The Start of a New Reality

Jake—or rather, Lee Joo-Hee—lay on the hospital bed, gathering her thoughts and recalling more memories before planning to leave. As she did so, she absently played with her long orange hair, which still felt completely foreign, yet undeniably real.

The Sage Enlightenment System's screen had already disappeared ages ago, leaving Jake alone with his thoughts.

"I better explore the system later; that can wait. What's more important is whether the people here would recognize that I'm not her. If such suspicions arise, it could lead to a lot of problems," he whispered, running a hand through the silky strands of hair that now framed her face. Every movement, every sensation, felt alien.

The absence of his old body's familiar weight and the new, unfamiliar heaviness on his chest were constant reminders that he was no longer Jake Garcia, a college student. He was now Lee Joo-Hee, the B-Rank healer of the world of Solo Leveling.

Taking a deep breath, Jake forced himself to focus. He couldn't afford to panic—not now.

The initial plan was simple enough: find Sung Jin-Woo, rekindle their friendship, and begin the process of integrating into this world. But first, he needed to play the part.

He began practicing his new identity, clearly familiarizing himself with the basic information about his host.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Jake tensed, the sound making his heart race. He wasn't quite ready to face anyone yet. But there was no avoiding it. He had to play the role of Lee Joo-Hee now.

"You may come in," she called out, her voice still strange to her own ears.

The door opened slowly, and a nurse stepped inside, her expression warm and welcoming. "Ms. Lee! Thankfully, you're finally awake. I thought it would take a few more days before you did," she said with a smile. "You've been through quite an ordeal. How are you feeling?"

Joo-Hee forced a smile, trying to mirror the kind expression on the nurse's face. "I-I'm okay, still recovering," she replied, her voice soft and meek. "And just a little confused..."

The nurse nodded sympathetically. "That's understandable, considering what happened. You were in critical condition when the Hunters brought you in. It's really a miracle you're alive."

Jake swallowed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The memories he had inherited from Lee Joo-Hee confirmed the nurse's words.

The double dungeon incident had nearly killed her—no, it had unusually killed her. But he couldn't let those memories overwhelm him. He had to stay focused.

"Uhm, it's really a miracle I'm still alive. But... everything is still fuzzy for me. I don't quite... remember that much," she admitted, carefully choosing her words. "But there should have been people who were hospitalized here too, right?" She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "His name is Sung Jin-Woo... I-Is he okay?"

The nurse's eyes softened further. "I see... It seems you are experiencing anterograde amnesia. I'll take note of that and inform the doctor," the nurse said, charting down records as she continued. "And regarding Mr. Sung, the young man who was with you during the incident—he's here in the hospital, recovering as well. It's good that you remember him. Maybe seeing him will help you recall more, but please make sure you are in good condition before venturing outside, Ms. Lee."

Joo-Hee nodded, relief washing over her upon learning that the protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, was close by.

"Would it be all right if I visit him?" Joo-hee asked, her voice filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

The nurse hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Of course. He's in a room down the hall. I'll take you to him."

Joo-Hee's heart pounded in her chest as she followed the nurse out of the room. The hospital corridor was quiet, the soft hum of machines and the distant murmur of voices the only sounds. Every step felt surreal, like walking into a fan meet and meeting a famous idol.

As they approached Sung Jin-Woo's room, her mind raced. 'Maybe being in this world isn't so bad after all. To think I could experience and see a character from a book come to life. But... how would he react? Let's just hope he won't find anything amiss about me.'

The nurse stopped in front of a door and turned to Jake with an encouraging smile. "He's right in here. I'll give you two some privacy."

Joo-Hee nodded, her throat dry as she reached for the door handle. This was it—the moment of truth. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the small window near the bed. Sung Jin-Woo lay there, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. He was exactly like the living image of his character from the manhwa, though he was scrawny and thin at the moment. His skin, however, was well-maintained and flawless. Joo-Hee thought, 'Whoa, Koreans really have glass skin, huh? But seeing him in real life is really amazing, to be honest.'

For a moment, Jake just stood there, staring at the man who had once been nothing more than a character in a novel. But now, Sung Jin-Woo was real—tangible. Little did Jake realize, something inside her was starting to thump, like some kind of instinctual habit.

"Jin-Woo..." Joo-Hee whispered, stepping closer to the bed. Her heart raced unusually as she reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently placing her hand on Sung Jin-Woo's thin arm. The warmth of his skin, the rise and fall of his chest—it all felt so real.

At his touch, Sung Jin-Woo stirred, his eyes fluttering open. For a moment, he seemed disoriented, his gaze unfocused. But then his eyes met Jake's—or rather, Lee Joo-Hee's—and a spark of recognition lit up in them.

"Joo-Hee…?" Sung Jin-Woo's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, but it carried a weight of relief and concern.

Jake was taken aback upon hearing Jin-Woo's actual voice. It was soft, yet somehow foreign and surprisingly mature, unbefitting his young face. She forced a smile, trying to keep her emotions in check. "U-Um, it's me, Jin-Woo," she said softly. "Sorry... I didn't mean to disturb your sleep."

Jin-Woo blinked and smiled, his expression shifting to one of confusion. "I'm really glad you're all right. I thought something happened after you escaped the dungeon" he said, his voice filled with a mix of happiness and hope.

Jake nodded, tightening her grip on Jin-Woo's arm, feeling guilty as she tried to convey Joo-Hee's inner emotions. "You... really are reckless! Why did you even choose to sacrifice yourself?" she said, her voice laced with worry and concern.

For a moment, there was silence. Jin-Woo's gaze remained fixed on Jake, as if searching for something, trying to make sense of the situation. Then, slowly, he reached up and placed his hand over Jake's, his touch gentle but firm.

"I'm sorry..." Jin-Woo said softly, meeting Joo-Hee's gaze—whose doing her best to act—with a mix of regret and reassurance.

"I thought it was for the best. All six of us survived, and that's what matters, Joo-Hee."

"I'm even glad I'm alive, though I don't know how. But we're both safe, so I guess it was all worth it," his eyes drifted, as if staring at something in the air.

Meanwhile, Joo-Hee didn't notice Jin-Woo's strange behavior.

She herself was in a predicament, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her—guilt, relief, and fear.

'I'm really sorry, Jin-Woo, but I really can't bring myself to tell you that Joo-Hee is already gone... I still need you to survive in this world.'