Adachi's life had always seemed like an unending loop of family melodrama, an unbreakable cycle with no end in sight. Then came that fateful autumn evening when things reached their peak.
Sitting at the dinner table in his cozy, traditional home, Adachi was engulfed by the soothing aroma of simmering miso soup. The house itself was a living relic, each creaky floorboard echoing with history, and its walls harboring ancient tales that whispered through the corridors.
In the kitchen, his mother Eiko flitted about like a manic butterfly, a master at turning even the simplest mishaps into epic tragedies. She could transform a slightly overcooked dinner into a world-ending calamity, a talent no one else possessed.
Eiko's voice, sharp and melodramatic, reverberated throughout the house as she meticulously sliced vegetables. "Adachi, my son," she cried out, her tone an odd blend of affection and theatricality. "You can't be serious about studying abroad! It's far too dangerous. What if you get kidnapped? Or even worse, what if you never return?"
On the other side of the table, Adachi's eldest sister, Aneya, remained absorbed in her phone, unaffected by the familial theatrics. At twenty-nine, she had mastered the art of detachment, learned from years of enduring their mother's emotional rollercoasters.
"Why are you even bothering to talk to her?" Aneya muttered to Adachi, just loud enough for him to hear. "You know she won't let you go."
Seated to Adachi's right, his younger sister Cilia tried to appear strong and unwavering, despite her inner turmoil. She leaned closer, her eyes beseeching. "Adachi, please, you can't leave us like this. We need you here. I need you here."
Cilia grappled with mixed emotions, putting on a façade of strength to conceal her fear of their family being scattered across the world.
Adachi's only brother, Maru, sitting across from him, chimed in with the wisdom of his twenty-one years. "Adachi, man, think about it. You should go. You're the smartest one among us, and you have the potential to do great things. I can't do it because, well, I'm not as bright as you."
Maru encouraged Adachi to embrace his intellect and venture into the world, believing in his brother's potential and hoping to see him succeed, even if it meant breaking free from their traditional home.
His father, Sadao, remained silent, his disinterest evident as he shoveled rice into his mouth. Sadao had grown weary of the perpetual turmoil that accompanied every family discussion, content as long as he wasn't writing a check.
The weight of his family's expectations bore down on Adachi. He longed to explore the world, to break free from the constraints of their traditional household, and chase his dreams wherever they might lead. Yet, it was clear that such ambitions were seen as frivolous by his mother, a mockery of her perpetual theatrics.
"I understand your concerns, Mom," Adachi began, his voice resolute, attempting to assert himself amid the emotional storm. "But I must do this. It's something I need to achieve for myself."
Eiko clutched her chest, feigning near-fainting. "Oh, the heartache! My son, my only son, is leaving me to wander the treacherous world alone!"
The melodrama continued, but Adachi had made his decision. He would find a way to pursue his dreams and explore the world, even if it meant defying the traditions and expectations that bound his family together.
Adachi had no inkling that this choice would set in motion a series of events that would forever alter his life and test the bonds he held so dear.
As Eiko continued to resist, her words filled with fear and reluctance, Adachi reached a breaking point. He couldn't bear the stifling atmosphere any longer. Without a word, he pushed his chair back, dashed from the dining table, and headed for the front door. It was time to escape the emotional turmoil that had taken hold of his home and head to school.
Stepping out of the house, the cool autumn breeze offered relief from the oppressive atmosphere inside. As he hurried along the familiar streets to his high school, he noticed the vibrant colors of autumn leaves gently falling from the trees, a stark contrast to the turmoil he had just left behind.
Not far from his house, he spotted Haruto, a close friend who shared his daily journey to school. They exchanged greetings, filled with a mix of anticipation and dread for the upcoming final year exams.
"Good morning, Adachi," Haruto said, releasing an audible sigh. "These final exams are going to be the end of us, I swear."
Adachi chuckled, momentarily relieved from the weight of family drama by the camaraderie of his friend. "Tell me about it. I can barely concentrate with all that's going on at home."
As they continued walking, discussing their university choices and the pressure to excel, another friend, Daiki, appeared on the path ahead, grinning.
"Hey, guys!" Daiki said. "You won't believe the story I stumbled upon online last night. It's about this guy who tries to save a cat from being hit by a truck, and then, guess what, he gets transported to another world. And in that world, he gains these insane superpowers that turn him into an overpowered character in a fantasy story."
Adachi and Haruto exchanged intrigued glances. It was exactly the kind of captivating tale they needed to divert their minds from the looming final exams and the family drama at home.
"Are you serious?" Adachi asked, his curiosity piqued.
