episode_0009

According to a research study, the emotion that brings humans the most happiness is “anticipation.” In other words, rather than the moment of happiness itself, it means feeling even greater happiness while waiting for that happiness.

Based on the observation of a woman who was informed that she would receive a proposal, her brain experienced greater happiness while anticipating it than when actually receiving the proposal. From the perspective of the groom who knelt down and presented a diamond, this may be a slightly ambiguous fact. However, isn’t it important that the woman you love is happy? Many people may have had similar experiences.

For example, being excited throughout the week while thinking about playing a game, but finding that the time spent waiting was happier. Or feeling more thrilled while waiting for the next episode of an intriguing novel. Humans feel a greater sense of happiness while anticipating a happy moment rather than during the moment itself. It’s ironic, yet at the same time, an interesting story. Since everyone knows the excitement of eagerly awaiting a joyful moment.

But what if it were an unfortunate event instead? What if I knew that someday I would die? No, beyond that, if I were to wait in real-time for the imminent destruction and annihilation of my neighbors, country, Earth, and family. Can a person truly endure this with their sanity intact?

Suddenly, I recall the words of the British playwright Shakespeare. “If a brave young man were to know everything that would happen to him in the future! He would fall to his knees and speak in the face of despair!” I don’t know much about that fucking great playwright from that damn island, but his words seem to be undeniably true. Considering how all those who claim to be intellectuals of the 21st century have fled the streets.

Countdown.

That’s the scene that appears when character creation is completed in the game “Last Day.” “Last Day” was a work that appropriately obsessed over the keyword “time.” It’s the final scene of the game’s prologue. A countdown of 72 hours appears in the sky. And the moment it reaches 0, the destruction of the Earth and the start of the game occur simultaneously. In other words, it gives a grace period of three days.

Is it thanks to the beautiful production that emerges when breaking through the difficult prologue filled with profanity? Some users even consider it a symbol of this game. And this fact has become known to the public.

“I have played this game for over 100 hours, making me an extreme enthusiast among enthusiasts.”

“I have survived here for over a year. I can confidently say that as long as you do this, you can survive.”

“When the destruction begins, everyone dies. Considering the difficulty of this game, there is no safe place anywhere.”

After the previous mediocre YouTuber gained tremendous popularity, the cautious Last Day users began to appear gradually. They started their own YouTube channels, self-proclaiming as “experts” as if they made a promise.

To hardcore players, it seemed like nonsense from someone who struck it rich by chance. They probably think they know better and can do it just fine. “But in the end, they’re all mediocre.”

From my perspective, they were nothing more than inexperienced novices who couldn’t handle being treated as players. Only fools lacking in judgment would step forward. The true enthusiasts would quietly prepare for the impending destruction.

In fact, the problem was that their discussions were all separate. Nevertheless, the combination of these pieces of information sometimes led to good results. The date for the countdown mentioned earlier was almost confirmed. The interest of the public, or rather, humanity, was immense.

– Countdown in the sky? Does that even make sense?

– So, are you saying it’s impossible?

– Of course. It’s scientifically impossible.

– But everyone keeps talking about it everywhere.

– If it’s marketing, it’s definitely a huge success. The entire nation, no, the world is eagerly anticipating that day.

Of course, there were still many people dismissing it as nonsense or marketing ploys. Those waiting were partly driven by curiosity and excitement. Only a small minority genuinely believed that the end was approaching. Most seemed to expect a surprise hidden camera event in the end.

[Title]

Event at Gwanghwamun on the Countdown Day LOL

[Body]

It’s not a grand event, just people gathering to wait for the countdown at night. The broadcasting station also came and provided live coverage.

[Comments]

-Hahaha, it’s so funny.

-What kind of Olympics is this??

-Waiting for the countdown while counting down.

-Wait, is this a joke? What kind of event is this when the world is ending?

-Well, whatever, as long as it’s fun.

“Hmm.”

People gather together and wait for the countdown while looking at the sky.

It’s the day that will prove whether the doomsday theory that caused a commotion in the world is just nonsense or true.

It’s understandable that people are interested.

As for me, I have no intention of participating, of course.

