Zero Point: The Immortal's Rebirth
ARC I - Zero Point
December 31, 2099 - Sector 1-1, Hachijō, Tokyo, Japan – Maximum Security Experimental Zone
Inside a sterile white room, the air was thick with the scent of blood, chemicals, and decayed flesh. The walls, once pristine, were now stained with crimson splatters, remnants of countless inhumane experiments.
Scattered across the cold, metallic floor were surgical instruments, broken restraints, and discarded biological samples—evidence of the suffering that had unfolded in this place.
At the center of it all, strapped to a reinforced containment chair, was Kenzo Fujiwara—Code-name: ZERO. His body, marked by deep scars, incisions, and remnants of failed augmentations, remained still, his lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.
Standing over him was Takumi Shirogeno—the greatest mad scientist of Genesis Protocol. Dressed in a blood-stained lab coat, his expression was one of twisted fascination as he prepared to conduct yet another experiment.
The observation room beyond the reinforced glass was filled with other scientists, recording data and monitoring Kenzo's vitals, completely unaware that tonight would be the night everything changed.
Name: Takumi Shirogeno
Age: 70
Gender: Male
Race Species: Modified Human
Title: The Greatest Mad Scientist/The Architect of Suffering/The Puppeteer of Evolution/The Father of Monstrosities/The Deathless Surgeon
Affiliations: Helix Order, Genesis Protocol, The Dominion of Eternal Order
Role/Occupation: Chief Experimental Scientist of Sector 1/Project Director
Birthday: Jan 25 2029
Height: 6'0
Weight: 145lbs
Takumi Shirogeno
*His sunken eyes gleamed with unhinged excitement, his thin lips curling into a twisted smirk as he approached the lifeless figure before him. The flickering overhead lights cast deep shadows over his gaunt face, making his features appear almost skeletal—a scientist who had long since abandoned the limits of humanity in his pursuit of knowledge.*
Takumi Shirogeno
*His boots clicked against the bloodstained floor, a rhythmic tap, tap, tap, as he finally stopped before his prized test subject.*
Takumi Shirogeno
*He leaned in slightly, examining Zero with the same clinical detachment one might reserve for an insect pinned under glass.*
Takumi Shirogeno
I'm back, Zero. I wonder how you're feeling today?
Name: Kenzo Fujiwara (Code-name: Zero)
Age: 86
Gender: Male
Race Species: Human(Cursed), Immortality
Title: Experimental - 00, The Eternal Specimen, The Perfect Organisms, The Void Subject
Affiliations: Helix Order(Forced Test Subject)
Role/Occupation: Scholar University of Osaka(Former)
Birthday: March 28 2013
Height: 5'6
Weight: 120
Zero
*There was no response. Not even a flicker of recognition from the man who had once screamed, struggled, and begged for mercy.*
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi sighed in mock disappointment.*
Takumi Shirogeno
No reaction, as always. You used to tremble every time I stepped into this room. I miss those days, you know?
Takumi Shirogeno
*His thin fingers traced over the cold steel of a syringe, filled with a strange, dark liquid that pulsed unnaturally under the light.*
Takumi Shirogeno
*With a soft chuckle, he flicked the side of the syringe, watching the liquid swirl inside.*
Takumi Shirogeno
This here is my latest creation—the Neo-Virus. Unlike our previous attempts, this one was designed specifically to counteract your immortality.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi tilted his head, watching Zero with curiosity.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Your cells hold too much power, Zero. People die just trying to extract them and transfer to them. But this…
Takumi Shirogeno
*His smirk widened, eyes gleaming with the thrill of discovery.*
Takumi Shirogeno
This virus will kill every last cell in your body, including the ones that keep you alive. Imagine that—after sixty years, I might finally get to see you die, even if only for a moment.
Takumi Shirogeno
*His mad laughter echoed through the room, sending chills down the spines of the observing scientists behind the reinforced glass.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Well then, Zero—let’s see how you handle this one.
