TAKUMI TSURUGI
As Kenji led me away from the supermarket, I couldn't shake the feeling that I might be doing something wrong, something that'd hurt Mrs Fujimoto, but my purpose of life was to destroy Ryujin Kuroba, that was the reason Rei Kokoro gave me a second chance at life.
As we proceeded, I noticed the evening sky growing darker, and the streets filling with the usual hustle and bustle, but I was too distracted to notice much of it. We turned down an alley and then onto a narrow road, which seemed to lead away from the city lights.
I looked around, my confusion growing. "Where are we going? This can't be the way to the school."
Kenji stopped and turned to face me. His eyes were steady and calm, yet there was an intensity that made me uneasy. "You need to trust me. If you want to see the school, you'll need to take my hand."
My skepticism flared. "Are you serious? If this is some kind of joke, I swear—"
Kenji chuckled softly. "The vengeful spirit is still within you, I see. No need for threats. Just take my hand, and you'll see the school."
Despite my reservations, I found myself reaching out and grabbing his hand. The instant our skin touched, everything around us began to change. The streetlights and buildings dissolved into a swirling maelstrom of fire and brimstone. I could feel the heat searing my skin and the acrid smell of sulfur stinging my nostrils.
Panic surged through me. "What is this? Where are we?"
Kenji's voice cut through the chaos. "Don't let go. Keep holding on."
Before I could process his words, the ground beneath us cracked open. I felt a powerful force pulling me downward, and I began to fall, the fiery abyss stretching endlessly in every direction. My screams echoed in the void, and I flailed my arms desperately, but the sensation of falling never seemed to end.
After what felt like an eternity, I suddenly landed with a jarring thud. I laid there, gasping for breath and trying to make sense of my surroundings. The air was heavy and thick, and the ground was uneven, scorched and cracked.
I struggled to my feet, my heart pounding in my chest. Kenji was already standing beside me, looking remarkably unfazed.
"Where are we?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear that gripped me.
Kenji's gaze was calm, almost serene. "We're in a place that exists between worlds—a passageway to where you need to go."
I looked around, my mind reeling from the shock of the experience. "This can't be real. How is any of this possible?"
Kenji stepped forward, his expression serious. "Sometimes, to achieve our dreams or seek justice, we have to confront realities beyond our understanding. Just remember, the school you want to see is closer than you think. You need only take the next step."
"What are you saying?" I asked, confused.
"Open your eyes, Takumi Tsurugi, open your eyes!"
My eyes flipped open as I slowly regained consciousness, the disorientation from the fall still lingering. The ground beneath me felt solid, but it was unlike anything I had experienced before. The heat and acrid smell were gone, replaced by a cool, clean air. As I opened my eyes, I found myself in a large, ornate room with high ceilings and grand, sweeping arches. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and symbols I didn't recognize.
A voice echoed through the room, welcoming me with a tone that was both formal and cheerful. "Welcome, new student, to the Academy of Celestial Arts!"
I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The people who greeted me wore varied outfits—each more striking than the last. They were clad in elaborate battle attire, with swords strapped to their sides. The sight was both impressive and intimidating.
"Wait, what is this place?" I asked, confusion and anxiety creeping into my voice. "How did I get here, and where is Kenji Morimoto. I need to go back!"
Before I could react, a sudden punch landed squarely on my jaw. I stumbled backward, pain exploding through my face. One of the attendants, a tall figure with a stern expression, glared at me. "Noisy student! You'll have to learn to be more respectful."
I was dragged toward a large building that loomed nearby. Despite my protests, the attendants continued to pull me inside. They threw me into a dimly lit room and shut the door behind me.
Inside, two boys were already there. They looked up as I stumbled in. The first boy, with a friendly face and a warm smile, approached me. "Hey there! I'm Kiyomasa Kobayashi. Looks like you're our new roommate. Welcome!"
The second boy, who sat quietly in the corner, barely glanced up. He wore a scowl that made it clear he wasn't interested in the situation.
"That's Shinji Takeru," Kiyomasa introduced.
However, I wasn't interested in the introduction. "I don't belong here," I insisted, my frustration boiling over. "I was brought here by mistake. I need to go back home!"
Suddenly, Shinji's eyes met mine with a cold, indifferent stare. "It's no mistake. You're here because you're supposed to be. Stop being stupid and accept your fate."
Without another word, he turned and left the room, leaving me alone with Kiyomasa. The atmosphere was thick with my frustration, but Kiyomasa tried to offer a small comfort.
"Don't mind him," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "He's just a bit rough around the edges. Let me show you to your bed. You'll get used to things around here eventually."
I didn't answer, my breathing was fast. How did I get here? Where was Kenji Morimoto and how do I go back. Mr. And Mrs Fujimoto would be so worried about me, I needed to find my way back.
"Uhh, Takumi?"
My eyes shot to his direction. "How do you know my name?"
He offered a warm smile. "It's written here, on all our beds. We knew you're our roommate before you even showed up." He pointed at a corner of the room. It was simple but comfortable, with a neat arrangement of bedding and a small desk nearby.
"Try it."
I exhaled. "I don't know what's going on," I said, sinking onto the bed, "but I need to understand this place and figure out a way to leave."
Kiyomasa nodded sympathetically. "I get it. This place can be overwhelming at first. Just give it some time. You'll find your way."
I nodded and Kiyomasa hurriedly opened a wardrobe, bringing out some clothes and doing some arranging. "These are your things."
I faked a smile. "Thanks."