In the streets of Japan
Rain poured heavily in Japan as Hibiki trudged through the soaked streets, the dim glow of streetlights casting soft shadows on the wet pavement. He'd just left the local convenience store, clutching a bag of chips like precious cargo. Under his umbrella, he shielded himself from the downpour, yet the relentless wind kept tugging at his arm, threatening to rip it from his grasp."Almost there," Hibiki muttered, his voice barely audible over the rain's steady drumming. "Just a few more blocks." He tightened his grip on the umbrella, feeling the strain as gusts tried to wrench it from him. Despite the struggle, he kept moving forward, determined to reach his apartment."This weather... why didn't I just get groceries earlier?" he grumbled. "Now I'm out here, risking my life over a bag of chips. Mom's going to kill me for being out so late." He sighed, shaking his head at his stubbornness. His apartment was finally in sight, its warm lights a welcome beacon in the murky night.As he passed a corner, Hibiki noticed a young mother and her child walking along the sidewalk. The boy was brimming with energy, tugging at his mother's arm and chattering eagerly despite the rain. "We're almost home, Shou," the mother said, attempting to calm him. But the child's enthusiasm was undeterred."No, Mom! I wanna play more!" Shou's small voice rang out, filled with boundless excitement that not even the storm could dampen.Hibiki watched, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Seeing Shou's innocence and playfulness brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding him of his childhood. He remembered his mother's patient scoldings when he was five and how difficult it must have been for her to keep up with his constant energy. Parenting seemed exhausting, but he thought it might also be rewarding.As they continued down the street, the mother handed Shou a small plane toy, and the boy began swooping it through the air, his laughter mingling with the rain. Hibiki's smile widened. He recalled his favorite toy as a child—a wooden sword he'd swing around while pretending to be a hero, lost in his fantasy world.Now, he no longer wielded toys but real weapons. His father, Mr. Eiyuu, had trained him in kendo, shaping him into the young man he is today. He was Hibiki Eiyuu, a name he carried with pride.With his chips secured and his thoughts drifting to childhood memories, Hibiki continued his trek through the storm, feeling the distant warmth of those treasured moments echoing within him.As Shou tossed his toy plane into the street, Hibiki stood at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn green. The rain poured down around him, and his thoughts drifted. Suddenly, a flicker of movement pulled his attention back to the road.Shou had slipped from his mother's grip and dashed into the street, his tiny legs carrying him eagerly toward the plane in the center of the lane. The mother, momentarily distracted, hadn't noticed him slip away. Hibiki's eyes widened in alarm as he entered the scene—a truck, headlights glaring, barreling down the rain-slicked road toward the oblivious child.A cold chill ran through Hibiki. He watched as Shou reached for his toy, his small hand stretching out, unaware of the speeding truck bearing down on him. Shou's lips moved in that heart-stopping moment; a whisper caught between his hope and the fear creeping into his wide eyes."Mama..."The sound of the mother's scream cut through the rain. "SHOU!!!"Hibiki's body moved before his mind caught up. He bolted forward, the distance between him and Shou feeling impossibly long, his heart pounding as he sprinted into the street. Without a second thought, he threw himself forward, arms outstretched, shoving the boy out of the truck's deadly path. The child tumbled to safety, his wide eyes staring up at Hibiki in shock.And then the truck was upon him.For a fleeting second, Hibiki felt time slow. A strange calm settled over him as he glimpsed his reflection in the truck's windshield, his face mere inches from the speeding vehicle. His mind raced through flashes of memories: his mother's laughter, his father's stern but kind eyes, the quiet moments of his life that felt so painfully precious now."I'm sorry, Mom. Dad..." he whispered, his voice lost in the roar of the approaching impact.BOOMThe force of the truck struck him like a hammer. The impact crushed him, shattering bones as he hit the pavement. His body folded under the enormous weight, the truck's wheels grinding down with an unforgiving crunch. Blood spattered across the wet asphalt, mixing with the rain as Hibiki lay motionless, his body broken, his life slipping away with each breath.In the shocked silence that followed, Shou's mother clutched her son to her chest, her sobs mingling with the falling rain. The street was eerily quiet, the bystanders frozen in place, the horrific scene seared