April 11
Monday
Early Morning
Cloudy
Akira had woken up earlier to exercise and take a bath before going to school, a habit from a different world. After checking his reflection in the mirror, he descended the stairs and was greeted by the sight of Sojiro and an extra-large plate of rice and curry.
"Good morning, Sakura-san. Is that for me?"
"Mornin', and yeah. Since it looks like you're going to try and be a diligent student, I might as well prepare you, breakfast. After seeing the empty pot from yesterday, I decided to give you an extra-large serving. Just make sure to finish it before the customers arrive."
"Thank you, and I will."
Akira ate quickly but neatly. Halfway through he fixed Sakura-san with an intense gaze.
"What's wrong?"
"…Please teach me how you made this curry."
"Huh— you're interested in cooking?"
"Yeah. I cooked most of my own meals before the trial. But what's important is that I want to learn how to prepare THIS curry recipe."
Sojiro's expression became complicated before he fixed Akira with a smug grin.
"Absolutely no way. This recipe is a secret, and I won't be handing it out to anyone."
"…What if I help you around here? Since I live here, I could occasionally work as a part-timer. And you can teach me how to make the curry and coffee. What do you say?"
"…Hmm. It doesn't sound too bad… Look at the time, you need to finish your food and head to school."
"Done. Think about it, Sakura-san, and I'll see you later."
Sojiro could only stare dumbly at the spotless plate that just moments ago had a small mountain of food remaining.
"Is a kid like that really the type to randomly assault someone…"
- - -
Akira thanked the shop owner as he left with an umbrella tucked under his arm.
Walking with purpose but not rushing, Akira made it to Yogen-Jaya station and smoothly boarded the train.
Exiting onto the Shibuya station platform, Akira navigated the underground walkway and headed towards the Ginza line.
Stepping out of the walkway and onto the station square, Akira noted the increased humidity and smelled the faint traces of ozone.
After a brief pause, the black-haired youth spotted the TEIKYU entryway sauntered through and was soon waiting to board the subway.
[Next stop. Aoyama-Itchome.]
When the doors slid open, Akira, along with other students dressed in uniforms exited and made their way through the ticket gate.
Matching Akira's prediction, a strong downpour was what greeted them.
Opening his rather large umbrella, Akira calmly strode towards Shujin Academy while fiddling with the weird eye app on his phone.
As he passed by a storefront, Akira spotted a girl taking shelter under the canopy.
She wore the Shujin Academy uniform but had a zip-up hoodie underneath the jacket instead of the standard issue turtleneck.
Surprisingly, she was the only student that Akira had seen without an umbrella and not trying to run towards the school.
Approaching her after slipping his phone into his inside pocket, he held his umbrella so that it would cover her as well.
The girl took off her hood and looked up to interlock eyes with Akira.
She was entranced by his grey eyes but was broken from her reverie when he spoke.
"Shall we?"
It was then, that she noticed the umbrella, and understood what the teen was implying.
Normally, she would have said no and settled for getting soaked, but she could feel the sincerity in his steady grey eyes.
Instead of verbally responding, she smiled and shuffled closer to him to be better shielded from the rain.
They had only walked for a minute before they heard the horn of a car.
With barely disguised dread, the blonde turned and spotted a familiar vehicle.
The rolled-down window revealed the square jaw and masculine features of a man in his late 20s.
"Good morning. Do you want me to give you a ride to school? You're gonna be late."
"Um…"
She looked at the boy who shared his umbrella with her. He looked at her with a comforting gaze as if he understood her predicament.
Silently mouthing an apology, she strode towards the white sedan but was surprised as she didn't feel the rain pelt her. She noticed that the tall youth was accompanying her. He even opened the door and gently closed it after.
When she turned to thank him, her pupils shook when she saw him mouth "be careful", before his gaze shifted towards the driver of the vehicle.
"Do you want a lift too?"
Both teens knew that such an offer was a false courtesy and not remotely a genuine proposition.
Lightly harrumphing, the pointedly handsome black-haired teen stood up straight and walked off.
The car drove off and as if on cue, a blonde wearing another unique variation of the Shujin Academy uniform rushed over. Instantly, curses left his mouth.
"Dammit…screw that pervy teacher."
"Pervy teacher, what a monicker."
Akira noted the muffled sound coming from his jacket.
