“Here.”

In the interrogation room, Ensign Tanaka took out food packets and arranged them before me.

“This is…”

“Relax. You’re a victim. Once you finish that, let’s talk about what happened. Ease up, we’re all humans, and any information you can provide to aid the ongoing war will be useful.”

I tried to ignore the fact that he mentioned something about ‘war’ and looked at the food he gave. Grilled salmon, egg roe sushi and rice balls. There’s also soy milk and a slice of what looked like blue watermelon?

“You look completely shit. First time seeing a dead body?”

“…?”

“Do you need to see a counsellor or something after this?”

“…I don’t think so.”

I think I just need time to think.

“Well, don’t force the food if you can’t. Though it’s not like I recommend you starve. I’ve heard a number of stories of foreigners like you that’ve committed suicide because they couldn’t face the reality.”

“Is that so?”

“However, those who don’t just go off throwing their lives away become incredible assets and make big history names. I hope you don’t lose your way. The information you have in your head is incredibly valuable in this world.”

Valuable?

As in, do they plan to enslave me or something and then toss me out into some impossible-to-survive dungeon?

No right?

This world—the world of <Skybound Seas> has a cruel world setting, but the theme involves the unity of humanity, so…

“You look like you’re doubting my kindness here.”

“…I’m just wary.”

“Can’t help it. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably feel the same way. So let’s do it like this.”

Ensign Tanaka crudely took a seat on the foldable chair.

“How about you tell me where you’re from, and I tell you what I know about this world? That’ll get our communication up to speed.”

With that kind of silly grin he’s showing, I think I can trust the sincerity of the people in this world.

I nodded.

“Alright.”

Taking the first bite of food ever since I arrived in this world, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss.

Maybe I was trying to deny it, so I talked.

And talked some more…

⊳╙⊠’╨

“Look kid. It’s not your fault. Just because you slipped into this dimension, you’re not responsible for the ones that just died. Whether or not she accepts it, the same truth applies. That’s the reality of war.”

“I understand that in theory. It’s just…”

“Matsushita-san, at times like this, you have two choices.”

He pointed two fingers at me.

“One is to blame yourself.”

He lowered his middle finger, index finger pointing at me.

“Or to accept that no one is at fault.”

“Think of it as advice from a veteran in the field. The peaceful era you came from is long gone, stop dwelling on it and move on.”

I don’t know how to feel about this. The fact that I just witnessed someone die before me, I’m still in denial.

Not just that but I have so many unanswered questions.

Like, how did I get here? Why don’t I remember anything? And why is EunHa also here?

She didn’t even recognize me.

General facts about this world match the setting of the game <Skybound Seas>. But gaps which hadn’t been considered for the game were automatically filled in.

Things like the concept of prana, the logic in which the world runs on infinite energy, and how demons were known as a meta-biological infection of marine life.

“Now then. Let’s wrap things up, I don’t have a lot of time.”

He checked the digital clock on the wall.

“Anything more to add regarding what you saw?”

“No.”

It’s enough to narrate what happened once. I don’t feel like revisiting the memory.

╙⊠ ▢╨⌷⊳⚙⊲╙⊠▰

Not a movie, not a light novel, not a manga.

<Skybound Seas> is an indie game EunHa and I were developing as a team.

Different from RPG games where you levelled stats and abilities, the game’s system handled more like those gacha games where you’d collect characters and build teams out of them.

Assuming that system functions are similar to the in-game UI, I expect there to be familiar RPG progression mechanics like a main storyline with side quests, upgrading individual unit skills, and creating an engineering base where I can invest in new technologies that’ll help level up humanity’s fight against the demons.

It would be a level-progression focused on those around me as opposed to the standard self power-levelling.

I did hope to see a tab where you’d get access to an actual slot machine to procure units but I suppose that would’ve been bizarre… wouldn’t it? It seems all units which I’ll be adding to my database will have to be collected manually.

Basically, making allies and forming connections.

Actually, hold on. Calling living people as ‘units’ sounds a little condescending. Shouldn’t I phrase it better?

