《A New Life Begins When You Decide to Live Better》


 Chapter 1: A Normal Day of Losing Control Over Everything

    Argh! Shit, this again?!


    I tried and I tried again but my own body seems not listening to me. I''ve tried my best¡ªbut I cannot still control it, and just moving on its own.


    "Sigh... My body feel so heavy. I can''t move at all"


    My life became a lifeless, heartbeat racing so fast. I tried to lay down first and sleep but suddenly my vision also went blurred.


    "Ugh, now I can''t see"


    Calm down-calm down, I don''t want to die too young. I still have so many goal I want to achieve first.


    By the way, my name is Kaze-Ijin. I am twenty-five this year. In the grand scheme of things, I¡¯m just an ordinary person: short black hair, unremarkable violet eyes, a plain face no one would remember in a crowd. My clothes? Simple¡ªa worn T-shirt and a pair of cheap white pants.


    But behind this ordinary appearance lies a body falling apart piece by piece. Heart disease, brittle bones, and countless other ailments¡­ My body is like a house built on crumbling foundations.


    And I hate it.


    It started a month ago, the day before my graduation.


    I had thought the strange tightness in my chest was stress, nothing more. After all, I was busy preparing for the future¡ªpolishing my resume, dreaming of the career that lay ahead. Yet, as the days passed, the discomfort grew.


    When I finally went to the doctor, his words struck me like thunder on a clear day.


    ¡°Your heart is overexerted,¡± he said gravely, his eyes shadowed with pity. ¡°And the calcification in your joints explains the stiffness you¡¯ve been feeling. But this is more than just wear and tear. It¡¯s serious. We¡¯ll need further tests to confirm.¡±


    This was not an illusion of my mind, it was true!


    As I held onto the couch, my hands shook endlessly. Should the notion that this may be due to something I did not my life flashes through my mind? At 25, I was meant to feel at my best, and not experience the challenges of not being able to do what I want anymore.


    I shifted my eyes to the window.


    The weather was cooler than I expected. I was still sitting in a slouched position on the couch, my gaze directed at the sky. I found my thoughts to be relentless. There was a sensation in my chest that felt like it was being pulled by someone, even though I didn''t see anyone else. It was emotionally draining.


    The city skyline was illuminated by golden light as the sun set. An experience that was both emotional and agonizing to witness. There was an urge to jump out, run and use my remaining energy for a while; but I had legs that were not functioning properly. Despite the pressure from my chest, I was struggling to breathe.


    "Now not again...


    "It''s not now!" I muttered, fighting with the growing panic. Despite my efforts, I was unable to hear the sound of my heart breaking. Fast, irregular, constant. The sound of a knock on the door suddenly caught me off guard.


    "Yo, Kaze! You home?" It was my best friend, Kaori.


    I was too exhausted to reply. My voice stuck in my throat. ''I was wondering if she would go in on her own.'' A little while later, I recognized the familiar sound of the door squeaking open.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "K...Kaze? Are you okay?" she asked, sounding worried as she sprinted to my side.


    "Kaori," I croaked, my vision still blurry, "I... I think something¡¯s wrong again."


    Her hand was on my shoulder instantly, grounding me. "Hey, calm down. Breathe, okay? Focus on my voice." She crouched in front of me, her bright green eyes locking onto mine.


    "We will fight together, Kaze. But you need to let me guide you through this journey."


    I don''t remember when was the last time someone else''s eyes met mine. Her hand came over the phone, blocking it. I wasn''t about to say anything, but the warmth of her palm was hugging me.


    "We''re headed to the hospital. Whether you like it or not. You are not navigating through this on your own."


    "We''re headed to the hospital. Whether you like it or not. You are not navigating through this on your own."


    While I was on the call, there was an odd feeling of warmth in my chest. The discomfort was not as intense as the previous one, but a more comforting version. A light of hope. I am optimistic that with a little assistance, I won''t have to contend with this alone.


    While Kaori spoke to the emergency dispatcher in a calm voice, I could hear the shaking beneath her skin. Although I had the intention to reassure her that I wouldn''t be affected by anything, my throat felt as though it were sandpaper and my chest was heavy.


    "Hang in there, Kaze."


    She remained composed and expressed that help was imminent. She spoke with such determination, as if her strength could keep me alive.


