[Life Restart Simulator]
[Each life simulation will randomly draw five talents. Talent rarity is ranked as: White, Green, Blue, Purple, Gold.]
[After each simulation, you may select one talent to permanently retain for future simulations.]
[Each chapter allows up to five simulations. Failing all five results in game over for that chapter.]
[Successfully clearing a chapter allows you to retain all acquired talents permanently for use in future chapters.]
[Clearing all chapters will unlock a mysterious prize.]
[Enjoy your game.]
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[Ding—Life Restart Simulator has begun.]
[Please name your character.]
[Random naming selected.]
[Naming complete.]
[The first simulation of Chapter One is about to begin.]
[Chapter: Ichinose Honami's Summer Rewind]
[Five talents drawn for this simulation are as follows:]
Purple: Etched in Pain — You possess a mysterious past. (Highly likely to affect chapter endings.) Blue: Cat Butler — You have a clever and well-behaved pet cat. (Yes, it's really just a cat.) Blue: Modest Assets — You own an 80-square-meter apartment and 5 million yen in savings. (Located in Tokyo.) Green: Affinity — You possess exceptional natural charisma, making it easier to gain others' trust. (Effective on both genders.) White: Quiet and Reserved — You have poor communication skills and have grown reticent over time. (This hampers deeper social interaction.)
[Talent selection complete.]
[Chapter One Clear Objective: Discover and correct Ichinose Honami's turning point in life.]
"Huh, this might be interesting."
In a dimly lit room, a boy tapped the [Start] button with a finger.
Sixteen-year-old Ryo let out a small yawn. His mother left when he was twelve, divorcing his father. Two years later, his father also abandoned him. Since then, he dropped his family name, keeping only "Ryo." He barely got by writing online novels, and lately, he had become obsessed with this series called Life Restart Simulator.
The real-world version, fantasy version, magic version, isekai version...
He had tried them all without exception. On one hand, he loved the randomness and narrative twists. On the other... he truly hoped, deep down, that his life could restart one day.
"Feels like this version is more of a mix between mystery and dating sim, huh..."
"If that's the case..."
[Simulation begins.]
As the background music shifted, the on-screen text began to roll.
[Day 1: July 9. The Tokyo heat is in full swing this early in July. You stand at a city crosswalk, following your phone's map to your new apartment. Everything feels fresh and exciting. Couples your age fill the streets on summer break dates. Giant screens mounted on nearby buildings cycle through ads. The white cat on your shoulder taps your cheek with a paw, hinting it's time to cross the street.]
"Man, I'd love to have a cat. Can barely afford to feed myself though..."
[You've forgotten most of your past. At sixteen, you arrive in Tokyo to inherit your family's property: an 80-square-meter apartment and 5 million yen in savings. These two assets are your only means of survival in this vast metropolis.]
[Your apartment is on the third floor of a residential complex. When you arrive, the movers are already waiting downstairs. Not wanting to disturb neighbors at noon, and to make a good impression, you knock on the door across the hall.]
[A girl about your age answers. During introductions, you learn her name is Ichinose Honami. She's in her third year of middle school. Her mother is out working, so it's just her and her younger sister at home. You suggest stopping by again later in the evening with a small gift after you finish unpacking.]
[Ichinose Honami's graceful, composed demeanor leaves a deep impression. You also notice her younger sister, about two years younger, who seems curious about your cat—staring like she wants to pet it.]
[Talent 'Affinity' activates. With your encouraging gaze, the younger sister—Ichinose Maki, a first-year middle school student—successfully pets the white cat. The three of you begin playing together. Ichinose Honami's attitude softens a little.]
[During the half-hour move, you casually chat with Ichinose Honami. Surprisingly, despite being a year younger, she has remarkable social skills and warmth. She naturally takes the lead in conversation, keeping it smooth even with your quiet personality. You admire her composure and learn she's the student council president at her school.]
[That evening, as the new neighbor, you visit the Ichinose household with a gift. Her mother looks older than her age and their living conditions aren't ideal. Your relationship progresses from strangers to acquaintances.]
"Neighbor, huh? Wonder if that's the standard intro or just from the 'Modest Assets' perk."
"Better take notes."
Prepared to clear the game from the start, Ryo grabbed a notebook and pen, scribbling down key info.
