Haru Takuto was a man who lived for the "code." To the world, he was a genius programmer; to himself, he was just someone who made games for the sake of a smile. For three consecutive years, his name had been etched into the Game Master Maker trophy. Today, standing in a grand, cavernous venue, he was about to make history with a fourth.

  But as his name echoed through the speakers, the world began to glitch.

  The roaring applause turned into a muffled hum. The bright stage lights smeared into a blurry haze. The host’s voice sounded like it was underwater. Haru’s legs gave way, and the shocked gasps of the crowd were the last thing he felt before the darkness claimed him.

  Then, the void spoke back.

  [Notice: We have detected your sudden passing, occurring significantly earlier than the projected timeline. Would you like to initiate a New Life?]

   /

  "What is this? A dialogue window?" Haru’s thoughts were sluggish, but his curiosity remained.

  [Notice: I am a System designed to oversee and observe the cycles of human existence.]

  "I see..." Haru felt a pang of regret. "But I have so much left to finish. The games still in development... the joy of the players... I can’t leave it like this."

  [Notice: You may begin anew by selecting . Would you like to start a new life?]

   /

  "Yes," Haru answered with the resolve of a developer facing a final deadline. "I must finish what I started."

  [Notice: You have selected , Please wait while we finish our preparation]

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  [Notice: Welcome to your new life, Haru Takuto.]

  The transition was instantaneous. He wasn't returned to Earth, but "imported" into a realm called Fidalion. It was a world of steel and sorcery, a place that mirrored the medieval aesthetics of Earth but was teeming with mythical beasts and creatures of impossible proportions.

  Haru awoke in the heart of a primordial forest. Gasping, he scrambled to a nearby riverbank and stared at the reflection in the crystal-clear water. Gone was the weary, middle-aged man. In his place stood a teenager with bright eyes and untapped potential.

  "Is this... me? I look so young."

  He stood up, testing his new limbs with a series of experimental movements. He felt lighter, his muscles brimming with an energy he hadn't felt in decades. "Incredible. It’s like my physical stats were completely reset."

  The moment of wonder was interrupted by a rustle in the undergrowth. A rabbit with a jagged, ivory horn emerged, locking eyes with him.

  "Aww... you’re actually quite cute," Haru remarked.

  In response, the creature hissed. It lowered its head, the horn glinting, and launched itself at Haru like a furry projectile. Haru’s instincts screamed. He lurched to the side, the horn whistling past his ear.

  [Notice: Combat detected. Would you like to integrate "Basic Survival Skills"?]

   /

  Haru Takuto read the notice and quickly answered.

  "Yes! Give it to me now!"

  [Notice: Successfully ingrained "Basic Survival Skills" — Level 1.]

  Information flooded his brain. His body adjusted its stance automatically, shifting into a low, balanced center of gravity. He grabbed a nearby branch—sturdy and tapered like a spear—and felt the weight settle perfectly in his grip.

  [Notice: Skill Acquired: Spearmanship — Level 1.]

  As the rabbit lunged again, Haru didn't panic. He saw the "frame" of the attack. With a precise thrust, the wooden stick found its mark, splitting the monster in half.

  [Notice: Gained 5 Experience Points. "Basic Survival" and "Spearmanship" have reached Level 2.]

  "This sensation..." Haru breathed, looking at his hands. "It’s like being the player and the character at the same time." He glanced at his weapon, and a display hovered over the wood.

  [Item: Wooden Stick]

  [Attack: 2 | Durability: 10/26]

  He sighed. "I’m going to need better gear if I’m going to survive this 'map'."

  After storing the rabbit meat in his [Inventory] for future sustenance, Haru trekked deeper into the woods until the sound of rushing water caught his attention. "Finally! A water source. Rule number one of survival."

  He peered into the river, but the life within it was alien. The fish had clusters of eyes and bodies covered in venomous-looking spikes. Haru froze. “Wait... these designs. They look exactly like the assets I created for my last project.”

  The realization hit him like a physical blow. Was this Fidalion a recreation? A copy? Or was he literally breathing inside the code he had written?

  Knowing he couldn't stay exposed, Haru spent the remaining daylight hours gathering timber and foliage. By dusk, he had constructed a modest makeshift tent and a crackling campfire, positioned just far enough from the river to avoid the nightly chill.

  He suddenly felt a wave of hunger after gathering materials and takes out the half part of the horned rabbit and took off the skin to use later for emergency.

  Hunger eventually won out. He retrieved the rabbit, skillfully skinned it, and roasted the meat over the dancing flames. It was bland—desperately needing salt—but as he sat there in the quiet of a world he might have helped build, he felt a strange sense of peace.

  He checked his status windows one last time, the blue glow reflecting in his young eyes, and finally drifted into a deep sleep, protected by the flickering light of his fire.