The World Arching Ahead

Death – the end of all things, Shigeki's eternal retribution, and yet, there was something peculiar about his experience. Unlike most, he didn't fear it. In fact, he seemed to accept it willingly, as if it was his destiny. They say that death brings out the extremes in people, and for Shigeki, it brought out remorse, which echoed in the emptiness that surrounded him.

The more he descended into the abyss, the more he realised that there was nothing there. No time, no place, no god, no afterlife, no purgatory, just a vast expanse of nothingness where souls go after they die.

As he floated in this void, he contemplated the meaning of death. Was it truly the end, or was there something more? The nothingness around him seemed like an entity in and of itself, and he wondered if it could be called "nothing" if it existed.

But despite the emptiness, there was a strange sense of peace. It was a place where there were no burdens, no regrets, no remorse, only the comfort of completion. It made him wonder if the fear of judgement in the afterlife was just a delusion, a tool used by theists to keep morality in check.

Suddenly, he found himself gasping for air, as if he were drowning. His senses slowly returned, and he could hear a loud ringing in his ears. It felt as if he had woken up from a long coma. He couldn't believe it was real - after all, he was dead.

As his sense of smell and sight returned, he opened his eyes to a new reality, one that he could have never imagined.

As Shigeki took in his new surroundings, he couldn't help but feel as though he had been transported to another world - one straight out of a history book. The room he was in was filled with furniture and decorations that were reminiscent of the Late Middle Ages, with intricate tapestries hanging from the walls and a large four-poster bed with luxurious silken sheets.

Shigeki sat up in the bed and ran his fingers through his hair, taking in the unfamiliar sensation of his new body. To his surprise, he found that he was now a handsome youth around the age of 17, with long hair the colour of a sakura blossom and deep, amber-coloured eyes that shone like stars in the night sky.

As he gazed at his own reflection in the elaborately adorned mirror beside the bed, Shigeki couldn't help but feel a surge of disbelief wash over him. This was impossible - he had died, hadn't he?

He reached for the pitcher of water on the table next to the bed, his dry lips parched and yearning for a sip of refreshment. As he took a long gulp, he couldn't help but ponder the thought of reincarnation - the idea that his soul had been reborn into a new body was almost too much to process.

But as a sudden wave of pain washed over him, Shigeki realised that he had no choice but to accept his new reality. He had been given a second chance at life, and he would make the most of it - no matter where this new journey might take him.

Coming to a halt, Shigeki filtrated his wariness or any unnecessary irrational thoughts. Embracing his inner rationality and phlegmatism to ease the stress.

“I shouldn’t overthink the situation I’m currently in. Stay calm, keep cool and..

Observe…”

As Shigeki gazed around the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort despite the unfamiliarity of his surroundings. The space was modestly sized, yet still provided ample room for one to gather their thoughts. Divided into two sections, the study and the bedroom, the room exuded a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The walls were adorned with intricate murals that featured a simplistic yet detailed pattern of intertwined orange and yellow hues forming a spiral with branches and petals of flowers sprouting. These flowers were none other than the native Autumn Gold, a symbol of good fortune and prospects. The wallpaper emitted a fragrance of this flower, enveloping the room in a pleasant aroma that masked the acrid waxy smell of burning candles from the altar.

The wooden panels beneath the murals were made of high-quality wood and added to the spaciousness of the room. The glazed stained glass windows provided natural light during the day and kept the room warm at night with the insulation of carpets and dark oak flooring. A mini furnace also provided warmth during the colder months when the sun hid behind the clouds.

In the study section of the room, a desk was situated in the cramped space that stretched from the divider to the wall, aligned with the bed. The desk was kept tidy, with its own iron candle stand, a nailed-in shelf full of colourful gilded books and sheets of paper, and a quill lying on the table next to some parchment and a manuscript. A large wardrobe with fancy engravings and iron rings for its knobs was situated against the back wall and was a true masterpiece of skilled carpentry.

