Rain blurred the city into streaks of gray.
Ash Renfield walked home, hood up, eyes down. The world hadn't ended, but it had decided he was entertainment.
A month ago, he'd been just another quiet senior — average grades, too soft for sports, too polite for gossip. Then came Rachel. She'd been the first to really see him. Her smile had felt like sunlight through a locked window. And when she said I love you, he believed her.
Until she said it again — on camera — to someone else.
It wasn't just betrayal; it was public spectacle. The clip hit every group chat before dawn: "The Nice Guy Tragedy." People laughed in hallways, in whispers, online. Even teachers avoided his eyes, afraid of pity.
He didn't fight back. He stopped showing up. The world rewards noise, not silence.
That night, he took the long way home — across the footbridge that arched over the black water. The rain whispered like a secret it wanted him to understand.
Three silhouettes waited at the middle: the same classmates who'd made him a joke.
"Renfield," one said, grinning. "Man of the month. How's it feel being famous?"
"Still quiet," Ash replied.
They smirked. "You knew about her, right? People say you stayed even after she cheated. That's on you."
He stared at them. "You're right," he said. "That's on me."
He stepped past, climbed the rail. The water looked calm, like something merciful.
"Hey—don't! It was just a joke!"
"It always is," he murmured. Then he leaned back and let go.
The river swallowed the noise. Cold became peace. His chest loosened, not from drowning, but from stopping.
Then:
[System initializing…]
Light formed beneath the surface. Lines of text burned behind his eyes.
[Soul integrity: 40%. Emotional residue detected.]
[Searching compatible world…]
[Match: ELYNDRA]
He tried to speak but had no mouth, only thought.
"I just don't want to be weak anymore."
[Request acknowledged. Transfer commencing.]
The current turned to light, pulling him through.
For a heartbeat, he saw Rachel's face — not cruel, just human — and he hoped she would one day learn what her laughter cost.
[Designation: ASH RENFIELD. Memory compression: partial. Emotional residue: retained.]
[System transfer in 3… 2… 1…]
Ash felt the world tip and fold.
His final thought before the light took him was simple:
Next time, when they laugh… I'll be the reason they stop.