Journey to Planar World

That morning, the world was stunned. News broadcasts showed footage of Tokai City, now a sea of destruction.

Buildings were reduced to rubble, streets were littered with debris, and dried blood mixed with dust. Amateur video clips uploaded to social media showed scenes that were hard to believe: countless clones storming the city, a mysterious man in the sky firing beams of light, and fighter jets exploding like fireworks in the air.

News headlines flashed across television screens:

—[Tokai City Destroyed: Tragedy or Supernatural Phenomenon?]

—[Tokai’s Endless Night: Mystery of the Clones and the Mysterious Young Man]

—[Japan’s Worst Attack Since World War II]

Tokai’s Endless Night... That’s what they agreed to call the tragedy, describing the long night of terror faced by the residents of Tokai City until the tragedy reached its peak in the morning.

Social media was filled with wild speculation. The alien theory became one of the most popular theories, supported by the testimony of survivors. The subject experiment theory shook the conspiracy community, claiming that the clones were the result of a failed secret military project. There was also the theory of another world invasion, which suspected that Tokai City became a portal to another dimension.

The tragedy of Tokai’s Endless Night left a deep wound that was difficult to heal. Various media mentioned that this was one of the biggest disasters in modern Japanese history. One million casualties and two million seriously injured were figures that were difficult to comprehend, but the footage from the field left no room for doubt.

With an initial population of six million people, Tokai City had already suffered from the impact of the MK Virus, which had reduced the male population by 50%. Now, this new tragedy destroyed the majority of the remaining female population, turning the city into a mass grave.

On the streets, cars were left abandoned, some of them filled with belongings left behind as their owners tried to escape. Empty buildings stood silent, surrounded by rubble that told the story of a violent night.

Those who managed to survive had no choice but to leave the city, fearing that another supernatural event would occur. Trains, buses, and private vehicles were filled with people carrying their meager belongings. Faces full of trauma could be seen at every corner. Many didn’t know where they would go, but one thing was certain: they didn’t want to go back to Tokai City.

Even the government deployed the military to guard the city’s borders, preventing anyone from entering for security reasons.

This news spread around the world, becoming a major topic in various countries. International organizations began monitoring Japan, sending investigative teams to try to understand what really happened. However, the reports circulating didn’t provide many answers.

On social media, hashtags like #TokaiEndlessNight, #SupernaturalDisaster, and #SaveHumanity went viral, sparking heated debates around the world.

The Japanese government held a press conference to reassure the public. The Prime Minister, with a tired face, promised to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. However, he couldn’t give concrete details about what actually happened.

”We understand the concerns of the Japanese people and the world. Investigations are ongoing, and we promise to take the necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.”

However, the promise wasn’t enough to ease people’s fears.

❀❀❀

In a secret meeting room, world leaders gathered through a virtual conference. Footage from satellites and drones capturing Charlie’s figure became the main focus of the discussion.

”This young man is clearly no ordinary threat. If he can destroy fighter jets, who can stop him?” said one leader with a serious tone.

A military strategist added, ”The problem isn’t just that young man. If a tragedy like this happens in one city, what’s stopping it from happening elsewhere? We need to act quickly.”

Those questions filled the meeting room, but no one could provide a definitive answer.

They agreed that capturing the mysterious young man was the top priority. They believed that capturing him would reveal the origins of the three previous tragedies: the MK Virus, the cyborg (Shishigami Hiro), and the clones of unknown origin (Bubaigawara Jin).

❀❀❀

Shelter.

Charlie opened his eyes slowly, feeling the morning light sneaking in through the cracks in the window. His head felt heavy, but the gentle warmth he felt beneath him made him aware of something. He glanced down and found himself lying in Aishia’s lap, who was still fast asleep.

Aishia’s long hair flowed gently, covering part of her peaceful face. Her breath was steady, showing how tired she was after a long night. Charlie paused for a moment, mesmerized by the calmness that was rarely seen amidst the chaos.

’She must be very tired.’

Through telepathy, he knew Aishia was also busy stopping the clones who found the hideout. Trusting her, Charlie didn’t go back to help and focused on finding Jin’s original body even though it took a long time.

”Charlie-san, you’re awake? You must be thirsty, right? Let me get some water.”

Charlie turned to see a short-haired girl with a green ribbon like rabbit ears on her head, he recognized the girl as Yotsuba.

”This is it.”

Soon, Yotsuba brought a glass of water and handed it to him.

”...”

Charlie took the glass, nodded lightly, then took a sip of his water. His eyes glanced towards the living room where everyone was gathered.

”How long have I been asleep?” Charlie asked.

Itsuki, who was sitting at one end of the sofa, turned and her usually serious face was now filled with worry.

”Five hours. Charlie-kun fell asleep as soon as he arrived here. We didn’t want to wake you up.”

”Five hours, huh...”

Charlie sighed deeply, realizing how tired he was after a long battle. He fought from midnight to dawn, he was exhausted both physically and mentally.

”Charlie-kun, take a look at this.” Ichika said while pointing at the TV.

The image displayed on the screen was footage of Tokai City from above, taken by a drone or helicopter. The city looked like a war zone, with destroyed buildings, debris-filled streets, and lifeless bodies lying everywhere.

”The tragedy of Tokai’s Endless Night is now the world’s concern.” The news anchor’s voice sounded, full of tension.

”With over one million casualties and two million injured, this is one of the deadliest disasters in modern Japanese history. The Japanese government and the international community are still seeking answers about what really happened in this city.”

The footage switched to an interview with several survivors. A woman with a face full of wounds cried while hugging a small child.

”They’re not human!” she said through sobs. ”They kept coming, endlessly. We could only hide and hope to survive.”

”...”

Charlie felt his chest grow heavier. He stared at the screen with regretful eyes. He knew that it all happened because he didn’t manage to stop Jin sooner.

If it was his previous idealistic self, he would likely commit suicide as a form of responsibility, just like the samurai who committed seppuku in ancient times.

Although Charlie felt guilty, he didn’t fully blame himself. After all, if there hadn’t been the Abyssal Devourer, this bloody tragedy would never have happened.

”Charlie saved many people… Without you, there could have been many more victims.”

As if sensing Charlie’s inner fluctuations, Aishia woke up from her sleep, she immediately comforted him.

”Now I understand why Li Qiye always refused to be called a savior… The burden carried by a savior is too heavy for ordinary people like me.” Charlie smiled wryly.

”Who is Li Qiye?” Miku asked unconsciously, she thought it was a historical figure in the story of the Three Kingdoms.

”He’s a man whose heart is unshakable no matter what happens.” Charlie said appreciatively.