Arc 1: "Earning the Freedom"
Chapter awakening and the first kill
In a world where humanity had narrowly survived a global catastrophe, yet still found itself bereft of peace, Kaoru awoke in a shadowy, unfamiliar place. His consciousness stirred as he found himself reclining on a hard, unforgiving bench within the confines of an eerie cell. Confusion and disorientation engulfed him as he struggled to piece together the enigma of his current surroundings. He strained to recollect the events that had led him to this obscure chamber, yet his memories remained frustratingly elusive, locked away in the recesses of his mind.
As Kaoru grappled with the tormenting mystery of his existence, the faint echoes of approaching footsteps reached his ears, heralding the arrival of an unseen presence. Straining his eyes in the dim light, he watched as a shadowy figure emerged from the gloom. But before he could discern any defining features, a tidal wave of exhaustion surged through him, dragging him into an uneasy slumber.
When he next stirred, it was amidst a chaotic symphony of raucous noise. Kaoru's bleary eyes focused on the figure before him. This person appeared emaciated, clad in tattered, dirt-streaked rags. Their countenance was a mask of unfeeling indifference, in stark contrast to the fresh blood that clung to their clenched fists. A strange amalgamation of fear and anger permeated the air.
The tumultuous din emanated from above, where a frenzied crowd cheered and placed bets, their collective attention riveted on the center of an arena. Kaoru found himself thrust into this bizarre spectacle, utterly bewildered by his inexplicable presence in such a macabre setting.
Before he could collect his wits, the enigmatic figure before him lunged in a sudden, merciless attack. Caught off guard and unable to evade the ferocious blow, Kaoru was struck with brutal force. The impact sent a broken tooth flying from his mouth, while a spray of crimson painted his trembling hand. Agonizing pain coursed through him as he stared at the grim evidence of his vulnerability. Slowly, understanding dawned upon him: the person before him was his unwitting adversary in this brutal, sadistic contest, and he had become an unwilling participant.
Fear and confusion gripped Kaoru as he grappled with the horrifying reality of his situation. Amidst the internal turmoil, the mantra "I want to live, I want to LIVE!" echoed relentlessly in his mind. Yet, from the depths of his consciousness, a malevolent impulse stirred, whispering a sinister command: "Kill him." These two opposing urges waged a fierce battle within Kaoru's psyche, pushing him perilously close to the edge of his own sanity.
Summoning newfound resolve, the suppressed darkness within him overcame his fear. Kaoru retaliated with unwavering determination, launching a swift counterattack against his adversary. His fists struck home with unerring precision, each blow exacting a measure of retribution. He pummeled his opponent relentlessly until the battered figure finally conceded defeat.
As blood flowed and dripped onto his clenched fists, the crowd erupted into frenzied cheers, signaling Kaoru's triumph. Gazing upward at the unrelenting ceiling, he realized he had emerged victorious in this brutal contest. Yet, before he could fully comprehend his grim achievement, a rock hurled from the shadows struck him, sending him sprawling to the unforgiving ground.
Once more, Kaoru awoke within the confines of the same cell, but this time, his memories surged back with overwhelming force, flooding his mind like a relentless tide. The name "Kaoru" resounded through his thoughts-an appellation bestowed upon him by his parents, a name intertwined with friends, family, and the life he had once known. It was a life marked by moral rectitude and an unremarkable existence in school. As he gazed upon his bloodstained hands, vivid recollections of his opponent's battered visage replayed in his mind, a harsh reminder of the brutal reality he now faced.
Overwhelmed by a deep sense of sorrow and depression, Kaoru was haunted by the events of that fateful day. He found himself tormented by regrets, unable to shake off the grim reality of what he had been forced to do. The weight of taking another person's life, even under the duress of survival, bore down on him like a crushing burden.
For days on end, Kaoru grappled with the darkness that now permeated his soul. The memory of his adversary's blood on his hands haunted his every waking moment. Sleep was elusive, as haunting nightmares and guilt-ridden visions plagued his restless nights.
He felt trapped, his choices having been stripped away by the grim circumstances that had thrust him into this nightmarish existence. In the unforgiving arena, he had been left with no alternative but to take a life, leaving an indelible mark on his conscience.
As time passed, the memories of that violent encounter continued to torment him. Kaoru wrestled with profound regret, questioning the moral boundaries he had crossed. He longed for a way to atone for his actions, to find redemption in a world that seemed devoid of mercy.
Yet, amidst the darkness that had engulfed him, a flicker of determination ignited within Kaoru. He refused to succumb entirely to despair. Instead, he resolved to uncover the truth behind the cruel machinations that had led him to this harrowing place, hoping to unveil a path toward redemption and a chance to earn his freedom in a world where every step forward was fraught with peril.