No one's POV

Light rapidly faded away as the darkness began to swallow him. A single face twisted in terror as he stared at the vanishing light above him. He desperately shot out his hand, grasping at the light he knew he could never truly grab hold of. He felt his nether regions tense up as he fell freely through the darkness.

???: Am I still alive...?

The chasm he'd fallen into was so deep that it seemed almost as if he was falling down to the pits of hell. And the light he was staring at was the portal to the world of the living. He'd fallen down a massive tear in the earth while he'd been exploring a dungeon. The hole was so deep that he kept falling long after the tiny pinprick of light had shrunk to nothing. His entire life flashed before his eyes, with nothing but the sound of wind rushing past accompanying his plunge to the hellish depths below.

???: Is this...hell?

(10 years earlier)

Several years earlier, on a hot summer day in a residential area of Japan, the summer sun scorched the spanse of asphalt with its rays. Here, a little boy and girl were saying their tearful goodbyes to each other.

???: Don't go, Zo-kun!

The crying girl said. She clung to the boy beside a parked moving van.

Sora: Don't cry, ???-chan... We'll meet again, okay?

He added, trying to reassure the sobbing girl. His name was Sora Yatagami, and he was 7 years old at the time. Sora was about to move far away to the countryside with his family, after his father got a promotion at work and he didn't know when he'd see his childhood friend again.

???: No! I don't want you to go, Zo-kun!

The girl pleaded through her sobs. Seeing her tears made Sora want to cry too, but he couldn't. He had to be brave in front of the girl. That's why he continued to act tough, telling her that it'd be alright and that they'd see each other again. He wanted her to stop crying... even though he was frustrated and upset himself, and wanted to bawl, too.

Sora loved the girl... And the girl loved Sora. Their meeting had been a twist of fate; their parents just happened to move into the same newly built apartment building, just happened to lease rooms next to each other, just happened to have kids born in the same season of the same year. Thanks to that series of events, they somehow ended up as family friends.

???: Zo-kun, Zo-kun... Stay with me...

Sora wanted to do something to stop the girl's tears. Seeing her sad made him sad too. But the girl tears showed no signs of ceasing — she only continued to bawl, leaving Sora at a complete loss. He felt powerless. What could he do? He couldn't even prevent this farewell with his most beloved childhood friend from happening. With that thought, Sora clenched his fist.

Sora was happy simply being together with the girl, but that wasn't possible for him right now. They were still children, after all. Instead, he would make it possible one day — one day, he would be next to the girl, walking alongside her forever. That's why he had to convey his feelings to her; it was the only thing he could do in this moment.

Sora: I'll come get you when we're bigger! We'll get married!

He said, mustering all his courage to make the first and last confession of his life.

Sora: That way... we'll always be together, I'll always be beside you, and I can protect ???-chan with my life!

*Thump, thump*

He could hear his own racing heartbeat.

Sora: Is that... okay?

Sora asked with a trembling voice. The girl had stopped crying at some point, staring at Sora's face blankly instead.

???: Yes.

She answered after a beat, beaming with a dazzling bright smile.

???: Yes! I want to marry Zo-kun!

Seeing her smile made Sora so happy. He vowed to fulfill that promise. No matter how many years passed... He would protect it — he would protect her smile. And so, with that promise and a small kiss goodbye, Sora and the girl went their separate ways. It was a faint and fleeting promise, with no binding power behind it at all.

It was an innocent promise, made when they had no idea what the future held... But that promise was wedged firmly into Sora's chest, continuing to support his life to a nearly foolish degree.

(10 years later)

Currently, a 17 year old Sora Yatagami just woke up from his sleep after doing another day writing his manga. He has an average height and he has a slim figure with pale skin. He also has deep blue eyes, black hair and thin eyebrows.

Sora:...

Sora Yatagami was young manga creator, and his creation managed to hit big and he'd become successful despite still being in high school. People tend to call him a prodigy. Being an otaku and gamer, he has always had a very creative mind. He has published over 4 manga tilted [Night Sky Swordsman], [The Flash], [Phantom King], and [Murakumo]. Almost all of them have been adapted into movies, anime and video games... After he was done showering, Sora was getting ready for school, as he was dressing his school uniform, a voice from another room called out to him.

???: Big Bro! Come on, we're gonna be late!

Sora: I'm coming, I'm coming.

Sora grabbed his bag and walked out of his room and into the kitchen, where he met his little sister, Nanao Yatagami.

Nanao: What took you so long? Were you up all night writing your manga again?

