NOVEL WEB Chapter 1: Kai
“Die, cheating bitch.”
A gunshot pierced the air, shattering the serenity of a busy street.
The street, once alive with the hum of daily life, had turned into a scene of sheer horror.
A man with a shotgun had appeared, firing indiscriminately into the crowded market place.
As the initial shock subsided, the crowd descended into a maelstrom of confusion and desperation. A thin young man, his face contorted with fear, attempted to flee the scene like so many others. But fate had different plans.
"Damn," Kai muttered under his breath as he darted for cover. He had barely taken a few steps when the mad man’s shotgun roared again. The blast was deafening, and his world exploded into pain and chaos.
The gunshot tore through him with merciless force, piercing through his side. Agonizing pain radiated from the gruesome wound, and blood spurted in a macabre dance. He staggered, dazed and disoriented, collapsing to the ground.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he clutched his pierced body, his thoughts racing in a frantic, disjointed torrent.
"Ahh… hughh…" He heaved a breath; a blood curdling pain assaulted him.
With each heartbeat, the world around him dimmed, and his dazed, pained eyes seemed to see his life flash before him.
A haze took over as he recalled memories of the past, something he hated but also cherished.
He remembered a room, a dark room where he had spent twelve years of his life.
Kai's life had always been a battle against fear. His parents' constant fights, sometimes with words and other times with fists, turned their home into a war zone. Occasionally, he found himself caught in the crossfire of their one-sided thrashings. To escape, he would retreat into his small, dark room—a place that served as both his sanctuary and his prison.
The world outside felt like a terrifying beast, and he was just a scared child hiding in his cave. After his parents finally divorced, he was placed in foster care, first ray of light in his messed up life.
Slowly, with the help of therapists, Kai began to rebuild his life. The fear didn't disappear, but it pulled back, replaced by a burning desire for something more. Years of therapy had gradually transformed him from a timid recluse into a confident, though still somewhat guarded, individual.
Yet, the hunger for something extraordinary persisted. Before he could fully realize his potential, fate intervened.
'So many regrets, so many dreams unfulfilled. I've fought my fears, and in some ways, I'm satisfied that I overcame them. But… I wish I had more time. Maybe in another life, I'll have my chance.'
As the young man's life slipped away with his last breath, there was a surreal moment of stillness and darkness.
But then…
Hey!
He heard a voice. A distorted, male voice.
Do you want to have a new life?
'What...?'
Who was speaking?
I'll help you get one. I know that you don't want to be mediocre.
In the bleak darkness, Kai couldn't feel any physical sensations, but the unknown male intentions were clear--—his instincts told him so.
Tell me, what do you want?
He wanted…
Yes, he didn't want a mediocre life.
Kai wanted to be rich, sleep with the hottest women, see the most beautiful places, drink the finest of wines, and be on top of everything.
Yes, that's what you should be aiming for. I'll help you achieve it; I'll give you a power that will help you grow fast.
'What do you want in return?'
Nothing was free in this world.
The male voice became gentle.
Long ago, my ancestors were cursed by a devil, and that curse has haunted every generation since. I've finally found a way to break it, but there's no one worthy left in my family.
Kai, I've been watching you for a while, and I believe you're the one who can carry on my legacy, my ancestors' legacy.
But I need you to know—it won't be easy. The world you're about to step into is brutal and unforgiving.
Will you accept this responsibility?
Suspicion still lingered.
'You said you can give the power to grow fast, why not give it to your own people? I mean, even the dullest stone can be polished into a shining gem with the right tools and time. Why not do the same for them, even if they're not worthy?'
He chuckled; though it sounded garbled but there was still a hint of satisfaction.
The worthiness I'm talking about isn't about skill; it's about character and your innate power. As I said before, I chose you only after observing you.
Kai became silent, and after a few moments, asked his final question.
'If I will reject you then?'
You will still reincarnate into a random new world, and without your current memories.
The voice seemed to distort further, as if the connection was about to end.
'I… I accept.'
Good choice.
The man sighed; a hint of relief evident in his tone.
And when I remove the curse from this body you've reincarnated in, his soul, being directly tied to the curse, will also be extinguished. The memories will fade soon, but with my technique, they should linger for a while. I hope you can absorb everything and not forget his sacrifice.
Kai was startled by this revelation.
'How may I address you?' he asked.
I have no name; I only have a wish, a dream to have my bloodline rise again. Even if that meant…
At the crucial moment, Kai seemed to not hear him properly.
Remember…
'I can't hear you. Hello?'
Meet… Morgana.
'What?'
Reject… the voice… Reject…
The connection abruptly cut off.
'…'
What now?
As if in response, a young woman's groan echoed in his ears.
"Don't stop now, don't be gentle... I have just started to enjoy it."
"…?"
Soon, sensations flooded back, and Kai felt his new body extremely warm, almost burning hot.
As his vision cleared, he saw…