The head of the bed was placed beside the window, where sunlight could easily shine on one's drowsy face. An alarm clock was ingeniously designed, although one could simply turn their face towards the pillow or place it above their head. Nonetheless, it was an impressive design. Facing the end of the bed was the entrance, and adjacent to it was a clothing hanger with a black cloak hanging on one of its hooks, its silver badge glistening in the light. A folded stool was also placed nearby.

As the subtle tapping of footsteps grew closer, Shigeki felt his nerves rise. He anticipated the arrival of guests and wondered what his first interaction with the people of this world would be like. Muffled chatter and a deep humming could be heard before the door was pushed ajar and a pair of silhouettes entered the room. Both were dressed in anachronistic outfits, a mix of Medieval-Renaissance and Early Modern attire. Their uniforms were neat and emitted a sense of professionalism, with each wearing a badge engraved with a different sigil, perhaps an indication of their affiliation or status.

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice broke the silence, calling out to Shigeki with an overly enthusiastic tone. “Ahhh We’ve come to visit you, Heid-kun!”. The youth couldn't help but feel at ease with the softness of the voice. However, there was something about the voice that troubled him, as if a cloud of thoughts had been blown away by its gentleness. As Shigeki turned to face the source of the voice, his eyes widened in surprise.

The person in front of him was dressed in a masculine outfit, but their attitude and mannerisms were decidedly feminine. They placed their hands behind their back and lunged forward, wearing a cute expression with a smile. Shigeki had seen this kind of character before in the media, and he recognized the concept of "Traps." He couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph, confident that he wouldn't fall for this trap.

"Heh, your facade does not fool me! I have seen through your deception," Shigeki proclaimed silently, feeling pleased with himself for avoiding falling for the trap. On the outside, he smirked slightly with his eyes closed, letting out a small chuckle.

The two visitors exchanged odd glances, wondering what was wrong with this peculiar boy. The one with long hair and spectacles closed his eyes and let out a sigh, as if it were a regular habit for him.

Though their personalities were vastly different, it was clear that the two were familiar with the predecessor of Shigeki's body. Otherwise, why would they visit an injured stranger out of the blue?

"How are you, Heid-kun? Do you feel better now?" The lively youth leaned in close to Shigeki's bed, supporting his face with both hands. "It's been a week since you got into that scuffle with Luftbert from the Aubersalitz Student Association. It's been booooring without you. By the way, Professor Hildenberg held a lecture on Death of our Divinity. Such a shame you didn't come-"

Shigeki took in the sight of the feminine-looking youth, struck by the odd resemblance to his childhood friend Kaede. His thoughts drifted to the forsaken promise he had made to her, and a wave of melancholy washed over him.

With a more subdued expression, Shigeki closed his eyes, trying to push the thoughts aside. The two visitors exchanged an odd look, likely thinking, "What the hell is wrong with this guy?" But for Shigeki, the moment was a reminder that even in a new body, his past would continue to haunt him.

“What's wrong? Heid-kun?”

he felt a foreign touch on his hand, causing him to slowly open his eyes and come face to face with the effeminate boy.

With a worried expression, the boy gazed down at Shigeki, his glowing eyes captivating him with their allure. For a moment, Shigeki was completely absorbed in the beauty of the Trap's eyes, but he quickly snapped out of it.

"Whoa, hang on!" he said. "The first interaction I have is someone bombarding my mind with info. Please take it one step at a time."

The Trap looked taken aback for a moment before apologising to Shigeki. As Shigeki sat up straight and breathed in the fresh air coming from the open window, he realised that he didn't even remember his own name.

"Okay. First up, is Heid my name?" he asked, looking to the boy for confirmation.

The boy and the tall, slender man standing beside him both looked at Shigeki with a confused frown.

"You don’t remember your name? Adelheid?"

"No… in fact, I don't remember a single thing at all!" Shigeki replied, his confident tone belying the worry that he felt.

The Trap and the tall man exchanged a concerned look.

"Oh dear... but at least you remember us, right?" the boy asked hopefully.

"Sadly no. I'm terribly sorry," Shigeki said, lowering his upper body in a bow as an apology.

"It can't be helped then... I suppose,"

The tall man, who until now had been silent, suddenly spoke up, adjusting his spectacles and swiping his willow-like fringes to the far side of his forehead.

