*FLASH*
You slammed your eyes shut as brilliant light exploded from the Wishstone, blinding you in its radiance.
It lasted for about a minute before the light faded away.
When you cracked open your eyes, blinking away the spots dancing across your vision, you were surprised to find yourself in a completely different room. A quick peek outside the window proved that you were now back in the real world. The spiraling galaxies and glowing stars were gone, replaced by a cozy street with some small apartment buildings lining up alongside it. Further examination would have to be put on hold though as you stared down at your fist.
Unclenching your fingers, you found nothing but stardust in your palm.
The Wishstone was gone.
(((Yep. It did its job splendidly. So, let me be the first to say, "Welcome to the World of Harem Protagonist!")))
"Thanks," you mumbled, still staring down at the stardust seeping between your fingers.
(((Huh? What's wrong? I thought you'd be running about all excited like a rabbit hopped up on speed.)))
"Oh. I-It's nothing." You quickly answered, scratching your cheek. "It's just...that everything just doesn't feel real right now." And it really didn't, at least not in the typical way.
(((Ah. I see, well then, how you take a look about the house. I'm sure it'll help get you acclimated.)))
You nodded, having the strangest feeling as you looked about your new abode.
Everything in the house was somehow both familiar yet unfamiliar as bits and pieces of your...or is it Shujin's (?) memories begin to trickle in the more you looked about his room. Information and knowledge that definitely wasn't yours nor present in the game started to fill the blank spots in your memories. Because, for better or for worse, you were Shujin Kou now, and you were going to live his life, so the best thing to do was familiarize yourself with your new house first.
And looking about for any clues on what kind of life Shujin lived did absolutely squat.
There was nothing.
No pictures or photos, either of you or your new parents. There were no gifts, family mementos, or anything personal inside the house. It might as well have been a model home because there was nothing to indicate that anyone even lived here. The only evidence you found that you did live here was that the kitchen was fully stocked, and the pantry filled with goodies, but other than that the house was empty.
You did find a calendar, which showed that it was Sunday night, meaning tomorrow would be your first day as the Harem Protagonist, but with how dark it was outside, you wondered when your parents would coming be home. The moment you tried to think of them...Ah! Your head suddenly to started pound, like you were getting a really bad migraine.
"Hey Narrator." You called out after surveying the house.
(((Sup.)))
"Where are Shujin's....no, my parents?"
(((I don't know.)))
"What do you mean you "don't know?" You're the Narrator, aren't you? You’re supposed to practically know everything here."
(((I appreciate the praise Shujin, I really do but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you here bud. Though I'm your hypercompetent sidekick and fan-favorite know-it-all, there are things that even I don't know. Your parents being one of those things. It'll be best to think you're one of those anime protagonists. Mommy and Daddy dearest generally weren't in the picture in their lives.)))
"Still, that's usually for the shonen stuff! Not harem-genre romcoms!" The house suddenly felt colder, lonelier, and you were feeling more than a little frustrated that such an important detail had been left out. "Isn't there always that one parent always harking about wanting grandbabies?"
(((There are, but unfortunately your parents aren't one of them. Besides, this is your story. Even if they were around, your parents weren't going to be involved in your love life. So, I suggest that you put up that poor, puppy dog look and those lovely ladies will be lining up in droves to fill that hole in your heart.)))
"Uh...Isn't that kinda the scummy thing to do? Playing the pity card?"
(((Meh. Whatever works.)))
You scratched your head at the answer, "But still, what's the deal then? Did they abandon me or am I an orphan?"
(((Hah...Listen kid, I'll say it again but I'm not omnipotent. There are many things in this world that are way outside my jurisdiction like with what happened to your parents. The simplest answer is that they weren't written in when this world was created. But if that answer doesn't do it for you then they either died in a car when you were 2...or left you on the steps of an orphanage for whatever reason. Again, this is your story. So, just go with whatever you’re most comfortable believing. If not, I'm sure their some hidden motherly figure that'll happy comfort yah or maybe a sexy, office lady that's in charge of your wellbeing till you reach majority. The possibilities are out there.)))
