Chapter 1: What Make Sense

In the void where no living being should dare to exist, there stands a lone figure, an existence steeped in despair. This entity stands alone, its eyes devoid of soul.

The cruelty of reality is a mystery to most.

Scientists labor tirelessly, seeking proof of other possibilities beyond our world.

Many harbor enthusiasm for a world beyond our own.

Those who deem themselves capable often believe we sit atop the food chain.

Ignorance, a blissful blessing for the sinners.

I, who have been liberated and have uncovered these unforgivable sins, have become the most egregious sinner of all.

With a determined mutter, the solitary figure in the void proclaims:

" I have to go back to earth no matter the price I have to pay."

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In the corner of an old-fashioned tea house, a solitary figure with black hair sits, dressed in loose black pants and a jacket, paired with white shoes. To the untrained eye, this may appear as a casual outfit for an ordinary day. However, for those with an appreciation for fashion, it's a look that demands admiration, showcasing the wearer's balance, simplicity, comfort, and straightforward personality.

The City of York, known as the business hub of the Azianus continent, is a melting pot of diverse personalities, colors, ethnicities, and nationalities. Despite the apparent affluence of its population, statistical reports reveal a different story. Nevertheless, the allure of York remains irresistible. The city's reputation as a place where fortunes can be made or lost in an instant keeps its residents firmly rooted, unwilling to leave.

"Still the same. Predictable people never disappear," the woman mutters while gazing at a group of people gathering in the distance. Seated in a Victorian-style wooden chair, she sets down her teacup, filled with dandelion root tea. The aroma fills the air, creating a calm and undisturbed atmosphere for the woman sitting alone in the aging establishment.

The teahouse is owned by an elderly couple who appear to be ordinary citizens. At first glance, the building seems out of place amidst the bustling metropolis, yet it remains unnoticed or perhaps intentionally ignored.

Roosevelt, although a small village within the City of York, is undeniably one of the most peaceful and prosperous business areas. Acquiring land in such areas is undoubtedly a dream for an average person like Rayana. Yet this building has stood for many years, long enough to witness several generations of this elderly couple.

Once, curiosity got the better of me, and I asked the old grandmother if they had relatives who could help manage the store.

A cold sweat trickled down Rayana's back when the old woman mentioned nearby relatives who were too busy to be bothered. "They look out for us, though there's no need to do so," the old grandmother added.

Despite its prime location, the teahouse remains unaffected by the nouveau riche. No one seeks to compete for this valuable piece of land. The business continues to thrive, offering affordable quality tea and attracting a modest flow of customers.

Rayana wanted to curse. She may have unknowingly been frequenting a lion's den.

'Curse my obliviousness to the mundane world,' Rayana muttered to herself.

All she wanted was a quiet place with affordable food to spend her lunch breaks.

Rayana wasn't usually a tea drinker. For her, it was an occasional beverage enjoyed in the company of elders.

In these modern times, young people like her prefer cheap, not-so-healthy but undoubtedly tasty food. 'Everyone calls it junk food,' Rayana thought. 'I never disagreed,' she said, subtly grinning.

Mr. Owen, the old woman's husband, entered the room, delighted to see an old board game he used to play often.

Mrs. Owen noticed Rayana's discomfort and showed concern, scolding her husband. Rayana grew even more nervous when Mr. Owen looked at her.

Soon after, Mr. Owen coerced Rayana into playing his favorite chessboard game to prove his innocence to his wife.

While playing, Mr. Owen's laughter filled the room with joy. "You're quite good at playing, young lad. But you don't have to go easy on this old man in front of you. I've known for a long time that I don't have a talent for chess." And the old man laughed even harder.

'So he knows he's a terrible player,' Rayana thought, finally realizing she had given herself away by letting the old man win most of the time.

After a while, the old man's laughter subsided, and a warm smile appeared on his face. "You don't have to be so nervous around us, child. We are just ordinary old folks nearing the end of our lives. In the end, regardless of the wealth one accumulates, we are all equal in death."

The old man looked at Rayana. "I've encountered all kinds of people in my life, so I know you mean no harm to us. Just like you, child, we enjoy this quiet place to pass our time freely in our remaining years."

The old couple smiled widely, and the warmth inside Rayana grew. "So feel free to visit us every once in a while and play chess with me." Rayana was definitely taken aback by the old man's invitation but couldn't help but feel touched.

Mrs. Owen, behind the counter, smiled secretly as she continued organizing her precious tea cups.

In the end, Rayana became a frequent playmate of the old man, often visiting after school or work. This led to her developing an appreciation for chess and tea over time.

In terms of her own family, Rayana came from a middle-class background and always made an effort to contribute, even if it was just in small ways.

Her mother ran a flower shop, while her father specialized in importing high-quality, rare fish that were not commonly found in local markets. They were able to sell enough to afford three chest freezers for their home.

Over time, their parents had managed to build a decent customer base, despite their small and relatively unknown business.

Rayana herself found a job as an office assistant at a newly established company while also pursuing a secondary degree.

There were moments when the employees' morale was low, but there were also times when it felt like a paradise for everyone. However, these fluctuations didn't concern Rayana.

Her main focus was simply to complete her assigned tasks, without going above or below expectations. Despite her somewhat detached relationship with her colleagues, she genuinely appreciated their subtle efforts to make her feel comfortable. In return, she tried to create a harmonious atmosphere in her own way, even though there wasn't much interaction.

Despite the monotonous nature of her daily routine, Rayana had no complaints and instead found satisfaction in her work. She understood that greed often leads to negative consequences, especially when one desires more than they deserve. "Wanting more isn't necessarily a bad thing," she thought, "but it's the means used to achieve those desires that can cause problems." Despite this awareness, Rayana knew that she was not exempt from these rules.

While others may not fully understand her, Rayana found solace in understanding herself. She desired nothing more than to maintain her current life, and she was determined to make the necessary efforts to achieve that. Unfortunately, fate seemed to have other plans, and she was unaware that upcoming events would test her patience to its fullest potential.