The clock struck 6:30 PM IST on a dreary Friday evening, October 10, 2025, as Eren Drayce trudged home from school. His school uniform was torn at the sleeve, his cheek bruised from the latest beating by a group of students who taunted him relentlessly. With his disheveled black hair falling over his pale, angular face and his threadbare clothes marking his poor background, Eren had always been an easy target for bullies. The cool autumn breeze stung his skin as he walked, his sneakers scuffing against the cracked pavement of the narrow street leading to his dilapidated home.
Lost in thought, Eren's mind churned with despair. Why is my life like this? Why can't I feel anything anymore? What's the point of living when it all feels so meaningless? His chest tightened with each question, a hollow ache spreading through him. The world around him blurred—faded shop signs, stray dogs rummaging through trash, the distant hum of traffic—all of it seemed to mock his existence.
Finally, he reached his two-story house, a sagging structure that had seen better days. The exterior paint had long peeled away, leaving the walls a mottled gray, and the wooden window frames were warped with age. Inside, the house held six rooms, one kitchen, and a single hall, though only four rooms were usable—two upstairs and two downstairs—due to rot and neglect. The air smelled faintly of mildew as Eren pushed open the creaking front door. He dropped his tattered school sack in a corner, the thud echoing in the empty hall, and shuffled to the cramped bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face, he stared at his reflection in the cracked mirror—dark circles under his eyes, a fresh red mark from a bully's fist. It did little to wash away the weight in his soul.
In the kitchen, he prepared a simple meal of egg bread, the sizzle of the pan the only sound breaking the silence. The bread was slightly burnt, but he ate mechanically, the taste barely registering. Just as he finished, the front door slammed open. His father stumbled in, reeking of cheap liquor, muttering slurred curses under his breath. The man's bloodshot eyes landed on Eren, and without warning, he lurched forward. With a grunt, he kicked Eren twice in the ribs and delivered a stinging slap to the back of his head. "It's all because of you, you bastard!" his father snarled, swaying unsteadily before staggering to a chair.
Eren crumpled to the dusty floor, pain radiating through his body, but the physical hurt was overshadowed by a deeper numbness. Lying there, he thought, Ahh, really… what should I do? I could kill him—I could kill anyone if I wanted. But I don't have the energy… or the motivation. His mind drifted to darker places. Sometimes it hurts just thinking about why I'm alive. I don't even want to live anymore. The thought lingered, heavy and suffocating.
Summoning what little strength he had, Eren staggered to his feet, his breath ragged. He bolted out of the house, the cool night air hitting him as he ran. I think there's no need to overthink this, he told himself, his legs carrying him toward the old stone bridge that spanned the murky river on the edge of town. His chest heaved with heavy, uneven breaths as he reached the bridge, the wind whistling through the rusted railings. Ahh, I should jump from this bridge. Why are my hands trembling? I don't need to be afraid. Don't think—just jump. His heart pounded in his ears, drowning out the distant city sounds. With a final, shaky step, Eren climbed onto the ledge and leapt into the darkness below.
The icy water engulfed Eren Drayce as he plunged into the river's depths, the current pulling him under. His vision blurred, bubbles escaping his mouth as his lungs burned for air. Suddenly, a strange sensation overwhelmed him—a slimy, wriggling creature forced its way into his mouth, sliding down his throat. Darkness consumed him, and his consciousness faded.
When Eren awoke, his eyes struggled to focus, the world a hazy smear of light and shadow. He lay sprawled on the muddy bank near the river, the faint sound of trickling water filling the air. Coughing weakly, he rubbed his eyes and sat up, his soaked clothes clinging to his shivering frame. Am I reincarnated or something? The thought struck him, a mix of confusion and disbelief swirling in his mind. Frustration boiled over. I'll jump again—that's not too hard, he muttered to himself, his voice trembling with resolve. He scanned his surroundings, intent on finding another spot to end it all.
The landscape around him was a haunting ruin. Half-destroyed buildings loomed like skeletal remnants, their shattered windows gaping like empty eyes. Houses, stores, and roads lay in crumbled heaps, overtaken by sprawling vines and wild plants that snaked through the debris. It was as if a massive war had ravaged the area, leaving no trace of life—not a single animal, not even a bird's call broke the eerie silence. The sight sent an unexpected shiver of dark satisfaction through Eren. Ahh, this destruction… it makes me feel happy somehow, he thought, a twisted smile tugging at his lips. Now I should jump from that building.
His gaze settled on a towering structure, its upper floors collapsed but still standing precariously. With a determined stagger, Eren approached the half-destroyed building, its concrete facade cracked and moss-covered. He climbed the creaking, debris-strewn stairs, each step echoing in the hollow shell. Reaching the sixth floor, he stepped onto a jagged ledge, the wind rushing past him with a howling intensity. Below, the ground was a patchwork of rubble and overgrown weeds. This is it, he thought, his heart pounding as he stared down.
Without hesitation, Eren leapt. The air roared in his ears as he plummeted, his body crashing onto the shattered road below. Blood splattered across the pavement, his head splitting open on impact, the pain a brief, searing explosion. Yet, as he lay there, something miraculous began. His body twitched, then regenerated—flesh knitting together, bones reforming. His hands, legs, and head healed before his stunned eyes, the blood-soaked ground a stark contrast to his restored form. Ahh, it hurts so much! he gasped, clutching his chest as the agony subsided.
Staggering to his feet, Eren stared at his hands in disbelief. What is this power? Is it magic? Am I in a magic world? His mind raced with questions. Or is this a curse? Why is this happening to me? Where am I? Frustration and fear mingled as he kicked at a piece of rubble, his breath ragged. The desolate, overgrown wasteland stretched around him, offering no answers—only the weight of his newfound, inexplicable resilience.