INSCRIPTED REALITIES

10 Years Later…

It hurts. Please…someone kill me. Let me die.

I clawed at the ground, the skin on my hands peeling away as I tried to move, but the flames raged on. My skin blistered, melting away in blackened patches. For a moment, all I could hear was the crackling of fire. Time slowed each second stretching into what seemed like a long time.

The heat clawed at my skin, burning through my muscles. The air was filled with the stench of scorched flesh. My vision blurred, and the fire dried out my eyes. Every breath I tried to take filled my lungs with blistering heat, flames engulfing my being.

The searing pain suffocated me as it dug deeper into my bones. I wanted to scream but the unbearable pain made it impossible as I choked, the taste of blood filling my mouth. My nerves screamed in agony, my mind begging for mercy.

This is it. There’s no escaping this. The flame of vengeance doesn’t stop until it consumes the soul of a living being.

I felt something cold on my wrist, the heat and pain seemingly subsiding.

Is this it? Am I dying?

There seemed to be muffled voices from the surroundings but I couldn't make it out in my daze.

For a moment, I blacked out and the world seemed to be a blur and the pain was gone.

Is this nightmare finally over?

I jolted as a loud shriek startled me to consciousness. I stirred, turning my head back to see the chief.

‘And that was the latest chapter by the best-selling author, Mr. Kim Minjun! That was truly thrilling. Really had me for a moment there. But the readers want to know…what’s next for Seong Daekhui?’ asked a man in a white dress shirt, sitting in front of a camera with wide eyes.

A faint breeze swayed the curtains as sunlight poured into the minimalist living room and onto the face of a handsome Asian man. The corner of his lips curled as he stared straight into the camera lens.

‘Guess’.

The man chuckled, shaking his head. ‘Still won’t give us an inch, huh?’

I shrugged my shoulders with a smirk. ‘I’ve said this before, Joe, even I don’t-’

Joe finished, rolling his eyes. ‘Even you don’t know what’s going to happen next. Yes, we know about your writing trance.’ He leaned back and crossed his arms. ‘How long are you going to continue with that?’

I sighed, raising my finger to scratch my itchy nose. ‘It’s true though, I have no idea what direction this story’s headed in’.

Of course, he’s gonna suffer all his life and die a horrible death.

Joe raised his eyebrows. ‘You can’t be serious?’

I tilted my head, raising the corners of my mouth. ‘I am, though. It’s been like this since after the first chapter. I wake up and see the chapter’s done but I don’t have any memory of writing it.’

Joe furrowed his brows. ‘Wait. This wasn’t a joke?’

This again? I started with a general idea in mind but…it’s like my body decided to take over at some point.

I shook my head, taking a deep break. ‘Yeah, it’s like some weird sleep-writing thing. Creative psychosis or something I guess.’

I shrugged my shoulders.

It’s been this way for a long time now. I started writing for a release but now I can’t stop even if I want to.

Joe pursed his lips and asked. ‘Well, it’s been a great hit since the first chapter with the main character, living a truly successful life as a pro gamer when the gate to another world appears bringing on the apocalypse for his world.’

I nodded my head, looking toward the camera with a smile as he continued. "We've followed his story for a long time now, it’s already been 10 years. We've watched as he’s suffered all this time, going through numerous ordeals, and losing everything he loves over and over again. We’ve laughed and cried with him as he’s endured through it all.’

I raised an eyebrow, watching Joe tearing up.

Well, he is based on someone I hated. The purpose of his existence has always been for me to vent my frustrations, that’s all. So, what did you expect?

Joe took a deep breath, staring straight at me as he continued. ‘Will…he have a happy ending at least.’

I bit my lip and took a deep break clutching the armrests as I leaned back. ‘You mean to ask me if he’ll save the world, marry the girl he loves, and grow old together or something?’

He clenched his fists, staring wide-eyed as he nodded frantically. ‘Yes, yes! Exactly! I mean, he is with someone right now so it looks as if it’ll go in that direction!’

In your dreams.

I chuckled, turning at the camera. ‘Find out in the next chapter.’

Not like I know either, but I can guess because no matter what happens the story still follows the general outline in my mind.

Joe’s mouth gaped, and he hit his knee. ‘Oh, come on!’

I smirked, shrugging my shoulders.

Joe sighed. ‘Oh well guess we’ll wait and see. That’s it for the questions. Thank you for joining us.’

Joe stood up and extended his hand toward me. I looked up with a smile, standing up as I adjusted my clothes and shook his sweaty palms, raising an eyebrow at him.

His eyes widened as he slightly bowed his head at me. I slowly blinked my eyes at him.

I let go as he quickly wiped his hands on his clothes and reached into his pockets. He took out a handkerchief and handed it to me. ‘I’m sorry. I just get really nervous. Thank you so much for today!’

I raised a palm, shaking my head. ‘No, don’t worry. I get it. But can I ask you to leave if we’re done? I need to get started on the next chapter.’

And wash my hands with disinfectant.

He shot up. ‘Yes of course! Please do sir.’

He bowed his head, as he frantically packed the equipment, picked up his bags, and waved one last time before bolting to the door. He clutched the doorknob, looking back one more time to nod his head, and walked out slowly closing the door behind him.

I sighed, slumping down on the chair. Finally peace. Damn YouTubers.

To be continued...