[AN: Okay, so I'm still working on how I'm going to do the characters (Like personalities), but the main focus of this chapter isn't related to the characters. It's mainly Celeste trying to learn how how to have a purpose. But once he does, of course, there must be a consequence. ]

Celeste Vasco opened his eyes and was in a village. He saw people that looked like demi-humans and other strange things. His memory remained but was altered slightly as he can't remember specifics or the story of Re:Zero only that he read it. He noticed signs of Japanese culture and wondered if another person from Earth was nearby.

So I remember some things but not everything. I still don't know if that goddess screwed up or tricked her. But now that I think about it… it might've been better to forget. But if I'm just a vessel without memories, what am I?

He began to walk toward where he saw more small shops and buildings. The air both felt relaxing and refreshing compared to the air-polluted city that he used to live in. He looked at his shoes and noticed they were the same pair he wore on Earth, just a pair of sneakers. He still had his blue jeans on and pulled out his shirt to see if it was just a plain white shirt. He checked his pockets, but his phone was not there. Many people he walked by gave him weird looks, as he expected. He was around six feet tall and had black hair and strange clothing. He knew he needed to find somewhere or someone to help him, or he'll probably die. He then heard a voice calling out.

"Hey, kid… over here."

A man of middle age, with locks of dark crimson hue gathered into a ponytail, gazed upon the world with eyes of amber. Adorning his upper lip was a modest mustache with a beard to match. His garb consisted of a long, inky mantle lined with a hue of crimson and draped over grey woven vestments. Celeste walks over to the man waving from a window shaped like a circle. He was within what Celeste could compare to a mix between modern ideas and pre-industrial revolution materials.

This is so strange. How would I find someone from Earth this quickly? I thought I'd have to sleep on the ground, which takes at least a few days. How many people are from Earth in this world or the Earth within this world? Do I even take it seriously? It's so strange it's hard to consider it an actual reality.

Celeste got close enough to my eye contact with the middle-aged man. Celeste had a gentle smile.

"Hello, my name is Celeste Vasco."

The man looked at Celeste strangely for a moment before laughing.

"Well, that's one way to introduce yourself. Another person from Earth… well, my name is Alec Hoshin. I'm surprised you seem so calm…."

Hoshin's laugh sounded almost forced, and his tone was shallow. Not to mention 'another person from Earth.'

"Yeah, I just arrived here, but I'm unsure what to do."

Hoshin felt an almost early sense of calmness from Celeste. It reminded him of how Flugel was, as he always thought things would turn out the best.

"Well, you are in Kyo, a village I'm trying to unify with other villages around this region to create a single nation. It's been… tedious."

I'd assume he's from Earth, but what's the point of doing this? His tone and behavior contradict what he's trying to do. Not to mention that the goddess women said I'd have powers, and I forgot this story of this world, but most stories have conflict, so I can only assume I was given the ability to survive or something more. I also have no idea how to use these powers. Well, fuck it. I'll see if I can determine what conflict or evil is.

"Hoshin, what is this world like, if you don't mind me asking? You said you are building a nation. What made you get the idea or want to do so?"

Hoishin thought about the question. Flugel told him to take full credit for creating this nation, but he's telling me to do it. Would Flugel care if I told someone from Earth? He and the others should be coming to meet with me soon. Should I bring this boy? Maybe he'll want to save the world like Flugel?

"Kid, are you the type who would want to save the world?"

What is this, a fucking video game or movie? Save the world from what? Well, that question answers my question of why I have powers.

"I suppose I am required to do so. But save the world from what?"

Hoshin began to laugh as his response words sounded similar to Flugel's. Save the world because he's required to feel like I'm talking to Flugel's clone. Well, not like I'm going to save the world. Maybe I should help him meet someone that wants to.

"I was heading my way to meet up with some other people. One of them reminds me of you. His name is Flugel. Would you like to come to meet him? He can probably help you stay alive."

Stay alive. Assuming that wasn't just pure pessimism, there must be more common threats in this world than on Earth. I hope this gives me a purpose, or else this is nothing more than an illusion created by a god to make me happy… thinking about it that way is not the best outlook.

"Uhm, sure, I wouldn't mind, thank you."

"You got nothing thank me, for honestly, I'm probably doing you more harm than good."

Hoshin begins to move, signaling Celeste to follow. As they had some small talk while walking toward the outer edges of the village, Celeste was still trying to figure out how to use his ability or even if the god screwed it up. On the farther edges of the village, many poor and hungry people were sleeping or sitting next to either abandoned or destroyed huts. Celeste noticed that Hoshin didn't bat an eye, whether that be due to viewing it as normal just as he would on Earth when he saw a homeless man or something worse.

