Unknown POV
Slowly opening both my eyes, it took me at least a second to register what was in my surroundings right now.
Aurora lights, runes, and a projection that shows the hand of a young man writing in a language I am very familiar with.
First time I've seen it written this neatly and organized, though. Well, to be fair, I've only met two Eastern people in my entire life, and both of them were battle-thirsty maniacs.
It's refreshing to see Japanese written with such beauty and a clean look.
Realizing the current position I am in right now, I tried to get up from the ground.
I cracked my neck for a little bit after standing up and stretched my body before I tried to do some testing on the most important thing right now.
Closing my eyes, I let the surroundings turn white as I observed myself. Feeling the familiar sensation of magic flowing through my body, I let out a huge sigh of relief.
"What in the actual heck is going on right now?" I contemplated for a moment, when I suddenly realized that I cannot remember a thing about what occurred before I got into my current situation.
I only know that me, Jin, and the rest of the dumbasses in our group were ready to get our asses killed just to slay that skull fucker for good, but what transpired after that is basically blank.
Staring at my right hand, I clenched it for a moment. Deciding to try it, I opened it again.
"Magic Bullet," I whispered to myself.
Casting the most basic spell in any magic user's arsenal, a familiar bluish light materialized.
Clicking my tongue in response, I threw it towards the ground.
"So I was really not imagining it," I said in an annoyed tone.
I was hoping for it not to be the case and to deny it after seeing the current state of my body right now.
But the reality of the situation really fucked me after seeing the color of the magic bullet.
Even though there is no damage from what I have observed, I'm basically somewhat crippled compared to my usual self.
"Looks like this is gonna be an annoying ride ahead," I said while looking at the boy writing displayed in front of me.
Why is this particular scene being shown to me? Is it happening right now? Is it a vision of the future, or the past? Am I seeing through the boy's perspective at this very moment?
I have so many unanswered questions.
Screw it, might as well try different things to get out of here rather than whine like a crying baby.
I already escaped the literal abode of the King of Purgatory and the domain of a psycho deity of love, so this should be an easy escape compared to those two, right? RIGHT?
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Kagami Toshiki POV
Am I getting crazy, or is there actually a voice talking in my head right now?
I just ate dinner, so starvation isn't a reason for this.
Is a ghost showing its presence, or am I hallucinating?
"Okay, it's decided. I'm telling Mom and Dad tomorrow," I said.
They said that my bad sleep schedule might affect me mentally, and I just shrugged it off. Maybe I should have taken those words seriously.
With how my body is working nowadays, maybe I should pause writing for a moment. I can't write if I end up in a mental institute at this rate, with how those repeated dreams, headaches, and now voices in my head are treating me.
Putting down my pen, I decided it would be better to sleep early tonight.
As I lay on my bed, I noticed something.
"It's getting worse," I frowned.
Even while lying down, the vague voice in my head wouldn't stop.
This is starting to scare me. Deep breaths, Toshiki, deep breaths. This is just mental fatigue, just mental fatigue. Nothing's wrong.
We'll just go to the doctor and everything will be fine. Worst-case scenario, I'll be in the hospital getting treated, and my parents will ban me from writing again.
I would never be able to face Aisa again if that happens. That would be one of the most painful things that could happen to me.
After an agonizing hour, I finally managed to close my eyes as the voices somehow faded away.
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Unknown POV
"DELAYED CONSEQUENCE"
"SPACE-CLEAVER"
"SPATIAL COLLAPSE"
"SPACE DETONATION"
After casting countless spells in an attempt to escape this place, I came to a realization that this place is a freak in nature. There is no anchor I can mess with so I gotta go with the good old tactic of hitting it till it breaks.
The good news is that I can still use most of my spells, with the exception of my strongest ones.
The bad news is that all of them are weaker versions of their original forms.
Damn it. I can't even use Entropy and my other stuff anymore. I've grown far too accustomed to fighting with those.
Usual habits, I guess.
Still, I can't really blame myself. With how insanely unfair the lineup of enemies I've faced is, it's practically a requirement for my own survival against those assholes.
If only I were at full strength, I might be able to sort things out.
"Not even a scratch… damn it," I clicked my tongue after seeing the results of my futile attempts.
This might be one of the rare moments where I truly feel powerless.
Down to the very last fragment of my existence.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I cast a spell to create a tree and a hammock—my go-to setup whenever I need to think and relax.
Jumping into it, I let it sway gently as I stared at the aurora-like lights and the countless runes surrounding me.
With teleportation being a mess here and identity shift not working, I've gotta figure out the rules of this space, especially on what counts as inside, outside, or even a valid action I can take.
"Hm?" Curious, I stared upward and saw a triangular portal slowly forming.
As I was about to take advantage of that, a loud, screaming shout came from it, a boy bursting out.
"I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!!!" The screaming kid opened his mouth like it was the end of the world.