Re:START/If {Book 1.0}
Prologue Arc 01 "101": The end of the beginning

What do you think makes the world go on like this?

Is it because of an orderly society?

Value?

Moral?

Or Law?

Whatever the reason, surely an element named ‘Manusia’ will always be involved in it.

“Man is the center of the world.”

That's how hedonists think. They consider themselves to be the most important in the world, irreplaceable, and a top priority.

They all enjoy happiness, without ever thinking everything they can come from where.

Although many people suffer, grieve, distress, and languish out there, most people whose lives are fulfilled will be apathetic to the reality.

Such people would turn away and consider the world only as vast as their peaceful surroundings, as far as their feet ever stepped.

For some, the reason why the world can exist and continue to exist today is because of their existence, the people who play a role in distress and suffering.

It was a view to be self-fulfilling, so naive.

I myself am a part of them, the people who struggle in such hardships and sufferings.

But just so you know, I never once cursed fate. Never considered the fate I lived this bad and deserved humiliation.

What I have now, my present life, everything I have passed, and the various fates I have experienced, all of them are a gift in life.

Whether it's as ugly and as disgusting as anything, it's me.

Just by looking at those who are well off, I can feel, “Ah, she can eat well and have such fun thanks to this kind of person like myself. If only there was no one below, surely there would be no one above.”

The thought was only to entertain myself, I unconsciously realized it. To protect something called a fragile heart and feelings, I turned to reality.

But .., that's how it is. This is my life, this is the provision and the decree that I get. Nothing can be changed now.

I knew my life was boring and miserable, so I tried to drown in false hopes and illusions.

I know the world is made justly, but it is not equal to all. Therefore, a difference is everywhere.

I know that the world is so beautiful, but not every moment will look like that. There are times when bad things meet, then become commonplace.

I only know, but never understand the meaning behind it all.

I don't know why I was born in this world, why I exist, why my life became like this.

Constantly wondering without being able to understand or even find an answer, then in the end just looking for a pile of reasons.

Without really finding out the desired answer.

Lower than people who turn a blind eye to reality, that is the kind of man who blames others for the situation he gets.

I am also one of those people. So low, despicable, and hypocritical.

If I could change everything, I wanted to be myself to the end.

Unfortunately, this is very impossible. An organization called ‘Society’ would never give me that opportunity.

Like a product that has been affixed to a price tag, I can not release the role that has been given by the community.

If I tried it, as with any un-labeled item in the supermarket, I would not be accepted by a named buyer of the community.

It's just a complaint. Nothing important, nothing to be questioned, and nothing to argue about.

Just an expression of words, a sentence that would be lost in the wind and would one day be swallowed by time.

Really, everything is nonsense. A prank is not important.

««»»

In the afternoon before dusk, I stood on the roof of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences where I studied. While placing both hands on the iron barrier, look at the view of the trees surrounding the building.

The building has three floors, with rooms whose number may reach fifty more. That's just an estimate, because I myself never counted it directly.

“Huh, what a pathetic.”

That word was directed at myself. Yeah, how else. For the full potential of 18 years old, I was like a chick going into a duck cage.

“I didn't know that one major would be so pathetic like this.”

Actually there is no reason for me to complain, from childhood until now there is not a single important choice that I take myself. Everything I leave to the family, the environment, and the atmosphere.

Elementary school just because it was ordered to attend school, entered a fairly well-known Junior High School in my area also only because of the demands of parents. At the next level is also not much different, so is this college period.

However, from all of that there is a different one now. I don't have to be in that house. To be honest, I also still hesitate to call that place a house.

No, this does not mean that the place is uncomfortable or unworthy, it can even be called an upper middle class place.

It's just, something important from a ‘Home’ is not in that place. A good family does not exist in that place. There were only people, people, and people who could possibly be called family.

“Yeah, I guess this is better than having to one place with them on.”

While sitting leaning against the barrier, I looked up. Recalling the people who are DNA is my family.

A father who always comes home late at night because of work, a mother who is a career woman, and a sister who is more talented than me. I honestly don't hate them, but I can't say I like them either.

I never even had happy memories with my own family.

Since the age of five, I have been entrusted to relatives because they are busy working.

I have never been praised for the results I have achieved. Never mind praising, they always compare me with my sister.

