Emmaline Morne
I'm fucked.
That's the only thought swirling in my head as I stare out the window of this opulent bedroom, my heart sinking with every passing moment. First off, there's the whole "superhuman body" thing. Sure, I'm healing faster than I ever thought possible, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm still stuck in this bizarre world. And it's not just the body that's driving me crazy—it's the memories flooding my mind, all belonging to Emmaline Morne. My name. Like my actual name from earth, this is also earth I mean, you know what I mean.
Emmaline is your typical spoiled brat, a moderately talented hunter born into a moderately rich family. She's the kind of character who probably thinks the world revolves around her, and honestly? That's not even the worst part. No, what has me feeling utterly dejected is the realization that I'm tangled up with Evan Hwan—the main character from Hunter's Rise, the manhwa I was reading when this whole nightmare began.
Yep, the handsome guy I encountered when I fell into this world? That's Evan, the very embodiment of brooding charisma. And what does that mean for me? It means I've inherited the plotline's unnamed ex-girlfriend, the one who dumped him for being, well, untalented. Brilliant. Why couldn't I just have a clean slate? If I was going to be transmigrated, couldn't I have come with a photographic memory or something to remember all the details of the plot?I can barely remember the main events of the story, let alone any intricate details.
What I do know is that this world is on a countdown to disaster. In seven years, we're supposedly going to be attacked by SS+-class monsters. Oh, great! Just what I needed to hear. Humanity has already been pushed back into one massive stronghold thanks to these beasts, reminiscent of some certain anime that shall remain unnamed but is definitely not inspired by titans, and walls very original author. The Earth Alliance—yeah, that sounds familiar, but I can't even recall why these monsters have such a grudge against Earth in the first place. I skimmed through that part, clearly too busy rolling my eyes at the tropes.
And the kicker? I know the main character and his friends eventually triumph, but not before 75% of humanity is wiped out. And guess what? I'm sure I'll be among the casualties. Honestly, the thought of going out there to grind monsters makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. Me? Kill monsters? Please. I could barely handle varsity education—do you really expect me to handle killing giant beasts? It's insane!
So here I am, trapped in a story I didn't even want to be a part of, and all I can think is that I'd much rather be back in my cozy apartment, binge-watching manhwa and living my perfectly mundane life. Instead, I'm stuck with the memories of Emmaline and the looming threat of impending doom. What a fantastic way to spend my afterlife!
"Glad to see you're all better," a voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to see him—my father. My heart does a little flip. Back on Earth, my dad passed away when I was young, leaving me to be raised by my uncle and aunt, who definitely didn't win any "Best Guardian" awards. But here he is, a version of him I never thought I'd see again, wearing a familiar expression that makes me ache for home. I guess there's a plus side to all this.
"Father," I say, taking in his features. The same blue eyes that reflect concern and love stare back at me. People often said I took after my late mother, who—surprise, surprise—is also dead in this world, but right now, I see myself in him. I really am my father's daughter.
"How does a hunter trip? Emmaline? Really?" He shakes his head, coming closer to sit on the edge of the bed. His tone is a mixture of adoration and worry, and I can't help but feel the weight of it. My throat tightens as I hold back the tears threatening to spill over.
Fine! I'll live this life and survive. For this old man. I can do this. "I was a little out of it," I manage to say, putting on a sad look. It's not a complete lie; I definitely feel a bit out of sorts.
He sighs, the sound heavy with concern. "Don't scare me like that again. I'll ask for some healers to come and finish healing you." His voice softens, and I see the love etched in his features. My father is a C-class hunter in his fifties, but he's also a savvy businessman, one of the richest in this realm. He owns shares in multiple guilds and construction companies and runs one of the largest auction houses around. Yet, in this world where power is everything, S-class hunters reign supreme, despite his immense wealth he's looked down on.
I hate how the higher-tier hunters look down on him. It's a huge part of why the original Emmaline broke up with Evan in the first place—she couldn't bear the thought of her father being belittled, she thought of atleast bringing in a talented son in law cause she's also not talented.
"I'm okay," I say, trying to comfort him, even as my heart twists with the weight of it all. He leans down, kissing my forehead gently, and for a moment, I feel that warmth wash over me. It's a reassurance that I can face this new life.
With a final, lingering look, he stands and leaves the room. As the door clicks shut behind him, I'm left staring at the space where he just was, feeling a mix of determination and sadness. This life is going to be a challenge, but for him, I'll figure it out.
One thing the original Emmaline and I have in common, apart from our dashing good looks ofcourse.