[Day 2: Your white cat wakes you. After brushing up, you realize you haven't named her yet. Noting her eyes that shine like fluorite, you name her 'Glow'. After breakfast, you bathe Glow—her soft fur is comforting to touch. Petting her gives you +1 happiness.]
"Can't I go out and gather info or something?"
With nothing record-worthy, Ryo sighed and skipped forward.
[Day 3: You're addicted to petting your cat.][Day 4: You're still addicted to petting your cat.]
"Seriously, is she a cat or a neko girl in disguise?"
[Day 5: Realizing you can't stay indoors forever, you decide to take your cat out for a walk.]
[You run into Ichinose Maki, who has trouble remembering your name but recalls your cat vividly. You earn the title 'That Cat Guy'.]
[During your chat, she mentions wanting a trendy hair clip from last year but couldn't get one due to their financial situation. It's still her wish.]
[Talent 'Quiet and Reserved' activates. You sense this might be important intel, but your shyness prevents you from digging further.]
"Okay, first run is just recon anyway. At least that hair clip sounds like a key item."
[Day 6: You watch the following news on TV:]
"Amid rising school violence, experts stress the need for collaboration between schools and parents during adolescents' fragile years." "Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High under fire for monopolizing public resources. The school held a press conference yesterday in response." "The annual fireworks festival will be held later this month."
[You find it dull and return to cat-petting.]
[Day 7: You meet Ichinose's mother on a late-night walk. Friendly greetings ensue. Curious, you ask why she's out so late.]
[Talent 'Affinity' activates. She senses no ill intent and explains she's been working overtime. You nod and remind her to take care of herself.]
"Affinity plus silence… is this some kind of gentle loner build?"
[Day 8: While sorting trash, Ichinose Honami helps you out. She teaches some tricks and thanks you for letting her sister play with your cat.]
"Talk to her! Talk!"
[She asks which school you go to. Because of your memory loss, you scratch your head awkwardly and say you're currently jobless and looking for work. Oddly, she seems a little envious.]
"Top student jealous of a NEET? That's new."
[Day 9: While strolling through town, you spot Ichinose Honami shopping at the supermarket. Her calm, graceful posture while picking vegetables feels very feminine. Your affection level rises.]
"Way too easy. I didn't even pick a charm-related talent."
[She casually mentions tomorrow is Ichinose Maki's birthday. You offer to get a gift but are politely refused. You notice Honami acting a bit obsessive lately.]
"July 18 then… birthday's the key."
[Day 10: While bathing Glow, you hear shouting from Ichinose's apartment. You pause, soap still on your hands, and head to the door.]
[The noise is definitely from next door. Judging your current relationship as mere acquaintances, you decide not to knock. You plan to ask in a few days.]
"Guess that was a key flag… relationship level too low to trigger the choice."
[Day 11: While walking Glow, you see Honami leaving in a hurry. You gently ask about last night. Sensing her reluctance, you change the subject. She asks you to look after Maki for a bit—her mother's been hospitalized from overwork. She might be too busy to care for her sister.]
"She's hiding something… but this guy won't push."
[Day 12: Maki spends the day at your place, playing with Glow. You leave the door wide open for transparency. She vents about her mom. You comfort her, saying moms have it tough too. Surprisingly, Maki says she has her own struggles too. In the middle of her emotional outburst, Honami returns. She pulls her sister back and apologizes. You notice her dazed expression and remind her to rest.]
"That's the second time Honami's shown signs of mental strain…"
[Day 13: You wake near noon. The sun is blazing. You decide to air out your bedding and spot Maki skipping out. You ask where she's headed. She says she's visiting her mom in the hospital.]
[You find it strange—just yesterday, she was furious with her mom. Now she's all smiles. While kids can be moody, something feels off.]
[You knock on Honami's door. No response.]
[Three hours later, you hear a shocking revelation.]
[Mission failed. Simulation ended after 13 days. Choose one talent to carry over.]
[Achievement unlocked: First-Time Experience. Received 1x Talent Reroll Ticket (Green).]
[Talent Reroll Ticket: Allows rerolling any one talent with guaranteed Green rarity.]
[Ending achieved: Observer]
[Observer: Human joy and sorrow rarely align. We often ignore the causes and see only the effects.]
[CG unlocked: The Guilty One]
[The Guilty One: When you can't forgive yourself, even kindness feels like shackles.]
[Would you like to view this CG scene? (It may aid your progress in future simulations.)]