It's not anyone's fault that I can't feel like them. I know that they did it all for their son. However, it was just that I as a child could never feel their kindness.

Fed up with the stifling atmosphere of the place called home, after graduating High School I chose a distant University.

Unfortunately, I was not accepted and had to enter the University which was only five stations away from the area where I lived.

Even so, at least I was free from that atmosphere. Entering a new time where I feel wrong majored. The result of the choice I tried to make.

Grrrr...!

My stomach rang, already from the morning I have not put anything in my mouth except water. At the time of the old date, for children indekos it is natural that something like this happens.

Yes, at least except people who can manage finances well.

"Akh, damn .., if you know this mending I fast Monday-Thursday again. What plus Daud Fasting yes, if calculated means a week can save monday, wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. Ah, tetep must be open, yes? .... Oh, yes ... It's Tuesday.”

After murmuring indistinctly, I stood up limply. Take a breath, then walk in and down the stairs.

Actually, it does not mean that I am short of money now, monthly rations are sent without late or less. The reason I save so much I don't eat is because I'm saving up, to buy my own land after graduation and be completely independent.

Now I even intern on Saturdays and Sundays as an Archivist at a company with connections to the family. Using the names of both parents, I was accepted easily even though I only got 800 thousand in wages a month.

Passing straight to save up to build a house, that's the only reason I have now. That might sound silly, but it's okay to do it because I'm basically an unambiguous person.

After arriving at the bottom floor, I immediately went out and walked towards the motorbike parking lot. However, for some reason I felt a bad feeling.

For a person who always reads the atmosphere like myself, there is no way I would get a disaster like this.

I'm being stalked, by three big-bodied delinquents I don't know.

With a tone and face that showed signs of resignation, I said, “I don't have money, really. If you don't believe it, find aja.”

I raised both hands, then they reached into all the pockets. By the time they didn't find the money they were looking for, a raw bogem landed on my stomach and was covered with a kick in the face as I fell down.

“Cih, barbaric base. IQ squat,” that's what I think. Of course I'm not stupid to say that directly to them.

After they left me, I woke up with a limp body plus aches and pains. Without saying the words to curse, I quickly walked towards the only motorbike left in the parking lot.

That's my bike, the duck bike that if it's done it might cost less than seven million.

My misadventures today are not over. When I wanted to get out, it turned out that the parking lot door was closed and the guards were home.

Come to think of it, maybe it's natural considering it's been a very late afternoon.

With a heavy heart, I left the bike and went home on foot. Estimating the motor can be stolen or not, the possibility is not zero.

But, for me now lifting a motorcycle over a fence nearly two meters high is impossible.

Asking for help is an impossible solution, because in that place it is already very quiet. Maybe if it lingers, there may be me beaten again by campus thugs who often run around on afternoons like this.

“Lemes really ...”

I walked back to Indekos which was about four kilometers away. It was not too far away, but the terrain up and down the hill did make the feet tired. Plus minimal street lighting, honestly this is very annoying.

Pausing to rest, I sat on a public bench around the T-junction. I looked back and started to worry about the bike I was staying on.

Indeed, if stealing one motorbike will be fast tracked considering this area is a university area. However, if you only steal important components it will be impossible to trace.

"Wine! What if my motor is knocked?”

I got up from the bench in dismay, trying to get rid of such thoughts and continued walking home. However, suddenly a glimpse of white light passed in front of me.

The body instantly trembled, magical smelling things instantly filled my mind. Afternoon before dusk, quiet place, and air that feels cold. Thinking of the no-no, my body immediately trembled in fear.

A voice sounded from behind me. When I turned around, on the bench where I was sitting earlier appeared a girl who lowered her head.

“White,” that's the impression I got from him. From the hair to the dress, everything is white. Even his skin looks pale.

“Ku-Kuntilanaaak!!”

“Hey, rough. I'm not Mbak Kunti ..”

The girl raised her head and stared. He pulled out the silvery white hair that covered. A beautiful face was immediately visible, then with eyes as bright as the pomegranate of the girl made me fixated for a moment.

“Angel ..”.

“Now even memggombal? You are always interesting.”

The words were strange, but I thought it was the first time we met. But, why does he use the word ‘always’. As if I had met him a few times.

Despite thinking that deeply, I did not ask him this curiosity.

