CHAPTER 4: Do or Die
However, not everyone can become an Esper. Only one in a million is born with the potential, and even then, it takes immense mental fortitude to handle the strain of such abilities. For most, their powers awaken between the ages of 10 and 18, usually during their teenage years. Some awaken earlier, some later, but if you haven't awakened by your 20s, your chances are gone.
That's why many people look back on their childhoods as the best times of their lives. Once powers awaken, a rigid social hierarchy emerges, dividing Espers by the strength of their abilities.
"Maybe that's why he changed as well…"
Step. Step. Step.
"Man, I'm exhausted. Sigh."
Kreek. "Mom, I'm home! I know I'm late, but I brought your favorite food!"
No response.
"Mom? Where are you?"
Still silence.
"Mom?… Mom?! MOM?! MOM!!!"
"It seems she's stable for now, but if you don't pay the monthly treatment fees, I'm afraid she won't last long."
"I… I understand, doctor. Don't worry about the money. Just… please save her. Please."
"I'll do everything I can within my abilities."
"Thank you, doctor."
Bling!
"Oh, Reito, you're back. What did the doctor say?"
"You'll be fine."
"Oh, that's wonderful news! So when can I come home?"
Reito paused, trying to suppress the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
"Mom, how many times have I told you not to overwork yourself? Who told you to cook for me? I said I'd bring dinner home."
"I'm sorry, Reito. I just wanted to make my son a homemade meal. I didn't realize it would turn out like this. Looks like your useless mom caused you more trouble…"
"M-Mom, I… I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to lose my temper. Please, Mom, I just want you to get better."
"I know, Reito. I'll get well soon, and then we'll finally have dinner at that fancy restaurant we saw."
"Sure. But only if you promise to take your medicine and listen to the doctor."
"You're starting to sound like my parent now," she chuckled weakly.
"Mom?"
"Alright, alright, I promise."
"So… $10,000 every month, huh?"
Reito stared blankly at his worn-out reflection in the window.
"Even if I worked 20 jobs, I couldn't cover the hospital fees. And now I'm 26… finding a decent-paying job will only get harder from here."
His fists clenched involuntarily.
"System?"
Ding! "Yes, User! Are you ready for your quest?"
"Yes! Tell me what I need to do."
"So… I need to help the game characters avoid their tragic fates without letting them know I'm involved? And all on my own?"
"Correct!"
"Man, I must be going insane. What kind of ridiculous system is this? And no newbie bonus?!"
"Affirmative!"
"Why do you sound so happy about that?!" Reito groaned, rubbing his temples.
"Alright, Reito. No time for self-pity. I know the entire storyline, so I've got an advantage. But… the problem is the story itself."
He recalled the game Neverland, an RPG with a niche start. The character Noel had an infamously dull storyline involving underworld politics. While Reito liked her tsundere personality, her story—and eventual death while saving the protagonist—had been a chore to endure.
"To save her, I need to start at the point where she meets the protagonist."
The Dog House
"Thank God the system has a map."
"No need to thank me, User."
"Shut up."
Reito stepped out of the cab, gazing at the dilapidated building in front of him.
"So this is the Dog House, huh? Looks totally different from the game."
Though rundown, it bore faint similarities: the housing layout, the shattered windows, and even the faded logo.
"Alright, Reito. It's do or die. Time to lock in."
"User, what's your plan here? Sneaking around?"
"Shhh! I'm trying to set this place on fire."
"What?! Why would you destroy one of the most important lore locations in the game? It's a major plot twist!"
"You think I don't know that? But this is the only way to save Noel."
In the game, Noel's hatred toward her family began here, sparked by a misunderstanding after discovering a letter. That letter—placed by the protagonist—had led to catastrophic consequences.
"Sorry, Noel. Looks like you'll have to meet your hero a little later."
Step. Step. Step.
Reito froze, hiding behind a broken column.
"So, what did the boss say?"
"Not much. Just to stay on guard for something. I wasn't really paying attention."
"Seriously?! Well, whatever. Let's get back before he starts yelling."
As the two men disappeared down the hallway, Reito let out a breath of relief.
"Okay. Time to move."
He darted down the corridor, relying on his memory of the game's layout. His heart pounded as he entered a room labeled "505."
"Locked. Of course."
With a swift kick, the door burst open. Inside, he found a stack of gasoline cans.
"Perfect. This should be enough to burn the place down."
As he prepared to strike the match, a voice stopped him cold.
"Hey! Who are you? And what are you doing with that matchstick?"
Reito turned slowly, forcing a shaky laugh.
"Haha… I'm the… uh… new recruit?"