In the morning, the sun shines brightly, casting a warm, gentle light that isn't harsh. Birds chirp cheerfully, and a cool breeze rustles through the leaves, which are adorned with glistening dew drops. The noise pollution is minimal, making the morning hours serene compared to the rest of the day.
Krishna wandered through the streets, gathering information about this new world. Although he could have asked Misaki or Misumi, they were not at the mansion when he woke up. Asking the other maids seemed too suspicious, so he decided to explore and learn on his own.
As Krishna explored the streets, he managed to gather some useful information. He learned that he was in Sakura Country, a large and influential nation known for having the strongest military. It also leads in culture and entertainment, and stands as a major player in technology, alongside Eagle Country
Krishna discovered that he was in Alora, the capital of Sakura Country. Alora is renowned as the place where dreams become reality. It's a vast and highly advanced city, home to numerous major industries, laboratories, and headquarters of prominent families. Despite the abundant opportunities, many ordinary people who come to the city hoping to make a name for themselves struggle to afford even a decent place to stay.
Krishna was stunned when he inquired about the rental price for a 486 sq. ft. studio apartment—it was $1250 a month. He had never seen such high rental costs before. However, he understood that Alora was a highly developed city, and such prices were to be expected. For a normal family with a stable income, this cost might be manageable, but it was clearly out of reach for those without substantial means.
But Krishna was just a normal boy, average in almost everything and still studying for his boards this year. He had previously done odd jobs to earn enough for his anime, manga, and light novels. Despite facing tough times, he had managed to get by, and until he turned 18, he could stay at the orphanage without worrying about shelter. The high rental prices in Alora were daunting and far beyond his current means.
Stopping in his tracks, Krishna noticed that he had unwittingly walked into a bustling street. The area was alive with activity—people heading to work or school, women buying fresh vegetables, and shop owners setting up their stalls, some cleaning and opening their shops. He observed a range of emotions among the crowd: some were happy, others were sad, a few were laughing and chatting, while some appeared low-spirited. The vibrant, varied scene was a stark reminder of the diverse lives unfolding around him.
As Krishna took in the lively street scene, he felt a wave of confusion about his own future. He wondered if he, too, would experience the full range of emotions and activities—going to school, smiling, laughing, and even feeling sadness—or if he would become numb to life's challenges. The thought of making friends in this new world crossed his mind, and he found himself thinking about Misaki and Misumi, the faces of potential connections and support in this unfamiliar place.
Taking a deep breath to calm his insecurities, Krishna glanced at his right pocket. He reminded himself that he was in another world with unique opportunities and abilities. Embracing this chance, he resolved to live life to the fullest and make the most of his new circumstances.
As Krishna continued walking, he eventually came across something he desperately needed: money. He realized that money could buy almost anything, and if there was something you couldn't obtain, it simply meant you didn't have enough.
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Reading the information on the banner, Krishna realized that the competition was for talented painters, which was not something he felt he could compete in. However, he felt a spark of hope when he remembered the gadget he had—MAGICAL PAINTING BRUSH.
People around Krishna cast curious and somewhat puzzled glances at him as he shouted like a Chunibyo, clutching the painting brush. Undeterred by their stares, he shrugged off their reactions and, with determination, made his way to the competition venue. Fortunately, his plot armor seemed to be functioning well—he discovered that the competition was indeed happening today, and he could still register before it started.
Upon reaching the venue and registering his information—crafted just that morning by Misumi—Krishna was amazed by her family's resources. He marveled at how her influence was akin to Suneo from his favorite childhood anime, but with a million times more beauty, wealth, and helpfulness.
"Please you can go inside the competition is going to begin in a while." The receptionist lady said with a professional smile on her face.
Going inside he saw a open area with many people of different age group. He was looking around the venue before the annouchment that the competition was starting was said. Then the rules and regulation for competition were explained along with some motivational words.
The first prize of the competition was highly coveted: a chance to participate in a prestigious art exhibition, an opportunity that could elevate an artist's career and reputation to new heights. Winning the first prize guaranteed that both their art and career would soar.
However, Krishna's focus was not on the exhibition itself. What mattered to him was the $5000 prize money that came with it. The art exhibition was unfamiliar to him, but the financial reward was exactly what he needed.
"So, is everyone ready?" the host announced as the competition began.
Krishna took his place, collecting the canvas, paint, and easel provided. They had also given him a brush, but he had his own superior one. He was so impressed with the arrangements and service that he felt a five-star rating would not be enough.
The MAGICAL PAINTING BRUSH was incredibly convenient; it required only that Krishna imagine something, and the brush would create a beautiful artwork on its own. However, he knew that without strong emotion, a painting could never truly capture the soul of the subject.
As Krishna stood observing everyone else already deep into their drawing, he felt a twinge of guilt.
But he shook it off and began focusing on his own work. He closed his eyes to gather his thoughts, recalling everything he had seen today.
When he opened his eyes, he grasped the brush, and it began to move slowly, guided by his imagination. His arms moved with deliberate care and dedication, as if he were crafting a world with every stroke.
In less than an hour, Krishna's painting began to take shape. It depicted a bustling street in the morning, alive with people displaying a range of expressions. To a casual observer, the painting might seem like a simple portrayal of a typical morning in Alora. However, an artist would see that it was more than that—it captured the perspective of someone new to the city, experiencing the vibrant morning scene for the first time. The painting conveyed not just the visuals but also the emotional impact of discovering a new world.
Having realized that mere drawing skill wasn't enough to make a painter, Krishna took a moment to appreciate his own work. He then submitted the painting, and at first, the staff thought he was giving up early. However, their surprise was evident when they saw the painting.
With the results set to be announced in the evening, Krishna decided to leave, observing that the other participants were still deeply focused on their paintings. He left the venue, eager to see how his work would be received later.
Noticing that the sun was high overhead, Krishna felt a pang of hunger. Fortunately, he had taken advantage of the refreshments provided for participants. He bit into a hamburger, reflecting that while it didn't compare to the dinner from the previous night or the breakfast he had today morning, the rule of thumb was that free food was always good. He ate everything with satisfaction.