《Yumix, Unveiled》
Vanished!
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 01: [ Vanished! ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
(Art 01: Hiroki Kurogane, at the age of 12):
Tokyo, 2030. Although the streets were vibrant with life, the ambience was overshadowed by the destructive fury of the storm sweeping over the city. Thunder crashed, the sky wept, and the wind screamed like a wild beast. The city had seen tragedy, a disaster that etched deep wounds into both its streets and the hearts of its inhabitants.
Amid the disorder, there was a boy who ignored everything around him, focused solely on finding shelter from the pouring rain. A cold, blank look crossed his face until he spotted a brightly lit place that appeared to be open, but it was empty from inside. Without hesitation, he swung the door open and stepped inside, looking noticeably tired.
[Hiroki Kurogane], 17 years old, is this boy, characterized by his dark blue hair and a demeanor marked by chill and aloofness
The ambiance of the bookstore was imbued with a sense of dignity, owing to its antiquity, the place thick with the smell of aged paper and wetness air. Hiroki moved quietly, his thoughts distant. He had no grand dreams, no ambitions¡ªhis future was a blank page. Though he was sociable enough in conversation, he always avoided building deep relationships; trust, after all, was a fragile thing for him.. In a world this fractured, this broken, beyond repair, why even bother?
Aside from being really hungry and confused by the circumstances, this situation was quite surprising even in today''s weather expectations. Lightning flashed outside, illuminating the rows of books. Hiroki paused, his heart quickening as a cold thought slithered into his mind.. His Death. Could this catastrophe be the end of him? The idea of his own mortality gripped him for a moment. But just as quickly as it came, the thought faded, replaced by a deeper reflection. The world had always been corrupt, he thought, filled with cruelty and greed. His detachment wasn''t a shield, but all he wanted was to stay alive. "Why should I give a damn about a world that didn''t give a hoot about me?" He whispered to himself.
As his thoughts wandered, a faint noise stirred from a nearby table, breaking his reverie. Initially, it was like the sound of the wind, yet that one was like no other before.
"What.. was that exactly?" Hiroki muttered under his breath, glancing over. A large, seemingly ancient closed book overflowing with pages, featuring ornate decorations in a rich, old-fashioned gold color.
"This book... Wait, wasn''t it open when I first walked in? Am I okay with my mind or am already starting to go senile?"
His curiosity got the better of him, so he moved in closer. Dust coated the cover, the book seemed ordinary enough.. until he opened it.
The pages were mostly blank, except for symbols and strange scripts he couldn''t even understand. But one fragment caught his eye, written in clear Japanese:
" Within each soul, a hidden key. Till life''s last breath, Yumix always will be $##$... "
The rest of the speech was vague and difficult to follow.
"Yumix?" He had never heard that word before.
"Why am I reading this in the first place.. whatever.."
But While considering those mysterious words, he blinked for just a moment, and the book looked empty again.
"Eh?? What the heck?" he said in disbelief.
He blinked his eyes over and over again, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Well I guess it¡¯s just my brain being tired and spaced out."
But then, the sound of shattering glass interrupted his thoughts instantly. The front doors of the bookstore were blown inward by the storm, a violent gust filling the room with debris and plunging the room into darkness.. Hiroki spun around, instinctively shielding his face. Amidst the howling winds and surrounding chaos, something even more horrifying drew his attention.
His right hand was completely gone!
For a moment, disbelief gripped him. Then, the pain hit, searing through him like fire. His scream pierced the raging storm, "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH¡ WHY WHY WHY, WHAT''S THAT? WHY.. IT HURTS! HOW DID ALL OF THAT HAPPENED!" Everything around him seemed a blur of fear and pain.
Amid the turmoil, the strange sound from earlier came back, clearer now¡ªa faint, yet urgent voice.
".. Catch it..."
Hiroki gasped for breath, his mind racing. The voice. The book. Could it be figments? His vision blurred as blood poured from his severed limb, and yet, the book on the table glowed faintly, almost like it was beckoning him.
"Am I losing my mind...?"
With the last of his strength, Hiroki reached out, his remaining hand grasping that glowing book. But fate said something else, as his fingers brushed the cover, a sudden impact struck him hard in the chest. The iron bars from the door, hurled by the storm¡¯s fury, pierced through his heart.
As the world dimmed, a deep sense of helplessness hit him. He had always been powerless, hadn''t he? Unable to change anything in his life, unable to make a difference. Now what? He would die without ever understanding why.
"I.. couldn¡¯t do.. anything... Help me" His voice was barely a whisper as darkness enveloped his eyes.
As Hiroki¡¯s grip weakened, the book slipped from his hand. His fading vision caught the faint glow of its cover, but the world around him was already turning dark. He didn''t know that fate was leading him into something he couldn''t even fathom
Though his eyes were closed, strange sensations filled his mind¡ªvivid streaks of yellow and violet lights swirling in the void even though he didn''t really see anything. It was as if his body had dissolved, leaving him adrift in a sea of chaos.
He tried to focus and grasp some semblance of reality, but it was no use. The physical world had vanished. In its place were fleeting, disjointed blurred memories, not his own, but perhaps from another world.
Until his last bit of awareness faded, Hiroki surrendered to the darkness, and his thoughts dissolved into nothing.
Hiroki floated in a void, trapped between dreams and reality. His mind flickered with fragmented memories¡ªhis past, his regrets, his failures.
"This world.. was never right."
"My so-called friends.. they never showed up when I needed them. Just empty words. Broken promises. That¡¯s when I stopped believing in friendship. The word lost all meaning for me."
"I realized that the real problem was the widening gap between the strong and the weak. It kept people apart, unless it''s for their own gain. Even so, I still.. wanted to help. I wanted to fix things."
He muttered all this while lost in his dreams.
But then, a soft voice of a girl echoed in the darkness, pulling him back toward consciousness. It was faint but soothing, he couldn''t exactly understand what she was trying to say, until her voice faded away.
Hiroki remained in that darkness, lost in the visions of his thoughts.
"If I had another chance... would it even matter? Could I really be different?" he wondered, though the answer felt distant, unreachable, like a fading dream.
(Art 02: Hiroki Kurogane, at the age of 16):
Hiroki felt himself clawing back to the surface. His mind was foggy, his body numb, and yet something pulled at him, forcing him to wake. It was like surfacing from deep waters slowly.
"W-Where.. am I?" He thought, unaware of what was happening.
His senses finally returned back. Blurred figures hovered in front of his eyes, and loud, jumbled voices swirled around him¡ªvoices of people. His thoughts were slow, but one thing stood out that he could notice.. A woman was right there, hurrying on her way through the chaos.
"Quick, find a free room to treat him.. right away!" She ordered.
"Seems the number of injured is more than expected, we don''t know if we can save them all," said one of the men there.
His body felt constant ache, and the chaos around him was growing louder. Many voices, footsteps, clattering metal, and other things he couldn¡¯t even place what''s it.
He turned his gaze and saw her briefly, enough to notice the kindness in her eyes, and tension in her movements like she was racing against time.
"Really... What a... cute woman..." his words came out before his mind could catch up. His awareness gone, pulling him once more into the depths of sleep. The world faded into nothingness, leaving only darkness behind.
[ To be Continued ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®iiPilix¡¯
Where are we?
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 02: [ Where are we? ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
(Art 01: Nao Yamamoto, 25 years old lady, works with Jiika Village Health team):
Hiroki jolted awake, a sense of unease clinging to him. His eyes flickered open, disoriented. He blinked hard, trying to focus.
In the aftermath of his disturbing dreams, Hiroki woke up abruptly. For a moment he felt a surge of panic, he blinked hard trying to focus. He realized he was in a comfortable bed, and that the pain he had felt earlier was gone, which eased his panic.
The room around him felt ancient. Walls were made of strong planks, wooden beams, candle-lit chandelier, as if it was from a distant past. He tried to sit up, but his body felt weak, and his thoughts muddled.
He groaned and forced himself to stand despite his tired legs.
"Why am I here? What was I doing?.. Why my memory so foggy?"
Until a voice cut through his confusion.
"You finally awake, huh? You were out sleeping for a while."
Hiroki turned, to see a woman stood in the doorway, watching him. She looked young, maybe mid-twenties, with a bit mix of concern and relief in her gaze.
"W-Who are you?" he said and continued "Was it you who brought me here?"
She smirked slightly. "I''m the one who brought you to this room"
Hiroki blinked, trying to make sense of it. "W-Why? What happened?"
"You don¡¯t remember?". Nao crossed her arms, her tone casual but also laced with curiosity. "You were in pretty bad shape when we found you. It wasn¡¯t easy getting you here alive."
"I... don¡¯t remember this much," he admitted, his voice showed some frustration. "Just... bits."