Nanao Yatagami, is Sora's younger sister, who is 2 years younger than him. Unlike her older brother, who is an otaku addict, she was an honor student, and she gets annoyed when Sora stayed up all night writing his books and not taking good care of his health. Despite that, she never complained knowing that he's doing his best to take care of her without their parents. And she was grateful for everything he's done for her.

Sora: Well can't help it. The deadline is next week.

Nanao: Well, at least your not as bad as Hajime.

Sora: Ahaha....

The two of them, put on their shoes and walked out of their apartment, getting ready to head to school.

Nanao: Big Bro, don't forget, we're going to visit mom at the hospital after school. So you better not stay to late at school!

Sora: Yeah, there's no way I would stay late.

Sora and Nanao's father died 4 years after they moved. Due to that, Sora, Nanao, and their mother returned to where they lived when they were a child. But 2 years later, their mother got into an incident which caused her into a coma. Leaving Sora and Nanao to fend for themselves. They would live off the life insurance money from their father's deaths, but after his Mother's incident, Sora himself has decided to try and start making money on his own. So he made his first manga and sold it at a anime convention, which ended up being a massive success. He was approached by multiple companies, asking him to work for them despite his age.

Nanao: Alright! Later, Big Bro!

Sora: Be careful!

Nanao: I will!

Nanao gave Sora a peck on the cheek before waving goodbye as she made her way towards her school. Sora on the other hand, made his way towards his friend house, Hajime Nagumo. Sora and Hajime met one another as soon as he and his family had returned back to their hometown. And as soon as he arrived, he knocked on the door as he was greeted by Hajime's Mother, Sumire Nagumo.

Sumire: Oh, good morning, Sora.

Sora: Good morning, Ms Nagumo. Is Hajime still asleep?

Sumire: Yeah. Up all night reading the newest volume of your Manga creation.

Sora: Of course he did.

Sumire: But, they are all really good books. You really are a prodigy.

Sora: Nah... I'm nowhere near as famous as those other authors. I'm just here to make a living so I could tend to my Mother's hospital, and my sister's happiness.

Sumire(smile): What a caring Big Brother you are. You know you are always welcomed to lived with us. We could help with your Mother hospital fee.

Sora: No... It's alright. I don't want to burden any of this to you nor your family. But, I'm always grateful for your support Ms Nagumo.

Sumire: Why you are most welcomed. Well, come on in...

Sora: Sorry for the intrusion.

Sora went inside Hajime's house, went up to his room and knocked on his door. With a loud thud from the inside, Sora just sigh as he realized that Hajime had just woken up from his naps. And after awhile, Hajime finally made his way down the living room where he saw Sora sitting there waiting.

Hajime: Sorry... I was up all night reading your manga.

Hajime Nagumo is Sora's friend after he returned back to his hometown with his Mother and Sister. The two of them practically grow up together, with Hajime being the reason why Sora became an otaku, due to his parents being otakus as well. But Sora isn't as bad as Hajime, completely disagreeing with his motto,"Hobbies over real life".

Sora: Yeah, I know. Come on, we're going to be late.

(Timeskip)

Monday. Quite possibly the most depressing day of the week. Most people were, without a doubt, sighing heavily as they lamented the beginning of the week and the end of their glorious weekend. Hajime Nagumo was no exception. However, in his case, his depression was multiplied by the fact that school was not just a pain, but a veritable hell.

Hajime: Ugh... I hate school.

Sora: Yes, I heard you the first time.

As always, Hajime and Sora barely managed to arrive just before the bell for first period rang. Hajime somehow managed to steady his sleep-deprived body as Sora opened the door to his classroom. They found themselves on the receiving end of a multitude of scornful glares and annoyed tongue clicks from a majority of the male students as soon as he set foot in the classroom. None of the female students seemed all too pleased to see them either. It would have been fine were they simply ignoring them, but they too gave them stares of contempt.

Sora:...

Hajime did their best to ignore his classmates and went to his seat. Sora on the other hand couldn't give two shits about his classmate glares as he went to his seat as well. Hajime immediately lay his head on his desk falling asleep. Sora on the other hand, just sigh before taking his creation out and started writing again. But as always, there were a few students who couldn't resist the opportunity to needle them.

Hiyama: Sup, you gross otakus! Stay up all night playing video games again? You both were almost late today and this one got to sleep as usual. While you on the other hand just focus on that lousy creation of a book.

Sora: What do you want this time, Hiyama?

Hiyama: I bet you both were playing porn games the whole time!

Boys: Wow what a creep. What kind of disgusting pervert stays up all night playing porn games?

The boys all laughed, as if they found that statement somehow hilarious. The student who'd first called out to Hajime and Sora was Daisuke Hiyama, the ringleader of Hajime's and Sora's tormentors. Daisuke never seemed to tire of teasing the two of them, as he went up to them on a daily basis. But one of the main reason why Sora and Hajime were hated was because of something else.

