Mushoku No Sonzai 無色の存在 (Colorless Existence)

Hours passed. Days faded. The same routine had grown in my mind. Wake up, eat in the hall, and return to my room. People were allowed to socialize with other patients. I didn't want to participate in any of that. I just didn't...

I begin to wonder what could possibly be in the journal. Secrets? Untold Knowledge? Could it contain something meant for me?

After several days of denial, my curiosity begins to take over me. I begin to ask myself :

"Is this really anything special?"

I open the drawer hesitantly, giving the suspicious journal a skeptical look. I remember the words told to me....

"Reclaim what you have lost, Susumu".

I grab the book gently, and take a seat on my bed.

"Oh. It has a pen attached."

A strange black pen, a pure white feather coming from it's end. It didn't seem attached. I attempt to open the journal, only to find it wouldn't move an inch.

Strange. The journal's materials are black leather, I'm sure of it. Why is it this stiff, then? I stare into what appeared to be the journal's lock. The red jewel, emanating a strange feeling. I notice a keyhole. What could be the key?
I look around, making sure I didn't somehow lose the key. Hm. Where could it be?....I stare at the pen. Could this fit inside? No! What am I thinking? That's ridiculous. I examine the keyhole, and notice that the pen could very well fit inside.

A strange sensation overcomes me. Why do I feel like I'm absolutely sure this will work...? I decided I would simply try.

I take the pen, and slide it inside the hole. I try to twist it, and I try to pull the journal open. It isn't opening. Damn it.

Suddenly, the red jewel begins to glow fiercely. My eyes widened. The jewel grew brighter and brighter. What's going on?...The earth begins to shake, the air blowing vigorously. I backed away in fear.

The journal flung open violently, its pages flipping, its pages seemed eternal. The air grew stronger. The pages flipped faster. Suddenly, sparks of electricity began to surround the covers. In the same instant, my vision faded to white...

I attempt to open my eyes. The surroundings were completely empty. Everything shrouded in white. I could only see myself. Where am I...?

"Calm down!"

The shouting voice startles me. I quickly look around to see who was there. Nobody. Was it my own mind?

"Seriously! You didn't have to be so impatient."

That voice again. I look around once more, but nobody is in sight.

"Who's there!?"

"That should be my question."

A sight of color suddenly begins to form. A human form begins to take shape. A boy. Black clothing. White, wavy hair. He walks towards me.

"Who are you?"

I look up at him, his vivid red eyes staring at me for an answer. I stand up.

"I'm Susumu. Nobiyuki Susumu."

"Nobiyuki Susumu.....hm..."

He takes a few steps to the side, as if to examine me.
He suddenly laughs.

"Haha! That name doesn't suit you at all!"

"I-It's my name and I was born with it!"

He sighs.