"…I started the day over."
He said it out loud.
But it didn't make it any easier to believe.
His voice sounded far away—like someone else's.
He stared at the glowing screen in silence.
As if saying it made it real.
Chrono's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, staring at his bedside table in pure disbelief.
"There's no way... this isn't possible."
He muttered aloud, his voice trembling as he covered his mouth with one hand, the weight of what he'd just realized crashing down on him like a wave.
No—what am I saying?
Of course this is possible... if that thing is responsible.
He shut his eyes, forcing himself to breathe. The image of that glowing, white figure echoed through his mind like a nightmare on repeat.
Calm down, Chrono. Make sense of this... You need to stay focused.
He stood up slowly, though his legs still trembled underneath him, as if gravity had suddenly increased tenfold. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he began pacing the room.
So what I know so far... The white figure and the book are connected. Maybe the figure owns the book, or created it...
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, eyes locked to the floor in concentration.
And that thing... it could control time and even space. But it didn't seem hostile toward me. No threats, no attacks. Just... presence.
His steps slowed. He ran a hand through his hair and stopped in place, staring blankly at the ceiling.
And that phrase—
"You are worthy."
He repeated it aloud, narrowing his eyes. Something about those words lingered unnaturally in his brain like a puzzle piece trying to fit.
Then his eyes widened.
He snapped his fingers and pointed to the wall as if confronting a sudden realization.
That's it. Picking up the book must have triggered some kind of trial. A test. That figure—whatever it is—must be the one behind it. This loop... it's part of that.
A crooked smirk pulled at his lips, his hand sliding from his chin to his pocket.
The answers have to be in the book—how this trial works, how to beat it... unless...
His smirk faded.
Unless "You are worthy" is just their twisted way of saying: "Let's see how long you can keep your sanity while reliving the same day over and over again."
The thought sent a chill down his spine.
He exhaled sharply and looked toward the door.
But since I'm looping...I'm guessing the book wouldn't be there during the day. I'll probably only find it the moment I did in the loop before this one.
He stepped out into the hallway, the wooden floor creaking softly under his weight.
I'll check the beach first. If it's there, I'll skip school and dig for answers. If not... I'll head to school to buy time.
With that thought, he opened the bathroom door and stepped inside, the sound of running water soon echoing softly as he turned on the faucet.
---
After a few minutes of walking, Chrono arrived at the beach—right around the same time he'd seen the blue flash in the previous loop.
I left home at about 7:40. A walk from home to the beach takes around five to seven minutes... so the flash should appear between 7:45 and 7:47.
That is, if things aren't altered this time.
Chrono checked his phone, eyes flicking between the time and the shimmering waves ahead, the beach unusually quiet as if it too were holding its breath.
Then suddenly—
The same blinding flash exploded across the shore.
Chrono instinctively shielded his eyes with one arm. That same intense, electric blue seared through the air for a few seconds—then dimmed. He quickly dropped his arm and sprinted toward the source of the light.
But he stopped halfway.
There was nothing there.
Damn it. As I thought...
The book has a fixed spawn time—and it's not in the morning. It only appears in the afternoon.
He let out a sharp sigh, disappointment sinking into his chest like a stone. He had hoped his theory was wrong, that he'd be able to get ahead of whatever twisted game he was in.
Guess I'll head to school…
He turned away from the beach, brushing sand off his shoes as he started back up the path. But then he paused.
His shoulders drooped, expression souring.
...Right. I'm not even wearing my uniform. I'll have to go home first, I'm running late too.
Another sigh.
But then—his eyes widened, and a strange realization clicked in his mind like a puzzle piece snapping into place.
Wait a second... why does that matter?
I'm going to loop the day again anyway. There's no way I've cleared this trial—if that's even what this is.
His expression leveled out as his posture relaxed again. He turned away from the thought of school and looked back toward the sea.
There's no need to follow rules in a world that resets...
As he walked away from the beach, his thoughts followed a new thread.
Still... something's been bothering me.
His gaze drifted up toward the brightening sky.
That flash... it's way too bright for people to ignore. A light that intense should be visible from far down the coast. You'd think it would draw attention.
But the road was quiet. Still.
Maybe it's because not many people walk this way...
His eyes narrowed slightly, thoughts deepening as he ran a hand through his hair.
Even so, the light should get some kind of reaction—especially from drivers. But every time I've seen it, they continue going about their day, as if nothing had happened. No honks. No slowing down. No one stopping to stare.
He clenched his jaw.
