《Madougu: Rise of The Fallen (Dark Fantasy - Supernatural Power Progression - Colossal Monsters)》


 Chapter 01: The Urgent Message

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    <h2>Chapter 01: The Urgent Message</h2>


    <hr>


    Somewhere at Certain Time


    "HEY, SNAP OUT OF IT, MAN! Don¡¯t just stand there¡ªGET READY TO DEFEND YOURSELF AND FIGHT!" shouted the male soldier as he nudged and shook his squad mate. His voice filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. He didn¡¯t want to face the massive monsters alone¡ªhe needed his comrade¡¯s strength and resolve to survive this.. true nightmare.


    As that male soldier shouted to his comrades, another soldier, a woman, finally snapped out from her paralyzed state of terror. She quickly raised her SMG (sub-machine gun) and opened fire on the giant monster. But her efforts were in vain. The bullets merely dented and bounced off the creature''s armored scales, doing no damage.


    "Argh! My SMG bullets aren''t working! They don¡¯t penetrate the monster''s scales! What should we do, Sergeant? SERGEANT MAKOTO!?" she cried out, panic and confusion clear in her voice.


    Her desperate call seemed to break the others out of their stunned state, including Sergeant Makoto himself. This was the most dangerous encounter of their lives, and none of them knew how to handle it. Their wide, terror-stricken eyes turned to Sergeant Makoto, awaiting direction, while some couldn''t stop their bodies from trembling uncontrollably. Sergeant Makoto and his team were now facing a life-threatening situation¡ªtheir worst living nightmare.


    Suddenly, a man with authority voice crackled through Sergeant Makoto''s radio, snapping them back to their grim reality.


    "RETREAT, SERGEANT MAKOTO! ABORT THE MISSION! EVACUATE YOUR SQUAD! FALL BACK! GET OUT OF THERE! NOW!!" The authority-voice man shout momentarily halted the chaos, his urgent tone cutting through the tension in the air.


    Without further hesitation, Sergeant Makoto immediately gave the order, "EVERYONE, FALL BACK! RETREAT FOR¡­" His command was abruptly cut off as a loud shriek from one of the monsters ripped through the air.


    SCREEEAAAAAAK!!


    But it was too late; the first giant monster had already closed in on one of the soldiers. The creature¡¯s enormous mouth opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and it slowly descended toward his defenseless upper body, ready to consume him whole.


    ¡°NOOO!¡± Two nearby soldiers screamed as they raised their rifles, opened fire in a desperate attempt to save their comrade and stop the monster.


    RATATATATATA! TINK! TINK! PLANK! PLANK!


    RATATATATATA! TZING! TAK! TZING! CHAK!


    They fired their rifles frantically, but their efforts were in vain. The bullets bounced off its armored scales, completely ineffective, just as the sub-machine gun rounds had been moments ago. The creature¡¯s thick, armor-like hide absorbed every shot, leaving no sign of damage. The other soldiers could only watch in horror as the beast devoured their helpless comrade.


    "HELP! AAARRGGHH!" His screams echoed through the room as his upper body was engulfed, the sickening crunch of flesh and bone reverberating as if he were being devoured by a tiger or shark. His final, desperate cries merged with the grotesque sounds of tearing flesh.


    The two soldiers nearby stood frozen, unable to save him. Within seconds, his entire body disappeared into the monster¡¯s massive mouth, leaving nothing behind but the chilling memory of his final moments.


    "Goddamn you! You motherfucking monsters!! Aaaaarrgghh!" one of the soldiers watching from a distance cried out in rage and agony, unable to accept the tragic death of his comrade and friend. His anguished scream echoed through the chamber, filling the room with the sorrow of loss.


    The other soldiers, along with Sergeant Makoto, stood frozen in terror, their faces pale as sheets. They had watched helplessly from a distance as their comrade was devoured alive. Their bodies trembled, their legs shaking as they couldn¡¯t believe that their friend had been eaten by one of the giant monsters. In a matter of seconds, the situation had turned deadly, threatening the lives of all of them.


    "AAAAAAAARGH! AAAAAAHHH!" Another female soldier, paralyzed by fear, screamed uncontrollably. Her entire body shook violently as she fell to her knees, dropping her dual handguns onto the floor. With shock in her eyes, she hugged herself tightly, shaking her head, desperately trying to deny the horror unfolding before her.


    At that moment, Sergeant Makoto realized his responsibility for his team''s safety¡ªhe had to act. He couldn¡¯t let his entire squad be wiped out by these alien creatures.


    "HEY, YOU TWO, REGROUP! Everyone, we will perform the defensive retreat formation!" Sergeant Makoto ordered the two soldiers who had been closest to the group of monsters to move back toward the team.


    "Don''t worry; we¡¯re getting out of here alive, TOGETHER!!" he shouted, attempting to encourage his remaining soldiers as they braced for the regrouping of their two comrades.


    Hearing Sergeant Makoto¡¯s words, the soldiers snapped out of their daze, their expressions hardening. Though terror still gripped them, a renewed resolve sparked within. They weren¡¯t going to give up¡ªthey would survive this nightmare. The female soldier who had fallen to her knees earlier took a deep breath, then slowly stood up, retrieving her handguns and cocking them with newfound determination.


    As the two soldiers ran to regroup with Sergeant Makoto and the team, more cracking sounds echoed through the massive chamber. One after another, many monstrous giant creatures burst free from their confinement. Their red, glowing eyes fixed on the soldiers. Yet they remained still, as if biding their time before launching a unified attack.


    ¡°DEFENSIVE RETREAT FORMATION! Move toward the entrance! No grenades or explosives¡ªwait for my command!¡± Sergeant Makoto ordered, directing his squad into a coordinated retreat as the two distant soldiers finally regrouped.


    "Yes, Sir!" the ten soldiers replied, steeling themselves with a fierce determination for a desperate escape to survive and protect one another.


    As the soldiers began their formation, some monsters began surged forward, screeching their monstrous roars as they crawled toward the squad with high speed. The rest of their kind soon followed, echoing their eerie cries through the massive chamber.


    SCREEEAAAAAAK! SCREEEEEE!


    "NOW! TO THE ENTRANCE!" Sergeant Makoto''s voice rang out, commanding and authoritative, as the squad initiated their retreat.


    The soldiers sprinted toward the entrance of the massive room in a tight retreat formation. And they need to descend through many paths to reach the building¡¯s main entrance on the first floor to escape. This was a race against time¡ªand against death. Their hearts pounded, adrenaline surging through their veins.


    The creatures¡¯ eyes glowed with an eerie, otherworldly red, casting a sinister light across the room. Their screams and screeches echoed ominously as they crawled rapidly toward the squad. Four soldiers positioned at the back of the formation ran backward, firing their weapons in alternating rifle-shotgun order to keep the monsters at distance.


    RATATATATATATA! TZING! TAK! TING! CHAK!


    BAM! Clack! Clack! BAM!


    The blasts of gunfire reverberated throughout the room. At the same time, the smell of gunpowder filled the air. But the beasts seemed unaffected by the rifle bullets and shotgun shots¡ªthey were unstoppable.


    Even as they were being chased, somehow the soldiers at the rear managed to keep the monsters at bay with their barrage of bullets. But then, the two soldiers at the back of the formation looked at each other and nodded, realizing that the whole team wouldn¡¯t survive if there is no one hold the monsters and stay behind, to buy the others time to escape.


    Without hesitation, the two soldiers stopped running.


    One of them shouted to the others, "GO, LEAVE THIS PLACE! We¡¯ll hold these freakin'' monsters!! GO NOW!!"


    "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET BACK IN FORMATION!" Sergeant Makoto ordered the two soldiers, but deep down, he knew their intention¡ªto sacrifice themselves.


    "NO! JUST GO, SERGEANT!¡± One soldier shouted back, his voice resolute. ¡°Please survive and escape! Do it for our beloved country, FOR JAPAN! Just don¡¯t forget us¡ªand destroy these monsters for good someday! NOW GO!" Kuroda shouted back with a determined expression.


    "NOOO! Don¡¯t do it! I will never forgive you, come back here!" the female soldier who had earlier fallen into despair cried out loud, trying to go back and pull her comrades. But she was grabbed by a comrade at the front of the formation and dragged along with the team.


    "Sergeant! Take these! Give them to our families!" One of the two determined soldiers called out, throwing the both of their dog tags toward Sergeant Makoto. With steady hands, Makoto caught the dog tags and carefully secured them in his tactical bag.


    "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY! Okay, we must go now!" Makoto shouted, his voice heavy with both grief and respect. He raised his hand in a sharp salute to the two brave soldiers before turning and running alongside the remaining nine, retreating in a tight new formation.


    The two selfless soldiers turned their backs on their comrades for the last time, facing the advancing monsters. Raising their rifles, they aimed at the creatures¡¯ glowing red eyes.


    Kuroda, an explosive expert, shouted, "Thanks for being with me, Omura. You¡¯re braver than most¡ªeven for someone who only joined the Special Forces last year. Let¡¯s give these damn monsters a lesson they¡¯ll never forget!"


    "Don¡¯t mention it, Kuroda. If my sacrifice means protecting our people and country, then I¡¯m more than happy to do it. FOR JAPAAAN!" Omura, a junior Japan Special Forces soldier, shouted, his voice filled with emotion as he prepared to fight the monsters to his last breath.


    Please, my comrades, make it out alive. I¡¯m honored to have served alongside you.. Kuroda thought as he steadied himself for the inevitable.


    Then, both of them opened fire continuously, not looking back, trying to stop the giant monsters from chasing their comrades. They pulled the triggers and held the firearms to their shoulders, blasting their bullets at the beasts and tossing a few grenades as the creatures closed in.


    RATATATA! TAKATATAK! BANK! CHAK! CHAKA! BANK! CHAK! Tzing! BOOM!


    RATATATATAT! WANG! Bank! Tzing! Zetiing! Chaka! Zipping! TZING! BOOM!


    "DIE, YOU BASTARD! AARGHH!" Kuroda shouted at the top of his lungs after reloading his rifle and firing again.


    "UURAAAAAA! EAT THIS, MONSTERS!" Omura screamed, standing his ground and firing again after loading his last magazine.


    The horde of monstrous creatures seemed almost unstoppable. The bullets and explosions slowed them only a little, but still, they came, moving with terrifying speed.


    SHREEEEEEEEEKSSSSHHH!


    SCREEEAAAAAAK!


    ¡°HEEAAAAAAAAA!!¡± Kuroda and Omura screamed in unison, standing their ground with unyielding courage as the wave of monsters closed in. They refused to retreat, fired every last bullet into the horde, holding the line with all their might.


    And then¡­ everything went dark..


    ¡­


    * * * *


    (Present Time)


    Monday, June 20, 2025


    Sakamiya City ¨C Tokyo, Japan


    Sakamiya Station 1


    07:50 AM


    Tokyo¡¯s subway trains were typically packed, especially during rush hour. Haruto Mori had grown used to standing throughout his commute, often finding it difficult even to stand comfortably because of the crowded conditions. At worst, the carriages would resemble a sardine can, with people squeezed together so tightly that even breathing felt restricted.


    That morning, rain poured steadily, creating a muted atmosphere across the city.


    Haruto arrived at Sakamiya 1 Station, he grabbed one of the plastic bags provided at the entrance to store his dripping wet umbrella. This helped prevent water from dripping onto the floor, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t inconvenience other passengers. After placing the umbrella inside the bag, Haruto joined the line at the entrance gate, tapping his card to access the platform. The number of people waiting for the train seemed noticeably much fewer than usual. He searched for a less crowded lane to queue in, all while keeping an eye on the arrival of the train.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Just then, a clear announcement came from the station speakers.


    "To all passengers, please prepare to board the arriving train. Make sure to stand safely behind the yellow line and avoid blocking the train doors. Please allow passengers to disembark first. We also kindly remind you to keep the train clean by not leaving any trash behind. Thank you for your cooperation."


    Shortly after the announcement, the familiar rumble of the train echoed through the station, signaling its approach. People began preparing to board. Surprisingly, the platform wasn¡¯t too crowded¡ªonly a few passengers were lined up in the different lanes. The train gradually slowed down, coming to a smooth stop.


    As the train doors slid open, Haruto noticed only a small number of people exiting the carriage he was about to board. Once the departing passengers had cleared, he and a few others quickly stepped inside. But what greeted him inside left him momentarily stunned.


    The carriage was unexpectedly empty, with only about twelve people scattered around. It was Monday morning, usually the busiest time of the week, when the train should be packed with commuters, sometimes as many as fifty people crammed in, shoulder to shoulder.


    What on earth is happening?.. Haruto thought, puzzled by the unusually low number of passengers.


    Today, however, seemed to be an exception¡ªan oddly fortunate one for Haruto. He scanned the carriage, his eyes quickly catching the sight of several vacant seats scattered throughout the otherwise deserted space. An empty seat during a Tokyo morning commute was practically a miracle, especially on a Monday.


    After making sure no one else was moving toward the seats, Haruto calmly walked over and sank into one in the middle of the carriage. A wave of relief washed over him as he settled in, laying his back against the long bench seat.


    This is rare.. he thought. A stroke of luck? Perhaps. But was it truly just luck?.. The thought lingered as he glanced around the eerily quiet carriage. Maybe the heavy rain kept people indoors this morning.. Haruto mused, stretching his legs slightly as he settled into his seat.


    Even as he tried to enjoy the rare comfort of a seat, Haruto couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the peculiarity of the situation. The Tokyo subway, infamous for its chaos and overpopulation, was now uncharacteristically quiet. The bad weather¡ªthe persistent downpours over the past three days, and now again this morning¡ªseemed to have cast an unusual hush over the city, leaving the normally bustling subway in an eerily tranquil state.


    This wasn¡¯t how a Monday morning in Tokyo was supposed to feel. A typically bustling subway car now felt eerily calm, as if the world outside had pressed pause.


    Even so, Haruto felt a quiet sense of gratitude for being able to enjoy the ride seated comfortably, without having to stand or be squeezed between fellow commuters. For the next 15 minutes, he could sit back, relax, and savor this rare moment of tranquility on the train.


    To pass the time, Haruto watched a music video playing on the monitor at the center of the carriage, showcasing some of Japan¡¯s most popular pop bands. Above the screen, a running text scrolled from right to left, displaying information about cleanliness, the next station, the temperature, arrival times, and other useful details.


    Shortly after the train departed from Sakamiya Station 1, the relentless rain finally eased, but heavy clouds still clung to the sky, with the faintest hint of sunlight struggling to break through. Then, a familiar notification sound chimed from Haruto¡¯s phone.


    Ding ding... Ding ding...


    He reached into his bag to retrieve his phone, unlocking it with his thumbprint. The screen displayed a new text message¡ª it was from Kanna Fujita, a 21-year-old female student at the same university, one of his college mates.


    Haruto assumed that Kanna might have sent another message, waiting for him at the main gate of Sakamiya University, just like she usually did.


    But this time, when he read the text on his phone, the message was vastly different from what he had anticipated. It carried an unfamiliar urgency that immediately caught his attention.


    The message from Kanna:


    "Haruto-kun, something huge is happening right now, and your presence is urgently needed. This could be a threat to all of humanity. I''ll be waiting for you near the campus gate to guide you inside. Let me know when you arrive. See you soon."


    Kanna used to be shy and awkward, but over time, she had become much calmer and more composed. Perhaps because Haruto was always there. Now, she could easily talk to Haruto whenever they met on the train or at campus. However, the message he had just read carried an undercurrent of seriousness and anxiety¡ªemotions she rarely displayed. Haruto still couldn¡¯t fully grasp the meaning behind Kanna¡¯s words.


    Haruto¡¯s mind briefly drifted back to a particular memory from three months ago¡ªhis first meeting with Kanna, had left a lasting impression on him. Back then, she had been clumsy and a bit careless when they first crossed paths on the train. It was a morning he would never forget..


    * * * *


    (Flashback)


    Monday, March 17, 2025


    Sakamiya Station 1


    8:00 AM


    Haruto heard the rumbling sound of the approaching train. He had been standing in line for a few minutes, waiting at the rear section of the train car entrance. Looking around, there was a sea of people snaking through the station, all queuing up to board the morning train. Fortunately, he managed to secure a spot in the third row, close enough to the front of the queue.


    The train arrived with a loud roar, and the doors hissed open. The passengers rushed inside, pushing and squeezing to find whatever space they could claim. The car was overcrowded, barely accommodating everyone. Haruto maneuvered through the crowd, searching for a slightly less cramped spot. It was suffocating¡ªpacked like sardines in a can. Every movement was a struggle as he tried to avoid being crushed by the overwhelming press of bodies around him.


    Finally, Haruto found a small opening in the middle of the car and grabbed onto the nearby vertical handrail, steadying himself. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the light rain had finally slowed, a few gray clouds still lingering over Tokyo, casting a faintly gloomy mood over the city. As the train moved forward, the morning sun began to break through, its rays peeking out and bathing the city in soft light.


    The atmosphere inside the train was growing tense. The atmosphere inside the train grew tense, the thick air pressing down on him, making him sweat. Suddenly, someone bumped into him hard from behind. Turning his head, he saw a cute, innocent-looking girl struggling to keep her balance. The girl, with her light-brown hair in a ponytail and a panicked expression on her face, stumbled forward, colliding with Haruto again as the train jerked into motion.


    She still hadn''t regained her balance and was about to fall sideways toward Haruto. With quick reflexes, Haruto grabbed her arm, steadying her to prevent the fall and guiding her to stand beside him, where she could grab hold of the vertical handrail.


    Immediately after, Haruto pulled his hand back, feeling a little awkward. "Are you okay? I''m sorry, I just wanted to make sure you didn''t fall. If it bothers you, I apologize, and I''ll take responsibility if necessary!" His voice was sincere but a little anxious.


    The girl stared at him, wide-eyed and startled, her cheeks flushed a deep pink, her embarrassment palpable as she looked away. Take responsibility? What does he mean by that?.. she wondered, her thoughts racing.


    She seemed shy and clumsy, her wore a plaid skirt paired with a long-sleeved pink sweater and a Sakamiya University jacket¡ªthe same as Haruto¡¯s. She clutched a book-filled shoulder bag in one hand and a small umbrella in the other. There was something charming about her¡ªperhaps her honest nervousness or the warmth of her smile.


    "Oh, i-it''s okay. T-thank you, s-sir." she stammered softly, her voice almost trembling, as she bowed her head slightly before lifting it again. She adjusted her grip on the handrail, trying to regain composure. She seemed younger than Haruto, possibly a third-year university student.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Haruto replied with a kind smile. ¡°It happens all the time, especially with these crowded morning trains.¡± He tried to calm and comfort the girl. Suddenly, he realized how unusual it was for him to be so friendly with a stranger, let alone a girl who was probably a fellow student at Sakamiya University.


    Normally, Haruto was indifferent, not caring much about those around him. Why am I reacting like this? Why did I help her? he wondered, confused by his own actions. He typically only concerned himself with his younger sister, Ayano, and rarely paid attention to others. Yet here he was, speaking to a stranger¡ªa girl, no less.


    The girl nodded, still trying to calm down. She could still feel the soft sensation of Haruto¡¯s hand when he had grabbed her arm moments ago, which made her blush even more. Haruto could sense her nervousness and awkwardness, yet there was something captivating about the shy and clumsy aura that surrounded her. Maybe it was because of how flustered she seemed, overwhelmed by the number of people around her.


    Suddenly, the train swayed as it rounded a bend. Several passengers lost their balance, pushing into others in the process. Some even fell to the floor, unable to catch themselves in time.


    ¡°Kyaa.. Uwahh!¡± The clumsy girl beside him also lost her footing, fell on the floor with a loud THUD, her umbrella and bag scattering across the ground. She sat there, stunned for a moment.


    ¡°Whoa! Are you okay?¡± Haruto immediately bent down, extending his hand to help the girl up.


    His body seemed to move on its own, instinctively trying to assist her. Even though there were plenty of people around who could help, Haruto found himself reaching out. Why am I the one helping her?.. Once again, he was baffled by his actions, questioning why he felt the need to help her stand.


    "Ah.. Ouch! Kyaa!" The girl squealed again as she tried to stand up without taking Haruto¡¯s hand, only to trip over her own feet and fall backward once more¡ªthis time landing on her rear for the second time. "Oww! That really hurts..." she whimpered, rubbing her sore bottom.


    Several other passengers who witnessed the scene chuckled softly at her clumsy behavior, finding it both amusing and endearing. However, the girl felt utterly embarrassed, her face burning as she hid it behind her hands.


    "Here, take my hand." Haruto extended his hand again, trying to help her to her feet. The girl hesitated for a moment, looking up at Haruto¡¯s face. Then she nodded and reached out to grasp his hand. "I-I... thank you."


    Haruto gently helped her up, carefully holding her wrist to ensure he didn¡¯t hurt her. Once she was steady on her feet, he released her hand.


    "Thank you so much, sir. I''m really sorry for causing so much trouble." She bowed deeply in apology, her head hanging low as she spoke to Haruto.


    The girl was trying her best to stay calm, but it was clear she was struggling. Her eyes betrayed her fear and anxiety, as if she was expecting Haruto to scold her for being such a bother.


    She felt like her clumsiness had inconvenienced him, and she hadn¡¯t expected anyone to come to her aid. So, she was doing everything she could to keep her composure, though it seemed her efforts were in vain, as she kept stumbling again and again.