into their memories. Hibiki's sacrifice had saved a life but at a terrible cost.And as the rain continued to fall, it washed over the scene, a silent requiem for a young life given selflessly for another.The impact tore through Hibiki's senses, ripping breath and thought from him as his body crumpled under the truck's relentless force. He felt his voice slip away, muffled, as though every fiber of his being was unraveling, his muscles, bones, and skin twisted and compressed beyond recognition. His body folded under the weight, a torrent of agony and darkness descending upon him. Blood pooled on the pavement, seeping beneath the wheels, as the last slivers of his awareness faded.I want to live.The thought rang out, fierce and desperate, echoing in his mind as everything around him turned black.I want to live...Then, silence.There was nothing for a moment—just an empty, cold, still void. Slowly, the darkness receded, and Hibiki became aware of a distant glow—a warm and inviting light beckoning him forward. Without thinking, he took a step, his form weightless and drawn toward the light as if guided by some unseen force. The void around him began to shift, and he found himself in a vast expanse, empty and silent, except for a single figure emerging from the radiance.A woman stood before him, her presence both commanding and ethereal. Her beauty was unlike anything he'd ever seen, transcending mortal standards. Her lashes framed eyes that held galaxies, her flawless skin seemed to glow with an inner light, and every curve of her form was perfectly sculpted, an embodiment of grace and power. She was clad in flowing robes that shimmered like stardust, cascading down her figure in silken waves yet revealing nothing mortal.Behind her throne—a magnificent seat crafted from gold and silver, adorned with swords and shields—was a crest shaped like a feather, gleaming at its apex. This was no ordinary woman; Hibiki felt the truth settle within him. She was a goddess, the very essence of divinity.With unhurried grace, she rose from her throne and descended a staircase stretching endlessly downward, each step carrying an almost hypnotic weight. Her voice resonated through the darkness, both celestial and commanding, echoing with a feminine power that thrummed in his soul."Welcome, Hibiki," she said, her voice a melody of compassion and authority. "You stand on the brink of life and death, summoned here by forces beyond your understanding."Hibiki's heart thundered, yet he felt strangely at peace, unable to do more than gaze in awe. The goddess's fathomless and ancient eyes regarded him with curiosity and warmth that felt like sunlight breaking through storm clouds."You, who sacrificed your life so selflessly, have caught the attention of the divine," she continued, her tone unreadable. Now, I ask you—do you still wish to live?"The goddess's gaze softened as she regarded Hibiki. Her celestial beauty cast a warm glow that defied the surrounding darkness. Her voice rang like a symphony, resonating with an authority that sent a shiver down Hibiki's spine yet filled him with a profound sense of calm."Hibiki Eiyuu, thy courage hath revealed thee as a soul worthy of divine favor. To save another without thinking of their own life is a rare virtue that cannot go unrewarded. I am the goddess of infinity, guardian of realms beyond mortal reach. And for thy courage, I, along with the gods and goddesses of all the realms, shall bestow the blessings of magic and power upon thee."Her words hung in the air, shimmering as if each syllable was a spell. "With these gifts, thou shalt wield the elements, master every magic, and rise to face our greatest enemy—the entity known only as *The Void.*"Hibiki's awe grew as he looked around, noticing the vastness surrounding them for the first time. The room—or rather, this space—seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, its darkness punctuated only by a single, unearthly light that emanated from the goddess herself. Here, time and space felt foreign, almost nonexistent, as if they'd crossed into a realm untouched by mortal laws.Still filled with wonder, he took a tentative step toward the goddess, his mind swirling with questions. "Where...where am I?" His voice came out softer than he intended as if the very air of this realm dampened earthly tones.The goddess's tender and unyielding gaze met his, and her beautiful and powerful voice echoed with an otherworldly cadence. It was like hearing an angel's song, yet it carried an edge, a reminder of the vast and terrible power she wielded."You stand at the crossroads, Hibiki. The Threshold is a place between realms where only the worthy may tread. Here, within the Void's Shadow, we prepare thee for what lies ahead. For even as the mortal world fades from thy sight, a new purpose is born."The goddess extended her hand, and from the shadows around her throne, a staff