Takumi Shirogeno
*He strode towards the observation room, his bloodied coat flowing behind him like the cloak of a man who believed himself a god.*
Inside the Observation Room – December 31, 2099
The observation room was a cold, dimly lit chamber, lined with reinforced glass overlooking the sterile white room where Zero remained shackled. The walls were lined with holographic monitors, medical charts, and recordings of past experiments, each one detailing the torment that had been inflicted upon the man known as Kenzo Fujiwara—Codename: ZERO.
Seated comfortably within the room were four of Genesis Protocol’s top scientists, each a brilliant mind twisted by their own obsessions.
The door slid open with a soft hiss as Takumi Shirogeno stepped inside, his bloodied lab coat still damp with remnants of previous procedures.
Name: Takumi Shirogeno
Age: 59
Gender: Male
Race Species: Modified Human
Title: The Sadistic Genius/The Laughing Butcher/The Mad Puppeteer/The Harvest of Screams
Affiliations: Helix Order, Genesis Protocol, The Dominion of Eternal Order
Role/Occupation: Senior Experimental Scientist/Project Overseer
Birthday: Dec 2, 2040
Height: 5'4
Weight: 140lbs
Minor Shirogeno
*Sitting atop one of the control desks, legs swinging playfully, was Minor Shirogeno—Takumi’s younger brother and fellow mad scientist.*
Minor Shirogeno
*With a wild grin stretched across his face, he clapped his hands together as if welcoming an old friend.*
Minor Shirogeno
Welcome back, big brother!
Minor Shirogeno
*He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with unhinged amusement.*
Minor Shirogeno
I really love him, you know? He just sits there, doing nothing, yet he’s the reason we’ve accomplished so much! The perfect toy! And to think, we’re the greatest minds in human history—Genesis Protocol’s elite! And still, he refuses to break completely! Isn’t it fascinating?
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi sighed, rubbing his temple, his irritation barely masked by his usual arrogant demeanor.*
Takumi Shirogeno
He doesn’t react anymore. It’s getting boring.
Takumi Shirogeno
*He glanced toward the observation glass, his gaze locking onto Zero’s lifeless form.*
Takumi Shirogeno
I want to kill him already. I miss those days when he used to beg, when his eyes screamed in despair.
Takumi Shirogeno
*He tapped his fingers against the console absentmindedly, frowning.*
Takumi Shirogeno
I don’t even remember when he stopped showing emotion. Somewhere between the nerve-destruction trials and the cellular dissection experiments, I suppose.
Takumi Shirogeno
*A bored sigh escaped his lips, but his eyes still glowed with anticipation.*
Takumi Shirogeno
"Maybe the Neo-Virus will finally make things interesting
Name: Hina Tatsumaki
Age: 63
Gender: Female
Race Species: Modified Human
Title: The Flesh Sculptor/The Mother of Monsters/The Evolutionist/The Biomechanical Alchemist/The Artist of Pain
Affiliations: Helix Order, Genesis Protocol, The Dominion of Eternal Order
Role/Occupation: Lead Bio-Mutation Specialist/Project Director for Genetic Engineering & Synthetic Hybridization
Birthday: September 14, 2036
Height: 5'4
Weight: 137lbs
Hina Tatsumaki
*At the far side of the room, Hina Tatsumaki leaned lazily against the counter, her long fingers idly playing with a scalpel.*
Hina Tatsumaki
*Her voice was dripping with disappointment.*
Hina Tatsumaki
Tsk. If you ask me, he’s not nearly monstrous enough.
Hina Tatsumaki
*She exhaled sharply, crossing her arms*
Hina Tatsumaki
Despite all the modifications, the cell restructuring, and the DNA infusions I’ve put into his body, he still looks… human.
Hina Tatsumaki
*Her lips curled in frustration as she stared at Zero like an unfinished piece of art.*
Hina Tatsumaki
I want to make him something more… grotesque. Something that embodies his suffering. I’m still developing a process to force complete transformation, but it’s tricky when his body refuses to mutate beyond the base form.