"Makes sense.." the woman replied, then resumed "While you were asleep, you looked like you were really struggling. Some nightmares?"
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"Nightmares...?" He was confused by her words. "That¡¯s... odd."
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his calmness. "You don''t seem embarrassed.. Interesting. Anyway, you should be good now hopefully. What¡¯s your name boy?"
"My name? It''s... uh..." Hiroki hesitated, his thoughts in disarray.
¡°Oh, can¡¯t I remember my name too? There are so many things missing from my head, my name¡ haven¡¯t I ever heard someone called me¡ H-Hiroki?¡±
He responded to her. "I think... it¡¯s Hiroki... Hiroki Kurogane."
"You think?" she pressed. "Anything else? Your family? Where you came from?"
Hiroki''s body language revealed his uncertainty and lack of information.
The woman noticed his unease and softened her tone. "Hey, don¡¯t focus too much about it. For now just rest. we¡¯ll sort it out once things settle down."
"But... what happened? What¡¯s going on exactly?" Hiroki pressed her after he felt something was off.
Her expressions darkened, her tone growing serious. "Well, a lot of things happened. We heard a big explosion sound from outside... It tore through the area near the village. We called local guards and rushed to help, but... by the time we got there, it was chaos. People were hurt badly. There are numerous critical injuries. And... Nineteen people did not survive."
"Nineteen?!" Hiroki was terrified, while his voice was trembling. "W-What on earth led to this?"
"No one knows. Those who survived barely remember what happened. A few only... who saw something, but they''re not talking. Some even went mad after trying to recall it."
Sensing his frustration, she stepped closer. "Just don''t worry, you''re in a safe place now, and we''ll proceed with our responsibilities for this."
Hiroki lowered his head, trying to settle these mess swirling in his mind. "By the way... where am I? What''s the name of the village?" He asked.
The woman glanced at him surprised. "You don¡¯t know? This is Jiika. It¡¯s on the borders of Yumix."
As soon as he heard these words, Hiroki froze. That name hit him like a shockwave. "Yumix...? Didn''t I hear these words before? But where exactly? Why does it sound so familiar...? This is definitely significant!"
She noticed the change in his expression and narrowed her eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I¡¯m fine. Just... a bit tired, I guess." He said, shaking the unease away.
She didn¡¯t seem convinced but nodded slowly. "I see.. You should get some rest. You¡¯ve been through enough for now."
"Yeah, maybe you¡¯re right." he forced a smile, He laid back, his body exhausted, but his mind refused to settle.
While he was walking towards the bed, he stopped for a moment,
"Wait," he called out, turning back to the woman who was about to leave the room. "Uh.. May I know your name?"
She paused at the door, glancing over her shoulder with a faint smile. "Oh, me? I''m Nao Yamamoto. You can just call me Nao."
Without another word, she slipped out of the room. Hiroki stood there for a moment, processing everything about Yumix and the explosion...
Finally, he sat on the edge of the bed, resting his hand on his face, his fingers tracing his forehead.
"From what I can gather now, it seems like there was a reason behind everything happening. I still haven¡¯t figured out what caused the explosion, but¡ why can¡¯t I remember? Anyway, I think I¡¯ll find some answers tomorrow¡ or so I hope."
He stretched out on the bed to ease his thoughts for now...
[ To be Continued ]
Where will fate lead us?
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 03: [ Where will fate lead us? ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
Darkness. An inky void stretched endlessly around Hiroki. He strained to focus on a figure far away, in a faint glow. Was it a girl? Her voice echoed through the emptiness, blurry like a distant memory.
"You have to prepare and be patient for what will come to you later," she whispered. "Don''t worry, I will be by your side."
Hiroki woke with an unsettling calm, the dream clinging to him like cobwebs. "What did it mean? Was it a premonition?" He mulled over its cryptic message, a knot of unease tightening in his mind.
Determined to make sense of his situation, Hiroki headed to the central service room. A woman worker greeted him.
"You must be Hiroki," she said, consulting a list. "Nao mentioned your case. With the influx of displaced survivors after last night''s tragedy, the village is stretched thin. The best option for now is the Main Shelter. It will provide you with basic necessities and access to village services."
Hiroki''s tired nod spoke volumes. The chaos of the previous night ¨C the explosion, the lost lives ¨C still hung heavy on him. Shelter, even temporary, sounded like a haven.
"Alright," he mumbled. He prepare by gathering his meager belongings.
A fleeting thought struck him. "Wait, didn''t I have a book to take with me? Ah, whatever," he dismissed it, focusing on the move ahead.
He boarded a ramshackle transport carriage, resembling a horse-drawn relic from a bygone era. Other survivors crowded the cramped space, their faces etched with loss and uncertainty.
Across the wagon, a boy his age locked eyes with Hiroki. The intensity of his stare left traces of doubt in Hiroki. Exhausted and numb, Hiroki simply looked away, lost in his thoughts.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room, village officials huddled together, their faces grim.
"The sudden influx of newcomers is suspicious," one muttered. "Do you think it''s connected to last night''s catastrophe?"
Another chimed in, "The perpetrator could be among them. Who knows?"
Back at the shelter, eight newcomers, including Hiroki, arrived. Whispers swirled around him:
"He looks too old for this place."
"Just another homeless soul."
"Wonder what dark secrets he''s hiding?"
Conversations swirled around his enigmatic past. Lost in thought, Hiroki couldn''t help but mutter, "My real story? I wish I knew myself. My head''s a mess after that blast."
Organizers lined them up, assigning rooms and roles. Overwhelmed and exhausted, Hiroki struggled to engage with his surroundings. A curious girl approached him, noticing his troubled expression.
"Why do you look so lost in your mind?" she asked in cold way. Without a response from him, she continued speaking with a sigh from him, "ugh, no answer here, seems like you''re carrying the weight of the Night Massacre."
Hiroki hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"Not exactly," he finally admitted. "I can''t remember anything before. Why I was even there¡"
A flicker of interest sparked in the girl''s eyes, tinged with a playful silly smile. "Sounds like you have a lot to unpack," she remarked with a hint of amusement. "But hey, welcome! I''m Yoru Hoshizora. And you...?"
"Hiroki Kurogane," he replied.
Her lips curved into a sly smile. "Nice to meet you, Kurogane. This shelter might seem dull, but it holds some hidden gems. And you certainly seem like one of them."
As introductions unfolded, the boy from the carriage appeared behind Hiroki, a shadow cloaking his features. "You," his voice barely a whisper. "Got a moment? Need answers."
Hiroki sighed, weariness etched on his face. He knew he couldn''t ignore those piercing eyes. "Fine," he conceded.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
(Art 01: Yoru Hoshizora, 17 years old, she is older than Hiroki with few month''s):
Hiroki was called into a secluded corner by that person. "You," the boy hisses, barely a whisper. "Know anything about what happened before? That catastrophe?"
Hiroki shakes his head, his memory a frustrating blank. "Not really. I can''t remember much after¡" He sighs, a heavy weight settling on him. "Look," he continues, "I''m not the one you need to be suspicious about. I don''t even belong here."
The boy relaxes slightly. "Sorry," he mutters, offering his name. "Kenji Nakamura. Hope we can get along despite the weird rumors."
Hiroki nods. "Hiroki Kurogane. Hopefully things will pass good here."
As Hiroki walked in the shelter, what Kenji said about the basic idea of the explosion ran through his mind: "Can I find something to benefit from if I go to that place? After all, it is not far away at all, but more suspicions may be raised in this case." He continues on his way, lost. In his thoughts until he finds his intended room, so he take a rest for today.
Back in the central office, Nao finishes reviewing new arrivals'' paperwork. "These cases are bizarre," she mutters to a colleague. "Completely illogical."
"Could it be connected to the old legends of Yumix and that mysterious book?" one of them suggests.
Nao scoffs. "You really expect me to believe that fairy tale? Besides, I wouldn''t have anything to do with such nonsense."
The next day dawns, and Hiroki wakes feeling refreshed for the first time in a while. At breakfast, the crowded room buzzes with activity as people fight for food before it runs out. Observing the dynamic, Hiroki gets a glimpse of the class system at play here.
Indeed, Hiroki was able to find a table and enough food for him in his lonely situation.
Suddenly, Yoru appears beside him. "Look who we have here, you look like you''re having a boring time over here" she teases.
Before Hiroki can respond, a weary-looking Kenji plops down next to him with a meager breakfast of bread and milk. Yoru raises an eyebrow. "What brings you to our table, boy? Didn''t you have a problem with him yesterday?"
Kenji shrugs nonchalantly, ignoring her comments.
"Are you even listening to me?!"
