Chapter 1 - Prolog (1)

In a place full of raging flames with the surrounding environment full of collapsed buildings.

In that terrible place, a black-haired man was seen running as hard as he could.

But instead of running away from the place full of flames, the man ran deeper into the place where the fire was raging.

The man felt like his throat and chest were on fire, his eyes looked red from the smoke, his legs even had burns.

But even after experiencing all that, the man kept running, running and running.

He didn't care about the burning pain or the scorching heat, his eyes just kept staring ahead with a hopeful expression.

Until... he saw a girl lying stiff in the middle of the raging fire.

Upon seeing the girl, the man's eyes lit up and instantly ran faster towards the girl before quickly embracing her.

But right after that, the raging fire and the ruins of the building suddenly disappeared into the darkness.

"It hurts... It hurts..." Suddenly, there were murmurs of several children whose voices were very close but could be heard from various directions.

The man looked confused due to the sudden change, he subconsciously looked at the girl in his arms before his pupils shrank.

"Kouro..." Both of the girl's eyes were gone with her eyeholes bleeding, her body seemed to be twisted in a strange way and her hands quickly strangled the man's neck.

The man wanted to resist but couldn't, the girl's hands were too strong.

"Aya...me..." the man said in a weak voice, he felt his chest begin to tighten and his consciousness began to blur.

At the same time countless pale hands appeared from all over the ground and even from the sky and moved around him.

Those hands had mouths that were oozing blood and were shouting loudly in a tone so high that it made the man's eardrums burst.

"Why didn't you save me!!!"

The girl shouted right in front of the man's face with her head twisted 180 degrees.

The man who was swarmed by those creatures felt his consciousness fading away before a pale hand that gave off a cold aura closed his eyes.

*Crack! *

...

"Hah!"

The man shouted and woke up with his pupils shrinking and trembling, his body also visibly trembling even to the point of breaking out in cold sweat.

He raised his head and saw a plain-walled room with various home furniture.

"Fu*k... that nightmare again... "

The man's voice sounded hoarse as if his throat had been damaged from shouting too much.

He was then seen taking out a medicine bottle from the small table beside his left and immediately took out some white-colored pills and downed them skillfully.

After a while, his breathing seemed to calm down, his pupils that had shrunk like needles began to return to normal.

He then glanced at the digital alarm clock beside him that displayed the time [06:30].

The man seemed to take a moment to calm down before standing up and heading towards the bathroom.

...

Inside the bathroom.

The man was seen standing in front of the sink and staring at the mirror before him that reflected his appearance.

He had the sharp face of a tough warrior with messy black hair and violet eyes that had deep black bags under them, he was also seen wearing a green egg-shaped pendant.

Those violet eyes looked dead and depressed, it was truly a miracle that he didn't kill himself with those eyes.

The man was also somewhat deformed as his right wrist appeared to be missing.

The man didn't care much about his missing right hand, he just looked at his messy appearance before unconsciously muttering.

"3 years... it doesn't feel like 3 years have passed since I got my memories back. "

His name was Kouro, just Kouro, no last name.

This year he is 18 years old, no girlfriend, no family, he is just an orphan, his parents died three years ago in an 'accident'...

Kouro also has a secret that he is a 'Reincarnator'.

In his previous life... He was just an ordinary white-collar worker who died of exhaustion.

He didn't know why he was reincarnated in this world and he didn't have enough time to care because in less than ten years this world would be destroyed.

How did he know?

It was because the world he was reincarnated in now was a game he had played before, 'Honkai Impact'.

'Honkai Impact' is a game that tells the story of a Valkyrie fighting against the 'Honkai'.

'Honkai' is a mysterious phenomenon that is a catastrophe that changes its form, for example, natural disasters, plagues, Honkai Beasts, and... Herrscher.

But the problem was that he was reincarnated into the 'Previous Era' which was 50,000+ years ago before the game's plot began.

In the game, there is very little introduction to the Previous Era other than to confirm that it was destroyed by Herrscher of the End.

Thinking of the future knowledge he possessed, Kouro sighed helplessly.

If he could make a choice, he did not want the memories of his previous life to return.

Aside from the fact that knowledge was rather useless and because of the saying 'Ignorance brings happiness'.

It was also because the time when his memories returned was the time when he lost everything.

Yes... That time.

The memory of the nightmare that always haunted him flashed through his mind making Kouro's hand unconsciously rub the green egg-shaped pendant he wore.

His faint eyes seemed to shine sharply.

__

15 minutes later.

Kouro who had finished bathing was seen coming out of the bathroom with only a small white towel around his waist.

Unlike his gloomy expression, his body seemed to have lean toned muscles all over.

He is like a statue that symbolizes 'manliness'.

It's a pity, if only his expression was more cheerful... He would probably be very popular with the girls.

If Kouro heard this he would just roll his eyes, because he knew that there were still people better than him.

Stronger, more handsome, and more talented...