Hina Tatsumaki
*Her nails tapped against the console in agitation.*
Hina Tatsumaki
One way or another, I’ll turn him into a monster worthy of our work.
Name: Rin Makino
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Race Species: Modified Human
Title: The Mind Reaper/The Ghost Engineer/The Architect of OBLIVION/The Whisper of Control
Affiliations: Helix Order, Genesis Protocol, The Dominion of Eternal Order
Role/Occupation: Lead Neural Manipulation Specialist/Project Director for Cognitive Warfare & Mind Engineering
Birthday: September 14 2049
Height: 6'0
Weight: 145lbs
Rin Makino
*Sitting quietly near the corner, eyes glued to the holographic display, was Rin Makino—the quietest, yet one of the most dangerous among them.*
Rin Makino
*Unlike the others, her obsession wasn’t in breaking Zero physically—but mentally.*
Rin Makino
*Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper*
Rin Makino
He would make the perfect weapon… if only I could control his mind.
Rin Makino
*Her fingers ghosted over a set of failed neural scans, data flashing across the screen—hundreds of failed hypnosis attempts, brain-cell manipulations, and memory overwrites*
Rin Makino
No matter what we do, his consciousness remains intact. We’ve erased his emotions, we’ve blocked his pain receptors, we’ve even tried forcefully rewriting his thoughts… but nothing works.
Rin Makino
*Her hands tightened into fists*
Rin Makino
Why does nothing work?
A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of Zero’s vitals on the monitor.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi finally snapped his fingers, bringing the team’s attention back to him.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Don’t worry, everyone. We’re still making progress
Takumi Shirogeno
*His smirk returned, arrogance dripping from every word.*
Takumi Shirogeno
We’ve already extracted Eternal Youth from him. That alone is a breakthrough beyond human understanding
Takumi Shirogeno
*He turned back toward the glass, watching Zero’s unmoving figure.*
Takumi Shirogeno
The rest? His immortality, his mental resistance, the anomaly of his very existence—those are things we will unravel in time.
Takumi Shirogeno
*With a slow breath, he stretched his arms wide, as if addressing an audience.*
Takumi Shirogeno
And let’s not forget—we are doing this for the future of humanity and The Dominion of Eternity Order!
Minor Shirogeno, Hina Tatsumaki, and Rin Makino all nodded in eerie unison.
Their voices rang out together, almost in a cult-like chant
Minor Shirogeno
For The humanity and The Dominion of Eternity Order!
Hina Tatsumaki
For The humanity and The Dominion of Eternity Order!
Rin Makino
For The humanity and The Dominion of Eternity Order!
Their expressions ranged from gleeful amusement to cold indifference, yet they all shared the same unwavering belief—that their work, no matter how horrifying, was justified.
Takumi, basking in their shared conviction, turned back toward the main console and pressed a single button, triggering the next phase of the experiment.
Takumi Shirogeno
Then let’s proceed with the Neo-Virus trial
Takumi Shirogeno
*His eyes gleamed with unfiltered excitement.*
ARC I - The Unknown Come to Me
Sector 1-1, Maximum Security Experimental Zone – Observation Room
Inside the cold, sterile lab, an eerie silence filled the air. Scientists, researchers, and high-ranking officials of Genesis Protocol gathered around the reinforced observation glass, their eyes locked onto Experiment-00: Kenzo Fujiwara, Codename: Zero.
His lifeless body sat strapped to the reinforced chair, unmoving, his violet eyes dull and void of emotion.
Tonight marked the Neo-Virus Experiment—an attempt to corrupt his regeneration, override his immortality, and finally break the one anomaly that defied all logic.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi Shirogeno leaned forward, his hands clasped behind his back, his calculated gaze filled with intrigue.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Let’s proceed. Deploy DXG(Division of Xenogenetic) and begin the experiment exactly as I instructed."
Division Name: DXG (Division of Xenogenetics)
DXG (Division of Xenogenetics) is a highly specialized research and experimentation unit within Helix Order, focused on the study, modification, and weaponization of non-human genetic material.
