Len Shou, a young 19-year-old student originally from China, casually walks along the narrow streets in the city. He's attending the prestigious College of Research in Japan, but today feels different—something is weighing on his mind as he mutters to himself.
Len Shou•°*
It's been 42 years since 'The Big Break' shattered reality, but sometimes it feels like nothing really changed, you know? We still study, work, fight... I'm supposed to be this 'Herald of Light,' but I'm not even sure what that means. Honestly, the whole Herald thing? Yeah, it's... exhausting. Like, I just want to graduate and live a quiet life. What's the point in fighting when you can avoid it? Let the others deal with that crap. I'm literally just a guy...
He stops, glancing up at the distant roads, distracted. He doesn't notice the crowd of people gathering around a nearby commotion on the highway bridge above. Suddenly, there's a loud screech of tires followed by a deep rumble as a truck careens off the road. Time seems to slow down.
Len Shou•°*
What the—
Before Len can react, the truck crashes down directly onto him. The impact is immediate. He doesn't even have time to scream as everything goes black. The sound of sirens fills the air, accompanied by the distant screams of bystanders.
Four weeks pass.
Len awakens to find himself tied to a chair in a dimly lit room. The yellowed wallpaper is peeling, the furniture looks ancient, but oddly clean, and the air feels musty. His head throbs as he tries to recall what happened.
Across the room, a boy—about 5'3"—sits at a desk, staring at a glowing computer screen. His white hair shimmers under the faint light, and his golden eyes seem to glow. Six small wings, like those of a celestial being, hover around his head like a crown. A faint halo glows above him.
Len Shou•°*
W-where... what the...
The boy, noticing Len is awake, turns his head, his expression one of mild amusement.
Miyoyu•°*
Oh, you're finally up. Good, good. I was wondering how long you'd stay dead for. Didn't think it would work, honestly, but here we are! So yeah, welcome back to life.
Len Shou•°*
Huh? Dead? What the hell are you talking about?! Who are you, and why am I tied up? Let me go right now, or I'll—
Miyoyu•°*
You'll what? Beat me up? You're funny. I'm older than you, by the way. You can call me Miyoyu. Or don't. I don't really care, as long as it's something nice.
Len blinks in confusion. He pulls against the ropes, but they're tight. His mind races as he takes in the surreal situation.
Len Shou•°*
Older? You look like a kid! What the hell is going on here?
Miyoyu•°*
Oh right, I look young, don't I? Yeah, that's just... part of the charm, I guess. Anyway, relax. I'm not keeping you here forever. I'll let you go.
With a snap of his fingers, the ropes around Len fall to the ground. Len immediately jumps up, rubbing his wrists. He doesn't hesitate—he sprints toward the door, determined to get out of this creepy place. But as soon as he bursts through the door, he finds himself... back in the same room. His eyes widen in shock.
Len Shou•°*
W-what... what the...?
Miyoyu, still sitting calmly at the desk, snickers.
Miyoyu•°*
I didn't even get to explain, and you ran off already. Hilarious! Look, it's simple. You're dead. I revived you. But here's the thing—you can't leave. Not until you're fully grown.
Len's mind reels, trying to process the boy's words.
Len Shou•°*
Dead? Fully grown? What do you mean I'm dead?! I feel perfectly fine!
Miyoyu•°*
You were crushed by a truck, dude. Four weeks ago. I revived you. Pretty good job, right? But yeah, you're stuck with me now until you reach your full potential. You can thank me later.
Len stares at him, dumbfounded.
Len Shou•°*
I... I don't understand. How is this possible? And what do you mean by 'fully grown'?
Miyoyu•°*
Ah, right. I guess I should explain. Basically, you're a Herald—same as me, sort of. Except, I'm a bit further along than you. You're not really a Herald of Light yet, you're still... incubating, let's say. Once you reach your full potential, you'll be able to leave. Until then, you're stuck with me. Simple.
Len Shou•°*
Incubating? What kind of sick joke is this? You think I'm some kind of... egg?
Miyoyu•°*
Not an egg. More like... a seed. You need time to grow into a God. Like me.
Len's jaw drops.
Len Shou•°*
You... a God? Ha! Sure, and I'm the Emperor of Japan! You're joking, right?
Miyoyu, unbothered, stands up and stretches, a small grin on his face.
Miyoyu•°*
Nope. But hey, believe what you want. Anyway, I'm hungry. Let's go grab something to eat.
Len, still reeling from everything, watches as Miyoyu casually strolls toward the door.
Len Shou•°*
Wait! I still have questions! What's going on here? Why can't I leave?
Miyoyu stops at the door and glances back with a smirk.
Miyoyu•°*
Oh, right. That part. The world we're in right now? It's... a bit different. Call it a pocket dimension, if you want. You can't leave because I haven't let you.
Len blinks, his heart pounding as Miyoyu's words sink in.
Miyoyu•°*
But don't worry. I'm not keeping you here forever. Once you're ready, I'll let you go. Until then, just chill and enjoy the ride. Now come on, I want ice cream. You have money, right?
Len Shou•°*
I... I have some... but not a lot...
Miyoyu grins, opening the door.
Miyoyu•°*
Great! I'm getting the most expensive thing on the menu.
Reluctantly, Len follows Miyoyu outside. As they step through the door, the abandoned hotel vanishes, replaced by a bustling city street. Len looks around in awe.
Len Shou•°*
What the...? Where are we? This isn't the hotel...
Miyoyu chuckles.
Miyoyu•°*
Told you. It's a different plane. Anyway, there's a nice ice cream place just over there. Let's go!
Len, overwhelmed by the sheer strangeness of the situation, can only nod and follow as Miyoyu drags him toward an ice cream café. His mind is a whirlwind of confusion, questions, and a growing sense of unease. What had he gotten himself into?