Daiki nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I couldn't stop reading. The guy becomes this legendary figure in the new world. It's like he's living out an epic adventure."
Adachi and his friends continued their lively discussion about the thrilling story Daiki had shared, but their conversation was abruptly halted by a peculiar sight. At a busy intersection, an eight-year-old girl suddenly dashed into the road, fixated on a bright red ball that had rolled perilously close to danger.
The girl's reckless dash through the busy street was a heart-stopping scene. Cars screeched to a halt, horns blaring as drivers desperately tried to avoid a catastrophe. Her mother, engrossed in her phone, remained oblivious to her daughter's impulsive escape. Panic spread through the onlookers, but it was Adachi who, in that crucial moment, found sudden clarity.
As Adachi observed the impending tragedy unfold before him, his life flashed before his eyes, a rapid reel of memories and experiences. His loved ones, his dreams of studying abroad, his trials and triumphs—everything passed in a split second. Amidst the whirlwind of memories, one thought stood out.
The story Daiki had recounted earlier loomed large in his mind. The notion that an act of kindness could lead to a fantastical journey was too captivating to dismiss. Adachi realized that this moment might be his chance to change the course of his life, to embark on an adventure of his own.
With unwavering determination, Adachi sprang into action. He lunged towards the little girl, not only to save her but also with a secret hope that his heroic deed would trigger an extraordinary transformation, just as in the stories he'd heard.
To his surprise, as he leaped toward the girl, another figure, a young man, moved with the same heroic instinct, reaching the girl just a fraction of a second before Adachi did.
In a moment that felt like slow motion, the stranger managed to whisk the girl away from the path of the oncoming car. He shielded her with his own body, absorbing the full force of the impact.
Adachi landed not far from the scene, stunned by the turn of events. He had missed his chance to be the hero in this story. His grand leap for an extraordinary destiny had ended with him flat on the pavement.
The girl, shaken but unharmed, was safely in the arms of the young man who had risked his life to save her. Adachi had not been transported to another world, and his adventure, it seemed, would have to wait for another day.
As the sirens of approaching emergency vehicles wailed in the distance, Adachi couldn't help but ponder the unpredictable nature of life's twists and turns. The world was full of heroes, and not all of them wore capes or sought out fantastical destinies. Some simply acted on the impulse of kindness and courage, even at the risk of great personal sacrifice.
Adachi sat on the pavement, a mix of relief and embarrassment washing over him.
He couldn't help but chuckle at his own foolishness. Even if just for a brief moment, he had genuinely believed that his act of heroism might transport him to another world, just as the stories had described. He had entertained the idea of being reborn as a legendary character, ready for adventure.
But there he was, sitting on the sidewalk, unscathed but feeling a tad sheepish. He looked at the young man who had saved the girl, still recovering from the impact, and couldn't help but feel deep admiration for his selflessness.
The sirens of the approaching emergency vehicles grew louder, and the girl's mother clung to her child, expressing her gratitude through tears. Adachi, still shaking his head at his own vivid imagination, rose to his feet.
Though he hadn't been transported to another world or become the hero he'd briefly envisioned, Adachi had learned an important lesson about life's unpredictability and the real-world heroes who walked among them. Perhaps, he thought, the most extraordinary adventures weren't found in distant realms, but in the moments when people came together to help one another.
As Adachi watched the emergency vehicles rush to the scene, he felt a strong need to know more about the young man who had risked his life to save the girl. He decided to head over to the traffic police officer standing at the intersection, hoping to gather some information that might help him visit the hospital later.
"Excuse me," Adachi approached the officer, a mix of concern and gratitude in his voice, "I saw what happened here, and I'm wondering if you have any information about the guy who protected the girl from the accident. I want to visit him at the hospital and thank him."
The traffic police officer looked at Adachi, a touch of surprise in his eyes. "That's a noble intention. We don't have any specific details at the moment, but I'll see what I can find out. It's not every day we see heroes like that."
With that promise, Adachi turned and made his way to school. His friends, Haruto and Daiki, joined him as they made their way to school, the atmosphere between them was a mix of awe and awkwardness. Haruto couldn't help but break the silence with a sarcastic remark, calling Adachi out for his impulsive leap.
"Adachi," Haruto said with a sly grin, "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be so eager to toss your life away for a bit of excitement. You know, some people prefer to jump into video games for that fantasy fix, but you went all out, huh?"
Adachi chuckled, realizing the jest in Haruto's words. "Well, you know, it was a one-time thing. I won't make a habit of it."
