Chapter 1: Lost in Void
In the midst of Grandeur City's bustling streets, I found myself at the center
of attention. A crowd had gathered, their eyes fixed on me. I felt a mixture
of nerves and excitement as their gazes bore into me. It was as if I held their
fascination, an enigma they were eager to unravel.But my focus wavered.
Despite the crowd's rapt attention, my eyes wandered, drawn by an unseen
force. In that fleeting moment, the world around me blurred, hinting at
secrets lurking just beyond the surface.The scene shifted abruptly, plunging
me into darkness. As the curtain of obscurity lifted, Grandeur City sprawled
before me, its towering skyscrapers and shimmering lights painting a
futuristic tapestry. The city was a testament to human ingenuity, a place
where dreams touched the sky.That was the day, I was given a 2 nd chance to
live, It is I, Kyrie.
At Present Day, a midst this urban landscape, I prepared for a mission. My
fingers deftly interacted with advanced gadgets and practical attire, a fusion
of style and purpose. The soft hum of my phone echoed through the air,
breaking the stillness around me. I answered the call, the screen casting a
faint glow on my features. The voice on the other end was Rylee's, a voice
that conveyed both urgency and familiarity.
"Kyrie, what's the situation?"
Rylee's voice cut through the silence, a reminder of the responsibility that
came with our missions.
I responded with a calm resolve,
"I'm still on my way. As of the moment, there's been no reported activity."
A beat of silence hung in the air. "Good," Rylee's voice carried an unspoken
weight. "Keep me informed as soon as you have any updates."Copy that," Ireplied, my commitment unwavering. The call ended, leaving behind a
sense of purpose that settled deep within me.
The narrative lens shifted, focusing on my reflection in a mirror. It was a rare
moment of vulnerability, a chance to see the person beneath the façade. I
met my own gaze, searching for hints of the emotions and motivations that
lay beneath the enigmatic exterior. In that mirrored reflection, layers of
mystery began to peel away. The soft light played upon my features,
revealing the complexities hidden within. Beneath the enigma I projected, I
was human, driven by aspirations, emotions, and a history of experiences.
In the depths of Greed Haven Xenovert's secretive underground laboratory,
I found myself in a place where shadows danced and secrets thrived. The
setting was ominous, a hallway that seemed to stretch on infinitely. My
pulse quickened as I attempted to enter a room, my intentions cloaked in a
shroud of mystery. I stood before a security code, my fingers dancing over
the interface. Determination surged through me as I deftly navigated the
intricate web of digits and symbols. With a triumphant whisper, I uttered,
"Bingo."The room welcomed me with an air of suspense, a research facility
teeming with untold discoveries. "Alright, where is it?" I muttered to myself,
my voice a mix of anticipation and urgency.
I scoured the room, searching for a specific formula that held the key to
unraveling a complex puzzle. Yet, as I sifted through documents, something
caught my eye. A list, a sinister roster of "Wanted Hybrids." A shiver raced
down my spine as I discarded the damning evidence, my heart pounding
with unease.Amid the tension, a presence emerged. Kiyon, his voice
dripping with mockery, broke the silence.
"Well, well, well, look who we have here – a very familiar visitor."
I met his gaze with a raised eyebrow, unyielding. "Why, are you surprised?"His response was a sly grin, a calculated move to undermine my resolve.
"Unless he succumbs to fear and chooses to forsake his responsibilities."
"I don't have time for games right now,"
I shot back, my tone firm.
"So if we're not going to talk about it now, step out of my way."
Kiyon's denial was swift.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
I couldn't help but smile, the subtle satisfaction of knowing something he
didn't playing across my lips. But before I could make another move, Kiyon's
taunting words fueled my determination. I activated my heart rate
teleportation, attempting to escape his grasp. His jeers only propelled me
forward, until his sudden appearance halted my progress. A clash ensued,
leaving me injured but unbroken. As I stood in the simulation room,
catching my breath, Kiyon's sinister laughter rang out.
"Why are you hesitating, Kyrie?"
My response was laced with restraint, my emotions a maelstrom beneath
the surface.
"Don't be stupid. We both know why I'm not fighting you back."
Kiyon's intentions became clear – a black hole simulator activated. Panic
gripped me as I realized the gravity of the situation. The room seemed to
spin around me, my surroundings blurring into oblivion.
"You fell right into my trap!"
Kiyon's triumphant laughter echoed. I gasped, a realization of my
predicament settling in. Struggling against the inexorable pull of thesimulated black hole, I fought to escape once more. My efforts were a
testament to my tenacity, and even as I faced insurmountable odds, I
refused to give in.
Kiyon's wicked laughter taunted me.
"Game over, Kyrie! Good luck trying to find a way back. You'll need it!"
In the face of imminent oblivion, I gritted my teeth and steeled my resolve.
The battle was far from over, and I was determined to find a way out of this
twisted game, no matter how dire the circumstances.
In the heart of Shintenseiku City's bustling Main Street, I found myself in a
state of disarray. Lying injured on the ground, I groaned in pain.
"Okay, that hurt for reals. I'm grateful it didn't tear me apart – probably a
massive one."
Confusion gripped me as I took in my surroundings.
"Where am I, anyways?" I mused aloud.
A portion of Shintenseiku City stretched before me, its vibrant energy a
stark contrast to my battered state. I forced myself to look around, taking in
the familiar yet unfamiliar landscape. With a deep breath, I attempted to
get up, my body protesting with every movement.
"Why do I feel so exhausted~..." I muttered, my strength wavering.
Despite my efforts, my body betrayed me, and I stumbled, falling over once
more. Darkness crept at the edges of my consciousness as I lost the battle
against unconsciousness. The world around me faded, and I found myself
lying on the ground, helpless and unaware of what lay ahead.In Shintenseiku City's Old Town Residential Area 3, Ziekary's apartment
stood with a quiet air of normalcy. A TV played in the background, its news
stories filling the room. Ziekary let out a sigh, a mix of weariness and
determination evident in her expression.
"Another day ahead of us."
With a glance at the clock, Ziekary's resolve solidified, and she hurriedly
made her way to Seiku Academy of Sciences. Running through the streets,
she navigated the familiar path with practiced ease. Stopping in front of her
school, she caught her breath, the urgency of her journey evident in her
breathless state.
"Sigh, I made it in time."
As she stepped into the bustling halls of Seiku Academy of Sciences,
students moved around her, their chatter a background hum. In her rush,
Ziekary bumped into others, frustration crossing her features.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
The retort from the students was swift and dismissive. "It's not our fault
that you're in the way!"
"Her sigh held a hint of resignation. "Sorry." With that, she continued on
her way, determined not to let such incidents mar her day.A familiar voice
cut through her thoughts, and Ziekary turned to see Charlotte approaching.
Concern etched on her friend's face.
"Ziekary, are you okay?"
Ziekary managed a smile, appreciating Charlotte's genuine care.
"Yeah, I'm good. Thank you."Charlotte's frustration was palpable.
"The nerve of those jerks. Who do they think they are, always treating you
like that?"
Ziekary's response was a dismissive wave of her hand.
"Forget about it. I'm doing fine, really."
Charlotte's concern lingered, but she respected Ziekary's wish.
"Are you sure?"
With a nod, Ziekary reassured her friend.
"Yeah, let's go."
As they entered the classroom, the bell rang, signaling the start of another
lesson. Ziekary's thoughts wandered, caught in the allure of the
approaching holiday week.
"I wonder what should I do?"
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Her mind drifted into daydreams, pondering the possibilities that lay ahead.
"Will something good happen to me?"
Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by the teacher's voice.
"Ziekary?"
the teacher's tone was expectant, bringing her back to reality. Startled,
Ziekary stood up hastily.
"I-I'm listening, ma'am."
Amusement bubbled through the classroom, students chuckling at her
expense. Ziekary's cheeks flushed as she realized her mistake, and her
embarrassment was palpable."Huh?!"
The bell rang again, coming to her rescue, and Ziekary sat down, her relief
evident. Yet, the laughter of her peers still echoed in her ears, and her eyes
welled with tears.
"I-I'm sorry,"
she choked out amidst her sobs, struggling to contain her emotions.
And so, in the ebb and flow of Shintenseiku City's streets and the halls of
Seiku Academy of Sciences, life continued its dance of joys and challenges.
Amidst it all, I couldn't help but wonder about the twists and turns that fate
had in store for me, and if, amidst the chaos, something unexpected and
wonderful might await.
As the day waned and the sun dipped below the horizon, Ziekary found
herself outside Seiku Academy of Sciences. The school day was over, and a
sense of weariness settled over her.
"It's time to go home... again,”
" she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation.
Charlotte's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"Ziekary? Are you okay?"
She managed a smile, wanting to assure her.
"Yes, of course."
Concern clouded Charlotte's expression as she continued to study Ziekary.
"Okay, well, wanna go home together?"
"Sure,"She replied, grateful for her company as we embarked on their journey
home.
As they strolled along Seiku's Side Street, the casualness of the conversation
between Charlotte and Ziekary gave way to deeper inquiries.
"Say, Ziekary, what are you planning to do during the holiday?"
Ziekary pondered her question for a moment, her thoughts drifting to the
upcoming spring holiday week.
"Do you mean the spring holiday week?"
Charlotte nodded, her eyes curious
"Yep. If you don't have plans, maybe we could go somewhere we want."
Ziekary considered her proposal, the idea of spending the holiday week
with a friend bringing a smile to her lips.
"I guess that's fine, too."
But Charlotte sensed something amiss.
"What's wrong? I thought you're doing okay.”
With a heavy sigh, Ziekary decided to confide in her, if only partially.
"I don't know. I'll go in this direction now. See you."
Walking away, Ziekary left Charlotte behind, hoping to find some time to
sort through the feelings that had been weighing on her.Sitting on a park
bench, the cool breeze brushing against Ziekary’s skin, she allowed herself
emotions to surface.
"I feel sick and sad,"she admitted to no one but the empty space around her. Tears flowed down
her cheeks as the memories came flooding back.
"I miss Mom."
The ache in her heart was palpable, a wound that seemed to refuse to heal.
"Why do my life always go south?"
The question hung in the air, a poignant expression of the frustration that
had built up over time. It was a refrain she had whispered to herself
countless times. As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows around
Ziekary, she allowed herself to grieve. The bench became her sanctuary, a
place where she could confront her emotions head-on, without the facade
Ziekary often wore in front of others. And so, in the quiet embrace of the
park, her tears fell freely as she navigated the storm of emotions that
churned within her. The weight of her thoughts and the memories she held
dear seemed to weave an intricate tapestry, one that held both sorrow and
hope, darkness and light.
And so back to me, in the desolate Dead End Alley, the clock marked the
time as 6:47 PM. As consciousness slowly returned to me, I found myself in
a daze. "Man," I muttered, my voice rough as I grappled with the haze of
waking up.I gingerly attempted to rise, my body protesting against the
effort.
"Sigh Where am I again? Oh, right."
Recognition dawned, and I remembered the events that led me to this
unfamiliar place. I reached for my watch, an attempt to ground myself in
the present. However, the indicator read "unknown activity," deepening the
mystery of my surroundings. "Sigh," I exhaled, my frustration palpable.With a mixture of hope and uncertainty, I checked my phone, seeking
answers from a familiar source. Rylee's name stood out among the
notifications. I felt a mix of relief and trepidation as I hesitated before
answering the call. Sitting on the edge of the alley, I held the phone to my
ear, the anticipation of the conversation heavy in the air. "Hello?"
Rylee's voice crackled through the line, a mix of worry and frustration
evident.
"Kyrie! Where are you? I've been calling you!"
"Sorry, Rylee, something bad happened..."
I began, my voice trailing off as I struggled to convey the situation.
Rylee's urgency was palpable.
"What do you mean? Just go back. I assume you weren't able to retrieve the
data?"
My response carried a sense of resignation. "Another mission failed, I
presume."
Rylee's concern deepened as she pressed for more information.
"What do you mean? Are you injured?"
"No, Rylee, listen,"
I interrupted, my voice laced with urgency.
"I've been transported to another world, and..."
Her disbelief was evident in the silence that followed, but when she finally
spoke, her words were sharp with shock."What?! How?!"
I explained the situation as concisely as I could, the gravity of the events
hanging in the air between us.
"Kiyon, he activated some kind of black hole simulator."
Rylee's frustration resonated through the phone.
"Damn it! Now what?"
"That asshole must have done it on purpose," I muttered, my anger boiling
over. "Tsk."
Rylee's response was a mix of understanding and exasperation.
"Okay, great."
And so, in the midst of uncertainty and the shifting sands of an unknown
world, I held onto the connection I had with Rylee. Our conversation was a
lifeline, a beacon of familiarity in the midst of the chaos that had engulfed
1.
"Nice sarcasm,"
I quipped, a faint smile gracing my lips.
Rylee's voice remained steady, her determination unwavering.
"Okay, calm down. I'll find a way to get you out of there."
My retort carried a playful edge, a glimpse of the levity we shared.
"You talking like my aunt now?"
I chuckled at the thought, the camaraderie between us a comforting
presence.
Rylee's response held a touch of seriousness."Well, she entrusted me with all of this, so I can't let her down. Even if you
know."
I fell silent, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between us. The weight
of our responsibilities rested heavy on both our shoulders.
"Anyways, might as well find a shelter here in nowhere land,"
I decided, my voice tinged with resignation. Pushing myself to stand, I
prepared to face the unfamiliar world that now surrounded me.
"Okay, I gotta go,"
Rylee's voice carried a sense of urgency.
"For the meantime, be careful. We don't know about the world you're in
right now."
"I will,"
I assured her, the connection between us momentarily severed as the call
ended.
Alone once more, I let out a sigh.
"Man, this lane is just too obscure. Nobody has yet noticed me."
Stepping out of the dead end alley, the world outside greeted me with a
mixture of curiosity and surprise. Whispers carried on the breeze, the
hushed voices of female students catching my attention.
"Oh my god, look at him," one of them giggled.
"He's so good-looking," another added, their words a mix of admiration and
awe.
"He looks like Kyrie from Zemstan .""Well, talk about the Astronomy Class," a third chimed in, their voices a
symphony of intrigue.
Confusion tugged at my thoughts. "The hell?" What? How do they know my
name?"
Curiosity piqued, I set out to explore this unfamiliar world. As I wandered
the streets, lost in thought, fate seemed to have a different plan in store for
1. Unknown to me, another figure traversed the same path with a
different purpose. It is Ziekary, absorbed in her own thoughts, walked
recklessly, her steps hurried and distracted. In a twist of fate, our paths
converged, and I found myself face to face with a collision waiting to
happen."…" My voice trailed off as our eyes met, a shared moment of
surprise and unexpected connection unfolding in the blink of an eye.
"Sorry,"
Ziekary's voice trembled with regret, her head bowed as she quickly moved
past me.
I watched her leave, a mixture of curiosity and concern stirring within me.
She seemed weighed down by something far heavier than the bags she
carried. I couldn't help but study her retreating figure, my gaze lingering as
she disappeared down the street.
"I think I might locate a shelter around,"
I mused aloud, my voice a soft murmur. "I have a nasty sensation."
As Ziekary continued her journey, lost in her own world of tears and sorrow,
an unexpected presence followed in her wake. It was me, drawn by an
inexplicable curiosity that compelled me to shadow her steps. She walked
on, each step a manifestation of her turmoil. "Sobs," her tears seemed to
echo in the air, a testament to the emotions that consumed her. Finally,
Ziekary reached her destination – her apartment. The door swung shutbehind her as she entered, enveloping her in the solitude she sought. From
my vantage point, I watched as Ziekary's apartment door closed, a top view
shot that held a hint of distance. The situation intrigued me, and as the
moments passed, a realization struck.
"Oh, I see. This is the neighborhood,"
I murmured to myself, a revelation that sparked a glimmer of familiarity.
"Perhaps if I look around a bit more, I can find something."
With that thought in mind, I set out once again, my steps carrying me
further along the street side. The world around me seemed both alien and
strangely comforting, a combination that heightened my determination to
uncover more about this new realm.As I walked, lost in my own thoughts, a
stranger passed by me, our worlds briefly intersecting. I couldn't help but
glance at them, a sense of curiosity stirring within me. And so, amidst the
unknown and the enigmatic world that had become my reality, I continued
to navigate the streets, my journey marked by encounters that held the
promise of unraveling the mysteries that lay ahead.
“Umm, excuse me!"
The voice of a stranger broke through my thoughts, causing me to pause
and turn back to face them.
"You need something?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
The stranger hesitated, their gaze fixed on me with a mix of intrigue and
uncertainty.
"Umm, well, I got curious. You look like someone we all know."I arched an eyebrow in confusion. "…?"Their words hung in the air before
they hastily corrected themselves.
"Well, I'm so sorry. Maybe it's just my imagination. Sorry for being rude."
As they spoke, a hint of amusement colored their tone.
"(And he has some spy-looking outfit too)."
The stranger gave one last glance before walking away, leaving me slightly
bemused by the encounter.
"(I swear he looks like Kyrie 100%! There's no way!...)"
Their hushed words reached my ears, carrying with them a sense of
disbelief that echoed my own thoughts. Amidst the whispers and the fading
presence of the stranger, my phone rang, a sudden interruption that
demanded my attention. With a quick motion, I answered the call, eager for
news from the other side.
"Well? Were you able to find anything?"
I inquired, the urgency in my voice palpable. Rylee's voice carried a weight
of disappointment.
"Bad news, Kyrie. Looks like you'll be stuck there for a while. I tried to plot
out an escape plan, but the world you're currently in lacks the proper
technology to do so. I mean, they're not as advanced. At the meantime, we
weren't able to pinpoint your location."
A sigh escaped me as her words settled in.
"So that's why my watch isn't working."
"Unless you use 30% of your power, we might have a chance,"
Rylee continued, her tone somber."But it's risky for you to use any of your abilities. For the meantime, stay
low."
My frustration bubbled to the surface.
"Wait, that's all you have? Use my powers?"
My voice turned contemplative, uncertainty seeping into my words.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but the locals assume I'm a fake or some kind
of clone."
As the conversation continued, the reality of my situation sank in deeper.
The world I found myself in was a puzzle with pieces I had yet to uncover,
and as I grappled with the limitations and possibilities before me, a sense of
determination welled up. If I was to find a way back, I needed to navigate
this foreign world with caution and strategy.
"I'm so sorry, but it appears that you are in a location where people believe
you to be extinct,"
Rylee's voice carried a weight of empathy, her words like a cold splash of
reality.
"And my research indicates that you've been transported into an entirely
different universe,"
she continued, her tone holding a mix of fascination and concern.
"Wait, what?" I interjected, my voice reflecting my astonishment at the
revelation.
"The weird thing is, that implies that you are not suppose to be there,"
Rylee explained, her voice tinged with uncertainty."They think you passed away many years ago, which is accurate. I believe
people are still researching the past of Zemstan or, for that matter, alien
technology."
Her words painted a complex picture, one that left me grappling with the
implications
"And possibly they might still be looking for ways to graduate to a Type 1
civilization."
The pieces of the puzzle began to click into place. "Makes sense."
Rylee's tone shifted, her voice carrying a note of caution.
"So your name will always be mentioned, likely."
A sigh escaped me as the gravity of my situation settled in.
"Trouble, huh? Someone tells me I'm in big trouble here."
As I faced the reality of my circumstances, it was becoming clear that I had
stepped into a world far more intricate and mysterious than I could have
ever imagined. My identity and the knowledge I carried were enigmatic
pieces in a grander scheme, a tapestry woven with threads of science,
technology, and the uncharted territories of the universe itself.
"The only way for you to survive over there is to have a new identity,"
Rylee's voice held a seriousness that matched the gravity of her words.
"Otherwise, you'll make a ruckus and get killed in the process, well if they
can."
"Or similar, I'm not quite sure yet,"
she added, a note of uncertainty coloring her tone.
Her words carried a weight that settled heavily in my chest."And of course, in a sense, no one knows or believes that you're, you know,
you~ in the first place."
A wary smile tugged at my lips.
"I probably need to make up a name?"
"Hmm, you know what? Not that helpful. Just stay low,"
Rylee advised, her tone tinged with exasperation.
I couldn't resist a playful suggestion.
"How about my name spelled backwards?"
Rylee's response held a touch of annoyance.
"Still got time to fool around? Anyways, I need to find out more about this
whole thing. I'll call you back."
As the call ended, I let out a sigh, my frustration evident.
"Great, Rylee. Way to kill the mood."
In the midst of the uncertainty and the strangeness of this new world,
Rylee's guidance was both grounding and confounding. The idea of creating
a new identity, of navigating a reality where my very existence was
questioned, weighed heavily on my mind. But for now, as I awaited her next
call and gathered my thoughts, I knew that staying low and avoiding
unnecessary attention was the best course of action. The journey ahead
was shrouded in mystery, and I was determined to unravel its secrets, one
thread at a time.
As Ziekary made her way to school, her steps carried a sense of purpose, a
determination to face the day ahead. Amidst the bustling crowd, her path
intersected with that of her grandmother, Grandma Emma."Ziekary dear, on your way to school?"
Grandma Emma's warm voice held a touch of concern, her gaze filled with
affection for her granddaughter.
"Oh, hi Grandma. I hope you're doing fine today,"
Ziekary greeted her with a genuine smile, the bond between them evident.
In a brief flashback, the weight of Ziekary's emotions from the park bench
resurfaced, a reminder of the struggles she carried within.
"Hehe, looks like you're still tending the flowers very well,"
Ziekary commented, attempting to shift the conversation to lighter matters.
"Yes, dear. And you're missing a lot,"
Grandma Emma replied, her voice tinged with a mix of playfulness and
concern.
"If you have time, come by the shop, okay?"
"Okay, Grandma. See you,"
Ziekary agreed, her words carrying a promise as she continued on her way.
“I can't believe I'm doing this."
In the shadows, my own thoughts swirled as I watched the scene unfold, a
mix of hesitation and determination battling within me.
"I'm like an asshole freak with no goals in life, but..."
My voice trailed off as I struggled to articulate the complex mix of emotions
that churned within me.
"Guess I have no choice but have to randomly pick her,"I admitted to myself, the words a reflection of the strange circumstances
that had brought me to this decision.
As Ziekary walked along the side streets, I remained hidden, my presence a
fleeting enigma in her world. The threads of fate had woven an intricate
tapestry, connecting lives and experiences in unexpected ways. As I
observed Ziekary from the shadows, I knew that this encounter held the
potential to change both our paths, guiding us through a journey that was
as uncertain as it was intriguing.
Ziekary sat by the fountain's edge, tears flowing down her cheeks. Her sobs
resonated in the serene evening, a release of emotions she couldn't contain.
From a distance, I observed her, captivated by the rawness of her emotions.
It was as if her pain and sadness transcended the physical world, touching
something deeper within me.
As I approached her, my footsteps were cautious, respectful of her solitude.
Her vulnerability was a sacred thing, and I had no intention of intruding
upon it.Taking a seat behind her, I offered a tissue, a small but meaningful
gesture to show that she wasn't alone in her struggle. Her trembling hand
accepted it, and her quiet "Thank you" carried both gratitude and
uncertainty.
I watched her, a mixture of empathy and sorrow clouding my gaze. I
couldn't help but feel a connection to her, a shared experience of pain that
drew me closer. Amidst her sobs, a question slipped from her lips, tinged
with suspicion. Her words reflected a natural wariness in a world where
trust was often hard-earned. My response was gentle, infused with a touch
of humor to break the tension. I questioned why I would plot anything
sinister after offering her a simple tissue.She gave a nervous laugh, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks
as she apologized for her suspicion. Her name, Ziekary, sounded like a
melody in the air, and I found myself drawn to the sound.Our
conversation shifted, and she inquired about my name. I hesitated, torn
between the truth and the need to protect my identity. It was a
precarious situation, and I struggled to find the right words.
Her curiosity persisted, her eyes searching for answers. Finally, I
admitted the truth I had been withholding – that my name was a
complicated matter, tied to a reality beyond her comprehension.Her
reaction was a mix of disbelief and amusement, as if my words were a
joke too absurd to be taken seriously. She questioned my motives,
suggesting that I had time to play pranks even in the late hours. I knew I
had to prove the truth of my words, to bridge the gap between our
realities. With a deep breath, I began to remove my mask, revealing the
face hidden beneath.Her gasp was a mixture of shock and astonishment,
a testament to the gravity of the truth I had revealed. Our worlds had
collided in the most unexpected way, and as her gaze met mine, I saw a
glimmer of understanding that transcended the boundaries of our
separate existences.