    "No, no, it''s fine. Don¡¯t worry about it." Haruto answered awkwardly, trying to hide his own blush as he looked away. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit flustered himself after helping such a cute and clumsy girl.


    "T-thank you, s-sir." She thanked him again before bending down to pick up her fallen umbrella. She then stood up and grabbed onto the handrail once more, her heart still pounding as she recalled how Haruto had held her arm to help.


    A few moments later, Haruto noticed something¡ªshe had forgotten her book bag. He bent down and picked it up from the floor. ¡°Here, you dropped this too.¡± The girl turned around, her eyes widening as she saw Haruto holding her bag.


    Like a kettle of boiling water whistling loudly, her cheeks and ears flushed bright red instantly. She couldn¡¯t control her expression, and her hands trembled with embarrassment. Ahh! OH NO! How could I forget my bag? I''m so clumsy... this is so humiliating!.. She hadn¡¯t even realized she had completely forgotten about her fallen bag.


    She hadn¡¯t expected anyone to help her, and the fact that Haruto had picked it up for her made her looked so shocked and panicked. Her skin had turned pale, but her face remained red, like a ripe tomato on top of a snowbank.


    "Oh, right. Thank you, sir." Kanna stammered, her voice trembling. "I... I¡¯m so sorry again." She quickly grabbed her bag from Haruto, and in doing so, accidentally brushed her fingers against his. Her heart race wildly, DEG DEG.. DEG DEG.. as if time had momentarily stopped and a jolt of electricity ran from his hands to hers.


    "Oh no, it¡¯s no bother at all. I just... wanted to help, that¡¯s all." Haruto tried to smile, but he, too, felt his heart beat faster. He couldn¡¯t believe he was in this situation with a sweet, clumsy girl on a crowded train. It felt surreal.


    The girl didn¡¯t say anything else. She kept her head down, trying to hide her flushed face behind her long ponytail. She was far too embarrassed to look Haruto in the eyes. He could tell the girl felt guilty and embarrassed, and he didn¡¯t want to make her feel worse than she already did. So, he mustered the courage to introduce himself.


    ¡°S-Sorry, I¡¯m Haruto... Haruto Mori. Please, there¡¯s no need to bow. What¡¯s your name?¡± The girl¡¯s head shot up in surprise, her eyes wide as she stared at Haruto.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m K-Kanna, Kanna Fujita.¡± Kanna stammered, barely able to speak. She rarely introduced herself to anyone, especially not in public. This was a new and nerve-wracking experience for her, particularly since the person she was speaking to was a young man¡ªone she found rather handsome, at that.


    "Okay, please, raise your head, Fujita-chan. It¡¯s really okay, these things happen all the time on crowded trains." Haruto said gently, continuing his efforts to ease her nerves. His tone was calm and understanding, an attempt to make the awkwardness dissipate.


    Kanna slowly straightened up, her hands still clutching her umbrella and shoulder bag. She felt a wave of gratitude for Haruto¡¯s kindness and patience¡ªqualities she hadn¡¯t expected from a stranger on a crowded train. Is this fate?.. she wondered, her heart fluttering slightly. Meeting such a kind, gentle, and surprisingly handsome guy like Haruto... it all felt surreal. Her face flushed, and she found herself offering him a shy smile.


    "Y-yes, thank you, Mori-san." Kanna¡¯s eyes brightened, glowing with a mix of relief and gratitude. Her heart, however, refused to calm down. It beat faster, stronger, and she couldn¡¯t figure out why she was suddenly so drawn to this man she had never met before. But there was something in his eyes¡ªa quiet warmth, and in his gentle smile¡ªthat made her feel strangely comfortable.


    Haruto, who usually avoided getting involved with anyone except his sister, and who rarely offered help to others, now found himself in a situation that felt straight out of a romantic comedy anime. It was as if fate had scripted their meeting, like the countless manga and anime stories where the destined hero meets the awkward but endearing heroine.


    But Haruto had no intention of letting his friends find out about this incident. I would definitely be laughed at, maybe even bullied by my friends if they found out about this. I have to keep this a secret. It¡¯s too embarrassing! They¡¯ll never let me live it down.. He could already imagine the jokes his friends would make at his expense.


    His friends knew him too well¡ªthis whole scenario was the complete opposite of his usual character. He, the unbothered, indifferent Haruto, now found himself stuck in a moment that could easily be mistaken for a scene in a shoujo manga, with a sweet and clumsy girl named Kanna Fujita by his side.


    * * * *


    (Back to present)


    Haruto¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as he re-read the message several times. Did I misread it?.. At first glance, he hadn¡¯t been particularly focused, perhaps assuming it was her usual casual tone. But no¡ªupon closer inspection, the words were exactly as they appeared. There was no mistake. The message was real.


    "Something big? A threat to humanity? What could she possibly mean?" Haruto muttered to himself, his mind racing. Is it.. Could it be¡­


    He started to wonder if it had any connection to the unusually empty train this morning or perhaps the bad weather that had plagued Tokyo for the past three days. Or maybe¡­ both were connected somehow?..


    Inside the train car, the atmosphere remained quiet, with about a dozen passengers scattered throughout, each lost in their own world. A stark contrast to the usual crowded carriage. The train moved steadily along its route, and everything seemed normal, nothing out of ordinary.


    But Haruto couldn''t shake the inexplicable uneasy feeling over him¡ªsomething felt off. The train, usually bustling with people at this hour, was eerily empty today. Even though the weather had improved, the strange calm of the morning still hung in the air, in stark contrast to the days before.


    Haruto¡¯s mind raced with countless possibilities, yet he forced himself to stay composed, brushing aside the nagging dread gnawing at him.


    As he observed the passengers around him, he noticed an unusual synchronicity¡ªseveral people were simultaneously engrossed with their phones. Their faces tensed, brows furrowed, as though they had stumbled upon alarming news. Maybe it¡¯s a major accident.. Haruto mused. Or perhaps there¡¯s news about a violent labor protest, or some viral video spreading like wildfire on social media.. His thoughts wandered, trying to rationalize the scene.


    Yet, the uneasy feeling gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing second. Kanna¡¯s message wasn¡¯t just serious; it felt foreboding. Haruto couldn¡¯t shake the sense that something was off.


    Today didn¡¯t feel like just another day. Deep down, he felt an unsettling certainty that he was on the verge of encountering something that could shatter his regular life, all of it, and thrust him into the unknown.


    Is it a sign that, something extraordinary¡ªsomething far beyond the ordinary rhythms of Haruto¡¯s lives¡ªis about to happen?..


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª

 Chapter 02: Something Is Happening

    <hr>


    <h2>Chapter 02: Something Is Happening </h2>


    <hr>


    Inside the Almost Empty Train Carriage


    Haruto couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The unusually deserted train on a Monday morning, the gloomy weather that had lingered for days, and the anxious, restless expressions of passengers glued to their phones all added to the growing sense of unease.


    He glanced down at his phone, re-reading Kanna¡¯s message once again:


    ¡°Haruto-kun, something huge is happening right now, and your presence is urgently needed. This could be a threat to all of humanity. I¡¯ll be waiting for you near the campus gate to guide you inside. Let me know when you arrive. See you soon.¡±


    It was strange. This wasn¡¯t like Kanna at all. She had never sent anything like this, and for a moment, he wondered if it was a prank. But then, he remembered that Kanna wasn¡¯t the type to play tricks on him, not even once.


    * * * *


    (Flashback)


    Three Months Ago


    In The Train Carriage to Sakamiya Station 2


    08:05 AM


    Noticing that Kanna still seemed a little tense, Haruto decided to break the silence and ease the awkwardness. ¡°You¡¯re headed to Sakamiya University too, right, Fujita-chan? Are you a third-year student?¡± he asked, hoping to find some common ground and maybe make the situation a little less strange. Who knows? Maybe she really did go to the same university.. he thought.


    ¡°Huh? How did Mori-san know I¡¯m going to Sakamiya University? I didn¡¯t mention it earlier¡­¡± Kanna tilted her head in confusion, wondering how Haruto had figured that out.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re on the same train route, and we¡¯re both wearing the Sakamiya University jacket, so I just assumed. I¡¯m a fourth-year student myself.¡± Haruto pointed to the jacket he was wearing, the same one Kanna had on. She glanced down at her own jacket, suddenly realizing he was right.


    ¡°Oh, right! Oh no! I¡¯m so sorry, Mori-san! How did I not notice that sooner? GEPLAK! ¡± In a moment of embarrassment, she slapped her cheek harder than she meant to, mortified that she hadn¡¯t noticed they were both wearing the same university jacket. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. Nearby passengers glanced over, surprised at her sudden action, before smiling faintly at her endearing clumsiness.


    ¡°Hey, hey, don¡¯t worry about it. Hahaha, it¡¯s totally fine!¡± Haruto chuckled, unable to hide his amusement at her cute reaction. The way she slapped her cheek in embarrassment made her seem even more adorable in his eyes. Kanna¡¯s face remained flushed, her bashfulness only making her look more endearing.


    Kanna¡¯s dark brown hair framed her face sharply, while her soft brown eyes held a gentle, shy charm that often left her looking both innocent and endearing. She had a rather curvy figure, particularly voluptuous in certain areas, which made her stand out¡ªthough she didn¡¯t seem to realize it herself.


    Her figure was reminiscent of the ¡°ideal¡± body type often idolized by social media influencers on platforms like InStara, one of the most popular social networks (in this story) . Even the way her noticeably large breasts bounced naturally when she moved or shifted positions caught Haruto¡¯s attention, though he tried his best not to focus on it.


    Haruto couldn¡¯t help but wonder how timid she seemed despite her striking appearance. With a body like that, she should be more confident, not so awkward and shy.. he thought. If she had a social media account, she could easily get thousands of followers¡­ maybe even tens of thousands.. Whether she had one or not, though, Haruto didn¡¯t really care to find out.


    ¡°Sorry, Mori-san¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you around before. Umm¡­¡± Kanna shifted her gaze, unsure of how to talk to a stranger¡ªespecially a guy¡ªon a crowded train.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you around either. Maybe we¡¯ve both just been too busy with our own stuff to notice the people around us." Haruto awkwardly scratched the back of his head, an unusual nervousness settling over him¡ªhe wasn¡¯t used to these kinds of interactions. He really hadn¡¯t seen Kanna at Sakamiya University before, and this was the first time their paths had crossed.


    The conversation died down after that, leaving an awkward silence hanging in the air between them. Neither of them knew what to say next. They stood side by side, lost in their own thoughts, wondering if this meeting was pure coincidence or perhaps fate playing its hand.


    Haruto had been studying at Sakamiya University for four years, and Kanna for three. They often took the same train to the same station, yet they had never crossed paths¡ªnever even noticed each other''s presence.. until today. This was the first time their worlds collided, and Haruto couldn¡¯t help but wonder how that was possible.


    How could two people, sharing the same campus and traveling the same route for years, never meet?


