
Ugh… help! I can’t breathe. My chest… It's crushing me. Cold. Why is it so cold? Why can’t I open my eyes?
... A young man tumbled to the floor of an unfamiliar room, clutching his skull as a migraine tore through his senses. Every pulse of pain felt like his head might split open. “Where… where am I?” His last memory hit like a blade, the last thing he remembered was his tiny cubicle room, a CGPA of 1.95 staring back at him from his laptop screen. Out of despair he took poison and committed suicide. He forced his eyes open. Wooden walls surrounded him, rough but orderly. Two beds, two hangers, a small table beside one of the beds, likely for reading. The air smelled faintly of cedar and candle smoke. “Am I… dreaming? Or is this another world?” A pounding in his head grew unbearable, memories that felt alien and yet familiar, flashed across his mind, laughter that wasn’t his, a room that wasn’t his, a life that didn’t belong to him. The door creaked. A boy, around sixteen but built like a man, stepped inside with quiet confidence. “Big bro,” the boy called. “Mum says it’s time for dinner.” Adrian froze. ‘Big bro?’ His throat went dry. He nodded faintly, unsure if his own voice would betray him. Fragments of memory flooded him. Five children in the family. He was the eldest. And his name… Adrian. The same as his old self. The irony stung. This body had been primed for him, expelled from a prestigious church school, a mark of shame. Somehow, fate had handed him a second chance. Failure follows me everywhere… even here. Adrian’s lips pressed into a thin line. He rose to his feet and walked toward the living room, each step tentative, measured. The family sat around the table. Father, mother, younger brother, two little sisters. Adrian offered a faint, awkward smile. Strange, yet comforting. They were family… and yet, strangers. “Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother,” he murmured in a low voice. The dinner spread was modest, a bowl of soup, some stodge-like substance, he looked at it strangely for a few seconds before thinking, ‘This is the life now, huh?’. He ate silently, letting the quiet hum of family life settle around him. Then his father’s voice sliced through the calm. “Have you considered it?” Adrian froze. 'Consider… what?' His mother’s glare sharpened at her husband. “At least let him finish his dinner!” The father’s gaze hardened, turning to Adrian. “Son, academics aren’t your path. Have you thought about the police force? I can pull some strings. You could support the family… you’re a man now.” Adrian’s chest tightened. 'Ah… that’s what this is'. He forced calm into his voice. “I’ve considered it, Father,” he said, meeting the gaze of this new reality. “That’s my boy,” the father said, pride softening his stern expression. “I knew I gave birth to no loser.” Adrian’s soup plate clattered softly as he finished his meal and pushed back his stool. “I’m done,” he whispered, retreating to the shared bedroom with his younger siblings. Alone, he realized, the room doesn't have any mirrors. He fetched a bowl of water from the bathroom, placing it on the table near the window. He pulled the curtains wide. Light spilled across the room. And above him, in the dusky sky, hung two moons. He leaned over the water. Blue eyes stared back. A defined jawline. A tired looking eyes clearly from lack of sleep. “Not bad,” he muttered, almost with a smile. “At least I look good here.” Adrian set the bowl of water aside, wondering if this was all his transmigration had to offer. Aside from a second chance at life… nothing? “I mean, I’m not asking for much,” he muttered, half-laughing. “Just something unique. Something that sets me apart from the norm.” He shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. I’m not a main character. I don’t need to fight a demon lord, slay monsters, or overthrow corrupt governments. Why waste my life chasing a story that isn’t mine? A deep sigh escaped him. This isn’t so bad. A strange world, a new life… maybe the police force is my path. Decent income, a quiet home, a decent woman, a decent family… peace. That’s enough. He began scanning the room, letting his eyes trace every corner, every shelf. Hanging clothes. A lantern. Books piled haphazardly on the table. Nothing remarkable… until a drawer caught his attention. Inside, five candles, a sachet of salt, and a red, scaly book. “What the heck is this?” Adrian muttered, heart skipping a beat. Carefully, he lifted the book. Its cover was rough, almost alive under his fingers. 'Was… was the former owner trying to summon an evil god?' Memories surged. This boy, his former self, had an interest in the mystical and occult. He’d bought the book from a shady seller at the market on a whim, chasing curiosity rather than caution. Adrian flipped it open. The words were written in his hometown language back on Earth. A coincidence? He wasn’t sure. He skimmed through the text, the context barely making sense. Yet, a strange pull tugged at him, urging him to perform the ritual. This could be dangerous… he thought, heart hammering. But I’ve already died once. What’s the worst that could happen? Determined, he locked the door and closed the window. Following the book’s instructions, he poured salt at the four corners of the room and placed a candle on each. In the center, he drew a large circle, his hands trembling slightly. He stood in the middle, placed the final candle in front of him, and began reading aloud. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then… the room grew unnaturally silent. The air turned icy, prickling his skin. One by one, the candles flickered to life, their flames hovering as if fed by unseen breath. Adrian’s throat went dry. He hesitated. Should he stop? 'Maybe I shouldn’t continue… ' But the wind swirled violently, threatening to knock the book from his hands. 'If I stop now… something dangerous will happen'. Clenching his jaw, he closed his eyes and pressed on, reciting the final lines of the ritual. The air seemed to hum, vibrating with a strange energy, and then suddenly everything snapped back to normal. The candles lay unlit. The wind stilled. The air warmed. Sweat drenched his back, and his chest pounded with adrenaline. For a moment, it all seemed like an illusion… until he glanced around. The scaly red book was gone. Adrian swallowed hard, heart hammering. “It’s gone… but… what did I summon?”
