At first glance, it all seemed familiar, but as Makoto began to walk, the differences became apparent. His attention was drawn to a fruit vendor nearby. Instead of arranging his produce by hand, the man waved his fingers, and the fruits floated in mid-air, positioning themselves into neat, colorful rows. The precision was mesmerizing, each fruit glowing faintly as it moved. Across the street, two children played, their laughter ringing out as they conjured tiny balls of fire in their palms, tossing them between each other like a game of catch. The flames shimmered harmlessly, extinguishing with soft pops before reappearing with a flick of their fingers.
Makoto's eyes widened as he took it all in. He turned a corner and saw a woman crouched by a broken pot. Whispering a rhythmic chant, she placed her hands on the shards, and with a faint golden glow, the fragments fused together seamlessly, leaving the pot as good as new. She smiled, brushed her hands off, and carried on as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
Magic, alchemy, and superhuman abilities weren't hidden or whispered about here—they were an integral part of life. People of all ages and backgrounds used them as naturally as one would use their hands. A young man carried a stack of books that floated above his head, following him obediently as he walked. A craftsman shaped molten metal with his bare hands, the heat no match for his hardened palms. Even a cat perched on a rooftop leapt down gracefully, its body shimmering and momentarily turning transparent mid-air before landing on its feet.
Makoto felt the energy of this world coursing through him, as though it recognized him. Every step he took seemed lighter, his senses sharper. His surroundings brimmed with possibilities that, until now, had existed only in stories or dreams. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that this world—though vibrant and welcoming—held secrets yet to be uncovered.
As Makoto continued to explore, he noticed the people moving with a quiet confidence, their powers a natural extension of themselves. No one seemed to fear the magic or the alchemy they wielded; instead, they embraced it, using it to solve problems and enrich their lives. It wasn't a world of chaos but one of harmony, where extraordinary abilities were woven into the fabric of everyday life.
A thought crept into Makoto's mind as he took it all in: This world… it's the same, yet so different. I belong here.