materialized, silver and gold intertwined, the shaft topped with a brilliant, swirling orb. The orb pulsed with such intensity that, upon its appearance, it unleashed a shockwave, knocking Hibiki back a step as he shielded his eyes. He could feel the sheer power emanating from the goddess—a force beyond anything he had ever sensed.The orb glowed, radiating a profound light that filled the vast expanse, illuminating every corner of the infinite realm. Shadows that had once cloaked the farthest reaches were banished instantly, leaving the realm basked in pure, radiant energy, a light that seemed to reach beyond mere sight, brushing against Hibiki's very soul."Verily," the goddess intoned, her voice resonating with elegance and strength that felt as timeless as the realm itself, "this is my realm, where mortal constraints hold no sway. This humble light doth serve as my throne, yet beyond its glow doth lie what I dub the realm betwixt realms, a place where time and space doth not function as they do in mortal spheres."With a graceful tap of her staff against the ground, the air shimmered, revealing orbs suspended around them in a vast, invisible grid. Each orb contained swirling energies—some fiery, others icy, some resembling storms and whirlwinds, and still others shifting with colors and textures Hibiki had no name for. The elements within them pulsed and danced, each seeming to contain an infinite essence. He recognized some—fire, water, wind, earth—yet others were strange, unfamiliar, a blend of colors and energies that defied his understanding."These," the goddess continued, gesturing with her staff toward the assembled orbs, "are the elements of creation, powers wielded by mortal magicians in their narrow understanding. Yet here, each doth exist in its truest form, holding mysteries yet unknown, even to the wisest among mortals." She traced her fingers along the orbs, arranging them in an elegant order as if weaving an ancient tapestry, the elements aligning themselves in rows and columns as if by command."In granting thee these powers, I bestow upon thee knowledge of each element. The flames, the winds, the waters, the earth shall yield to thy will. Yet beware," her voice dropped, a hint of caution threading through its celestial tones, "for such power doth require mastery and respect. To wield the magic of infinity is to carry a burden few mortals can bear."Hibiki felt awe and trepidation as he gazed upon the vast array of elemental orbs. His journey, which had ended so abruptly in the mortal world, now stretched before him in boundless possibilities. He was no longer just Hibiki Eiyuu; he was the bearer of powers bestowed by the goddess of infinity, a mortal chosen to confront forces that lurked even beyond the realm of gods.The goddess's face softened, a faint, almost amused smile gracing her perfect features as she looked upon Hibiki, who stood before her in a mix of humility and wonder."Yes, Hibiki," she intoned, her voice reverberating with ancient power. "Thou shalt have dominion over all magic—elements known and unknown, forces beyond mortal reckoning. I have seen thy spirit, thy strength even amidst thy doubt, and I know thou shalt use these gifts wisely. This power is not merely to conquer foes but to protect realms and stand against The Void, a force that even gods tremble to challenge."She extended her hand, and as her fingers brushed the air, the orbs of elemental magic began to glow brighter, radiating colors Hibiki could scarcely describe. Each orb seemed to pulse in recognition, resonating with an energy now tied to his soul."In truth, I have seen others chosen by gods who, despite noble intentions, allowed their power to corrupt them, their spirits compromised by desires and fears. Thou art different, Hibiki, for thou dost not seek this power for glory. Thou dost question thy worth, which shows wisdom and humility. These traits make thee a rarity, a vessel strong enough to bear the weight of infinity."Still grappling with the gravity of her words, Hibiki scratched his head awkwardly. "But... are you sure, Miss Ananta? I mean, isn't there someone out there stronger or smarter? You know, more heroic?"The goddess's gaze grew firm, yet her expression held a gentle reassurance. "Others may possess strength or courage in measure, yet none carry the balance thou dost. I have chosen thee, Hibiki Eiyuu, not for perfection but for potential—the ability to grow beyond limits, to face shadows within thyself and beyond. This quality dost set thee apart from the many I have watched, for in thee I have glimpsed the resolve to face The Void."With a graceful nod, she continued. "Now, Hibiki, do not doubt. Embrace this gift I grant thee as the light of infinity, a force that shall ever be with thee. Thou art no longer bound to the ordinary path; henceforth, thou art a beacon against darkness, and I, Ananta, Goddess of Infinity, shall