The days since the battle had dragged on, yet Aki found himself stuck in a loop of self-doubt and introspection. He had believed that this new world, with all its energy, powers, and opportunities, would grant him a fresh start, a chance to live a life unburdened by the suffocating chains of his past. But here he was, once again trapped by the familiar demons of inadequacy and existential dread. The realization hit him hard—changing worlds hadn't changed the essence of his struggles.
He sat in his room, staring at the faint light filtering through the window. The estate had returned to its usual hum of activity, the aftermath of the battle dissipating like a distant storm. Yet, within him, the storm raged on.
A Clash Within
"It's the same," Aki muttered to himself. "No matter where I go, it's still the same." His voice trembled with frustration. "What's the point of all this if I can't escape myself?"
He clenched his fists, his knuckles white from the strain. His mind replayed the moments from the battle: the terror, the helplessness, the stark difference in power between himself and the others. His family had fought with such grace and strength, yet he had been nothing more than an observer, a weak child clinging to their coattails.
But the anger wasn't just at his weakness—it was at his own naivety. He had thought reincarnation was an escape, a chance to start fresh. Instead, it felt like he was running in circles, doomed to confront the same battles over and over again.
His mind churned with questions, spiraling deeper into despair. What is the point of reincarnation if we lose everything we once had? If the people we love in one life become strangers—or worse—in the next? Does anything truly matter, or are we all just cogs in some divine game?
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YOR's Intervention
As Aki spiraled, YOR activated, its familiar display shimmering in the air before him.
<Welcome back, Aki.>
<Quest Progress: Updated.>
The sudden interruption jolted him out of his thoughts. He stared at the interface, his curiosity piqued despite himself. His gaze fell on the notification:
Know Thyself, Know Thy People
Completion Rate: 25.107%
A path long trodden is one taken knowing oneself and people around. To those who venture blindly, will remain tiny and long forgotten are such existences primly.
Beneath it, another quest stood out:
Training
Confuse, you are who thinks of punches weights when training is told. A training is one which holds mind, spirit, body together to a goal. Strengthen what remains weak, will of survival in a deserted creak, still remain to see and seek, more for so that you still remain weak.
Aki frowned, his thoughts settling. He wasn't entirely sure what to make of the cryptic language, but the message was clear enough: he was far from ready. His potential meant nothing if he didn't put in the work to realize it.
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The Revelation
A line of text at the bottom of the screen caught his eye:
<Complex-4: Uploaded.>
"Complex-4?" he murmured, selecting the option.
The screen shifted, revealing a runic structure intertwined with words. As he read, Aki felt a strange pull, as though the very fabric of his mind was unraveling and rewoven.
The complex wasn't just a poem—it was a warning, a mirror to his psyche. The questions it raised cut deep, forcing him to confront the contradictions and truths he had been avoiding.
Am I only what persists?
What need of thee, so live alone I glee.
Which does life, make me free?
The words resonated with him, dredging up emotions he thought he had buried. By the time he finished reading, his mind felt clearer, sharper, though tinged with a subtle madness.
"This… This is me," he whispered, realization dawning on him. The complex wasn't just a reflection of his past—it was a tool, a way to refine his thoughts and focus his will.
For the first time in days, Aki felt a flicker of determination. He couldn't change the past, but he could shape the future. And he would start by taking control of himself.
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A Plan for Strength
"YOR, show me the training plan," he said firmly.
The screen shifted, displaying his current progress—or lack thereof.
Training Plan
Yogic and Shaolin stretches
Meditation
Training with Mom
Runic understanding: Completion: 0/100 days
"I need to fix this," Aki muttered. "No more excuses."
His mind raced as he considered his options. He needed help—serious help. His mother's training would be a start, but he would also need guidance from his grandfather and father. And he couldn't forget the archives.
He clenched his fists, determination hardening in his chest. "I'll convince them. Whatever it takes, I'll convince them to teach me."
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A Step Forward
Before diving into his training, there was something else he needed to do. He hadn't properly greeted his father since the battle, and his mother had been worried about him.
"Enough sulking," he said to himself. "Let's do this."
Aki left his room, the resolve in his step a stark contrast to the aimlessness of the past few days. As he approached the living quarters, he heard the faint murmur of voices—his family, gathered together as they always were.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open.
Inside, his father, Akira, sat with Beniko and Nozomi, their conversation halting as Aki entered.
"Aki!" Beniko exclaimed, her face lighting up. "You're out of your room!"
Akira raised an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Well, look who decided to rejoin the living."
Aki hesitated for a moment before bowing deeply. "Father, Mother, I apologize for my behavior these past few days. I've been… lost in thought. But I'm ready now. Ready to train, to learn, and to grow stronger. Please, help me."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Akira let out a hearty laugh.
"Well, it's about time!" he said, standing and ruffling Aki's hair. "If you're serious, we'll make sure you get the training you need. Right, Beniko?"
His mother nodded, her expression softening. "Of course. We'll do whatever it takes to help you, Aki."
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A New Chapter Begins
As Aki sat with his family, discussing his plans and goals, he felt a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in years. This world might be harsh and unforgiving, but it was also full of potential.
And this time, he wouldn't let it slip away.