[Congratulations! The ####### Academy would like to inform you that you have passed the admission exam. We welcome you to ####### Academy for AY 20##–20##, the future of the World of Science and Technology.
Before we can accept you into our school, we would like to ask you to come over so that we can tour the academy and conduct one final interview.
Kindly meet us on ##/##/20## at 13:00.
Thank you, and have a wonderful day.
###########]
And just like that, I'm in college.
Yeppie…
I guess introductions are in order to begin.
Greetings, my name is Shiro, just Shiro —for I have no family. As far as I can remember, I was raised in an orphanage by a kind old man. During my time there, I would go to the library and read anything I came across. I began reading books about fantasy and became so engrossed in them that I thought they were real—well, at least that's what my younger self believed.
So, I began practicing magic, and when that didn't work, I tried performing alchemy—or so I thought. As it turns out, I had a talent for science, more specifically chemistry. But I was still better than the average Joe in the other subjects. When I was older, I thought this was a good thing because it meant I could move up in life, but… after grade school, everything seemed to slow down.
When I got to Grade 7, I earnestly began studying for tests, but I found it dull, so I stopped—yet somehow, I still got the highest grade in class. When my classmates asked how I did it, I shrugged it off, offering to help them if they needed it. I did this to pass the time—and maybe make some friends—but it seems to have backfired. Soon, my peers became distant, as if separating themselves from me.
Eventually, some classmates found out I was an orphan and started mocking me for not having parents. Quite childish, if you ask me. If you're going to mock someone, at least do a better job of it. I, being a mature person, thought it best to ignore them. But they grew louder and louder, and eventually, something in me snapped.
Later, I found myself in the principal's office with a disciplinary slip. He told me to seek counseling, then shoved me off with a suspension and a warning. I learned the hard way that… I wasn't meant to be with others. I told myself, It's fine. After all, I've survived alone this long. What's the difference?
It was, however, difficult to be alone. After all, no man is an island. Life became increasingly dull and boring. At least when I had bullies, I had someone to talk to—but now? I was completely alone. Isolated. Whenever I tried to interact with others, they left as soon as possible, spooked by the rumors that surrounded me.
But what could I do about it? I decided to start fresh—in a new school, a new life. I submitted an application, passed the test, and now I'm off for an interview. I even read a few books about communication this time. I'm determined not to mess up again.
The academy is nearby, so… I should probably get there early. Just to make a good first impression.
[3rd person? POV]
In an ordinary town, you could see a young man walking the streets with a quiet sort of purpose. His outfit was a touch too relaxed for school—a blend of uniform and personal flair that suggested he cared… just not quite enough. A bag hung from one shoulder, filled with books and supplies, as though he intended to learn something important that day. Perhaps he would, though not from the pages he carried.
He moved without hurry, eyes lazily grazing his surroundings. You might wonder—why not take the train, as most sensible people would? A fair question. But alas, the train had been delayed. Quite unpredictably. One might even say... unnaturally so.
And so, he walked.
His path, once known, began to meander. At 10:15, he noted the time—plenty left before he absolutely had to be anywhere. A quick detour, he thought. There was a ramen shop he'd heard of, tucked away in a lesser-traveled part of town. Why not indulge?
A few turns later, the streets grew unfamiliar. Then came the rain—first a whisper, then a downpour. He hadn't brought an umbrella. Tsk. A small oversight, but one with such dramatic potential. (I certainly wouldn't have forgotten mine.)
He ran now, more desperate than determined, eyes scanning for cover. And then, as if the rain itself had revealed it, a structure came into view. A shrine. Not the kind you find on local maps, but something... older. Odder. The kind of place that looks like it's been waiting.
And just like that, he was no longer wandering—he had arrived.
"Huhuhu... this might be fun."
[1st person POV]
Well… that was a terrible experience. I should've brought an umbrella after all. Where am I? I don't really know this place. I'm not a local around here, but still… it feels ominous. And that shrine… it's quite small compared to what I saw online. It feels, however, otherworldly. I'm getting this feeling that I'm not supposed to be here.
I'm not going to stick around too long—at least until the rain lets up.
I should probably look for the shrine priest; they should be nearby. So, off to wander around, I suppose.
It's been some time now, and I've found nothing. I can't seem to find anyone or anything about this shrine. And the rain's gotten heavier.
How unfortunate.
sigh
It's fine. The only place I haven't looked is inside that weird shrine. I take a look and see a dispenser with a sign that says:
"Please insert 100 yen uWu."
…
Not the weirdest thing I've seen this week. Still, might as well. I got a 100 yen coin, inserted it, turned the knob, and watched as it dispensed a purple capsule with a golden design. I'm getting nervous, but I'm already in too deep. No turning back now.
I open the capsule and find a slip of paper inside. I unfold it. It reads:
"Make a wish and tie it on the altar. But be careful what you wish for… it may come at a cost."
…Okay. I'm honestly not sure what to make of this.
A wish. My wish.
What do I want?
I think about it, contemplating for a long time...
"I wish that… I wish I was in a place where I am accepted. I wish I was surrounded by people who like and appreciate me for who I am. I'm tired of doing the same thing over and over again for the past 10 or so years. I'm tired of playing the same song and dance—wake up, go to school, go home, sleep, repeat. I want something new. A fresh start. I want something exciting to happen…
I JUST WANT TO BE HAPPY."
…This is dumb. I should just tie the slip and go back. I don't hear the rain anymore, so I guess it's time to leave. I've overstayed already.
But as I turn to go back, I hear a faint giggle.
I look back to see the slip is gone.
Suddenly, I feel very sleepy.
I collapse to the floor, wondering what the hell is going on.
And just before I lose consciousness, I see a pair of boots with red laces.
Then—darkness.