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CHAPTER 01: THE URGENT MESSAGE
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Somewhere at Certain Time
"HEY, SNAP OUT OF IT, MAN! Don’t just stand there—GET READY TO DEFEND YOURSELF AND FIGHT!" shouted the male soldier as he nudged and shook his squad mate. His voice filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. He didn’t want to face this massive monsters alone—he needed his comrade’s strength and resolve to survive this.. true nightmare.
As that male soldier shouted to his comrades, another soldier, a woman, finally snapped out from her paralyzed state of terror. She quickly raised her SMG (sub-machine gun) and opened fire on one of the giant monsters. But her efforts were in vain. The bullets merely dented and bounced off the creature's armored scales, doing no damage.
"Argh! My SMG bullets aren't working! They don’t penetrate the monster's scales! What should we do, Sergeant? SERGEANT MAKOTO!?" she cried out, panic and confusion clear in her voice.
Her desperate call seemed to break the others out of their stunned state, including Sergeant Makoto himself. This was the most dangerous encounter of their lives, and none of them knew how to handle it. Their wide, terror-stricken eyes turned to Sergeant Makoto, awaiting direction, while some couldn't stop their bodies from trembling uncontrollably. Sergeant Makoto and his team were now facing a life-threatening situation—their worst living nightmare.
Suddenly, a man with authority voice crackled through Sergeant Makoto's radio, snapping them back to their grim reality.
"RETREAT, SERGEANT MAKOTO! ABORT THE MISSION! EVACUATE YOUR SQUAD! FALL BACK! GET OUT OF THERE! NOW!! " The authority-voice man shout momentarily halted the chaos, his urgent tone cutting through the tension in the air.
Without further hesitation, Sergeant Makoto immediately gave the order, "EVERYONE, FALL BACK! RETREAT FOR…" But his command was abruptly cut off as a loud shriek from one of the monsters ripped through the air.
SCREEEAAAAAAK!!
But it was too late; the first giant monster had already closed in on one of the soldiers. The creature’s enormous mouth opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and it slowly descended toward his defenseless upper body, ready to consume him whole.
“NOOO!!” Two nearby soldiers screamed as they raised their rifles, opened fire in a desperate attempt to save their comrade and stop the monster.
RATATATATATA! TINK! TINK! PLANK! PLANK!
RATATATATATA! TZING! TAK! TZING! CHAK!
They fired their rifles frantically, but their efforts were in vain. The bullets bounced off its armored scales, completely ineffective, just as the sub-machine gun rounds had been moments ago. The creature’s thick, armor-like hide absorbed every shot, leaving no sign of damage. The other soldiers could only watch in horror as the beast devoured their helpless comrade.
"HELP! AAARRGGHH!" His screams echoed through the room as his upper body was engulfed, the sickening crunch of flesh and bone reverberating as if he were being devoured by a tiger or shark. His final, desperate cries merged with the grotesque sounds of tearing flesh.
The two soldiers nearby stood frozen, unable to save him. Within seconds, his entire body disappeared into the monster’s massive mouth, leaving nothing behind but the chilling memory of his final moments.
"Goddamn you! You motherfucking monsters!! Aaaaarrgghh!" one of the soldiers watching from a distance cried out in rage and agony, unable to accept the tragic death of his comrade and friend. His anguished scream echoed through the chamber, filling the room with the sorrow of loss.
The other soldiers, along with Sergeant Makoto, stood frozen in terror, their faces pale as sheets. They had watched helplessly from a distance as their comrade was devoured alive. Their bodies trembled, their legs shaking as they couldn’t believe that this was happening before their own eyes. In a matter of seconds, the situation had turned deadly, threatening the lives of all of them.
"AAAAAAAARGH! AAAAAAHHH!" Another female soldier, paralyzed by fear, screamed uncontrollably. Her entire body shook violently as she fell to her knees, dropping her dual handguns onto the floor. With shock in her eyes, she hugged herself tightly, shaking her head, desperately trying to deny the horror unfolding before her.