The silhouette of a handsome man with white hair and blue eyes with a calm expression flashed through his mind before he quickly shook his head.

Kouro was currently wiping his hair using another towel after which turning on the tv in his room.

He always turned on the tv just to make his room less lonely.

["Good morning viewers! Today is October 7, 2016. According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny for the next week! And for 'Gemini', today is your lucky day!"]

Seeing this, Kouro then involuntarily muttered, "What modern person believes in the Zodiac now?.... "

Human civilization now had a fairly high level of technology up to the point Herrscher was born.

Herrscher are humanoid beings who have the ability to defy the laws of the universe, that's because they are the laws themselves.

They are beings that were born from Honkai when human civilization reached a certain level.

Honkai evolved with human civilization to become stronger, more adaptable, and more intelligent, for one purpose only.

Destroying humanity.

Unfortunately today, even after Honkai gave birth to Herrscher, humanity still considers it an ordinary natural disaster, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and so on.

Actually, the people themselves can't be blamed because technically every government in the world is hiding things related to Honkai and Herrscher on purpose because they don't want to cause mass panic...

Speaking of Herrscher, Kouro unconsciously grabbed his right shoulder...

His hand disappeared because of a Herrscher.

Recalling that incident which happened about a year ago, he still thought that he was really lucky to be alive.

Well... Maybe not luck but because of 'that' skill.

["Alright! Next up, our beloved 'Golden Diva' Eden! Will be holding a concert in Sapphire city next month! Wooh! I will definitely buy a ticket to watch Eden-sama's concert~"]

Kouro who was putting on his clothes with some difficulty was seen pausing for a moment and turned his head to look at the tv screen which showed a news anchor who was excited while talking about the 'Eden concert'.

Beside the tv screen was also displayed a photo of an elegant girl with long brown hair and beautiful golden eyes.

"Eden... " he muttered with unfocused eyes before turning his attention back.

On one of the walls of his room was a poster featuring Eden standing on stage and posing elegantly with a microphone.

It seemed like he was also a fan of Eden.

Kouro was currently wearing a black long-sleeved tang hooded jacket with a plain yellow t-shirt, he was also wearing black tactical pants that had many pockets.

He looked at the tv one last time before turning it off using the remote.

He then picked up the sunglasses that were on the hanger, his movements halted as he stared at the dusty black mask next to the glasses before returning his attention back and going outside.

He used the sunglasses to hide his dull and lifeless eyes.

As for the black mask... It was just an accessory that he had not used for a long time, nothing more.

He lived in a small apartment that he bought for himself.

He had been living in this apartment for over half a year and he liked the quiet atmosphere of this place even though it was not luxurious.

Why didn't Kouro buy a nicer apartment?

It's not that he lacks money, but he lives alone in this apartment because he has his own reasons.

His missing right hand was also one of the reasons.

The city he was living in now was the city of Shapphire, a trading city on the border between the European and Asian continents.

Because of this, the city had a unique scenery where a wide variety of tourists from various countries passed through the city compared to other cities.

Moreover... Due to the impact of the Honkai Eruption that gave birth to Herrscher, this city became one of the places that had the most refugees.

So it was no surprise that there were many beggars or refugees sitting in the alley with empty eyes.

Kouro stared at the clear sky for a few moments before furrowing his brows.

He went into his room again before coming out with a night-blue folding umbrella.

He kept the folding umbrella in his pocket before walking leisurely with his eyes looking straight ahead.

....

15 minutes later.

Kouro was seen standing in front of a restaurant called 'Smile Monday' that was crowded with customers.

Not far from him were a few people who looked at him with sympathetic gazes when they saw that his right hand was missing.

He was used to their stares so he didn't pay much attention to them.

He unceremoniously went inside, as he entered, he heard various kinds of conversations coming into his ears.

Seeing the number of customers, Kouro subconsciously muttered, "Crowded as usual... "

Not far from him, a girl around his age was seen delivering food to customers before she noticed Kouro's presence.

Seeing Kouro, the girl immediately put on an excited expression and then approached him.

"Ah?! Kouro-kun? You came on time as usual! Is the order as usual too?" asked the girl with a smile as bright as the sun.

The girl had dark brown bobbed hair and bright brown eyes, her skin was fair and smooth, her large eyes staring at Kouro without blinking.

This girl's name was Sandy, she was the daughter of the owner of this restaurant.

Seeing her bright positive smile, Kouro's slightly gloomy mood lightened.

He then nodded his head and walked to an empty seat.

He often went to this restaurant for breakfast and lunch, not only because the food here was delicious, but Sandy's positive smile alleviated the depression in his heart.

No, most of the customers here were just like him, after all, the 'Honkai Eruption' that gave birth to Herrscher had happened several times so there were many people who lost their possessions or loved ones.

Kouro who was thinking about this then saw Sandy had placed a dish on his table.

