Argh! Shit, this again?!

I tried and I tried again but my own body seems not listening to me. I've tried my best—but 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 

Okay calm down, I don't want to die, I still have so many goal I want to achieve first

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—a 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.

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—polishing 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 you joints explain s 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. 

No, 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 there's something wrong again.

Her hand was on my shoulder instantly, grounding me. Hey, calm down. Breathe. 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.

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—a 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-Ijin.". You are standing on the brink of fate.".

Who is thenperson on the back of my neck?

 I asked. I screamed out my desires, turning over in every direction possible way.

Then, in darkness, a person appeared, clothed in robes that seemed to shimmer between light and darkness. A. Despite their face being covered, they were too significant to be seen. 

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

I inquired, unsure of my options. What type of decision? How did I respond?

The individual leaned forward with an arm, and the twink of light above us blended together like yarn in mid-air. Magic-infused worlds, ephemeral and wicked kingdoms; swordplay; and sorcery. All these images danced around it. 

According to the figure, you can depart from your current suffering and move on to a new life. 

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 shattered castles as thousands of soldiers bent over before me. A perilous situation with unrelenting opportunities. Rebirth. 

The sight of the images caused my heart to sway in that empty space. Rebirth? I asked. 

What does that mean? Another chance? 

The shape smiled. A chance to re-cast your destiny. To overcome it all, and become great. Beware of the fact this route is not for everyone... it will test you beyond your imagination, and failure isn't a foregone conclusion.

The weight of the decision weighed heavily on me, I hesitated. Could I really do it? Is it possible to start over in a new world, with no guarantees? Should I focus on letting go and ending my struggles, or is it better to just let them go? What's the point? 

I could see Kaori's face in my vision.. I heard her voice, which was steady and unwavering. We'll fight together, Kaze! 

I held my hands together, relying on her words. Should I have the opportunity to return and experience a memorable life, I had to make the most of it. 

Rebirth is my choice, and I will not back down, I said with a firm voice.

He lifted his head as if to say: Say what you're okay.

The lights shattered, and I was filled with an explosion of energy. That gloom vanished, replaced by a stunning luminosity. It felt like my body was being torn apart and reconstructed at the same time, but I didn't raise my voice. I embraced it. 

As the day dimmed, I sat on soft grass with the aroma of wildflowers. Above me, a sky that had never before appeared in my sight, covered in golden and violet hues. A peculiar bird with dazzling plumage danced and sang in close proximity. 

I sat upright, my hands shaking but still functioning. A hill's summit was overlooked by a towering castle, its shiny roof and tower-like structures radiating sunlight. 

A new world. A new chance. 

And so, my journey began.