1 Rise of the New Moon

Today was the end of a grueling semester at my school.

I'd somehow managed to ace all the exams and finished every assignment my teachers threw my way. With all that behind me, there's only one thing on the horizon—summer break.

Yep, that's the silver lining—six weeks of pure relaxation where I could finally do as I pleased. Well, within the boundary lines drawn by my perceptive parents, of course. Their concern for shenanigans was uncanny, so I've got to be careful.

Anyway, the moment the last bell of the semester rang, I dashed out of school, feeling an immense weight lifted off my shoulders. 

"Hey Tsukiko-senpai, over here."

Ah, right. I almost forgot to mention. My name is Kawasaki Tsukiko, and the voice that just called me belonged to a junior classmate named Arai Natsuko. She's currently standing by the gates, waving at me with positive enthusiasm.

Seeing her jolly presence, I headed towards her for a chat. "How's it going, Natsuko-chan? You're waiting for me?"

"Well yeah, you're my best buddy after all," she responded cheerfully. "Hey, we should totally hang out now it's summer break!"

Natsuko was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day—always upbeat, full of energy, and never failed to make me smile when she was around.

Though it's quite troublesome if I will try to go somewhere without my parent's consent. Oh well, I will just explain myself to them later.

"Of course, any plans in mind?" I asked, curious about what exciting bonding activities she had in store.

"Hmm, we could head to the new cafe that opened in Shibuya," she suggested. "I heard they have a lot of delicious pastries and desserts."

Intrigued by the mouth-watering idea, I nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a great plan. Let's try doing that."

"Alright, delicious treats, here we come!" she exclaimed excitedly, racing ahead of me towards the gates.

Seeing Natsuko's eagerness to hang out with me, I couldn't help but smile and hurriedly catch up with her. Although she was quite a fast runner, I managed to surpass her without any difficulties.

"Ugh, I thought I could finally outrun you, Tsukiko-senpai," she pouted, her tone conveying a mock disappointment.

I chuckled at her childish protests and replied, "Well, nailing the P.E class works like a charm, Natsuko-chan. There's no way you can't beat me with that speed."

In response, she pouted even harder but we ended up laughing together. Later on, the two of us continued our stroll towards the new cafe.

However, before we could reach our destination, something terrible occurred.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY!!"

A hoarse shout reverberated through the street, freezing us in our tracks. Turning around, we witnessed a disheveled guy barreling toward us with a bag of cash and a gun in hand.

I instinctively took a step back to avoid confrontation, but Natsuko remained frozen, her face etched with terror.

"Move, or else I'll shoot!" he threatened while pointing his gun at my friend.

In that heart-stopping moment, I felt a burst of adrenaline coursing through me, propelling my body forward to save Natsuko from danger.

BANG!

"Natsuko-chan!"

Without a second thought, I pushed my friend out of harm's way. Yet, as a consequence, I felt an agonizing pain searing through my chest.

Looking down, I could see a lot of blood tainting my uniform. The world then blurred as I collapsed to the ground, the sounds around me became muffled and distorted.

"Senpai! Sen...pai! Sen...pai!"

Natsuko's horrified scream reverberated in my ears as I continued to bleed out and endure the excruciating pain.

'Damn, this hurts so bad. It feels like a torch was scorching through my chest right now.'

{Confirmed. [Pain Nullification] and [Heat Resistance] acquisition successful.}

Suddenly, the burning pain began to subside, but it was replaced by a numbing coldness. It was so cold that I couldn't move any of my limbs.

"Senpai! Wake up, please!"

'So cold... I want Natsuko to hold my hand right now....'

{Confirmed. [Cold Resistance] acquisition successful.} Incorporating {Heat Resistance] and [Cold Resistance] to acquire [Temperature Resistance] successfully.}

"Anyone, please call an ambulance!!"

What was that noise? Was it Natsuko? No, I also heard something mechanical just now. What was going on? Am I going to die? But I don't want to die, not by a gunshot.

{Confirmed. [Projectile Attack Resistance] acquisition successful.}

Seriously, what was that? Oh god, I'm really going to die, am I? So much so, that I am hearing strange voices in my head. Dammit, if only I could react fast enough, then I might have saved myself from this mess.

{Confirmed. Extra Skill [Thought Acceleration] acquisition successful.}

So, this is it then. I was on the brink of death and didn't get to arrive at the new cafe Natsuko urged me to go. If that was the case, then I wished I could go back in time and decide not to come in the first place.

{Confirmed. Setting the time of reincarnation in the past successfully.}

Reincarnation, huh? I guess dying won't be so bad after all. I mean don't get me wrong, death is something I don't accept easily. However, if I could live once again, then it's my chance to set things right by adapting to whatever situations that would threaten my life. 