The blonde menacingly approached him while sporting a fierce glare.
"…What do you want? You plannin' on rattin' me out to Kamoshida?"
"Kamoshida? Was that the man in the car?"
"Uh, yeah. That rotten bastard."
Since getting arrested, Akira had made an internal decision to never take his knowledge as the gospel of this world. Rather, he would use what he knew about the future as reference material, and his own observations to guide him.
"He does whatever the hell he wants. Who does he think he is— the king of a castle? Don't you agree?"
"I barely know the man, but your analogy is not far off the mark."
"…Wait? You don't know Kamoshida. Are you for real? You're from Shujin, right?"
"I'm a transfer, and it's my first day."
"Oh, that makes sense…Looks like you're a second-year too. If it's your first day, then it makes sense that you don't know him.
This rain ain't too bad. We better hurry up, or we'll be late."
Right then, a dizzy spell struck both Akira and the blonde teen.
"What was that... Dammit, I wanna go home…"
The student with the rolled-up pants advanced and Akira followed behind.
Akira paid attention to his surroundings and watched as the world seemed to take a different hue. It was more than that though, but the words needed to describe such as esoteric sensation evaded the fated youth.
As the unlikely pair exited an alleyway, they were met with not a school building, but an imposing castle.
"We didn't come through the wrong way though…and the sign is correct…."
"…Shall we?"
"I don't see why not…let's head inside."
With tentative steps, both teens crossed the drawbridge and entered the impressive castle.
Entering a large foyer, the two looked around.
"Th-That's weird…. Where's the school?"
"It is strange."
"Dammit…no service either. How can we find out where to go?"
"Why don't we ask them?"
"Huh? Oh, what the— You freaked me out…Who are you? A student?
Man, your costume's impressive…. Is that armor real? C'mon, don't just stand there. Say somthin'."
Right then, another armored guard wielding a shield and a sword joined the first.
"…H-Hey, what's goin' on?"
"Sidenote, are the students at Shujin typically so tall? These guys are at least two meters tall."
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"
One of the guards to a step forward.
"C-Calm down! Time out, man! Dude, we gotta run."
"Sure, lead the way."
The blonde ran towards the entrance with Akira right behind, but the pair were soon blocked and then surrounded by more guards.
Before Akira or the blonde could think of a way to escape, they were both bashed on their heads and knocked unconscious.
.
.
.
"…Hey. Hey! Wake up!"
Akira groggily stirred awake in response to the voice. As he sat up, his temples throbbed which elicited a groan from the black-haired teen.
"You all right?"
"It'll pass. You?"
"Yeah…I'll be fine…Looks like this ain't no dream…. Ugh, what's going on!?"
The blonde rushed to the front and started banging the surprisingly sturdy cell door.
"Hey, let us outta here! I know there's someone out there! Dammit, where are we? Is this some kinda movie set!?"
Akira hardly tarried at the notion of informing his fellow Shujin attendee about their present circumstance. It served no purpose to draw suspicion from the youth who would become his most loyal team member.
In between the rhythmic dripping of water, a series of sorrowful wails startled the two teens into alertness.
"Th-The hell was that just now?"
The desperate pleas grew softer in volume but that only made them more eerie.
"Whoa… whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa… You're shittin' me, right?"
Turning towards Akira, the blonde was surprised by the relatively calm expression the former had.
"Dude, is this shit not freakin you out?"
"It is…I just handle it better than most."
"Christ, you've got crazy nerves of steel, but that's beside the point! We gotta find a way outta here!"
Akira looked around, trying to find anything useful, but was woefully aware that he would come up empty-handed.
After less than a minute, both teens heard clinking metal.
One of the giant knights in armor walked up to the cell door and addressed the two in a condescending tone.
"Be glad that your punishment has been decided upon. Your charge is unlawful entry; thus, you will be sentenced to death."
"Say what?"
A tall muscular figure wearing a crown, a robe, and hopefully something underneath appeared from the shadows and approached the locked door.
"No one's allowed to do as they please in my castle."
The blonde's expression morphed into pure disbelief.
"Is that you, Kamoshida?"
"I thought it was some petty thief, but to think it'd be you, Sakamoto…Are you trying to disobey me again? It looks like you haven't learned your lesson at all, huh? And you brought a friend this time…because you can't do anything for yourself."