Well, it seemed like that line of questioning was nothing but a dead end...but still. It was disconcerting that you'll have no parents around...at all. That...was going to take some getting used to. It'll be best to switch topics.
"Narrator."
(((Yeah?)))
"Is there anything that I should know about my powers? I mean if I'm going to a school full of espers, then I ought to know a little more about what I'll be getting into."
(((Now you're thinking Shujin. Yeah, you'll be having some issues since you're so inexperienced. Most people with the esper gene tend to awaken their abilities early on, usually at the start of puberty, so most of your classmates will already have a decent grasp of their powers by now. It is rare for people like you to awaken so late, but it has happened before. But with my support, you'll be able to use your powers, no problemblemo. All our clients are provided with a support system to help develop their fledgling abilities. So first, I need you to repeat after me "Open Status Window.")))
"Open Status Window." you repeated, then jumped when a semi-transparent window appeared in front of you.
Name: Shujin Kou
Title: N/A
Level: 1
Uses left: 5
Esper Ability: Shapeshifting
Rank: FFF - Weak - Lowest Rank Available. In addition to being weaker than your average child, only minor changes to the body are possible, such as changing of hair and eye color. Physique and height adjustments unavailable at the current level...it really is a useless power. Better Git Gud Scrub.
For additional Personal information, press tab.
Your first thought reading it was...
'Who put a damn troll in charge of the description.'
But, ignoring the questionable comments mixed in, your excitement started to return as your wish had really come true.
(((Good. Now, do you see the part underneath your level. Well, that's how many times you'll be able to use your powers a day. I know it doesn't look like much, but you are way behind your classmates right now Shujin. Esper abilities are a lot like muscles, so you'll have to work them and the more you use it, the stronger your powers will grow till you can truly shine. And as your powers grow stronger, so will the number of times that you'll be able to transform.)))
That...actually made sense though you did have one question.
"Are the changes permanent? Or do I have to use a charge to undo it?"
(((Excellent question! Yes, the changes are permanent as long as you maintain the transformation. It'll only cost you a charge if you shift into another form, otherwise you'll just revert back to your default appearance when you let go of the transformation. However, with how weak your powers are right now, you'll have to turn back to your original form before trying to turn into anything else. And there is a time limit, but that depends on what you turn into. Larger, more complicated forms have a very short duration while a cosmetic change can easily last an entire day. It just depends.)))
"Oh, I see." You nodded along to the explanation.
And as nodding along, you spotted a mirror out of the corner of your eye. You straddled towards it, taking in your new appearance but eager to test out your powers.
"Alright, let's give it a try."
You imagined your hair changing back to your original brown locks. A queer sensation went through you as your hair shifted like it was caught in an invisible breeze and the color started to lighten into an earthy brown that you were well familiar with.
<<<4>>>
You groaned, feeling a mild headache building behind your eyes a counter suddenly popped up in your head but a smile split your lips as you powers had actually worked.
It felt like you were mentally doing a bench press, which so long as you held onto the bar, you could maintain the transformation. Thus, when you set the bar back on the rack and let go, your hair darkened back to its original black. You then tried out changing your eye colors, then both your hair and eyes until a chime sounded and sudden, throbbing headache stopped your experimentation.
<<<0>>>
(((It'll be best if you stop here Shujin. Anymore, you'll start hurting yourself.)))
"D-does it recharge?" You mumbled, slumping down onto the bed as your head pounded away between your ears. "The uses I mean."
(((Yes, it does. You just need a good night's rest and you'll be fully charged. I'll go over more details with you in the morning. Get some rest bud, tomorrow is going to be a big day.)))
"Ah, good night." You mumbled as the Narrator's voice faded and you fell back onto the bed.
Well... it looked like you were stuck in this brave new world, for better or for worse... but at least working at developing your power would give you something to focus on beyond just going to school.
And who knows what surprises tomorrow will bring.