Hiroki actually tried to resolve the conflict calmly, the situation became farcical. Hiroki tired and sighed anyway.
He notices a girl across the room struggling to reach the food, she was trying to silence her hunger with just a glass of milk, and her helplessness was clear with a silent gesture.
Until Hiroki appeared in front of her, he offers her a portion of his own meal.
"This is just what I was able to get, I apologize if it is not enough."
Her eyes widen in surprise, followed by a grateful smile. Hiroki''s features changed slightly as unexpectedness, then they invites her to join their table, and they begin a conversation. He knew that her name was Miyu Tanaka.
As the day progresses, Hiroki, Yoru, Kenji, and Miyu find themselves bonding over shared stories and lighthearted arguments, the shared misfortunes and their escape from higher authorities due silly problems, it was fleeting memories.. A sense of relation washes over him, a stark contrast to the isolating fear he felt upon arrival.
The dream world welcomes him again. He was used to these strange dreams, and was completely calm, but this time with a different scene. He finds himself in a dark forest? A severed hand, frozen with blood, sends a tremor through him. But the true horror comes when he recognizes the attached arm belongs to Miyu. He turns to her, his eyes widening in terror to see a girl walking away holding a book¡ the same book from his first dream! But the features were not clear. Until the world fades to black, then he woke up with a jolt.
He ran towards Miyu''s room as fast as he could in a crazy way, his head was in endless conversations, "Why all this? What exactly does this mean? I don''t understand anything anymore. Is Miyu really okay?"
Driven by panic, Hiroki bursts into Miyu''s room to find her peacefully sleeping in silly way. Relief washes over him as he sees her peacefully sleeping, but it''s short-lived. Kenji and Yoru stand calmly and coolly in the doorway, amusement tinged with suspicion playing on their faces.
"You¡ pervert!" Yoru said in a cold, almost ridiculous way
Hiroki tries to stammer out an explanation, but before he can, Miyu wakes up, startled by the commotion. This makes the situation even more awkward.
Finally, he manages to explain his terrifying dream. His friends apologize for the misunderstanding, and thankfully, Miyu stays out of the loop.
The next day after things had calmed down, while everyone settles in for dinner and Hiroki with his group, Nao came to call Hiroki to her office for specific reasons. A murmur ripples through the room ¨C not many have dealings with the Nao unless they have a high reputation. His friends exchange curious glances. "Tell us what you did this time to be called for this", and Hiroki doubted with a comic smile that he never understood anything.
Following Nao through unfamiliar corridors, while she was asking him, "It seems to me that you are having a good time here," to which he responded with a slight shy tension, "Actually, I feel comfortable at this place, I can pass my time here."
Until they reached a room with an open door, it looked like Nao''s private office; it was huge there, filled with strange artifacts. He notices books detailing history, supernatural powers, and a term he barely grasps ¨C mana.
"Do you know anything about the Lost Book of Yumix or the Crystal of Scourge?" Nao asks while she was searching through her piles of tools.
He barely understood anything from what she was saying "What? Me? Not at all."
Nao explains that similar incidents were reported before his arrival and she had hoped he might have some knowledge. When she realizes he''s genuinely clueless, she changes tack. With a sigh "It''s nothing important if you don''t know anything."
Changing the topic, she asks "Tell me, what are your plans after this situation? Do you have a specific path that you would like to take?"
Hiroki, overwhelmed by the day''s revelations, simply replies "I need to focus on my future anyway, I can''t stay here for long, I need to work on myself after a while."
In this moment, Yoru, hidden outside the room, listens intently to their conversation, a flicker of worry crossing her eyes.
[ To be Continued ]
Burden of truth just begun!
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 04: [ Burden of truth just begun! ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
Later that night, as the shelter sleeps, Hiroki''s room creaks open silently. He tiptoes out in a state of silent tension, casting nervous glances around him to ensure nobody notices. He makes his way towards the main exit, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and fear.
Unbeknownst to him, another door creaks open just as he leaves. A shadowy figure, hidden in the darkness, observes him from above.
Hiroki reaches the site of the incident. The once bustling area is now a desolate wasteland, a stark reminder of the destruction unleashed. The air hangs heavy with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional creak of debris.
He scans the scorched earth, searching for anything that might shed light on what happened. Large, ominous black marks scar the ground, remnants of the blast. Despair threatens him as he finds nothing of significance.
His mind does not turn away from remembering that girl from his previous visions. "Why could it have anything to do with this" he thought to himself.
Until he noticed something that seemed eye-catching hidden among the rubble. He rushes towards the pile of debris, his eyes fixated on a glimpse of something hidden beneath.
There, partially buried, lies a casing. "What exactly is this, a cover? Book? Wait a minute, isn''t that..."
His heart skips a beat. It''s the book. The same book that has haunted his dreams.
With trembling hands, he pries it open. A blinding flash engulfs him, momentarily erasing everything around him.
A torrent of memories floods his mind. Images, forgotten events, and suppressed emotions come rushing back with overwhelming clarity. He now understands everything ¨C what happened before, the significance of his dreams.
Everything had passed through his consciousness, and he now knew everything he had missed. Now he knows everything about himself.
"It all makes sense now. My past, these dreams... everything. The book, it unlocked it all. What a miserable state I am in.. Why all this exactly, at what cost? Why why why damn it!"
Laughter erupts from his throat, a mix of sadness and hysteria. To turn into screams of remorse. He slams his fist onto the ground, dirt flying as his eyes almost explode. It''s a bittersweet realization ¨C a surge of knowledge laced with deep remorse.
He crumbles to the ground, overcome by the weight of his newfound memories. Grief and regret claw at him, a heavy burden to bear.
Yoru notices him in those moments. It seemed that she was the one who was following him, with looks of sorrow on him and constant tension.
The current event is not over yet; the book has begun to shine with a striking golden color. Yoru calls him from afar "Hiroki!"
Hiroki stumbles to his feet, disoriented. He looks at Yoru, his voice trembling with astonishment. "Yoru? What...? why did you..."
Before he can finish his question, until the book shone with unparalleled brightness, emanating from within it absolute magic that threw everyone away due to its intensity. Its explosion resembles an earthquake for those who have not seen it.
Hiroki groans, shaking his head to clear the dizziness. As his vision clears, he looked at Yoru with astonishment. Her eyes were staring at the scene behind Hiroki, so he himself turned around and saw the unexpected.
A monstrous entity made of darkness emanates, its many hands glowing with a dark eerie power. Just looking into his eyes startled him.
The monstrosity lets out a series of guttural roars, its rage seemingly directed at everything around it. It lashes out with its shadowy tendrils, tearing at the ground and shattering nearby structures.
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"Hiroki...? What have you done?" Yoru said in a state of nervousness
Driven by instinct, Yoru leaps into action. A skilled fighter, she was able to push Hiroki away in time, and she continued jumping directly towards this monster, and tried to attack him from left to right, here and there, without the monster moving from its place. Simply moving its many shields was enough to defend itself.
She utilizes her mana magic to launch a series of attacks at the creature. Her graceful movements made Hiroki dazzled. Her spells strike true, but they seem to have little effect. The darkness absorbs the energy, fueling the monstrosity''s power.
"What''s happening? Why it ended like this? This wasn''t supposed to happen!" Hiroki said to himself.
Yoru continues her assault, dodging the creature''s attacks with acrobatic agility. Frustration mounts on her face as she realizes her normal tactics are failing.
Until Yoru was exhausted, he surprised her while she was unaware, in less than the blink of an eye, attacking her with one of his long shields to grab her and hold her tight.
Hiroki, after this trauma, he pluck up courage and tried to attack him with whatever fitness he had remaining, dodging him from side to side, knowing that he did not have the optimal strength like her. He met one of the other shields, in a stationary position, then a quick attack that threw him far to the ground, stronger than the previous one, until he noticed blood coming out of his organs, making his tension increase.
In a state of exhaustion, Hiroki almost loses consciousness. He feels sorry for himself, even though he was the one who caused this matter. He begins to imagine irrational things, but they are the truth that is happening now. That girl from his vision came in front his eyes. He couldn''t focus on her features as he lay on the ground, but he knew it. She was saying things to him without focusing on what she was saying. "I apologize for being late. It''s fine. I hope you realized the truth of those thoughts that came to you before. Just stay strong and hold on."
To complete the matter of this black entity, the girl unleashed a powerful mana roar that resonated and destroyed what was in front of it, but the monster disappeared inside this book as a retreat, leaving traces everywhere.
This strange girl sighed, "That''s what I expected anyway. At least the matter has calmed down now."
People come from afar after this commotion, and she continues her words to Hiroki, who is almost unconscious, "It seems that I have to go now. The date of the meeting is approaching, but you must not fall into the trap that will come to you later. It may be difficult for you."
