Chapter 23: Dimensional travel...
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[Kansas, Middle of nowhere]
As the car navigated the lonely road, the engine hummed steadily beneath the blanket of night. Its pace was aggressive, surpassing the speed limit.
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"Slow down a bit!" Akemi's voice pierced through the din of the engine and the whoosh of the wind outside. She and Asahi were subjected to a rough ride, their bodies jolting with every bump on the road. The seatbelts stretched across them provided little comfort against the erratic movements.
"You said fast, I go fast," the driver retorted with annoyance, betraying no intention to heed Akemi's plea.
"Yes, but—" Akemi's words were swallowed by the jolt as the car vaulted over a speed bump. Her heart leaped to her throat, a silent prayer for safety whispered in her mind.
Asahi, grappling with the sudden lurch, found a new source of irritation. "Forget that! Turn off that damn music!" he yelled, frustration etching his voice as he clamped his hands over his ears, trying in vain to block the noise blaring from the car radio.
"What music? I hear no music. What music?" The driver's response floated back, laced with confusion. He seemed utterly oblivious to the auditory chaos that tormented his passengers.
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The surreal debate over the music was cut short by an even more startling event. Without warning, the driver slammed on the brakes, the screech of tires against the road pierced the night.
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"HYAA!" Both twins vocalized their shock simultaneously, their sudden forward momentum halted only by the seatbelts. The unexpected jolt sent a wave of adrenaline surging through them, hearts pounding against their ribcages.
As they tried to collect themselves, the guy, seemingly oblivious to the mini chaos his actions had caused, twisted around. His expression was one of irritation. "Stop whining, we here. We here at dog's house," he declared sharply, a clear gesture accompanying his words as he directing their attention out the windshield.
Asahi and Akemi followed him to where he pointed. There stood an old wooden farmhouse, its quaint appearance underscored by the silhouette of a neighboring windmill.
"Now go, Get outta here!" the guy waved dismissively, eager to be rid of their company. The twins, keen to distance themselves from the eccentric driver, quickly exited the vehicle. They barely had a moment to thank him before he accelerated away, his car disappearing into the night as quickly as it had arrived. The fading echo of the odd traditional Asian music seemed to follow his character, eventually fading.
Left in the quiet of the night, Asahi and Akemi stood side by side, watching the red taillights shrink into the distance until the darkness swallowed them. "That was something," Asahi exhaled, finally breaking the silence.
"Right, first impressions of this world. Not great," Akemi responded, her arms crossing over her chest as she looked out into the darkness. The adventure they had envisioned was nothing like the reality they faced.
"Agreed," Asahi concurred. He turned around and focused on the old wooden farmhouse that stood before them. Its structure was simple, with lights that pierced through the windows, casting a soft glow into the night.
His sister mirrored his movements, her eyes carefully scanning the building. The farmhouse, with its quaint charm, seemed to promise a semblance of normalcy or perhaps an answer to the questions in their minds.
"Guess we should see who's home," Akemi proposed, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that lay ahead. Together, they approached the farmhouse, the gravel under their feet breaking the silence with each step.
Reaching the porch, they paused, the reality of their situation sinking in. They were about to knock on the door of a complete stranger in a world they knew nothing about. Akemi reached out tentatively, her hand hovering over the door and had her other hand stationed near the hilt of her dagger in case if they proved to be hostile.
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And she knocked, the sound soft yet resolute against the quiet of the night. The door responded with a gentle creak, swinging open, revealing the figure of an elderly woman.
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A warm smile spread across her face. "My my, I didn't expect visits today. Ohoho," she chuckled, her voice carrying a melody of warmth and welcome. Turning her attention to Asahi, she exclaimed, "Oh! aren't you the kind young man who attended to my purchases? Oh, how pleasant to see you here."
The older woman stepped aside with a graceful gesture, inviting them into the warmth of her home. "Come in, come in. It's not often we get visitors around these parts," she said, her tone imbued with kindness and a hint of curiosity.
As the twins stepped into the farmhouse, they were immediately greeted by a cozy living room that seemed to have leaped out of another era. Simple, well-worn couches invited rest, flanking an old-fashioned television that sat proudly atop a modest wooden table. There were no hallways leading off this central space, giving the room an open, welcoming feel.
