"⚠️ This story contains dark psychological themes and violence. Reader discretion is advised.")
Kicking rocks echoed under a strong wind.
A kid with black hair, brown dead eyes, glasses, a black hoodie, and yellow pants was walking alone through the street.
{What should I do...? I don't want to go home. Most likely, Mom and Dad will yell at me... but I've got no money left.}
While he was lost in thought, a message notification cut through the silence.
{Oh, it's from Olive... Wonder what she's doing, hehe.}
A silly smile appeared on his face.
Olive:
"Where have you been? You got me worried! Hmph!"
Arthur:
"Just had a fight at home and left... OwO"
Olive:
"Are you going back home or not? Why do you always fight anyway?"
Arthur:
"This is your fate when your four brothers are talented and you're not, xD."
Olive:
"That's the biggest lie you've ever said! In reality, you're the most talented of them, baka."
Arthur:
"Nope, I'm not. I just think a lot when I face a problem... imagining what others might have done. Maybe that's a skill, but...
The thing that keeps making me fall is knowing too much.
When you realize too much... you just keep thinking: is it worth it?"
Olive:
"Ahh... I don't know. Just go back, you can't stay outside. It's dangerous for you."
Arthur:
"Good night, sweetheart. ILY."
Olive:
"Good night. ILY2, Arthur."
Arthur looked at his phone and sighed.
{I feel dead... but still alive.
Why don't I kill myself?
Because I don't want to leave her alone. Her life's hard enough already.
Why do I want to die...?
Why not? Everyone in my family calls me a liar, a thief... blah blah...
Even though I've never done anything wrong. I always try to help them do the right thing...
But I get ignored... or beaten... hehe.
What's the point...? Whatever. Let me just sleep. I'm tired.}
Arthur returned home, listening to his dad yelling again.
His mother slapped him.
He went to his room silently and lay down.
As he looked around his room, a strange aura surrounded him. His eyes were blank, cold.
{Ugh... why do my eyes burn...? My head's going to explode... Whatever.
Good night, me.}
Arthur slept...
But didn't wake up in his bed.
Instead, he found himself in a strange space with a system window in front of him.
System:
"Hi, human named Arthur. Be happy!
You've been chosen to be sent to the Lost World.
Any questions? You get one free as a welcome gift!"
(Wait, WHAT!? Return me to Earth NOW!
Who said I wanted to die?!
Is this like that anime/manga stuff? Transported to another world?
Naaah... I'd like that, but I can't. Sorry...)
System:
*"You were chosen because you have a strong soul.
I can't return you, sorry.
But... if you become strong enough, you may be able to return.
You now have two choices:
Go to the Lost World with no test — no powers, no rank, just a basic human.
Take the test — if you die, you die forever. But if you survive, you'll keep all the powers you gain, and your rank will be 'Lost'.
Please answer quickly."*
(Agh, that's a lot... So, do I have any special moves or anything? You said I have a strong soul.)
System:
"If you choose the second option, any hidden powers in your soul will awaken. So no worries!"
A little "like" icon appeared on the screen.
(Isn't this like choosing between easy mode and hardcore? 😢)
System:
"No. You may die instantly... or it could be super easy. Who knows? It's like gambling."
(You shouldn't talk like that, should you?)
(Silly face on Arthur)
System:
"I'm responding based on your mental state. I'm basically... you. Weirdo."
(Hey! You're the weird one, not me.
Who built this system? I wanna kill them.
Anyway... whatever, you broke system. I'll take the test.)
System:
"Sure, whatever."
(You motherf#%&...)
"Bye-bye!"