    I put my body down, but it wouldn''t let me do anything. Why? My vision became more unclear, and the world began to dim. Deep within me, I sensed a strange pull¡ªa force trying to push me away from reality. The temperature was chilly, but it was strangely alluring.?


    "Kaze!"


    The voice of Kaori was audible as if she were coming from afar.


    Despite my efforts, I felt like the very essence of my body was being stripped away from me. It was as if someone had turned on a switch, and everything became silent. The pain, weight, and panic disappeared in a matter of seconds.''


    When I opened my eyes, the only thing on my mind was either the hospital or Kaori''s face covered in tears. The outcome was a vast darkness with only faint light streams in the distance, like fireflies flying overhead.


    I could hear my voice, but it was atypical and unrecognizable.


    It was clearer, stronger.


    The wind blew through the empty space, carrying a voice that was ancient, deep-resonant and deeply moving. "Kaze¨CIjin.". You are standing on the brink of fate.


    "Who is the person on the back of my neck?" I asked. "I screamed out my desires, turning over in every direction possible way.".


    Then in the distant place, someone arrived wearing robes that reflected both dark and light colours. Even though their face remained hidden the event demanded their attention. I think they are ghost, calamity or something more dangerous.


    With a chorus of: "You''re at the crossroads, my beloved," the calamity declared. "A decision must be made."


    The calamity moved closer while the beams of light intertwined above us into a single string. A mixture of magic-enhanced realms plus evil temporary kingdoms made up our storey along with duelling and potion use. Several dancing images orbited around it.


    "The lights ceased suddenly, and I gazed at myself in altered lighting, featuring my older self with a blade that shone with luminosity, standing on top of ruined castles as thousands of soldiers bent over before me.". We face dangerous choices where chances never stop arriving. Rebirth.


    The images facing me created strong motions throughout my empty heart. "Rebirth?" I asked. What does that mean? Another chance?"


    The sight of the images caused my heart to sway in that empty space. "Rebirth?" I asked. What does that mean? Another chance?"


    The calamity smiled. "A chance to re-cast your destiny.". You can succeed at all challenges if you decide to become great. The pathway suits a particular person uniquely. Your potential will face extreme challenges beyond what you can imagine and there is always a chance to fall short.


    The decision felt hard to make so I delayed my choice. Could I really do it? Does a fresh start in another world demand real commitments without protection? Should I work hard to end my problems or simply stop dealing with them?


    I watched as Kaori appeared before me in my mental image. Her speech remained strong during the message. "We''ll fight together, Kaze.".


    I focused on her advice as I kept my hands together. If I could come back again I would take full advantage of my unique life Experience.


    The lights blasted open and electricity surged through me. Total darkness disappeared and brilliance filled the place. My body went through instant reconstruction while I stayed silent throughout the process. I embraced it.

 Chapter 2: New world

    Despite the evening coming I sat on plush grass among wildflower scents. The sky above me showed new colours of purple and golden for the first time. A brightly colorful bird moved and chirped near me during its dance. ".


    My body stayed upright as my hands kept working even though they trembled. The castle stood tall from its hilltop summit and its bright roof and steep towers reflected sunlight.


    I couldn''t recognise my surroundings as I studied this unfamiliar environment. The fresh air was cool to breathe and smelled of both flower and pine trees.


    I found it simple to breathe and moved freely because my chest and ribs didn''t hurt. I enjoyed painless movements as muscle stiffness left my body. I tested my hands finding them both powerful and weightless.


    My old garments vanished and were traded for a comfortable wrapped tunic with a rope belt. Leather boots hugged my feet perfectly so it seemed as if they were made just for me.


    "Sigh..."


    After small steps I stopped to view everything around me. All around me are familiar types of colourful wildflowers like daisies and violets covered the hillside creating a natural rainbow under the sun''s light. Among them, I found a different species with faint phosphorescent petals that seemed to shine on their own.


    Against the sky a colorful bird flew toward a castle seen from the distance. One wing broke solar beams into colour segments as it flew through the light. My eyes held onto that beautiful sight until it faded into the horizon yet I felt empty in its absence.


    Together the wind brought faint scents of pine and cinnamon with a mystery sweet aroma. I took deep breaths to enjoy the moment.


    Breathing the fresh wild air shocked me since my past city surroundings felt empty and stagnant. Here, every breath felt alive.


