Honkai: Man(Sludge) From Future

Noldrei had once considered his future a terrifying one, but upon reflection, it wasn't that bad. At least there wasn't overt cannibalism. The true horror lay in the endless conflict and the relentless, often unbearable, modification of the human form.

This primitive society, however, progressed at a snail's pace, every interaction a source of discomfort. Even the slightest nudge from him could send it hurtling forward like a rocket. He had to slow himself, and those around him, down.

Yet, the stench of this cruel primitive society still permeated everything.

He now understood the historical attempts at radical human transformation. Those attempts had failed. Beings from the old era couldn't break free of its chains through violence. Mass murder merely offered a brief respite for the new era. If humanity didn't seize the opportunity, history would rewind.

Hachiman felt it too, adrift in a powerful current, unable to find safe harbor.

He'd tried to anticipate problems and avoid trouble, but trouble found him. He'd tried to find security within a research facility, but his grades weren't good enough. He'd diligently performed his duties as a Public Safety cadet, only to be promoted due to staff shortages. He'd been dragged into a strange organization, hoping for protection, but to no avail.

Nowhere was safe.

He was trapped, walking on thin ice, terrified by an unknown danger, pulled into its vortex by his awareness of it. The ignorance of dying unknowingly versus the confinement of knowing.

Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil stated, "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."

But the monster had been watching the hero from birth, the abyss gazing since the beginning. The sense of danger never left Hachiman. He knew one thing for sure – once marked, there was no escape.

Just like when Kuro had found him.

Just like those words: *["I am very optimistic about you."]

Hachiman and Miyuki sat together, silently observing the bustling night market, each holding a crêpe they had no appetite for.

"Miyuki, what happened at the research facility?"

"Nothing much. Just a muscular man turning into a little girl, then being paraded around naked. He even tied his own twintails…" Miyuki recounted with a blank expression, no longer concerned about confidentiality.

"Similar experience. I found the leader of the Madonna Cult, listened to her… transformation testimony. Miyuki, have you considered… your sister living in a society where genders are fluid, where anyone can become a man on a whim?"

Miyuki had considered it. "But I can't protect the world I want." He took a savage bite into his crêpe, as if devouring something more than just food.

"What kind of world will it be? A friend told me jobs will have mandatory genders." Hachiman felt a pang of gratitude for his relatively gender-neutral job.

Miyuki swallowed his food. "Have you considered… your future partner might have been a man for a decade, or switched back and forth, with countless past relationships? What then?"

Hachiman had come to Miyuki for answers, but his friend only raised more questions.

"Miyuki, aren't you overthinking this? You think we can still find normal women to marry in Japan? Seriously? Focus on your bros turning into chicks for your… enjoyment."

Miyuki finally looked up, contemplated for a moment, then shifted away from Hachiman.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hachiman was hurt by the sudden distancing.

"Hachiman, let's… keep our distance. This is… actually possible now." Miyuki decided it was best to spare his friend.

"It was a joke!"

"Dangerous joke. Let's discuss… survival strategies." Miyuki steered the conversation back on track.

They had sought a safe, stable position within Academy City. Now, those positions had become the most dangerous. They needed a new plan.

"Can we… run?" Miyuki asked, already knowing the answer.

Hachiman chuckled bitterly. Knowing what he knew, escape was impossible.

"Let's not delude ourselves. We have only one option… become stronger."

He knew he couldn't leave. There was only one choice.

Living Stigmata armor.

Become a Kamen Rider!