Latest Chapter
Captain Lesson
The dining table was warm with the smell of fresh bread and spiced broth. Steam curled lazily from clay bowls, the kind of homely scene that almost made one forget the world outside was dangerous.His father cleared his throat, voice steady and brimming with quiet pride.“I was told I don’t need to work any longer with the MoonBrook police,” he began, breaking the silence.Adrian didn’t look up from his plate. He tore into his bread, chewing slowly, eyes half-lidded. “Let me guess, you refused.”His father’s laugh filled the room, deep and self-satisfied. “Haha, you know me well. Do they expect me to sit at home doing nothing? Instead, they offered me a promotion.”“Father is now the police captain for this district,” Theron muttered, half in awe, half in disbelief.Adrian finally raised his eyes, studying the man across the table. ‘Captain? That means he won’t patrol much… but still. That’s fast’. He forced a nod. “That’s impressive.”His mother’s smile was tight, “They even offered
Worried Family
The first encounter came faster than Adrian expected. A low, guttural growl slithered through the alley to their right, chilling the night air. Kael’s massive hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword, muscles tensing like coiled steel. From the shadows, two gaunt, hunched beasts emerged. Thin and hairless, their pale skin stretched taut over sharp bones, eyes glowing a sickly green. They moved with unnatural speed, jaws snapping at the air like razors in motion.“Adrian!” Kael barked, voice cutting through the tension. “Position yourself between them and Rhea. Don’t hesitate.”Adrenaline surged, hot and electric. Adrian’s grip tightened around the hilt of his dagger, heart hammering. Time seemed to slow; he noticed subtle details, a faint shimmer around the creatures, a distortion in the air that marked them as something beyond natural.“Move!” Darius’ voice rang out, commanding. He swung his sword with precision, steel meeting claw in a shower of sparks. Adrian reacted instinc
First time outside after dark
“How are you feeling?” Old Man Joseph asked.Adrian shifted on the chair, pressing his palm against his chest. “Kind of light, actually. And… it feels like something inside of me got locked.”Joseph raised a brow. “Feeling light is normal, but locked? That’s not how it should feel. The potions help you digest power faster and stabilize it, reducing the risk of losing control until, eventually, you can’t lose control at all. There shouldn’t be any sensation of locking. Maybe you misread it.”The old wizard’s tone carried the unshakable certainty of someone who had seen countless initiates. A top-tier wizard like Joseph didn’t believe something as trivial as a faulty potion could exist in his care.“Maybe,” Adrian muttered. Still, the strange tightness in his core made him uneasy.Joseph leaned closer, eyes sharp beneath his bushy brows. “If the voices return, or if it gets stronger, come back immediately. No hesitation.”Adrian blinked. “Why?”“So we can kill you before you lose contro
Officially Joined the Special Squad
“Adrian, I believe you’ve met her already. This is Anna, our receptionist,” the Captain said, gesturing toward the desk by the entrance. The young woman looked up from where she was fiddling with a quill. Her brown hair, loosely tied, brushed her shoulders. The soft green Loen-styled dress she wore was trimmed with lace at the sleeves and collar, a touch of elegance that softened her otherwise casual posture. Adrian smiled politely. “Nice to meet you.” Anna’s lips curved. “Hi. I’m Anna. Nice to meet you too.” Her voice carried a light cheerfulness, though her eyes gave off the weariness of someone who had seen far too many recruits pass by. “Later, you’ll have time to look around and meet the others,” the Captain said, already turning toward the corridor. “For now, follow me.” Adrian trailed after him. The hallway was narrow, lined with lanterns whose flames flickered against old stone walls. Their footsteps echoed faintly. The Captain pushed open an unlatched door. Inside was a
Awakening Test at the SSC Branch
Three Days Later… “Are you ready for your big day, son?” his mother asked, adjusting the scarf around her neck. She was dressed neatly for her shop, while his siblings, in their uniforms, stood with bags slung over their shoulders. Adrian sat on the couch, nodding quietly. His heart thumped faster than he wanted to admit. Any moment now, those men would come. “Let us know how it turns out.” His father’s deep voice followed as he grabbed his own coat. Then he paused and looked straight at Adrian. “And remember… don’t force yourself.” “See you later, big bro!” his younger siblings waved, cheerful as always. One by one, they filed out of the house, leaving the space quiet. Adrian moved from the couch to the window. He watched as his family climbed into separate carriages, his mother and siblings in one, his father paying a coachman before boarding another. Wheels rolled, hooves clattered, and soon, the house stood still. ‘Strange world,’ Adrian thought as he leaned against the win
One Pound a Month
*Knock Knock* A dull thud echoed through the small dining room, cutting through the warm clatter of spoons against plates. Steam curled up from a pot of porridge, and the faint scent of fried eggs lingered in the air.Lydia pushed her chair back, ready to rise, but her mother’s hand shot out, fingers tightening around her wrist.“I’ll get it,” she said softly, already moving toward the door.Her palm lingered on the handle. “Yes? How can we help you?”A deep voice responded from the other side, calm but heavy. “Greetings. We’re here for the name Adrian Alexander.”The door creaked open, and the morning light revealed two men in black suits, polished shoes reflecting the dust of the road. Their white ties were crisp, one wore sunglasses, while the other wore a hat.“That’s my son,” his mother answered warily. “I hope there’s no problem?”From the table, Adrian and the others leaned forward, the food forgotten.The taller of the men inclined his head. “We come on government order. We h
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