To quickly move towards an unknown direction without anyone noticing her.
Hiroki fell completely, while Yoru regained consciousness, noticing that everything they were in had disappeared, wondering how all this had happened. She noticed the book thrown on the ground and quickly hid it so that suspicion would not spread and further problems would arise. Both Kenji and Miyu were coming with some guards. She sees Hiroki completely collapsed, she leaned him on her back, and inside her there is remorse and optimism for what happened so that they survived.
The guards inquire about what exactly happened here, a question that is threatening them. Yoru, shaken but determined, scrambles to her feet.
"There was... another attack! Similar to the one before few days. We heard strange noises outside the shelter and went to investigate. We got caught off guard.. I apologize." Yoru said.
They scrutinizes Yoru and Hiroki, his gaze lingering on the unconscious figure. A hint of suspicion flickers in his eyes, but Yoru maintains a convincing facade.
"You should have reported the noises immediately. Regardless, get yourselves and your friend back inside. We''ll handle it from here." one of them said.
She helps Hiroki stand after he regained consciousness, his body weak from the ordeal. As they slowly return towards the shelter, Kenji and Miyu rush to meet them, worry etched on their faces.
They return to the shelter entrance, where Nao observes them with a concerned and amazement expression. The weight of the night''s events hangs heavy in the air.
Back in their room, Yoru decides it''s time to come clean. She retrieves the book from her hiding place, its dark brown cover emblazoned.
They felt panic and anticipation at first, but there was nothing particularly frightening.
After a long explanation of what happened, Miyu continues, surprised and astonished
"This is really wonderful. It is the forgotten Golden Book of Yumix. It is one of the legends related to Yumix. It is still considered one of the biggest mysteries in the world. I have always wanted to do a lot of research on it." Miyu said.
Yoru continued: "We need a plan. This book is too dangerous to be left out in the open."
"I Agree with her. We can''t let the authorities get their hands on it." Kenji speaking, "We keep this a secret. For now, at least."
While the others discuss their next move, Hiroki remains lost in thought. Wondering about that girl who saved him.
Yoru sees those glimpses of Hiroki, and announces to everyone that Hiroki seems to have regained his memories again. Everyone looked in astonishment, especially Hiroki. "How did you know that? Oh, that''s right. You followed me. Anyway."
Hiroki continues his story, without mentioning that he came from another world, because he is certain that he died there and there is no trace of him anymore, as this place is completely different.
To finally gather his strength and self-confidence, he decided for his future to leave the place to complete his journey.
[ To be Continued ]
Escaping!
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 05: [ Escaping! ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
Days bled into weeks within the shelter. Rumors swirled like echoes, some even suspecting Hiroki and his group of causing the trouble. Miyu''s search through the book and the research library proved fruitless. Tight censorship and limited resources hampered their investigation. Yoru, ever pragmatic, proposed joining the P.H.G., the central union for hunters and guards. The financial rewards were tempting, enough to cover their living expenses.
"Living together?" Miyu blurted, and the thought conjured chaotic images in her mind feeling a little embarrassed. "Is this a good idea ?"
Kenji, ever the realist, interjected, "They do offer basic free rooms for newcomers. A room for each one ¨C perfect for us, we may then choose a place for all of us to meet most the time."
Meanwhile, Nao sat in her office, her brow furrowed in concentration. Intuition whispered that the book might be connected to the capital in Yumix, the largest kingdom''s seat. Perhaps it belonged to the king''s own daughter? But solid evidence remained elusive. (Knowing that she knows nothing about the book that Yoru has)
A gentle knock interrupted her ruminations. The door creaked open, revealing Hiroki''s group, their expressions a mix of little hesitation and determination.
Hiroki, mustering his courage, spoke first. "We''d like to request leaving the shelter."
Nao raised an eyebrow, surprise morphing into suspicion. "Join the P.H.G., you say? Why this sudden decision?" Her sharp tone hung heavy in the air, causing a ripple of unease among them.
Hiroki stammered, searching for an explanation. "We¡ we might be a burden on your resources."
Nao''s gaze held theirs, the tension thick enough to cut. With a final sigh, she acquiesced. "Whatever. I''ll inform the higher authorities."
Relief washed over them, erupting in a flurry of whispered celebrations as they exited the office. Nao, however, couldn''t help but feel a pang of happy sadness for the peaceful days they''d shared.
"Don''t be strangers," she called after them. "I hope y''all remember my kindness."
Hiroki offered a small smile. "We will. We''ll drop by with news soon."
Night cloaked the city as the promised day arrived. Signing the final paperwork at the observation office, they officially stepped outside. Suddenly, a large woman in her mid-thirties, radiating an air of authority, stood before them.
"Excuse me," the woman said kindly, a curious glint in her eyes. "Does this shelter accept people at the moment for entrance or leaving?", there was a deeper meaning behind these words.
Yoru, ever-cautious, replied, "Yes, it''s always open and available."
"Yes it is, hmmm, Good." the woman responded cheerfully, a slight undercurrent of something deeper lurking beneath the surface. She apologized for the interruption and introduced herself as Honoka Kurosawa, an investigator for the area.
Surprise rippled through the group for a moment, but anyways they continued their walk.
Then later, back at the shelter, Honoka visited Nao at her office. "You can enter" Nao requested sharply in cold way, as if she was aware of her arrive.
"About that incident," Honoka began, her tone devoid of warmth. "I require some basic details for private inquiries."
Nao responded to her question with a tone of astonishment and wonder almost like ignoring. "Why would such information be sought from a mere shelter?"
Honoka remained unfazed. "This matter is beyond my control. It''s by the kingdom''s decree." With a resigned sigh, Nao divulged some information that seems the not attracting Honoka for now.
After a while, Honoka seemed to grasp the situation. "So, Hiroki Kurogane one of the people who came from that incident, interesting, he would be the least relevant person in this entire ordeal, is that correct?" she inquired.
One final question lingered: "Where did they headed?" Honoka asked, a hint of suspicion coloring her voice.
Nao offered a curt reply, her voice laced with indifference. "How would We know? You can''t peer into someone''s mind. It''s their own decision, so revealing their destination is entirely up to them."
Honoka, surprisingly impressed by her sharp answer, acknowledged her limitations. "Indeed. No point in prying. Thank you for your time." She left the office, convinced no one had tipped the group off about their intentions.
It seems that Nao''s plans have succeeded now, so by answering this, she planted the belief that no one knows about the whereabouts of Hiroki and his group, so that she does not ask those who are here.
Back to Hiroki team, after they took an old camper van they had stopped it at night to take them to their destination, rumbling towards the city center a few kilometers away. Frugal souls, they pooled resources, sold food and old belongings amongst the shelter group to save on transport costs.
The driver, a burly man with an air of suspicion, eyed them with surprise. "You''re heading straight for the heart of the city?" he rumbled. "Dangerous times for travelers. Especially the gangs on the outskirts of the city center, people who are extremists and fanatics of the old Yumix", which surprised Hiroki and was followed by a little tension. Yoru, ever-composed, responded, "We can handle ourselves." Her confidence calmed their concerns.
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The driver chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Alright alright, am impressed by your spirit, girl". He glanced at Yoru, a look that causes confusion and awkward, before she subtly shifted away. Their journey continued in a tense yet oddly companionable silence until they reached their destination after 20 minutes ¨C a bustling city center teeming with late-night shoppers and wanderers, which they had already expected. Kenji fidgeted, muttering, "We look like outsiders here."
"Don''t worry," Yoru reassured him. "Let''s just get to our destination quickly."
After reaching the desired location, a magnificent sight greeted them ¨C a sprawling complex with a central union and dormitories nestled behind it. The quiet tranquility defied the city''s earlier buzz. They slipped through the door quietly. Inside, a few figures lounged ¨C some talking, one engrossed in a book, another lost in slumber. Unimportant details for them. They approached a window where a worker, a welcoming smile on her face, acknowledged them.
"Welcome, newcomers!" she chirped. "Final registration. Everything you need will be provided, along with rewards based on your performance."
A small salary, a chance to contribute to Yumix''s safety, and benefit from people who want to work here ¨C it was more than Hiroki had hoped for. Brushing aside his past, he concocted a story on the spot. "Traveler from afar," he declared, weaving a fictional country of origin. It went unchallenged, and so, it went unnoticed.
Their lack of qualifications placed them in the "new amateurs" category. After a brief assessment, the worker congratulated them, with room numbers and additional details. Tasks would arrive via mail ¨C optional or mandatory, with delivery worker ensured if it was obligation.