"What?! Heide-kun is in such peril and you can only afford to stand and read your stupid book?!" the boy exclaimed .

The boy playfully shook the tall man around his waist, wriggling in a spiral, but the tall man retained his apathetic bearing and kept his eyes glued to the book in his hands.

The boy falls onto the bed after being worn from harassing the tall guy.

”Heide-kun! Oh Heide-kun! Oh pitiful, poor Heide-kun!” wailed the boy.

“It's fine! It’s fine! Calm down! I can manage, you don’t have to get all worked up for me! Besides, I still need time to recover my memories.”

“That’s right, maybe I can know more about this Adelheid in the meanwhile. Although Trap-san’s overreacting is kinda cringy, ehh.. probably just some character trope.”

The boy with watery, gem-like eyes leaned back on the savonarola stool, his worried face wrapped in the elongated sleeves of his houppelande.

"Let me introduce ourselves," he said, trying to suppress his thoughts and emotions. "I'm Rogier Fiorane, the scion of Malachor Attavino Fiorane, the Doge of Seniores. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He placed his hand on his chest and spoke with pride, but the tall man next to him sneered and cringed.

"And this geek is Liudolf Frielich," Rogier continued, undeterred. "Despite his tranquillity, he is loyal and considerate."

Liudolf exhaled and lightly tapped Rogier's head with the cover of his book. "Don't introduce me like that," he muttered.

Rogier winced at the tap and jokingly complained, "Owwww, don't hit me like that! You book-loving idiot!" He ticked off the list of clichés of a "Trap", being overly dramatic about a light hit while consistently trying to one-up his companion.

As one of the most distinguished members of the Fiorane family, a major powerhouse in the mercantile Republic of Senioria, Rogier's every move was shrouded in mystery. A peculiar choice to attend an Agevainese institute when there are equally prestigious universities like Polgnes and Khoue in the Renaissance Italy-like region of Lustodvia? It was a question that baffled many, but it was clear that he was not one to conform to societal norms.

Despite the reputation of Lustodvia as a cultural region of trade and commerce, as well as higher learning, there was no denying that Aubersalitz held a special place in the hearts of scholars across the continent. The city had earned its title during the height of the Literary Renaissance, a time when the former Frandian Empire ruled supreme from one end of the Agevain Reich, across the Kingdom of Frandwine, the land of chansons to the shores of Lustodvia.

As Rogier navigated the complex web of politics that came with his family's status, it became apparent that he was not content with the allure of scheming and chaos called to him, and he embraced it with a fervour that both agitated and intrigued those around him. By posing as an effeminate lovable, cheery boy.

On the other hand…

Liudolf exuded an air of detachment that was almost intimidating. His piercing gaze seemed to penetrate one's soul, as if he could see through any facade. It was as if he was aloof to the point of apathy, yet you could sense an intensity brewing beneath the surface.

Approaching him was no easy feat, for his anti-social demeanour made it clear that he preferred to keep to himself. His background was shrouded in mystery, and he guarded his personal life with a ferocity that left others feeling as though a dark past scattered with schemes.

Despite his reticence, one thing was apparent: his love of literature and intellectual pursuits. The pair of spectacles perched on his nose attested to his fondness for scholarly works, and he could often be found immersed in a book that he had brought with him.

Liudolf's sharp wit and biting tongue made him a force to be reckoned with. He seemed to have a way with words that could cut through any pretence or facade. One could sense a deep-seated insecurity within him, and it was clear that he was not one to be trifled with.

Rogier rubbed his head with one of the elongated sleeves of his blue houppelande where Liudolf had hit him. The small display of affection between the two friends caught the attention of the body host, Adelheid, who was currently controlled by Shigeki. Despite Liudolf's cynical personality and Adelheid's current predicament, the three of them seemed to be close companions. Shigeki couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as he thought about his past relationship with Kaede, who was like a little sister to him.