The walls, cloaked in cheerful yellow wallpaper, radiated a warmth that was almost tangible. To the far right, there lay a staircase leading upwards to the second story of the house. A few steps away, an open doorway offered a sneak peek into what appeared to be the kitchen, where the outline of a dining table and the unmistakable shape of a refrigerator could be discerned.
Akemi's gaze lingered on the quaint setup of the living room. "It's quite... homely here," she remarked, her voice that of admiration as she traced out the old-fashioned theme with her eyes.
"Yeah," Asahi echoed. His attention flitted around the room, absorbing the details.
The old lady, sensing their subtle awe and perhaps a touch of disorientation, offered a gentle nudge of encouragement. "Oh, make yourself at home. Dinner will be ready soon," she said, her voice carrying the warmth of a long-familiar friend. She busied herself with a small task on the nearby table, straightening a stack of magazines.
"Thank you, Mrs...?" Asahi's voice trailed off, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face as he realized they hadn't exchanged names yet.
She turned towards them, a kind smile spreading across her face. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Muriel, Muriel Bagge," she introduced herself.
"Thank you very much, Mrs. Bagge," Akemi responded, with a hint of purpose she added. "However, we came looking for someone named Eustace. Do you know where they could be?"
The mention of Eustace stilled Muriel's movements, a brief shadow flickering across her features. "Oh, dear. Eustace? Did he do something to trouble you two?" she echoed, her voice carrying a tinge of surprise and a hint of hesitation.
Asahi, quick to reassure, offered a tempered smile. "Oh no, no, nothing like that. We're just here to check in on him and see if he's around." His tone was casual, aiming to cloak their true mission, to keep Muriel from distress over Eustace's actual predicament with trolls.
Muriel's expression softened, a sigh escaping. "He's, well, not here at the moment," she explained, her attention drifted towards the kitchen momentarily " don't you worry about Eustace. He's got a knack for making it back in time for supper. I know for a fact that he'll be a bit miffed to miss out tonight," she added with a light chuckle, attempting to inject a bit of fun into the air.
Akemi, offered a nod of understanding. "Would you mind if we take a quick look around, Ms. Bagge?" she inquired, her request laced with respect. She hoped a brief exploration of the Bagge residence might offer them clues to Eustace's whereabouts,
"Of course, dear," Muriel responded, "This old house is as much yours as it is ours for the time being. " A knowing smile played on her lips as she turned back to her culinary endeavors.
As Murial left them alone, both twins shared a quick, understanding nod before they began their search, their movements careful not to disturb the homely ambiance. They scanned the room, their eyes keen for any hint or piece of paper that might shed light on Eustace's location.
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+Akemi POV+
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In the dimly lit corridor of the upper floor, Akemi moved with silence. Each drawer she opened and closed was done with a precision that betrayed her growing frustration. 'Seriously, it's been minutes and yet nothing.' she thought, her brows furrowing in concentration. The silence of the house weighed heavily, punctuated only by the soft sounds of her careful searches through each room. When she reached the main bedroom, the last in her systematic sweep, the lack of discoveries only deepened her sigh of resignation.
Seeing as there was nothing upstairs, she made her way back downstairs. Her thoughts were of mild annoyance. 'Where could he possibly be?' she mused, her steps echoing softly against the wooden floor. The mission's 'easy' rating now seemed like a mocking challenge.
The sudden sound of the front door swinging open and Asahi's hurried footsteps broke the quiet monotony. He appeared at the bottom of the stairs, panting slightly from exertion or excitement; it was hard to tell. Akemi paused, her hand on the banister, as her brother looked up at her with wide, eager eyes.
"You've got to see this," he exclaimed. The unexpected intensity in his gaze immediately piqued her curiosity. Despite the fatigue from their fruitless search, Akemi felt a renewed spark of interest. Her earlier frustrations momentarily forgotten as she followed him to discover the new lead Asahi had stumbled upon.
As they rounded the corner of the house to confront the unexpected sight in the yard. A gaping hole yawned before them, its dark maw beckoning ominously. Her brother's pace slowed, allowing her the first glimpse of what lay ahead. The size of the opening aligned perfectly with the mission's narrative of underground trolls. 'This must be it,' she confirmed internally, her gaze locked on the gaping entrance.
In a moment of cautious inquiry, Akemi picked up a small pebble from the ground, and tossed it into the hole, the twins leaning forward slightly in anticipation. The pebble's descent was marked by silence until, after a tense four seconds, a soft thud echoed from the depths.