Friends? Crew? Allies? Well, either way…

Ensign Tanaka didn’t have anything else to provide me, so when the interrogation ended, he brought me to a private room. He told me that someone would fetch me tomorrow morning so that I can head to the capital city of Hoshizora.

As part of the game’s front-line developer, I only knew the general regions of the First and Second Stratum. This was the first time hearing the name Hoshizora as a city in the Third Stratum.

With night soon approaching, I laid on the bed and stared up at the grid-patterned ceiling.

[DETAILS:▽MISSION BOARD> NEW(1/2)

>MISSION TITLE: “REUNITED”

>TASK: Find Saint Wu XiaoLe

>REWARDS:

>>1. Acquire [Unit: Wu XiaoLe_(A-rank)]

>>2. Unlock System Setting: [PERSONAL: BORROWED TRAITS]

>>3. +1UGP for [Unit: Wu XiaoLe_(A-rank)]

…

[DETAILS:▽MISSION BOARD> NEW(2/2)

>MISSION TITLE: STARTING OVER

>TASK: Gain Hwang EunHa’s favour

>REWARDS:

>>1. Acquire [Unit: Hwang EunHa_(A-rank)]

>>2. Unlock System Setting: [PERSONAL: APPRAISAL]

>>3. +1UGP for [Unit: Hwang EunHa_(A-rank)]

…

More functions will be unlocked when I level up, but for now, there’s a limit to what I can do with the system. Besides a few words to my system profile, the quest board, and ongoing missions, there wasn’t anything else I could do.

[DETAILS:▽MISSION BOARD> ONGOING MISSIONS> MISSION TITLE: “REUNITED”> REWARDS:> +1UGP for [Unit: Wu XiaoLe_(A-rank)]

>>Description: +1UGP (upgrade points) that can be used to increase the level of [Unit: Wu XiaoLe]‘s [TRAITS].

UGP is the acronym for Upgrade Points.

GUGP is the acronym for General Upgrade Points.

This function is the same as in the game where GUGP can be used for all characters whereas, UGP is only limited to that one character. GUGP can substitute any deficiencies in UGP.

[DETAILS:▽MISSION BOARD> ONGOING MISSIONS> MISSION TITLE: “REUNITED”> REWARDS:> Unlock Setting: [PERSONAL: BORROWED TRAITS]

>>Description: Unlock the system’s ability to borrow ‘TRAITS’ owned by different ‘UNITS’.

‘Traits’ is the terminology we used to define the ‘special abilities’ of a ‘unit’. And the higher the level of their ‘trait’, the stronger their effects when I equip the ability.

It’s a design choice for the game which EunHa suggested originally.

[DETAILS:▽PROGRESSIONS> ONGOING

>[Current] Story Progression: A New World

In regards to the main story line though… it seems to have nothing to do with the original story we planned for the game.

I’d take a moonshot and say it’s probably a dynamic one for me?

“There’s no way anyone would want to believe that their destiny is fixed.”

…There should be multiple endings to this, right?

Anyway, thanks to the system, the next few steps I need to take are made somewhat clearer.

But for the mission where I need to ‘meet the saint’, what the hell does the title ‘reunited’ imply? Is the saint someone I know from my previous world?

I shook my head.

“No. That’s not the biggest priority.”

Before I should consider plans to progress, I need to get clear on something… no, someone, first.

“EunHa.”

Regardless of her current relationship with me, I witnessed first hand the death of the squad Sergeant and her friend. She may put on a brave front, but I know deep down she was hurt.

I raised my palms to the ceiling.

The engagement ring on my finger. The one we vowed to.

I clenched my hands into a fist.

Unlike novel tropes where the protagonists have a clear understanding of how scenarios are going to progress, I don’t know where and what begins or ends.

“EunHa, what is going on?”

The one who should’ve been developing the game with me… was not here to respond.

╓▰╨╖⊳⚙⊲╓⊠╥╖

“Private Hwang EunHa.”

“Yes sir.”

