It was the day when everything fell apart.
Was there any way that I could stop it? I… don't know.
No matter what I did—what I could've done, nothing would've changed.
"Haaah… haaah…! Kggh!"
I ran and ran and ran until my legs were all bruised up and fell on the ground.
My face scrunched in pain, yet I decided to stand up to see things through the end.
"Why…! Why does it have to be now!"
—Drip…! Drop…
Blood dripped from the sky from cracks, painting it dark red.
It was crying.
What was crying, I wonder?
Was it the world, bleeding in agony?
Or did it come from something else entirely?
Agony, pain, despair. Bottomless swirls of emotions formed into cracks, and cracks formed to reveal THEIR presence.
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide— this truly was the end of the world.
Before that… I must move before I make an irreversible mistake.
Not again.
"Mom!!!" I screamed for her, unable to make a coherent thought.
In our cottage for just the two of us, I checked to see if she was safe.
Alas, despite all my efforts, it was too late.
"A… Ah…"
Unable to utter a word, she gasped for air and tried to say something if it wasn't for the thorns, piercing her skin.
Like the others I saw on the way, she was embedded on a cross, covered with crude and sharp thorns that pierced her body.
"This… this can't be happening."
I gripped my hair tightly, pulling them out in fear and stress.
Without giving me a chance to breathe, the world descended into chaos at a frightening pace. I lost the ability to see any other colors besides red and black.
Realizing there was no time, my mother muttered something to me, hoping that I understood through her lips.
"...."
"…Ah."
That day, two things were permanently etched in my head, repeating itself in my dreams without an end.
Mother's dying wish, an oath that she bestowed me with one last smile,
And that bloody, red sky, whispering in my ears, telling me to wake up…
—To end the cardinal sin.
*
"GAAAH!!! Haaah… Haaah…"
—Tweet Tweet!
—Rattle Rattle…
"Oh… just a dream…" I placed my hand on my forehead and wiped my sweat off.
The light across the window hit my eyes, causing me to squint. With that rude awakening, I recalled what day today was.
A rather special occasion.
"It's already tomorrow huh…"
I sat down and yawned, preparing myself for today's work.
"The graduation ceremony."
*
At this point, you know how this is going to go.
Go to the bathroom, tidy up and eat breakfast. A regular lifestyle I adore, something ideal for someone like me.
For everyone I know, it's pretty much a ritual to start the day, something I find… necessary.
…If I could wish for such a blessing that is.
"Ah,"
"Ah,"
The two of us looked at each other without uttering a word.
Judging how she looked disheveled from her messy hair, she also recently woke up like me.
"…"
"…"
Feeling a little awkward, she went on ahead to the bathroom while I stood there like an idiot, ignoring me completely.
"Haaah…" I shook my head in acceptance, I've gotten used to this shallow treatment.
—Tak Tak Tak…
I heard footsteps that belonged to the other people living here.
'Seriously? They're not supposed to be awake at this time…'
Since a big day was looming around the corner, I didn't pay attention and went along with the day.
'Might as well grab myself a snack then cook lunch for everyone.' I nodded my head, it was something I can at least look forward to.
*
—Sizzle Sizzle!
Utilizing everything I could in this giant kitchen, I cooked a portion enough for six people.
A handful at first, but I got used to it and appreciated the little things when my skills got noticeably better, cooking in the morning consistently.
—Vooom…
Pepper and salt moved on its own, gravitating to my hand.
To finish it off, I added vegetables to make it balanced, especially when I'm living with girls who's scared about these things.
"Hmm, yep, tastes great." I nodded my head from approval and went to the living room after this.
"…Hey, so when are we going out after this?" I heard a voice from a distance.
Reluctantly, I hid behind a corner before I'm seen by any of them with the lunch boxes in my arms.
"Right after graduation, my treat of course!" They exclaimed.
"Woah… Really! I love you big sis Elenore!"
Taking advantage of the situation, I took a deep breath and sneaked to the table. It was my cue for me to leave the lunch boxes there so I could flee away.