Daiki, on the other hand, was quick to find the adventure in the moment, drawing parallels to his earlier story. "Man, that was like something out of one of those novels, where the hero leaps into action without a second thought. The real world can be just as thrilling, it seems."
The friends shared a laugh, easing the tension from the dramatic events they had just witnessed. Life, they realized, had a way of surprising them with the extraordinary when they least expected it.
The morning had been a rollercoaster of emotions for Adachi and his friends, serving as a vivid reminder that life possessed its own propensity for surprises. The day's thrilling events had unfurled shortly before their arrival at the high school, injecting their hearts with exhilaration.
Once the school day commenced with the first bell, Adachi, Haruto, and Daiki parted ways, each heading to their respective classes. Navigating the familiar corridors, they engaged in the customary exchange of notes and playful banter with their classmates. All the while, their thoughts drifted to a life beyond the classroom walls, the morning's exhilarating events lingering as a vibrant undercurrent to their daily routines.
At the lunch break, Adachi and Haruto stepped out of their classroom. They found Daiki already waiting at their usual meeting spot, his eyes alive with excitement.
"Hey, guys!" Daiki greeted them. "You won't believe what transpired during my last class."
Adachi and Haruto exchanged intrigued glances. "Go ahead, spill it," Haruto urged.
Daiki leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a well-guarded secret. "You know Himari, right?"
Both Adachi and Haruto nodded in acknowledgment. Himari was Daiki's childhood friend and classmate, a captivating and vivacious girl who had held a special place in Daiki's heart since their early years.
Daiki continued, his tone tinged with longing. "Well, today, Himari and I were paired up for a project, and we spent the entire class working together. It felt like a dream come true."
Adachi couldn't help but chuckle, fully aware of the depth of Daiki's infatuation with Himari. "That sounds wonderful, Daiki. So, what's the catch?"
Daiki's expression took on a contemplative hue. "The catch is that, no matter how much time I spend with her, she keeps relegating me to the friend zone. I can't help but think about her incessantly, but it seems she's content with our relationship remaining on a platonic level."
Haruto arched an eyebrow. "You know, Daiki, there's a fine line between being a great friend and being firmly ensconced in the 'friend zone.'"
Daiki let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I get it, but I can't rein in how I feel. She's a constant presence in my thoughts, and no one else even comes close."
Adachi couldn't help but empathize with his friend's predicament. "Feelings can be elusive and hard to control, Daiki. If Himari holds such significance to you, perhaps it's worth engaging in an honest conversation about your emotions with her."
Daiki nodded, although a tinge of uncertainty still lingered. "Yeah, you might be right. But for the time being, I'll savor the moments we have together. Who knows what the future may hold, right?"
As Daiki was about to continue his conversation, another student hurriedly approached Adachi, interrupting the flow. The student, slightly out of breath, relayed a message, "Hey Adachi, our class teacher wants to see you before the end of the break. It seemed important."
Adachi exchanged a quick nod with the student, thanking them for the information. He then turned to his friends, a hint of curiosity in his expression. "Looks like I need to see our class teacher. I'll catch up with you guys later. Daiki, continue your story when I get back."
With those words, Adachi followed the student who had delivered the message, leaving Haruto and Daiki to carry on their conversation.
Adachi greeted his teacher with a polite nod and took a seat in the chair near her desk. The teacher, Mrs. Suzuki, wore a concerned expression as she began to speak.
"Adachi, your mother contacted me earlier today," she said, her tone gentle but serious. "She expressed some concerns about your future plans and the choices you've been making recently."
Adachi leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What did she say, Mrs. Suzuki?"
Mrs. Suzuki continued, "She mentioned that you're considering pursuing a higher degree abroad, and she's quite worried about it. She feels that some of your choices have been rather... unconventional."
Adachi sighed, realizing that his mother's apprehension had reached his school. "I understand her concerns, but I've thought long and hard about my decisions. I believe studying abroad is the right path for me."
Mrs. Suzuki nodded in understanding. "I don't doubt your dedication and abilities, Adachi, but it's important to keep your family's concerns in mind. Your mother wants the best for you, and she's afraid that you're making decisions that might be seen as... reckless."
Adachi bit his lip, torn between his aspirations and his mother's worries. He replied, "I appreciate her concern, and I'll try to talk to her about it. I want to find a way to make her understand that I'm doing this to achieve my dreams."
Mrs. Suzuki offered a reassuring smile. "That's a good start, Adachi. Communication can often bridge the gap between differing perspectives. Just remember to consider the feelings and concerns of those who care about you as you pursue your ambitions."