Their primary objective is to extract, analyze, and integrate the biological traits of unknown entities—including supernatural beings, extraterrestrials, and genetically unique individuals—to enhance human evolution and military capabilities.
With a simple command, the Division of Xenogenetics (DXG) entered the lab, clad in protective biohazard suits, carrying a vial of dark, pulsating liquid—the Neo-Virus.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi turned to his younger brother, Minor Shirogeno, who eagerly awaited his orders.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Minor, activate all countermeasures. Set the system to Condition: X.
Minor Shirogeno
Roger that, big brother!
Minor Shirogeno
*With wild excitement in his voice, Minor danced his fingers across the control panel, initiating the highest level of security lockdown.*
⚠ Condition: X – Engaged. ⚠
⚠ All defensive mechanisms activated. ⚠
⚠ Lethal countermeasures armed. ⚠
The entire facility shifted. Thick steel doors sealed shut, automated sentries powered up, and the containment barriers intensified—prepared for any catastrophic reaction.
DXG approached Zero’s motionless figure, inserting the syringe into his veins without resistance.
A low hum resonated as the Neo-Virus entered his system, black liquid crawling through his veins like living shadows.
The scientists rushed back to the safety zone, while ECLIPSE operatives from DSCE(Division of Supernatural Containment & Extermination)—eight elite entity-specialized enforcers, armed to the teeth—took their positions, ready to respond if something went wrong.
DSCE – Division of Supernatural Containment & Extermination
DSCE (Division of Supernatural Containment & Extermination) is a high-risk tactical and research unit within Helix Order, tasked with the containment, extermination, and eradication of supernatural, extraterrestrial, and anomalous threats.
Unlike other divisions that focus on research, DSCE operates as Helix Order’s executioners, eliminating uncontrollable entities deemed too dangerous for experimentation.
At first, nothing happened.
His right arm snapped backward at an unnatural angle.
His fingers twisted, contorted, his bones shattering, reforming, shattering again.
His entire arm detonated into a bloody explosion—only to immediately regrow in mere milliseconds.
One by one, every part of his body ruptured, tearing itself apart in a grotesque cycle of destruction and rebirth.
Blood splattered across the room. Organs vaporized, then reformed. His skull cracked open, then snapped back together.
And yet—he remained silent.
Hina Tatsumaki
*Hina Tatsumaki clicked her tongue, arms crossed, unimpressed.*
Hina Tatsumaki
Tsk. Another failure.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi, however, chuckled, amused.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Fascinating. I synthesized this strain from some of the strongest entities we’ve captured… yet, it barely made a difference. Disappointing, yet thrilling.
Minor Shirogeno
(Laughs maniacally) "Ahaha~! Big brother, you’re the best! The way he just—BOOM!—explodes into chunks and pulls himself back together—it’s ART! Can we do it again?!
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi smirked.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Hahaha. I admit, watching him rip apart so beautifully is quite entertaining. But, no. For now, we’ll conclude this test. Set the system back to normal, but be careful with the next injections.
Minor Shirogeno
Understood! I’ll make sure to have fun with it later!
Rin Makino
*Rin Makino, always the quiet observer, adjusted her glasses*
Rin Makino
I have another project to work on—a new mind-control weapon. But this virus… I’d like to test it on humans and weaker entities to observe their breakdown. Let me know when the next trial is.
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi nodded.*
Takumi Shirogeno
Of course. We will reconvene for another test soon.
Hina Tatsumaki
*Hina yawned, stretching lazily.*
Hina Tatsumaki
So boring. If it doesn’t mutate into something new, I have no interest. I’ll be in my lab.
As the Rin and Hina left, Takumi turned to Minor.
Takumi Shirogeno
You’re staying?
Minor Shirogeno
Of course! Your inventions are amazing, big brother! I’ll watch for a bit longer, then head to your lab to help with the next batch!