At that moment, Sergeant Makoto realized his responsibility for his team's safety—he had to act. He couldn’t let his entire squad be wiped out by these alien creatures.
"HEY, YOU TWO, REGROUP! Everyone, we will perform the defensive retreat formation!" Sergeant Makoto ordered the two soldiers who had been closest to the group of monsters to move back toward the team.
"Don't worry; we’re getting out of here alive, TOGETHER!!" he shouted, attempting to encourage his remaining soldiers as they braced for the regrouping of their two comrades.
Hearing Sergeant Makoto’s words, the soldiers snapped out of their daze, their expressions hardening. Though terror still gripped them, a renewed resolve sparked within. They weren’t going to give up—they would survive this nightmare. The female soldier who had fallen to her knees earlier took a deep breath, then slowly stood up, retrieving her handguns and cocking them with newfound determination.
As the two soldiers ran to regroup with Sergeant Makoto and the team, more cracking sounds echoed through the massive chamber. One after another, many monstrous giant creatures burst free from their confinement. Their red, glowing eyes fixed on the soldiers. Yet they remained still, as if biding their time before launching a unified attack.
“DEFENSIVE RETREAT FORMATION! Move toward the entrance! No grenades or explosives—wait for my command!” Sergeant Makoto ordered, directing his squad into a coordinated retreat as the two distant soldiers finally regrouped.
"Yes, Sir!" the ten soldiers replied, steeling themselves with a fierce determination for a desperate escape to survive and protect one another.
As the soldiers began their formation, some monsters began surged forward, screeching their monstrous roars as they crawled toward the squad with high speed. The rest of their kind soon followed, echoing their eerie cries through the massive chamber.
SCREEEAAAAAAK! SCREEEEEE!
"NOW! TO THE ENTRANCE!" Sergeant Makoto's voice rang out, commanding and authoritative, as the squad initiated their retreat.
The soldiers sprinted toward the entrance of the massive room in a tight retreat formation. And they need to descend through many paths to reach the building’s main entrance on the first floor to escape. This was a race against time—and against death. Their hearts pounded, adrenaline surging through their veins.
The creatures’ eyes glowed with an eerie, otherworldly red, casting a sinister light across the room. Their screams and screeches echoed ominously as they crawled rapidly toward the squad. Four soldiers positioned at the back of the formation ran backward, firing their weapons in alternating rifle-shotgun order to keep the monsters at distance.
RATATATATATATA! TZING! TAK! TING! CHAK!
BAM! Clack! Clack! BAM!
The blasts of gunfire reverberated throughout the room. At the same time, the smell of gunpowder filled the air. But the beasts seemed unaffected by the rifle bullets and shotgun shots—they were unstoppable.
Even as they were being chased, somehow the soldiers at the rear managed to keep the monsters at bay with their barrage of bullets. But then, the two soldiers at the back of the formation looked at each other and nodded, realizing that the whole team wouldn’t survive if there is no one hold the monsters and stay behind, to buy the others time to escape.
Without hesitation, the two soldiers stopped running.
One of them shouted to the others, "GO, LEAVE THIS PLACE! We’ll hold these freakin' monsters!! GO NOW!!"
"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET BACK IN FORMATION!" Sergeant Makoto ordered the two soldiers, but deep down, he knew their intention—to sacrifice themselves.
"NO! JUST GO, SERGEANT!” One soldier shouted back, his voice resolute. “Please survive and escape! Do it for our beloved country, FOR JAPAN! Just don’t forget us—and destroy these monsters for good someday! NOW GO!" Kuroda shouted back with a determined expression.
"NOOO! Don’t do it! I will never forgive you, come back here!" the female soldier who had earlier fallen into despair cried out loud, trying to go back and pull her comrades. But she was grabbed by a comrade at the front of the formation and dragged along with the team.
"Sergeant! Take these! Give them to our families!" One of the two determined soldiers called out, throwing the both of their dog tags toward Sergeant Makoto. With steady hands, Makoto caught the dog tags and carefully secured them in his tactical bag.
"THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY! Okay, we must go now!" Makoto shouted, his voice heavy with both grief and respect. He raised his hand in a sharp salute to the two brave soldiers before turning and running alongside the remaining nine, retreating in a tight new formation.
The two selfless soldiers turned their backs on their comrades for the last time, facing the advancing monsters. Raising their rifles, they aimed at the creatures’ glowing red eyes.
Kuroda, an explosive expert, shouted, "Thanks for being with me, Omura. You’re braver than most—even for someone who only joined the Special Forces last year. Let’s give these damn monsters a lesson they’ll never forget!"
"Don’t mention it, Kuroda. If my sacrifice means protecting our people and country, then I’m more than happy to do it. FOR JAPAAAN!" Omura, a junior Japan Special Forces soldier, shouted, his voice filled with emotion as he prepared to fight the monsters to his last breath.
Please, my comrades, make it out alive. I’m honored to have served alongside you.. Kuroda thought as he steadied himself for the inevitable.
Then, both of them opened fire continuously, not looking back, trying to stop the giant monsters from chasing their comrades. They pulled the triggers and held the firearms to their shoulders, blasting their bullets at the beasts and tossing a few grenades as the creatures closed in.
RATATATA! TAKATATAK! BANK! CHAK! CHAKA! BANK! CHAK! Tzing! BOOM!
RATATATATAT! WANG! Bank! Tzing! Zetiing! Chaka! Zipping! TZING! BOOM!
"DIE, YOU BASTARD! AARGHH!" Kuroda shouted at the top of his lungs after reloading his rifle and firing again.
"UURAAAAAA! EAT THIS, MONSTERS!" Omura screamed, standing his ground and firing again after loading his last magazine.
The horde of monstrous creatures seemed almost unstoppable. The bullets and explosions slowed them only a little, but still, they came, moving with terrifying speed.
SHREEEEEEEEEKSSSSHHH!
SCREEEAAAAAAK!
“HEEAAAAAAAAA!!” Kuroda and Omura screamed in unison, standing their ground with unyielding courage as the wave of monsters closed in. They refused to retreat, fired every last bullet into the horde, holding the line with all their might.
And then… everything went dark..
…
* * * *
(Present Time)
Monday, June 20, 2025
Sakamiya City – Tokyo, Japan
Sakamiya Station 1
07:50 AM
Tokyo’s subway trains were typically packed, especially during rush hour. Haruto Mori had grown used to standing throughout his commute, often finding it difficult even to stand comfortably because of the crowded conditions. At worst, the carriages would resemble a sardine can, with people squeezed together so tightly that even breathing felt restricted.
That morning, rain poured steadily, creating a muted atmosphere across the city.
Haruto arrived at Sakamiya 1 Station, he grabbed one of the plastic bags provided at the entrance to store his dripping wet umbrella. This helped prevent water from dripping onto the floor, ensuring he wouldn’t inconvenience other passengers. After placing the umbrella inside the bag, Haruto joined the line at the entrance gate, tapping his card to access the platform. The number of people waiting for the train seemed noticeably much fewer than usual. He searched for a less crowded lane to queue in, all while keeping an eye on the arrival of the train.
Stolen story; please report.
Just then, a clear announcement came from the station speakers.
"To all passengers, please prepare to board the arriving train. Make sure to stand safely behind the yellow line and avoid blocking the train doors. Please allow passengers to disembark first. We also kindly remind you to keep the train clean by not leaving any trash behind. Thank you for your cooperation."
Shortly after the announcement, the familiar rumble of the train echoed through the station, signaling its approach. People began preparing to board. Surprisingly, the platform wasn’t too crowded—only a few passengers were lined up in the different lanes. The train gradually slowed down, coming to a smooth stop.
As the train doors slid open, Haruto noticed only a small number of people exiting the carriage he was about to board. Once the departing passengers had cleared, he and a few others quickly stepped inside. But what greeted him inside left him momentarily stunned.
The carriage was unexpectedly empty, with only about twelve people scattered around. It was Monday morning, usually the busiest time of the week, when the train should be packed with commuters, sometimes as many as fifty people crammed in, shoulder to shoulder.
What on earth is happening?.. Haruto thought, puzzled by the unusually low number of passengers.
Today, however, seemed to be an exception—an oddly fortunate one for Haruto. He scanned the carriage, his eyes quickly catching the sight of several vacant seats scattered throughout the otherwise deserted space. An empty seat during a Tokyo morning commute was practically a miracle, especially on a Monday.
After making sure no one else was moving toward the seats, Haruto calmly walked over and sank into one in the middle of the carriage. A wave of relief washed over him as he settled in, laying his back against the long bench seat.
This is rare.. he thought. A stroke of luck? Perhaps. But was it truly just luck?.. The thought lingered as he glanced around the eerily quiet carriage. Maybe the heavy rain kept people indoors this morning.. Haruto mused, stretching his legs slightly as he settled into his seat.
Even as he tried to enjoy the rare comfort of a seat, Haruto couldn’t help but reflect on the peculiarity of the situation. The Tokyo subway, infamous for its chaos and overpopulation, was now uncharacteristically quiet. The bad weather—the persistent downpours over the past three days, and now again this morning—seemed to have cast an unusual hush over the city, leaving the normally bustling subway in an eerily tranquil state.
This wasn’t how a Monday morning in Tokyo was supposed to feel. A typically bustling subway car now felt eerily calm, as if the world outside had pressed pause.
Even so, Haruto felt a quiet sense of gratitude for being able to enjoy the ride seated comfortably, without having to stand or be squeezed between fellow commuters. For the next 15 minutes, he could sit back, relax, and savor this rare moment of tranquility on the train.
To pass the time, Haruto watched a music video playing on the monitor at the center of the carriage, showcasing some of Japan’s most popular pop bands. Above the screen, a running text scrolled from right to left, displaying information about cleanliness, the next station, the temperature, arrival times, and other useful details.
Shortly after the train departed from Sakamiya Station 1, the relentless rain finally eased, but heavy clouds still clung to the sky, with the faintest hint of sunlight struggling to break through. Then, a familiar notification sound chimed from Haruto’s phone.
Ding ding... Ding ding...
He reached into his bag to retrieve his phone, unlocking it with his thumbprint. The screen displayed a new text message— it was from Kanna Fujita, a 21-year-old female student at the same university, one of his college mates.
Haruto assumed that Kanna might have sent another message, waiting for him at the main gate of Sakamiya University, just like she usually did.
But this time, when he read the text on his phone, the message was vastly different from what he had anticipated. It carried an unfamiliar urgency that immediately caught his attention.
The message from Kanna:
"Haruto-kun, something huge is happening right now, and your presence is urgently needed. This could be a threat to all of humanity. I'll be waiting for you near the campus gate to guide you inside. Let me know when you arrive. See you soon."
Kanna used to be shy and awkward, but over time, she had become much calmer and more composed. Perhaps because Haruto was always there. Now, she could easily talk to Haruto whenever they met on the train or at campus. However, the message he had just read carried an undercurrent of seriousness and anxiety—emotions she rarely displayed. Haruto still couldn’t fully grasp the meaning behind Kanna’s words.
Haruto’s mind briefly drifted back to a particular memory from three months ago—his first meeting with Kanna, had left a lasting impression on him. Back then, she had been clumsy and a bit careless when they first crossed paths on the train. It was a morning he would never forget..