Surprisingly, their rooms were individual as they wanted, but thankfully, located in a row on the ground floor of Building C. They decided to convene in the outer courtyard the following day for crucial discussions. As everyone dispersed to their rooms, Miyu dove onto the comfortable bed. Hiroki, for the first time in a while, let go of his worries, allowing sleep to claim him.
Days bled into weeks, the nightmares thankfully fading. They''d established a meeting point ¨C a deserted room they arranged, nestled amidst a verdant plain near the sprawling huge forest, and also close to the union, where it does not exceed the limits. Each member had a role in their daily life in the group. Yoru, with her experience, was chosen as their leader, tasked with training and preparing them for assignments. Miyu, enthralled by the P.H.G.''s vast library, dedicated her nights to research, sharing her findings during their evening gatherings.
One day, in the bustling main cafeteria, Hiroki spotted a few familiar faces from the shelter. Among them was a stranger who caught his eye. This guy offered a friendly weird smile, and then returned to his meal.
Later that night, at their regular meeting place, Miyu announced a startling discovery. "Everyone, I have something crucial!" she declared, a hint of triumph in her voice. As the group gathered around the table, she continued, "The girl in your vision, Hiroki, seems connected to this book! I found similar descriptions in references related to the Secret Book of Yumix."
Hiroki''s responded with frustration, almost a funny situation. "Oh," he mumbled, "I figured that was the case. This was clear from the vision from the beginning", eliciting a look of comical despair from Miyu. "After all that research¡?" she sighed, feigning exasperation.
An amused sigh escaped Hiroki''s lips. "Don''t worry about it, Miyu. Let''s resume and enjoy ourselves tonight."
Kenji, ever the mood-maker, brought food and entertainment this evening with the salary they earned in their first days. Laughter filled the room as they indulged and launched into card games. A playful accusation of cheating flew towards Miyu, amidst her flustered denials. These were precious moments of camaraderie. Hiroki savored every second, a gnawing feeling in his gut telling him they wouldn''t last.
Yoru, perceptive as always, picked up on his concern. "Still thinking about that girl?" she inquired coldly. "Is it hard to forget about it?, or there is another reason for that", finished with a sly smile.
Hiroki paused for a moment, It took a few seconds for him to realize the meaning, surprised by her question. He fumbled for a denial, flustered. "No! Not at all¡"
The playful banter continued without interruption until the day passed quickly and was over.
The next morning, anticipation crackled in the air as they gathered for their first official mission ¨C a group assignment. They were tasked with securing the perimeter around the giant forest entrance for a specific period, eliminating minor threats, and submitting reports. The seemingly straightforward request surprised Yoru for their inquiry and request for reports, as if there was something there.. Regardless, they geared up and set off.
By afternoon, they decided to split up, covering more ground efficiently. None of them encountered any immediate danger, but the looming threat of the vast, unexplored forest hung heavy.
[Back to a dark corner of the room where the hidden book is kept. In an inexplicable flash, it pulsed with the same usual light for less than a second, before returning to obscurity in a dramatic atmosphere.]
Hiroki found himself near the center of their designated area, his search uneventful but nothing to notice yet. His mind wandered to his past.
He remembered living a boring life, going from high school to his home, where his father and brother''s priority was only money and staying up late, they were barely home. As for his mother, she was a distant memory. She has been lost for a long time with no significant information about her. A missing warm presence that he had become accustomed to. A bittersweet smile appeared on his lips for no reason.
And at that very moment, a fleeting shadow flickered past him, a sound that seemed to move faster than its source. He spun around, but saw nothing. Doubting his own senses, he continued his patrol forward.
And while he was in those moments that passed slowly while he raised his head, to notice a dark shape materialized, it''s strange appearance is closer to a monster, in front of the now-stationary Hiroki until now. The entity rushes with unnatural speed, hurtling towards him.....
[ To be Continued ]
First meeting
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 06: [ First meeting ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
Back to Yoru, patrolled a distant area, a furrow creasing her brow. She was thinking about Hiroki, a fleeting image in the distance. He hadn''t mentioned the strange girl in his vision, but a nagging suspicion gnawed at her.
Yoru (to herself): "Why the sudden seriousness? Did he see something... or someone? Wait, am I jealous? No way! It doesn''t matter. He wouldn''t... there''s nothing to be concerned about."
Yoru shook her head, muttering under her breath with an air of slight shyness.
Yoru (muttering): "He''s focused on the mission, that''s all."
Suddenly, a piercing scream shatters the silence. Yoru''s eyes widen in alarm.
Yoru: "Hiroki?!"
She recognizes his voice, its urgency sparking a surge of adrenaline. Knowing the dangers of the forest, she sprints towards the source of the sound, her heart pounding.
"Damn it!" Yoru said, sprinting towards the sound. Knowing the treacherous terrain, she knew the lack of a direct path. Every second counted.
Hiroki squared his shoulders, days of Yoru''s training kicking in despite his limited experience. He lunged at the shadowy figure, attempting a swift maneuver to land behind it. He knew their weak points ¨C vulnerable areas like the head and back. Dodging from side to side, he landed a solid blow on its rear, a triumphant smirk gracing his lips for a fleeting moment.
"Take this, you bastard."
Saying inside himself "It seems that I am already able to face risks.."
His victory was short-lived. The creature spun with unnatural speed, slamming him to the ground with a sickening thud. Pain shot through his ankle as he landed, hindering his movement.
"It seems.. I''m still really helpless.. Oh, what came to my mind when I thought I could do these things without Yuro" said to himself.
Panic surged through him ¨C injured, alone, and powerless.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the silence. "Stay back!"
Hiroki spun around, his heart hammering. Instead of his friends, a girl with flowing white hair stood there. She was breathtakingly beautiful, yet a hint of suspicion lingered in her ruby eyes.
"What the..." Hiroki on himself
The girl didn''t waste time with introductions. With a burst of power, she propelled herself into the air, showering the creature with a dazzling display of energy. Before it could retaliate, she delivered a finishing blow ¨C a form resembling a large weapon of encumbered energy of pure mana materialized in her hand, piercing the creature''s back with blinding light. The entity dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving behind a traces of shadows showing on the ground
The girl brushed herself off, muttering, "Honestly, these things are getting more bothersome by the day."
Hiroki watched in speechless awe as she dusted herself off. He tried to rise, call for help, but his throbbing ankle held him captive. The girl turned, her gaze settling on him. Without a word, she extended her hand on him, healing energy pulsing from her palm as it hovered over his injured foot.
Hiroki (barely audible): "eh... Thank you"
Girl: "You should have been more careful. Wandering off alone¡ Where''s the rest of your team? Amateurs, I guess?"
Hiroki (wincing): "We split up to cover more ground faster."
"Okay, okay, it looks like we have something special going on here, when you look at me as if you''ve seen me before," she said in an interesting way.
The girl sighed, a wry smile playing on her lips, it was a little too... sweet, and sugary facade. Her smile widened, a hint of playful mischief sparkling in her ruby eyes. An unsettling familiarity tugged at Hiroki''s mind. He squinted, a memory flickering at the edges of his consciousness.
Hiroki thinking "Wait a minute... This girl... her white hair... (the vision)... the same voice... It can''t be... the image I''ve seen countless times..."
Hiroki (dawning realization): "W-Wait¡ A minute¡ Aren''t you¡? Why¡ How¡?"
Girl (eyes gleaming): "The truth finally dawns on you, doesn''t it? I apologize for the delay."
A whirlwind of emotions swirled within Hiroki. Memories of the vision, the encounter with the dark creature, and now this girl with her familiar white hair and voice ¨C it was all too surreal. A nervous laugh escaped his lips.
Hiroki (frantic): "Wait, wait... this doesn''t make sense! This can''t be right. How is this happening?! Who are you exactly?"
Girl (peacefully): "Patience, Hiroki. There will be time for answers. The most important things reveal themselves in their own time."
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
The girl extended a hand towards Hiroki to get up, her face a mask of smiling concern.
Ayuri [The girl] (cont.): "Allow me to help you up. We can continue this conversation once we rejoin your team. By the way, my name is Ayuri Higashi."
Suddenly, a figure emerges from the trees in the distance ¨C Yoru, her face etched with worry after her frantic search. Relief flooded her as she spotted Hiroki, but it was quickly replaced by a mix of surprise and suspicion upon seeing the girl beside him.
Yoru (alarmed): "Hiroki! Are you alright? What happened?"
Her eyes narrowed as they fell on Ayuri, suspicion flickering across her face.
Yoru (suspicious): "And who might you be? What did you do to Hiroki?"
Ayuri replied with calm seriousness "No need for alarm. I simply heard Hiroki''s call for help and offered assistance. Those dark creatures can be quite troublesome."
Yoru''s eyes remained fixed on Ayuri, her skepticism evident.
