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Chapter 2 - This Isn’t My World

He was in a forest, still wondering what the hell was going on. Was this a dream? Or something else? Then it hit him—the dream he'd had was real. Because this place wasn't his world.

Why have I been caught up in this kind of mess? he thought, still on the ground.

He stood up and dusted himself off. His legs trembled from shock. A strange sensation crept up his back—like something was behind him.

Hot air brushed against his neck. Heavy breathing. Something huge.

He turned slowly—and saw a giant boar. It was massive.

What the hell is this?

The moment their eyes met, the beast charged.

He bolted. "Help! Help! What the hell is chasing me?"

He ran—fast. As fast as he could push his legs to go.

"It's coming closer!" he shouted, breath catching in his throat.

Then he yelled, "Isn't this a white pig? But how is a white pig this big—as big as a human?!"

He kept running. But the boar slammed into his back, knocking him down. As he struggled to stand, it was already on him. Its tusks came down, ready to strike—

"I just wish everything would stop," Kael said.

And it did.

He instinctively stretched out his hand. A yellow light burst from his palm, glowing bright. Everything froze—even the boar.

His eyes stayed shut. He hadn't noticed anything.

"What's happening? It hasn't hit me yet."

He cracked one eye open and looked up. The boar was frozen, its face inches away.

"What's going on?" he whispered.

He glanced around. A bird hovered, unmoving. A leaf hung in midair.

"What's happening? I still don't understand," Kael said, rolling over in confusion.

Even the air had stopped. No breeze. Yet somehow, he could still breathe.

He stared at the floating leaves. Slowly, he reached out and grabbed one.

This is like a game world, he thought.

Then he remembered—he had said "stop," and everything had stopped.

Maybe… it works both ways?

"Resume," he said.

Nothing happened.

He looked around again, uneasy.

What is this going to do for me? Did I just stop reality?

He tried once more. This time, he stretched his hand forward. "Resume." A blue light glowed from his hand.

Suddenly, everything returned to motion.

But he had forgotten—the boar was still there.

It lunged again. Then paused, confused. Kael was no longer in front of it. It looked to the left—and saw him standing several feet away. The boar, somehow, looked stunned.

Then it charged again.

"I've forgotten again! Stop!" Kael shouted, thrusting out his hand.

Time froze once more. Nature held its breath.

What do I need to do to survive in this place? This thing is trying to kill me…

Then he got an idea. Climb a tree. Resume time. Wait for the boar to leave.

"His eyes locked onto a tall tree nearby—thick branches, perfect for climbing."

Without hesitation, he climbed. It took him about three minutes to reach the top. He found a stable spot and settled there, breathing hard. Then, stretching out his hand again—

"Resume."

The world came alive once more.

The boar looked confused again, scanning the area. It began to search. This wasn't a normal boar—it was carnivorous. Kael had almost been its first meal.

Then it looked up—and saw him in the tree.

Kael looked down and smiled.

It can't get me now, he thought.

He folded his legs and leaned against the trunk.

The boar turned away. Kael relaxed. He closed his eyes.

"Then came the thud."

Something slammed the tree.

He jolted, arms gripping the trunk tight.

He looked down—the boar was ramming the tree again and again.

"Why won't this boar give up? I just want to survive!"

It kept going. For hours.

Six, maybe more.

Finally, the boar stopped.

Kael was drained.

The boar looked worn out.

Kael's stomach growled. He was starving.

What can I even eat?

He eyed the boar below.

I could stop time… kill it, eat it.

He stared at the creature, the idea lingering.

Then he shook his head.

No. I'm not doing that.

He studied the boar again. It was weak now. Starving—just like him.

And… I'm not going to eat it, he decided.

Then came footsteps.

They came from the opposite direction.

Kael turned his head slowly.

A short figure stepped out from the trees.

Green-skinned. Pointed nose. Ragged cloth tied at the waist. A stick in its hand.

Kael pressed himself closer to the trunk, eyes narrowing.

Another one followed, holding a cracked sword.

"No way…" 

This really is a fantasy world.

The last game I played back home… this thing was in it. What was it called again?

Goblins.

He climbed higher into the tree, careful not to make a sound.

From above, he watched as more goblins crept into the clearing—surrounding the boar.

They were here to kill it.

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