Chapter 9: Death Was My Final Target

I woke up to the sound of the system.

'Remaining life span: 1 hour.'

I sat beside the window and watched the sunrise.

The world was quiet.

For twenty-six years, I had fought to return to my original world.

I had completed missions, sacrificed years of my life, and endured things no one should ever have to endure.

Yet now that I was finally leaving, I realized I had nothing left to take with me.

I looked at the photograph of my original parents that the system had shown me countless times.

"I'm coming home."

A soft knock came from the door.

I already knew who it was.

Serena entered slowly.

Her eyes were swollen from crying.

"Leon."

I turned toward her.

"I told you we had nothing left to say."

"I know."

She stopped several steps away from me.

"I just wanted to see you one last time."

I didn't stop her.

She looked around my room and began crying again.

"I spent three years as your wife, but I never realized how lonely you were."

I smiled faintly.

"It's over now."

"Do you really not hate me?"

I shook my head.

"I used to. But hatred would only keep me tied to this world."

Serena lowered her head.

"If I could go back..."

"Don't."

She looked up.

"You can't change the past. Neither can I."

The system suddenly appeared before my eyes.

'Remaining life span: 10 minutes.'

My heart began beating faster.

I stood up and walked toward the window.

Serena followed me with tears in her eyes.

"Leon, please... stay."

I smiled.

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because I finally have somewhere I belong."

She covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face.

I looked at her one final time.

"Take care of yourself, Serena."

"Leon..."

I closed my eyes.

The system's voice became gentle for the first time.

'Mission complete.'

'All refunded resources have been transferred.'

'Original world connection established.'

'Return sequence will begin now.'

My body slowly became weightless.

Serena desperately reached for my hand.

Her fingers passed through mine.

"I'm sorry!" she cried.

"I know."

Those were the last words I said to her.

The world around me disappeared.

When I opened my eyes again, I heard the familiar beeping of a hospital machine.

My entire body was weak.

The ceiling above me was white.

For a moment, I wondered if I had failed again.

Then I heard a familiar voice.

"He's awake!"

My eyes widened.

A woman rushed to my bedside, tears streaming down her face.

"Leon!"

I stared at her in disbelief.

"Mom?"

She grabbed my hand and began crying.

"Yes, it's me. You're finally awake."

A man stood behind her, his eyes equally red.

"Son..."

I looked at him.

"Dad."

For the first time in twenty-six years, I heard the voices I had missed more than anything.

I began to cry.

Not because I was hurt.

Not because I was afraid.

But because I had finally made it home.

The system appeared one final time.

'Return successful.'

'Mission concluded.'

'Thank you for surviving.'

Then the system disappeared forever.

I looked at my parents and smiled.

The memories of Laura, Yuna, Serena, and Ivan would remain somewhere in the deepest corner of my mind.

But they no longer had power over me.

I had spent my entire life trying to make other people choose me.

In the end, I learned that I never needed their choice to prove my worth.

I had my parents.

I had my life.

And most importantly, I finally had myself.

Outside the hospital window, the morning sun rose over a brand-new day.

I closed my eyes and took a peaceful breath.

My mission was over.

My life was finally mine.

THE END