"Mo~ Kouro-kun, you should be more cheerful, if you continue like that you won't be popular with girls. " Sandy said with her cheeks puffed up.

Even so, Sandy knew that the current Kouro was better than his old self.

She still remembered the dark purple eyes like an abyss and the grim expression as if hating the world that Kouro showed half a year ago when he entered this restaurant.

She thought Kouro was a 'Yakuza' back then, given his cold expression and aura like someone who had been through hundreds of bloody fights.

Luckily she didn't call the police because of her bad first impression and sure enough after chatting with him, Sandy learned that Kouro had such an appearance because of the hard life he had endured.

Thinking of her first encounter with Kouro, Sandy blushed slightly in embarrassment.

Hearing her words, Kouro only smiled slightly, "You're right, I can't go on like this. Thank you, Sandy. "

Seeing his smile, Sandy visibly blushed before hiding her face using the tray in her hands.

"Goo-Good for you!" she said with a stutter before leaving quickly.

Kouro glanced at her and blinked innocently before shrugging his shoulders, his stomach already rumbling.

'Time for breakfast'.

He stared at the dish which was a Large Chicken Tonkotsu with a bowl of rice and a glass of milk.

This dish was the one Kouro ordered every time he came here.

"Itadakimasu." He said before eating the dish with one hand using a spoon with a calm expression.

20 minutes later.

Kouro put a few dollars on the table before standing up and looking at Sandy who was staring at him, she seemed to have finished serving the customers.

"It was really delicious as usual, give my regards to your father, Sandy. " Kouro said.

"Of course! Come again Kouro-kun!" said Sandy although she hid a reluctant smile behind the tray.

Kouro nodded his head and walked out.

Sandy stared at Kouro's back with a dazed expression.

"Do you still have a heart for him? " a booming male voice sounded from beside her making her startle.

"Kyaa!!! Mou! Dad! Don't startle me like that!" Sandy hit his father's broad shoulders.

Sandy's father was named Albert, he had the appearance of a large bear as he was almost two meters tall and had a large body, he had a European face with bright brown eyes and black hair with a beard that filled his chin like a viking.

However, when facing his daughter he had a soft voice that did not match his fierce body.

Sandy was seen staring at the exit while remembering Kouro before saying weakly, "...Does father still forbid me?"

Seeing his daughter who was still in love with Kouro, Albert could only sigh helplessly, "I told you, I won't forbid you from dating him just because he is disabled or has a gloomy personality, I know Kouro is a good person, he is just unlucky. I'm forbidding you because he's dangerous, Sandy..."

Albert still remembered the pressure Kouro had exerted half a year ago, as a retired soldier, he understood that the pressure Kouro had displayed at that time could only be possessed by a warrior or soldier who faced dangerous things.

He didn't want Sandy to get involved with dangerous things, so he forbade her to get close to him.

"I don't want to lose anyone I care again, Sandy. I hope you understand... " Albert said softly.

Sandy bit her lip, she knew that her father forbade it for her own good, but even so...

She raised her head and stared at the exit with a pensive expression.

...

Kouro walked on the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets not caring about the people staring at him, he then stopped and raised his head looking at some crows flying and chirping loudly.

Kouro's empty violet eyes reflected the several crows that were staring at him while tilting their heads.

And right at that moment, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps from behind him before finally crashing into him.

"Kyaa!" The person who bumped into him fell to the ground and from the sound of it, that person seemed to be a young girl.

Kouro was about to turn around and wanted to offer help to the girl, but the girl had already stood up and passed by Kouro while whispering, "I'm sorry."

Kouro didn't get to see her appearance, he could only catch a glimpse of her short black hair with a slight bluish tint before disappearing into a small alley.

Kouro with his hand still outstretched stared at the alley while blinking his eyes a few times.

'That girl's hair... Somehow it feels familiar. '

Right after he thought that, he heard some shouts telling him to get out of the way from behind him.

Kouro shifted his body letting about 6 people pass by him.

Those people were muscular men with a fierce look like a thug.

The thugs then turned to look around before finally entering the same small alley that the girl who hit him had entered.

Kouro watched all this with a calm gaze before raising the hood of his jacket and listening to the passers-by whispering about the thugs.

Due to the continuous disasters, the economy of each country was also shaken, making everything go up, from taxes to foodstuffs.

Because of this, people didn't pay much attention to Honkai, as they had to take care of themselves first.

His previous self was also like that, he would probably just look at this indifferently, after all he knew that he was not a hero with a golden heart.

Moreover, such things although rare but did happen a few times, the girl probably ran away from those thugs because of debt or so.

But now... That girl who brought a sense of familiarity to him, made him feel interested.

After a few minutes with the crowd becoming a little quiet, Kouro raised his head to look at the clouds before finally turning his attention back and walking slowly into the small alley.

He took off his glasses revealing his purple eyes that had shone brightly.

__

[This chapter may be changed completely as the original story has not yet been completed]