Ritsuka was about to ask lobo where Hessian is? But he saw light coming from the summoning circle he made with his blood. And he saw a familiar mage screen.
Ritsuka couldn't help but smile as the familiar figure of King Gilgamesh appeared within the flickering light of the summoning circle. It wasn't the physical presence of the King of Heroes but a recorded projection, one imbued with his unmistakable arrogance and grandeur.
The golden figure stood tall, arms crossed, with his piercing red eyes looking directly at Ritsuka.
"Woah, it's King Gilgamesh. Long time no see, your Majesty," Ritsuka greeted, his voice laced with both nostalgia and respect.
Gilgamesh's expression remained firm. "Mongrel, this is a pre-recorded message. I cannot hear your pathetic attempts at flattery."
Ritsuka's grin widened, and even Lobo, sitting by his side, seemed attentive, its massive tail swishing gently against the floor. Ritsuka knew that if Gilgamesh left a message, it had to be something significant.
"I see," Ritsuka replied, leaning back on his hands. "Too bad. I was hoping to catch up."
The projection continued. "I recorded three messages before you faced Beast Tiamat. Using my unparalleled magecraft, I anchored these messages to your soul. This is the first, triggered by your summoning of that wolf. The remaining two will reveal themselves when you reach milestones in your journey. If you survive, that is."
A familiar voice interrupted, and Ritsuka's breath hitched. Siduri appeared beside Gilgamesh, her calm demeanor radiating warmth.
"Ritsuka," she said with a gentle smile. "I don't know what Lord Gilgamesh has planned, but I wish you good luck. May you succeed in your path. I have much to attend to in Uruk, so I'll take my leave."
As she bowed and turned to leave, Ritsuka felt tears prick his eyes. The sight of Siduri, so vivid, brought back a flood of memories. Lobo nudged his side, sensing his emotions, and Ritsuka rubbed its fur gratefully.
Gilgamesh's booming voice snapped him out of his reverie. "Enough! I did not send this message for you to cry like a child. You have faced the impossible before. Stand tall, Ritsuka. Be proud!"
"Yes, your Majesty," Ritsuka replied, wiping his tears.
But then, Gilgamesh's tone shifted to one of annoyance, and he began to scold. "Mongrel, you fool! You allowed yourself to become an avatar for four gods? One of them is undoubtedly a fraud! Do you even understand the gravity of your situation? You truly have the brain of a third-rate mage."
Ritsuka chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I didn't exactly have a choice…"
Gilgamesh sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Perhaps not. The situation remains in balance—barely. But listen carefully." His eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a grave tone. "The gods of this world are beginning to corrupt. Only a few remain aligned with humanity. The rest are plotting against this world."
The weight of the words settled heavily on Ritsuka. "Corrupt gods? Plotting against humanity…?"
Gilgamesh nodded. "Worse yet, this world is not plagued by Demon Gods. Its true enemies are called ARISTOTELES—the Ultimate Ones. GAIA of your world is already dead in this world, But the human species were able to live on, even on the dead land. This planet was frightened by the existence that kept on living on top of its death, and cried out for help at its end. Please, wipe out the life forms that are still alive. The only ones who were able to hear the cry of the planet, were also planets. Aristoteles or Ultimate Ones are the highest-ranking lifeforms of other planets, answering the call of this dying world. They exist to annihilate any remnants of life here."
Ritsuka felt a chill run down his spine. "Gaia… is dead?"
Gilgamesh's gaze sharpened. "Indeed. The planet's will perished long ago. Normally, when a planet dies, all life upon it follows. Yet humanity endures, even upon this lifeless husk. Now This defiance has drawn the attention of the Aristoteles."
The King of Heroes paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "But not all is lost. Thirty years ago, another like you appeared in this world. He eradicated the first Aristoteles before it reached land, and years later, he vanquished another with Real Gun capable of killing immortal gods."
"Another… like me and different too?" Ritsuka murmured, feeling a flicker of hope.
Ritsuka stood still, absorbing every word of the recorded message. King Gilgamesh's revelations were monumental, and the weight of the tasks ahead felt like an avalanche crashing down on him.
"It seems Giga took magic circuits from humanity… but humans in your world evolved due to Alaya's intervention. Unfortunately, Alaya herself is gone," Gilgamesh's voice continued, calm but brimming with authority.
Ritsuka listened intently, his mind racing.
"But before Alaya's death, she made one last effort to save humanity. She created magecraft as a status window, granting humans a means to adapt. To ensure the survival of humanity, Alaya allowed access to the Monsters' Realm. When monster blood spilled into the human world, it reintroduced mana into the ecosystem. Humans evolved, gaining the ability to use magecraft without circuits. Finally, with her dying breath, Alaya erected a barrier to shield the Earth."
Ritsuka's eyes widened in realization. The status window— the system that allowed people to awaken and gain abilities in this world—it wasn't random. It was Alaya's final act to preserve humanity.
Gilgamesh's tone shifted, becoming graver. "Only awakened humans, those who receive gifts, will have the strength to survive the coming destruction."
The King's voice darkened further, his disdain evident. "And then there are the fools—humans who have become demon followers. These traitors have infiltrated every corner of this world, planting spies and sowing discord. Worse yet, they aid the Aristoteles, believing their destruction to be humanity's salvation. A hopeless world, filled with hopeless fools. Tell me, mongrel, are you going to save it?"
Ritsuka clenched his fists, his voice firm despite the tension gripping his heart. "I will. Not because I'm a hero, but because I want to live with everyone. I don't want to die."
Gilgamesh let out a booming laugh, his golden visage shimmering with pride. "Fool! Hahaha! Of course, you will. You can't help yourself, can you? Even without love for the world, you'll still try to save it. Very well. If you are intent on walking this path, I will give you three tasks now. Listen closely, mongrel."
"Yes, your Majesty," Ritsuka said instinctively, even though he knew Gilgamesh couldn't hear him.
"First, become stronger, Ritsuka. Strong enough to strike fear into the hearts of those demon followers and spies. You cannot afford to falter."
Ritsuka nodded silently, determination blazing in his eyes.
"Second, and most important," Gilgamesh continued, his tone more commanding than ever, "seek out Godo or Gun god. He is the one I mentioned before who came to your world 30 years before you. And killed 2 Ultimates . Do whatever it takes to join him and retrieve the true Black Barrel from him. It exists in this world as well, and you will need it."
Ritsuka's breath caught. The Original Black Barrel—a weapon capable of killing even Types and Aristoteles. Here, too? And This Godo have that weapon.
"Godo…" Ritsuka repeated under his breath, committing the name to memory.
"Third," Gilgamesh said, his voice taking on an almost solemn tone, "uncover the mysteries of why Gaia and Alaya perished. If there is any hope of saving this world, it lies in understanding the truth behind their deaths. Save the dead planet and its humanity, if you can."
Ritsuka slowly stood, the gravity of the task pressing on his shoulders. He wasn't just here to survive anymore. He had a mission—a purpose.
"Farewell, last Master of Humanity," Gilgamesh said, his voice growing distant as the projection began to flicker. "Congratulations on finally becoming a first-rate master. I wish you luck in saving this world and in your new journey. Do not fail me, mongrel!"
With one last smug smile, Gilgamesh's image vanished, leaving Ritsuka and Lobo alone in the room.
Ritsuka sat on the edge of his bed, shoulders heavy with the weight of everything he'd just learned. His thoughts churned like a stormy sea, and no matter how much he tried to organize them, they kept crashing into one another, leaving his mind a tangled mess.
"This is all… too much," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
He gazed at his hand, the faint glow of four stars still visible—a mark of the gods who had claimed him as their avatar. The sight felt surreal. Ritsuka never imagined that his existence would come to this—a world already dead, its future hanging by a thread, and him, a pawn in a game played by corrupted gods.
"Four stars… but which one is the fraud?" he muttered, his brows knitting together.
There was no doubt in his mind that they were hiding something. They always did. Even back in Chaldea, dealing with enemy divine beings meant navigating layers of deception and agendas. But this time, it felt different—desperate, even.
"They must have acted before the corrupted gods made their move… but what motives they had?" He sighed, running a hand through his hair, the question echoing in his mind.
His thoughts wandered to Zeus. Was he corrupted too? What about the avatar of Hypnos? Their cryptic words lingered in his memory. "You'll understand once you become one of avatar." That was what he said. Was this what they meant? The realization that the gods were no longer protectors but potential enemies instead of fighting each other?
Lobo, his ever-loyal companion, lay sprawled on the bed, its massive frame almost comical against the human-sized mattress. Its tail thumped lightly, a small comfort amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
"It's a little scary, isn't it?" Ritsuka murmured, his gaze distant. He could already picture the battles ahead—facing Aristoteles, alien beings from distant planets with powers beyond comprehension. He remembered ORT, The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine, his hairs standing on end.
And yet, as overwhelming as it was, he couldn't shake the truth Gilgamesh had revealed. Gaia and Alaya were dead. The planet was dead.
"And yet, humanity still thrives…" he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of wonder and dread.
The creatures of this world, living their lives, blissfully unaware of the abyss they floated in. Their existence was a miracle, but it was also fragile, teetering on the edge of annihilation.
Ritsuka frowned deeply, his heart heavy. "If they knew… if they found out that their lives were meaningless in the grand scheme of future, that their existence defied the natural order… they'd break."
The sheer weight of such knowledge could drive anyone insane. It was no wonder the demon cult followers kept silent. Maybe they didn't know about the Aristoteles either. Or maybe they did, and the truth was too terrifying even for them to spread and accepted death.
"I need to be careful," he thought, his hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.
His Anti-Beast skill would help him identify demon followers, but that wasn't enough. He needed to become stronger—strong enough to face them head-on. Strong enough to make them fear him.
But the reality of it all was crushing. To save this world, he'd have to face not just the demon followers, the gods but the Aristoteles—six alien planets in humanoid form. It was a hopeless battle, the odds stacked so high against him that it felt impossible.
"I don't want to be on the losing side. I can't."
He let out another sigh, his thoughts spiraling. "Even with everything Gilgamesh told me, I don't have the answers I need. Instead, I just have more questions. This world… it's filled with mysteries."
"What a Ecliptica Nexus fate it is?"
His frustration bubbled to the surface, his fingers tangling in his hair as he tried to process it all.
"I … I just don't understand! How could both Gaia and alya.." he murmured, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and despair.
Lobo, sensing his master's agitation, moved from the bed and approached him. The massive wolf nuzzled against Ritsuka's arm, its presence grounding him.
"Forget it," Ritsuka said softly, shaking his head. "I need to take this one step at a time. There's no use drowning in questions right now."
He looked down at Lobo, his hand brushing against the wolf's fur. "Thanks, buddy."
Lobo let out a soft growl, its tail wagging.
Ritsuka managed a small smile, though his mind still churned. His path was clearer now, even if it was riddled with danger. He had a goal, a purpose. And he'd find allies—powerful allies—to help him along the way.
As a thought struck him, his gaze sharpened. "Lobo… let's check something."
The wolf tilted its head, curious.
"Why didn't Hessian appear with you?" Ritsuka wondered aloud. "Did I mess up the summoning somehow?"
Lobo barked softly, its massive frame moving closer as Ritsuka prepared to uncover yet another mystery.
==============================
{Status}
Name: Hessian Lobo (Locked)
Title: Rider of Shinjuku
Variable Stats:
Strength: 7
Stamina: 7
Speed: 10.5
Perception: 10.7
Vitality: Null (Can revive as long as his master is alive)
Magic Power: 2
Invariable Stats:
Intelligence: 5.5/10
Perseverance: 9.2/10
Luck: 4.3/10
Oblivion Correction: 8.5/10
Attribute: Shadow
[Skills] (Locked)
[Gift]
➣ Blood of an Exorcist
Effect: Increases all variable stats by 1~100% when facing beings with demonic or human traits. The stat increase is proportional to the power level of the demonic being.
Condition: This buff can also apply to the master, but only when Lobo is actively on the battlefield.
➣ Fallen Demon
Effect: Greatly reduces or ignores demonic energy from demons.
Condition: This buff can also apply to the master, but only when Lobo is actively on the battlefield.
➣ Size Change
Effect: Can alter size according to will.
Condition: Consumes mana continuously while active.
[Noble Phantasm] (Locked)
---
Note:
Due to the master's weak stats, Hessian Lobo cannot be fully summoned. Lobo Noble Phantasm and skills remain locked.