* * * *
(Flashback)
Monday, March 17, 2025
Sakamiya Station 1
8:00 AM
Haruto heard the rumbling sound of the approaching train. He had been standing in line for a few minutes, waiting at the rear section of the train car entrance. Looking around, there was a sea of people snaking through the station, all queuing up to board the morning train. Fortunately, he managed to secure a spot in the third row, close enough to the front of the queue.
The train arrived with a loud roar, and the doors hissed open. The passengers rushed inside, pushing and squeezing to find whatever space they could claim. The car was overcrowded, barely accommodating everyone. Haruto maneuvered through the crowd, searching for a slightly less cramped spot. It was suffocating—packed like sardines in a can. Every movement was a struggle as he tried to avoid being crushed by the overwhelming press of bodies around him.
Finally, Haruto found a small opening in the middle of the car and grabbed onto the nearby vertical handrail, steadying himself. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the light rain had finally slowed, a few gray clouds still lingering over Tokyo, casting a faintly gloomy mood over the city. As the train moved forward, the morning sun began to break through, its rays peeking out and bathing the city in soft light.
The atmosphere inside the train was growing tense. The atmosphere inside the train grew tense, the thick air pressing down on him, making him sweat. Suddenly, someone bumped into him hard from behind. Turning his head, he saw a cute, innocent-looking girl struggling to keep her balance. The girl, with her light-brown hair in a ponytail and a panicked expression on her face, stumbled forward, colliding with Haruto again as the train jerked into motion.
She still hadn't regained her balance and was about to fall sideways toward Haruto. With quick reflexes, Haruto grabbed her arm, steadying her to prevent the fall and guiding her to stand beside him, where she could grab hold of the vertical handrail.
Immediately after, Haruto pulled his hand back, feeling a little awkward. "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you didn't fall. If it bothers you, I apologize, and I'll take responsibility if necessary!" His voice was sincere but a little anxious.
The girl stared at him, wide-eyed and startled, her cheeks flushed a deep pink, her embarrassment palpable as she looked away. Take responsibility? What does he mean by that?.. she wondered, her thoughts racing.
She seemed shy and clumsy, her wore a plaid skirt paired with a long-sleeved pink sweater and a Sakamiya University jacket—the same as Haruto’s. She clutched a book-filled shoulder bag in one hand and a small umbrella in the other. There was something charming about her—perhaps her honest nervousness or the warmth of her smile.
"Oh, i-it's okay. T-thank you, s-sir." she stammered softly, her voice almost trembling, as she bowed her head slightly before lifting it again. She adjusted her grip on the handrail, trying to regain composure. She seemed younger than Haruto, possibly a third-year university student.
“No problem,” Haruto replied with a kind smile. “It happens all the time, especially with these crowded morning trains.” He tried to calm and comfort the girl. Suddenly, he realized how unusual it was for him to be so friendly with a stranger, let alone a girl who was probably a fellow student at Sakamiya University.
Normally, Haruto was indifferent, not caring much about those around him. Why am I reacting like this? Why did I help her? he wondered, confused by his own actions. He typically only concerned himself with his younger sister, Ayano, and rarely paid attention to others. Yet here he was, speaking to a stranger—a girl, no less.
The girl nodded, still trying to calm down. She could still feel the soft sensation of Haruto’s hand when he had grabbed her arm moments ago, which made her blush even more. Haruto could sense her nervousness and awkwardness, yet there was something captivating about the shy and clumsy aura that surrounded her. Maybe it was because of how flustered she seemed, overwhelmed by the number of people around her.
Suddenly, the train swayed as it rounded a bend. Several passengers lost their balance, pushing into others in the process. Some even fell to the floor, unable to catch themselves in time.
“Kyaa.. Uwahh!” The clumsy girl beside him also lost her footing, fell on the floor with a loud THUD, her umbrella and bag scattering across the ground. She sat there, stunned for a moment.
“Whoa! Are you okay?” Haruto immediately bent down, extending his hand to help the girl up.
His body seemed to move on its own, instinctively trying to assist her. Even though there were plenty of people around who could help, Haruto found himself reaching out. Why am I the one helping her?.. Once again, he was baffled by his actions, questioning why he felt the need to help her stand.
"Ah.. Ouch! Kyaa!" The girl squealed again as she tried to stand up without taking Haruto’s hand, only to trip over her own feet and fall backward once more—this time landing on her rear for the second time. "Oww! That really hurts..." she whimpered, rubbing her sore bottom.
Several other passengers who witnessed the scene chuckled softly at her clumsy behavior, finding it both amusing and endearing. However, the girl felt utterly embarrassed, her face burning as she hid it behind her hands.
"Here, take my hand." Haruto extended his hand again, trying to help her to her feet. The girl hesitated for a moment, looking up at Haruto’s face. Then she nodded and reached out to grasp his hand. "I-I... thank you."
Haruto gently helped her up, carefully holding her wrist to ensure he didn’t hurt her. Once she was steady on her feet, he released her hand.
"Thank you so much, sir. I'm really sorry for causing so much trouble." She bowed deeply in apology, her head hanging low as she spoke to Haruto.
The girl was trying her best to stay calm, but it was clear she was struggling. Her eyes betrayed her fear and anxiety, as if she was expecting Haruto to scold her for being such a bother.
She felt like her clumsiness had inconvenienced him, and she hadn’t expected anyone to come to her aid. So, she was doing everything she could to keep her composure, though it seemed her efforts were in vain, as she kept stumbling again and again.
"No, no, it's fine. Don’t worry about it." Haruto answered awkwardly, trying to hide his own blush as he looked away. He couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered himself after helping such a cute and clumsy girl.
"T-thank you, s-sir." She thanked him again before bending down to pick up her fallen umbrella. She then stood up and grabbed onto the handrail once more, her heart still pounding as she recalled how Haruto had held her arm to help.
A few moments later, Haruto noticed something—she had forgotten her book bag. He bent down and picked it up from the floor. “Here, you dropped this too.” The girl turned around, her eyes widening as she saw Haruto holding her bag.
Like a kettle of boiling water whistling loudly, her cheeks and ears flushed bright red instantly. She couldn’t control her expression, and her hands trembled with embarrassment. Ahh! OH NO! How could I forget my bag? I'm so clumsy... this is so humiliating!.. She hadn’t even realized she had completely forgotten about her fallen bag.
She hadn’t expected anyone to help her, and the fact that Haruto had picked it up for her made her looked so shocked and panicked. Her skin had turned pale, but her face remained red, like a ripe tomato on top of a snowbank.
"Oh, right. Thank you, sir." Kanna stammered, her voice trembling. "I... I’m so sorry again." She quickly grabbed her bag from Haruto, and in doing so, accidentally brushed her fingers against his. Her heart race wildly, DEG DEG.. DEG DEG.. as if time had momentarily stopped and a jolt of electricity ran from his hands to hers.
"Oh no, it’s no bother at all. I just... wanted to help, that’s all." Haruto tried to smile, but he, too, felt his heart beat faster. He couldn’t believe he was in this situation with a sweet, clumsy girl on a crowded train. It felt surreal.
The girl didn’t say anything else. She kept her head down, trying to hide her flushed face behind her long ponytail. She was far too embarrassed to look Haruto in the eyes. He could tell the girl felt guilty and embarrassed, and he didn’t want to make her feel worse than she already did. So, he mustered the courage to introduce himself.
“S-Sorry, I’m Haruto... Haruto Mori. Please, there’s no need to bow. What’s your name?” The girl’s head shot up in surprise, her eyes wide as she stared at Haruto.
“I-I’m K-Kanna, Kanna Fujita.” Kanna stammered, barely able to speak. She rarely introduced herself to anyone, especially not in public. This was a new and nerve-wracking experience for her, particularly since the person she was speaking to was a young man—one she found rather handsome, at that.
