1. The Beginning After The End
My name is Leo Nostradamus.
As an ordinary youth leading a mundane life, my appearance is average, neither ugly nor handsome, just average.
Being of Japanese-German descent and an orphan since birth, I've known the harshness of the world firsthand – isolation, fights, bullying, betrayal, and even torture. Fortunately, my high intelligence helped me cope with it all.
However, these experiences made it difficult for me to trust others, and my heightened intelligence only amplified my ability to read people's intentions, emotions, and feelings easily.
Instead of dwelling on sincerity, I exploited human greed as the world kept turning. Sneaking out of the orphanage, I sought training at a martial arts dojo. Despite initial rejections, my perseverance earned me a month of learning.
Utilizing every moment, I quickly caught up with kids who had trained for months. I proposed a deal to one of the trainers, initially hesitant but driven by my determination, he agreed.
The deal was simple: win a martial arts championship, and the prize money would belong to the trainer. In return, he would become my guardian, providing a home, food, and clothing until I turned eighteen.
Time passed swiftly. I left the cursed orphanage, moved to a new place, and dedicated myself to relentless training. To fulfill some requirements, I reluctantly entered school where, as usual, I had no friends among the simple-minded elementary kids.
Nonetheless, I seized the opportunity, studying from library books and experienced teachers. I participated in martial arts championships, securing remarkable victories. Though the prize money went to the trainer, he wasn't miserly and allowed me some pocket money.
Saving every penny, I built a safety net for the future. However, one day, the trainer fell seriously ill, leading to months of care. For the first time, I felt intense anxiety and sadness. Unknowingly, I had come to see him as a father.
As he neared the end, I sat beside him, trembling and holding back tears. He smiled, patting my head gently. "Live freely, my child. Don't cry for my departure; it would tarnish my pride as a fighter."
"Find friends and those who appreciate you, for life isn't meant to be lived alone, like I have you as my son."
"At first, I was interested in you for business and promising opportunities, but after spending time together, I realized you were far more valuable to me than I thought. At that moment, you became my only son and my pride."
"Ha ha ha, as I said, don't cry, my boy. I've arranged all my inheritance to be yours. Step away from the harsh life of a fighter and live as you please."
"Don't become a delinquent, let alone a yakuza. Eat healthy food; I know you have a bad habit of consuming fast food. Rest well, don't work too hard."
"Find a girlfriend and give me a grandchild."
"Lastly, I'm proud to have you as my son, Leo. So live contentedly, embrace life freely, for your father will always support you no matter what happens."
All I could do was wipe my incessantly flowing tears, witnessing my father, Haruto Muramasa, pass away.
After that day, I arranged a decent funeral and withdrew from the harsh fighter's life, following his advice.
The world returned to gray for me after his departure, living like an empty husk and going through the motions like a robot.
Until one day, I found something that could divert my attention and add a little life to the world I considered dead.
That something was games, comics, novels, and anime.
Slowly, I emerged from my slump, regaining the spirit to live. I started interacting with people, learning more, traveling to various places, tasting different foods, and experiencing new things.
Today, after returning from all my visits, I finally came back home.
Though I wanted to live freely, the world has too many rules, laws, and morals that need to be strictly upheld and followed, making it a bit of a thorn in my side.
I could only imagine living freely in a fantasy world like the protagonists in isekai novels and other realms.
"Ah, that must be an enjoyable life." I stepped out of the bathroom and looked at the windows displaying towering buildings.
Shaking my head, I went upstairs to sleep.
I'm currently lying on my back with my right hand raised. Staring at my fingertips, "It would be nice if I could go to another world." I smiled, took back my hand, and closed my eyes to sleep.
____
Opening my eyes, I was surprised to see lush greenery instead of the familiar roof.
I realized I was now sleeping on the grass instead of a soft bed.
I quickly sat up, looking around at towering trees, green grass, and refreshing plants. Unfamiliar animals roamed around, and the air was pure with no pollution.
"Huh?"