Adachi's life always felt like an endless loop of family drama, a cycle with no end in sight. But that autumn morning, everything changed.

Sitting at the breakfast table, Adachi inhaled the comforting aroma of miso soup. The cozy home, though old, was filled with warmth and memories.

In the kitchen, his mother, Eiko, moved quickly, preparing breakfast. She had a knack for turning even the smallest problems into dramatic events. This morning was no exception.

"Adachi, my son," Eiko called out, her voice a mix of affection and worry. "You can't be serious about studying abroad! It's too dangerous. What if something happens to you?"

Across the table, Adachi's eldest sister, Aneya, was absorbed in her phone, seemingly indifferent to the ongoing drama. At twenty-nine, she had learned to tune out their mother's emotional outbursts.

"Why do you even bother arguing?" Aneya muttered to Adachi. "You know she won't let you go."

Adachi's younger sister, Cilia, leaned in, her eyes pleading. "Adachi, please, you can't leave us. We need you here."

Cilia tried to appear strong, but her fear of the family being separated was clear.

Maru, Adachi's only brother, chimed in from across the table. "Adachi, you should go. You're the smartest one among us. You have the potential to do great things."

Their father, Sadao, sat silently, eating his rice. He seemed indifferent, having grown tired of the constant family disputes.

Adachi felt the weight of his mom's wishes. He longed to explore the world and chase his dreams, even if his mother saw it as frivolous.

"I understand your concerns, Mom," Adachi said, trying to stay calm. "But I want to do this. It's something I want to achieve for myself."

Eiko clutched her chest dramatically. "Oh, the heartache! My youngest son, leaving me!"

Despite the theatrics, Adachi had made up his mind. He would pursue his dreams, even if it meant defying his mom's wishes.

The argument continued, but Adachi couldn't stand it any longer. He pushed his chair back and left the table, heading for the front door. It was time to escape the emotional turmoil and head to school.

Outside, the cool autumn breeze was a welcome relief. As he walked towards his high school, the vibrant colors of falling leaves contrasted sharply with the tension he had left behind.

Not far from his house, Adachi met his friend Haruto. They exchanged greetings, both feeling the pressure of their final year exams.

"Good morning, Adachi," Haruto said with a sigh. "These exams are going to be the end of us."

Adachi chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "Tell me about it. I can barely concentrate with everything going on at home."

As they walked, discussing university choices and the stress of their exams, another friend, Daiki, joined them, grinning.

"Hey, guys!" Daiki said. "You won't believe the story I read last night. This guy saves a cat from being hit by a truck and gets transported to another world with superpowers."

Adachi and Haruto exchanged curious glances. It was a welcome diversion from their worries.

"Really?" Adachi asked, intrigued.

Daiki nodded. "Yeah, it's an epic adventure. The guy becomes a legendary hero in the new world."

Their lively discussion was interrupted by a sudden commotion. At a busy intersection, a young girl dashed into the road after a bright red ball, oblivious to the danger.

Cars screeched to a halt, horns blaring as drivers tried to avoid hitting her. Her mother, engrossed in her phone, didn't notice. Panic spread among the onlookers, but Adachi acted instinctively.

In that crucial moment, everything seemed to slow down. Adachi's life flashed before his eyes—his dreams, his family, everything. He knew he had to act.

With determination, Adachi lunged towards the girl, hoping to save her and maybe, just maybe, change his own life in the process.

To his surprise, another figure moved at the same time, reaching the girl just before he did. The stranger shielded her with his body, taking the full impact of the car.