The silence that followed was heavy with implication. They both knew what the mission entailed, yet the reality of their task loomed larger and darker than anticipated.
Asahi broke the silence with a hesitant jest, "So uh... ladies first?"
"..."
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+POV End+
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[The Market]
The Market's ambiance is the subtle hum of ventilation and the occasional flicker of overhead lights. This quietude sets the stage for an important introduction.
Kazuhiro, the supervisor at the helm, chose this moment of stillness to address the newcomers/refugees seeking sanctuary from their disastrous reality. He stepped forward, his presence though brought uneasiness to some yet it imbued a calm that seemed to quell the undercurrent of anxiety among the group. "I'm Kazuhiro," he announced, his voice steady and monotonous. With a gentle bow, he acknowledged the group, an action that surprisingly elicited no startled reactions to his unusual appearance.
"I have been informed," he continued, gesturing to Kanae, who stood by his side, looking markedly diminutive in comparison; her size is that of a child standing beside an adult. "That some of you wish to transmigrate to a different world? Is that correct?"
The supervisor took a moment to pause as he straightened his posture and observed the burgeoning curiosity and concern within the crowd, their eyes oscillating between skepticism and a spark of hope. His unusual appearance had initially drawn their scrutiny, but it seemed their desperate circumstances outweighed any reservations about his otherworldly demeanor.
It only took a few quiet seconds before someone in the group raised their hand.
"I- We want to leave to a better place." The moment of silence was broken by the courageous inquiry of a man, his protective stance over a young boy, presumably his son, highlighting the palpable desperation that had led them here. His voice, tinged with fear and hope, resonated with others in the group, encouraging them to voice their own desires for escape.
"M- me too." Another hesitantly raised, a young woman's voice chimed in, her request a mere whisper yet carrying the weight of her resolve.
This initial show of hands spurred others, even as doubts lingered in their minds, reflected in their hesitant expressions and the uncertainty that clouded their eyes.
"Is it really true? Can we really escape?"
"Will it be a modern world?"
"H- how many worlds are there?"
"Is it going to be safe?"
The flurry of questions that followed was a testament to the turmoil within each of them—questions about the realities of transmigration, the nature of the worlds beyond, their safety, and the possibility of a life far removed from the strife that had hounded their steps.
Kazuhiro, listened attentively, his response when it came, was measured and deliberate, designed to address the collective uncertainty.
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+Shinichi POV+
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The father of Rei had his eyes on the tall figure, ready to address the concerns questioned by the people they brought here.
"Transmigration is indeed possible through the Market," the thing named Kazuhiro began, his voice calm and clear, cutting through the cacophony of queries with an authoritative ease. "There are numerous worlds, each with its own set of rules, cultures, and challenges. The safety of these worlds varies, and while some may resemble the modern comforts you seek, others might be vastly different."
"If you-" Kazuhiro's explanation was abruptly interrupted, a voice pierced through the attentive silence. Shinichi felt a jolt of irritation at the interruption; he was on the cusp of understanding this surreal opportunity that had been thrust upon them.
The familiar tired tone belonged to none other than Kanae herself, an acquaintance. "I'd hate to interrupt, Kazuhiro-sama, but I have other matters to attend to. If you don't mind, I will be heading outside."
Shinichi knew what this was about and glanced towards the tall figure, awaiting his response.
The entity nodded. "You may leave, Ms.Sato. Straight ahead, no need to use the door application since you originated from that world," Kazuhiro directed, his voice steady.
"I see. Then I'll be off to complete the mission assigned." Kanae's acknowledgment of her mission, followed by a respectful bow.
Shinichi's thoughts briefly followed Kanae as she made her way toward the exit. 'A mission? What kind of mission? Also, What significance did the pot hold?' The question lingered. Kanae's purpose here had always been clear: finding her daughter. Curious about what other matters she had besides that, aswell as the small pot that she carried.
As she turned towards the exit, the gathered crowd remained silent, and their curiosity piqued yet respectful of her departure.
A call, "Stay safe!" broke through the quiet. Shinichi looked around to find the voice, only to see it belonged to his friend's wife, Yuko, who waved her off. The warmth in Yuko's farewell cut through the silence, concern laced in her tone.
Kanae paused, turning back to offer a weary but genuine smile. "Right, thanks," she acknowledged the fatigue in her voice softened by the support around her.
