Chapter 1: Dying

Zen Hoshi, a diligent student nearing the completion of his bachelor's degree in material engineering at the prestigious University of Columbia Britannia in Kanada, finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Despite his academic achievements, Zen leads a relatively solitary existence, preferring the tranquility of introspection over the hustle and bustle of social engagements.

After ensuring the safe return of each of his friends following a watch party of Book of Friends, Zen sets out on a solitary journey home. The night is cloaked in darkness, punctuated by the steady rhythm of raindrops cascading onto the pavement. With a steadfast determination to fulfill his duty as a responsible friend, Zen navigates the deserted streets, his senses heightened by the eerie ambiance of the nocturnal landscape.

As he walks, lost in contemplation, a sudden flash of lightning splits the sky, illuminating the surroundings in a blinding cascade of light. Before Zen can react, the electrifying force of nature surges through him, leaving his body paralyzed with shock. In that moment of utter vulnerability, time seems to stand still as Zen's consciousness teeters on the precipice of oblivion.

Amidst the chaos of his mind, fragmented memories and regrets flood Zen's thoughts, each one a poignant reminder of paths not taken and words left unsaid. He sees the face of his ex-girlfriend, her eyes filled with hurt and disappointment as he failed to mend the rift that tore them apart. Regret gnaws at his heart as he recalls the friendships he let slip away, the bonds weakened by his reluctance to reach out and reconnect.

Images of his high school days flicker in and out of focus, each moment tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia. Zen remembers the laughter of his classmates, the camaraderie shared during late-night study sessions, and the dreams they once dared to dream together. Yet, amidst the haze of memory, he also sees the missed opportunities, the chances to forge deeper connections and create lasting memories left unexplored.

Thoughts of his family weigh heavily on Zen's mind as well. He recalls the strained conversations and the growing chasm caused by verbal abuse that seemed to widen with each passing day. Despite the negativity, a part of him smiled at the thought that he won't have to face them anymore, spared from the constant disappointment and disapproval.

As the torrent of memories threatens to overwhelm him, Zen is gripped by a profound sense of longing and remorse. In the face of impending demise, the weight of these unspoken truths bears down on him, suffusing his soul with a profound sense of regret and sorrow.

And then, just as all hope seems lost, a faint sound pierces the darkness – a curious "DING!" that reverberates through Zen's mind with inexplicable clarity. In that fleeting moment, as his fate hangs in the balance, Zen is seized by a strange sensation, as if an unseen force is reaching out to him from the depths of the unknown.

"[DING! Requirements met. Binding the Adaptive System to host Zen Hoshi]"