The sun was setting as Touka led me through the winding streets. My body still felt foreign—stronger, faster—but I couldn't shake the confusion gripping my mind. As the orange glow bathed the city, Touka glanced back at me, her expression softer than before.
"What's your name?" she asked abruptly.
"Raiden," I replied, almost without thinking. The name just felt... right.
She nodded. "You remember anything else? Family? Friends?" Her voice was almost casual, but I could sense the curiosity beneath.
"Nothing," I admitted. "Just fragments. Everything before waking up... it's all a blur."
Touka remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. We arrived at Anteiku, and she pushed the door open without looking back at me.
"Get in. You'll be staying here for now," she said flatly.
As I stepped inside, the comforting aroma of coffee filled the air. An older man with gentle eyes looked up from the counter, smiling warmly.
"Touka, who's this?" he asked.
"Some stray," she grumbled. "Found him near the old factory. Doesn't remember anything."
The man walked over and extended a hand. "I'm Yoshimura. Welcome to Anteiku."
I hesitated before shaking his hand, unsure of how to respond. He seemed kind—nothing like the other ghouls I'd seen so far.
"We'll figure things out," Yoshimura said calmly. "For now, you must be hungry. Come, have some coffee."
As I sat down, Touka pulled up a chair next to me. "You're too calm," she remarked, almost accusingly.
I chuckled weakly. "Guess I just don't know how to feel about any of this."
She frowned. "People don't just forget everything. You're hiding something."
Before I could respond, a notification flashed before my eyes.
[You have been idle for 1 hour. Mental Resilience increased by 5. Awareness increased by 3.]
I forced myself to stay calm. What the hell was this system doing to me?
"Touka," Yoshimura called from the counter. "Let him rest. He looks exhausted."
She gave me a final glare before standing up. "Fine. But don't do anything stupid."
As she left, I couldn't help but feel a strange warmth in my chest. It wasn't just her kindness—it was something deeper. Maybe it was the way she didn't immediately see me as a threat. Maybe... it was just nice to not be alone.
I sipped the coffee, its bitterness grounding me back to reality. Whatever this new life was, I needed to understand it. The power, the system—it couldn't just be random. But most of all... I needed to know why Touka made me feel this way.
My hand tightened around the cup as I stared into the dark liquid. Idle Evolution. Strength through inactivity. If that's my power... then I'll master it. I'll survive. And I'll protect what I care about.
For the first time, I felt a purpose beginning to take root.