Adachi nodded, absorbing the advice, and left the teacher's room with a heavy heart. His steps grew heavier as he walked through the school corridors, his frustration simmering and a feeling of disbelief about his mother's actions weighing on him.
Finding a quiet corner in the hallway, Adachi couldn't contain his anger any longer. He muttered under his breath, "Why does she always have to interfere? I thought she'd understand my dreams and ambitions by now. It's like she's determined to control every aspect of my life."
Adachi's fists clenched in frustration as he wrestled with the turmoil of his emotions. He had always believed in his dreams and was willing to work hard to achieve them. But the constant interference and doubt from his family, especially his mother, felt like an anchor dragging him down.
He knew he needed to find a way to make his mother see that he was making choices for his future, choices that were important to him. But in that moment, he couldn't help but resent the obstacles and misunderstandings that stood in his way.
As Adachi was lost in thought, his frustration still simmering, a sudden and surreal event disrupted his inner musings. Out of thin air, a strange, childlike hand with ghostly, translucent fingers emerged. It appeared like a phantom from some otherworldly dimension. Shocked and frozen in place, Adachi couldn't react.
Before he could make sense of this bizarre occurrence, the eerie hand lunged towards him. Its fingers wrapped around his wrist with an unexpected strength, tugging him toward it. Panic surged through Adachi as he was helplessly pulled closer, his mind racing with fear and confusion.
During this time, Haruta, genuinely concerned about Adachi, couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong at school. He decided to go look for Adachi shortly after he left to meet his teacher. As he roamed the school's hallways, he spotted Adachi coming out of the teacher's room, his face a mix of anger and disbelief.
Haruta sensed that it wasn't the right moment to approach Adachi directly, but he couldn't ignore his friend's clear distress. Keeping a discreet distance, he chose to follow Adachi, staying close enough to provide support if needed while giving him space to process his emotions.
As Haruta turned the corner and saw the hand gripping Adachi, fear surged through him. He had no idea how to react, but he felt a strong determination to protect his friend. With all his strength, he clung to Adachi's hand.
Adachi, realizing that he wasn't alone in this strange situation, cried out for help. Amidst the chaos, Haruta heard a mysterious voice that seemed to come from nowhere. It said, "Child, this is not your time, neither it's not your fault."
Despite the cryptic words, Haruta refused to release Adachi's hand. He was ready to fight to keep his friend safe, no matter what mysterious force was at play.
As Adachi was dragged by the strange hand and vanished into thin air, Haruto was knocked back by the force of the bizarre occurrence. Tears welled up in Haruta's eyes as he shouted in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Other students started to gather, drawn by Haruto's shouts of disbelief. Among the concerned onlookers were Daiki and his childhood friend, Himari. Nobody had any idea what was unfolding before their eyes. Daiki, worried about his friend's shouting, approached the bewildered Haruta, seeking an explanation.
Haruta stared at the place where Adachi had disappeared, shock and disbelief written all over his face. He couldn't find words to explain the inexplicable event, but he knew they were in a dire situation.
The same enigmatic voice whispered to Haruta again, saying, "Hear, feel, think." Haruta listened intently, trying to make sense of the cryptic message when another bizarre event unfolded. An eerie hand materialized behind Daiki, grasping him with a force that mirrored Adachi's earlier disappearance.
Just as Daiki seemed about to be dragged into an unknown abyss, his childhood friend, Himari, leaped into action. She pushed Daiki away from the mysterious hand, sacrificing herself instead. The spectral hand seized Himari and pulled her into its mystifying void until she, too, vanished from sight.
Daiki, overwhelmed by the inexplicable events, jumped onto Haruta, who remained on his knees in shock. Daiki desperately implored Haruta for answers, his voice trembling with fear and confusion, as the students around them tried to comprehend what had just transpired.
Haruto, caught in a whirlwind of confusion and fear, didn't have a moment to catch his breath. As another event unfolded, a white circle materialized beneath him as he knelt in shock. Daiki, panicking and demanding answers, shouted at Haruto, who was equally bewildered.
Simultaneously, a star began to form in the center of the circle. Unintelligible script rapidly scrolled around the circumference of the circle, mystifying onlookers. Fear took hold of the students, causing them to scatter and scream in terror.
Haruto, experiencing a mix of panic and curiosity, decided he needed to escape from the enigmatic circle. However, the same voice from before implored him to stay. In a moment of trust, Haruto decided to heed the voice's guidance. Daiki, left in the dark and utterly bewildered, had no choice but to stay inside the circle as well.
Within the circle, a brilliant bolt of light erupted from the ground, forming a powerful beam that surged into the sky, obliterating everything in its path and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
