Chapter 1: The Hero Arrives
As the sun crested over the horizon, its warm rays spilled over the city of Vermillion, gently illuminating the majestic skyline. The cityscape was a blend of sleek, modern architecture and timeless, classical design, each structure standing tall and proud in its unique way.
The delicate balance of the city's artistic influences was evident in every curve and angle, from the simple elegance of a minimalist apartment building to the intricate detailing of an industrial skyscraper.
With each passing moment, the rising sun revealed new wonders and hidden treasures within the city, drawing the eye and capturing the imagination of anyone lucky enough to witness its breathtaking beauty.
As the rays of light continued to break through the darkness, the clock struck six in the morning. Akito lay sound asleep on his modest mattress, completely oblivious to the world around him. His alarm blared loudly, but it went unnoticed as he drifted deeper into his dreams.
With a loud and abrupt burst of energy, Emi, Akito's girlfriend, slammed open the door to his room and bellowed at the top of her lungs. "Akito! You're gonna be late for work, get up!"
Akito was caught off guard, jolted awake from his slumber, and scanning his surroundings in confusion.
"Wait- Wha?" A tired and sleepy Akito softly said and continued to scan his surroundings in confusion. He then locked his gaze onto Emi, standing there like a fierce goddess, emanating a fearsome aura that could make any grown man tremble in fear.
Akito's heart raced with anxiety as he felt the weight of her glare upon him. With a soft voice filled with anger, Emi uttered, "You're running late for work, don't you know that?" Her menacing smile added pressure to Akito's already racing heart.
"I don't remember having work today.. wait.." Akito's eyes slowly widened with realization as he locked onto Emi's gaze. Suddenly, he sprang out of bed, took a quick shower, and darted out of the house like a cheetah chasing its prey.
"Emi, I'm off to work now! God, oh shit.. my supervisor is going to kill me!" Akito said to Emi as he rushed away from his apartment, his heart pounding in his chest.
With a gentle wave and a soft smile, Emi waved him farewell from a distance. "Good luck!" Emi yelled to him as he ran in the distance, his silhouette slowly disappearing. She continued to wave her hands with a soft smile on her face.
The vibrant scenery of Vermillion surrounded Akito, with bustling crowds of people moving purposefully along the streets and cars zooming past in a blur of color.
In this city, the bicycle was the transportation of choice for most workers and citizens, and the sound of their bells could be heard chiming through the air.
"Ahhhh! I'm gonna be late for work. Goddamit" he muttered under his breath, quickening his pace as he weaved through the crowds.
In the cozy confines of a bustling coffee shop, Akito's supervisor Park Eumura anxiously surveyed the tranquil scene outside. His eyes flicked towards the clock, the time had already ticked past 6:15 in the morning, and yet there was no sign of Akito.
"God.. where is that guy?! the customers are about to come in for their morning coffee!" Park Eumura stated while he tapped his fingers on the counter nervously.
The coffee shop was still and empty, with the sun casting a golden hue through the windows. Eumura, the barista, stood behind the counter, lost in thought. Suddenly, the bell chimed and the door swung open, jolting him out of his reverie.
A shadowy figure stepped into the shop, his face hidden behind a black mask. Eumura's heart raced as he gave a polite greeting. "Goodmorni-" his words caught in his throat as the man pulled out a gun and aimed it straight at him.
"This is a stick-up, so don't you dare try anything funny," the thief threatened Eumura, his voice sending shivers down Park's spine. "Give me all the cash you've got and I'll let you live." the thief ordered him, Eumura's hands trembled as he took money out of the cash register.
"Akito where the hell are you?! I need help!" Eumura thought to himself as he slowly grabbed cash.
"Hurry it up. Will y-" the Robber yelled at him, before he could finish his sentence.
A familiar voice echoed across the street, announcing his arrival in a thunderous roar.
"I'm late for work! Out of the way!" bellowed Akito, as he burst through the door of the coffee shop. As soon as the robber heard Akito's voice, he turned around and pointed his gun at him. "Stay back, or I'll shoot!" he warned, his finger tightening around the trigger. Akito froze, unsure of what to do next. The tension in the air was palpable as the two men stood there, facing off against each other.