Someone stood before a woman, his whole body covered in blood. His eyes, staring into the dark sky, were emotionless—like a demon that knows no bounds and is ready to kill anything in its way.
Surrounding them, gorilla-like monsters trembled, terrified by a monster's distant cry. They fled in madness, and those that remained lost their minds.
The woman behind him trembled as well, on the verge of breaking down—when suddenly, the boy crouched to her face and kissed her.
All her fear melted away.
…
A boy with dark hair and pale, almost translucent skin lay quietly on his bed.
The room was mostly empty—bare wooden walls, a single bed, and green curtains that fluttered gently at the window.
Sunlight pierced through a narrow gap, falling directly on the boy's face.
His eyes flickered open, half-lidded with sleep. He groaned softly, throwing off the blanket.
Stretching, he rubbed his eyes with a sigh. "That's the best sleep I've had in a while," he thought.
He shuffled over to the window and pulled the curtains aside.
The sight outside was abnormal.
Rain poured heavily, yet the world shimmered under brilliant light. The sky was too bright—unnaturally so.
"So bright…" he murmured, squinting.
He slid open the wooden door. The creaking frame revealed an old-style Japanese house with wooden floors and soft paper walls.
Downstairs, the scent of breakfast filled the air.
His mother was at the stove, humming softly.
"Morning, Kaito. You're up earlier than usual," she said playfully without turning around.
She wore soft green pajamas, matching his. Her long, brownish hair draped over her back like silk. Her skin was pale as rice paper, lips light pink, eyes a bright, gentle brown.
Kaito said nothing—only stared.
"Mom…" he thought, warmth blooming behind his stoic gaze. His lips twitched into a small smile.
He sat at the low dining table. "You're not gonna give your mom a morning hug?" she teased.
"Mom, I'm not a kid anymore," he said.
She puffed her cheeks in mock protest, arms crossed.
He chuckled in defeat. "Alright, alright."
He stood and hugged her. Her warm body pressed against his ribs—a pair of soft, warm breasts.
He felt a strange pain in his chest, but the warmth of his mother washed it away.
"You've grown again," she said proudly. Her head barely reached his chin.
"Can we just eat already?" Kaito muttered, embarrassed.
She hugged tighter. "You used to cling to me like a koala, remember?"
"That's not what I meant, Mom."
Kaito's arms tightened. "You're still my mom. I love you, always."
They sat for breakfast.
"Mom, your cooking's amazing. Outside food tastes bland now."
"Then I'll teach you to cook," she grinned. "So you can feed me when I'm sick."
"With your morning jogs, I doubt you'll ever get sick."
She giggled. "Well, I have a surprise for you tonight."
Kaito blinked. "Chocolate cake?"
She pouted. "You always ruin surprises!"
…
Later, they sat in the living room, watching the strange weather. Rain still poured, yet the light only grew stronger.
"Kaito… the light behind those clouds—it's like heaven, isn't it?"
"Yeah… It's beautiful." But his heart tensed.
Something's wrong.
He narrowed his eyes.
"The sun should be in the east… why is all that light coming from the west?"
Suddenly, the clouds split. Light spilled across rooftops.
And the world began to vanish.
Instinct screamed: Run.
His mother grabbed him, arms trembling. "Be careful…"
She's still worried about me… even now… and I—
"I forgot her for a moment. I'm pathetic."
Then, everything turned white.
…
Where am I? Where's Mom?
He stood in a field of red and white flowers, feeling safe and calm.
Suddenly—he fell unconscious.
Only his breathing and heartbeat could be heard.
Hours passed. His finger twitched. He opened his eyes—black as the abyss.
Lying on his back, he tried to understand what had just happened.
He had connected to the world.
This world had devoured Earth—and many other universes, worlds, and stars. It was growing ever larger—now a million times the size of Earth.
Horrifying for most. But for Kaito, who had connected to it, it brought joy.
He could hear answers from the world itself.
First: Can he achieve immortality?
Answer: He can.
Second: What kind of world is this?
Its energy is rich. It can awaken parts of the human body—like the core seed in the forehead. There are countless races: human-beasts, vampires, elves, dwarves, minions, and more.
Third: Can he restore his mother's youth?
Answer: Yes, with time-path methods.
Fourth: Where will he wake up?
In the Forgotten Continent—a dead zone. But he knows how to leave it.
That was his final question. Any more, and his mind would collapse from the world's power.
…
Kaito woke again.
His mother lay beside him, unconscious. Around them: scorched earth, blackened trees, and a red-black sun above.
"12 kilometers…" he muttered.
"Mom, wake up," he whispered, placing a hand over her mouth.
She jolted, eyes wide—but didn't scream.
He put a finger to his lips. She nodded.
He explained everything.
She looked terrified—not for herself. For him.
That was dangerous. In this world, love could be a fatal weakness.
He now had two enhancements: super senses and a Ten-Thousand-Thought Mind. His body needed one week to adjust.
He got them by using world power.
A third skill would help… but I can't push this body too far. A newborn monster's core might work…
Suddenly, his instincts howled.
He looked up.
The black sun turned blood-red.
"Damn it… Why now!?"
He turned to his trembling mother.
"We need shelter. Now," he said.
She stood, barely steady. "Let's go, baby."
He was stunned by her resolve.
They ran. Her pace was slow—he scooped her up.
"You're light as a feather. I'm cooking meat for you later."
"K-Kaito…" she whispered weakly.
Carrying her on his shoulder, he sprinted beneath a tree. Its roots curled outward, forming a natural cave.
They took shelter inside. Rain fell—red as blood.
Monsters howled. The air thickened with dread.
He hugged her, covering her eyes and ears.
But danger came quickly.
A wolf-like beast crashed down, blood-red horns gleaming. It melted from the rain, but its fury remained.
A rock shard shot toward them—Kaito blocked it.
His forearm snapped.
Bone pierced skin.
The monster stared, eyes blazing.
And Kaito, arm shattered, teeth gritted… stood between it and his mother.