The sky was gray.
Not the kind of gray that hinted at rain or the coming of night—but the still, heavy kind. Like the world itself was holding its breath.
Yuuji Amano stood in the middle of the crosswalk, his arms spread wide like wings. The sound of screaming was faint behind him, distant, as though he were underwater. But he didn't care. All he could see was the little girl just a few feet away—her face pale, her feet frozen in fear.
And the truck.
It was coming fast.
I'm going to die, he thought. But strangely, there was no fear in his chest. Just a deep, aching calm.
He smiled, almost sadly. So this is how my story ends... before it ever really began.
The impact came.
Darkness.
Something was wrong. Or maybe too right.
There was no pain. No cold. No heartbeat.
Just... warmth. Cradling him. Like a blanket of stars.
And then, a voice.
> "You have been chosen. The world of Eloria calls to your soul."
Yuuji couldn't see anyone. Just a formless light in the void. He tried to speak, but no words came. Only thoughts.
Why me? he asked.
> "Because you gave everything... without asking for anything. That is rare."
Am I dead?
> "Not yet. Not truly. You stand between the end and a beginning."
Then, the light pulsed—and with it, came flashes.
A woman stood under the moonlight, silver hair flowing like river silk, a bow in her hand. Her green eyes were sharp, cold.
> "Don't think just because you were summoned that you're welcome."
Another girl, dressed in white robes, knelt beside him. Her hands glowed with healing light as they brushed against his chest.
> "You're safe now... with me."
A dark room. Laughter, low and mischievous. Crimson eyes gleamed.
> "You really are cute when you're scared, you know? Want me to teach you about this world... my way?"
A beastgirl, wild golden hair bouncing, sniffed his neck.
> "He smells strong! I like strong! Can I keep him? Pleaseee?"
Ice. Cold. Silent. A dagger pressed to his throat. Pale blue eyes stared through him.
> "One betrayal... and I won't hesitate."
Flames. A woman wrapped in crimson armor with horns curling from her head. Her wings unfurled like firestorms.
> "You will burn with me. We are bound. You are mine."
Then silence. Heavy, endlwar.
Yuuji opened his mouth to scream—but found no voice.
Only a whisper from deep within his heart:
"In a world where I was supposed to lead… why do I feel like I'm the one being hunted?"
The light swallowed him whole.
And then—he fell.
Into fire, into fate, into love... and into war.