    Even on campus, they had never seen each other. It was as if they had been invisible to one another, like strangers who had just stepped onto campus for the first time today. And now, on this day, amidst the chaos of a super-crowded train, an extraordinary sequence of events had unfolded¡ªevents that finally brought them face to face.


    Haruto felt a strange chill run down his spine as he thought about it, the kind of sensation that made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Why now? he wondered. It was as if today was the first time he truly saw Kanna, and the way she looked at him suggested like.. she felt the same.


    It felt¡­ deliberate. Like something had been arranged, planned in ways beyond his understanding. The timing felt too perfect, too precise. Haruto couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that..


    This wasn¡¯t just a mere accident.


    Suddenly the train''s announcement system broke the silence.


    "Attention passengers: We are now approaching our final stop, Sakamiya Station 2. Please prepare to disembark. This is the final stop: Sakamiya Station 2."


    The calm, automated voice echoed through the train car, signaling the end of their ride. This was their last chance to get off and make their way to Sakamiya University, located just a short distance from the station.


    The area surrounding Sakamiya University is bustling with activity, lined with several schools, an array of shops, shopping centers, as well as several companies that had their headquarters in the vicinity. This vibrant mix of educational institutions and commercial establishments made the trains heading toward Sakamiya Station 2 almost always crowded with people, especially at the beginning of the week..


    ¡°This is the last stop. It¡¯s 8:15 AM now. Are you getting off here too, Fujita-chan?¡± Haruto broke the silence between them as he glanced at Kanna.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡¯m getting off here." Kanna nodded, remembering that her morning class would start at 8:30. She was already prepared, her bag slung over her right shoulder and a folded umbrella in her left hand, ready to leave anytime.


    The train slowly pulled into the final stop at Sakamiya Station 2. It was peak rush hour, and almost everyone inside the train was likely going to disembark here. Once the doors opened, dozens of people would start pushing and shoving to make their way out.


    Haruto glanced to his side and noticed Kanna¡¯s expression shift¡ªthere was a flicker of unease in her eyes, perhaps a hint of nervousness about the impending rush. Deciding that he didn¡¯t want to lose her in the crowd, his mind raced with a solution.


    He extended his right hand towards her, ¡°H-Hey, Fujita-chan! We need to get ready to move now, or we¡¯ll get stuck in this sea of people and miss the first class. Come on, grab my hand!¡± Without hesitation, he gently took her by the wrist, pulling her closer to him.


    Kanna, momentarily flustered and lost in the confusion of the moment, nodded in agreement. ¡°Y-Yes, we need to get off. W-We can¡¯t let the train doors close before we¡¯re out.¡±


    ¡°Ah... M-Mori-san¡­¡± Kanna let out a small gasp when Haruto suddenly placed his right hand around her waist, drawing her closer to his side. Her soft sound of surprise was drowned out by the noise of the crowd. Haruto, oblivious to the effect of his actions, failed to notice how his touch made Kanna¡¯s cheeks flush with color, as if they were a couple, tightly pressed together in the packed train.


    Her thoughts raced. She glanced up at Haruto, her heart pounding faster. Focus, Kanna, focus! We need to get out of here first, don''t think about anything else now. Baka, Kanna! Baka!.. She tried to push the thoughts away, mentally scolding herself.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Kanna shifted her umbrella to her right hand and adjusted the strap of her bag to make sure it wouldn¡¯t slip off her shoulder. Without realizing it, her left hand had found its way to Haruto¡¯s waist, and she held onto him unconsciously. Haruto¡¯s hand remained firmly on her waist, but he hadn¡¯t realized that he was now treating her like she was his girlfriend¡ªmade them look like a couple to onlookers.


    They looked like a real couple, so sweet and beautiful together. Suddenly, Kanna¡¯s mind wandered back to the words Haruto had said earlier when he first helped her for the first time: I¡¯ll take responsibility¡­ take responsibility¡­ will you marry me, Kanna-chan?.. In her mind¡¯s eye, Kanna imagined Haruto taking responsibility by proposing, the two of them dressed in wedding attire on their big day, surrounded by the beauty of a grand church. The sound of wedding bells echoed in the background, surrounded by radiant flowers, and Haruto¡¯s face shone like a charming prince with a mesmerizing smile.


    The fantasy was so vivid that Kanna almost fainted from the overwhelming mixture of embarrassment and happiness, her heart skipping a beat as she let out a small sigh. Her left hand reflexively tightened its grip around Haruto¡¯s waist, pulling him closer as she leaned her head gently against his side. She wished this moment could last forever, but reality reminded her that they still needed to get off the train. Without even realizing it, she was slowly falling in love with him.


    ¡°Fujita-chan, get ready to push through and get out of this crowd.¡± Haruto¡¯s hand was still on her waist as they prepared to move. He knew that if he lost sight of her now, it would be almost impossible to find her again. This was his first time riding a train and meeting a girl like this, and he didn¡¯t want to miss this rare opportunity.


    Kanna felt a deep sense of admiration. No one had ever treated her like this before. She was incredibly glad that it was Haruto helping her in this crowded train. Without him, she would have panicked, maybe even ended up getting trampled by the crowd and trapped inside the train.


    The train began to slow down before coming to a complete stop at the final station, and the doors started to open. On the platform at Sakamiya Station 2, a large number of people were waiting to board, and they were about to collide with the crowd trying to exit, including Haruto and Kanna.


    ¡°Alright, stay close to me and follow my lead. Let¡¯s move now!¡± Haruto instructed Kanna to stick by his side while keeping a firm grip on her waist. He was determined not to lose her in the potentially crushing crowd.


    Kanna nodded, her eyes sparkling as she looked into Haruto¡¯s eyes while he gave his instructions. She couldn¡¯t take her gaze away from him. Haruto seemed so confident and strong. She didn¡¯t want to lose sight of him either.


    ¡°Go, go, go!¡± Kanna called out, trying to muster her courage as they prepared to move.


    The train doors finally opened fully, and the impatient crowd inside surged forward to get off. With Haruto¡¯s hand still on Kanna¡¯s waist, he began to walk forward, pushing his way through the crowded train aisle toward the exit.


    His right hand accidentally brushed against Kanna¡¯s hips and lower back as they moved, causing her heart to race. She couldn¡¯t say anything, simply holding onto his arm tightly as she followed his lead, moving step by step.


    They had to push through this sea of people. There were so many passengers trying to get off while others were trying to board at the same time. The morning rush was truly overwhelming!


    ¡°Woah, aaah... this crowd is insane! Keep moving forward!¡± Haruto shouted as he tried to push ahead with Kanna. It was hot, cramped, and chaotic, but they had no choice but to keep moving, determined to get off the train.


    Suddenly, the sound of an announcement echoed across the platform.


    ¡°Attention, all passengers. The train doors will close in 30 seconds. Please stay clear of the doors and stand in the safe area behind the yellow line. Thank you.¡±


    Everyone inside the train who heard the announcement knew they needed to act fast. Panic began to spread as people rushed even more urgently. Meanwhile, those waiting on the platform became anxious, pushing forward to get inside the train, while the passengers inside struggled to get out.


    ¡°Hey, stop pushing!¡±


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t close the doors yet!¡±


    ¡°I need to get out now!¡±


    ¡°Nooo!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, make way!¡±


    ¡°Keep moving, don¡¯t stop!¡±


    ¡°Hurry, hurry!¡±


    People began shouting and yelling hysterically as they desperately tried to get off. The train conductor¡¯s instructions to stay calm were barely heard over the growing commotion. He explained that the train couldn¡¯t depart until everyone was clear of the doors, but the panic only intensified.


    ¡°Almost there, just a bit further!¡± Haruto and Kanna were nearing the exit, just a few more steps to freedom.


    Haruto guided Kanna as they continued moving forward, his hand still holding her waist protectively. Kanna struggled to keep up, but she clung tightly to him, determined not to let go. They could feel the air getting cooler and fresher, a sign that they were finally nearing the exit. The crowd pressed harder against them, pushing them toward the platform. Haruto did his best to shield Kanna from the metal handrails and doors.


    Another announcement came over the speaker system.


    ¡°Attention, all passengers. The train doors will close in 10 seconds. Please stay clear of the doors and stand behind the yellow line. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s gooo!¡± Haruto shouted as he pushed forward with all his strength.


    ¡°Go-go-go-go-go-go!¡± Kanna nervously echoed, her voice trembling. The crowd surged harder, and the noise of people shouting grew louder. It was intense and nerve-wracking.


    The exit was just ahead, glowing bright like a beacon of hope. Time seemed to slow down as every second stretched into an eternity. Their hearts pounded, each beat echoing in their ears as they inched closer to the door.


    ¡°5... 4... 3... 2... 1...¡± The voice over the speaker counted down before the doors would close.


    For just a split second, Haruto¡¯s grip on Kanna¡¯s shoulder slipped amidst the jostling. Kanna instinctively grabbed Haruto¡¯s right arm with her left hand, pulling it tightly against her chest, holding onto him as if her life depended on it. ¡°Mori-saaaan!¡± she cried out in panic.


    ¡°The doors are closing now." the announcement declared.


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª


    Sakamiya Station 2, 08:08 AM


    They made it off the train just in time before the doors slid shut, finding themselves on the platform at Sakamiya Station 2. They had escaped the suffocating crush of the crowd!


    ¡°Phew... Haaah... We made it out. Yes... Haaah...¡± Haruto panted, looking back at the train. The doors were now sealed, and the train was already preparing to head back to Sakamiya Station 1.


    Kanna, equally breathless and exhausted from the ordeal, could barely catch her breath. ¡°Ah... haaa... Phew... Haa... Haa...¡± Her left hand was still gripping Haruto¡¯s arm tightly, pressing it against her chest as though she never wanted to let him go.


    It wasn¡¯t until Haruto realized Kanna was still clinging to him, pressing his right arm firmly against her chest, buried in the soft warmth embrace of her large breasts. His face flushed bright red in an instant. ¡°Fujita-chan, um¡­ your hand¡­¡± Haruto stammered, his words faltering as his mind raced, unable to fully process the situation.


    ¡°Ah... Oh... Y-Yes... S-Sorry¡­¡± Kanna gasped, startled as she suddenly became aware of what she was doing. Quickly, she released her grip, turning her back to him in embarrassment. Haruto, just as flustered, took a step to the side, turning his body in the opposite direction at the same time.


    Both of them stood there, panting, gasping for air, their hearts still racing from both the physical effort and the awkward closeness. Yet, a sense of relief washed over them¡ªthey had survived the packed train and avoided the nightmare of being trapped inside.


    After a moment, they turned and looked at each other. Smiles slowly breaking across their faces. They couldn¡¯t contain their happiness and burst into laughter together.