Yoru (to Hiroki): "Is he okay? He seems... stunned. Also, why you calling him with his first name like you know him?"
Hiroki (still bewildered): "Yoru... this is... the girl... from the vision... She is Ayuri... Ayuri Higashi."
Yoru''s surprise was palpable. Confusion and suspicion warred on her face as she stared at Ayuri. The girl, however, remained unfazed, offering a gentle smile.
Ayuri (smiling calmly): "Please, let''s not jump to conclusions. I''m Ayuri Higashi. It''s a pleasure to meet you both. And perhaps, later, when things have settled, I can elaborate on the details."
Back to Kenji, paced back and forth, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. Miyu had ventured deeper into the forest, drawn by an unidentified sound. Time ticked by, and her absence fueled his growing anxiety.
Kenji (calling out): "Miyu! Miyu, where are you?!"
Back to Hiroki. As they began their trek back, Ayuri''s brow furrowed. The silence was unsettling. The sporadic attacks from the dark creatures had ceased abruptly.
Ayuri (murmuring): "This sudden quiet... it''s unsettling."
Yoru (glancing at her): "What do you mean?"
Ayuri: "These creatures... they usually attack in relentless waves. This sudden silence... it feels unnatural."
Yoru (suspicious): "Perhaps they''ve retreated. Or maybe they''re planning something bigger."
Hiroki (lost in thought): "Maybe they''re afraid of something..."
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a panicked call echoing through the trees. It was Kenji''s voice, laced with urgency.
Kenji (shouting): "Hiroki! Yoru! Miyu''s missing!"
The group veered off course, following Kenji''s frantic calls. They found him pacing worriedly, his face etched with concern.
Hiroki (alarmed): "Kenji, what happened? Where''s Miyu?"
Kenji (breathing heavily): "She wandered off deeper into the forest after hearing some strange noises. I called out for her, but there was no response!"
Ayuri (frowny wondering): "Strange noises? Did you see any sign of struggle?"
Kenji (shaking his head): "No, not at all. It''s just... quiet. Too quiet."
Yoru (gripping her lamp): "We need to find her. Now."
Back to Miyu, she cautiously explored a small, rocky outcrop, drawn by a faint sound. She soon discovered a hidden crevice, its entrance barely visible. Peering inside, she spotted two figures huddled together: a young girl, around thirteen, and a slightly older boy, perhaps fifteen. They looked terrified, their eyes wide with fear.
Miyu (softly): "Hello? Are you alright?"
The girl flinched, but the boy stepped forward protectively.
Boy (whispering): "Who are you? What do you want?"
Miyu (kindly): "Don''t be afraid. We''re here to help. We''re from the PHG union. Are you lost?"
The girl nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. She explained how they had fled their village after an attack by strange creatures. They had been wandering the forest for days, exhausted and scared.
Miyu said "Stay safe here, I will try to call our group again so they can help us"
Back to Kenji who finished explaining what he found near Miyu''s last known location. Yoru and Hiroki shared a worried glance.
Ayuri (frowning): "This silence... it''s unsettling. Could it be a trap?"
Yoru (snapping): "We can''t just sit here while Miyu might be in danger! We need to move!"
Hiroki (agreeing): "She is right. Let''s split up and search!"
Ayuri (refusing fast): "There is no need to disperse further. We need to gather together. I can listen to distant sounds, which will make it easier for us to search."
While they were advancing, Ayuri extended her hand to stop their progress, waiting and listening carefully, and suddenly an unknown person came from the shadows. It was... Miyu.
"Guys... Finally... Over here" Miyu said as happiness flooded her face.
Miyu (cont.): "I found some survivors! Two kids, hiding in a small cave."
Miyu''s announcement brought a flurry of questions. Yoru remained guarded, her eyes flickering towards Ayuri. Ayuri, in turn, masked her own curiosity with a thoughtful expression.
Ayuri (calmly): "Survivors? That''s unexpected. Perhaps they can shed light on what happened here."
Miyu (confused): "Hiroki, who''s this girl? Is she with us now?"
Hiroki (sheepishly): "Uh, yeah. We''ll explain later. Right now, let''s see these survivors you found."
Miyu led them deeper into the woods, her excitement bubbling over. They reached the small cave entrance, and Miyu instructed the others to wait outside.
Miyu (whispering): "Just stay here. These kids are a little scared, so I''ll talk to them first."
A moment of silence passed. Then, a wave of panic washed over Miyu''s face.
Miyu (horrified): "They''re gone! The kids are gone!"
Hiroki says with tension, "Why that? Did you ask them not to move from the place?"
Miyu replied "I have already done so !"
Ayuri asked not to rush. "There is no need to panic now. How deep is this cave? Maybe they have gone deeper into it to take cover."
Yoru on her mind very anxious as this doesn''t seem normal.
Ayuri : "It seems that the best solution would be to search abroad since we have nothing new here."
They had already decided to leave the place, Miyu''s desperation evident on her face as they made their way to the opening of the small cave.
Before they could step outside, a chilling voice echoed from the darkness within the cave. "Oh Well well, Hello there.." ...
[ To be Continued ]
Sorrows!
The Original LightNovel Project
Volume 01, Chapter 07: [ Sorrows! ]
Original work, all rights reserved to the product team and the sponsor team (SSC), and to the Author ¡®Pili¡¯
The small cave echoed with a chilling voice, sending a jolt of fear through the PHG members. Hiroki, Yoru, and Miyu swiveled around, and their eyes narrowed. Ayuri, however, remained frozen, her gaze fixed on a figure emerging from the shadows.
Him: "Oh I see. Seems like my little welcome surprised you."
The figure, a man cloaked in darkness, held two children hostage ¨C a young girl, no older than 13, and a teenage boy around 15. He gripped them tightly, one in each hand, with a horrifying appendage ¨C an arm crafted from a pulsating, radioactive black substance.
Tension crackled in the air. Yoru bristled. And Hiroki''s fists clenched, his eyes burning with a fiery resolve and feeling tension at same time.
Ayuri (calmly, but with a hint of steel): "Explain yourself. Why are these children hostages? And who are you exactly?"
She resumed: "I have the right to eliminate you with permission from the authority of the P.H.G"
The figure cackled, a sound that sent shivers down their spines.
Mysterious Figure: "Interesting! You think it''s that simple matter ? How naive!"
Yoru (gritting her teeth): "Ayuri, permission to engage!"
Ayuri (calmly): "Hold, Yoru. Let us hear him out."
Ayuri''s voice held a hint of urgency, barely perceptible to the others. Her hand subtly moved towards a hidden compartment on her belt, her eyes never leaving the figure.
Hiroki (eyes blazing): "These are innocent children! There''s nothing logical about this! Tell us what you want!"
The figure''s gaze shifted to Hiroki, a flicker of amusement dancing in his dark eyes.
Mysterious Figure: "Ah, the chosen one! It seems things have gotten even more interesting!"
Ayuri''s expression hardened. A silent plea flickered across her face, directed at Hiroki.
Ayuri (mouth barely moving): "Hiroki, back down. This is not the time."
Replied "How can we back down? Those are kids are in danger for no specified reason!"
Hiroki''s muscles tensed, a primal urge to protect warring with the need to obey Ayuri. He knew she wouldn''t make such a request lightly. With a deep breath, he forced himself to stand down, his jaw clenched tight.
Mysterious Figure (laughing gleefully): "Excellent! The game is afoot!"
[Memories]
A wave of memories washed over Hiroki, vivid and bittersweet. Rain lashed against the windows, a familiar sight from his days of trudging home from school. He was twelve years old then, a lonely figure battling the elements and the bleakness of his life.
Hiroki (internal monologue): "The world always seemed so cruel. But mom always said..."
A gentle voice echoed in his mind, his mother''s voice, soft and filled with warmth.
Her (memory): "This world may seem harsh, Hiroki, but remember, you and anyone can make it beautiful."
(Resuming Memories)
Hiroki tightened his grip on his worn backpack, The rain was falling slowly in front. He didn''t really care, his feelings and personality were completely cold. Until he rounded a corner to notice something interesting happening.
A group of older boys surrounded a smaller child, their faces twisted in cruel amusement. The little boy, no older than eight, huddled on the ground, tears about to go down from his eyes. They had taken his umbrella, his only defense against the downpour.
"Look at the little crybaby! Bet he''s got something good hidden in that bag!" Some of them said.
"Yeah, let''s have a look, shall we?" Other replied.
The little boy whimpered, his eyes welling up with fear. Hiroki stood rooted to the spot, His reaction was completely cold and he had a mixed mixture of thoughts inside him.
While those people are thinking about selling these things and what they will do with them. Hiroki coldly comes in with a crushing blow to him, knocking him to the ground while the rest of them watch in shock, amazement, and unexpectedness, and the scene passes slowly.