You slammed your eyes shut as brilliant light exploded from the Wishstone, blinding you in its radiance.
It lasted for about a minute before the light faded away.
When you cracked open your eyes, blinking away the spots dancing across your vision, you were surprised to find yourself in a completely different room. A quick peek outside the window proved that you were now back in the real world. The spiraling galaxies and glowing stars were gone, replaced by a cozy street with some small apartment buildings lining up alongside it. Further examination would have to be put on hold though as you stared down at your fist.
Unclenching your fingers, you found nothing but stardust in your palm.
The Wishstone was gone.
(((Yep. It did its job splendidly. So, let me be the first to say, "Welcome to the World of Harem Protagonist!")))
"Thanks," you mumbled, still staring down at the stardust seeping between your fingers.
(((Huh? What's wrong? I thought you'd be running about all excited like a rabbit hopped up on speed.)))
"Oh. I-It's nothing." You quickly answered, scratching your cheek. "It's just...that everything just doesn't feel real right now." And it really didn't, at least not in the typical way.
(((Ah. I see, well then, how you take a look about the house. I'm sure it'll help get you acclimated.)))
You nodded, having the strangest feeling as you looked about your new abode.
Everything in the house was somehow both familiar yet unfamiliar as bits and pieces of your...or is it Shujin's (?) memories begin to trickle in the more you looked about his room. Information and knowledge that definitely wasn't yours nor present in the game started to fill the blank spots in your memories. Because, for better or for worse, you were Shujin Kou now, and you were going to live his life, so the best thing to do was familiarize yourself with your new house first.
And looking about for any clues on what kind of life Shujin lived did absolutely squat.
There was nothing.
No pictures or photos, either of you or your new parents. There were no gifts, family mementos, or anything personal inside the house. It might as well have been a model home because there was nothing to indicate that anyone even lived here. The only evidence you found that you did live here was that the kitchen was fully stocked, and the pantry filled with goodies, but other than that the house was empty.
You did find a calendar, which showed that it was Sunday night, meaning tomorrow would be your first day as the Harem Protagonist, but with how dark it was outside, you wondered when your parents would coming be home. The moment you tried to think of them...Ah! Your head suddenly to started pound, like you were getting a really bad migraine.
"Hey Narrator." You called out after surveying the house.
(((Sup.)))
"Where are Shujin's....no, my parents?"
(((I don't know.)))
"What do you mean you "don't know?" You're the Narrator, aren't you? You’re supposed to practically know everything here."
(((I appreciate the praise Shujin, I really do but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you here bud. Though I'm your hypercompetent sidekick and fan-favorite know-it-all, there are things that even I don't know. Your parents being one of those things. It'll be best to think you're one of those anime protagonists. Mommy and Daddy dearest generally weren't in the picture in their lives.)))
"Still, that's usually for the shonen stuff! Not harem-genre romcoms!" The house suddenly felt colder, lonelier, and you were feeling more than a little frustrated that such an important detail had been left out. "Isn't there always that one parent always harking about wanting grandbabies?"
(((There are, but unfortunately your parents aren't one of them. Besides, this is your story. Even if they were around, your parents weren't going to be involved in your love life. So, I suggest that you put up that poor, puppy dog look and those lovely ladies will be lining up in droves to fill that hole in your heart.)))
"Uh...Isn't that kinda the scummy thing to do? Playing the pity card?"
(((Meh. Whatever works.)))
You scratched your head at the answer, "But still, what's the deal then? Did they abandon me or am I an orphan?"
(((Hah...Listen kid, I'll say it again but I'm not omnipotent. There are many things in this world that are way outside my jurisdiction like with what happened to your parents. The simplest answer is that they weren't written in when this world was created. But if that answer doesn't do it for you then they either died in a car when you were 2...or left you on the steps of an orphanage for whatever reason. Again, this is your story. So, just go with whatever you’re most comfortable believing. If not, I'm sure their some hidden motherly figure that'll happy comfort yah or maybe a sexy, office lady that's in charge of your wellbeing till you reach majority. The possibilities are out there.)))