    ¡°Hahaha... Hahahaha... Wakakakaka...¡±


    Their first meeting, which had occurred in the crowded train on their way to campus, ended well and left a lasting impression. This precious moment would never be forgotten. They exchanged phone numbers and Line IDs, and from that day forward, Haruto would sometimes run into her on the packed train on their way to campus.


    Kanna often waited for him at the campus gate if they didn¡¯t catch the same train. Haruto still saw her as a good friend, while Kanna had already begun to fall for him since their very first encounter. She was a sweet and shy girl, too embarrassed to confess her feelings. Meanwhile, Haruto didn¡¯t seem to notice.. or did he?


    * * * *


    (Back to Present)


    As Haruto glanced at the faces of the passengers, their expressions filled with anxiety and growing restlessness, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if something extraordinary¡ªor alarming¡ªhad surfaced that morning on the internet or social media. Whatever it was, it seemed to have shaken them, leaving an air of tension hanging heavily in the atmosphere.


    He tried not to dwell on it, brushing off the gnawing curiosity that tugged at his mind. Yet, the uneasiness clung to him, stirring thoughts of all the bad possibilities that could unfold. That nagging sense of discomfort made him instinctively consider the worst possibilities, urging him to stay vigilant for whatever might come next.


    But then, a memory surfaced¡ªone that seemed oddly relevant in this unsettling moment. He recalled rumors circulating at Sakamiya University about a secret organization, whispered to be investigating strange and unexplained phenomena.


    Kanna had invited Haruto several times to attend events organized by an off-campus group, hoping to spark his interest. Haruto, however, had always dismissed the idea. To him, it was just another ordinary and likely pointless club.


    There¡¯s no way the rumored ¡®secret organization¡¯ actually exists. She probably just wants me to join some random student group.. He thought.


    Yet, Haruto had always declined, his tone dismissive. His excuse was simple¡ªhe wasn¡¯t interested in extracurricular activities, especially those unrelated to his studies. To him, anything beyond his academic pursuits and part-time job was a waste of time. Kanna¡¯s persistent invitations felt more like an excuse to spend time with him beyond their campus routines rather than a genuine interest in the organization¡¯s purpose.


    In Haruto¡¯s eyes, her eagerness felt like a ploy to forge a deeper connection. She wanted to share something meaningful with him, but Haruto had other priorities. He much preferred focusing on his part-time job, earning just enough to sustain his daily life, rather than joining a vague, mysterious organization whose purpose seemed obscure.


    These thoughts often surfaced whenever Kanna approached him with a new suggestion, only to be met with his habitual refusal.


    Why am I suddenly thinking about those rumors?.. Haruto wondered, his brows furrowing. And why now, of all times?.. He recalled how Kanna had always avoided explaining the organization, its goals or activities when he questioned her. She never gave me a straight answer.. and never even explained what it was about. Not that it mattered¡ªI wouldn¡¯t have joined anyway.


    Yet, as the train rocked gently on its tracks, Haruto couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something connected to those rumors might be happening. The empty train, the strange weather over the past few days, and now the anxious expressions of passengers engrossed in their phones¡ªit all felt oddly connected.


    What¡¯s going on?.. he thought. Could that secret organization really exist? Do they know something the public doesn¡¯t?.. His gaze swept over the passengers once more, their expressions etched with tension. Is Kanna.. really involved with them?


    Seeking distraction, Haruto¡¯s gaze shifted to the monitor at the center of the train car. A soft music video played, providing a brief reprieve from his unease. Just as he began to settle, the screen flickered. The music stopped abruptly, replaced by the logo of a familiar news station. The sudden change immediately caught his attention, as well as that of the other passengers.


    A female news anchor from Tokyo TV appeared on the screen, her expression grim, radiating a sense of urgency. The tension in the train car thickened as the volume increased, ensuring no one could miss her announcement.


    ¡°Breaking News. We interrupt this program to bring you an urgent report.¡± she announced, her voice firm and steady. Her expression reflecting the gravity of the situation she was about to convey.


    The air heavy with anticipation as everyone braced themselves for the urgent news to come..


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª

 Chapter 03: State of Emergency in Sakamiya

    <hr>


    <h2>Chapter 03: State of Emergency in Sakamiya</h2>


    <hr>


    The screen in the middle of the train carriage suddenly stopped playing the music video, flickering a few times before switching to a news broadcast from the Tokyo TV channel. The familiar Tokyo TV jingle, marking the start of an emergency news broadcast, played clearly and slightly louder. It seemed the screen volume had been increased to ensure all passengers could hear more clearly.


    Haruto, who had been trying to distract himself from observing the serious expressions of the passengers absorbed in their smartphones, was startled by the sudden switch to the news broadcast.


    The abrupt change caught everyone''s attention. Almost every passenger reflexively turned to look at the screen in the center of the train car. It was unusual to see breaking news displayed in public places, especially on public transportation. The Tokyo TV breaking news logo appeared briefly before shifting to the tense face of a female news anchor.


    The anchor, her expression serious and focused, appeared on the screen as the volume increased once again, ensuring that everyone in the carriage would hear the broadcast loud and clear.


    ¡°Breaking News. We are interrupting this program to deliver an urgent report.¡± The anchor announced, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. Her expression conveyed the gravity of the situation she was about to unveil.


    "An unusual phenomenon, appearing as a large, mysterious dimensional crack, has emerged in the parking lot of Sakamiya University approximately five hours ago. We will now go live to our on-site reporter, Minori, who is already at the scene."


    The screen transitioned to a dual display. On the right, the on-site reporter, Minori, stood at the location.


    "Minori-san, please report on what is happening at the Sakamiya University parking lot." Lenora asked, signaling Minori to begin her live report.


    The dual screen shifted to a full-screen live broadcast, showing Minori standing in front of the scene. She took a small, steadying breath before starting, "Thank you, Lenora-san. Yes, we are currently witnessing an unprecedented event here."


    The camera slowly zoomed out, revealing the dimensional rift at some distance behind the reporter¡ªa massive tear in the fabric of reality itself. Towering and wide, the rift emitted an eerie bluish-green glow, spiraling and twisting in a continuous, unsettling motion. It pulsed rhythmically, its light fading and brightening in a continuous, hypnotic cycle.


    Around the rift, the scene was chaotic. Police and military personnel had established a perimeter, their movements tense and precise as they worked to secure the area. The blaring of sirens and the hum of helicopters overhead underscored the magnitude of the situation, heightening the tension in the air.


    Minori''s voice trembled slightly, a mix of awe and apprehension as she continued her report, ¡°As you can see behind me, this dimensional rift is unlike anything we''ve ever encountered before. Authorities are working to secure the area, and additional military units are being deployed as we speak.¡±


    The camera panned across the glowing rift, capturing the eerie light that pulsed from within. A low, persistent hum filled the air, accompanied by strange, whisper-like sounds that seemed to echo in the background.


    ¡°This rift." Minori continued, ¡°Emits an unearthly light and an unsettling noise, a constant hum mingled with strange whispers. These whispers sound eerie and mysterious, almost as if they''re trying to call or draw us in. There''s a real sense of tension here as experts struggle to understand this phenomenon."


    Haruto¡¯s heart began to race as he stared at the screen, recognizing the campus parking lot he knew so well now being shown in the breaking news broadcast. His mind reeled with questions about what could possibly be happening. The uneasy feeling from earlier now swelled into a wave of dread.


    Lenora, now in voice-only mode, asked Minori for more details about the scene, ¡°Minori-san, is there any further explanation from the police or military who are on duty to secure the area?"


    Minori replied, "No, Lenora-san, they don''t know anything yet about this phenomenon, but due to the potential danger, the police officer in charge has stated that everyone must stay away from Sakamiya University."


    Minori closed her live report from the scene, "That wraps our live report from Sakamiya University. Let''s return to Lenora-san."


    The news anchor, Lenora, came back on screen in full, her voice firm as she delivered a dire warning, ¡°Thank you for the report, Minori-san. As the police said, we urge everyone in the area to evacuate immediately and follow instructions from the authorities. More military forces are being dispatched to ensure public safety and prepare for any potential threats. Please, stay away from the Sakamiya University area.¡±


    Lenora then transitioned to the next segment, attempting to bring in expert opinions. "Now we will try to contact some experts who might know what is actually happening and how this phenomenon appeared."


    As the broadcast continued with a conference call among some experts, Haruto''s phone buzzed again. He glanced down and saw another message from Kanna. This one was brief but equally urgent:


    ¡°Haruto-kun, head to campus now and let me know as soon as you arrive. Your presence is needed immediately.¡±


    Haruto''s thoughts swirled with confusion and concern, but there wasn¡¯t much time to think as he could feel the atmosphere inside the train car shifting rapidly. Panic seemed to ripple through the passengers, spreading like wildfire. The once-quiet train car was now buzzing with activity as passengers reacted to the breaking news. The calm had been shattered, and chaos was beginning to take its place.


    People began frantically typing on their phones in a frenzy¡ªsome desperately checking the internet and social media for updates, while others called or texted their families and friends. A few were already glued to the live news videos streaming on mainstream media sites, their eyes wide with growing alarm.


    "Did you see that?" one man asked, pointing at the screen. "It¡¯s happening at Sakamiya University!"


    ¡°Oh no! My brother goes there! I need to call him!" a woman exclaimed in a panicked voice, sitting not too far from Haruto.


    ¡°What is the government thinking?! Locking down the whole area without a word to us?!¡± yelled a young man with short hair, his frustration bubbling over as he angrily typed on his phone.


    ¡°This is insane! I can¡¯t afford to miss the deadline for my work project next to campus." muttered a young woman dressed in casual business attire, glaring at her phone with clear annoyance etched across her face.


    ¡°Damn it! We can¡¯t just cancel our study plans and business projects for the day!¡± another person cursed under his breath. He appeared to be a businessman in his 40s, visibly displeased by the sudden turn of events.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s unavoidable, isn''t it? They have to shut down the area. Isn¡¯t it obvious? This incident could threaten the safety of the entire Tokyo population." said an older man, trying to make sense of the situation.


    ¡°Hey, look! I just got a live video from my friend near the area. It¡¯s true! There really is a dimensional rift over there.¡± A young man sitting across from Haruto sounded astonished as he showed the footage he¡¯d just received on his phone.


    The air grew tense, a sense of foreboding thickening with each passing second, as if people all suddenly became aware that something big and potentially disruptive to their daily lives was happening.


    Haruto¡¯s usual indifference warred with a rising sense of curiosity. He wasn¡¯t the type to get involved in things that didn¡¯t directly concern him. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t care about something like this¡ªunless, of course, it affected him personally or his younger sister, Ayano.


    * * * *


    (Flashback)


    Sakamiya Tower Residence 1


    Today - Earlier Morning


    06:30 AM


    The morning atmosphere in Tokyo always felt distinct¡ªthe bustling city, the constant hum of vehicles, and the hurried footsteps of people rushing to school or work created a unique symphony of metropolitan life. Haruto Mori, a 22-year-old and a fourth-year student at Sakamiya University, had long grown accustomed to this daily rhythm.