"This ain't funny, you asshole!"
"Is that how you speak to a KING! It seems you don't understand the position you're in at all. Not only did you sneak into my castle, but you also committed the crime of insulting me—the king. Heh, the punishment for that is death. It's time for an execution! Take him out!"
Within a breath of time, the three guards entered the cell and surrounded Sakamoto.
"S-Stop it…Goddamnit!"
With surprising strength, Sakamoto tackled a guard to the ground.
"I ain't down for this shit! C'mon, we're outta here!"
With equally surprising speed, one of the guards delivered a devastating blow to Sakamoto that left the latter kneeling and groaning in pain.
"Arrrggghhhh…damn…Just go! Get outta here! These guys are serious!"
"Oh? Running away, are we?"
The yellowed-eyed version of Kamoshida questioned with clear contempt in his shining irises.
"What a heartless friend you are."
"He ain't a friend…Come on! Hurry up and go!"
"What's the matter? Too scared to run away? Hmph, pathetic scum isn't worth my time…I'll focus on this one's execution."
At those words, one of Kamoshida's guards pointed their sword at the still Akira.
The other two held Sakamoto by the arms while also covering the only exit.
From Akira's viewpoint, Kamoshida sent punch after punch towards Sakamoto. Each devastating blow made a sickening sound as they crashed into the teen's unguarded torso.
Akira's jaw clenched in frustration, but he knew that he needed to only be patient for a while. He could feel it…something was coming.
"Useless pest!"
Akira watched with bloodshot eyes as Sakamoto fell limply to the ground.
Seeing the blonde's downed state, Kamoshida spat on the former.
"Hmph…where has your energy from earlier gone? A peasant like you isn't worth beating…I'll have you killed right now."
Akira, despite knowing what was supposed to happen couldn't suppress his boiling emotions.
"Don't you dare!"
"Hmm…What? Don't know who I am? That look in your eyes irritates me!"
Kamoshida attempted to kick Akira, but the latter dodged and sent a sharp punch into the former's jaw.
Stumbling backward, Kamoshida's face turned crimson in embarrassment and rage as he yelled at his guards.
"What are you idiots doing?! Hold him there. I'll you watch how this peasant dies, then I'll show you true hell!"
Akira rushed to stop Kamoshida but was held in place by two guards.
Akira trembled in fury as he watched Sakamoto break down.
"No…I-I don't want to die…"
"Hahahaha!"
Suddenly, a mysterious but welcomed voice rang out in Akira's head.
{This is truly an unjust game…Your chances of winning are almost none. But if my voice is re-}
Akira's eyes widened in shock.
'Why did it stop? No…how can I…is it because I'm not h- '
{So, it seems you have reached this point.}
- - -
A voice that Akira was certain he had never heard in this life or the last rang out. More than that, his consciousness was transported into a dimly lit room.
At the far end of the room behind an imposing desk sat a man. The lack of light prevented Akira from seeing the man's face clearly, but a pair of bright golden eyes blankly stared at him.
"Welcome Akira or should I say Richmond?"
"…Are you the one that brought me into this world?"
"…Direct, but that'll make this somewhat easier… Indeed, I am the one who brought you here."
"…Why?"
"Because you were meant to die."
"Is that supposed to even remotely make sense?"
The shadowy figure exhaled regretfully before giving Akira an answer.
"Simply put, you were supposed to be hit by a drunk driver and pass away from blood loss before emergency personnel could arrive."
Akira stumbled and nearly fell at the revelation, but not because the mysterious figure had said it. Rather from deep within his subconscious, a memory of being hit by a speeding driver and slowly bleeding out on the road was unveiled.
Like a tsunami, a massive wave of emotions crashed into Akira's psyche, and he needed to exert tremendous willpower to not keel over.
"You…you didn't plant a fake memory into me, right?"
"While I certainly have such an ability, I cannot fabricate a memory of your death as it goes directly against a fundamental universal law. And while I would do just about anything to acquire your help, I would rather not cause my own damnation."
Somehow a chair had been conjured next to Akira, and the black-haired teen unceremoniously slumped into the seat as he continued to process the memory of his death.
Eventually, he looked up and saw that he had been moved toward the desk and that still the shadowy figure was staring at him.
