Awake

(The prologue is more of a short intro into the MC's character so if you want you can continue reading. The story might also start a bit slow)

Last night I had a dream, that I was consumed by darkness. Well more accurately that the world was consumed by darkness. But for some reason, it didn't seem like a nightmare to me.

Maybe it is a result of my already dreary and boring life. My prospects are none existent and my relations are too. It wasn't my fault I'd love to think. But if not I who is to blame?

I got up off my creaky bed that reminded me of my poor status. They say a good night's sleep is the first step to success but I am not even granted such a thing.

Yet others expect me to suck it up, there are people out there living on the streets. Be grateful.

I am tired of it. Well maybe it's just the bed but I am tired.

I turn on the lights to my room. For some reason everything is still shrouded by darkness, Maybe I woke up earlier than I expected.

But as if that wasn't odd enough the light is oddly dim. Yet for some reason, I feel it suffices. I can clearly see around myself in the dimly lit room.

Did I finally awaken a superpower? I doubt so. And if I did night vision is most definitely one of the worst possible outcomes. Maybe I can put it in my resume regardless...

Sigh. I am just too depressing. I should try to perk up a bit.

With an unconvincing smile, I enter my tiny bathroom, as soon as I turn on the lights I am met by my reflection in my small quaint mirror.

20 year old and depressed is written all over my face. That's to be expected. But for some reason, I seem… pale? My dark brown hair hasn't changed much though.

I lift up my hand and examine it. It is pretty pale. Is this also a part of my superpower? It just seems like a good way to invite sunburns.

If it isn't then I just might be sic-

No wait, it can't be!

Isn't this my dream? No this isn't what I want to be in life, a pale vampire! I dreamt of this, a world encased in darkness. One without a sunny sky or a bright light.

One swallowed by the earth. Panic quickly made itself at home in my heart. I left the bathroom without even turning off the light. The electricity bill is the least of my worries right now.

On second thought let me turn that thing off...

I approached my window, rolled the curtains and my sight was met by buildings. I ignored them, opened the window, and looked up at the sky. Or at least where the sky should be.

Why? All I see is darkness.

Bam! What the hell was that! I hit my head against the open window as I try to hurriedly return to the safety of my dark bedroom.

As I was looking up I was hit by bright lights. Like those of a spotlight but for some reason extra painful.

"Rise up, Current time is 7:00 AM"... and a bunch of other dribble started to sound out from a loudspeaker somewhere as I rubbed my pained eyes.

"The subterran government has successfully pushed back the mutants. Cheers for all of our heroic soldiers who will return with triumph." The boring voice reported.

That does it. I am entirely confused. Looks like my heart has a new tenant. It will probably be a permanent resident too.

Mutants… those are either some creepy monsters or people with superpowers. What's up with this militaristic place anyway? I don't remember any of this in my dream.

Is this another world? Or… a parallel world? Needless to say, this can't be planet earth.

My house is still just as I remember it though. That would be a freaky coincidence if this is another world.

The good news is that the internet must exist then. The bad news is… I don't have any! I can barely pay my phone bills how would I be able to pay for internet.

Oh, that reminds me. I haven't paid my phone bill either…

Looks like I can't use data to browse the internet. Well isn't that unfortunate. Looks like I will need to walk to a library, those should still exist, right?

I like walking. It is the only time where I can take my mind off things and look up into the boundless blue sky! Think of the infinite possibilities! Space! Aliens! What awaits us in that black and endless abyss! Ah...

Well, they took that from me too. Truly bleak.

I pick up my phone which I left somewhere in the room... Oh, there it is. The dirty laundry makes for a good spot to toss it. My bed is too small and I can't afford for it to fall and break.

I remember working my but off to get this six years old model.

I was going to put on a simple sweater but apart from the fact that I can't find one this place is sweltering hot.

I open the crappy apartment door and walk down the narrow stairwell. I see a few neighbors also exiting their apartments. They have similarly pale skin. In that case, they probably can see in the dark too. Yeah, why did I think I was special.

Well… I am a little since I can remember that earth doesn't look or work like this at all.

I just realized something. I can't remember much about this life… what's my job anyway? Surely I have some responsibilities.

That's this world's me's problem not mine… is what an optimist might say but I am definitely stuck here for life.

Ah… the blinding lights. They come from somewhere in the ceiling. Is this some sort of megadome? Probably not. I am probably underground and so is everybody else. That's why we are all so pale and accustomed to the darkness.

What a garbage alternate reality…

On the plus side for some reason, the infrastructure has developed just like in my previous life. Although some things here and there look extra crappy which sounds about right.

I should be able to get to the nearby library. All of my knowledge will then be up to date with this world's norm. I can't say I am looking forward to it. If I was much of a scholar I wouldn't be in this shitty situation.

With the opposite of light in my step, I make my way to the library. I observe my surroundings and see people orderly making their way around. They all seem pretty depressed as well. Maybe I do belong here…

After a good minute of checking things out, I stood in front of a grand looking building. This should be the local library... Why does it seem so posh?

"You there, what are you doing loitering about? Head to your work sector unless you want me to deduct some of your merits" An elegant yet angry-looking man wearing a uniform was the one speaking to me so harshly.

Eh, not the first time. But how should I deal with this? I can't just say and where exactly is that now, can I?