A stunning woman with long, black hair cascading to her waist was in a white, endless void. Her radiant golden eyes, adorned with intricate patterns, exuded a celestial beauty that could topple worlds.
Her curvaceous, perfect, and alluring figure made her a vision of desire for all who laid eyes upon her. Behind her swayed ten bushy, elegant fox tails, their hypnotic movements captivating anyone fortunate enough to behold them. Atop her head, a pair of fluffy fox ears perched gracefully. She appeared human-sized—if one ignored that her form rivaled all of existence. And this was not her true self; her real form was far larger, surpassing all concepts of size.
The black-haired beauty smiled faintly and spoke in a melodic voice that resonated like a divine hymn. "The time has come. Rise, my chosen one."
Gasp!
Wilhelm bolted upright from his bed, confusion etched on his face. He felt as though he had forgotten something significant, yet the feeling lingered just beyond his grasp. He pondered the sensation before giving up and heading to the bathroom to wash up and refresh himself.
Afterward, he cooked and ate breakfast.
"It seems like I'm running out of money," he muttered bitterly, staring at his nearly empty wallet.
"I need to find a job. Since there's still a week left before the long summer break ends, I've got time to search for one."
"Alright, let's start wandering around the city."
...
5,000 Years Ago
A cataclysm struck the world, with countless meteors falling and annihilating civilization in a single day. The surviving humans began rebuilding but were soon horrified as monstrous beings emerged from the meteorites, killing indiscriminately. The ensuing war halved the human population. Despite their efforts, humanity was driven to the brink of extinction.
When all hope seemed lost, a miracle occurred. Humans awakened magic alongside mysterious abilities. Those who wielded magic were called Mages, while those with unique powers were known as Anomalies. These individuals likened to living nuclear weapons, became humanity's salvation.
Mages harnessed mana, an energy derived from the fusion of physical and spiritual energies, to enhance their bodies, cast spells, and create magical tools. Anomalies, on the other hand, wielded powers that defied explanation—abilities akin to those found in comics or video games. Though their origins remain unclear, some believe they are divine gifts, while others see them as evolutionary mutations.
Empowered, humanity fought back. Within a decade, victory seemed within reach—until disaster struck again. Dormant meteors released a deadly virus, transforming the infected into Revenants, or zombies. Friends became foes, and humanity once again teetered on the edge of extinction.
Desperate, survivors abandoned the surface, retreating into massive underground cities. Though they clung to the hope of reclaiming their lost world, no one knew how many of these subterranean havens endured.
Wilhelm G. Zedek, a member of the Zedek family, lived in Underground City 200429, a medium-sized settlement spanning 14,000,000 square kilometers and housing 500 million people—a small city compared to humanity's heyday 5,000 years ago.
Wilhelm was infamous as the "trash" of the Zedek family. With minimal magic and no talent for spells, he was ridiculed as a disgrace and abandoned by his once-powerful relatives.
Wilhelm left his dorm room, dormitories are provided for those who prefer to live in their dormitories than in their own home. To be able to enroll in the largest Academy in 200429 Underground City, you need to have exceptional skills to pass the entrance exam, but some could easily get in with the help of their parents, like Wilhelm.
As he pondered his dwindling money, he aimlessly wandered the city, searching for job postings. Rejections met him at every turn. Though no one openly said why, Wilhelm suspected his family had sabotaged his efforts.
Frustrated, he gave up job hunting and continued wandering until his stomach growled.
"I'm starving," he grumbled, checking his wallet. Only 100 Nions remained—enough for two meager meals. Reluctant to spend, he headed to the supermarket for free meals, failed canned products deemed safe but unfit for sale. A law, G.A. 1414, mandated that such food be distributed freely to prevent waste.
Wilhelm trudged out of the store, carrying his rations to a nearby plaza. Sitting on an empty bench, he opened a can labeled Rox Eater: Green Bean Fish Flavor. A pungent, fishy aroma assaulted his nose, nearly making him retch.
Peering inside, he saw green beans mixed with fish slices. With trembling hands, he scooped a spoonful and shoved it into his mouth.
"To my surprise, it's pretty good. The smell must be why this was labeled a failure."
Encouraged, he finished the can and memorized its name. He opened another, hoping for similar luck.
An enticing aroma of beef filled the air, making his mouth water. Eagerly, he took a bite—only to spit it out immediately, his face twisting in disgust.
"This is the opposite! Who the hell cooked this?" he groaned, forcing himself to eat the rest through tears.