Once I'm too late— the others will start to flocking like birds-
"My my, what's the fuzz this time around, you girls?"
"Ah, big sis Bellerose! Isn't it obvious? We're going to Arcadia soon!" The girl that exuded maturity named Bellerose placed her hand on her head.
"I was joking, why wouldn't I know?"
"I think it's obvious what today is, you kept saying the same thing to everyone yesterday you do know that?" They scoffed, it was the same girl I saw this morning.
"Erina! Can you shut your mouth even for a little bit!" Her face turned red when she remembered what happened, "Anemone! You're on my side, right?"
"…" Anemone went silent and looked away.
"You're so mean!"
Camellia pouted. Stomping her feet on the ground in frustration.
'Huh… they sure are having fun.'
In this beautiful morning, this was the usual comedy routine that happens everyday.
Five rather colorful sisters stood out in their own aspect, grouped together before heading out.
It's as if this was a scene that came straight from a web novel.
If you're wondering if I'm a part of this circus, then maybe you're right. Maybe I'm someone who's equal or greater, another diamond in the rough.
Actually, nevermind, I'll just get straight to the point.
This is not a dream— but a nightmare I desperately want to escape from.
'Chance…!' My eyes flickered in hope now that I could flee while they're distracted.
This was a perfect household where everyone gets along with each other, laughing amongst themselves… it's just that there's one big problem.
"Oh~ what do we have here?" Camellia's tone of voice changed.
—Everyone in this household loathes me to the extreme.
'…Dammit, too late.' I sighed, unable to make it in time.
"Hmm…? Did I hear you sigh just now?" Camellia grabbed a cup of water on the table, "What's this? Are you that excited to see me, your little sister, fufu~?"
She chuckled while walking towards me, intending to do something she'd find entertaining.
"Now turn around and get on the floor."
"…"
Because all five sisters had gathered, I had no choice but to do her bidding.
"Fufu, Good boy~"
"Haah… Camellia, didn't I tell you to stop this?" Bellerose interfered.
Unexpectedly, someone stepped up this time when no one usually does.
"…Huh?"
Camellia was confused by Bellerose's interjection as well. For a moment, my eyes glimmered and I extended my hands to thank her…
"We don't want to ruin our mood when today is a big day after all." Bellerose spoke out loud with a 'perfect' smile.
The true meaning behind that smile was something I do not want to think about, a smile of disgust and hatred.
This damn rotten place.
"Ku… Kuhahahahahaha!!! You hear that? Even big sis doesn't wanna hear from you!"
Camellia laughed at me, exhilarated how her precious big sister joined in.
"Puha! Look at you, groveling like a pig. How pathetic." She whispered in my ear to get me to snap in anger.
…
…
…
Not once did I try to look up just so I could avoid looking at their scornful gazes.
"…Tch, you're no fun."
—Splat…!
As if planned, Camellia poured water on my head with the uniform I was going to school with.
"Kihyaha! Here's my little gift for you as congratulations for graduating, Big Brother~!"
"…"
Despite her malicious intent, I remained silent, feeling the cold water running down my neck. There was nothing I could say to defuse the situation, all I could do was suck it up and wait for them to go away.
…
…
"…So Erina, you have a presentation coming soon because of the breakthrough you made right?"
"Yeah, I've got the draft and all but… I need to compile the documents I received to obtain accurate readings on my research."
"Muuu…! It's a shame we couldn't attend though! It's been a long time since we've all hung out, so I guess it's fine~"
"Ahaha, I guess so…"
One by one, they took their lunch boxes I made and their voices gradually faded away.
"…"
Anemone, who was silent the entire time, was still here. I couldn't see her because I was still looking down, waiting until they're all gone.
"…" To check if they're gone, I checked the surroundings and took a deep breath.
"Haaah…" Frowning, annoyed by the fuss they made, I took another deep breath after knowing it's over.
'Still as horrible as ever.' I thought to myself.
