attack on their university had shattered that future, leaving behind a trail of devastation. In the chaos, Daryl had discovered a primal instinct to survive, confronting the attackers with a ferocity he never knew he possessed. His actions had saved countless students, earning him the label of a hero. Yet, amidst the accolades and gratitude, a singular, haunting question plagued him: "Why couldn't I save her?"
Years had passed since that harrowing event. Now an engineer working for the government, Daryl's existence had become a monotonous routine, devoid of the warmth of family or the camaraderie of close friends. His daily journey took him past the university's memorial—a solemn tribute to the lives lost. Each visit, he placed fresh flowers, a silent apology to her and a reminder of his perceived failure.
On this particular evening, the heavens wept profusely. As Daryl crossed the bridge, the sound of frantic splashing reached his ears. Peering over the edge, he spotted a child struggling against the river's fierce current. Without a second thought, Daryl leaped into the churning waters. Battling the relentless flow, he reached the child, pushing them towards safety. Exhaustion set in, and as the world began to fade, a serene thought crossed his mind: "Well... this isn't a bad way to go—dying as a hero."
Darkness enveloped him. An indeterminate time later, sensations returned—a searing pain, the metallic taste of blood, and the acrid scent of smoke. Daryl's eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar scene: bodies strewn around him, the aftermath of a brutal confrontation. Panic surged, but before he could react, a torrent of foreign memories flooded his consciousness.
Visions of battles against monstrous beings, wielding flames that danced at his command, and a life of power and responsibility overwhelmed him. He recognized these memories as belonging to Choi Jong-In, the renowned S-Rank Hunter and Guild Master of the Hunters Guild in Korea citeturn0search0.
As the memories settled, Daryl realized a profound truth: he was now inhabiting Choi Jong-In's body. Yet, it wasn't a mere possession; their souls and memories had intertwined. Within this amalgamation, he sensed a shared regret—a failure to protect someone dear, a sentiment that resonated deeply with his own past.
Struggling to his feet, Daryl—now Choi Jong-In—surveyed the devastation around him.
Chapter end