Haruto Matsuda never imagined that an ordinary Wednesday would be the day his life ended.
He was a second-year university student, majoring in economics because it was "practical." He wasn't the smartest, nor the strongest, nor the most ambitious; just a decent kid who helped when he could and tried not to make trouble.
A normal guy in every way.
That morning, he overslept. Missed breakfast. Forgot his umbrella. Typical Haruto.
But he helped a woman carry her groceries to the bus stop. He held the elevator for a stranger. He apologised when someone bumped into him.
Small things. The kind that nobody remembers later.
He didn't mind.
The Train Station
The platform was crowded, as always. Haruto adjusted his backpack and yawned.
A child's laughter echoed somewhere behind him. Then the squeak of shoes. Then—
"Yuki! Wait—!"
Haruto turned.
A little girl chasing a rolling toy ball slipped. She fell forward, tumbling off the platform.
The mother lunged after her.
The crowd gasped. People screamed. Someone shouted for help but no one moved.
Haruto didn't think.
His legs simply reacted.
He jumped down.
The Choice
The girl was crying, the mother holding her but unable to push her up. The platform edge was too high, and panic made her arms shake.
"Give her to me!" Haruto said without hesitation.
He lifted the girl first. Someone above grabbed her small arms and pulled her to safety.
"Now you," he said to the mother.
"No—I can't—!"
"You can. Come on."
She hesitated but reached up. Haruto pushed her upward with everything he had. Hands from the crowd caught her too.
"Thank you! Please—come up!"
He smiled faintly. "I will."
He took two steps back to get a running start toward the platform—
And for a moment, time stretched thin.
Haruto didn't feel fear.
He only hoped the girl and her mother were alright.
The White Room
Silence.
Then whiteness.
A gentle, endless brightness that didn't hurt his eyes.
Haruto blinked. He was standing, somehow. His clothes were clean. His body felt weightless.
"...Am I dead?"
A voice answered — from everywhere and nowhere.
"Yes."
He turned. No one was there. Only a silhouette, a shape that didn't have a face, yet somehow looked amused.
"Don't be afraid," the being said. "Your end was brave. Admirable. You protected life at the cost of your own."
Haruto lowered his gaze. "I just… reacted."
"Many would not have. Courage is not common."
The words felt warm, almost comforting.
"So," Haruto asked hesitantly, "is this… heaven?"
"Eventually," the being replied. "There is a waiting list. Very full lately."
Haruto blinked. "There's a line?"
"A long one."
The being continued:
"You may reincarnate while you wait. You will keep your soul, your memories, and your conscience.
You may live freely — sin or not. You may shape your fate however you wish."
Haruto felt his throat tighten. "Reincarnate… into someone else?"
"If you desire."
He shook his head instantly.
"No. I don't want to take someone's life. Someone else's story."
The silhouette seemed pleased.
"Then a new body will be made. Unique. Untouched. Truly yours."
Haruto exhaled in relief.
"But," the being added, "should you wish to return to your Earth one day, you must accomplish a feat of extraordinary difficulty — the kind that legends are made from."
"Like what?"
"Oh… winning an impossible competition, slaying a legendary creature, earning the world's greatest honor. Something… entertaining to watch."
Haruto laughed weakly. "Of course."
"A new world awaits you," the being said. "A vast land with kingdoms, dungeons, and beings beyond your imagination. A world built on Cards."
Haruto tilted his head. "Cards?"
"You will understand soon."
A warm light enveloped him.
"Now," the being said gently,
"Awaken as Eiden."