“Not home?” ask me to change the mood.

“It's coming home, so I'm sitting at the stop.”

“Eh, stop?”

I looked up. As he said, there is an iron board as a roof with the inscription ‘Halte 101’.

Maybe due to the lack of lighting, I did not realize that the place I was sitting in was a stop.

Yeah, I usually get on a speeding bike anyway. Naturally do not see if there is a stop in the T-junction …. Hmm?! There's a stop here anyway?

Doubt is still on my mind.

“Yourself ... What do you want here? It's dusk, loh. Yeah, it's even night now. Just so you know, it's haunted here. If there is nothing like?” ask the girl with a faint smile.

“Kayak Kunti⸻”

"I told you! I am not Mbak Kunti,” he said with a little ketus.

“Sorry, sorry, kidding.”

I don't know why, I'm sitting next to the girl. Although I should have come home by now considering that it was getting late.

This may sound silly, but I don't feel like going first. If I leave a girl whose body looks fragile in a lonely place, it feels like I failed as a man.

At least until the bus arrives. After all, down the hill in front also I arrived at indekos.

“Not home?” ask her with a light tone. While keeping a distance sitting with me, he again asked, “Dnight rush, you know. Later regret.”

“Later .... I'm also waiting for bus.”

“Oh, so yes.”

Our conversation ended, the silence completely filled the atmosphere between us. He said nothing, nor could I ask anything.

Although two hours had passed and the day had really been night, but the bus had still not come. The girl remained sitting on my right side, silent without making any conversation.

“By the way, you took the bus which route?” ask me awkwardly.

But, he did not answer. Surprised, I turned and looked at her face covered in bangs.

His head slowly turned, then with a teary look he said, “Sorry, I can't help it anymore. This is the first time I've felt it. Please forgive me.”

His words really confused me. Very strange, awkward, and incomprehensible.

Before he could ask for an explanation, the girl again said, “This is also your fault. Though I just wanted to look closely .., but you instead …. Even!!”

“Oi, what? Why cry?” I grabbed her hand, trying to make the girl calm down.

But without answering my question, suddenly the girl's face melted like a hot candle. The skin and all the flesh blistered, leaving only the skeleton of the bone and the white dress.

“A .... What is this ... what ..?”

I immediately let go of his hand which was only a skeletal skeleton. A cold sweat immediately poured out, my breathing began to be chaotic, and my mind was filled with fear.

I immediately got up from the bench, stepped back and descended from the sidewalk to the street. While my mind was still in the chaos of the hall, a bus traveling at high speed honked.

I looked, but the distance did not allow me to escape. At high speed, the bus crashed into me from the side and made my body slam up to several meters away.

I rolled down the street, my whole body was covered in abrasions and my right rib could feel broken.

Even pain like something piercing the lungs I can feel very clearly. I knew it was a rib fracture that pierced the internal organs.

With my eyes partially covered with blood, I looked back at him. The girl who had previously melted like a candle stood before me, then slowly revealed a sad look and teary eyes.

Her lips moved, as if to say something I could not hear.

I really don't know what he's saying. My head and body hurt too much. My eyes were blurry and my breath felt tight. Then, I don't know why it feels like my whole body is getting cold.

Ah, the end of the corresponding groove? Am I going to die like this? Though I haven't⸻ Not what yet, huh? I forget. Let it, anyways, die. Come to think of it, why do I live this long if death can get a sense of calm?”

.

.

.

.

.

I opened both eyes. However, the first thing I saw was a ceiling I didn't recognize.

When I tried to get up, my whole body was in pain, because it turned out I was being treated in the hospital. When I saw the infusion and other medical devices, I knew it immediately.

“Thank God not to be dead ...”

Although he had received death, but when he knew that he was still alive a sense of relief immediately filled the heart. Really glad I didn't end up like that.

Amidst the relief that filled my heart, there was suddenly the sound of a door hinge opening.

I thought it was my family coming to see me, but it's a pity that it wasn't. It was her, the girl who had previously melted like a meat candle.

Fear immediately controlled me. The thing that scared me wasn't what I saw before. If he came just to visit I wouldn't be afraid.

However, unfortunately she is not as friendly a girl as I thought she was. Dragging a large axe on the floor, he walked towards the bed where I was lying.

