A revised narrative. | bsd

Chapter 3

Falling asleep on the chaise in Mori's office was awkward; he was at his desk, immersed in whatever tasks he had, while you tried to ignore the fact that you were in a room with the port mafia's boss. Eventually, the weight of your anxiety surrendered to slumber, likely from the exhaustion of being in constant stress that had become your companion ever since you found yourself in this fucked up world.

After what felt like an eternity, you began to shuffle awake, blinking slowly as your eyes adjusted to the warm light through the room. It took a moment for reality to sink in before a groan escaped your lips as you realized it was not just a vivid dream; you truly had transmigrated.

You shifted uncomfortably on the chaise, attempting to ease the ache in your back from sleeping on the plush but stiff surface, you doubt this couch was ever used by anyone other than just decoration. The room was quieter than before, and when you glanced around nervously, a small sigh of relief washed over you at the absence of Mori. However, that relief was short-lived, for as your gaze moved to the edge of the chaise, you were met with an unexpected sight—a little girl with unnaturally bright blonde hair and a vibrant smile.

"AH!"

"Hello!" she chirped, her voice high and cheerful, completely unbothered by your startled reaction. You pressed a hand against your heart, it was just Elise, Mori's ability, and not some eerie, possessed doll come to life... even though she looked like it.

"Oh... um, hi..." you muttered awkwardly as you sat up straighter, as you took in her innocent demeanor, you realized she was not a threat—at least not in the way you had imagined. Her hair seemed almost unreal, while her joints had balls that appeared reminiscent of a doll's. She bounced on her toes, clearly excited to see you awake.

"I'm Elise, but I think you already know! It's so cool that you're from a whole other world! 2024!? What's that even like?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gripped the armrest of the chaise.

"Horrifying..." you whispered, a shiver running through your spine as memories of the rough events that had unfolded back in 2019 to the current year. Her brow furrows in confusion, clearly unable to catch your words, "What?"

"It's nothing, haha... um, so, you're like Mori's ability—" you attempted to laugh it off, steering the conversation in a direction that felt more useful to you.

"You know that as well!?" she gasped, her eyes widening with excitement and disbelief. It was endearing how easily she shifted from one emotion to another.

As much as you feared your situation, it was oddly comforting to talk to someone as vibrant as Elise. She was a contrast to the darkness that surrounded the port mafia. "Of course... so, where's Mori?" you asked, genuinely curious.

"He's in a conference right now," she replied, "Hey, are the books about us popular?" she added quickly, seemingly eager to change the subject.

"How are you away from him? Doesn't he control you in a way? And, yeah, I'd say it's rather well known..." You engage with her curiosity while trying to learn about her existence.

"Yeah, I am an extension of him—his sentiments, his thoughts—while being capable of humanity as well as supernatural abilities. And I was told to keep an eye on you unless he summons me," she explained, her tone turning serious for a moment, giving you a glimpse into the complexness of her relationship with Mori. "So, did I have fans?"

You couldn't help but smile lightly at her wide-eyed wonder, "Many people prefer you over Mori."

"Cool!" she squealed, her face lighting up with joy, genuine happiness taking over her. After a few moments of sitting on the thought, she turned to you with her eyes sparkling when you adjusted the hair away from your face, "I like your hair!"