As he focused his gaze on their chests, he noticed the glistening brooches they were wearing. The design was simple yet elegant, fitting for an Association badge. The gold one that Liudolf wore had a pair of mirrored lions, symbolising strength and power, with the Imperial crest of the Agevain Reich at its centre. On top of the mantling was an engraving of words: "The field exhibits our progress". It was an odd and unique motto that lacked fluency but still appeared obscure.

“Say, Liudolf. What are these shiny pins for? And what's the point of this motto!?”

“What…? You mean this?...” Liudolf swipes his left chest from bottom to top.

“These are our student association badges… they indicate which association we belong to according to where we’re from… Both of us belong to the Weissland Association… while Rogier belongs to the Senioria Association since they’re from the Republic of Senioria… The student associations are for us students of similar backgrounds to bond together… If something happens go to the association head or the student officers, they’ll sort it out…”

“You certainly want to watch out for those students in the Aubersalitz Association. It seems your associations are on even worse terms!”

Rogier raised a finger, wagging it as both a warning and advice to Adelheid to not approach the belligerent Aubersalitz Association.

All this information exposed was quite jarring, the oblivious youth who inherited Adelheid’s body stared with his eyes widened. Sheer regret clotted his mind as to being thrown into the mess of factionism and politics – to him it's just simply unnecessary drama.

Lost in his thoughts, Shigeki didn't realise that Rogier was still speaking until the latter cleared his throat. "So, Adelheid, do you have any memories at all?" Rogier asked with concern etched on his face.

The silver badge on Rogier's chest had a design of a graceful swan, an elegant emblem that signified the Student Association's affiliation with the Signoria. It was a badge of honour and privilege, something that Rogier wore with great pride.

As Shigeki observed the badges, Liudolf closed his book and turned to face the boy with a raised eyebrow.

"So, Heid… what do you remember?..."

Shigeki shook his head, looking down at his hands.

"Nothing. I don't remember who I am or how I got here."

Rogier's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward.

"That's troubling. We need to find out what happened to you and how we can help."

Shigeki looked up at Rogier, his brow raised inquisitively. “Didn’t you say I got beaten up? Can you tell me the events leading up to that?”

Rogier's expression turned hopeless. “Well.. I have only heard it from rumour, so I do not have full accounts of your incident. Sorry.”

Liudolf adjusted his spectacles and stepped forward. "From what you've told me beforehand... you were with Ulrich from the Aubersalitz Association... heading towards the Burgher District to buy a gift for your sister..."

Shigeki listened intently, his attention captured by Liudolf's words. The mention of his sister surprised him, as he was an only child and had always longed for a close sibling relationship. He often felt lonely when his friends didn't call him on the weekends, which is why he viewed Kaede as a sister.

With a lighthearted chuckle, Rogier interjected into Liudolf's explanation. "Oh, and let's not forget about how noble Heid-kun was when he tried to rescue that girl from those bullies!" His voice was full of admiration, and he shot a glance at Adelheid, who blushed slightly at the attention.

Liudolf, however, was not amused. He shot a warning glare at Rogier and tapped him on the head again, this time with a bit more force. "Don't interrupt me."

"Owwww! That actually hurt, Liudolf!" Rogier rubbed his head and pouted. "Do you want to die, four-eyes?"

In response, Liudolf grabbed Rogier's cheek and squeezed it tightly, his ferocious grin belying his teasing tone. "Who are you calling four-eyes, Signorina?" he asked, his voice low and threatening. Rogier struggled and wobbled like a fish, trying to speak through Liudolf's grip.

As Liudolf released Rogier from his grip, he went back and continued to read his book, Rogier rubbed his cheeks and grumbled in frustration. "Liudolf is very ruthless and mean, hmph!" he complained, crossing his arms and turning his back to the man who assaulted him. But Liudolf paid him no mind, seeing through Rogier's attempt to manipulate him into offering comfort.

Clicking his tongue, Rogier turned back to Shigeki with a smile on his face. "Shall we continue then?" Shigeki gave him an awkward smile, unsure how to respond. "Tell me what you know already, and I'll piece together the story," Shigeki suggested.

Rogier brightened up at the suggestion. He readjusted himself on the stool and began to recount what he had heard. "Now listen closely," he began, launching into the tale...