Kaori: Good morning, Nagumo! Yatagami!

Hiyama: Shi...Shirasaki.

One of the girls smiled softly as she walked up to Hajime. She was one of the few people in the whole school who treated them kindly, and also the reason everyone hated them.

Sora: Good morning.

Hajime: Good morning, Shirasaki.

Kaori: You both were almost late as usual today, you both should come earlier next time.

Kaori Shirasaki, one of the most popular girls in school, and beautiful enough to be considered a goddess by many. She had sleek, black hair that went all the way down to her waist, and large alluring eyes filled with kindness. Her small nose sat perfectly upon her face, and her pink lips were the epitome of perfection.

Hajime: Ah-hah, Right.

Sora: I would, if I'm not busy writing that is...

Sora just gave a bitter smile at her while Kaori gave him a genuine smile.

Sora(mind): To be honest, she was the root of all this animosity. She was extremely popular as one of the two goddesses in the school. Always wonder why she's taken in interest in us...

And, for whatever reason, Kaori had taken an interest in Sora and Hajime. Most people assumed Hajime was a terrible student because he always slept in class due to his frequent all-nighters even though, he had pretty average grades. While they also assumed that Kaori hang out with Sora so she could read the newest volumes of one of his creations. And, since Kaori was always looking after other students, they believed that was the reason she talked to him.

Sora(mind): Uh, what a pain...

Sora looked back and saw Kaori's other friend and the other two goddesses of this school walking towards them, as Shizuku Yaegashi walked up to Sora and sat in front of him, greeting him.

Shizuku: Good morning, Yatagami. Isn't this hard on you everyday? Working on your books, taking care of Nanao, and your Mother's hospital fee.

Sora: Good Morning, Yaegashi. Well, I'm, used to it. If its for Nanao and my Mother. I don't mind...

Kouki: Looking after them again, Kaori? You're really too nice for your own good.

Ryutaro: Seriously. Talking to a failure like him's a total waste of time. And why do you even bother to talk someone like Yatagami. His Manga aren't all that good.

The only person who'd greeted Sora and Hajime out of the three was Shizuku Yaegashi, Kaori's best friend. Shizuku's black hair was tied back in her trademark ponytail. Her almond-shaped eyes give her a rather sharp look, but deep within her gaze dwelled a kindness that made her seem cool rather than cold.

Standing 172 centimeters tall, she was a good deal taller than most of the other girls in his class. That, combined with her well-built body, made her seem like a dignified samurai. And samurai made for a rather apt analogy as her family actually ran a dojo that taught the Yaegashi style, and Shizuku herself was a peerless swordswoman who'd never lost a single kendo tournament. In fact, she'd been featured in magazines before and had a rather rabid fanbase. The press even took to calling her the modern samurai beauty. Many of the younger female students had started calling her onee-sama in an almost worshiping manner.

The guy who'd greeted Kaori with that rather cliched line about her kindness was Kouki Amanogawa. He was perfect in almost every way. Great at sports, handsome, and had outstanding grades to boot. Even his name sounded heroic. Written with the characters for "light" and "radiance," it gave off a rather dazzling impression.

He had flowing brown hair, soft features, stood 180 centimeters tall, and despite his slender frame still had noticeable muscles. He was kind to everyone he met, and had a strong sense of justice (or so he thought anyway.)

And the last being Ryutaro Sakagami. Best friend of Kouki Amanogawa. Like anyone could guess, he has very good physical abilities. Also the reason why he hated Sora and Hajime for not doing their physical activities and always lazing around.

Hajime: Good morning Yaegashi, Amanogawa, and Sakagami. Heh, well, you know what they say, you reap what you sow. It's my own fault for staying up all the time.

Kouki: Since you understand your own conduct, why not try to fix it?

Ryutaro: Those two unenthusiastic guys! Kouki. It's useless no matter what you say to them.

Shizuku: Stop saying that, both of you! And I kinda like reading Yatagami's manga.

Sora:...

Sora just stare at Shizuku. He felt something inside him building up just by looking at her. He just wanted to say some something out to her, but the words just won't come out no matter how much he tried to let it out. Kouki on the other hand just ignored Shizuku and looked at Sora and Hajime.

Kouki: Until when are you going two to stop taking advantage of Kaori's kindness. Kaori can't take care the both of you forever.

Kaori: Kouki. I'm just talking to Nagumo and Yatagami because I want to.