"If I was meant to die, then why did you bring me into this god-forsaken world?"
"…Because…because this world needs a savior, and you are the best candidate."
"…So, you forcefully dragged my soul into the body of Akira Kurusu, just so I can save the world? Did you even consider what my opinion on the matter was? Whether or not I wanted such a life or not?"
"For that, I do apologize. However…I need help…To save this world, I need a capable soul…"
Akira watched as the figure's eyes slightly dimmed and gained a melancholic nature.
"…It seems you have your own circumstances…But, if I was meant to be the savior, why did I not unlock the abilities necessary to succeed."
By no means was Akira accepting the situation, but he needed answers and had only a single source from which to acquire them.
"That lies in what you know. Allow me to explain…"
A screen appeared to Akira's left, and he and the being watched what was supposed to happen.
"I'm sure you're intelligent enough to know what the problem is."
"Yeah…. The overall sequence is identical but, because I know what's supposed to happen, it's impossible to replicate the authentic emotions needed to awaken my supernatural powers."
"Precisely. The ability to awaken a persona cannot be faked or manufactured. And to add to your previous point, it's not that you cannot replicate the original Akira's emotions. Rather, it's that your emotions were different in the first place. Say, how do you feel about the false accusation that taints your record?"
"It's a mild inconvenience at best. If I immigrate to the US, I'll have a clean start and can pursue just about any career."
"And how did it feel when Kamoshida threatened you?"
"…I felt contempt…W- "
"Who is he to look down on me?"
Akira was stunned by how the figure perfectly completed his sentence.
"You Richmond, or really Akira, have very little anger within you. In fact, from what I have seen you have exceptional patience. While you can demonstrate humility, pride is your flaw. Saving that woman was partially due to kindness but primarily because of your pride in your sense of justice. You would not allow something so heinous to happen right in front of you because you hold yourself to a high ethical standard.
"…Ha, you really profiled me…Then the key is to…"
"I believe you know the answer now. But that leaves one remaining problem."
"My memories."
"Quite so. They will hinder not only your potential but also those around you. Without that proper stimulation, you'll never reach the peak of your abilities. Additionally, memories of your former loved ones will continue to haunt you."
"…What do you propose?"
"A partial wipe. You lose your memories of this world that you gained from your life as Richmond, as well as the memories of your familial life. What will remain is your personality and soul."
Akira took quite some time before responding, but the supernatural entity waited patiently.
"…For my sake and the sake of this world, that would be the best. However, if I am taking a loss, then I must gain something else in return."
"Be at ease. I planned on giving you compensation for your sacrifice from the start. First, a physical enhancement. Perhaps you've already noticed how much taller you are when compared to the version of Akira you know. You will naturally develop the physique of an Olympic-calibre athlete even if you eat potato chips and drink cola every day. Second, is a boost to your supernatural abilities. Strengthening your personas, better perception of distortions, just to name a few."
"…It's not exactly fair, but it'll do."
"No, it's certainly not fair, but I'm certain you would have made do even without my help."
Akira feeling that the conversation was nearing its end stood up.
"I assume this memory will also be erased?"
"Unfortunately, yes. But I did enjoy our brief time together if it means anything."
"It does…. I'm not sure how, but it does. But what about the original Akira or Ren?"
"Here, he's Akira. And he's here. You and him are the same person."
"I just absorbed him."
"No…rather he conceded. Normally, you and he would battle for dominance, but likely from seeing your memories and judging from the situation, he let your soul become the dominant force."
"That sounds like he'll come back."
"It's more like he must come back. Near the end of your journey, you must face both your past self and Akira. The outcome of that meeting will decide both your fates."
"…That is wildly cryptic."
"It's the nature of the matter at hand…I wish I could further explain but it would be futile."
"Why do I feel that I'm a chess piece?"
"…So do I…Since that seems to be everything. I wish you…I hope you can save humanity."
"I will certainly try."
A completely white doorway appeared to Akira's right.
Without a second glance, the teen stood from the chair and walked through the light, leaving behind the shadowy creature, who stared at the doorway with unreadable golden eyes.
The light grew denser and finally illuminated enough of the room to notice the facial features of the entity behind the desk. If Akira was present, he would have been shocked.