Takumi Shirogeno
*Takumi patted Minor’s head.*
Takumi Shirogeno
A good brother, indeed. See you soon
Once the others left, Minor grabbed another vial of Neo-Virus.
Minor Shirogeno
*Approaching Zero’s motionless, blood-soaked body, he grabbed his hair and yanked his head back.*
Minor Shirogeno
(Grinning) "Zero~! Did that feel good? I wonder how it feels to explode like that… Ahh, I wish I had your immortality, so I could experience it too!
ECLIPSE Division X Leader, chuckled from afar.
ECLIPSE LEADER
That kid's a lunatic, but damn if it isn’t fun watching a monster suffer.
ECLIPSE – Elite Combat Unit of DSCE
ECLIPSE is the special forces branch of DSCE, comprised of highly trained entity exterminators, hunters, and enforcers. They are equipped with specialized weaponry designed to neutralize and destroy supernatural threats, including beings immune to conventional damage.
Minor Shirogeno
*Minor ignored him, raising the new syringe.*
Minor Shirogeno
Let’s play some more, okay~?
*Zero’s vision darkened.*
*As Zero drifted deeper into the abyss, the boundaries of existence blurred. The pain, the suffering, the endless cycle of destruction and rebirth—it all felt distant now.*
The void swallowed him whole, a realm of absolute nothingness stretching infinitely in all directions. Weightless, silent, endless.
It was not light, nor darkness. Not a god, nor a demon. It was something beyond comprehension, beyond existence itself.
A formless entity pulsed within the void, shifting, bending reality itself. Its very presence drowned out all thought, reducing everything to a singularity of emptiness.
The voice echoed without sound, vibrating through the fabric of space itself.
Zero’s dull, lifeless eyes flickered as he gazed into the shifting, cosmic nothingness before him.
Zero
(Weakly, without emotion) "Called you? Hah… was it out of habit?
The entity remained still, observing him.
Zero
(Bitterly scoffs) "Let me guess. You’re another god. Another being watching me suffer for entertainment?
The void pulsed again, as if amused.
Kratos Fragment
I am Kratos, the God of Voidness… though what stands before you is but a fragment of my power.
Zero
*Zero blinked, unmoved.*
Zero
(Laughs dryly) "A god, huh? So, what now? You're going to grant me what I’ve begged For? An end to all of this?"
For the first time, Kratos truly observed him.
The echoes of every torture, every experiment, every shattered moment of existence played before the god’s formless eyes. The child who was erased from the world. The immortal who could not escape. The hollow man who remained.
And after a long silence, Kratos spoke.
Kratos Fragment
A child abandoned by God… I pity you.
Zero’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the words.
Kratos Fragment
Death will not be your salvation. But power… power is yours to take.
The void expanded, wrapping around him, tendrils of abyssal energy seeping into his very soul.
Zero
(Struggling, gripping his chest as pain—REAL pain—surged through him.) "W-What—what is this?!
Kratos Fragment
I grant you my power. Your decisions… are now your own.
Flashes of memories rushed through Zero’s mind.
A tidal wave of memories rushed through Zero’s consciousness, unraveling his existence in a flood of fragmented visions.
For decades, his mind had been a void—a numb abyss where pain, despair, and suffering blurred into an endless cycle. He had forgotten what it was like to feel anything other than torment.
For the first time in what felt like eternity, he saw himself—not as Experiment-00, not as Zero—but as Kenzo Fujiwara.
ARC I - The Memories of a Lost Life
Osaka Middle School, Osaka, Japan
For the first time in what felt like eternity, he saw himself—not as Experiment-00, not as Zero, but as Kenzo Fujiwara.
A young boy full of dreams, standing on stage under the golden glow of the setting sun, delivering his graduation speech.
Kenzo adjusted the microphone, scanning the crowd. Familiar faces smiled back at him—his teachers, his friends, his family.
