Global Awakening: Only I Can Respawn

YuWon hadn't expected to die so many times at the start of their journey. Yet, here he was… dying repeatedly. he couldn't remember the last time he had struggled so much. His senses were in complete disarray, much like Soo-Ah, who couldn't stop trembling.

It wasn't the monsters that unnerved them, but something about the haunted house itself. The place amplified their fears and dulled their senses, leaving them vulnerable.

Even with his rudimentary understanding of the haunted house's layout, YuWon couldn't shake the anxiety each time he encountered forks in the path, traps, or lurking monsters.

Every decision felt like stepping onto a landmine that would blow their faces. But they didn't even have time to think. Monsters would be right after them, and if they hesitated before deciding, they'd get killed.

Once YuWon took a path and saw Anna's face, he was stunned for a moment, until a monster jumped from behind, killing him.

Even with his rudimentary understanding of the haunted house's layout, YuWon couldn't shake the anxiety each time he encountered forks in the path, traps, or lurking monsters. Every decision felt like stepping onto a landmine.

Only then did he realize the haunted house wasn't a test of strength, but a test of survival.

He had been playing the game wrong, that's why he was suffering.

With that thought in mind, YuWon turned to Soo-Ah, who looked like she was seconds away from collapsing. Without a word, he scooped her up into a princess carry.

"W-What are you doing!?" Soo-Ah stammered, her face instantly flushing red.

YuWon couldn't see her face, but she was probably blushing right about then. As much as he wanted to tease her about it, he couldn't. There was no time for such silly actions.

"Hold tight," YuWon told her. "Things might get rocky from here."

Without hesitation, YuWon allocated twenty points to his agility stat and bolted down the corridor. Traps triggered as usual, but with his speed, he dashed through before they could fully activate.

The monsters roared and gave chase, but YuWon didn't spare them a second glance. He would not waste energy on enemies he couldn't defeat.

Meanwhile, Soo-Ah clung to him tightly, burying her face against his chest. She was too stunned to speak, but she wasn't complaining at all. In fact, her heart was pounding wildly as she heard YuWon's heartbeats.

She looked up, but couldn't see YuWon's face, just his ragged breaths as he carried her. But then a strange thought entered her mind.

Am I… too heavy?

Only a woman could worry about her weight in a life-or-death situation. But despite her fears, Soo-Ah felt weirdly comfortable. As long as YuWon was with her, even death wouldn't dare lay a finger on her.

***

After about fifteen minutes of chaos, they finally burst out of the haunted house. The doll from before was waiting for them on the outside, along with three others.

It was only then that YuWon noticed something strange about them: they all wore identical necklaces that glowed faintly whenever they spoke.

He wasn't sure, but YuWon thought those necklaces might be some kind of mind-control device, used to manipulate the dolls.

The necklaces reminded him of slave collars, though there was one key difference. A slave collar allowed its wearer to keep their personality, but the necklaces stripped the dolls of everything. The doll couldn't openly show their emotions or personalities without suffering.

"Congratulations!"

The dolls began clapping in eerie unison.

"You've cleared the haunted house in record time! For such dedication, you'll receive additional carnival points!"

As the doll spoke, the others stepped forward, handing over a small stack of coupons. YuWon took them and nodded. Everything about the amusement park was the same, yet drastically different.

Much like before, the participants earned coupons by completing challenges—like finishing a course in record time or staying on a mechanical bull the longest. They could then exchange these coupons for prizes at the souvenir store.

"These gentlemen will escort you to the store," the lead doll said, gesturing to its companions. "I hope you enjoyed your time in the haunted house!"

***

"Everything feels weird about this place…" Soo-Ah whispered.

"I'd be concerned if that wasn't the case."

YuWon and Soo-Ah followed the dolls down a brightly lit path that led to the souvenir store. The place was surprisingly lively, with colorful lights flashing and cheerful music playing in the background.

The store itself looked more like a carnival tent, filled with shelves stacked high with all sorts of strange and colorful items.

As they stepped inside, YuWon's eyes scanned the displays. Plush toys, masks, gadgets, and even glowing trinkets lined the walls. But then something caught his attention. It was a familiar item.

On one shelf, tucked between rows of fancy keychains and bracelets, was the necklace. The same necklace the dolls were wearing.

They're selling this…?

Soo-Ah noticed his gaze and gasped.

"That necklace?" She said, tilting her head. "Why would anyone buy something so creepy?"

Ignoring her comment, YuWon stepped closer to the shelf and picked one up. The gemstone flickered faintly as he held it.

"What are you doing?" Soo-Ah asked, frowning.

"I'm buying it," YuWon replied.

"Why? You saw what those things do! They turn people into—"

"I know," he said, cutting her off. "But I need to know how they work. If these are what I think they are, they might be useful later."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Soo-Ah didn't look convinced, but she sighed and crossed her arms.

"Fine," she said. "Just don't put it on me as some romantic gesture."

YuWon shook his head and walked over to the counter, where yet another doll stood waiting with her cheerful smile.

"That will be ten coupons," she said.

YuWon handed over the coupons, thinking they were too cheap. The doll took them, then handed him a small box containing the necklace.

"Thank you for your purchase! Enjoy your time at the amusement park!"

YuWon didn't respond. He stared at the box for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.

"Let's go," he said, turning to Soo-Ah.

As they left the store, Soo-Ah couldn't help but glance at him. A flicker of worry on her face.

"You better not put that thing on," she warned.

YuWon chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm not that stupid."

"Are you sure?"