"…I wish you great fortune…"
- - -
{This is truly an unjust game…. Your chances of winning are almost none.}
Akira's eyes snapped open as the feminine voice flowed into his ears. His grey eyes tracked the luminescent butterfly as it flew lazily around him.
{But if my voice is reaching you, there may be yet a possibility open to you…}
Like a ghost, the butterfly and the voice disappeared, and he was back in the dungeon and pinned to the wall by two frankly gigantic guards. Barely having the time to take a shuddering breath, Akira heard another voice.
Unlike the first that seemed to have come from far away, this one felt close, as if it was a part of him as if he was speaking into his own mind.
{What's the matter? Is this not a moment to define yourself, a moment where your very character is tested. Will you back down, forsake him for your own life? Are you such a man? Then, was your previous decision erroneous?}
The night that changed his life flashed through the teen's mind, and from his lips came a low but powerful response.
"No."
{Very well... I have heeded your resolve}
Akira felt something squirming inside him, and he writhed in pain as the baritone voice continued.
{Vow to me. I am thou, thou art I... Thou who art willing to forsake all glory for thine own justice! Call upon my name and release thy fury! Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou be bound to Hell itself!}
At that moment, Akira's eyes turned sharp, and his focus was back on Kamoshida.
"Execute him!"
"That's enough!"
"What was that?"
The underwear-wearing man slowly turned his head towards Akira, and the knight about to skewer Ryuji stopped.
"You desire to be killed that much? Fine!"
A guard bashed Akira over the head with a shield, causing his glasses to fall and his head to buzz. With spears crossed under his neck to prevent himself from escaping, Akira took slow but deliberate breaths.
Something inside him was stirring…
Uncaring of the teen's inner thoughts, Kamoshida made a gesture to execute the 2nd-year, but as the sword was about to fall a burst of air rushed out from Akira's body.
Instinctively, the black-haired teen reached for his face and felt a mask covering the upper half of his visage. And with ease, he ripped the mask off with a single hand.
Despite the blood, Akira had felt no pain, rather he felt an explosive power and much-needed liberation.
Shimmering blue flames engulfed his body starting from his face. Within a second, Akira stood straight as a pyre of flames baptized his body and mind.
Shadow Kamoshida backed away as the flames grew in intensity.
Suddenly, a low chuckle could be heard, and blazing red eyes appeared on the already flame-covered Akira. They morphed into a disdainful look.
Like a second layer, the flames slowly receded to reveal Akira's stony gaze.
The flames became a massive humanoid dressed in dark armor that perfectly blended Eastern and Western themes with large feathery wings protruding from its shoulder blades. Only the lower part of its face was revealed, while from top part was covered by a mask with horns that went straight up. In its right hand, it wielded a completely black longsword that glowed reddish-purple. Loosely wrapped around its body were chains that connected to Akira but also floated freely in the air.
Akira's school uniform had been replaced with a dark grey suit. A simple turtleneck was neatly tucked into slim-fitting pants whose cuffs rested just over a pair of well-polished boots.
A black belt with a golden buckle supported his pants while a secondary belt crossed over it, holding a bladeless hilt and an empty gun holster. Resting atop his shoulders was a heavy black overcoat with the barest of trimmings yet vaguely resembled a pair of wings. As if in protest to his otherwise somber attire Akira's hands sported a pair of striking red gloves.
After clenching and unclenching his right hand a few times, Akira looked at shadow Kamoshida and his guards before letting out a burst of supernatural force that blew them away.
"This is only the beginning…"
Akira turned to voice.
{I am the bringer of destruction— "Kippōshi"! I am the rebel's soul that resides within you. If you are worthy, I shall willingly grant you the power to break through this crisis.}
"Is there another more worthy than me?"
"Haha…An expected answer. You shall have my power."
Right then, Kamoshida regained his wits and stared at Akira and Kippōshi with disgust and a hint of fear.
"Who the hell are you? Guards! Start by killing that one!!"
The guards' chests expanded until quickly bursting, but instead of blood, a black and red inklike substance oozed out and transformed into a pair of floating Jack-o-lanterns.
The newly transformed Akira took the hilt from his belt and held it with practiced ease. Pressing the button, dark light quickly expanded into a two-foot-long blade reminiscent of something found in a science fiction movie.
After a quick twirl of the sword, Akira pointed the blade at his foes.
{Come, show them the power of a Fool!}