    He woke up early and started preparing for his last lecture of the semester. A notification on his phone displayed the weather forecast¡ªheavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the day. For three days straight, torrential rain had hammered the city, punctuated by flashes of lightning and the low growl of thunder. Haruto hoped the weather would clear up by the afternoon. This way, he wouldn¡¯t face too much trouble getting home, or perhaps stopping somewhere on his way back.


    After showering, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed, Haruto briefly considered brewing his favorite coffee. However, he decided against it, not wanting to risk being late for class. The rain would likely cause traffic delays, overcrowded train stations, and other unforeseen hassles that could make him miss the train. I can''t afford to be late to campus.. he thought to himself. He wasn¡¯t willing to take any chances.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Nii-chan, I¡¯ve made breakfast and coffee for you!" The sweet voice of Haruto¡¯s younger sister, Ayano, echoed through the apartment. ¡°I¡¯m heading to school now. See you later!¡±


    Ayano Mori, 17-years-old, is a third-year student at Sakamiya High School, was always so thoughtful when it came to her brother. Despite her young age, she constantly found many ways to support Haruto, doing whatever she could to make his day a little easier.


    "Thanks a lot, Ayano. Be careful on your way to school, okay?" Haruto called back, his voice filled with gratitude and gentle concern. As he glanced at the simple breakfast and coffee she had prepared, a small wave of reluctance washed over him. He didn¡¯t want to take her efforts for granted, knowing how much she cared.


    These small gestures¡ªher quiet acts of love¡ªalways warmed his heart. After all, Ayano was the only family he had left, and he cherished her deeply, more than anything in the world.


    Their parents had tragically passed away in a major disaster in Tokyo back in 2015. Since then, Ayano had been all Haruto had, and they lived together in a small apartment. Thanks to scholarships from an educational foundation, Ayano had been able to continue her studies for the past 10 years.


    Miyuki Saegusa, a close friend of their late father, had stepped in to support them during their darkest days, helping meet their daily needs. As the dean of Sakamiya University, Miyuki had been a guiding force in Haruto''s life, ensuring he could continue his education despite the tragedy. Just last week, he had completed his final college exams, a milestone made possible by her unwavering support and kindness.


    To ease Miyuki''s burden, Haruto took on a part-time job at a bookstore near campus. I can¡¯t depend on Miyuki-san all the time. I need to find another way to cover my daily expenses and lighten her load.. he thought. Determined to be more independent, Haruto had resolved to one day repay Miyuki Saegusa¡¯s kindness¡ªa debt of gratitude he carried deeply within his heart.


    Today, Haruto dressed in his favorite outfit: a well-fitted navy-blue collared shirt that complemented his lean frame, paired with his Sakamiya University jacket bearing its embroidered ¡®S¡¯ logo. He wore classic black slacks and his trusty black-and-white sneakers, scuffed from years of wear but still comfortable. Standing in front of the mirror, he attempted to tame his short, messy black hair. But, as always, no matter how much effort he put in, it remained stubbornly unkempt.


    Staring at his reflection, his brown eyes clouded with thought, Haruto felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him. Maybe tomorrow I¡¯ll apply for another part-time job to increase my income. Working two jobs could really help.. he mused. He knew he couldn¡¯t stay idle¡ªhe had to keep moving forward, not just for himself, but for Ayano as well.


    Today marked a significant moment: his last day of lectures at Sakamiya University. The official graduation ceremony was still three months away, but he could already feel the weight of expectations pressing on his shoulders.


    ¡°Everything will be okay.¡± he told himself.


    I¡¯ll land a good, high-paying job. Ayano and I will finally have a better life¡ªa normal family life, even without our parents.. he thought, clinging to hope.


    With high determination, he grabbed his bag and umbrella, locked the door to their small apartment, and began his walk toward Sakamiya Station 1.


    * * * *


    (Back to Present)


    DEGRRTTT! DEGEGEKKRRRTT!


    BRRAAAAAKKK!!


    Suddenly, the train lurched violently, sending a jolt through the passengers. Haruto''s hand shot out instinctively, gripping his seat tightly. His heart skipped a beat as he tried to maintain his balance. The air filled with gasps and the sound of passengers losing their balance, desperately grabbing onto seats and nearby handrails to avoid being thrown off.


    The lights flickered erratically, casting brief flashes of shadows across the carriage. The news broadcast on the monitors became choppy, distorted as the carriage rattled violently. A harsh mechanical hum from the train''s engine filled the air, blending with the rhythmic clattering of the tracks¡ªand then¡­


    CRAAACKK!!


    An unsettlingly loud sound of shattering glass echoed through the compartment as one of the train¡¯s windows buckled under stress.


    ¡°KYAAA!!!¡± Several women screamed as the deafening noise of the shuddering train was followed by the sharp sound of cracking glass from the window.


    The train began to run slower gradually, the once-violent motion easing as it decelerated¡­ slower.. and slower¡­


    "Oh God, what¡¯s happening!?" a teenage girl cried out, clutching her bag to her chest, her eyes wide with fear. ¡°Are we going to be okay?¡± she asked again, her voice trembling.


    An older man nearby tried to reassure her, though his voice wavered slightly. "I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just a minor issue. The train will start moving again soon."


    But as the train came to a complete stop, the tension in the air became almost suffocating. Haruto could hear the murmurs of worry and panic spreading through the car. The situation was unsettling, with the flickering lights casting sporadic shadows across the faces of the passengers. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t nighttime¡ªsome sunlight from the now-clearing skies of Tokyo peeked through the train¡¯s windows, providing just enough light to prevent the carriage from plunging into total darkness.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening, this can¡¯t be happening...¡± a young woman whispered to herself, her vacant eyes glued to her phone screen as if in disbelief.


    Everyone in the car seemed too afraid to speak aloud, exchanging anxious glances with each other while looking around. The unspoken question seemed to hang heavily in the air: Why today? What is happening today? Are we in danger?


    JEDAARR!!


    Suddenly, a loud thunderclap roared across the sky, echoing violently. The sound was so close it seemed to strike near the train¡¯s halted position.


    ¡°KYAAA!!!¡± some women shrieked again, their piercing scream filling the car as the thunder rattled the passengers, leaving them visibly shaken.


    ¡°This is the end! The gods are punishing us! Oh God, please forgive us!¡± a man with long hair at the far end of the car shouted dramatically, dropping to his knees in fervent prayer, his voice laced with a sense of impending doom.


    The lights flickered even more intensely, casting eerie shadows that danced across the faces of the already frightened passengers, making them appear almost ghostly. Every burst of light seemed to deepen the silence in the car, punctuated only by tense, shallow breaths.


    The distorted monitor continued its interrupted broadcast, the anchorwoman¡¯s voice cutting in and out: ¡°This... ha... ening¡­ ¡­ The authorit... ... the area... dan...erous¡­ st.. ay¡­ a¡­ way¡­ ¡±


    ¡°Are we safe staying on the train?¡± a middle-aged man asked, his voice filled with anxiety as he nervously glanced around, his eyes darting from person to person, seeking reassurance.


    ¡°Maybe we should get off at the next station." someone suggested, their voice tight with fear.


    ¡°But they said we need to stay away from Sakamiya University! W-What should we do?¡± another passenger stammered, their face pale with worry.


    Just then, the train jolted again before slowly beginning to move once more. The lights flickered out for several seconds, casting the entire car into brief darkness before sputtering back to life, only to flash sporadically. The monitor, still glitching, showed a garbled image of the news anchor, her voice almost unintelligible: ¡°Mil...ary... forces... arrive... evacu... area... danger...¡±


    Moments later, the train rattled violently, then came to a screeching halt once again. The piercing sound of grinding metal and the hiss of the brakes echoed painfully through the car.


    BRAK! KREETTT...!


    The sudden stop sent several passengers tumbling from their seats, scrambling to grab onto anything to steady themselves and avoid falling.


    ¡°Does this have something to do with that dimensional rift?¡± someone shouted, their voice quaking with panic.


    ¡°Are we in danger?¡± asked a woman in office attire, her voice shaky as she clutched her bag tightly.


    Amid the chaos, Haruto¡¯s phone buzzed again. Unlocking it, he saw a new message from Kanna, even more urgent than before. ¡°Haruto-kun, where are you? We need you at the campus now. This is extremely important.¡±


    After a tense pause, the lights finally stabilized, and the monitors returned to normal. The train began moving again at a slow, deliberate pace. The news anchor¡¯s voice returned, clear and steady this time, urging everyone to evacuate the Sakamiya University area as the broadcast concluded.


    "Once again, we urge the public that police, military, and government officials are already at the scene, with more military units on the way. The Tokyo government has declared a state of emergency in the Sakamiya University area. Please follow all instructions from authorities and stay away from the area. Stay tuned for further updates. Thank you."


    The breaking news segment ended, and the screen shifted back to a music video from a popular band, its volume much lower than before.


    The train car slowly returned to a semblance of calm, though the tension still hung thick in the air. Haruto could hear anxious murmurs and the occasional frantic phone call around him. "I can¡¯t believe this is happening." a woman mumbled, her voice trembling. "What if the situation gets worse?"


    ¡°Well, if the Tokyo government has declared a state of emergency, we¡¯ll have to cancel all our meetings for today." said a man in a crisp suit, speaking into his phone as he informed his colleagues that their business meetings were being postponed.


    Another passenger was frantically scrolling through social media, showing viral videos of the phenomenon the news anchor had just reported. ¡°This is crazy! This video went viral in no time¡ªit already has over 500K views!¡± he said, showing the video to the person beside him, who stared in disbelief. ¡°Look at how massive that dimensional rift is!¡±


    Just then, the train¡¯s intercom buzzed to life, and the conductor¡¯s voice echoed throughout the car.


    ¡°Attention, passengers. This is the last train headed to Sakamiya Station 2. After arriving at Sakamiya Station 2, the train will immediately return to Sakamiya Station 1. We strongly advise all passengers to remain on the train and avoid the Sakamiya University area due to the state of emergency declared by the Tokyo government. No further trains will be heading to Sakamiya Station 2 until the situation is resolved and declared safe. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.¡±


    As the train approached Sakamiya Station 2, Haruto¡¯s mind raced with questions: What¡¯s happening at Sakamiya University? A state of emergency declared by the Tokyo government? Why am I needed there so urgently?.. His thoughts spiraled as the weight of the situation pressed down on him.


    Is something terrible about to happen?..


    Despite the fear and confusion swirling in his mind, one thing remained crystal clear¡ªhe had to go to Sakamiya University. No matter the risks, no matter the uncertainty, he needed to find out what was really happening.


