In 2020, a global pandemic forced people to work from home, leading to significant financial losses for many companies, including the one where I worked. As I finished my assignment, the assistant manager handed me an envelope from Manager Kang.

"Shiyoon-ssi, Manager Kang asked me to give this to you," the assistant manager said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Manager Kang apologizes and regrets to inform you, Shiyoon-ssi, that starting today, you no longer need to come to the company," the assistant explained.

"Assistant Kim, did I make a grave mistake? This is so sudden, and I still have many things to pay," I said, feeling bewildered.

"Unfortunately, Shiyoon-ssi, the company has suffered a huge loss in sales this year. We have lost a significant amount of revenue, and the higher-ups have decided to cut expenses, including its workers," Assistant Kim explained sympathetically.

I was speechless, understanding the impact of the pandemic on a global scale. It was fortunate that the company had survived this long, given its reliance on offline services.

Looking at Assistant Kim, I remember our interactions. Despite our relationship being strictly professional, she had always been kind to me, especially when I first joined the company. There was a warmth in her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of our shared experiences.

Realizing there was nothing I could do, I smiled softly at Assistant Kim as I said goodbye. I cleaned my workspace, put on my coat, and wore another mask before heading outside into the rain.

Walking along the sidewalk with my umbrella, I reflected on how quickly time had passed. Memories of high school and college flooded my mind, making it feel like just yesterday.

The people on the streets seemed like programmed robots, living their lives without passion or purpose. 

I noticed a woman in a white dress walking without an umbrella, her demeanor reflecting deep sadness and despair.

As I approached an intersection, a sense of foreboding washed over me, like something bad was going to happen. Without warning, I shouted at the woman to stop, but she didn't heed my warning. A delivery truck struck her, throwing her into the air before she crashed to the ground, blood and entrails scattering around her.

I watched in horror as the truck driver paused briefly before driving away. The indifference of the bystanders was chilling—they continued on their way, unaffected by the tragedy that had unfolded before them.

Feeling overwhelmed, I couldn't shake the sense that the world was ending, that humanity had lost its compassion and empathy. 

I reported the incident to the police before continuing my walk home. The memory of the tragedy is still fresh in my mind.

After hanging my coat behind the door and putting away my wet shoes and umbrella, I opened my fridge and grabbed a few canned beers. I settled down on my comfy mats, trying to unwind from the rough day.

Taking a sip of beer, I felt a sense of relaxation wash over me. I pondered my next steps. Finding a job in these uncertain times would be challenging.

I picked up my phone and browsed a gaming forum, hoping for a distraction. However, there was nothing new or exciting to capture my interest. The emptiness of the moment weighed heavily on me.

Opening another canned beer, I was about to settle in for the night when a notification popped up on my screen. It was from an unknown number—a rarity, as I usually ignored such messages. But this time, my finger slipped, and I accidentally opened it.

The message was unexpected:

[Congratulations! Your number has been chosen as our first beta player!

Your game ID: 000

Would you like to accept this invitation? (Reply with /Yes or /Yes)

We will send you further notice once the asset is ready.

Sincerely, the developer team.]

Confusion clouded my thoughts. "What is this? They didn't even provide an option to decline," I muttered to myself as I continued reading the message.

Despite my initial skepticism, I couldn't help but feel intrigued. I replied to the message as a joke and went to bed.

Little did I know, this turn of events would change my life entirely. And when I say entirely, I mean it. I was doomed!