"Take care," Shinichi added his voice one among several that offered parting words of encouragement. There was a communal sense of hope, a silent agreement that despite the uncertainty of their paths, the support they offered each other was unwavering.
As Kanae disappeared from view, a few seconds before Shinichi picked up on kazuhiro's tone, glancing right back at the tall attendant.
"As I was saying," his long, sharp index finger extending towards a certain machine, "if you wish to explore the various worlds available, you can browse through that." The machine resembled that of a modern kiosk found on most supermarkets. "That will provide you with a list of worlds, complete with their own descriptions," he added, offering them a roadmap to the possibilities that lay ahead.
Shinichi and Masaru exchanged a glance, an unspoken agreement passing between them. As they approached. The screen interface layout was simple, beckoning them to interact and delve into the numbered catalog of worlds that Kazuhiro had mentioned.
That attracted a crowd behind the two as they saw how this all functions and to satisfy their curiosity on the list of worlds.
Seeing the controls being user friendly, Shinichi engaged with the controls.
It displayed a numbered list of worlds, each accompanied by a brief description if expanded. The crowd behind them, drawn by the spectacle, leaned in closer, their murmurs of awe and curiosity filling the air.
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__Information board__
Available worlds: W1: (PvZ)
Description:
In this vibrant yet unpredictable world, adventurers find themselves in the middle of an ongoing battle between flora and the undead. The environment alternates between well-kept suburban lawns, ancient Egypt, pirate seas, and futuristic landscapes, all under siege by waves of uniquely skilled zombies. The plants, sentient and surprisingly strategic, serve as the primary defense against the undead invaders, each with its own unique abilities.
Danger level: ☆☆☆ (1 = very safe, 5 = extremely dangerous)
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Collaborate with the local plant life.
︎ Don't: Underestimate the zombies. They employ surprising tactics and tools, from pole vaulting over defenses to dancing their way through your barriers.
︎Bring: A shovel for quick plant repositioning or removal, sunblock (even the sun has its quirks here), and a good pair of running shoes for those times when a retreat is the only option. A comprehensive guide to plant types and their abilities would also be helpful.
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W2: (Undertale)
Description:
A deep underground realm filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes. This world is a maze of puzzles, towns, and secrets waiting to be uncovered,
Danger level: ☆☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Engage with the inhabitants and learn their stories. Empathy and understanding are your most powerful tools in this world.
︎ Don't: Rush to judgment or violence.
︎ Bring: snacks to share (many monsters appreciate a good meal or treat), and an open heart. Remember, your actions have weight here, so choose wisely.
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W3: (Courage the cowardly dog)
Description:
This world is centered around a small, isolated farmhouse in the middle of the mysterious "Nowhere". Although the setting might seem tranquil at first glance, but it's a nexus for the bizarre and supernatural.
Danger level: ☆☆☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: be on alert, the place is a haven to the supernatural.
︎ Don't: Wander off into the unknown unprepared.
︎ Bring: A flashlight and extra batteries (many of Courage's encounters happen at night or in dark places), a portable means of communication (to call for help or research potential threats), and comfort items to maintain sanity amidst the chaos.
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W4: (Deathnote)
Description:
A version of Earth but shadowed by the presence of Shinigami (Death Gods) and their deadly notebooks. When a human's name is written on a Death Note, they die under specified conditions. Recently, it fell into the wrong hands of a human.
Danger level: ☆☆☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Cultivate keen observational and deductive reasoning skills. Generate an Alias, a fake name to use when roaming.
︎ Don't: don't ever, under any circumstances share your real name, the use of a name is enough to bring death upon those.
︎ Bring: A strong ethical compass is essential. In a realm where the lines between right and wrong blur, maintaining one's moral integrity is vital.
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W5: (HOTD)
Description:
It is a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious pandemic has turned the majority of the human population into zombies. Cities overrun by the undead, shopping malls that offer temporary respite, and into the countryside, seeking sanctuary from the relentless horde.
Danger level: ☆☆☆☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Arm yourself at all times.
︎ Don't make any excessive noise, as it can attract zombies.
︎ Bring: A backpack with essential survival gear, including water purification tablets, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and extra ammunition for your weapons. Secure, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for quick movements and escapes. Night-vision goggles can give you an advantage during nighttime operations.
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W6: (Oregairu)
Description:
A world set in the year 2012 earth, a simple mundane setting where you will be sent to chiba prefecture - Japan.
Danger level: ☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Learn about the inhabitants and listen to their stories.