    * *


    Sakamiya Station 2


    08:30 AM


    The train arrived at Sakamiya 2 Station shortly after. The tension and panic from the earlier frightening moments inside the carriage still lingered. Some passengers were trying to calm themselves, while others remained angry, upset, or visibly shaken with fear.


    If the breaking news had been broadcast on the train¡ªa public transport¡ªit was likely being shown in other places as well, across various news channels. Was the situation so dire that breaking news had to be broadcast in public spaces and transportation?.. Haruto wondered.


    But there was no use in dwelling on questions without answers. Though people were forbidden from approaching Sakamiya University, he had been repeatedly summoned there with urgent messages from Kanna. Haruto had already decided to head to Sakamiya University as soon as the train made its full stop at Sakamiya Station 2.


    Now, as the train finally halted and the doors were about to open, Haruto stood up, ready to step forward. But then, suddenly¡­ there was no sound¡­ everything went silent¡­


    So eerily silent¡­


    Haruto glanced around, and to his shock, he found¡­


    All the passengers, objects, everything¡­ had stopped moving. Everyone¡ªevery single person¡ªseemed to have stopped breathing. They stood frozen like statues, and the entire station now stood eerily still, as if time itself had come to a halt.


    He was shocked..


    Not a single sound could be heard¡­


    A chill ran down Haruto¡¯s spine as he realized he was the only one still moving, still breathing, still able to walk. W-What is this? What the hell is happening?.. he thought, heart pounding as he struggled to comprehend the surreal scene. Panic began creeping into his mind.


    DEG! DEG! DEG! DEG!


    The eerie, deathly silence sharpened all his senses. making each breath short and labored, while his heartbeat thudded loudly in his ears.


    Then, slowly, a cold, blue light began to spread, enveloping everything around him. Haruto¡¯s body trembled with an overwhelming sense of discomfort as he realized that ¡®something¡¯ was approaching.. fast..


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª

 Chapter 04: Absolute Silence - Tokyo in Frozen Stasis

    <hr>


    <h2>Chapter 04: Absolute Silence - Tokyo in Frozen Stasis</h2>


    <hr>


    Sakamiya Station 2


    Haruto had already made up his mind to head straight to Sakamiya University the moment the train came to a complete stop at Sakamiya 2 Station. Now, as the train finally halted, the doors were just about to slide open.


    But just as he stood up, ready to step forward¡­ when suddenly, its so quiet. All sound faded instantly.


    Everything went silent.


    An eerie, absolute silence¡­


    Haruto glanced around. His breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening in shock as he saw¡­ that¡­


    All passengers¡ªboth sitting and standing¡ªevery object¡ªeverything¡ªhad stopped in place. Even tiny insects suspended in mid-flight. Every person, without exception, seemed frozen in place, not breathing, stuck in their mid-motion, along with their expressions and gestures. They were like statues, unmoving, and the entire station was shrouded in an uncanny stillness, as though time itself had ceased to flow.


    The bustling city of Tokyo outside the window became eerily silent, transforming into a ghost town in an instant.


    Haruto couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. He was stunned¡­ unable to process what he was seeing..


    Not a single sound could be heard¡­


    A cold chill crept down his spine as he realized that he was the only one who could still move, still breathe, still take a step. W-What is this? W-What the hell is going on here?.. he wondered, heart pounding wildly as he struggled to comprehend the impossible scene around him. A creeping dread began to take hold of him, spreading through his body.


    DEG! DEG! DEG! DEG!


    This suffocating silence heightened every sense, making each breath feel shallow and labored, and his heartbeat thudded violently in his chest, echoing in his ears.


    Then, as he stood frozen in his own disbelief, a strange, cold-blue light began to wash over the surroundings, slowly blanketing everything around him in a ghostly, icy glow. Colors drained from the entire station; every object, every person and every surface was tinted with a chilling blue hue. As though the entire world had been plunged into a breathtaking state of frozen stasis.


    The air around him turned cold. His breath fogged the air in front of him, even though it was springtime. This sudden unnatural chill made Haruto shivered uncontrollably, his body began to tremble with a powerful sense of unease as he began to felt the undeniable presence of ''something'' drawing closer.


    What¡¯s happening? What was going on? What was with this unnatural silence and the sudden-piercing cold? Why was everything frozen in place?.. Haruto¡¯s mind raced. He wanted to scream, but his voice caught in his throat; his mouth wouldn¡¯t open. He was shivering uncontrollably, his entire body quaking with the foreboding sense that a powerful, terrifying presence was nearby¡ªan entity emanating an overwhelming, mysterious power.


    A moment later, his eyes widened back in disbelief as a shimmering figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere in front of him, materializing as if summoned by an ancient magic.


    Just two meters ahead of him, a girl-like being emerged, floated about a meter off the ground, her presence otherworldly and unfamiliar. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, shimmering in the dim light and making her seem as if she glowed from within. Her eyes, a striking shade of violet, held a depth far beyond her youthful appearance¡ªancient, filled with an ageless wisdom. She gazed at Haruto with an intensity that sent a shiver through his soul.


    She wore a tattered cloak that fluttered gently as though caught in a soft breeze, though there was no wind in the carriage. Her attire slightly shimmered with an otherworldly light, casting a faint glow around her body. A soft blue aura radiated from her, bathing the surrounding area in a surreal, ethereal light. Haruto¡¯s heart raced as he took in the sight of this ghost-like girl before him¡ªher form almost transparent, yet undeniably real. She was there!


    Her presence was like the rustling of leaves in a quiet forest¡ªsoft, delicate, yet unmistakably there. The blue aura around her made a faint sound, like the distant flow of a gentle river, accompanied by a strange, subtle scent, reminiscent of a faraway field of flowers in full bloom . There was an overwhelming sense of mystery and power surrounding her.


    The girl appeared to be around eighteen years old, her pale skin almost translucent under the soft light. Her graceful figure was both youthful and mature, with a delicate, curvaceous body that accentuated her modestly large breasts. She had a rather slim waist, perfectly complementing her sweet, innocent face. Despite her unmatched maidenly beauty, there was a serene calmness about her that sharply contrasted with her sudden and unexpected arrival. Her ghostly presence exuded a perfect balance of maturity and an air of innocence, deeply mysterious yet very captivating.


    Haruto stood frozen, utterly mesmerized. He unable to tear his gaze away from her. This was the very first supernatural experience Haruto had ever encountered in his life, something beyond anything he had ever imagined. Not once before had he felt anything like it.


    She is beautiful¡­


    She is the most beautiful and the most lovely, sweet girl I have ever met¡­


    No human female could possess such perfection of beauty and charm like her.. Haruto thoughts, as he unconsciously continued to stare at the spirit-like girl with sparkling eyes, filled with incredible admiration¡ªit was felt like he was in a dream.


    Haruto felt a strange and unshakable connection to this mysterious girl, as if their fates were somehow intertwined. His body trembled, not just in fear but also in reverence for this supernatural being before him.


    She might be a Goddess or an Angel¡ªor a powerful being with immense, incomprehensible power.. Haruto mused, his mind racing to understand why such a breathtakingly beautiful and otherworldly figure had appeared before him at this moment.


    Who is she? Why is she here? Is she responsible for stopping time across Tokyo?.. Haruto¡¯s thoughts whirled in a frenzy, a dozen questions filling his mind. But before he could speak, the spirit girl¡¯s gaze bore into him. With high intensity, her violet eyes seemingly piercing through his very being, as if she could draw his very soul out of his body at any moment. He felt like, his life could be in danger if he said the wrong thing.


    Despite her spectral form, there was a softness in her expression, a calmness that seemed at odds with her sudden, unearthly appearance. Her presence was both soothing and unsettling, like the fragile boundary between a dream and a nightmare.


    Haruto felt a mixture of fear and fascination, together with cold sweat trickling down his neck. He felt like frozen in place, unable to move, but his eyes stayed locked on the spirit girl, unable to look away.


    As the spirit girl slowly floated closer, Haruto¡¯s gaze was drawn to the intricate symbols etched into her robes, like magical runes or sigils¡ªglowing faintly with an eerie light. They pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat.


    Finally, the spirit girl spoke, her voice like a whisper carried on the wind, echoing in the silence of the train carriage. Each word she uttered seemed to carry weight, a portent of something greater.


    "Haruto Mori, the time has come." she said, her tone gentle but serious. "Are you seeking the truth?¡­ The path ahead of you, from today onward, will be filled with danger, and your fate stands at a crossroads."


    Haruto felt a shiver run down his spine as the air around him grew even colder when she spoke. He couldn¡¯t stop shaking.


    "Who are you?" he managed to ask, his voice trembling. "What do you mean by danger and fate?"


    The spirit¡¯s expression remained calm, her eyes unwavering as she continue her speech, "You stand at a crossroads. The choices you make, will shape the future and the inevitable destiny ahead. Seek strength if you wish to protect those you love, for a great threat looms on the horizon. You will find the truth, in the right time."


    As she spoke, Haruto felt a surge of energy rise within him, a strange yet empowering sensation that seemed to resonate with her words. He realized that the spirit was offering him something¡ªa chance to change his fate.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Haruto lowered his head, shaking it slightly in confusion, trying to process the cryptic message while pressing his palms against his cheeks. Before he could respond, the spirit girl began to fade, her form growing more transparent by the second.


    "Wait! Spirit Girl-sama, I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying, please explain, DON¡¯T go yet!" Haruto called out, his voice tinged with desperation, hoping she would speak more clearly and not leave him confused. Sensing the spirit girl¡¯s immense power, he addressed her with the honorific ¡°-sama¡± to gave his respect. She might be a goddess¡­ I can¡¯t risk offending her. One wrong word, and I might lose my life.. he thought anxiously.


    The spirit girl continued to gaze at Haruto with deep, penetrating eyes, then spoke one last time before she vanished completely.


    "Remember." she whispered, her voice growing fainter, "You¡­ are not¡­ alone..."


    Her final words echoed just before she disappeared from Haruto¡¯s sight entirely. He stood in growing bewilderment, still trying to make sense of the cryptic message she had left him. Everything felt like a puzzle, one he would have to solve piece by piece.


    Moments later, the world around Haruto snapped back into motion, came alive again, as releasing itself from the chilling stillness that had engulfed it. The cold blue hue faded away, and the sounds of the bustling Tokyo metropolis returned, as if nothing had happened. The usual noises of the city filled the air once more, and the passengers around him resumed their movements as if time had never stopped. They were oblivious to the supernatural time-stopping phenomenon that just happened.


    No one else seemed to be aware of the strange supernatural encounter Haruto had just experienced with the spirit girl. He wondered if it had all been a hallucination or real or maybe he was dreaming. But no¡ªIt felt too real, and the lingering energy within him couldn¡¯t be denied. The spirit¡¯s words would haunt him until he found the answers.