Hiroki (Talking slowly cold): "It''s a shame picking on someone smaller than you. You''re nothing but stupid bastards!"
Then the other one came to him in a state of anger and haste, trying to attack him. Then Hiroki moved with every effort and continued knocking him to the ground by kicking the sensitive area of ??his leg.
Hiroki emerged victorious, after he shot down the last person among them, he ran away, stuttering on his way, saying "This is not a normal human being!".
Hiroki retrieved the stolen umbrella, coming back with all coolness and magnificence. He approached the trembling boy, who looked at him with wide, grateful eyes.
Hiroki: "Here, take this."
While Hiroki was quietly walking away from the scene, the boy interrupted him and called him "You!" and resumed after getting up " Thank you... thank you so much! This belongs to my mom, it''s all I have... I''m sorry for getting you into this problem, you really helped me !"
Hiroki stood there for a moment, he stood there frozen for a moment, and his facial features changed, and his eyes opened slightly for a few seconds. He continues, raising his hand as farewell to that boy, "Don''t worry about it. See you around".
Hiroki continues his memories as the days go by.
"I had always been a quiet observer, content to fix small wrongs in the shadows. But this act of courage, however small, ignited a spark."
(Resuming inside himself) "Since I was young, I knew how this world worked. I was really trying to fix what I could behind the scenes, but I discovered... how naive I was. I did not notice that this world was damaged from the beginning and that it would remain so even after a change was made in it. This is the nature of human beings. Everyone is selfish and works for their own benefit, or this is what I saw from my point of view."
(Years passes)
"Years passed, I was fifteen then, reaching to high school, it was a secondary thing for me. My outlook on everything around me has completely changed, I have become a different person than in the past. I didn''t even want to try. Had I lost hope? Or was it certainty of the truth?"
One day, he saw something that shattered his growing indifference.
He saw the same person he had saved before, but life seems to be roundabout, the roles have changed now. It seems he has become part of a new gang. They were surrounding a girl just under his age, her voice echoing in terror. She was calling for help, her gaze landing on Hiroki.
Hiroki''s heart was completely frozen. He started to turn away, the boy''s menacing glare stopping him in his tracks.
That boy was about to threaten him: "Don''t even think about it, This doesn''t concern .. you.." As he continued his words, his features recognized that he was the same person who had previously criticized him, and he stood in confusion.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.Hiroki stared back, a cold reaction washing over him. Hiroki watched in a silence as the girl''s pleas for help faded into the distance. The rain continued to pour, The girl''s pleading voices disappeared after walking away.
(Memories ends with everything being dark)
Hiroki (internal monologue): "It seems that I finally regretted my neglect. If only I could rewind time..."
(Next day from memories)
The memory transitioned to the stark reality of Hiroki''s living room. The news blared on the television, the anchor''s face grim.
Newscaster: "And here we have another incident that seems rather painful. The notorious gang known as "Night Ravens" has struck again. They continued their riotous activities in the surrounding area, and we learned that a girl named Chiharu had been captured."
(Her picture and information are shown, and he discovers that she is the same girl from yesterday)
"..Until now, she has not returned to her home at all."
The girl''s family was in a miserable situation at the heart of the event
At the heart of the news, her mother was bursting into tears, blaming the people in the place as to why they were not doing anything, and why they were not doing anything if they could.
"Why her exactly? She was happy in her life. Her dream was to join her favorite university.. Just Why.."
Hiroki remained rooted to the spot, simply observing the matter, although his features were cold, inside him he was hiding great remorse and sadness. Continuing inside himself: "If only I could correct my mistakes.. No.. Rather, I was able to do that all the time and I still am."
Hiroki fell on his knees, lost in the obsessions of his mind, trying to accept the reality of what happened. (And his past memories end in darkness.)
[ Memories ends and we return to real-time events ]
Returning to the seriousness of the current situation facing Hiroki and those with him, tension and anger, mixed emotions take over his body, his eyes shine with a golden sparkle, the same flash that comes out of the book. He is trying to advance in preparation for a surprise attack.
Before he could reach the figure, a horrifying sight unfolded. The strange arm, pulsating with dark energy, lashed out, wrapping around the young boy''s neck. A sickening crunch echoed through the cave as the life was squeezed out of the child. He strangled the child to death, exploding from his place, with the remains of those black scrolls scattered in a slow scene passing before their eyes.
A collective gasp escaped the group. Hiroki froze,he lost his voice in his throat to the point where he was unable to speak. The little girl, erupted in a heart-wrenching wail, the sound of pure, unadulterated grief.
"NOOOOOOO! Haruta! .. Don''t! .. Brother!" Her voice raises an expression of sorrow
While that person was showing a provocative hiss of laughter, he noticed Hiroki''s looks that made him not know what to do.
Ayuri (calmly, but with urgency): "Yoru, Recover the girl once you give her space, and also take care of Hiroki"
"Got it" Yoru Replied.
Ayuri reacted instantly, without leaving the slightest opportunity to think, she took off with quick jumps against the wall. With 3 steps, taking a few seconds. She reached his place, trying to blow it up with radioactive mana that she had prepared in her hand to explode and leave an open path for the girl. The figure recoiled from Ayuri''s attack, releasing the boy''s lifeless body. Yoru, ever vigilant, sprang into action. She darted forward, catching the falling girl just in time, cradling her close. The girl clung to Yoru, her body wracked with silent sobs.
"Don''t worry, everything is fine now, you are in safe hands" Yoru said to her.
Hiroki was already watching what was happening, holding his fist and raising it and saying to himself, "Look at what others are doing, while I was the reason for all of this" then lowered it again.
Mysterious Man (laughs a little considering the difficulty of the site): "Well, well, this isn''t from the plan anymore. But it seems I''ve gathered what I needed. No further need for entertainment."
Then he rushes with quick steps away from them towards the exit like a ghost
The Mysterious man cast a final glance at Hiroki, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
Mysterious man (cont.): "Don''t worry, Kurogane. You possess remarkable strength."
Hiroki stopped for moment then realized (eyes narrowed): "How do you know my name? Do you already have other information about me? .. What do you want exactly from me?"
The Mysterious man ignored his questions,He made his way out of the cave between the forests with quick ghostly movements. Ayuri, who had been preparing to pursue him, stopped short, realizing the futility of the chase.
(After few seconds Ayuri appeared with a miserable fatigue sighing)
"There''s no point in following him now."
While Yoru continues, "This was a spectacular failure," and Miyu is in a state of tension, wondering, "Will things be okay?" Ayuri calmly gathered her team spirit again and accepted with a simple open breath, "We did what we had to and we tried. No one is to blame in this situation." Ayuri hints at Hiroki and his disturbed reaction, he nodded numbly, his mind reeling from the events that had transpired. Many thoughts were running through his mind, "Everyone contributed to his work, but I was the only reason for the failure in this situation. It seems that I am destined to be ill-fated by that book, but... I must not focus on this too much... Things will get better soon.. Or that''s what I hope."
Ayuri placed her hand on Hiroki''s shoulder, trying to calm him down calmly, accompanied by a cute, silly, and bit cheerful smile, "Don''t worry, you have nothing to do with it at all. This is the fate that happened, so don''t blame anyone else."
Miyu interrupted replying, "It seems that the little girl''s wounds need urgent intervention now."
Ayuri (calmly): "We need to get this girl medical attention. Her wounds needs immediate treatment. Kenji, inform the PHG of the situation. We''ll regroup with you soon at the nearest medical center there."
Amaya''s words echoed in the silence, a chilling vow. "I... I... Will..."
Ayuri''s eyes widened in surprise. She knelt before Amaya, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Ayuri (softly):"Do you have something you want to say?"
She continued with courage, flowing from her heart, in a simple voice, "I will avenge them, I will avenge them, they took my brother from me... I can''t ..."
She could barely complete her words in her disturbed state
She was initially shocked by the strength of her resolve to say such words. A little darkness filled Iori''s eyes, and she continued with her smile, asking her, "Tell me more about yourself, and what your name is."
Amaya, Her eyes filled with interest at first, looked at Ayuri and spoke in a low tone voice.
Amaya (The Girl): "My name is Amaya Uchino. That was my brother, Haruta. But he is gone now, and I will become strong enough to avenge him."
Ayuri''s smile widened a fraction further. This young girl, fueled by grief, possessed a spark of potential that mirrored Hiroki''s own.
[Art 01: Amaya Uchino, 13'' years old, found inside the cave]
[ To be Continued ]
Disaster Aftermath
Volume 01, Chapter 09: [ Disaster Aftermath ]
The golden rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the bustling entry hall of the PHG Union. A solemn atmosphere weighed heavily as Hiroki and his comrades made their way back, carrying a wounded girl. The usual chatter and greetings were replaced by hushed whispers and curious glances as they passed.