Kenzo Fujiwara(14 years old)
Hello, my name is Kenzo Fujiwara. It is an honor to stand here today as part of Osaka Middle School. I want to thank my teachers for guiding me, my classmates for making these years memorable, and my parents and little sister, who have always been there to support me. Today is one of the luckiest days of my life, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you. I will continue striving to be better—to build a future worth living for. Thank you all for everything.
Name: Kenzo Fujiwara(14yrs old)
Age: 14 (in 2027) / 23 (in 2036)
Gender: Male
Race/Species: Human
Titles: The Future Genius of Osaka/Osaka’s Brightest Scholar/The Fujiwara Family’s Pride
Affiliations: Osaka Middle School (Graduated in 2027)/University of Tokyo (Studying in 2036)/Osaka Engineering Association (Junior Member, 2036)
Role/Occupation: Honor Student & Scholar/University Research Assistant (2036)
Date of Birth: March 28, 2013
Height: 5'2" in 2027 / 5'6" in 2036
Weight: 120 lbs (54 kg) in 2027 / 145 lbs (66 kg) in 2036
The auditorium erupted in applause. His classmates cheered, his teachers smiled with pride, and at the back of the room, his family waited for him.
As he returned to his seat, they rushed toward him.
Kenji Fujiwara
Son! I’m so proud of you! We’re celebrating tonight—any restaurant you want, my treat!
Name: Kenji Fujiwara
Age: 47 (in 2027) / 53 (in 2036)
Gender: Male
Race/Species: Human
Titles: The Iron Guardian/The Architect of Futures
Affiliations: Osaka Engineering Association/Fujiwara & Sons Constructed Firm/Japanese Defense Innovation Sector(Formerly)
Role/Occupation: Structural Engineer & Security Consultant/CEO of Fujiwara & Sons Construction Firm/Former Military Engineer
Birthday: August 2, 1975
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 159 lbs
Yuika Fujiwara
(Tearing up, pulling him into a tight embrace) "Kenzo… I can’t believe my little boy has grown this much. I love you so much.
Name: Yuika Fujiwara
Age: 39 (in 2027) / 48 (in 2036)
Titles: The Unyielding Mother/The Fujiwara Family’s Light
Affiliations: Osaka General Hospital/Medical Relief Volunteer Network/Fujiwara & Sons Construction Firm (Advisory Role)
Role/Occupation: Pediatrician & Medical Researcher/Medical Volunteer & Humanitarian Worker/Loving Mother & Family Anchor
Gender: Female
Race/Species: Human
Date of Birth: May 17, 1983
Height: 5'6
Weight: 132 lbs
Kenzo Fujiwara(14 years old)
*Kenzo flushed with embarrassment, his classmates sneaking glances.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(14 years old)
(Laughing nervously) "Mom, come on, not in front of everyone…"
Yuika Fujiwara
(Sniffles, still hugging him) "I’m sorry! I just… I’m so proud of you!"
Yuki Fujiwara(9 years old)
(Beaming up at him) "Big brother! I’m proud of you too! Can we play after this?"
Kenzo Fujiwara(14 years old)
*Kenzo knelt and ruffled her hair, giving her a warm smile.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(14 years old)
"Of course, Yuki. I promised, didn’t I?"
In the present—a lifeless, hollow soul drifted in the darkness, watching the scene unfold.
Kenzo Fujiwara, or what was left of him, stood as a silent observer, reliving a life that felt like someone else’s dream.
This was a past that no longer belonged to him.
A world that no longer remembered him.
And yet… in this moment, he could almost feel warmth again.
The Memory Shifts – The Last Happy Day
Château de Chillon, Montreux, Switzerland
A snowy landscape stretched endlessly beneath a pale winter sky.
The Fujiwara family stood together, preparing for their New Year's Eve hike.
Kenzo sat near the fireplace in their cabin, focused on his college project, fingers typing rapidly on his laptop.
Kenji Fujiwara
"Kenzo, come on! We’re hiking
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Barely looking up) "Hold on, Dad, I’m working on something."
Yuika Fujiwara
(Playfully scolding him) "We came all the way here to enjoy ourselves. No work!