I immediately removed the medical device and the infusion from the body, then tried to get away from the crazy girl.

“Sorry, forgive me! Please come to me. I promise I'll give you anything. Please, come to a place where I can reach you. That's all this creature asks. I beg you, o⸻”

A gust of wind rushed in from the open window, flying his last one word. But, I clearly heard what the girl said. He called my name with great sadness.

I was shocked and fell out of bed. With a body full of bandages and wounds, I crawled away. Trying to escape from him. Unfortunately, the girl had absolutely no intention of letting me go.

Without letting me turn around, he swung the axe and hacked my back very hard.

The pain made my consciousness seem to float. He pulled the axe that was stuck on his back and tore at the meat, then again landed the axe to end this miserable and meaningless life of mine.

.

.

.

.

Above the water, I woke up a second time. Opening both eyes wide, lying limply while remembering something that happened before.

At that moment, I realized that I was dead. As far as I know, no human is alive after being hacked like that with an ax.

He obviously called my name. Wait a minute, how did he know? Anyway, where is this?

I got up and stood up straight. The pain and ache that I had previously felt seemed to vanish without a trace. Even when I move both hands and jump lightly, the body feels light like cotton.

Looking ahead, there was only a shallow stretch of clear puddles with a plain white floor surface.

“World Junction of Life and Death.” Without my will, the sentence came out of my mouth.

Surprisingly again, it feels like I am no stranger to this place. It's familiar, it's nostalgic and it has a lot of memories. Although it should be my first time coming.

“Are you still confused?” A very hoarse-sounding voice came from behind.

I turned my head, but what I saw was a figure that only existed. But, it has no physical form.

Like a picture in a photo that was erased forcefully, his figure could not be captured by both of my eyes. Just an element that he ‘Ada’ there alone that tells me will figure it.

“What ... am I dead?”

“Hem, so it seems. So up to that limit? Looks like the ritual of the Korwa succeeded.”

“Hah? The bounds? Who is Korwa?”

“Tak nothing. As you think, O descendant of Adam. You have died, and your soul was brought to this Border realm.”

“So ... Where will I go? Hells? Heaven?”

“Hmm, it's really far from normal. Aren't you afraid of going to hell?”

“Of course scared, but if it's dead how else. When I get to this place, I am allowed to choose?”

That's right, I've always been like that. Letting someone choose something for me. If I am not satisfied with the result at the end, I can only complain. Even though I'm dead, I'm someone like this.

“Then it's a pity, yes. You will not go to heaven or hell. Yes, from the beginning your soul and spirit are no longer able to enter both places.”

“Eh?” I immediately turned my face away.

Can't do? Not Hell or Heaven? Is there any other realm after death besides those two? What is the grave? But, if this is the nature of the border I think I've passed that realm.

The astonishment once again entered my mind.

Why would I know all that?

Why can I understand and not panic at the current situation?

All those questions kept me from paying attention to the conversation for a moment.

“I'll give you a second life.”

That statement made me feel frozen. I frantically walked toward the figure without the physical form, and then tried to touch it. But like a mirage, my hands cannot hold it.

“This is a fix. You have no right to refuse, this time you will be in a place where I can reach. With my power as one of the True Gods, the Lord of Life and Death, I will send you to my place.”

When I heard those words, I knew that the identity of the faint figure in front of me was that girl. His manner of speaking was similar to what the girl had said.

From the very familiar arrangement of words, I also realized that he was not joking about who he was.

He is a True God, instinctively I cannot deny the facts conveyed by him.

“You⸻!”

“Do not worry ... I'll make sure you're happy.”

Even though I couldn't see it, I don't know why I knew it was approaching. Slowly raise my hand, then touch both my cheeks.

“I love you. Loves you so much. I'll never let go of it again. This time, I will definitely get you whole. Will not I let you fall back to⸻”

My consciousness faded without being able to listen to it until the end. Both legs and my body seemed to be lifted up, then darted quickly into the air.

A feeling of relief instantly filled up my soul, a peace I had never felt before. Before fully realizing it, my entire consciousness was engulfed by a golden bright light.

««»»

{Author POV}

Early spring in the dominion of Luke's Noble Family, Kingdom of Felixia.