It’s more productive to prepare for the end a little bit during that time.

“How many days are left?”

I looked around my shelter, not an air raid shelter but an “agora.”

These days, I sold my original house and now live in this agora.

Just in case there’s anything uncomfortable about living here, I need to check it in advance when I have the leisure.

Fortunately, my agora was comfortable enough for one person to live in, slightly spacious and cozy.

Security, heating, ventilation, and even a bathroom, everything was perfect.

In a world that has ended, this is like a 5-star hotel.

“But I still wanted to enjoy a little more of civilization’s victory.”

Muttering like that, I ate the salmon sushi I had packed.

Come to think of it, if the end comes, I won’t be able to eat this either.

A few more days until the countdown comes to mind.

I should stock up on various things for the last time.

Should I have black bean noodles tomorrow? Hehe.

****

A few days later.

Finally, the highly anticipated countdown begins.

Gwanghwamun Square was crowded with an astonishing number of people.

Ah, but that doesn’t mean I’m there witnessing it in person.

A reporter was broadcasting live on my behalf.

South Korea may be an IT powerhouse.

-Yes! This is Gwanghwamun Square! As you can see, citizens are gathered here to witness the ‘Last Day’ event…

Various YouTubers were also holding their phones and diligently filming this scene.

There was even someone selling merchandise at a stall.

They must be the people waiting for the countdown of the end.

The expressions of those standing there were all bright.

As if they were at a festival.

“Hmm…”

I was certain as I looked at those faces.

Among the people there, no one is seriously contemplating destruction.

Perhaps they may outwardly express fear of destruction, but inwardly they are waiting for it to be revealed that it’s all an illusion.

Even in the community, there was a heated debate about this matter.

[Title]

Are there still people who genuinely believe in destruction?

[Body]

No, does it make sense for a game to become reality and have a countdown in the sky?

I’d rather see the world perish.

You losers.

[Comments]

-These idiots keep coming out periodically.

-Is the whole world really paying attention to that nonsense during the live broadcast?

-But honestly, this doesn’t make sense. It’s too absurd.

-Can’t the government delete just one website? Is that reasonable?

-Stop arguing. It will all be revealed soon anyway.

Even on the bulletin board, the question of whether destruction is imminent or not was a hot topic.

Surprisingly, the opponents questioning the feasibility of destruction were more dominant.

“Well, that’s probably for the best.”

I boasted that I was the first and most prepared for this impending destruction.

No one has prepared longer than me, even until the game time.

I’ve invested almost all my assets into this hideout…

If destruction doesn’t happen, my life will practically be ruined.

Of course, even if that’s the case, it’s better if destruction doesn’t occur.

Even in this trash-like world.

It would be better than destruction, after all.

“Yes, the moment I announce it! Citizens will enter the countdown in 10 seconds!”

“10! 9! 8!”

In the meantime, time had suddenly approached.

People looked up at the sky and shouted the numbers.

Just like when waiting for a new year to arrive.

People awaited the countdown of destruction.

The noise, shouting, excitement, and various emotions.

Even I couldn’t help but feel a strange tremor amidst this spectacle and noise.

Is this just my delusion or is it real?

Because this is the moment when it will finally be revealed.

“3!”

But at the same time…

“2!”

I already knew the answer.

“1!”

The people’s shouts ceased.

And everyone’s attention turned to that sky.

[72:00:00]

A countdown representing three days has appeared for real.

The world was engulfed in silence.

As if all the cries up until now were nothing but lies.

Citizens, reporters, even the YouTubers who used to encourage donations, all fell silent.

And after those few seconds of stillness passed.

“Screaaaaam!”

“Crazy, damn it! Is that real?”

“W-what do we do? Is the world really coming to an end?”

“W-what? Hey, hey! Call the police! Right now, people are–”

Unfolding chaos and screams.

People running through the streets in a frenzy of fear.

A food cart table overturned by someone fleeing.

In the midst of confusion, a child who lost their mother cried uncontrollably.

I quietly got up and checked if the door to the hideout was properly locked.

Countdown: 3 days.

The destruction has already begun.