guide thee through."Hibiki, heart-pounding with awe and disbelief, looked into her radiant eyes and asked, "So... I get all the powers? Really? Every single one?"Ananta's face grew more serious as she watched Hibiki struggle to comprehend the power coursing through him. She lifted her staff again, drawing intricate patterns in the air, each motion crafting glowing symbols floating around them."Calm thyself, Hibiki," her voice echoed, laced with a gentle authority. "This taste of divine power is a sliver of what lies in store. But thou must understand that the path of true strength is paved with trials. One must learn humility and discipline before wielding the full extent of godly power."She lowered her staff, the radiant circles settling into the floor, creating a network of runes that pulsed beneath Hibiki's feet. "As a gift, I shall grant thee the potential to master all forms of magic. However, thou must earn thy right to wield them through thy actions and growth. Only when I deem thee ready when thy heart. And the mind is tempered, shall all powers be thine."Hibiki looked down at his hands, watching as raw energy sparked at his fingertips. However, he also felt a strange heaviness—a level cap restricting him from unleashing the full depth of this power. A translucent screen appeared in his field of vision, displaying his level and stats: each attribute was capped at 100, impressive for a beginner yet a mere fraction of his potential."What... what is this?" Hibiki stammered, trying to make sense of it all. "I feel like a god, but... it's like I'm chained down. There's this power, but it's locked away."Ananta nodded. "Indeed, Hibiki. Thy level is but the beginning. To gain more, thou must live, learn, and grow in thy reincarnated world. This 'cap' shall serve as a reminder—thou art yet to attain true mastery." She stepped forward, and the room pulsed with an aura that felt ancient and eternal. "Only by earning thine own strength, tempered with patience and wisdom, shall the full blessings of infinity be unlocked."The goddess raised her staff high, and the runic circles flared, enveloping Hibiki in blinding light. A surge of magic enveloped him, a feeling of boundless potential setting his soul ablaze. He felt his essence infused with mana, preparing him for his new journey.Ananta's voice rang out one final time, carrying a blend of wisdom and warning. "When thou awakeneth in thy new world, thou shalt start anew, yet blessed with knowledge and strength unknown to mortals. Seek not to dominate but to learn, Hibiki, for thy potential will only reach its peak. Now, go forth and bring light to a world shrouded in darkness. Know that I, Ananta, Goddess of Infinity, shall watch over thee."And with that, Hibiki's vision blurred as he felt himself pulled from the goddess's realm, her image fading away as he hurtled toward his reincarnation, his heart brimming with both trepidation and anticipation.Hibiki's cries echoed through the grand room, his newborn voice signaling his arrival. His new mother, Elke Helden, looked upon him with tears of joy, her years of despair and longing washed away by the sight of her miracle child. Eberhard Helden, a tall, dignified man with a hardened but gentle gaze, stood by her side, his stern exterior softening as he cradled the child.Around them gathered the household staff, Eberhard's two other wives, and Hibiki's older half-siblings, all watching with curiosity and anticipation. The room was decorated in fine woodwork, intricate carvings, and symbols honoring the gods, reflecting the noble prestige of the Helden family. This household, known for its steadfast loyalty and bravery during the Hundred-Year Human-Demon War, was a name spoken with respect across the land.But only Hibiki, his memories intact from his previous life, knew of the destiny awaiting him. Even as an infant, he felt the rush of mana within him—more potent than any adult mage's—pulsing beneath his slight frame, restrained yet promising.At that moment, Hibiki's gaze drifted over the room, his infant eyes still adjusting but his mind already alert. This world... he thought. It's strange and familiar all at once. And I'm... I'm here. Reborn.As he met Elke's gaze, he felt her warmth and love wash over him, a welcome embrace in this strange new life. I will not waste this chance, Ananta, he vowed internally, feeling a new resolve settle within him.Elke whispered to her newborn son, "Hibiki... our beloved miracle." Her voice was filled with reverence as if he were the answer to all her prayers. In that quiet moment, he could feel her hopes and dreams, the weight of the legacy he would be expected to uphold.From Ananta's realm, the goddess of infinity watched him, her smile softening. "Go forth, Hibiki Helden," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper within the infinite vastness of her realm. "The light of a new hero shines once more."