Well, it seemed like that line of questioning was nothing but a dead end...but still. It was disconcerting that you'll have no parents around...at all. That...was going to take some getting used to. It'll be best to switch topics.
"Narrator."
(((Yeah?)))
"Is there anything that I should know about my powers? I mean if I'm going to a school full of espers, then I ought to know a little more about what I'll be getting into."
(((Now you're thinking Shujin. Yeah, you'll be having some issues since you're so inexperienced. Most people with the esper gene tend to awaken their abilities early on, usually at the start of puberty, so most of your classmates will already have a decent grasp of their powers by now. It is rare for people like you to awaken so late, but it has happened before. But with my support, you'll be able to use your powers, no problemblemo. All our clients are provided with a support system to help develop their fledgling abilities. So first, I need you to repeat after me "Open Status Window.")))
"Open Status Window." you repeated, then jumped when a semi-transparent window appeared in front of you.
<<<<....>>>>
Name: Shujin Kou
Title: N/A
Level: 1
Uses left: 5
Esper Ability: Shapeshifting
Rank: FFF - Weak - Lowest Rank Available. In addition to being weaker than your average child, only minor changes to the body are possible, such as changing of hair and eye color. Physique and height adjustments unavailable at the current level...it really is a useless power. Better Git Gud Scrub.
For additional Personal information, press tab.
<<<<....>>>>
Your first thought reading it was...
'Who put a damn troll in charge of the description.'
But, ignoring the questionable comments mixed in, your excitement started to return as your wish had really come true.
(((Good. Now, do you see the part underneath your level. Well, that's how many times you'll be able to use your powers a day. I know it doesn't look like much, but you are way behind your classmates right now Shujin. Esper abilities are a lot like muscles, so you'll have to work them and the more you use it, the stronger your powers will grow till you can truly shine. And as your powers grow stronger, so will the number of times that you'll be able to transform.)))
That...actually made sense though you did have one question.
"Are the changes permanent? Or do I have to use a charge to undo it?"
(((Excellent question! Yes, the changes are permanent as long as you maintain the transformation. It'll only cost you a charge if you shift into another form, otherwise you'll just revert back to your default appearance when you let go of the transformation. However, with how weak your powers are right now, you'll have to turn back to your original form before trying to turn into anything else. And there is a time limit, but that depends on what you turn into. Larger, more complicated forms have a very short duration while a cosmetic change can easily last an entire day. It just depends.)))
"Oh, I see." You nodded along to the explanation.
And as nodding along, you spotted a mirror out of the corner of your eye. You straddled towards it, taking in your new appearance but eager to test out your powers.
"Alright, let's give it a try."
You imagined your hair changing back to your original brown locks. A queer sensation went through you as your hair shifted like it was caught in an invisible breeze and the color started to lighten into an earthy brown that you were well familiar with.
<<<4>>>
You groaned, feeling a mild headache building behind your eyes a counter suddenly popped up in your head but a smile split your lips as you powers had actually worked.
It felt like you were mentally doing a bench press, which so long as you held onto the bar, you could maintain the transformation. Thus, when you set the bar back on the rack and let go, your hair darkened back to its original black. You then tried out changing your eye colors, then both your hair and eyes until a chime sounded and sudden, throbbing headache stopped your experimentation.
<<<0>>>
(((It'll be best if you stop here Shujin. Anymore, you'll start hurting yourself.)))
"D-does it recharge?" You mumbled, slumping down onto the bed as your head pounded away between your ears. "The uses I mean."
(((Yes, it does. You just need a good night's rest and you'll be fully charged. I'll go over more details with you in the morning. Get some rest bud, tomorrow is going to be a big day.)))
"Ah, good night." You mumbled as the Narrator's voice faded and you fell back onto the bed.
Well... it looked like you were stuck in this brave new world, for better or for worse... but at least working at developing your power would give you something to focus on beyond just going to school.
And who knows what surprises tomorrow will bring.
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March 23
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