    After opening my eyes I saw a footpath going downhill. I saw that a trail ran directly in front of me and I naturally began to walk it even though I didn''t know where it would take me.


    The hammering of hooves against the ground stopped me from walking. When I looked behind me an elderly driver sat at the reins of his small horse-drawn waggon. His appearance showed many deep wrinkles while his expression stayed peaceful and caring.


    ¡°Ho there, traveler!¡± he called, pulling the cart to a stop beside me. ¡°You look a bit lost. New to these parts?¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    I hesitated, then nodded. ¡°You could say that. I can''t pinpoint this location or understand how I arrived until now."


    A soft laugh escaped his mouth as sunlight brightness. "Somehow the beer from The Prancing Pony made a stronger impact last night. Happens to the best of us. Climb in and I will drive to the village for you. Name¡¯s Thom, by the way.¡±


    I happily got into the cart to accept Thom''s offer. Although the cart seat felt old it held up well while the wheels made gentle creaking noises through the dirt road surface.


    I studied Thom in that moment before deciding what to reveal. ¡°This place¡­¡± I started by saying this town feels so different from my home. It feels¡­ alive.¡±


    Thom showed no surprise at my statement as if my words matched exactly what he expected to hear. "New arrivals develop their connexion to Theoria when they start living here. People find their path back while living in this extraordinary land. Give it some time and you will learn to navigate the neighbourhood."


    On our way down the slope the wildflower patches transitioned to organised agricultural fields. A cloud of smoke drifted out of nearby houses while barely noticeable town noises drifted to me.


    ¡°Welcome to Willowbrook,¡± Thom said as we entered the village. ¡°It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s home.¡±


    You could see everyone moving throughout the village. Children moved freely between homes enjoying themselves and grown-ups worked their gardens or transported basic items. During mediaeval times the villagers wore basic tunic styles made of fabric in natural colours. Even though the scene included people in everyday action there was an eternal quality to it unfolding alongside all moments in history.


    Thom stopped the cart in front of a two-storey establishment that displayed a wooden sign with The Prancing Pony written on it. The horseshoe on the inn sign appeared so real it appeared to be moving in its stall.


    "As a place to start your journey this is the right spot," said Thom as he pointed at the inn. "When you stay at The Prancing Pony inn Mara as an innkeeper will show you the right way. She naturally guides people toward their destination."


    One foot lit earth as I stepped down from the cart mixed with excitement yet uncertainty.


    Before I could thank Thom, he clapped a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°So, friend, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Kaze,¡± I said, hesitating briefly before adding, ¡°Kaze-Ijin.¡±


    Thom raised an eyebrow, his curiosity evident. ¡°And where were you headed before you ended up here?¡±


    I hesitated, plucking a wildflower beside the road then started spinning it in my fingers. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a long story. I still struggle to figure this part out."


    A different fence symbol stopped me in my stride when I took my final steps toward the inn. Its carved head took the shape of a serpent as it rested against the wooden fence yet its eyes faintly emitted light through the sun.


    "What...! ?" I muttered, my whole body reacted with fear when I saw it while I struggled to explain how.


    According to Thom you will find important information at the inn. "At the inn Mara understands navigation better than anyone. She understands exactly how to lead people in the right direction."


    My two feet left the cart to stand on cobblestone streets as faint excitement mingled with nervous uncertainty.


    I spotted a surprising symbol cut into the wooden fence next to the inn before heading in its direction. A sculpted serpent figure gleamed faintly under the sun with eyes visible from both ends. The symbol on the fence made my back hairs stand up even though I couldn''t identify why.


    ¡°Lost people pass through ''Theoria'' all the time,¡± Thom said, his voice drawing my attention back to him. "The place draws those who need direction and others stay to create a life here. Your path into the future will show you the direction you need to take."


    Although my stomach shifted with unease inside me my response was only a simple head movement. After his signal, Thom rode away from me at the inn exit.


    "Kaori..." Thinking of her again reminds me of everything she did for me¡ªalways helping me, always staying by my side.


    "Thank you for everything you did for me Kaori and I appreciated that; Cuz you... Are my only best friend."


    "Forever!"


    I continue, studied the entrance of the ''Prancing Pony'' with uneasy anticipation flooding my thoughts. And entered inside as my first step into this new world while taking slow breaths to calm myself.