The whole classroom broke out in an uproar at those words. If looks could kill, Hajime would have died a hundred times over from the withering glares he received from the male students. Sora on the other hand just ignore all of those animosity and rolled his eyes. They ground their teeth as they glowered at him, while Hiyama's crew took it a step further and began discussing what place would be best to drag Sora and Hajime during lunch break.

Kouki: Huh...? Ah, I see. You really are far too kind, Kaori.

Shizuku: I'm sorry about that. They don't mean any harm by it...

Sora: Just let him be. I'm used to it...

Shizuku quietly apologized to Sora, as she was the only one present that was astute enough to grasp everyone's feelings. Sora once again just sigh at the so called self-righteous person. He just focused on writing his manga, with Shizuku asking what kind of plot twist will happened. Sora just smile at her telling her that it's a secret, and she have to wait next week when its release. Suddenly, the door opened, as their teacher. Aiko Hatayama walked in carrying multiple books.

Aiko: Everyone, the class bell is already ringing. Go back to your seat.

Aiko entered the classroom and was about to start the class, when suddenly she froze. There was a glowing silver circle engraved with various geometric patterns glowing in front of Sora, at Kouki's feet.

Aiko: Amanogawa!

The rest of the students all saw the strange circle as well. Everyone was frozen in place, staring at the weird glowing pattern that, for lack of a better word, looked just like a magic circle.

Sora: Wha—?!

The magic circle began to glow brighter and brighter, until its light enveloped the entire classroom. The circle itself began expanding as well, and when it finally grew big enough to cover Hajime's feet, everyone finally became unfrozen and started screaming. Aiko-sensei, who had remained in the classroom, yelled.

Aiko: Everyone! Get out of the classroom!

At the same time the magic circle flared up in a brilliant explosion of light. After a few seconds, or maybe a few minutes, the light finally began to fade, and color returned to the classroom. However, the room was now deserted. Some chairs were knocked over, half-eaten lunchboxes were sitting on desks, and chopsticks and plastic bottles were scattered across the room. The classroom had everything still left in it except the people. The mass high school disappearance incident caused quite a stir across the world.

(Timeskip)

Sora, who'd covered his eyes with both hands and kept them tightly shut, slowly realized that the people around him were muttering something and he timidly opened his eyes. He was struck dumb at the sight of his surroundings.

The first thing his eyes registered was a massive mural. The mural, which stretched ten meters long, depicted a faintly smiling figure, whose gender seemed indeterminable, wreathed in a halo, their blond hair flowing freely behind them. Behind them in the background were plains, lakes, and mountains. The figure had both arms spread wide as if trying to grab hold of all of it. It was a truly beautiful, awe-inspiring work of art. But for some reason, Sora felt chills run down his spine as he gazed upon it, and he quickly averted his eyes.

As he examined the rest of his surroundings, he quickly realized that he was in a vast chamber. The entire room was constructed of a gleaming white stone that seemed smooth to the touch. Marble, possibly. Massive pillars with sculptures carved into them rose up to the towering domed ceiling. The room resembled some sort of grand cathedral.

Sora and the others were standing atop a type of plinth located in the deepest recesses of the room. They were raised above their immediate surroundings. Sora's classmates were all looking around dumbfounded, just like him. It looks like whatever happened had affected the entire class.

Sora looked up, only to see who was laying atop of him. Shizuku was right on top of him after they got transported She didn't seem to have any injuries, so Sora breathed a sigh of relief.

Shizuku: Ow...

Sora: Um... Yaegashi. If your okay, please get off me.

Shizuku: Eh...

Shizuku finally realized that she was right on top of him. Their faces were almost inches away. Cheeks turned scarlet pink in an instant as she quickly departed away. Sora on the other hand once again just stare at her as if he was reminiscing about something

Sora:...

Sora sigh before standing up as he looked his surrounding confused.

Sora: What the hell...?!

Hajime: Where is this?!

One of the priests stepped forward. He was an old man in his seventies, dressed even more lavishly than his peers, with a richly decorated monk's cap that stood about thirty centimeters tall. Old was perhaps not the best word to describe him. If not for his deeply wrinkled face and aged eyes, one might think him a man in his early fifties. His staff jingled as he walked, clear soothing notes reverberating throughout the halls all the while.

???: Welcome to Tortus, brave heroes. It is our pleasure to welcome you here. I am the pope of the Holy Church, Ishtar Langbard. It is an honor to make your acquaintances.

Sora: Just what the hell is going on...?

A/N: Well, this is my Arifureta stories. This is something that I've been thinking for awhile, and I thought, why not make it. I'll be following on the Manga based. Since the anime left quite a ton of parts that they didn't show. There will be characters that are not from the anime nor manga as I will add some of my own character from other anime. I'll probably do this book during the weekend since I want to finish my other books as well. And as always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading.