Is time a linear concept, or are there parallel timelines?
Our time on Earth flows like a continuous stream, but does it continue to flow the same way when you're not within its current?
In a world beyond our own, the story began to unfold by–
Kōkōshi Reiji, a Japanese 17-year-old high school student, stands at 5'7" (170 cm) with a lean and slender build, jet-black hair, and Geek chic look. He can be described as a teenager often found with his nose buried in books, prioritizing knowledge over physical pursuits.
This young boy is consumed by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, devouring the collective intellect of history's greatest minds like Leonardo da Vinci. He was inspired by his late father's legacy and fueled by a desire to honor his memory. Reiji's appetite for knowledge hints at a greater destiny, a hunger that will soon propel him beyond the world he knew.
Reiji stands in his father's study at their ancestral home, surrounded by dusty books and fading memories.
Enveloped by the past, 'I remember this place full of life and adventure stored in the books. How long has it been?'
Staring at the giant framed photo of his father on the wall, he reflects on his tragic loss.
'What's that book in that photo again? The book of Nicolaus of Damascus about Augustus Caesar, his biggest discovery. Maybe he should've stopped there.'
Dr. Kōkōshi Kenji, a renowned archaeologist who met his fate in Amboise, France, six years ago. With his mother having passed away during his birth, Reiji is left with only fragmented memories of his father's tales and a legacy that lingers on.
His gaze starts to drift blankly across the shelves, until a sudden spark of insight ignites in his mind.
'What did he discover in Amboise again? I was too young to understand.'
A long-forgotten memory resurfaces, and he recalls one of Da Vinci's most famous works, hidden away in his father's room for years.
'Isn't it a modified Vitruvian Man diagram? How did I not think of it this whole time? My grieving made me forget.'
It was the last historical piece his father uncovered in Amboise, France, sent back to their home in Japan before his passing. The memory of his father's enthusiastic explanations of Da Vinci's works echoes vividly in his thoughts, transporting him back in time.
'Father's eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as I remember him saying,' "Hey there, kiddo! Since we've been delving into the captivating realm of art and science, let me introduce you to the epitome of the Renaissance discovery - Leonardo da Vinci! This visionary excelled in multiple fields, seamlessly blending art and science as a painter, sculptor, inventor, engineer, and scientist. His groundbreaking work continues to inspire and astonish people to this day!"
'I could imagine my youthful eyes growing wide with wonder as I excitedly replied,' "Wow, that's incredible! It's like he was a real-life superhero! I can't believe one person could be so talented and accomplished in so many areas. It's as if he had a genius-level superpower or something!"
'Father would chuckle and say,' "Ha! Indeed, he was a true Renaissance man! His iconic paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, masterfully captured the subtleties of human emotions. As a visionary inventor, he conceptualized flying machines, armored vehicles, and submarines, centuries ahead of his time. His work epitomized the perfect blend of art and science!"
"Some of his designs were constructed during his lifetime, but many remained ideas and sketches. In addition to all that, he even conducted meticulous studies of anatomy, creating detailed drawings of the human body to understand its inner workings."
"He was also a skilled musician, a talented poet, and a brilliant mathematician and geometer. He's an inspiration to anyone who loves learning and exploring new things!"
He takes a deep breath and says, 'Wow, I've spoken that like how my father would. Am I growing old like him?
'But anyway, a young me would exclaim enthusiastically,' "I want to be just like Leonardo da Vinci when I grow up!"
He looks at the windows and says, 'Did I say that too loud?'
'As if anyone is around. This place has been abandoned for almost a decade now. If there's anyone around it's probably the family of rats and insects who occupied this place.'
"That's the spirit, Reiji! Never stop exploring, creating, and learning. The possibilities are endless, and you never know what incredible achievements await you!"
He is stunned by the voice in his head as he looks around, 'Am I hallucinating? I swear I heard fathers voice just now!'
His gaze stops at the portrait in front of him.
'Hallucinations or not,' "Thank you Pa! I heard you!"
Reiji's eyes widen as his thirst for knowledge reignites.
He quickly jumps up from his seat to frantically search the room for the diagram, opening every drawer and scouring every shelf. He even flips through the pages of almost every book.
But then a realization hit him, "I know! I remember! I was the one who hid it! Well, it's not like there's anyone else who can."
Reiji's search finally ends. In a hidden compartment beneath the center table, he retrieves a beautifully crafted glass-topped box. With trembling hands, he lifts the box and finds the modified Vitruvian Man Diagram inside, its intricate details and symbolism gleaming in the light.