︎ Don't: Cause any trouble
︎ Bring: A special ID citizen card from the Market and a passport if possible, just in case you don't seem suspicious.
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W7: (Tom&Jerry)
Description:
This world is a lively, exaggerated place where the laws of physics often bend to the whims of comedy and adventure. Get ready to face bizarre things.
Danger level: ☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Keep your wits about you and maintain a sense of humor.
︎ Don't: Get too caught up in any chase that's happening, you don't want to end in between it.
︎ Bring: Comfortable running shoes are a must, as is a helmet for those inevitable moments of cartoonish physics.
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W8: (Cars movie)
Description:
A vibrant universe where anthropomorphic vehicles are the sole inhabitants, leading lives parallel to that of humans.
Danger level: ☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: engaging with the local communities. Learning about the history and stories of the various characters enriches the experience.
︎ Don't: cause any necessary trouble,
︎ Bring An open mind to fully appreciate the unique perspective of living as a car in this animated universe.
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W9: (Pokemon)
Description:
A vast, diverse universe inhabited by mysterious and powerful creatures known as Pokémon. These creatures coexist with humans and can be caught, trained, and battled for sport and companionship.
Danger level: ☆☆☆☆
Recommendation(s):
︎ Do: Start your journey by choosing a starter Pokémon, or live a simple life within this world
︎ Don't: Don't harass or cause trouble to the locals, especially Pokémon.
︎ Bring: A Pokédex to identify and record information about the various Pokémon you encounter. Poké Balls are essential for catching Pokémon.
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Masaru leaned in, his eyes scanning the list. "Incredible," he murmured, the skepticism that had colored his initial reaction to the Market beginning to wane. "Do you think there's a world where... where we could really start over?" His voice was low,
Shinichi didn't answer immediately, his gaze locked on the screen. The possibility of choosing a new world, a new life, was both exhilarating and daunting. "There might be," he finally said, his voice steady.
'We now have intel about the various worlds presented, but how do we get there? Surely the service isn't free.' His gaze turned to Kazuhiro. His figure stood at the same spot, didn't move an inch, and was just observing them in silence.
As Shinichi was about to express his thoughts, he was momentarily silenced as a young voice pierced the heavy air first. "How do we even get to these places, Kazu-sama?"
"Three ways," he announced, his functional arm rising to display three elongated fingers. "One of which is that travelers should comply with the traveling rules set by the Market; breaking said rules can lead to dire consequences depending on how severe the action was." Kazuhiro paused as he let these words of consequences sink in on the group, as many shivered and felt uneasy at the tone of his words.
A chill silence fell over the assembly as the implication of his words settled in their minds. Eyes darted between the fellow refugees, a shared unease knitting them closer in their shared predicament.
"Second," his finger dropped, leaving only two. "You have to pay a fee to traverse. Dimensional traveling is considered a service offered nowhere else besides this domain that we currently stand on," Kazuhiro said as the crowd seemed to nod and are following with him. The service wasn't free, to begin with, but the question that lingered was whether it would be expensive or cheap, which they have yet to find out.
The pause before unveiling the final requirement drew their collective breath. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that held everyone's attention captive. "And lastly," Kazuhiro finally continued, dropping another finger. "is to gain approvals from two individuals. One, from those who work here, such as Ms. Sato." A nod of acknowledgment rippled through the crowd at the mention of Kanae's involvement, a familiar face amongst them.
"And the other," he paused again, elongating the silence as if to emphasize the importance of his forthcoming statement.
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However, the solemn atmosphere was unexpectedly punctured by the beep of the entrance, signaling new arrivals. Eight distinct silhouettes stepped into the Market; one of them was a familiar sight to Kazuhiro. Their varied sizes cutting through the focused attention on Kazuhiro, diverting eyes towards the door. The sudden interruption left the last condition hanging, an unfinished sentence that added another layer of mystery to the already enigmatic process of world traversal.
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As the newcomer's expressions tensed at the sight, Kazuhiro took the time and recaptured the crowd's attention even as their gazes lingered on the newcomers. "is to obtain permission from an individual residing in your desired destination world."
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(AN: Another great chapter, had fun making it. I wonder who those 8 that stepped in. Any guesses?
Also came to mention that, the choice for RE, wont change much of the fanfic. and that previous short scene in chapter 5 may be brought back if the timeline was to be set before RE4, anyways cya.)
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