The Premiere of Guilt
Sudden pandemonium. "Leader, it's time for you to make your decision."
A masked figure clad in white robes knelt reverently in prayer. A man bowed his head deeply before the mask and spoke.
"...Have we received any special reports from the infiltrator?"
The mask gave a small nod, and the man continued without delay. "Ten minutes ago, the operative posing as a staff member for Sandra Gurs's performance sent us good news."
"As you know, Leader, the goal was to erode the Dragon Heir during the upcoming holographic musical using a 5th Grade Erosion Induction Stone while she attended the show. But the lead actress got caught in a sudden accident, putting the entire performance at risk of postponement."
"Indeed."
"However, we've received word that the show will proceed as scheduled. Apparently, Sandra Gurs secured a replacement lead actor."
"....That's fortunate. There was no better chance to erode the Dragon Heir, and now the perfect talent has appeared just in time. Surely the Father of Erosion is blessing us."
The masked figure slowly rose from their seat and gazed at the man. "We'll proceed with the plan as is, but there's one change I'd like to make."
"Please speak, Leader."
"Change the Erosion Induction Stone for the plan to a 4th Grade one."
"...I dare not question the Leader's will, but I'm concerned that such an excessive measure might raise alarms among others watching us." The man knelt, his voice trembling as he spoke cautiously.
"This is the golden opportunity bestowed upon us by the Father of Erosion. We cannot tolerate even the slightest chance of squandering it.... Better to end it decisively. Indeed, quite so."
"...I have received the Leader's words clearly."
The man bowed deeply toward the mask and carefully backed away. The mask knelt once more, clasped hands in prayer, and intoned,
"....Erosion alone is the sole path to humanity's salvation. Please personally take in these pitiful fools who defy it."
Disaster was approaching.
Sandra Gurs's new holographic musical, Guilt.
Three minutes until Guilt begins. Some viewers have their channels locked, eager for even an indirect taste of the fantastical experience. Those with deeper pockets have come to the venue itself to savor the thrilling immersion firsthand.
The audience buzzes with excited chatter, anticipating the pleasure soon to come. But around one seated figure, an unnatural silence reigns, as if by magic.
"......"
Platinum blonde hair cascading to her waist, skin like fresh milk— a stunning woman who hides nothing. Two black horns protrude from her forehead, marking her inheritance of noble power.
Her name is Eirin, though she's more commonly known by the title Dragon Heir.
Dragon Heir— literally, the woman who has inherited the dragon's power. Only a handful across the world wield such exalted might, making her all the more extraordinary.
But Dragon Heir is far from her only title. Hope of the new generation, youngest 3rd Grade purifier, Sovereign of Frost, youngest Providence professor— a dazzling array of honorifics proclaim her unparalleled excellence.
"......"
Eirin sits demurely, legs neatly together, eyes fixed solely on the stage. Several men and women nearby try to approach her for autographs or photos, but her icy aura crushes their resolve, sending them slinking back.
Eirin herself, emanating that frosty presence, harbors no such intentions.
I'm looking forward to it.
The holographic musical was about to start, and the wait felt eternal. She adored them. In this grim, shadowy world, they offered vivid encounters with dramatic, exhilarating events impossible in reality.
Her schedule had been too packed for live attendance until now, with just a week until Providence's term began. Today, her calendar finally cleared, and she came trembling with excitement.
How fantastical would it be up close? Lost in anticipation, Eirin waited endlessly for the curtain to rise.
Then, the venue lights dimmed. The stage alone blazed to life.
A woman strode out with purposeful steps.
"Thank you all for joining us today for the unbelievable experience Guilt will deliver. Before we begin, I have an announcement."
Clad in a sharp suit, she closed her eyes and bowed slightly.
"Last week, our scheduled lead actress, Pamia Pierre, suffered an unfortunate accident. We've had to find a replacement."
The audience stirred with unrest— mostly negative reactions. But the woman, as if expecting it, curved her lips in a faint smile.
