Chapter 1- The Ordinary End
A pale white glow filled the room. At the desk sat a fifteen-year-old boy, hunched over his computer screen, eyes scanning the growing text of a web novel from fate universe.
His name was Ashton. Among his classmates, he was often teased as a nerd - a "smart ass" who spent more time with history books and fantasy novels than with people. But Ashton didn't mind. To him, stories of kings, heroes, and ancient wars were far more interesting than the shallow chatter of school life.
With a sigh, Ashton stretched his arms over his head, the chair creaking beneath him. "Man... my back's killing me," he muttered. He stood, rubbing the soreness from his shoulders, and shuffled into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later he emerged freshly washed, slipping into his favorite red hoodie and a pair of black pants.
He pocketed his worn wallet from the desk, then unlocked the door. A wave of cool air greeted him. The street outside was already swallowed by night.
"Wow... it's dark already," he murmured, locking the door behind him. His sneakers tapped softly against the pavement as he walked through the quiet streets toward the local convenience store.
The warm hum of fluorescent lights welcomed him when he stepped inside. Ashton headed straight to the meat section his eyes narrowing at the price tags.
"Damn... beef's expensive today," he thought with a grimace.
At the counter, the clerk - a familiar face - looked up and smiled. "Ashton! Don't worry, I will give you a special offer today."
Ashton chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Then I'll gladly accept," he said, returning the smile. After paying, he waved goodbye and stepped back into the night.
Outside, he slipped on his headphones, letting his favorite song play as he strolled down the dimly lit street. The music carried his thoughts away, and he found himself humming along, the bag of groceries swaying lazily in his hand.
He was halfway across the road when he noticed it - two blinding lights racing towards him, faster than he could react.
Honk! Screech!
The roar of an engine, the screech of tires, and then- impact. The world be a blur of pain as his body was flung into a nearby wall. The bag of groceries burst, spilling onto the asphalt. Blood stained the concrete. His vision swam, the sound of his song fading into static.
"Truck... kun? The absurd thought slipped into his mind, a final spark of humor as darkness closed in. A single tear traced down his broken cheek before everything went black.