Change in Reality

YEAR 2041

Tap...tap...

In the city of Seoul, Korea, an internet cafe was filled with chatters as a black-haired man stood behind the cashier register and played with his phone.

Tap...

"Hah, my life's an actual mess."

The man scrolled through his phone's application, yawning as he opened his bank account application

Beep...

< Check balance >

< Withdraw money >

< Deposit money >

< Bank information >

The man's eyes looked up and down, eyeing the choices infront of him.

"Should I just quit and find a better job?"

Tap...

< Name: Seo Kang-Joon >

< Balance: $38.48 >

Kang-Joon put his head down, he took a deep breath as a sense of disappointment washed over him. Out of nowhere, the cafe's sliding door opened. 

"Hey, Joon!"

Kang-Joon raised his head, recognizing the familiar voice.

"Oh, Hyung-Jin! How's it going, man?"

Jin approached the cashier register as a smile played on his lips.

"I'm doing well. How have you been?"

Kang-Joon laughed as he quickly threw away the waste cup of instant ramen into the trash can.

"Haha, I'm good. So, why'd you come here?"

Jin leaned on the counter as he looked around the cafe.

"Nothing much, just decided to check on this place. After all, it's been a while."

Kang-Joon rose to his feet and walked out of the cashier area. He looked at Jin as he grabbed something out of his pocket.

"Yeah, for sure. Anyways, wanna get a quick smoke?"

Jin nodded. They both walked out as Kang-Joon handed Jin a cigarette.

Click...

Fire erupted from Kang-Joon's lighter as he ignited his cigarette. He looked at Jin and handed him his lighter.

Huff...

"Hyung, do you really not plan to play Towers Online again?"

Jin lit his cigarette, handing the lighter back to Kang-Joon. He chuckled as he put the cigarette into his mouth and inhaled.

"Huff. Nah, that game's too hard for me. Anyways, hasn't it been dead for years now?"

They continued their discussion for minutes as they both continued to laugh and talk about their personal life.

"Alright, Joon. It's time for me to go now; it's getting quite late."

Kang-Joon nodded and waved at Jin as he walked away.

"Hah... I'm just go play Towers Online for a while."

The sliding door opened as Kang-Joon re-entered the cafe. He walked towards the back of the cashier counter and grabbed his bag. 

Out of nowhere, an old lady appeared behind the cashier counter. They exchanged bows, and Kang-Joon exited the cashier area.

***

Kkrreekk..

Kang-Joon's apartment door opened wide. He closed the door and flicked his lights, illuminating the room..

*Hah, I really need to find a better job.*

Kang-Joon walked over to his chair, taking a deep breath. He raised his hands, placing them behind his computer, and pressed the power button.

Beep.

His computer turned on, and he grabbed his headphones, placing it on his head.

"Alright, let's start."

Click.

Kang-Joon scrolled through his applications and selected Towers Online. The game appeared on his screen, and it began to load.

"Alright, let's finish this game already."

Kang-Joon sat upright and his eyes stared deeply into his monitor.

***

"Hah...hah"

[ Congratulations Player Seo Kang-Joon! You have cleared the Grand Tower! ]

[ Thank you for staying with us for all this time. An update is to be commenced in 6 hours, Hope you continue to play after the update! ]

'Hm? An update? For a game that has been dead for years to have an update seems unexpected. They must have won the lottery or something.'

Beep...

'Hah... even if this game is finally getting an update after years, I don't think I plan on playing this anymore.'

"Even if I don't have to support anyone, I'm already getting quite old. I can't afford just sitting down here and stream on a 500 dollars a month income.

Kang-Joon stood up from his chair and glanced at the night sky through the window.

'I really need to find a better job...'

Thud...

Kang-Joon laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling.

"I should probably go ask Hyung if his company needs an extra person to do a job. Until then, I'll probably just go ba-"

Yaahh....

A few minutes later, Joon's eyes was shut as he fell asleep.

***

Yaahhh...

"Ahhh....man that felt good."

Kang-Joon woke up and grabbed his phone right beside him.

"I'll just stay here for a bit."

Kang-Joon browsed through the media as he laid down on his bed, before deciding to call Hyung-Jin, his only so called 'friend' that has been with him ever since the release of Towers Online.

*Rrringgg...Rringg...*

Kang-Joon began to grow impatient as the call had already been in the status 'Ringing' for a minute or so.

*Clack.*

"Hey Hyung! Long time no see, I just wanted to ask something about a jo-"

Kang-Joon's words were cut short as he was interrupted by his hyung.

"Hey, Kang-Joon. You better check youtube right now. Something's going on, I'll head to your apartment right now."

Kang-Joon's eyes widened, unable to understand what his friend has just said.

"Youtube huh? Sure let me just open it real quick."

*Click*

Kang-Joon browsed through the videos before something piqued his curiousity.

"Hmm? What's this? Towers Online becomes reality?!"