"Director Sandra Gurs personally scouted a comet-like rookie from the streets for a brilliant debut. Please enjoy."
With that, she bowed and withdrew.
"Sandra Gurs, that picky bastard, scouted her himself? Hmm... might be worth it."
"Damn, hope I didn't waste my money."
Varied responses erupted. The stage lights faded, and a vast plain unfurled across it— indistinguishable from reality, courtesy of cutting-edge holograms.
A single majestic tree stood amid the expanse. Toward it trudged a boy.
Handsome enough to charm anyone, regardless of gender.
"Scattered fragments of radiant, warm memories."
His voice wafted like sweet floral perfume. The single line rippled through the venue, widening every eye in rapt attention.
He'd captured them all in an instant.
Of course, Eirin was no exception— shocked, but for vastly different reasons.
....Why is that kid there?
Her eyes quaked like in an earthquake.
Guilt tells the tale of children who grew up as sworn brothers in a village.
The protagonist, Gam-i, betrays his friends as an adult to feed his impoverished family, ultimately turning against them.
"I... I didn't want this either!! Me too... with you all..."
Gam-i realizes his actions are an unforgivable sin beyond excuse and takes his own life, bringing the holographic musical to a close.
And I, playing Gam-i, delivered a flawless performance.
To the audience, I was Gam-i, and Gam-i was me.
"....Ha."
The climax: Gam-i's suicide.
"....I've spent my life pointing fingers at this cold, cruel society."
I mime stabbing a prop dagger into my chest, gasping as I continue.
"Yet in the end... I was just one cog in that cruel machine... Why did I only realize it now..."
Lights focused on me as a single rose petal fluttered down. Holographic, of course, but indistinguishable from real.
Mournful music swelled to underscore my pathetic death, then the stage plunged into darkness.
The two-hour show concluded.
Thunderous applause followed.
First time receiving such adulation— past life included— and my heart raced.
But what truly lifted my spirits was something else.
....Acknowledging the merit of clearing this achievement before Providence enrollment, the reward has been upgraded.
The achievement cleared on its own. Probably from making the live audience and broadcast viewers aware of me.
An unexpected windfall brings a smile to my face.
There must be countless other achievements beyond this one. I can't check the conditions, so no point chasing them deliberately, but their existence alone is a boon.
Then, footsteps echoed across the stage. Time for all the cast to gather for farewells and intros.
I stood briskly, centered myself, and straightened my clothes.
The lights returned; actors danced to upbeat music, introducing themselves one by one.
My turn came soon. I stepped forward boldly and called out cheerfully,
"Park Jeonghyeon, who played Gam-i!"
I grinned, swept my eyes over the crowd, and bowed.
Straightening up to step back—
"........"
My eyes met the Dragon Heir's— Eirin's.
Her blue eyes fixed on me.
Eirin: Providence professor, guide who steers player characters right.
A favorite of mine. The harmony of her platinum blonde hair and dragon horns was mysterious, alluring.
I'd known she loved holographic musicals. Sandra Gurs tipped me off she'd attend this one live, so spotting her didn't faze me much.
At most, it felt oddly poignant— once a character giving me joy, now me giving her joy as an actor.
But as the show progressed, something felt off. Actor's intuition, really.
Her gaze wasn't that of a mere spectator. More like someone eyeing an old acquaintance.
So why? Did my body's previous owner know her somehow?
Once the thought sparked, wild speculations bloomed.
I bit my cheek to refocus.
Concentrate. The show's not over—
Then.
-WOOOOONG!!!
A siren blared like a slap to the ears, filling the venue.
My face twisted at the abrupt noise. What? Was this in the finale music?
Glancing around, other actors looked baffled too.
But... this siren. Eerily familiar.
Digging through memories, it hit me.
This sound is...
"...Erosion alert!"
No time for more wrongness.
-KRAK!!
A deafening roar tore the air as something enormous materialized before my eyes.