Then again, maybe I'm just assuming too much...
His fingers dug lightly into his scalp.
Or maybe... the flash is only visible to me.
---
After a few minutes of walking, Chrono arrived at school. It was 8:25 A.M.—late enough to avoid the crowd, but just early enough to get his name marked for attendance.
But as he approached the school gate, he saw a familiar silhouette standing in front of it.
Iris Aurora.
She stood with her arms crossed, tapping one finger rhythmically on her opposite shoulder, her eyes narrowed in quiet impatience.
Waiting.
For him.
Chrono slowed his pace, a small jolt running through him at the sight of her.
"You're late, Zeph."
Iris's voice was as cool and composed as always, but her gaze? It was sharp—cutting straight through him. Her tone tried to stay level, but the edge was unmistakable.
A shiver crawled up Chrono's spine under her stare. He sighed, trying to steady himself.
Even though this conversation is gonna reset… she still kinda terrifies me.
Though… this might be the perfect time to troll her a little. Just once. I couldn't get away with it before, but now…
He stepped up to her, his usual neutral expression in place.
"My bad, I woke up a little late."
He said it casually—completely fabricated, but delivered with confidence.
Iris didn't answer right away. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe before she slowly unfolded her arms.
"Do you have the papers I asked you to print?"
Her tone was clipped. She looked at him like there was only one acceptable answer.
Chrono shrugged. "Nah, I don't."
His voice was flat. He fanned his hand like he was brushing off a boring chore.
"Huh?"
Iris blinked. Her eyes widened—not in rage, but in genuine surprise.
This is the first time I've seen her show another facial expression. It's kinda… relieving. She's actually human.
A smirk tugged at Chrono's lips.
"W-What do you mean 'nah I don't'?! Answer me, Zeph."
Iris stammered slightly, her voice rising with disbelief. Her carefully held composure was unraveling.
"What do I mean?" Chrono echoed, his voice nonchalant. "I just don't have them. That's all. No big deal."
He shrugged again, crossing his arms.
"No big deal?" Iris stepped forward. "Zeph, are you slow? That assignment is due today!"
Her voice spiked with frustration.
Thought this would be harder. I'm a little disappointed, honestly.
Whatever. I'll let her stew for a bit more, then hand her the papers.
Chrono's smirk deepened as Iris fumed in front of him.
"So?"
He said it like a challenge, still feigning ignorance.
"Doesn't change the fact that it's just not that serious. One missing assignment isn't going to kill anyone."
Iris stared at him.
"You know, Zeph... I've always thought highly of you."
Her voice had returned to its usual level tone—but her hand trembled, barely contained rage rippling beneath her words.
"I thought you were smart. That you were just holding back. That maybe, for some reason, you didn't care."
She took a step closer.
"But I was wrong. You're just like everyone else. Incompetent."
Her words were sharp now, each one laced with disappointment and disgust.
Chrono flinched slightly, his smirk faltering.
"I'll finish your part of the assignment myself," Iris said coldly. "And I'll make sure you don't get a grade."
With that, she turned on her heel and stormed into the building.
Chrono stood frozen.
Y'know... even though there are zero consequences right now, I still feel kinda bad.
His chest tightened.
Trolling's fun... but not when it hits like that. I expected this reaction, but still… I probably shouldn't mess with her again. I don't wanna feel like a prick. Maybe I should stick to ragebaiting guys.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, walking through the entrance.
It doesn't really matter, I guess...
Still, her reaction clung to him, even as he tried to brush it off.
Yeah, you could downplay it—say she's just ambitious. But... it felt like something more.
I'm not trying to justify being a jackass, but... why does she care that much about something as simple as homework?
Though... it's none of my business.
He let out a breath as his homeroom classroom came into view.
What I should be focusing on is how to break out of this damn loop.
---
The bell rang throughout the halls, its echo signaling the end of the school day.
Y'know, the school day's a lot less draining when you already know what's gonna be taught.
Chrono thought, stretching his arms as he stepped out of his classroom, a small yawn escaping him.
Alright, I can't head straight to the beach yet. The book has a set spawn time... and I'm not about to sit in the sand for two hours.
Unless… it's already there?
He weaved his way through the busy halls, sliding past clusters of students like a ghost among them.
I think I'll test the exact spawn time next loop. For now, I'll stall a little.
Sunlight greeted him as he stepped out the main doors, forcing him to lift a hand to shield his eyes.
Come to think of it, I haven't seen Talia all day. So I really wasn't her only option, huh.
