SAI SHINU
The four men rushed my mother. Panic surged through me. I didn't care where the fifth one had gone. They pressed something against her neck—she gasped—and then her body went limp.
"No!" I screamed, sprinting toward them in blind rage. My fist was ready to strike—
—and everything went black.
I opened my eyes and found myself floating in an endless void. A dark, silent universe stretched in all directions, stars nowhere to be seen.
"Where… am I?" My voice echoed endlessly.
"Behind you."
I froze. Fear prickled across my skin, but I turned.
A man stood there, cloaked in white with emerald patterns etched across the fabric. His face was hidden, swallowed by shadows.
"Who are you?" I demanded.
His reply came sharp and immediate.
"I am the cause of your life… and your death."
My chest tightened. "I died?"
"You were about to," he said, calm as still water. "But I intervened. I saved you."
Relief flickered in me—though I wasn't sure if I should be grateful, or terrified.
"Let's talk."
A table and two chairs appeared as if born from the void itself. He gestured. We sat across from each other, his face still hidden from me.
He leaned forward slightly.
"Tell me, young man… do you wish to live?"
The question cut through me. For a moment, I faltered, then nodded firmly. "Yes. Of course."
"If you want to live, then you must have something to drive you every single day. So… what is your dream?"
I swallowed. My mind was blank, yet words spilled out: "I don't have much in mind… but I'd say my dream is to help others achieve theirs."
He tilted his head. "So their dreams become your dream, is that it?"
"Yes," I answered.
A low chuckle escaped him. "Then hear this: a dream is something you truly want. If your 'dream' is merely watching another reach theirs, then it is not yours—it is theirs. You are only a pawn, moving on someone else's board."
My brows furrowed. "Why do you say that?"
"Imagine this," he said, voice heavy with meaning. "Suppose your dream is to see someone become a god. And they succeed. In the end, they are divine, and you are nothing. What was your dream worth then?"
His words cut deep. I had no answer.
He pressed again, voice sharper now.
"So… I ask you again. Do you wish to live?"
I hesitated. Silence hung between us. Finally, I drew a breath. "Yes. I do."
"But you have no dream," he replied.
"You're wrong." My voice was steadier this time. "I do have one."
"Oh?" His tone carried amusement. "And what is it?"
"My dream is to find a reason to live this life."
For the first time, he paused. Then slowly, he nodded. "A good answer."
He rose from the table. "Back there, you were at death's door. But I pulled you back."
I looked up at him. "Why? Why save me?"
He sighed, his voice echoing with loneliness. "Because I am cursed. This forest, too, carries my curse. For years—decades—no one has dared enter. And so I have been alone, without a voice to answer mine."
He turned, his cloak swaying in the void. "I can return your life… but it will come at a cost."
My heart sank. "What cost?"
"You will carry a curse for the rest of your days."
My fists clenched. "What kind of curse?"
"That," he said darkly, "I do not know. Each curse manifests differently. It is a risk. Will you take it?"
Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes. I'll take it. Because I finally have something to live for."
He studied me for a moment, then nodded.
"One more question," I said quickly. "This curse—it will only affect me, right? My friend will be safe?"
"Yes. The curse binds only to you."
I exhaled, relief flooding me. "Then… I'm ready."
He raised a hand. "Good. When I snap my fingers, you will lose consciousness. When you awaken, you will be back in the cave. Do not fear—I have already slaughtered the ones who harmed you. Your path is yours again. Find your friend."
I swallowed hard and nodded. "Thank you, sir. Let's… let's do it."
"You are an interesting one," he said softly. "When you find your dream—when you truly achieve it—return to me. We will speak again."
His hand lifted. A snap echoed through the void.
And then—nothing.