Prologue

A strong stench of blood assailed my nose, making me feel dizzy as my mind fell into a daze.

My head throbbed painfully, so I reached out and noticed blood trickling down. I must have hit my head and lost consciousness.

But why did I lose consciousness?

Where am I? I tried to look around in confusion and realized I was in a restroom. I helped myself up and grabbed the sink before walking out, feeling muddled-headed.

Where the hell are the people? I propped myself against the wall, feeling weak all over. I looked around for help but saw no one walking around.

I could only grit my teeth. I continued to walk slowly, but the hallway was eerie with no other students in sight and no electricity. Deafening silence echoed through the hallway, and somehow, I felt nervous and tense.

A wisp of blue light rushed towards my forehead, and I stumbled back, unprepared for the unbearable headache that assaulted me.

"Ah," I said, as I massaged my temples to ease my discomfort. I leaned on the wall and walked slowly to stabilize myself, continuing to support myself on the wall.

I was still dizzy, but I couldn't just stay here. Suddenly, there were flashes of scenes in my mind, but I didn't quite understand any of them. It was like being forced to watch a film with a blank mind, and nothing made any sense as they were not my own.

As I tried to walk down the hallway, I heard faint voices and footsteps. It was probably nighttime, and I must have been locked out of school. I chuckled at the thought of being the biggest laughingstock in the department, and I could already hear my classmates' mocking and laughter the next day. It was too silly, but it helped to divert my mind.

I felt weak and dizzy, but I tried to make a sound to get their attention.

"I'm here," I said, looking up and trying to focus on the approaching people. Scenes bombarded my mind, but I tried to ignore them and focused on breathing.

Suddenly, my feet gave way, and I slumped on the floor.

"She's here!" I heard someone say.

"Shin," almost a whisper. One person touched my cheek, and another touched my arm.

Why are they here? I couldn't help but wonder. Weren't they supposed to attend a conference that day? I tried to glimpse their worried faces and frowned as their faces and clothes were smeared with dirt and blood, seemingly in tatters.

Blood!

My head throbbed more, and the flashes of images continued. Scenes I didn't even understand suddenly became more familiar, and everything came into light. I fainted again.

Their faces overlapped with what I seemed to remember. It's amazing how people seem to change their countenance depending on their circumstances.

'It's been years, huh?'

This time, whether we choose our own stance will be up to fate.

A bitter smile escaped from my lips, but I felt relieved.

I'm back in the world where my home is.

Can this life be any different?

No matter how different it starts, will it always lead to the same tragedy?