“I grant you a distinction in this expedition.”

“Yes sir.”

The substitute sergeant handed her a certificate.

Successfully returning from an ambush with important information regarding the potential demonica nest-in-spreading, the certification congratulated her achievements.

Normally, these cadet-level practical missions consisted only of very basic and simple tasks that could be completed if one had the necessary physical stamina.

However, this particular mission had to be classified under the pretence of an ‘accident’.

It meant invalidation. But, in certain cases, an honour may be granted.

Mission qualifications like these were not completely necessary for enrolling into military school. However, they contribute to one’s credentials and provide the necessary experiences in preparing the younger cadets for what is to come.

“Private Hwang EunHa. Don’t let it get to you. Stay strong, you’ve contributed greatly. If not for you and your squad mates, we may not have noticed them in time to stop them.”

Again. This bullshit again.

She nodded expressionlessly.

If only I hadn’t messed up the reconnaissance mission. This wouldn’t have happened.

She tightened her fists.

Everyone died.

They died because of me.

A chain reaction of events that led to this incident. The Cloud Hive which the army had failed to subjugate in full months earlier gave the demonica an opportunity to regain strength.

Like how an incomplete removal of a tumour led to a relapse elsewhere, the original Cloud Hive, which should’ve been gone, was still actively advancing.

Sergeant Pang and Liu ChaiWen’s body was recovered during the search, the rest were still missing.

She was given a reminder to avoid the families of those deceased and immediately dismissed.

She left the office after falling out with a salute. The certificate crumpled under the force of her grip.

Out in the hall…

“Hwang EunHa.”

She walked past him, ignoring his call for her attention.

“Hwang EunHa.”

How did he even end up here? Shouldn’t he be in the custody of the higher authorities? She didn’t understand.

Whatever. It didn’t matter. She didn’t have time to entertain him anyway. There were more important things…

“EunHa!”

Her feet came to a screeching halt. An unusual sensation spread in her chest; a mixed feeling of wrath and intrigue.

“It’s not your fault.”

His words silenced her reasoning. A single phrase appeared in her mind.

Don’t let go of him, ever.

The Saint’s prophecy… right. XiaoLe did mention something like this was going to happen. EunHa turned to him.

“Who exactly are you?”

Why should she not let him go exactly?

And what did the Saint mean by: the fate of humanity depends on this?

“… Who am I?”

“Yeah. Who are you? Why do you seem like you know me?”

“…I know you because you… you…”

“I’m what?”

Why did he know her? Why did he care so much?

The two of them stood in silence, facing each other.

His expression turned complicated, a little frustrated even.

“You… existed where I came from, a different you.”

“Pardon?”

“You were my friend.”

He revealed the hard to digest truth.

But what kind of coincidence was that? She existed in the world he came from?

It wasn’t that she didn’t believe in the possibility of another her existing in some other dimension. It was more an issue of probability.

The timing was too apt… serendipity failed to explain. The Saint’s prophecy rang true, he was indeed the chosen one.

Seriously? This guy? It made her cringe inside.

“…I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. But it’s the truth.”

“So, what do you expect from me now? That person you know from your world isn’t me, and I’m not her. I don’t know who you are, or why you’re here. Speak your demand.”

⊳╙⊠’╨

“…I don’t know who you are, or why you’re here. Speak your demand.”

She said sharply, glaring.

The way she spoke, and the emotions laced in her tone were different from the EunHa I knew.

“I… don’t know either. Regardless, we need to work together to stop the demons.”

“Hah? Stop the demons? You? Do you think it’s as simple as just saying we have to?”

I really wanted to crawl into a hole.

“No that’s not…”

All I want is to figure out my footing.

“Big ideals don’t mean anything. Own your words, prove it.”

But I was too caught up in my thoughts and said something amazingly foolish.

She was processing this rationally. In comparison, I…

“I know.”

Clouded by anger or otherwise, slipped yet another ridiculous response.

“Good. Then follow me.”

“…? Huh?”