On a sunny and cool day, some low-level spirits flew over. Hovering like butterflies, flying among the flowers blooming in the herb garden and garden of Luke's Residence Their shape is like air vapor, looking vaguely like the light of Ether with a variety of colors.

Right between the garden and the herb garden, there are two large buildings in the form of a magnificent Mansion and a Library. The mansion is home to members of the Luke Family, has only one floor, and has pillars along the terrace on the side and front.

For the Library next to it is also no less magnificent. Although not as large as the Mansion, but the building has several floors and towering like a tower.

Inside the mansion in the victorian architectural style, there are several servants who pass through and out of the building. Carrying cloths and basins filled with hot water.

The reason they looked busy was not because of the daily duties of a servant, but because today the Madam was going to give birth to the long-awaited successor of the Luke Family.

On the doorstep of one of the rooms, Dart Luke, the territory's Landlord in cold sweat waits for his wife who is giving birth inside. The man, who was about 40 years old, put his right hand in front of his mouth, then moved his index finger quickly to his cheek.

For a man who looked burly and dignified, he could not hide his worry. Dart occasionally held onto her long pinched hair and had bleached due to age, then bit off the ends.

The few male and female servants near Dart felt a little pity for their Master. At the same time, they also felt the same sense of worry as him.

It was natural, at the delivery of Mavis Luke, their mistress was not in top shape. For a long time, the condition was very weak, even in this delivery the risk of death was very high.

“Mavis .... Mavis ...”

As Dart waited anxiously, the door opened and two healers came out. At almost the same time, several maids carrying cloths and basins filled with hot water entered.

The white clothes of the healers contained blood. Seeing that, all over Dart's body seemed tingling and afraid to control the man.

“Ba-How is the delivery?” ask Dart anxiously.

“Just relax, Mr. Dart. Your wife has given birth without any problems. He survived. Although there was a lot of blood coming out. It's just ...”

The healer who spoke to Dart slightly turned his face away. Seeing that, his worries changed to his newly born wife.

“A-What's up ...?”

“Your son, he ...”

That word made Dart even more anxious. Without waiting for the Physician's explanation, the man barged into the room and met his wife who was being cared for by other Physicians and some servants.

Seeing his wife and child lying on the bed, Dart's heart was instantly relieved. Both of his legs felt weak and even almost collapsed so the leg.

Mavis Luke was seen limp lying on the bed, with her newborn son beside her.

Dart immediately approached, then carried his newborn child. At that time, he realized that there was something strange about his newborn son. She was not crying like a baby in general, she was just speechless with her eyes slightly open and both palms wide open.

“Darling ..., can I see our child? I haven't had time to touch his face.”

His wife's limp voice contained Dart stop thinking about the strange thing on his son. Only with him born and his wife survived the delivery, it had already made Dart very happy.

The man laid his son down next to his mother.

With pale hands, Mavis stroked the baby saying, “Thankful .., you were born healthy. May you be a strong and blessed child.”

Dart lifts his son into Mavis's arms, then hugs them. Crying sobbing, the man brought his face closer to his son and said, “Our son, what name should we give him?”

“So he gets a lot of blessings, how about Odo? Odo Luke's. Odo means Rich, while Luke means Light. A wealth derived from glory, endowed the Spirits to leadership.”

“Odo ... Odo Luke's. His name is Odo Luke .... Our son's name is Odo Luke ..”

Dart crying haru, Mavis also shed tears of happiness. All the Physicians and Servants in the place were touched. Being blessed with a child after being a couple for 20 years is more of an irreplaceable happiness for them.

Additional information:

The spirit is divided into several levels:

- Low Spirit: only in the form of light or ether, has no personality or ego and only flies hovering but has elements according to the charge and characteristics of the Spirit respectively. It is like a natural phenomenon.

- Spirit Intermediate Level: progression from the previous Spirit level. Has physical form, elements, as well as ego and personality. Animal or plant-like traits, and low intelligence. It is like a natural phenomenon.

- Spirit Top Level: the perfect level of Spirit. His physical form was perfect in the Astral World, but it could not be in the Real World. Except with contact.

the Great Spirit: The Spirit who becomes the ruler of other Spirits. Its nature was almost the same as a Top-tier Spirit, but it had many times the power.

the Holy Spirit: The Spirit who is equal to the Gods.