==============================
Ritsuka stared at the glowing status window that appeared before him, his breath hitching as his eyes scanned the details. The information was powerful, almost exhilarating—until his gaze fell on the small, ominous note at the bottom of the screen.
It felt like a dagger straight to his heart. His chest tightened as he read the words over and over, the implications weighing heavily on him.
"Why does it always have to be like this…?" he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Lobo, sensing his master's distress, let out a soft, mournful moan, padding closer to Ritsuka. The giant wolf's amber eyes gleamed with concern as it nudged his arm gently.
"Woo woo," Lobo said, his wolfish voice filled with emotion, but to Ritsuka, the meaning was clear.
"Don't worry, Master," Lobo's voice echoed in his mind, deep and comforting. "That's why I'm here. I'll protect you until you're strong enough."
The wolf puffed up his fur, standing tall and trying to look as reliable as possible, his tail wagging slightly as if to cheer Ritsuka up.
A small smile broke through Ritsuka's troubled expression. He reached out, running his hand through Lobo's soft fur. "Yes, yes, I'm counting on you, Lobo. But don't worry—I'll become strong, and I'll bring Hessian back too. I promise."
Lobo let out an approving huff, his tail wagging more enthusiastically.
Ritsuka's smile grew wider as he looked back at the status window. "And it seems like your gifts are even more powerful than I thought. With your help, I might actually stand a chance against the demon followers if they come for me in the future."
Before Lobo could respond, there was a sharp knock at the door.
Knock! Knock, knock!
Ritsuka turned toward the sound, blinking in surprise. "It must be Yuji and Ayaka."
He walked over and opened the door to find his friends standing there, Yuji carrying a bag of food with a grin that stretched from ear to ear, and Ayaka smiling softly beside him.
"Ritsuka!" Yuji exclaimed as he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. "Guess what? They served old-style ramen today! So, of course, I lied and said I was bringing some to a study group so I could grab extra! Hahaha!"
Ayaka shook her head, exasperated. "Honestly, I didn't expect the academy to have ramen, let alone such a specific type."
But their casual banter came to an abrupt halt as both of them froze mid-step, their eyes widening in horror as they spotted the massive wolf lounging on Ritsuka's bed.
"W-what the heck is THAT?!" Yuji stammered, his voice shaking.
Ayaka was no better, her face pale as she whispered, "Is… is that… a wolf?!"
Ritsuka, realizing he'd forgotten to warn them, opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say anything, Lobo decided to "help."
The giant wolf flashed them what could only be described as a toothy grin.
Yuji and Ayaka didn't move. Didn't blink. Didn't even breathe.
"Guys, this is Lobo," Ritsuka finally said, waving a hand toward the wolf. "He's my summoning spirit. I had an enlightenment as a spirit summoner."
Lobo wagged his tail, clearly trying to appear friendly, but it only made Yuji and Ayaka step back in unison, their faces frozen in terror.
"Lobo's a good guy," Ritsuka added quickly. "I promise!"
It took a few more explanations, but eventually, the two calmed down enough to approach the wolf cautiously. Yuji reached out a tentative hand, brushing against Lobo's fur, and his fear melted into wide-eyed amazement.
"Whoa… his fur is so soft!" Yuji exclaimed, his fear forgotten.
Ayaka, emboldened by Yuji's reaction, joined in. She ran her hands through Lobo's thick coat, her face lighting up with delight. "You're right! It's so soft and warm!"
Lobo blinked in surprise at the sudden attention, his tail wagging as the two practically hugged him.
"No wonder you were off today, Ritsuka," Ayaka said, looking up at him with a knowing smile. "So you really did have an enlightenment. And I have to say, Lobo is amazing."
Yuji grinned, pulling out the extra ramen he'd brought. "Congrats, man! Let's celebrate with some ramen. And you too, Lobo—you've earned it!"
He opened a bowl and offered it to the wolf, who sniffed it curiously before taking a cautious bite.
"See? Even Lobo loves ramen!" Yuji laughed, clapping Ritsuka on the back.
Ritsuka shook his head, chuckling as he began preparing the rest of the ramen. "All right, you two, stop playing with Lobo's fur and come eat!"