"Sorry about so many questions, but who will Flugel and the others meet?"

Hoshin sighed at the question. He didn't know why Flugel wanted him to be the face of what Flugel was doing, but it was odd. Why not take credit for what you're doing? Why give it to a random person you barely know?

"We're going to meet Flugel and possibly Reid or Satella. Flugel… is the one who's doing the work to create this nation… keep it a secret, though, because I don't think he wants credit for what he's doing. Also, don't piss off the red-haired man with a sword if you don't want to die."

Desires to create a nation and save the world but doesn't want credit for it. Why does this sound like some sort of cliche? It's always the best hero that is the one that isn't shown. I hope this story is not something that straightforward. The only world that can create a peaceful harmony for everyone is that of what our imagination can only dream of.

"Flugel sounds like such a great guy. I look forward to meeting him, but I don't get why he'd avoid taking credit for something…."

"Yeah, I agree with you on that. He's a strange guy who likes to name things stars and always tries to help everyone. Why do you want to save the world or whatever that Flugel wants to do?"

I doubt if he tells me a god sent me here to do something, and I'm assuming that it's related to this, he'd believe me.

"Depends what you mean by save the world. Is Flugel's desire to improve the world with new ideas and concepts, or is it something else?"

Hoshin went quiet. Celeste saw a few people in the distance as they made their way outside of the village they were in. Celeste expected Flugel and whoever else was with them to be older than him as they continued to walk now on the dirt with the village behind them, a forest in the distance to the right, and nothing but plains to the left. After a few more minutes, Celeste saw the figures of a red-haired man, a silver-haired girl that looked about his age, and Flugel looked the same.

So the heroes are like teenagers? I'm so confused right now. How does someone eighteen decide to build a nation, give someone else credit for it and probably do other things? Why am I here, then? I swear if this is some cruel joke by that god and I'm going to make everyone in this world suffer, then well… I should've just forgotten my memories.

Hoshin smiled as the three notices approached. Celeste did the same but was curious about what these people were doing or how they were even doing it, given their age. When Celeste got a better look at the trio walking, he could tell something was off but didn't know what exactly it felt like, a gut feeling or intuition. Celeste listened as the black-haired man he could assume was Flugel spoke.

"Hey Hoshin, how have you been? Who's the one with ya?"

As Celeste and Hoshin got close enough to speak without yelling, Hoshin replied with a different tone that felt manufactured.

"I've been doing great." Hoshin pointed towards Celeste, "This here is another one from Earth. He reminds me a lot like you, Flugel."

Flugel had black hair, was wearing something that reminded Celeste of clothing from Earth, and was accompanied by a tall red-haired man with a sword and did not wear a shirt. Finally, there was a silver-haired girl that Celeste could only assume was an elf. Seeing three, Celeste could infer, at the very least, that something felt weird, but he couldn't exactly know what it was. It just felt strange to him. He almost left but need more information, so he continued ignoring his instincts.

Flugel responded, making eye contact with Celeste, "You from Japan? Well, I can see that much by your clothing. I need to create a new term for being from Earth, or else people might just go around saying they are… anyways, uh, Celeste, right?"

What the hell is going on? There's something I'm missing from this dynamic.

Celeste responded with a smile, "Yeah, Celeste Vasco. I'm not from Japan though I'm from Italy."

Flugel gave a strange look as he had never heard of anyone from other countries than Japan coming to this world. If they did, they'd need to know Japanese to speak or understand the language here. I wonder why Hoshin said he reminds him of me. I'm not anything but a false hero. I would think that Hoshin would know that out of everyone I know.

Before Flugel could speak, the red-haired man introduced himself.

"For fuck sake, why ya bring another Flugel. My name is Reid Astrea." Reid said, punching Flugel in the stomach, "It's good to meet ya."

Flugel fell to the ground before Celeste watched as Satella helped him up, and he had a smile on his face. He had no idea what social dynamic he was witnessing, but he could tell that Reid was probably only there because he was strong.

"My name is Satella. It's good to meet you, Celeste."

I may ask now.

"Your ears? I'm guessing you're an elf?"

Flugel gave an expression that showed some form of annoyance or anger while Reid was smiling.

"Well, I'm a half-elf."

Flugel spoke almost before Satella finished her sentence.

"I'm not sure if we uh can take care of another person… Celeste, how long have you been here?"

What the hell is happening? His demeanor changed the moment he asked Satella if she was an elf. Is he even from Earth? If things don't get normal, I'm going to assume that god fucked up making this world or something. Was it even a god or some weird reincarnation, and my last memory was a flashback or something? Where is this power I'm supposed to have? Not like I even want it.

Celeste sighed, "I've been here for about one hour or so, give or take. What about you?"

Flugel's face changed to one of concern, "One hour? You just got here?"

Celeste repeated, "Yeah, and now I'm here."

Satella looked at Flugel with disappointment, "Why even say that we can't help him… isn't your goal to help everyone."

Flugel replied almost instantly, "I'm sorry. I thought you were here for longer than that uh anyways, Hoshin, how's the project we created going?"

Celeste and Reid made eye contact. Celeste almost wanted this strong sword wielder to attack him so he could see if he even had anything or was just going to die. Reid saw Celeste stare as a declaration of wanting to fight.

"Ya lookin' at me strange I'm beat yo ass."

Good, it worked now. Attack me.

Reid walked toward Celeste and tried to punch him, but he moved out of the way before he could. Reid wasn't planning to kill him, so he wanted to punch him again but couldn't. Flugel, Satella, and Hoshin watched in shock and confusion. Celeste had no idea that he was moving faster than the eye could perceive, making it look like he was teleporting.

"Ya fast, I'll give ya that. Jokin round' runnin' away?"

So my power is only available if someone is attacking me. I see, so it's a make sure you stay alive. Let's see if he can break it.

"You're just weak. If you can't hit me, you just slow."

Reid pulled out his sword as he thought that Celeste was mocking him. He began to swing and miss over and over until he eventually got bored. He didn't know what or how Celeste could move so quickly, and he was the only one who could even track his movements while the others thought he was teleporting.

Celeste sighed, "Reid, I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you. I honestly have no idea why I'm moving from your attacks." Cesetle turned his head, "So Flugel questions how exactly you intend on saving this world, and from what I'm curious as Hoshin told me a lot about you and how you help everyone."

Flugel turned his head towards Satella briefly before turning back to Celeste and had a smile that reminded Celeste of Hoshin's but different in purpose.

"I just, uh, well, I don't really much of anything to help others… Hoshin just likes to exaggerate."

Reid turned his head and began to walk away.

"This borin' I'm leavin'."

Did I piss him off or something? I wanted him to hit me with this ability I can't turn off… it's so stupid. I know that Reid is probably not the best person, Flugel is not either, and I have no idea what is happening with Satella. Is this like some joke they're making about saving the world?

Satella spoke, "Sorry that Reid attacked you, Celeste. He has sorta a lot of personality issues, but… he's not that bad."

Flugel realized Reid was gone and spoke freely, "Well, it was good to meet you, uh, Celeste. I should be going somewhere…. Hoshin, you can make sure he's alright, right?"

No, I am not staying here. I'm finding whatever the evil is here or whatever… why am I even here?

Celeste responded, "It's fine, relax. I honestly wanted Reid to hit me, but I couldn't be hit. I'm going to go find a volcano or some sort of lake or something, and uh yeah, anyways, good to meet you, Flugel and Satella."

Flugel registered what Celeste meant almost instantly but was surprised as the way Celeste spoke about it was something he didn't understand.

Flugel replied, "Wait, it's fine. You can, uh, come with us."

Celeste responded, "Who's us? What even do you do? I don't understand any of this… what is wrong here? Something is, but I don't know what I'm missing. Does magic and like dragons and what else uh demons and stuff exist here?"

Flugel replied, "Yeah, there is. It's fascinating here. I want to bring this world stuff from Earth-like agriculture, technology, medicine, and other things to make it a better place for everyone."

You tell me that and don't make eye contact, so what is the real reason? You know what I will discover because I have nothing better to do than die. I have no purpose anywhere I should've just gone to the void.

Celeste asked, "Right. So we've been standing in the middle of nowhere, and you're telling me you want to save this world by bringing stuff from our world. Do you fly or something? How did you even get here?"

Flugel blinked, "Tella can use yin magic, which is basically teleportation, and she's super good at it too."

Satella watched this encounter both confused and felt out of place. Flugel has been acting weird since he met this other person from his world. Wouldn't he be happy to find another person from his world? Celeste said he came here one hour ago from his world… wouldn't that be terrifying? But he's so calm like he doesn't care, or is it something else?

Celeste turned his head to Satella, "Is there a god in this world?"

Satella tilted her head, "Uhh, I guess Od Lagunca."

Right, Od Lagunca. I pray to the Od Lagunca that a demon comes and kills me. It didn't work just like it didn't on Earth. How does one kill a soul?

Celeste responded, "It's just the same. Well, it was fun meeting you guys. I have some purpose of going find."

Who am I joking about what I am even doing? Why can't I do anything right? A fucking god gave me a world, or something happened, yet I am still doing nothing but complaining about my own inaction, but what is the point now? It's a never-ending loop of contradictions.

Flugel warned, "If you insist, just be careful."

Celeste begins to walk away, feeling like he is nothing more than an existence that does nothing. A conscious being that desired nothing more than not to exist. What was the second chance for? Why the fuck do I even remember meeting those gods? It just ruins my idea that this world is real. I'm going to help Hoshin create that nation because why not… maybe that's something I can do. Celeste realizes that Hoshin has left and no longer sees Satella or Flugel. Just empty plains, a forest, and a village. He lies down on the dirt, looking at the sun. His vision begins to get hazy as he slowly falls asleep.

Celeste wakes up, but not where he is. He sees fire all around him and a giant dragon before him. He stares at its red eyes and black scales and wonders where he is or what happened. He then recalls that the goddess told him he'd have other powers and wondered what this was. The dragon begins to speak.

"You fool. I've been watching everything you've been doing, and you are blind."

What?

"What do you mean what? Are you truly that arrogant to assume you are the only one?"

What does he mean by that? Can it hear my thoughts, right?

"Watching your existence while my soul is sealed within you is painful."

Soul? Wait, did the goddess put another soul in here…

"Do you even understand what a soul is? It's the concept of self-awareness itself."

Concept of self-awareness… are you saying everyone in this world is real?

"I saw the same goddess as you. But I got stuck in this pathetic excuse for a living being. You mope and complain while you fail to do anything. Even you felt that sensation, yet you ignored it."

Wait… what was he? Was he human?

"Every single concept you can comprehend exists. Your arrogance to believe you understand the truth is the reason you fail. To believe that your perception of reality is absolute is the fundamental basis of your hypocrisy."

I… but what if this is fake? What if just…

"What if everything is an illusion? Now tell me what you saw because I know you did, and you chose to ignore it. You are the catalyst to your self-pity."

Ignore? Is he talking about my feelings when I first saw those three? I felt that I should've left, but… what else?

"Must I spell it out? This world is broken fundamentally. Those people have souls, but they are in a cycle of repetition. The moment we were brought into this world, I could sense it. You could've if you tried, but you didn't."

Isn't every soul in a cycle of repetition? What the hell do you want me to do?

"Can you not evolve? Can you not make your own decision about what you want to do? I shall say this once, and if you forget, your existence can be nothing but self-torment for eternity. The concept itself is the torment, and you are the one that accepts it. Reject the concept and make the absolute truths that benefit you."

Was my life on Earth all my fault… everything that happened could've changed?

"Where are you now? You had a chance to save this world already and failed."

Save this world already? I've met four people… what the hell could've I done?

"Just as your experiences have altered your soul or existence… the same can be said about the two you saw. Figure it out, and also, you can use your ability at will and even mine if you knew how. I have no interest in helping or saving you, but for me to live a life being sealed within you who cannot exist due to your hypocrisy, I'm forced to explain concepts."

Two people I saw? Do you already know?

"I have no interest in assisting you. However, I preferred to do this rather than watch your existence. The next time we talk, it shall be at your death or when I deem you acceptable to use my power. But it seems you have already changed the future… the next time, I shall deem you worthy based on your merit alone. Give me a reason to respect your existence. But remember, everything good in existence always has an equal sacrifice."

The vision faded as his eyes widened at someone shaking him. He blinked as the bright sun made it hard to see. He slowly made out a vision, and it was… Satella?

"How are you alive?"

He begins to try to get up, but his body feels warm. He was too warm, like he was on fire. He felt his temperature then decrease as his body begins to regain function. He saw Satella and vaguely another person in the background, but everything around him was destroyed. The village he was just at was now ash. He stared at the once forest far in the distance but all he saw was ash. It looked like the entire area around him was destroyed. Sacrifice? Was that the sacrifice he was talking about? A few words for all of this?

Celeste began to stand up his body was covered in burns, but compared to the ground benefit him he didn't know he wasn't burnt alive. Even the weather changed, most likely due to the high heat being brought into the atmosphere. He did all this… killed everyone he met. Littered with bodies and, if not, that ash.

"Celeste, can you hear me?"

Before he could respond, he felt his body move through something. His vision and thoughts were still regaining function as he tried to understand what he just did. He was now in a room somewhere but began to wonder if he'd become the evil he thought he was here to stop. Why did that dragon have to do that? Or did I do it? Is this world in repetition? Was that a lie, and I am the monster? Regardless of what happened after he woke up, he did feel something, whether it was positive or negative. He felt he might have a reason to continue. His eyes begin to fade as he is physically and mentally, and even his soul is exhausted.

To make it straightforward for anyone confused, he lacked purpose during his life on Earth, then finds out when he dies that his soul will remain existing forever and then is sent to another world with those memories, breaking his brain. He then gets a much-needed motivational speech from a dragon, but everything must come with a price.