{Confirmed. Unique Skill [Resolute Adaptation] acquisition successful.}

Interesting, the voice grants everything I wished for. Perhaps I should ask for something that benefits my new life, like enhanced senses such as hearing, eyesight, smell, and touch.

{Confirmed. Extra Skill [Sensory Enhancement] acquisition successful.}

Also, if I were to be reborn, I want to be more just than a mere human—one that possesses greater strength and capability. Perhaps, with a longer lifespan and eternal youth.

{Confirmed. Creating the desired form successfully.}

Okay, what else? Erm, I couldn't think of anything. Oh well, that's fine then. Besides, my consciousness was about to fade anyway, which meant my time was almost out.

But before moving on to the next life, I clumsily searched for my best friend within the blurry surroundings. Finally spotting her, I realized she was crying profusely, most likely because of my situation. Maybe I should say something to get her attention.

"Natsuko-chan...." 

"Senpai? Thank goodness, you're still alive!"

Alright, I got her attention. Now I just need to tell her what's important.

"I have something to say... before I die..."

"No, don't say that, senpai! Help is arriving soon! Just hang-"

"Thank you for being a good friend, Natsuko-chan ... please tell my parents I'm sorry..."

"Senpai? Senpai?! SENPAI!!"

After whispering my last message, my vision darkened, my consciousness faded away, and a mysterious force dragged me away from the mournful scene, plunging me into the unknown.

-----------------------------------------------

Damn, it's truly regrettable I left Natsuko in such a state. I mean, my life simply ended, so there's nothing I could do to prevent it.

Even though she mentioned help was on the way, I doubt it will arrive in time. So, what's done is done. There's no turning back.

Anyway, moving on from that tragedy, I look around to see where am I, only to find myself in absolute darkness. My senses strained to detect anything—sounds, sights, even a hint of a breeze—but it was as if I was consumed by a void.

"Hello?" I called out hesitantly, the sound of my voice feeling hollow in the vast nothingness.

No response.

Panic began to creep in. Was this the afterlife? If so, it wasn't as serene as I imagined. More like an infinite abyss.

Just as I was contemplating the current situation, a sudden force pulled my whole body in a certain direction. Then a bright light emerged, piercing through the darkness. Rather than blinding, it was welcoming, like a doorway leading to another realm.

"What the heck is that—Wah!!"

Before I could comprehend what was happening, I found myself hurtling towards the light, sensations of weightlessness and disorientation overwhelming me.

If that wasn't enough, I could feel my entire body morphing into something strange. My limbs were shrinking, my torso felt lighter, and something was growing inside my mouth.

"What's happening to me?"

As the change reached its peak, the blinding light enveloped me completely. I instinctively closed my eyes, hoping to shield them from the intense radiance.

When the light finally subsided, I opened my eyes, only to find myself in a dimly lit room. I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The walls and ceilings were made of stone, and the wooden floor beneath me had a glowing circle of symbols engraved on it.

Later on, I tried to stand up, but I noticed my body felt different. It was lighter than I thought. Looking at myself, I was taken aback, not only because I was naked, but because my body became smaller as if I reverted into a child.

"What the..." I muttered, my voice sounded high-pitched.

While trying to comprehend my new appearance, I felt the presence of someone. Turning around, I noticed a tall figure standing in the corner. They had long white hair, crimson eyes, and an androgynous physique.

The figure stepped into the dim light, revealing a calm expression. Then in a calming voice, they spoke to me using a language I didn't recognize. But before I could ask any questions, something strange occurred.

{Adapting. Common Skill [Linguistic Synthesis] acquisition successful.}

"—Welcome, little one, for I have created you into this world with a purpose."

The words of the figure suddenly became intelligible, which is surprising. Perhaps, I should respond to them while I still have a chance.

"You created me? Who are you? And what is this place?" I asked apprehensively.

The figure chuckles at my question and says, "Interesting, you're the first creation who was able to respond to me."

"Isn't that normal here?" I inquired curiously.

They shook their head and explained, "Apparently not, it took them a while to learn basic communication skills."

"Oh, I see."

I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had stumbled upon something extraordinary, something beyond the realms of the ordinary world I once knew.

"Anyway, I'll answer your question later on," the figure declared as they handed me a simple robe. "But first, wear this and I shall proceed to name you."

"Um, okay."

I followed the figure's instructions, wearing the provided robe as intended. Seeing this, the figure nodded in satisfaction and placed their hand on my head.

In a gentle yet commanding tone, they uttered, "Henceforth, you shall be known as Luna. Embrace your purpose, for you are the vampire I created under the new moon."

Alright, I have a new name, which is good, and... Hold on, did they just say I was a vampire?

"Wait, am I a vampire?"

"You're correct."

"....Eeeeeh!!!"

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It turns out I am a vampire, and my name is no longer Kawasaki Tsukiko but rather it was Luna. The immense shock echoed in my high-pitched voice as I tried to process this supernatural turn of events.