I'm Living as a Healer in Nord World - Chapter 1

[Prologue]

After graduating from high school, he entered college out of a sense of duty, but it didn’t suit him at all.

Quiet and reserved, he often found himself alone. Unfortunately, the classmates he was paired with for his first group assignment turned out to be irresponsible and self-centered.

Everyone used personal issues as excuses to avoid contributing, leaving the entire project on his shoulders.

‘Well, if someone has extra time, they can just take care of it,’ he tried to think positively. But even as the deadline loomed, no one stepped in to help.

Upperclassmen, noticing his struggle, tried to intervene, but his group members twisted the narrative, making him out to be the odd one.

“Wait, did we ever say we wouldn’t do it? We just said we’d help later because we’re busy.”

“So, now he’s telling the seniors that he doesn’t want to do it alone?”

“Unbelievable. I didn’t think he was like that… what a….”

Rumors began to spread in strange ways, and soon, he was branded with an unusual nickname—“a sly fox.”

The looks people gave him were filled with malice, and as he walked by, some groups whispered and snickered. Initially, he brushed it off, but the harassment intensified over time.

Perhaps he could have endured it if he’d had thicker skin.

But when a sudden, inexplicable ache began to afflict him, his stress reached its peak.

In the end, he had no choice but to take a leave of absence.

His relationships with people deteriorated almost instantly.

His motivation to engage with society vanished just as quickly.

Naturally, he drifted into a reclusive lifestyle.

The few high school friends he had drifted away, occupied with studies or job hunting. Feeling lonely, he turned increasingly to the internet and games.

Eventually, at the age of twenty-one, he discovered Nord World, a virtual reality game that transformed him into a recluse overnight.

The game had just launched commercially and boasted a large player base, allowing him to level up with ease and immerse himself in a carefree, secluded life.

***

Three years later, now twenty-four, he was still unemployed, hopelessly absorbed in Nord World.

After an early dinner, he headed to his bedroom, climbed into his VR capsule as he often did, and launched the program. A clear notification chime sounded, and the loading screen filled his vision, showing several icons.

“Launch Nord World.”

The device, equipped with voice recognition, initiated the game with ease. At his command, beeping sounds filled the air as the screen slowly transformed. Against a pitch-black background, system messages began to appear in sequence.

[Receiving biometric signals for user verification.]

[If using external tools, please log in securely.]

[User verification complete.]

[Checking connection environment for optimal gameplay.]

[Connection environment confirmed.]

[Linking to player’s mobile device.]

[Confirming sensory connection options.]

[All sensory functions successfully activated.]

[In accordance with the Game Industry Promotion Act, checking user’s physical condition.]

[Vital check in progress. Please remain still for an accurate diagnosis.]

[5…4…3…2…1.]

[Check complete.]

[User’s vitals within normal range confirmed.]

[Loading player information. You will soon enter Nord World.]