Chapter 2: Adapting to Anomalies-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 2: Adapting to Anomalies-2
Are you really the same girl who was sobbing so piteously just a moment ago?
Now, she was glaring at me as if I were her family’s sworn enemy. Even if I wanted to talk my way out of this, it was hard to find the words after recently experiencing what it felt like to be skewered through the stomach like a lamb kebab.
What if this one is a psycho like the last one?
We stood there in a silent standoff. It was like a scene from a Western, hands hovering over holsters, waiting for the clock to strike noon.
—Ding!
A clear notification sound broke the suffocating silence, and a window materialized before my eyes.
[Dimension Transfer Notice-1]
A notice about dimension transfer...
[Upon death or reaching an irrecoverable vegetative state in the current dimension, a dimension transfer will occur.]
As I processed those words, the Pigeon’s voice echoed in my mind.
[Why don't you travel through infinite dimensions until you find one you like?]
That damn bitch of a pigeon...
So, according to this, I died from that stabbing earlier and was transferred here? Well, it makes sense. There was no way I could have survived after having my guts spilled like that.
Which means this is another dimension.
What the hell? This dimension looks exactly like Earth. It even seems to be Korea. Is this some kind of multiverse thingamajig? What a convenient setup.
“Why aren't you saying anything? I asked you who Lee Hye-jeong is!”
Ugh, I just want to think in peace for a second. Why does she keep pestering me? I’m already stressed enough as it is.
“Ah... that... maybe it’s because I was asleep for so long? I think I got it mixed up with a dream.”
“What... is that it? You almost had me worried.”
“Haha... sorry. Ow!”
She narrowed her eyes and gave my side a sharp pinch.
“Dream or not, you were seeing another woman. This is a fitting punishment.”
Sure, thanks. You’re an angel just for not stabbing me. A few hours ago, someone asked me who I was and then forced me into a literal organ recital.
I managed to gloss over the part where I mentioned a woman she didn't know, but the most important problem remained.
What is her name?
It was a mistake to act like I knew her. I should have said I didn't remember the moment I saw her. No, if I had, I might have been stabbed again.
She seemed more normal than Lee Hye-jeong, but it was too early to let my guard down.
There was no way that cursed pigeon would have sent me somewhere decent.
Clack. The door opened again.
People in white coats stood blankly at the entrance.
Is it time for rounds? But why are they just standing there?
“Pa... Patient Kang In-ho...?”
The elderly doctor at the front called out to me, his voice trembling with emotion.
“Yes...?”
“Are you... awake?”
“As you can see?”
I replied in a youthful voice, thinking to myself: Good, this should buy me some time.
*
The doctor performed a few simple tests, repeatedly muttering, “It’s a miracle.”
Apparently, I had been in a coma for two months following a car accident.
Following the doctor’s instructions—flexing and extending my arms, standing up to walk for a bit—felt incredibly peaceful.
It was because I knew, at the very least, these people weren't going to hurt me.
I sent away the girl who tried to stay by my side. She threw a bit of a tantrum, insisting she would protect me, but I managed to get her out through desperate eye signals to the doctor.
I told the doctor that I couldn't remember anything except my name. It wasn't even a lie; I truly knew nothing about this body.
When I looked in the mirror, I saw a strange boy. He was handsome enough that it made sense for a girl like that to be clinging to him.
I even caught myself thinking that if I were ugly, I wouldn't have to deal with that kind of intense attention.
After a few more tests, the doctor explained that there were no major physical abnormalities but said we should proceed with a detailed examination.
He advised that the memory loss was likely a temporary side effect of the car accident and suggested I try to regain my memories gradually while living a normal life.
The doctor gave a few instructions to the residents and finished his rounds.
“Patient Kang In-ho. Congratulations on your recovery. It truly seems like God was watching over you.”
Well... God was involved, but he wasn't helping; he was screwing me over.
I couldn't bring myself to say that, though.
After finishing the rounds, the doctor left, taking the girl who had been waiting at the door with him.
Thirty minutes later.
“In-ho, is it true... about the amnesia?”
“Yeah. To be honest, I don't remember anything except my name.”
“Then why earlier...”
Long explanations only invite suspicion. I decided to shut down any questions about why I had comforted her earlier.
“I don't know. You just felt... familiar. I felt a sense of closeness. That’s why.”
“In-ho...”
She covered her mouth with her hands, looking moved. Her ears turned bright red; she seemed embarrassed.
Then, she suddenly threw herself into my arms again.
“Shin On-yu.”
“Huh?”
“That’s my name. I’m the friend who’s been with you since we were five. I live next door, I understand you better than anyone... and I’ve spent more time with you than anyone else.”
“So, in short, a childhood friend?”
“Heehee, what’s with that? Isn't that a word old people use?”
Ah... do kids these days not use that word? It’s depressing to be reminded of my age like this.
“A-Anyway, haha... that’s a relief. I was worried since I couldn't remember anything. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Mhm! Don't worry. I’ll stay right by your side and help you remember everything.”
Right. I’ll adapt to this world. I’m going to survive, no matter what.
Let’s make sure that horrific experience of getting shanked stays a one-time thing.
“I’m going to be stuck to you all day long. So brace yourself♥”
Hmm... It looks like surviving is going to require a hell of a lot of effort. Fuck.