In a nondescript alley, a trio of figures loomed menacingly over their victim, who lay sprawled on the ground, helpless against their aggression. The victim, Seo Jun, bore the brunt of their assault, enduring blows from one of the assailants.
"You're just a first-year," taunted one of them.
"Quit acting high and mighty," another sneered.
"Why bother about that drugged girl? Who do you think you are?" mocked the second.
"Why care for others when you should be worrying about yourself?" jeered the third.
Laughter rang out, a cruel chorus of derision that painted a sinister scene. Amid this torment, Seo Jun's voice barely whispered, "Crazy bastards..."
Incensed by Seo Jun's mutterings, one of the attackers, Min Soo, retorted, "What did you call me?" He followed with a ruthless kick that forced Seo Jun to cough up blood.
Seo Jun's white coat now bore the gruesome evidence, stained with his own life essence. His bruised face told a tale of pain endured.
"Hey, don't you think we might've gone too far?" one of the accomplices tentatively questioned.
"Scared?" Min Soo's menacing gaze bore into his companion.
Fearful, the companion hurriedly shook his head, cowed by Min Soo's presence.
"If we've begun, then let's finish it," Min Soo declared coldly, delivering another brutal kick to Seo Jun's battered form.
Coughs racked Seo Jun's body, agony coursing through him. Amid his suffering, thoughts swirled, 'Why do I deserve this? Min Soo's vendetta is over me witnessing his crime, drugging that girl. He's the director's son, and if they find out about my knowledge... I'll lose everything. But how did he even know I saw him?'.
With desperation in his voice, Seo Jun blurted, "H-How did you know it was me?"
Min Soo's voice dripped with scorn as he answered, "Common sense, idiot. I had a camera in my car. Unlucky, huh, Seo Jun?"
Smiling inwardly, Seo Jun realized, 'He must've seen the camera footage'.
Min Soo continued his cruelty, taunting, "And your smile... Bloody teeth make it creepier... Hahaha..."
As the relentless assault persisted, Seo Jun clung to consciousness. Even when Min Soo's attention shifted, and his accomplice handed him a bat, Seo Jun's sheer tenacity ensured he didn't succumb immediately.
"Still breathing, huh? Persistent," Min Soo observed, demanding the bat.
Obeying hesitantly, the accomplice handed over the weapon.
"B-Bye bye," Min Soo jeered, wielding the bat to deliver a final, fatal blow to Seo Jun's head.
Yet, in the moments before his consciousness faded, Seo Jun witnessed an eerie sight—an inky substance rising from the ground.
In the void of the unknown, Seo Jun's voice rang out, a question in the dark: "Where am I?"
Answering his query was a peculiar entity, a grey blob suspended before him.
"Who... Who are you?" Seo Jun queried, shock mingling with his unwavering calm.
With an air of reassurance, the grey blob spoke, "Fear not. I am your savior."
Doubt laced Seo Jun's words. "How can I trust you?"
The entity's tone turned incredulous. "We're in darkness, face to face, and still, you doubt?"
Seo Jun shook his head, his trust resolute. "Trust isn't easily given."
Familiarity tinted the entity's words. "Ah, the scars of childhood shape you."
Surprised, Seo Jun exclaimed, "How do you know?"
In response, the entity shared an intimate history. "Now you believe? I know you. Seo Jun, a Gemini, was born in the summer in America. Abandoned in a Seoul orphanage, you struggle to trust. Your dream: becoming a doctor. Working part-time jobs to put yourself through school. Debt clings to your achievements. A general surgeon, your first day unveiled Min Soo's crime. Then, your life ended."
Seo Jun marveled, "Summed up my life in a few sentences."
Belief established, the entity refocused. "Back to the choice. Return to your world an hour before death, or transmigrate?"
Seo Jun's resolve hardened.
Time passed, and a frustrated voice echoed. "Decide already!"
"Sorry, still uncertain," Seo Jun confessed.
"Reflect on your aspirations," the entity advised.
Thoughtful, Seo Jun spoke with determination. "I wished to open a clinic as a child. Can I achieve that by returning?"
With his mindset, Seo Jun declared resolutely, "I've chosen, Mr. Blob."
The entity flinched hearing the unfamiliar word and wryly said. "Call me that if you must. What's your choice?"
Seo Jun's conviction was steadfast. "Transmigration to another world."
Seeking finality, the entity asked, "Any last requests?"
Seo Jun inquired, his tone tentative, "Tell me about the new world."
And so, the entity unveiled Arcancia.
"Arcancia, a realm of four continents: Southern, Eastern, Western, Northern. Upon arrival, one will be yours. Magic and sword flourish in the West, devoid of holy magic. In the East, Martial Arts and Ki dominate. North and South remain uncharted. Currency varies between Ki Stones for the Easterners and Mana stones for the Westerners. Civilians use coins and bills, equally valued."
"Will my medical knowledge be of any use in that world, devoid of technology?" Seo Jun's concern was palpable.
"Trust me, when you transmigrate, I shall provide you with a means," the grey blob assured.
"All right, thank you," Seo Jun expressed gratitude with a smile before disintegrating into particles.
"Ooh, what an endearing young soul. I hope he finds my gift to his liking," the grey blob mused, assuming its true state.
The blob's transformation revealed a grim reaper-esque figure, bearing a massive scythe on its back and clutching an open grey book. With chiseled features and a robust physique, draped in all-black attire and combat boots, it exuded an imposing presence.
"You've granted him that gift, haven't you?" a fellow grim reaper appeared, questioning.
The entity's response held a touch of inevitability. "How could I not? His history was marked by sorrow, and his medical skills made him a perfect candidate."
Curiosity lingered in the air. "But why send him to Arcancia?"
"Because that world is desperate for a skilled healer. The weight of death there is heavy, and it's taken a toll on us reapers, forcing us to cover additional shifts. Arcancia has become a realm we all avoid. I hope his presence brings a respite to our side," the grey reaper explained.
Acknowledging the entity's choice, the fellow reaper praised, "You've done well. If this works out, it would be truly remarkable."
And so, amidst shifting dimensions and fates, the story of Seo Jun unfolded, poised to embark on an extraordinary journey in the enigmatic realm of Arcancia.
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