Chapter 20: The Mask of the Normal World
[Rael, 1st Person POV]
It's still hard to believe everything that's happening in my life.
As I walk through the streets of the city, I feel so… out of place. Watching all the people pass by…
"Look, Mom, a giant doll!"
"I know, sweetie. We can buy one for you later."
"Yay!"
"Dude, have you seen the second season? It's awesome!"
"I just hope they don't ruin the ending this time."
All of them live such normal lives, like I did not too long ago. They don't see the world the way I do now. They have no idea it's all just a carefully maintained lie. But maybe... that's for the best.
I don't want to be like them again. Living in the dark, just another pawn in someone else's game... that's not a future I want. Still, maybe peace only exists when people don't know the truth. Or maybe... the truth is a right everyone should have.
The school year's ending. My classes are wrapping up. I don't even know what to do about that anymore.
Eventually, my wandering brought me to the front of a hospital.
"Obāchan."
This is where my grandmother is staying. I pulled down my hood and stepped inside.
"Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?"
"I'd like to visit my grandmother."
-
Inside the hospital room, I saw Obāchan lying in bed, unconscious. Her condition had stabilized, but... how long could that last? Her health was deteriorating, bit by bit.
*Sigh…*
If I could afford the best hospitals, the best treatments...
"I need to find a way to make more money."
My part-time job isn't nearly enough. I'll need other income sources.
I moved closer and gently held her hand.
"Obāchan, I'm so... lost," I murmured, sitting down beside her.
"I feel so alone. I miss our family. I miss Dad's dumb jokes, Mom's nagging…"
I'd give anything to have it all back.
"Everything that's happening now... maybe it's too much for me."
"..."
"You can do it. I'm sure you can, Rael."
Her voice. So faint most people wouldn't have even heard it. But I did. When I looked up, she was smiling softly.
"You look different than before, my dear… Your eyes… they're not the same anymore. They remind me of your father's eyes. But I can feel your heart—and that hasn't changed. You're still the same kind boy."
She squeezed my hand gently and closed her eyes again.
"Obāchan..."
Her breathing slowed. She'd fallen back asleep.
"..."
"Thank you… I know what I need to do."
-
It was already dusk when I left the hospital. Halfway home, I stopped by a market.
My mind was racing. Going after the Awakened without a plan was reckless... but I didn't have much choice.
'Heading to that island could be a trap. If I get caught, I may not be able to escape. But what else can I do?'
I scrolled through my inventory—and then noticed it.
'Tower coins... that's it!'
I pulled out my phone and called a familiar number.
>"Moshi moshi."
A familiar voice came from the other end of the phone—Kirishima.
"Kirishima, I need a favor from you."
>"Ah, Rael-san?! Is something wrong?" he asked, nervous.
"I need your help. It's about those people."
I wandered the market aisles, picking up a few essentials while I talked.
>"Rael-san, you're not seriously thinking of doing something, are you?! It's too dangerous—"
"You don't need to worry. I can handle myself now. I need you to investigate something for me."
There was a pause. Kirishima sounded hesitant.
>"…Alright," he finally sighed. "But what is it?"
"I'll explain everything tomorrow morning. Let's set a meeting point."
As I spoke, walking through the aisles of the market, I felt a strange sensation. Like... I was being watched.
I looked toward the source and saw a tall man near the register. Long dark hair. Sharp suit. Standing with a woman and a child.
When our eyes met, the air got heavier. Then, just like that, the feeling disappeared.
'What was that...?'
The stench of decay, a cloying sweetness mixed with the sharp tang of death, hung heavy in the air. It wasn't from the man, but emanated from the woman and child, a sickening wave of nausea-inducing odor.
It was the smell of death.
"Sir, here's your receipt. Have a good evening."
"Ah, thank you," the man replied as he walked out with the others.
>"Rael-san? Are you still there?" Kirishima's voice pulled me back.
"Yeah... I'm fine. I'll talk to you later.
I hung up and rushed outside—but the man was gone.
…
"Weird…"
-
-
Later, at home, the memory still lingered.
"That man wasn't normal. But he didn't feel like one of the Awakened either…"
Unable to make sense of it, I shoved the thought aside—for now.
"Take me to the Tower."
「Starting transfer」
「Welcome to the Tower, Trailblazer」
-
-
Back on Floor 0. I wasn't here to climb this time—I was here to shop.
There were many merchants on this floor.
I needed something useful: a device for recording, spying, and camouflage.
"That's probably too futuristic… Will I even find something like that here?"
I doubted it. But I was wrong.
A few conversations and merchants later, I found exactly what I needed.
"Here it is!" a merchant chirped—who looked like a sentient pile of green slime. "A drone controlled by thought! Attack and defense modes, camouflage, night vision, full recording—"
He continued rambling excitedly.
"Sounds perfect. I'll take it."
"That'll be 700 Lumen, Trailblazer!" the slime said, positively glowing.
'It's crazy… there really are so many different kinds of beings out here.'
-
-
Back at home, I studied the drone.
The merchant said you just needed to wear the control helmet and use your thoughts to guide it.
I also picked up a long-distance communication device while I was there.
"Alright... Let's get to work."
-
『Name: Rael Kazehiro』
『Age: 18』
『Lumen: 100』
『Titles: Nebula, Trailblazer』
『Affiliation: None』
『Traits/characteristics: Enhanced Adaptation, Universal communication, Axis, Eternium manipulation, Super-human Traits』
『Origin: Kytherra』
『Classification: Layer 1, Floor 2』
『Items: Basic Space Pouch』