In the previous chapter, we witnessed Richard's lifelong dream finally coming true—reaching the future through time travel. But a fatal error changed everything. In his rush, he left the specially designed robotic vessel behind in the laboratory. With his soul drifting and facing certain erasure, he had no choice but to seize the body of a stranger. Now, trapped in a life that isn't his, Richard must face a world he never expected."
Wait... whose body am I in?" Richard muttered, looking at his unfamiliar hands. "And what's this kid's name? Hey, boy! What's your name?"
He suddenly stopped, hitting his forehead. "Right. I'm an idiot. I've hijacked his body; he can't answer me anymore." He sighed, leaning against a cold wall. "How did I make such a mess? Leaving my robotic vessel behind... what a disaster."
He glanced at his wrist. "Thank God for this watch." It was a specialized sensor-based timepiece he'd built to absorb heat and self-charge. It was the only thing that survived the transition with him.
"I haven't even seen my new face yet." Richard found a dusty mirror in the hallway. As he wiped the grime away, a strikingly handsome reflection stared back. "Not bad... I look like a model."
"Hitoshi! What are you doing? Get to school, now!" a sharp voice echoed. A woman—his mother—was glaring at him.
So, the kid's name is Hitoshi, Richard thought. And this is his mother. A world-class scientist... going back to high school? Well, at least I can enjoy the 'Future School' life.
"If you aren't at school in 10 minutes, remember what I'll do to you!" she yelled.
Richard grabbed a bag and bolted out the door. "Man, moms in the future are just as terrifying as the ones in the past!" he gasped while running. As he looked around, his jaw dropped. The buildings were massive, defying gravity. "This is more dangerous and interesting than I ever dreamed!"
[10 Minutes Later - The Classroom]
"Hitoshi! Late again?" the teacher barked.
"Sorry, Ma'am. I... I lost my way," Richard stammered.
"Oh, really? Did you 'time travel' here or something?" the teacher mocked.
Richard froze. "How did you know?!"
The teacher's eyes narrowed. "Don't play games with me, Hitoshi. Take your seat before I lose my temper."
Richard sat down quickly and whispered to a classmate, "Hey, what year is this?"
The boy looked at him like he was crazy. "It's 2090, man."
2090? I've jumped 70 years ahead! Richard was ecstatic.
"Hitoshi! Stand up!" the teacher shouted. "Since you're so busy talking, answer this: Which country has the world's lowest population?"
Richard smirked. "Easy. It's Japan, Ma'am."
The entire class erupted in laughter. The teacher looked furious. "Are you mocking me?"
Ringgg! The bell saved him. "We'll finish this tomorrow, Hitoshi," she warned as the students kept laughing.
Walking out, Richard felt a chill. "Japan was the lowest population country in my time... but here, it's crowded. Wait... am I in a Parallel World future?"
"WATCH OUT, KID!"
SCREECH—CRASH!
A truck slammed into him.
Richard's vision blurred. He felt his soul being ripped out of the boy's body. He looked down and saw a crowd gathering around a bloodied figure. It was Hitoshi. The boy was dead.
"No... No!" Richard's soul trembled. "I killed him. Because of my recklessness, an innocent boy is dead. This wasn't supposed to happen!"
But the countdown began again. 10 seconds.
"If I don't find a new host in 10 seconds, I'll be erased forever. I have to... I have to take that body over there!"
The End of Chapter 2.
Q1: Richard noticed that in 2090, Japan is overcrowded, which is the opposite of his original timeline. Do you think he is truly in the future, or has he accidentally slipped into a "Dark Parallel Universe"?
Q2: Richard's soul is drifting again! Who should be his next host? A powerful warrior, a corrupt politician, or someone completely unexpected?
I'll wait for your Answers And next chapter is more intersting.