002: Fives Experimental Rabbit

*WARNING! THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SUICIDE. PLEASE SEEK HELP TO PROFESSIONAL. YOUR LIFE IS PRECIOUS. PLEASE CHERISH THEM.*

After completing my character, the system displayed a list of five individuals—the first batch of players.

As the loading bar finished, profiles for each of the players appeared on the screen, complete with their backgrounds. I scanned each one carefully.

[Player Information]

Game ID: 002

Name: Yoon Jaeha

Age: 22 Years Old

Gender: Male

Occupation: Player

Background: Yoon Jaeha was a prodigy in the world of professional gaming. However, after being accused of using cheat programs during a major competition, he faced a wave of backlash. Despite being innocent, the pressure became unbearable. He ultimately took his own life in his bathtub.

I froze. What… did I just read?

Had I misread the profile? I blinked, reading the paragraph again. No, it was there. I turned to the system, demanding answers.

"What is this? Hey, system, explain!"

[The player Yoon Jaeha took his own life.]

"Why are you asking me a question? I need answers!"

[We apologize for the inconvenience. This will be explained soon. The player Yoon Jaeha, along with the other candidates, died in your world. Consider this their chance at a new life.]

I stared at the screen, bewildered. A new life? This was starting to feel more bizarre by the second.

"I knew Yoon Jaeha," I muttered to myself. "He was famous in the gaming world. He didn't seem like the type to… do that. His family is wealthy; if something went wrong, they would have taken care of him."

My thoughts spiraled as I tried to make sense of it all. Was this really happening? Was it a dream?

Before I could question further, another message appeared:

[This is not your fault. You don't need to worry.]

"Of course it's not my fault!" I snapped. "But what the hell is going on? Can you just explain things properly?"

[We will provide as much information as we can within the system's rules. First, this is not a dream. When the game begins, you will be sent to the game world using the character you created. As the administrator, your role is to guide these players. However, there may be delays in their arrival.]

I stared at the screen, still grappling with the reality of it all.

[The players you will guide are either dead or in a deep coma. The game's rule is simple: survive or die. If they die in the game, their souls will be sent to the Master Core. More information will be unlocked as you progress.]

My heart pounded. "How am I supposed to accept all of this? I never agreed to this!"

[We apologize, but returning to your world is impossible.]

I felt my chest tighten. "Impossible? I don't want to gamble my life on a game! Send me back!"

[Even if we could, you are already dead in your world.]

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What...?"

[You are already dead.]

"Say that again."

[You died.]

I collapsed onto the bed, my strength draining from my body. "How did I die?"

[You fell asleep with your phone connected to the charger. You were electrocuted.]

My mind went blank. "That's… such a lame way to go."

[To be honest, you actually died twice. But it doesn't matter. You won't remember.]

I let out a bitter laugh. "Don't tell me how I died twice, then. I feel miserable enough already."

[That's kind of pathetic.]

"What?! You can't say that to the dead!"

[But you're still alive here.]

This system was getting on my nerves.

[Would you like to proceed to the final step?]

I wiped the tears from my eyes, which had been threatening to fall. "There's a final step?"

[Yes. The last step will provide further guidance for your role as Administrator.]

"Fine. Do whatever you want. I don't even care anymore."

[You haven't finished reading the rest of the player profiles yet. Would you like to continue? /Yes or /Yes]

"Yes."

[Preparation for Departure... 0.005%]

The system's voice echoed in my head, listing off my details as it prepared to send me into the game world.

[Game ID]: 000

Name: Yoo Shiyoon

Age: 29

Gender: Male

Occupation: Administrator

Starting Point: Garden of Eden (Rank 1)

The rank of the Garden of Eden will increase based on development and survivor population.

[Your task as the Administrator is to safeguard the Eden and manage the survivors. Completing tasks will award you more ES coins. Note: there will be a time difference between your arrival and the players. Ensure you take care of them—they are your source of coins. Good luck!]

The system's words faded as an overwhelming flood of information flooded my brain, making me lose consciousness.

-----------

Inside an abandoned factory…

Yoon Jaeha and four others woke up in a state of confusion. The room was grimy, with windows covered in thick dust, and the stale air smelled like rust. The five of them glanced around nervously.

A woman dressed in office clothes suddenly stood up, her voice rising in panic.

"Where am I?! Who are you people?!" she yelled, her hands trembling. "Have I been kidnapped?!"

Her voice cracked as she tried to stay composed, but she quickly broke down, collapsing to the floor and burying her face in her hands.

A tall, bearded man crouched beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay. Let it out," he said in a low voice. "You're not alone."

The woman sobbed, her tears flowing freely.

In the corner of the room, another woman sat curled up, biting her nails. Her eyes darted nervously around the room as she whispered to herself, trembling.

One of the others, a teenager with blonde hair and blue eyes, turned his gaze to Yoon Jaeha. He hesitated for a moment before approaching him.

"Are you… the pro-gamer, Yoon Jaeha?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Jaeha stepped back, uncomfortable with the sudden attention. But the kid persisted, following him eagerly.

"I'm a fan of yours! I've watched all your streams and matches! You're amazing!"

Jaeha sighed, covering the boy's mouth to keep him quiet. "Not now, kid."

The boy—who introduced himself as Noah—grinned. "I'm from France! I never thought I'd meet you in real life!"

Jaeha ignored him, scanning the room for anything useful. The place looked like an old changing room, with rusted lockers and steel benches scattered around.

Suddenly, a growling sound echoed through the room. It sounded like a wild animal, but much more dangerous.

Everyone froze, their eyes locked on the door as the low growl continued, sending shivers down their spines.