??
Entry Official looked shocked as she asked, "What happened? Is everyone alright?" Her voice carried a note of worry, her eyes darting between the unresponsive Amaya and the impassive Hiroki.Yoru spoke seriously, saying, "We faced a dangerous situation. This girl, Amaya, needs urgent medical help." Her voice remained steady, yet there was a hint of suppressed anger in her tone.She recounted the harrowing events in the cave, and some were able to eavesdrop on the conversation and spread mutterings among them. The story of the mysterious figure, the attack on the children, and Amaya''s brother''s tragic death painted a chilling picture. The entry official listened intently, her face etched with concern. Every detail Yoru shared added another layer of urgency to the situation.
A sense of urgency filled the air of the administrative center. Papers shuffled swiftly, reports were compiled, and hushed conversations filled the room. A young female servicer, her brow furrowed in concentration, sorted through a stack of documents detailing the Hiroki group''s mission. Her name was Akari, a bright newcomer eager to prove herself.
Servicer murmured to herself, "An attack on a PHG mission... a mysterious assailant with unknown abilities... a hostage situation..."Her voice, hardly more than a murmur, faded away as she took in the seriousness of the report.
A deep voice boomed across the room.
A man who showed signs of experience, strength, and authority over the place, his face obscured by shadows, he was looking with insight, sitting at the large table that looked like it was for meetings. Confidence radiated from him as he spoke with insight."So, it appears the problems are starting to emerge... They''re already making themselves known."
News of the mission''s gruesome turn of events spread like wildfire through the bustling mess hall. Conversations buzzed with a mix of shock, disbelief, and morbid curiosity.
Someone shouted in disbelief, "An attack on a PHG mission? This is unheard of!" His voice quivered. Another replied skeptically, "Yeah, right. Sounds like someone''s trying to embellish a simple scouting mission." A girl whispered, "I heard there was a mysterious figure involved. Someone.. Dangerous" Her words added an air of doubt.
Another boy scoffed, "Dark powers? Oh Come on, that sounds like something out of a fairy tale, don''t be ridiculous. This isn''t a bedtime story.."?
Amidst the swirling rumors, a single figure stood out¡ªthe white-haired boy Hiroki had glimpsed earlier at the shelter. As baseless speculation filled the air, his interest seemed to wane. With a silent grace, he rose from his chair and exited the hall.. Seemingly.
News of the mission''s grim outcome swept through the mess hall, replacing the usual buzz with a tense silence.
A senior PHG member, a man with a commanding presence, strode into the room. Everyone recognized him ¨C Ryuuji Yamaake, the man known simply as "That Senior."
"Silence!.." he commanded, his voice resonating with quiet, but firm, authority. "There''s no need for fear-mongering. This is an isolated incident, a fluke you could say. The PHG has faced many challenges over the years, and we will overcome this one as well."
A hush fell over the room as Ryuuji addressed the crowd, his words carrying the weight of experience.
Ryuuji continued, "The details of this situation are still being investigated. Rest assured, the highest-ranking members of the PHG are on the case. We will identify the perpetrator and deal with it."A tense silence followed Ryuuji''s speech. Hiroki, still amazed by the turn of events, stared at the figure commanding respect from everyone.
Hiroki turned back, to notice Ayuri coming to him, "Oh, you''re back already," He muttered to her."I made sure Amaya was taken care of at the health center," Ayuri responded, before adding, "There''s definitely something major going on here."
Hiroki leaned towards her, speaking in a hushed tone. "Who is that guy? It appears that he is widely respected."
"That''s Ryuuji Yamaake. He''s the head of the PHG, a highly respected leader. A role model for all of us," Ayuri explained.
Ryuuji''s gaze swept across the room, eventually locking eyes with Hiroki. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, and a furrow etched his brow for a fleeting moment. He then turned his attention back to the report, while Hiroki continued watching him intently.
Next to Ryuuji stood a man helping him. He was a bit shorter, with a severe and focused expression. He seemed very calm, focusing on minor details, and it was clear he was Ryuuji''s right-hand man.
Once a significant amount of time has gone by and everyone has dispersed from there, we relocate to a spot that appears to be somewhat distant.
If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Deep in the vast forest, in a hidden semi-subterranean area that resembles a covert command center. Very few people were moving inside. Tools and books lay scattered on a makeshift workbench.
It was him, Eldarion, the enigmatic man who had attacked Hiroki''s group, sat on a dilapidated chair. He meticulously recorded notes in a leather-bound tome, his expression obscured by the dim light. Several hooded figures moved about the chamber, tending to various tasks.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open, admitting a young woman with an air of weary triumph. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her fiery ruby-red eyes shone with exhaustion, but a spark of devious amusement flickered in her gaze.
Renne (That girl) entered, sighing dramatically. "Ah, I''m done already. You won''t believe how much fun that was, Eldarion. The mission was a breeze. They practically handed me the information on a silver platter." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Eldarion glanced up from his notes, a slight evil smirk playing on his lips. He gestured to a nearby table where a picture of Hiroki lay face up. "Didn''t expect you to infiltrate the PHG so easily, Renne." His voice was quiet and carried a note of amusement.
Renne waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, come on. That Hiroki kid," she scoffed, her smile widening with a glint of danger in her ruby eyes. "That fool never even saw it coming."
Eldarion leaned back in his chair. "Excellent work. Everything is falling perfectly into place. Now, retrieving Yumix will be a mere formality."
Renne''s eyes gleamed sharply. "Just as planned. I''ll continue with it. The situation looks optimum. We can restore Yumix now that we have the basis and motives."
A nod from Eldarion, accompanied by a fleeting expression that resembled respect, was visible in his eyes. It was clear to him that Renne was a valuable asset, a cutthroat and sharp-witted agent for the owner of that whole game.
The moon illuminated the night that had just fallen over the residential areas of the PHG Union. Ayuri, weary from her journey, approached the main grand entrance, her steps echoing in the twilight. As she passed through the gate, a young woman with vibrant dark purple hair caught her eye. It was Honoka Kurosawa, the famous detective who previously appeared at the Shelter, was destined to find her here.
Ayuri continued on her way, then paused, turning away from Honoka''s view. "Honoka... here? What could a detective like her be doing at the Union?" she wondered. A flicker of unease crossed her mind. Could this be a coincidence, or was Honoka investigating something related to their mission?"Whatever her reasons, I can''t let her presence interfere with our plans with Hiroki and the others," Ayuri muttered to herself. Her expression hardened with resolve as she pushed the thought aside. She continued towards their usual meeting place, the small hut.
Hiroki, Yoru, Kenji and Miyu sat huddled in the room, a tense silence hanging heavy in the air. Amaya, propped up on pillows, sipped lukewarm soup that Hiroki managed to obtain from the general canteen. Her face, pale yet determined, mirrored the weight of their situation, but then, she seemed to be slightly happy eating this delicious food.The decision of the PHG''s refusal to take her in had settled in after their many attempts that failed, given her young age and the loss of her last family, which complicated matters for them. They end up having different opinions
Amaya sat quietly, her eyes downcast, "So... they won''t let me join? Not even stay in the private residences?" Her voice was trembling ever so slightly.
Miyu approached to her, gently squeezed Amaya''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, Amaya. We understand their position. You''re still too young for official guild membership." Her voice was calm filled with empathy.
Yoru nodded in agreement. "But that doesn''t mean we''ll stop helping you. We''ll surely find your brother''s murderer."
Amaya''s eyes darted between them, hope clashing with lingering sorrow.
Hiroki frowned slightly, glancing at the door. "Isn''t Ayuri running a bit late? She was supposed to arrive soon as planned."
Amaya looked up "Didn''t Ayuri mention she had errands to run?"
Yoru turned toward her in a bit of confusion. "I thought she took you for medical attention. Didn''t she say that?"
Amaya shook her head. "Yes She did, but afterward... She said she had to continue somewhere else, then left me afterward"
Just then, the door quietly opened, the atmosphere thick with tension. Until, Ayuri stepped into view. Relief washed over the group, momentarily easing the silence.
Ayuri''s expression was apologetic "Sorry for the delay. The higher-ups took longer than expected to get updates from them."
Hiroki''s eyes narrowed as his tone lifted. "What did they say? Any leads on the attacker?"
Ayuri took a deep breath, then her face tightened with frustration. "Unfortunately.. details are still vague. But they''ve assured us the investigation is ongoing."
A heavy silence followed in the room. Despite Ayuri''s return, uncertainty lingered. But her presence, and the assurance in her voice, gave the smallest glimmer of hope.
[ To be Continued ]