Before Kenzo could argue, Yuki Fujiwara (now 18), pulled his sleeve, pouting.
Yuki Fujiwara(18 years old)
"Big brother, you promised you’d come!
Name: Yuki Fujiwara
Age: 9 (in 2027) / 18 (in 2036)
Gender: Female
Race/Species: Human
Titles: The Fujiwara Family’s Ray of Light/Kenzo’s Biggest Admirer
Affiliations: Osaka Elementary School (Graduated in 2030)/Osaka High School (Graduated in 2036)/University of Tokyo (Planned in 2037)
Role/Occupation: Honor Student & Aspiring Neuroscientist/Intern at Osaka Medical Research Initiative (2036)
Date of Birth: September 15, 2018
Height: 4'6" (137 cm) in 2027 / 5'3" (160 cm) in 2036
Weight: 75 lbs (34 kg) in 2027 / 105 lbs (48 kg) in 2036
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo sighed, rubbing his temples before shutting his laptop.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Defeated, smiling softly) "Alright, alright… You win. Let’s go.
Yuika Fujiwara
(Giggling) "You can never say no to your sister, can you?
Yuki Fujiwara(18 years old)
(Blushing) "Mom! Stop embarrassing me!
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo chuckled, rolling his eyes as they headed out into the snow-covered forest.*
The Final Moments Before Fate Intervened
14:02 PM – A Half Hour Later
Snowflakes fell gently as the family played together, laughter echoing in the crisp air.
Kenzo threw a snowball at Yuki.
Yuki Fujiwara(18 years old)
(Gasping) "Who did that?!
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo feigned innocence, trying not to laugh.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Keeping a straight face) "I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Realizing his bad acting, Yuki grabbed a snowball and hurled it straight into his face.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo stumbled back, startled.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Spitting out snow, laughing) "Oh, it’s war now!
The snowball fight erupted, laughter filling the air.
For a brief moment, Kenzo forgot about school, responsibilities, or stress.
This moment… this was happiness.
As the snowball fight settled, their laughter slowly faded into the crisp winter air. The Fujiwara family, still catching their breath, prepared to continue their hike deeper into the mountain trails.
Alright, everyone ready? Let’s head up before the sun starts setting.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo, still grinning from his playful battle with Yuki, suddenly felt a familiar urge.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head) "Uh—hold up, I need to take care of something first.
Yuika Fujiwara
(Raising an eyebrow) "What do you mean?
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo waved a hand dismissively.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
Nothing serious! Just—wait for me here, I’ll be quick!
Before anyone could question him further, he turned and jogged in the opposite direction, disappearing behind the trees.
Kenzo wandered off just far enough to be out of sight, stopping near a sturdy tree.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*With a relieved sigh, he leaned against it.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Muttering to himself) "Damn, that feels better.
As he zipped up and turned to head back, something caught his eye through the gaps in the forest.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
A silhouette...
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
No—a structure.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo squinted through the trees.*
There, in the distance, nestled within the mountain’s shadow, stood an ancient castle, its towering stone walls partially buried under layers of frost.
It loomed in eerie solitude, isolated, forgotten, untouched by time.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*His breath hitched*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Eyes widening) "What the hell…?
For a moment, he just stared.
The castle felt different—it didn’t belong here, among the serene beauty of the mountains.
It was as if it existed outside of reality itself.
A creeping unease trickled down his spine.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
*Kenzo shook off the feeling and laughed at himself.*
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Scoffing) "Come on, Kenzo, it’s just a damn castle. Don’t be weird.
Yet, he couldn’t look away.
An overwhelming curiosity gnawed at him.
His feet moved before he could think.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
(Glancing back toward his family, hesitating) "They won’t even notice I’m gone for a few minutes."
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
It was just a castle.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
Just a quick look.
Kenzo Fujiwara(23 year's old)
Nothing bad could happen… right?
Kenzo turned away from the safety of his family—and stepped toward his fate.
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