"Okay, please, raise your head, Fujita-chan. It’s really okay, these things happen all the time on crowded trains." Haruto said gently, continuing his efforts to ease her nerves. His tone was calm and understanding, an attempt to make the awkwardness dissipate.
Kanna slowly straightened up, her hands still clutching her umbrella and shoulder bag. She felt a wave of gratitude for Haruto’s kindness and patience—qualities she hadn’t expected from a stranger on a crowded train. Is this fate?.. she wondered, her heart fluttering slightly. Meeting such a kind, gentle, and surprisingly handsome guy like Haruto... it all felt surreal. Her face flushed, and she found herself offering him a shy smile.
"Y-yes, thank you, Mori-san." Kanna’s eyes brightened, glowing with a mix of relief and gratitude. Her heart, however, refused to calm down. It beat faster, stronger, and she couldn’t figure out why she was suddenly so drawn to this man she had never met before. But there was something in his eyes—a quiet warmth, and in his gentle smile—that made her feel strangely comfortable.
Haruto, who usually avoided getting involved with anyone except his sister, and who rarely offered help to others, now found himself in a situation that felt straight out of a romantic comedy anime. It was as if fate had scripted their meeting, like the countless manga and anime stories where the destined hero meets the awkward but endearing heroine.
But Haruto had no intention of letting his friends find out about this incident. I would definitely be laughed at, maybe even bullied by my friends if they found out about this. I have to keep this a secret. It’s too embarrassing! They’ll never let me live it down.. He could already imagine the jokes his friends would make at his expense.
His friends knew him too well—this whole scenario was the complete opposite of his usual character. He, the unbothered, indifferent Haruto, now found himself stuck in a moment that could easily be mistaken for a scene in a shoujo manga, with a sweet and clumsy girl named Kanna Fujita by his side.
* * * *
(Back to present)
Haruto’s eyebrows furrowed as he re-read the message several times. Did I misread it?.. At first glance, he hadn’t been particularly focused, perhaps assuming it was her usual casual tone. But no—upon closer inspection, the words were exactly as they appeared. There was no mistake. The message was real.
"Something big? A threat to humanity? What could she possibly mean?" Haruto muttered to himself, his mind racing. Is it.. Could it be…
He started to wonder if it had any connection to the unusually empty train this morning or perhaps the bad weather that had plagued Tokyo for the past three days. Or maybe… both were connected somehow?..
Inside the train car, the atmosphere remained quiet, with about a dozen passengers scattered throughout, each lost in their own world. A stark contrast to the usual crowded carriage. The train moved steadily along its route, and everything seemed normal, nothing out of ordinary.
But Haruto couldn't shake the inexplicable uneasy feeling over him—something felt off. The train, usually bustling with people at this hour, was eerily empty today. Even though the weather had improved, the strange calm of the morning still hung in the air, in stark contrast to the days before.
Haruto’s mind raced with countless possibilities, yet he forced himself to stay composed, brushing aside the nagging dread gnawing at him.
As he observed the passengers around him, he noticed an unusual synchronicity—several people were simultaneously engrossed with their phones. Their faces tensed, brows furrowed, as though they had stumbled upon alarming news. Maybe it’s a major accident.. Haruto mused. Or perhaps there’s news about a violent labor protest, or some viral video spreading like wildfire on social media.. His thoughts wandered, trying to rationalize the scene.
Yet, the uneasy feeling gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing second. Kanna’s message wasn’t just serious; it felt foreboding. Haruto couldn’t shake the sense that something was off.
Today didn’t feel like just another day. Deep down, he felt an unsettling certainty that he was on the verge of encountering something that could shatter his regular life, all of it, and thrust him into the unknown.
Is it a sign that, something extraordinary—something far beyond the ordinary rhythms of Haruto’s lives—is about to happen?..
— — — — —