But Yuji and Ayaka were too engrossed, Ayaka giggling as she buried her hands in the wolf's fur, and Yuji trying to see if Lobo would let him ride on his back.
"Enough!" Ritsuka groaned, grabbing both of them by their collars and dragging them to the table. "We're eating now!"
As they sat around the table, bowls of steaming ramen in hand, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Lobo sat beside them, his tail wagging contentedly as he enjoyed his share of the meal.
For a brief moment, As the group finished their meal, the warmth of shared laughter and camaraderie lingered in the room. Yuji leaned back, patting his stomach.
"Man, that was great. But hey," he said, glancing over at Lobo, "how exactly are you going to hide this big guy, Ritsuka? He's… well, not exactly subtle."
Ritsuka grinned, giving Lobo a knowing look. "Oh, don't worry. Lobo has his ways."
With a small huff, Lobo shrank to the size of a regular wolf and leaped gracefully into Ritsuka's shadow. He disappeared in an instant, leaving nothing but a faint ripple of darkness behind.
Yuji and Ayaka froze, their jaws dropping.
"W-what just happened?" Ayaka stammered, staring at the spot where Lobo had vanished.
Yuji looked genuinely heartbroken. "No way… Lobo's gone?!"
But before they could process further, Lobo re-emerged from Ritsuka's shadow, wagging his tail as if to say, Surprise!
The two friends nearly jumped out of their skin, their shock quickly replaced by amazement.
"Okay, that's just cool," Yuji admitted, crouching to inspect the wolf. "I didn't know spirits could do that. Can all summons do this?"
Ayaka adjusted her glasses, her analytical mind kicking in as she crouched near Lobo, running her hand through his fur thoughtfully. "This isn't ordinary, even for a summoning spirit. Ritsuka… Lobo must be at least Grade A-level in terms of potential. He's incredible."
Ritsuka scratched the back of his head, hiding the truth about Lobo's weakened state due to his own stats. "Grade A, huh? I guess I'm pretty lucky."
Yuji let out a low whistle. "Lucky doesn't even begin to cover it, man. You've got a top-tier summon on your side."
As the meal wrapped up, Ritsuka suddenly had an idea. Excusing himself briefly, he went to the kitchen, where he activated the Network Gift ability and focused on his two friends.
A translucent screen appeared before him, detailing their latent potential:
[Ayaka Sajyou] (Unawakened)
Elemental Attribute
[Yuji Nakamura] (Unawakened)
Wind, Light Attribute
Ritsuka stared at the screen, his mind buzzing with possibilities. He returned to the table, a determined glint in his eyes.
"Hey, Ayaka, Yuji," he began, sitting down with them, "I've got a plan. During these two weeks of 'vacation,' let's work on ourselves. We'll experiment with magic casting and do some research on mana. Let's get stronger together."
Yuji raised an eyebrow. "Stronger, huh? I mean, we've got nothing better to do… Why not?"
Ayaka nodded, her expression resolute. "It makes sense. If we're going to be dealing with more of these strange phenomena, we'll need to be prepared."
"Great," Ritsuka said with a smile. "Let's start tomorrow."
After saying their goodbyes, the two headed back to their apartments, leaving Ritsuka and Lobo alone in the quiet room.
Ritsuka sat down at his desk, grabbing a notebook and pen. He flipped it open and began sketching out magic circles for wind and light attributes, drawing on what he'd learned from his servants in the past. Each stroke of the pen carried purpose as he meticulously recreated the designs from memory.
When he finished the diagrams, he moved on to writing down the foundational theories of elemental magic he had learned from Medea. The words flowed steadily, his focus unwavering despite the growing fatigue that tugged at his body.
Hours passed, and finally, Ritsuka set his pen down, leaning back in his chair with a sigh of accomplishment.
"That should do for now," he muttered, stretching his arms.
Lobo, now in his smaller form, hopped onto the bed, curling up comfortably. Ritsuka joined him, sliding under the covers. The soft rhythm of Lobo's breathing was a comforting presence beside him.
As his head hit the pillow, the events of the day played back in his mind: the discovery of his new powers, the camaraderie with his friends, and the comforting bond he shared with Lobo.
"Another unforgettable day," he murmured, shaking his head with a faint smile.