I looked at her dumbstruck. She rolled her eyes at me, sending a side-long glance.

“Do I have to repeat myself?”

Serious?

With a dramatic sigh, she turned tails and walked on ahead.

In my confusion, my feet picked up the slack before my mind could make sense of anything. I decided to follow her, keeping distance between us.

╙⊠ ▢╨⌷⊳⚙⊲╙⊠▰

“I shall introduce myself. I’m Ju MinGyeo, EunHa-nim’s personal servant. Milady has told me to assist you should you have any concerns. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me.”

The woman wearing a tuxedo introduced herself with a bow.

Actually… I know her too. She was EunHa’s favourite secretary. I’ve met her other self a couple times before, to think she’s here in this world too.

“Thank you. I’m Matsushita Kenji.”

“I have learnt of your name from Milady, Matsushita-san.”

I was currently seated in a cabin of what looked like a public coach. Except, this coach was part of the flying airship going to the capital city, Hoshizora.

“I will be staying in the cabin adjacent with Milady. Please be reminded to knock when entering. That’s if you need anything.”

“Understood.”

“If nothing else, I will leave.”

“Alright.”

There was a window adjacent to the sliding table where you could view the entire sky. From where I was situated, many islands could be seen far out in the distance, with ships and floating creatures almost floundering. Some up high, some down below; some alone, some in clusters.

A fantasy world unhinged, truly.

As I admired the scenery, I reached into my pocket by instinct.

“…Oh.”

I actually tried to take out my phone. Am I crazy or what?

“This is going to be one hell of a boring trip…”

For 24 hours, I’m going to be cooped up here alone. Will I be able to stay sane?

I took the glass jar and poured some water for myself. I observed that the water in the glass wobbled only slightly when placed on the table.

The turbulence within the cabin was minimal to a fault. Was this part of an engineering feat I don’t know about?

“No, what am I doing?”

Now wasn’t the time to be chilling. I need more information about this world.

The currently available technology, humanity’s culture, geology, the current situation of the demon war—anything.

I walked out of my cabin and into a hallway.

“Where do I begin?”

I went right, recalling that it was the direction where I came from. I reached a connection point. A spiral stairway led upwards, a door on the opposite side led to the economy seats.

Though I say economy seats, they actually resemble more like train-line suites. Pairs of seats facing each other with a table jammed in between. As there was no reason to enter the passenger cabin, I took the stairs and went up instead.

Here was the community lobby.

A social space where people could chat with drinks, or play some variation of poker by the betting table.

There was a minibar too. A female barista was busily making drinks for the clients seated by the counter.

“Oh right.”

An important concern I failed to consider.

Money.

I can’t believe I’ll have to bring up this issue to MinGyeo-ssi later.

Actually, should I even? I’m not even paying for my own ticket here.

From the corner of my eye, I saw a free-reading magazine stand. I walked over and grabbed an article.

“What the…”

What kind of weird fusion language is this?

Korean characters among kanji and kanji written without hiragana in string. It’s almost like Mandarin except it isn’t quite that at all.

Some parts I could vaguely understand, others I couldn’t.

It made me recall how some people’s names here were Korean-Japanese, Chinese-Japanese and vice versa.

As I deliberated, my ears picked up on the conversations of those nearby. I attune myself to listen in on their words. It was an unusual mixture of Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

I don’t get it. Does this mean EunHa had been speaking to me in proper Japanese the whole time?

A breeze blew into the lounge. I noticed that it was caused by the opening and closing of the door to the deck.

I put the magazine back and made my way towards the entrance.

“Wow…”

The strength of the wind out on deck caught me off guard. You wouldn’t have known just how fast the ship was flying if you only stayed indoors.

My clothes fluttered strongly as my hands kept tight around the rails.

Under the light shade of the abode, I gazed out at the skies.

I felt some kind of weight pressing down against my body, that sinking pit in the stomach.

“This isn’t Earth, this isn’t a dream.”

I don’t know how many times I’ve reminded myself of this fact.

“Fuck.”

I struggled to accept the truth.