A glimmer of excitement shines in Reiji's eyes as he whispers, "Everything is still intact."
Reiji's passion for Da Vinci's works was rekindled, fueling a newfound sense of purpose. With renewed determination and drive, he became resolute in uncovering the diagram's hidden truths.
"Okay, let's break this down... The original Vitruvian Man was a masterpiece, but this version with modifications really intrigues me… There's these strange symbols and markings, almost like a code. And what's with the extra limbs? It's like he's trying to show a new kind of human evolution... or maybe a deviation from the norm?"
"How do I decipher this thing? Could these markings and symbols mean nothing? That's ridiculous, we're talking about Da Vinci."
"Wait a minute... Ya… What if this isn't just some random marking?"
He scanned the yellowed parchment, his mind racing with possibilities, periodically stretching and scratching his eyes as he searched for clues to decipher the diagram.
"This proves he knows about everything way more than we have imagined," referring to Da Vinci.
"What is this," he said, gazing at the diagram. "The intricate symbols and geometric patterns ... it's as if it's hiding a secret."
"I've spent years studying Da Vinci's works but this diagram feels different. There's something here that I just can't quite grasp."
As Reiji gazed at the diagram, a strange sensation enveloped him. Taking a deep breath, he concentrated on the central figure: a nude male form harmoniously inscribed within a circle and square.
With delicate precision, Reiji removed the glass cover and traced the lines and shapes with his fingertips, attuning himself to the symbols.
"What are these subtle geometric patterns and hidden symbols?"
He takes a pen and a piece of paper. His hands are shaking from exhaustion as he writes down the symbols he feels on its surface.
"Is this Futhark? Could Da Vinci's code be hidden within?"
Reiji's eyes widen as he stares at the passage,
"The passage is written as ᚾᛁᚢ ᚱ ᚨᚲᚨᛁᛏᛊ"
He reads the message:
ᚾ (Nauthiz) - "N"
ᛁ (Isa) - "I"
ᚢ (Uruz) - "U"
ᚱ (Raido) "R"
ᚨ (Ansuz) - "A"
ᚲ (Kaunaz) - "K"
ᚨ (Ansuz) - "A"
ᛁ (Isa) - "I"
ᛏ (Tiwaz) - "T"
ᛊ (Sowelu) - "S"
"NIU R AKAITS?"
"What could this mean?"
"NIU? Raido means journey, and AKAITS?"
"Wait…"
"Is it…"
"NEW JOURNEY AWAITS"
As soon as Reiji says the passage, the room begins to spin, and Reiji feels himself being pulled into a vortex.
Reiji's voice cracks as he screams, "What's happening?!"
But the wind devoured his words.
"huff!" he silently grasps for air.
This diagram is a gateway to the world of Paragonia, where art, science, and magic intertwine. By understanding the patterns in the diagram, Reiji triggers a portal that transports him to this new world.
Reiji stumbles forward, shielding his eyes from the fading vortex.
"Where...?" he trails off.
A soft breeze rustles the leaves.
"Where am I?" Reiji demands aloud.
His voice echoes in the silence.
Reiji's gaze lifts to the canopy above. "This isn't Father's room...!"
Reiji spins around and his eyes narrow. "How did I get here?"
His mind races as he tries to comprehend his surroundings. As he looks down at his hands, his feet, and his body, he notices a strange violet glow emanating from him that is slowly vanishing.
His thoughts are filled with wonder and fear. "What is this?! How did I get here?!"
Feeling disconnected from his usual sense of self, he tries to make sense of this overwhelming circumstance. He then starts walking, looking for any signs of life.
"A path," Reiji thinks, eyes locking onto the winding trail.
"There's a spot," he mutters, ducking behind the bushes.
"I think I have to observe here and wait," he added, his breathing still fairly heavy.
As minutes tick by, Reiji's racing thoughts slow.
"Okay, calm down," he tells himself.
"Process this... Diagram, vortex, new journey? How did I get here?"
"What does it all mean?"
Reiji fidgets, tapping his fingers impatiently.
A sudden epiphany struck Reiji, and he sprang to his feet, leaping across the clearing. With an effortless bound, he landed on a nearby rock with a gentle thud.
"What's happening to me?" he wonders.
"There's some sort of energy within me."
Excitement combined with confusion gripped him; his pulse raced with anticipation.
