"Erghhh…" Riku groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He found himself standing in an endless, surreal space. The floor beneath him shimmered like calm water, perfectly mirroring the dark, starless sky above. It was as if he were suspended between two vast voids, his reflection gazing back at him with a sense of mystery.
He took a tentative step forward, his footsteps rippling gently across the watery surface. "This… this isn't real. Is it?" he whispered, half to himself, marveling at the sensation of walking on water. His awe quickly turned to confusion, his voice echoing through the void. "Is there anyone here? Hello? Anyone?"
Suddenly, a deep, soothing voice resonated around him, like a whisper carried by the wind. "Dear Riku… welcome."
Riku spun around, eyes wide, trying to locate the source of the voice, but the vastness only reflected his own bewildered face. Unsure if this was just another dream, he gave himself a sharp slap on the cheek. The sting confirmed he was wide awake. "Okay, not dreaming… But who—who's there?" he shouted into the stillness, voice wavering. "What do you mean, 'welcome'? Where am I?"
The voice echoed again, warm and calm. "I am Chisato, the Spirit of Knowledge. I see you, Riku, though you cannot yet see me."
Riku's mind raced, his confusion morphing into disbelief. "Spirit… of knowledge? Wait, are you saying you're a real spirit?"
A soft, amused laugh drifted around him. "Yes, I am. This place, Riku, is the heart of your consciousness. Your will to understand, your drive to keep moving forward, have led you here."
He stared at the water beneath him, struggling to grasp her words. Slowly, he sank to the ground, sitting cross-legged on the cool surface, letting it all sink in. Then, as if the realization hit him all at once, he jumped up, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sensei! Could you teach me? Can you show me how to use my powers?"
Chisato paused, surprised by his enthusiasm. "Sensei?" she replied with a chuckle. "I'm no teacher, just a guide—a spirit. But yes, I can help you… though not yet."
Riku's excitement faltered. "What? Not yet?" His shoulders slumped in disappointment.
Chisato's voice was calm but firm. "Not until you can see me. Until then, I am powerless to assist you."
Riku's brows knitted together, frustration bubbling up. "But… but how can I see you? This doesn't seem fair!"
She sighed. "Riku, you are quick to question, but do you act on your knowledge? What good is understanding if you do nothing with it?"
Her words hit him hard, making him pause. Staring at his own reflection in the water, he took a deep breath, letting her words settle. Slowly, he lifted his head, a spark of determination lighting up his face. "You're right… I promise, Chisato. The next time I'm here, I will see you."
Chisato's voice softened, carrying a hint of challenge. "You're not going to ask how to return here?"
Riku grinned confidently. "Come on… you're talking to the man with absolute knowledge. Of course, I'll figure it out."
There was a low chuckle from Chisato, almost as if she were amused. "Interesting… I'll see you again, Riku."
As her voice faded, a brilliant light filled the space, forcing his eyes shut. When he opened them again, he was lying in bed, the moon casting a soft glow through the window.
Riku gazed at the moon, his chest swelling with determination. "That's it. Starting tomorrow, my isekai journey begins… and I'll master absolute knowledge."
He looked up at the ceiling with a slightly sheepish smile. "Still… probably should've asked Chisato how to get back there.