    With a soft hiss, the train doors slid open, and Haruto stepped out onto the platform. He sat down on a nearby bench, trying to steady his racing thoughts. His mind swirled with the spirit¡¯s cryptic words: strength, truth, danger, destiny. Are my sister and I both in danger? My close friends too?.. he mused.


    The unsettling feeling still lingering on him since he received the message from Kanna. Especially with the appearance of a very beautiful and mysterious spirit girl. If there is indeed a danger that threatens him and his sister.. I will fight them all.. he was determined to face it.


    The spirit might have offered him a way to protect the people he cared about and perhaps uncover the truth behind the dimensional rifts... But what did it all mean? What kind of truth am I supposed to seek?..


    A torrent of questions flooded Haruto¡¯s mind. The spirit girl, with her terrifying power to freeze time across all of Tokyo¡ªor perhaps the entire world¡ªhad appeared before him alone. Why?.. Am I the only one who could see her? What choices would I have to make in the future?.. He only knew one thing for certain: the spirit girl had given him an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime chance, and he would be a fool to ignore it.


    Haruto steeled himself, determined to seek the truth, just as the spirit girl had said. I don¡¯t know what I have to do... but I know one thing: I can¡¯t stay idle any longer. Something big is happening here, and I have to find out what it is.


    With renewed determination, Haruto rose from the bench and walked out of the station¡ªheading toward Sakamiya University. The answers were there, waiting for him. He would seek the truth, and face whatever came his way.


    * *


    Sakamiya University


    Front Gate


    08:43 AM


    Haruto Mori arrived at Sakamiya University, his heart still pounding from the surreal encounter he had experienced just moments earlier. As he walked toward the front gate, his fingers moved swiftly over his phone, sending a quick message to Kanna to let her know that he was close. Within seconds, she responded, saying she would head to the gate to meet him. Haruto took a deep breath, but the weight of what had just happened in the train lingered heavily on his mind.


    While waiting for Kanna, Haruto¡¯s thoughts kept consumed by the mysterious spirit girl he had encountered on the train. Who is she? What¡¯s her name? Where does she come from? And how did she know my name?.. The unanswered questions swirled in his mind like a relentless storm. Yet, despite the confusion and fear, his need for answers outweighed any hesitation. Something larger than himself was unfolding, and he could feel the weight of its importance pressing down on him.


    From a distance, he could now see the eerie blue light of the dimension crack, its unnatural glow radiating an unsettling energy that seemed out of place in this world. The entire campus area had been cordoned off with security barriers¡ªguarded by numerous police officers and military personnel.


    The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd of civilians stared in awe and fear, snapping pictures and videos of the rare phenomenon unfolding before them. Journalists, reporters, onlookers, and curious pedestrians had also gathered outside the barriers, their faces lit by the constant flashes of their cameras as they tried to capture this extraordinary sight. The air was filled with the soft hum of voices and the occasional click of shutters, all focused on the strange rift in the parking lot, far enough from the back of the security barriers.


    Police officers and military personnel struggled to maintain the order, working tirelessly to control the crowd¡ªcontinuously urging them to step back and leave the area. Their efforts were met with resistance, as people pressed forward in their eagerness to get closer to the strange occurrence.


    "PLEASE STEP BACK! For your own safety, MOVE AWAY FROM THIS AREA!" a police officer shouted through a megaphone, but his voice was almost drowned out by the chaotic noise of the crowd surrounding him. It was clear that the excitement of witnessing something so unprecedented was overpowering their sense of caution.


    The people outside the security barrier seemed unfazed by the potential danger posed by the dimensional rift, particularly the journalists and reporters. Instead, they appeared more excited than worried, eager to get a closer look at the phenomenon, pushing against the police line in their attempt to get nearer. Their excitement overshadowed any sense of self-preservation.


    ¡°We need to get closer!¡± one reporter shouted, his cameraman shoving people aside as they fought their way through the crowd. ¡°This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!¡±


    Another journalist yelled into her camera, "Stay tuned, viewers! We¡¯re going to get some incredible footage!" Her eyes gleamed with the thrill of the moment, completely ignoring the risks.


    Dozens of police officers and a handful of military soldiers were no match for the overzealous press and the growing crowd of hundreds. Determined to capture photos and videos for their InStara, ViewTube, VidTok and other popular social media platforms, they surged forward, shoving against the police barricades with reckless abandon, as if the danger meant nothing compared to the chance to document this bizarre dimensional rift.


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t come any closer. It¡¯s dangerous!¡± one of the police officers yelled, but his warnings fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°Sir, Ma¡¯am, please stop advancing! This is a high-risk area!¡± shouted another officer, a shield clutched tightly in his hands as he was forced backward by the crowd pressing in on him.


    ¡°CAPTAIN! We need backup! The crowd has already breached the FIRST SECURITY BARRIER!¡± another officer yelled into his walkie-talkie, his voice filled with urgency. ¡°Please, CAPTAIN! We need more riot police down here! ¡­ Yes¡­ Understood¡­ ROGER, CAPTAIN! We¡¯ll start setting up the barbed wire now!¡±


    "Oh God, who are these crazy people!? Why aren¡¯t they scared? This situation is extremely dangerous." one shocked police officer exclaimed as he was shoved to the side, barely managing to hold his ground.


    ¡°They¡¯re more afraid of missing the perfect shot than they are of losing their lives, sigh." his colleague replied with a weary sigh, gripping his shield and baton as the swarm of reporters and journalists pressed past him.


    ¡°I need to get the perfect angle for this shot! Cameraman, follow me!¡± one reporter yelled, ignoring the warnings and pushing past several police officers. "This will make my career!" she declared confidently, while struggling to push the barricade with the help of a few others.


    Not long after, reinforcements arrived¡ªdozens of riot police armed with shields and batons, deployed from within the campus grounds. Additional officers quickly set up barbed wire around the security barricades. The arrival of these reinforcements seemed to quell the enthusiasm of some of the people at the front of the crowd, including a few reporters and journalists, who hesitated to press forward any further.


    While they were eager to capture close-up photos and videos of the strange phenomenon, they had no compelling reason to clash with the police officers who were now heavily guarded the campus area with reinforced security.


    Gradually, the crowd began to retreat in an orderly manner, and the first layer of barricades was successfully restored. The second layer of security was strengthened with barbed wire, and officers were stationed at both layers, including dozens of riot police.


    Yet, it might not be enough to deter or stop the determined journalists and reporters who had gathered in large numbers at the front gate, should they decide to breach the barricades again. Alongside the hundreds of curious civilians who were gathering in increasing numbers, all of them were vying for the best position to capture photos and videos of the interdimensional phenomenon, despite the two layers of barricades and the presence of dozens of riot police officers and several military soldiers.


    Haruto, however, barely noticed the commotion around him. His eyes were still locked onto the dimensional rift¡ªa swirling mass of blue and green energy that pulsed with a strange, otherworldly light. It was something unlike anything he had ever seen before, a tear between two worlds, a portal to an unknown dimension. As he stared at it, he could feel an ancient power radiating from within, tugging at the edges of his consciousness, drawing him in.


    ¡°The Captain said that blue rift is dangerous, but so far, nothing bad has happened." a newly graduated police officer muttered to his colleague, his tone skeptical.


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t say that out loud! If the Captain hears you, you¡¯ll get reassigned to the worst post!¡± a senior female officer snapped, glaring at him. ¡°Never question the Captain¡¯s judgment. If he says it¡¯s dangerous, there¡¯s always a reason.¡±


    Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a woman stormed toward the officers stationed at the first security layer, her angry voice cutting through the noise and drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    "I am a famous influencer with 25 million followers! Let me through!" she snapped, her tone dripping with entitlement as she attempted to shove her way past the officers.


    The sharp clack of her high heels echoed against the pavement as she strode forward, announcing her massive follower count on InStara as if it were a golden ticket to bypass security. She pressed against the security barricade, adamantly insisting on her supposed right to pass.


    "Hey! Do you know who I am?" she barked arrogantly, flipping her hair with exaggerated flair, her sharp, piercing gaze locked onto the officer blocking her path.


    All eyes turned to the influencer as she boldly and shamelessly confronted the officers, her behavior brimming with entitlement. She seemed willing to do anything to get what she wanted, heedless of the chaos brewing behind her.


    The tension in the area thickened as murmurs rippled through the growing crowd behind her. If this was allowed to escalate, her actions could spark a larger conflict among the restless crowd, which was growing increasingly agitated by the minute.


    Police officers and soldiers stationed nearby exchanged wary glances, bracing themselves for the worst, and the unexpected, as the chaos could started to erupt at any moment..


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª

 Hiatus Announcement – Madougu: Rise of The Fallen

    Hello Everyone,


    This is Ren Lumino.


    <hr>


    Thank You


    First and foremost, thank you so much for reading and supporting Madougu: Rise of The Fallen so far. I deeply appreciate every single one of you who has taken the time to explore this story.


    I have an important announcement to share:


    <hr>


    Hiatus Notice


    I¡¯ll be taking a short hiatus (around three weeks) starting today to focus on writing more chapters and ensuring that the story continues with better consistency. Rest assured, the series is not dropped¡ªI¡¯m fully committed to delivering the full epic tale to its conclusion as planned!


    <hr>


    Why The Hiatus?


    Here¡¯s why I¡¯m taking this short break:


    <ul>


    <li>Currently, I¡¯ve prepared the first 12 chapters (Chapters 01 to 04 have already been posted here), but I¡¯d like to build a stronger chapter backlog to ensure I can release chapters consistently without interruptions.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.-</li>


    <li>During this time, my goal is to write up to Chapter 20 (or beyond), so when I return, I can post multiple chapters at once and set the stage for a more exciting and consistent release schedule.</li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    When Will I Be Back?


    <ul>


    <li>I plan to resume posting around February 6 or 7, 2025.


    </li>


    <li>At that time, I will release 3 chapters (Chapters 05¨C07) simultaneously to make the comeback even more exciting.


    </li>


    <li>Afterward, I¡¯ll follow a regular release schedule of 2 chapters per week, every Wednesday and Friday.


    </li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    What About Patreon?


    If you¡¯d like to read ahead during the hiatus and support my writing, feel free to check out my Patreon.


    Here¡¯s what you¡¯ll find:


    <ul>


    <li>Early-access chapters (currently up to Chapter 10), plus..


    </li>


    <li>All published chapters in an exclusive, neatly formatted light novel-style ongoing volume PDF, including a simple cover, prologue, table of contents, and more.</li>


    </ul>


    But of course, if you prefer to wait for the public releases here, that¡¯s perfectly fine too¡ªI¡¯m just grateful to have you on this journey.


    <hr>


    Final Note


    Thank you for your patience and understanding.


    I look forward to sharing more of Haruto and Kanna¡¯s adventure in this vast Madougu Universe. This story of supernatural dark fantasy set in a post-modern era will continue soon, and there¡¯s so much more to come.


    Let''s live in the story together,


    ¡ª Ren Lumino ¡ª