Before he could dwell on it further, sleep claimed him, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion. Lobo nestled closer, his steady warmth a silent promise of protection.
And for the first time in a while, Ritsuka fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, feeling safe and content.
The morning air was crisp as Ritsuka joined Ayaka and Yuji for breakfast in the apartment's shared kitchen. He slid two neatly bound notebooks across the table toward them.
"What's this?" Yuji asked, picking one up and flipping through the pages. His eyebrows shot up. "Wait, did you write all of this?"
Ayaka leaned over, her curiosity piqued. "Is this… Elemental magic theory?"
Ritsuka nodded. "Yeah. I spent some time jotting down what I've learned so far. You guys should have it—call it a head start for what's ahead."
Ayaka's analytical mind immediately latched onto the intricate diagrams and explanations. "This is… impressive, Ritsuka. Where did you get this knowledge?"
Ritsuka hesitated for a moment before replying. "It's part of my Gift. Let's just say it gives me… insight."
Both of them nodded, accepting the explanation without further question. In this world, where Gifts often defied logic, his claim wasn't far-fetched.
"Ayaka," Ritsuka continued, tapping on a specific section of her book, "you have an exceptional affinity for elemental magic. You should focus on refining that rather than wasting time with standard spells."
Ayaka's eyes lit up. "Really? I didn't think I'd be any good at this stuff."
"Not just good," Ritsuka said, smiling. "Your potential is way beyond what most magi can achieve. You should learn as much as you can in class."
Blushing slightly, Ayaka nodded. "Thanks, Ritsuka. I'll work hard." She thought maybe she has some hidden talent after all. She is excited for first time.
Turning to Yuji, Ritsuka added, "And you need to focus on wind and light magic. That's where your strength lies."
Yuji grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Got it, boss. Wind and light—sounds flashy, just like me."
The two weeks passed in a blur of training sessions, endless explanations, and laughter-filled breaks. By the end of it, Ayaka was already casting basic elemental spells with precision, and Yuji had discovered a knack for manipulating light into simple illusions.
Ritsuka stood in front of his apartment door, a small suitcase by his side. His gaze lingered on the quiet space he had called home for the past few weeks.
"It's a bit uncomfortable to leave," he muttered under his breath. "This place was quiet, clean… safe. But it's time to move on."
The words were more for himself than anyone else—a mantra to ease the sting of detachment. Saying goodbye, after all, was as much a mental process as a physical act.
He met Ayaka and Yuji at the reception desk, where they handed over their keys.
"Goodbye, apartment," Yuji said with mock drama, earning a small laugh from Ayaka.
As they stepped outside, the morning sun greeted them warmly. The gentle breeze carried a sense of renewal, as if urging them forward.
Ayaka led the way to the academy, her excitement evident in her quick pace. Ritsuka walked beside her, his thoughts drifting.
"Man, I'm 27 years old and going to school again," he thought, shaking his head at the irony.
Ayaka glanced back at them. "Are you nervous, guys?"
Ritsuka chuckled softly. "Yeah, in a way."
Yuji, ever the carefree one, smirked. "Nervous? Nah. My destiny starts now!"
Ritsuka couldn't help but think, "If only you knew how dangerous this world is."
---
Arriving at Class 1-A
The three of them stood in front of the classroom door, the number "1-A" etched boldly on a plaque.
Ritsuka checked his watch. "It's 7:40. We're early."
Yuji shrugged. "Guess we're the first ones here. Let's grab the back seats—always the best spot."
Pushing open the door, Ritsuka stepped into the room. It was surprisingly modern, with sleek desks arranged in tiers, giving it an almost theatrical feel. The walls were adorned with digital screens displaying various magical diagrams, and the faint hum of technology blended seamlessly with the traditional atmosphere.
The room was empty, save for them.
"Looks like we've got the place to ourselves," Yuji said, making a beeline for the back row.
Ritsuka followed, settling into a seat near the window. From here, he could see the academy grounds stretching out below, 2nd year students beginning to trickle in for the day.
As Ayaka and Yuji chatted animatedly about their expectations for the semester, Ritsuka allowed himself a moment to breathe. The past two weeks had been a whirlwind, but now, a new chapter was about to begin.
"Here we go," he thought, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling in his chest. "Time to see what this world has in store for us."
To be continued...