New Life!

As the familiar sensation washed over him once more, Harry felt his consciousness slip into a haze.

Gradually, it felt as if he was sinking, only to revive and awaken again, as if emerging from deep waters. His mind, once clouded, began to clear.

When he finally opened his eyes, a cacophony of sounds greeted him.

Before him lay a dimly lit classroom, the air thick with the murmur of students. The teacher, Mr. Amos, stood at the front, passionately lecturing about something, his voice a low rumble in the background. Surrounding Harry were rows of students, all intently focused on the lesson.

"This time, I've landed in a world with a modern backdrop," he thought, a fleeting curiosity crossing his mind before fatigue overwhelmed him once again.

His memories surged like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling inexplicably drained. When he awoke a second time, the light streaming through the windows had grown noticeably brighter.

"Zack, are you awake?"

A voice broke through the fog.

Harry squinted against the brightness, struggling to focus. Standing before him was a boy about his age, around fifteen or sixteen, clad in a faded school uniform. The boy's expression was a mix of amusement and concern. "You actually slept through Mr. Amos's class! That's so unlike you."

**Mr. Amos.**

The name sparked recognition in Harry's mind. The memories began to slot into place, revealing the identity of the body he now inhabited: Zack, a student at Prayer High School, currently in his fifth year. The boy in front of him was Louis, a close friend of Zack.

"How long was I out?" Harry asked, shaking his head to dispel the lingering sleepiness.

"About one class," Louis shrugged nonchalantly. "But considering we only have this one class this morning… you slept for over two hours."

"Really?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Yep," Louis nodded, a smirk forming. "I'm glad to see you've finally learned to sleep in class like the rest of us. Still, I think you should see a doctor. Your behavior today is pretty abnormal."

"Thanks for the concern. I'll think about it," Harry replied casually as he pushed himself to his feet.

As he stood, he took a moment to assess his body. He felt weak and thin, a stark contrast to his previous self. This body had evidently suffered from long-term malnutrition, making him feel frail and underdeveloped.

Yet Harry shrugged off the discomfort. He had anticipated this scenario.

Stepping out of the classroom alongside Louis, the bright sun bathed them in warmth, illuminating their surroundings.

Harry looked around, absorbing the scene. The architecture was familiar, a blend of antiquity and modernity. The world felt alive with change; new technologies were just emerging, yet the echoes of the past were still woven into the fabric of the environment.

He noted the ancient walls and watchtowers bordering the academy, remnants of a time long gone. It was a world caught between eras, and Harry was eager to explore what lay ahead.

As Harry surveyed the bustling streets, a sense of novelty washed over him. This place was vibrant and chaotic, a sharp contrast to what he had known before.

Suddenly, a ruckus erupted ahead, the sound of shouting cutting through the air. Harry squinted, trying to make sense of the commotion. A group of people was embroiled in a fierce altercation, fists flying and voices raised.

"Harry, we need to move!" Louis's voice pulled him back to reality, urgency lacing his tone. He quickly grabbed Harry's arm, pulling him to the side. "It's the Brotherhood and the Black Snakes. Let's just wait it out; they'll settle it soon."

Harry looked at his friend, noting the fear etched across Louis's face. The boy's body trembled slightly, a clear sign of his unease. Instead of pushing forward, Harry stayed close, absorbing the information flowing through his mind about the gangs that ruled this city.

The Brotherhood and the Black Snake Gang were notorious players in Malania, a city rife with conflict between old and new technologies. This turmoil had birthed countless gangs, each vying for power. Some were strong enough to influence local elections, a testament to the chaos that enveloped ordinary life. In a world like this, people either joined gangs or kept their distance.

"Look!" Harry pointed, shifting his focus to the escalating scene. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the sound of metal clashing and desperate cries.

Bang! A heavy object flew through the air, landing with a sickening thud.

Louis flinched, his eyes widening in horror as he registered what had just landed; a severed hand, still oozing blood. "Oh no…" he whispered, nearly collapsing.