Chrono's gaze drifted to the school gate—the same spot where Talia had waited in the previous loop.
Empty.
Not even a trace of her presence.
Crazy how much things can change when you don't show up early.
Guess I'll head to the café… maybe finally try that cheesecake since I'll just reset anyway.
He stepped beyond the gates and started down the familiar street.
---
A few minutes later, the café bell chimed softly as he walked inside. The gentle aroma of coffee and pastries drifted through the air, mingling with the faint hum of ambient music.
Chrono sat down at a small table by the window.
The same waitress from the previous loop walked over, her smile bright and familiar.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to Jackson's Café. What would you like to order?"
"I'd like a cheesecake," Chrono answered, returning her smile with a polite nod.
The waitress bowed slightly and walked off.
Chrono's eyes scanned the café, searching briefly—instinctively—for Talia.
She wasn't there.
One action… and everything changes this much. Looping really is insane.
He leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting up toward the ceiling.
But something's been bugging me. I know I'm looping because of the book… and that white figure. I'm likely in some sort of trial, and the answer to escaping this is probably hidden in that book.
He exhaled slowly, tension creeping into his shoulders.
But… the text in that book wasn't in English. It didn't look like any modern language I've ever seen either.
A flicker of concern crossed his face as he furrowed his brow.
There's a real chance the solution isn't even readable.
Damn it… this isn't good.
His foot tapped lightly beneath the table as he stared up into the ceiling, thoughts swirling. The mystery deepened—not just about the loop, but the language, the figure, and whether any of it had a resolution he could even comprehend.
Can I actually break out of this?
Chrono thought, looking a bit dejected as the tapping of his foot came to a halt.
Just then, the waitress returned, gently placing the cheesecake and a chilled bottle of water on the table.
Chrono quickly composed himself, shifting back to his usual calm demeanor as he turned toward her.
"Thanks."
He offered a warm smile.
"You're welcome. Enjoy—and I hope to see you here again."
She replied with the same bright, practiced cheer before bowing and walking away.
Chrono picked up his fork, cutting off a slice of the cheesecake and placing it in his mouth. His eyes widened almost instantly.
This is… really good.
He stared down at the dessert as if it had just changed his worldview.
Too bad it's expensive. If it weren't, this would easily be my go-to café.
He took another bite, visibly relaxing with each forkful.
Though… I could use the loops to take advantage of this.
Chrono grinned to himself, taking another generous bite of the cheesecake.
---
The bell chimed softly behind him as he stepped out of the café, stretching with a satisfied sigh.
That tasted fire… but still—$20 for a cheesecake is wild.
He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time.
5:55 P.M.
Around the same time I left Talia in the previous loop. I should arrive at the beach just like before.
Sliding his phone back into his pocket, Chrono stared toward the horizon.
He took a slow breath, steadying himself.
Here goes nothing.
Sweat rolled down the side of his face as he finally took that first step toward the beach.
---
After several minutes of walking, he arrived. He checked the time again:
6:10 P.M.
Then suddenly—
The same piercing blue flash exploded into the sky, far brighter than anything before. The surrounding area was instantly bathed in a deep azure light.
What the hell—?!
Chrono threw up an arm to shield his eyes from the overwhelming radiance.
But it didn't stop.
The light intensified—brighter, hotter—until a towering pillar of blue energy burst forth, tearing through the sky like a beam aimed at the heavens.
This is insane…
Chrono thought, squinting through the blinding glow, his entire body trembling.
Then—something descended from that light.
The same white figure.
No… why is it here? What's it going to do to me?! Why now? WHY?!
Chrono's thoughts spiraled as the figure floated down from the sky like a divine phantom. The ground around him began to crack and lift—chunks of Earth peeling upward and being sucked toward the beam like offerings to a god.
His eyes locked onto the figure in horror, unable to breathe, unable to move.
Then—
The figure snapped its fingers.
And in a blink—
Everything changed.
---
Chrono found himself back in that infinite world of white.
Silent. Endless. Blinding. Cold.
He dropped to his knees.
His body shook uncontrollably.
Terror fully took hold.
He was back.
And this time…
It felt closer.
"Rise, boy."
The figure spoke, its voice a layered chorus echoing through the infinite white.
Chrono didn't move. It wasn't that he didn't want to—it was that he couldn't. His legs were trembling violently beneath him as he faced this incomprehensible, god-like entity.
"Oh, I see. You're scared of me."
The figure crouched and gently tapped Chrono on the shoulder.
Suddenly, like fog lifting, the fear vanished. His body stopped shaking, his breathing calmed, and his heart slowed to a steady beat. He blinked in disbelief as he looked up at the figure—no longer afraid.
"I reversed your body to a state before you felt fear... and paused it in time. So the only fear you can feel now is mental."
It stood back up, towering over him.
It's right... I don't feel any fear. What the hell?
Chrono stood slowly, steady for the first time, and looked the figure directly in its radiant face. Strangely, it didn't hurt to look at anymore.
Since I don't feel any fear, I should take full advantage of this.
He slid his hands into his pockets.
"Are you the ow—"
"Yes. I am."
Chrono stopped mid-sentence, eyes widening.
"I am the creator of the book."
The figure snapped its fingers, and the book appeared in its hand.
"Oh, I see... So you already know what I'm going to say before I even say it?"
I need to confirm whether that's mind-reading or foresight. I wouldn't be surprised if it's both...
"Yes. That is correct. I can look into the future to see what you will say next."
So, foresight—not mind-reading. Though I'd be dumb to rule that out entirely.
"But if you're in possession of this book, I cannot read your future."
The figure extended the book toward Chrono.
Chrono hesitated, then took it. His hands tingled as they touched the leather cover.
"Now we can have a fair conversation."
The figure snapped its fingers.
Suddenly, the blinding white void morphed into a quiet, warmly lit hotel room. A table appeared between them, two chairs placed at either side.
"Please. Take a seat."
Chrono cautiously sat down. The figure followed.
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. You have five minutes."
An hourglass materialized, already draining.
Five minutes, huh? That should be plenty.
Chrono leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.
"What's the point of the book... and the looping?"
"As you already know, I am the creator of the book, and you found it."
The figure summoned a glass of water and offered it, but Chrono politely declined.
"Because you found the book, you have been deemed worthy to enter a challenge."
A challenge, huh? Guess I wasn't too far off.
"The challenge of the unknown. The Chronal: Sevenfold."
Chrono echoed, "The Chronal: Sevenfold?"
"For the next seven days, you will restart the day. To progress to the next, you must complete a challenge specific to that day."
So that's what this is... Chrono thought, eyes widening slightly.
"What exactly are these challenges?"
"The answers lie within the book. The instructions will only appear on their respective day."
Chrono nodded. "Oh, I see."
"The book now belongs to you. You no longer have to wait for it to appear on the beach. Any writing will remain unless the loop is cleared."
That's convenient. Saves a lot of time.
"What about the language in the book? It wasn't English."
The figure's voice turned colder. "I cannot answer that question."
Damn it... Should I ask about the flashes? No, that's a waste.
What about the reward for finishing the challenge? No... it's called the "Challenge of the Unknown" for a reason.
Chrono scratched his head in frustration, sighing.
"Oh. Alright then."
Then something clicked.
"I have two more questions. Is there a limit to how many times I can loop? And what happens if I fail a challenge?"
The figure paused.
"The answer to the first... is in the book."
Then its tone darkened.
"The answer to the second... is death."
Chrono froze. Normally, that answer would send a chill through his spine—but not now.
Death? No way. I die if I fail?
He stared at the table, biting his nail.
That must mean there's a limit to how many loops I have...
Then another realization dawned.
Wait. If there's a limit, then I can't die unless I hit that limit. So failing a challenge only kills me if I've run out of loops...
He exhaled.
"Your time here is over."
The hourglass emptied.
"Though, one last thing before you go..."
Chrono looked up sharply.
"Make use of libraries."
Suddenly—
Chrono snapped back to reality, standing on the beach, book in hand. He staggered forward, clutching his chest like he'd just been struck by lightning. All the fear he'd been frozen away from came rushing back at once.
Damn it... the pressure from that thing is hella uncanny.
He struggled to breathe, each inhale ragged.
The Chronal: Sevenfold, huh? Failure equals death. That's insane pressure...
He looked down at the book in his hands.
I'm going to clear these challenges. No matter what it takes.
With shaking hands, he opened the book.
The third page glowed with a faint blue light.
That's it. That's the challenge page. Please... just let it be in English.
He closed his eyes. Flipped the page. Opened them slowly.
His heart dropped.
It wasn't English. It wasn't any modern language.
What the hell is this? No... no way...
He broke into a sweat. Panic rose in his chest.
Before, the book had letters. But now? These are...
...symbols?
He stared at the page, horrified—his survival already hanging by a thread.