Usually, I can tolerate their scornful gazes, but today seems to be a bit more brutal than usual.
It was a demotivating, one-sided beatdown against a bunch of girls.
For something like this to happen…
Welp, not like I care.
—Vooom…!
All of a sudden, a gust of hot wind covered my entire body, my clothes dried in an instant.
"Better." I brushed off my clothes to straighten it up, just because it's dry doesn't mean it's not wrinkled.
"What a pain in the ass…"
One of the lunch boxes I made wasn't taken.
Not like I'd chase after them just to give it back. Why would I do that?
"Don't mind if I do, hehe." Without an ounce of shame, I gracefully put it in my bag for an extra portion of lunch.
All of the ingredients in this were super expensive after all.
"I still have 15 minutes to go before school starts, so no rush." I stretched and sat down on the couch.
Today marks the first day of spring.
Flowers were blooming, people going by, living their own lives.
Flying islands were also in the sky, each and every one of them were unique.
From where I'm sitting, the full extent of this family's wealth was on full display, as if they're chucking a gold bar down my throat.
Lastly, there's us, a definite average squabble between siblings.
Days like these, I recall what my mother said that day, an oath she bestowed me during her very last breath.
To protect my sisters even if it cost me my life. To turn into a dependable big brother whom they can rely on…
—Eat shit, don't care, they could go to hell for all I want.
Let's start from the beginning: My 5 sisters, including me, are part of one of the most prominent families in this nation—
—The Historia family.
A prestigious family who excelled in every aspect the modern world has to offer today.
There are 6… erm, 5 heirs that will lead the Historia family. Each member had golden eyes as pristine and intricate as a gemstone.
Bellerose Historia, the eldest sibling of the family.
Bellerose has red-pinkish hair, a rose ornament above her right ear and a mole below her lips. She's also the oldest, so everyone relies on her.
Next is Elenore Historia, the most athletic of the bunch.
Elenore has light green hair and crescent shaped earrings that were given to her as a gift. Out of everyone, she's the most free-spirited out of all of them.
The third is Camellia Historia. She's an asshole.
Camellia has deep red hair, side twin-tails alongside small cube hair ornaments and a black collar.
I really can't think of anything else to say about her if a single word managed to explain what she is.
The fourth one is Erica Historia, the brains of the family.
Erica has light golden long hair up to her waist, black glasses and has heterochromia with yellow and blue eyes.
Because Bellerose and Elenore were always in the spotlight, she took the chance to indulge in her studies without any distractions and eventually skipped middle school all the way to college.
Lastly, Anemone Historia. The youngest of the family.
Anemone has white long hair shorter than Erica's, pale skin and rather pale yellow eyes that make her look like she's blind from birth.
She's the shy type of the family… and the coldest.
Now, quick question. Am I lucky?
You know… perhaps a lucky situation where I can live life with women fawning all over me.
Haha! Of course not!
Think about it from a logical standpoint for a minute.
You have to be late by quote on quote 'coincidence' to not stand amongst the girls.
They also loathe you to death and everyone hurls jealous looks at you since you're the only male son of the Historia family.
Now, let me repeat it again, I am the only male of the Historia family besides the head.
Meaning; I live with girls, 5 sisters with good looks to be exact.
There are honestly many other problems I can disclose, but it'll take a long time to say them all.
Ah, right, I forgot to introduce myself.
The name's Kuro.
I have black hair, blue eyes and a visible scar on my forehead… that's pretty much it.
…Yeah, my name is Kuro, as in 'black' in a family with names riddled with fancy flowers, isn't that hilarious?
Ahem. Anyways, as you can tell by their treatment, I am scorned by my siblings because of the things I lack.
My looks, grades, capabilities, social life, and especially my reputation.
I'm probably some normal average joe compared to them.
One more teeny tiny detail to understand who and what I am.
This is a world where magic exists and technology is a hundred years more advanced.
A normal world that was created by me, yours truly—
The damn author of this world.