The Arcane Path: Eclipse of Fate.
By: This is my first writing. Please don't judge
Edition: First edition
Publisher: The Late Night Devil
Published: 2/4/2025
Place of publication: Baneswar, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Number of pages: 1
Copyright date: 2/4/2025
Description: This is an fantasy action Isekai harem story
Table of contents: title: Chapter 1: The Fateful Encounter; title: Hajime Nagumo stepped out of the small convenience store, a plastic bag filled with snacks and a bottled drink swinging lightly at his side. The cold night air wrapped around him, sharp yet refreshing, contrasting with the warmth he had left behind in his apartment. The city streets were mostly empty, save for the occasional distant hum of a passing car or the soft rustling of leaves stirred by the breeze. The streetlights flickered gently, casting elongated shadows along the pavement.; title: As he walked, his mind drifted to his uncertain future. Having just graduated, he found himself at a crossroads. The world of programming intrigued him, but the transition from student life to the professional world felt daunting. The weight of decisions yet to be made settled heavily on his shoulders, and he barely noticed the approaching figure until a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.; title: “Hajime?”; title: He blinked, pulled from his reverie, and turned toward the voice. His eyes widened in surprise. “Mutsumi?”; title: The woman before him mirrored his shock, her soft brown eyes widening as recognition dawned. “Hajime, is it really you?”; title: They stood there for a moment, caught in the glow of the streetlights, studying each other. Mutsumi's hair, long and slightly tousled by the wind, framed her delicate features. The years had changed her, but the warmth in her eyes remained the same.; title: “It’s been so long,” Hajime said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. “I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone I knew tonight.”; title: Mutsumi returned his smile, her expression tinged with nostalgia. “I know, right? It’s really nice to see you again.” She paused, taking in the sight of her old friend. “How have you been?”; title: Hajime nodded, shifting his bag to his other hand. “I’ve been good. Just graduated and trying to figure out what’s next. I’ve been thinking a lot about my future in programming. And you? What have you been up to?”; title: Mutsumi’s eyes brightened. “I’m working at a small marketing firm now. It’s been busy, but I’m enjoying it. Remember when we used to talk about our dreams and what we wanted to do after school?”; title: Hajime chuckled, his gaze dropping to the ground for a brief moment as memories resurfaced. “Yeah, I remember. We had so many ideas back then. Funny how life takes us in different directions.”; title: They fell into conversation with ease, reminiscing about their high school days—the late-night study sessions, the small victories, the shared ambitions. For Mutsumi, the reunion stirred long-buried emotions. Back then, she had admired Hajime from afar, cherishing their time together but never finding the courage to express how she truly felt.; title: As the conversation wound down, an unspoken sadness settled between them. Time had pulled them apart, and though the present had gifted them this unexpected meeting, it felt fleeting.; title: “Well,” Mutsumi said reluctantly, glancing at her phone, “I should probably head home. It’s getting late.”; title: Hajime hesitated for a moment before offering, “We should exchange numbers, stay in touch.”; title: Mutsumi’s heart fluttered at the suggestion, but doubt crept in. She hesitated, fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. “That would be nice,” she murmured, “but I don’t want to impose.”; title: Before Hajime could reassure her, a sudden burst of crude laughter shattered the quiet night. A group of unruly men approached, their footsteps heavy, their voices laced with intoxication and arrogance. The atmosphere shifted instantly, tension crackling in the air. Mutsumi stiffened beside Hajime, her expression turning to one of unease.; title: The men’s taunts grew louder as they closed in. One of them—a burly man with a leer—set his gaze on Mutsumi. “Well, well, what do we have here?” he sneered. “Out for a late-night stroll, sweetheart?”; title: Mutsumi took an involuntary step back, her fingers gripping her purse. Fear flickered in her eyes as she glanced at Hajime.; title: Hajime’s expression darkened. He stepped forward slightly, positioning himself between Mutsumi and the approaching men. “Hey!” His voice was firm, unwavering. “Leave her alone.”; title: The men turned their attention to him, their amusement twisting into irritation. The burly man took a step closer, his sneer deepening. “And what if we don’t? What’s a lone guy like you gonna do about it?”; title: Hajime didn’t flinch. His stance was calm, controlled. “I said, leave her alone. You’re not welcome here.”; title: The first punch came fast, but Hajime was faster. He dodged, countering with a precise strike to the man’s ribs. A grunt of pain followed as the attacker stumbled back. The second man lunged, only to be met with a sharp kick that sent him sprawling onto the pavement.; title: The remaining thug hesitated, his eyes darting between his fallen companions and Hajime. Then, with a scowl, he pulled out a handgun. The metallic glint under the streetlight sent a chill down Hajime’s spine.; title: “Stay back!” the man barked, his hands trembling slightly. “I’m not afraid to use this!”; title: Mutsumi gasped, her fingers clutching Hajime’s arm. Fear gripped her, but Hajime’s focus remained on the gunman. He raised his hands slightly, keeping his voice steady. “Let’s not do anything reckless. No one needs to get hurt.”; title: But reason fell on deaf ears. The man’s grip tightened, his finger twitching over the trigger.; title: A deafening gunshot rang through the night.; title: Pain exploded in Hajime’s chest. His breath hitched, and the world tilted as he crumpled to the ground. Blood seeped through his shirt, warm against the cold pavement. The distant sounds of Mutsumi’s panicked cries barely registered in his fading consciousness.; title: “No, no, no!” Mutsumi sobbed, kneeling beside him. Her hands trembled as she pressed against the wound, desperate to stop the bleeding. “Stay with me, Hajime! Please, don’t close your eyes!”; title: His vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges. Then, amidst the chaos, a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind—powerful, commanding.; title: “Hajime Nagumo… do you choose to live, or do you embrace death?”; title: His mind swam, the pain momentarily eclipsed by the gravity of the question. Through the haze, one thought rang clear. He clenched his teeth, forcing the words past his lips.; title: “I… want to live.”; title: In an instant, an overwhelming surge of energy coursed through his veins. The pain, the darkness, the weight of death itself—everything shattered as his consciousness was jolted back to life.