Prologue

{Kiso Observatory, Japan}

Ever since I can remember, my fascination with the celestial wonders above has been an unshakable passion. The dance of stars and the captivating patterns they form in the night sky, like intricate brushstrokes on the canvas of the universe, have always held me spellbound. However, it was the constellations that held a special place in my heart, their stories and symbolism fueling my dreams and ambitions, eventually leading me down the path of becoming an astrophysicist.

One fateful evening, I found myself leaving the observatory, my mind still entranced by the mysteries of the cosmos. As I descended the mountain road, a peculiar, otherworldly light pierced the darkness of the night sky. I couldn't match its ethereal glow to any known celestial object, and a spark of excitement surged through me as I pondered the possibility of a new discovery. But then, something inexplicable happened. My car veered uncontrollably to the left, propelling me into an unexpected journey into the unknown.

Amidst the chaos and disorientation, my focus remained fixated on that enigmatic light, twinkling like a mischievous secret in the celestial vault. Even as the car tumbled down the mountain's steep slopes, my eyes remained locked on it. However, a sudden jolt sent my head crashing into the car's ceiling, and the world around me descended into darkness.

When I regained consciousness, I was greeted by a surreal sight – a luminous, humanoid figure, with only a mouth adorning its radiant face. Intrigued more than fearful, I summoned the courage to ask, "What are you?"

With a theatrical flourish, the radiant being identified itself as TRUTH and revealed the extraordinary reason for my presence. It offered me a unique chance at reincarnation, a second lease on life with my memories intact. My inquisitive nature couldn't resist, and I questioned, "Why grant me this opportunity?"

In a voice that resonated with the grandeur of cosmic truths, TRUTH explained, "The universe adheres to the principle of EQUIVALENT EXCHANGE. I grant you this new life, and in return, I ask for a finite duration of your existence as a source of entertainment."

Grateful for this extraordinary opportunity, I expressed my appreciation and curiosity about the destination that awaited me. With an almost childlike enthusiasm, TRUTH replied, "You'll discover that when you arrive."

And so, my journey through the cosmos continued, a celestial pact forged, and a new tale of reincarnation had finally begun.

{Unkown Location}

As I slowly regained consciousness, my senses struggled to piece together the puzzle of my surroundings. The blinding, unrelenting brightness had me squinting and disoriented, forcing me to recalibrate my vision. Despite the disorienting light, faint murmurs and hushed voices swirled around me, creating a surreal auditory backdrop. It was as if I had been transported to a realm of the unknown, caught between reality and a dream.

A relentless headache pounded in my skull, each throb echoing my heart's uncertain rhythm. It felt as if I had been thrust through a confining, suffocating one-inch tube, leaving me with a sensation of pressure and disorientation that was hard to shake.

Gradually, a strange comfort enveloped my body, like a cocoon of warmth. I lay there, unable to move or even turn my head to assess my environment. The sensation was akin to being swathed in a soft, protective blanket and carefully placed on an unfamiliar surface, which I could only assume was some sort of bed. In that moment, I was a prisoner of my own senses, caught in the enigmatic embrace of an unfamiliar world.