Reiji's heart rate surged once more as unfamiliar knowledge coursed through his mind.
"Why do I have these concepts flooding my mind?"
"Ah, no...what's happening?" He cried out in alarm, staring at his hands and feet in horror. "And what's this...?" He clutched at his head, wincing in agony. "A crushing headache...it feels like my skull is being squeezed in a vice!"
His breathing grew heavy as he collapsed to the ground, landing on his knees. He struggled to stay conscious.
He slammed his forehead against the ground, the jarring impact a desperate attempt to keep himself awake and distract himself from the searing pain.
"Aaaaagh...!"
Blood streamed from his forehead, dripping onto the ground. But after taking a deep breath, he managed to shake off the pain and slowly raised his head, still sitting on his knees.
"Hmmm… Haaa… hhhhh… Haaa!"
As the tension eased, relief and relaxation began to wash over him. But his respite was short-lived. When his gaze refocused, he was startled by a towering white rabbit with piercing red eyes, its gaze fixed on him with unmistakable malice.
Then, with a sudden burst of speed, the rabbit charged towards him with fierce intensity.
"Ggggasp!" The strangled sound was all Reiji could manage.
The rabbit swiped its massive paws and slammed Reiji on his left shoulder, sending him flying towards a large tree. The impact was brutal, and Reiji's body crumpled against the trunk, his mouth bursting with blood.
Horror etched on his face, Reiji's eyes widened in shock as his mind raced with fear.
"What... what is this?! Why is this animal attacking me?!" Infuriated thoughts swirled in Reiji's mind as he struggled to recover from the pain of the slam.
As Reiji shook off the pain and blood, he forced himself to stand. But when he turned his gaze forward, the rabbit was charging towards him again. With lightning-fast speed, the rabbit grasped Reiji with its massive paws, wrapping them around his torso like a vice.
"Ahhh... my ribs... you're going to crush me, you colossal rat!" Reiji exclaimed, his voice strained but resolute.
"There are words swirling in my head, pulsating, begging to be spoken. I'm as good as dead anyway; what's the harm in trying to voice them?"
"Corpo si illumina,shinsen o terasu!"
A vibrant, pulsating energy radiated from deep within Reiji.
With partially closing eyes, Reiji grasped the rabbit's wrists, desperate to loosen its crushing grip. But as his hands closed around the rabbit's limbs, he was taken aback by the unexpected sensation.
"I feel... light," Reiji muttered, his confusion momentarily eclipsing his pain.
Emboldened by his discovery, Reiji tightened his grip on the rabbit's wrist. The rabbit let out a high-pitched squeak as it began to writhe in pain.
"EEEEEE!!"
The white rabbit's ear-piercing shriek was like a sledgehammer to Reiji's eardrums. The deafening sound sent Reiji stumbling backward, his hands instinctively flying up to cover his ears.
Reiji's mouth moved, but even he couldn't hear his voice, drowned out by the rabbit's cacophonous shriek. The sound waves battered him, making his head reel.
As suddenly as it had begun, the rabbit turned and fled, its long legs carrying it swiftly away. The deafening sound slowly dissipated, leaving Reiji's ears ringing in the sudden silence.
Exhausted and bewildered, Reiji collapsed onto the ground, lying flat on his back. He panted heavily, his chest heaving with each labored breath. His gaze drifted upwards, lost in the vast expanse of the unknown.
"Am I... dreaming?" Reiji whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own ragged breathing.
Reiji raised his hands, studying them intently. A look of confusion crossed his face.
"I seem stronger than I should be," he muttered, his eyes narrowing in thought. "And it's not just that. When I jumped, I felt weightless, bouncing away like a feather in flight."
His hands fell to his sides as his gaze went straight up into the sky.
"What is this place, really? And how did I even get here?"
As his thoughts cleared, his panting slowed, and he breathed deeply, his eyes closed in calm.
"I must be dreaming."
He took slow, deep breaths, feeling relaxation wash over him. But the calm was short-lived, shattered by a distant thudding sound that grew louder and closer, like a rush of water swelling downstream.
Reiji's eyes snapped open. "Horses!"
He scrambled to his feet, frantically scanning his surroundings for a place to hide as the thunder of hooves drew near.
"In the name of reason..." Reiji said in his thoughts
"What a magnificent creature, with its fiery orange, yellow and red plumage! And that knight riding it, clad in resplendent silver and red armor, is truly majestic..."
"What beautiful comedy is this?"