"Is this a common occurrence around here?" Harry asked, his brow furrowing in disbelief.

"Yeah, all too common," Louis replied, his voice shaking. "These kinds of fights happen almost every few days. It's brutal."

Harry's heart raced. "Where's the local sheriff? Don't they intervene?"

Louis laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "My dad's a security guard, and even he says they avoid these gang fights. They're terrified of getting chopped up themselves."

The notion that even law enforcement was afraid to act left Harry stunned. The chaos of this world was beyond anything he could have imagined.

They waited in silence, tension hanging in the air until the noise finally died down. As the commotion subsided, other passersby cautiously resumed their paths, navigating the remnants of the violent encounter.

Harry and Louis cautiously stepped forward, the sight that greeted them was grim. The street was stained with bright red blood, remnants of the battle still visible despite the hastily cleaned area. Pieces of flesh and dismembered limbs lay scattered, a stark reminder of the brutality that had just unfolded.

Strangely, the crowd around them seemed unfazed, as if such horror had become part of their daily routine. Louis hurried Harry along, his expression grim but resolute.

Once they were safely out of the street, Louis exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. "I've heard gangs have been especially active lately. Just be careful, okay? Stay away from dangerous areas."

"Thanks for the warning," Harry replied, taking in the severity of his friend's tone. He watched as Louis turned and walked away, a silent acknowledgment of the reality they faced in this tumultuous world.

Harry navigated the winding alleyways, following the memories etched in his mind, until he reached a modest door. Taking a deep breath, he pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Are you back?" a cheerful voice called out.

Ms. Molly, his mother, greeted him with a warm smile. She was a bit plump, her cheeks rosy from the kitchen heat. "Dinner is ready! Come on, let's eat!"

Harry nodded, feeling a comforting sense of familiarity wash over him. He set his bag down and took a moment to absorb the cozy surroundings. The smell of cooked fish and fresh vegetables wafted through the air, promising a simple yet hearty meal.

After a few moments, two more figures joined him at the table. His father, Ram, entered first, his strong frame reflecting the life of a sailor. He carried the scent of the sea, a reminder of the hard work he put in at the docks. Then came Mael, Harry's older brother, who was a couple of years his senior and often took on odd jobs to help support the family.

The atmosphere around the dinner table was lively. The family engaged in light-hearted banter, their voices mingling with laughter. Ram and Mael chatted animatedly while Molly bustled around, setting down dishes filled with their evening fare.

"Did you hear? The Brotherhood is recruiting again," Mael announced, excitement creeping into his voice. "I think I might try to join them."

Ram's expression shifted dramatically, his brows knitting together in concern. "No, you can't be serious! Do you have any idea what those gang members are like? It's dangerous, Mael! Normal folks can barely keep out of their way, and you want to get involved?"

"But think about it!" Mael countered, determination in his eyes. "They offer good pay right away. We need help with the tuition fees for Zack!"

Harry listened intently, his heart sinking. Unlike Mael, who had dropped out of school, Harry's simulation had always excelled academically. He had the potential to attend a prestigious college, and his family had always been proud of his achievements. But college was expensive in this world, and even with early preparations, there was still a significant financial gap.

Mir's desire to join the gang was not just about rebellion; it was a desperate attempt to help.

"I don't care how much money they promise!" Ram's voice was firm, filled with the weight of a father's worries. "It's too risky, and I won't allow it."

Mir opened his mouth to protest, but just then, a noise interrupted them. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside.

Karina, Harry's sister, entered the room. She looked to be around twenty, dressed in a flowing dress that highlighted her youthful grace. Her makeup was meticulously applied, which made her stand out amidst the otherwise casual atmosphere of the home.

As she walked in, an unusual tension filled the room. Harry observed the dynamic shift, his family's warmth momentarily clouded by her presence. It was as if her arrival brought an unspoken change, one that intrigued Harry even as he tried to navigate the complexities of his new reality.

"Hey everyone, what's for dinner?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes scanning the room, catching every nuance of the conversation.

The familiar banter continued, but Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface.