Chapter 2: (CH1)The 1,325th Time’s the Charm
Luis Mendoza was having that kind of day. Not just "bad luck" bad, but the kind where you start thinking maybe—just maybe—the universe actually hates your guts. Like, personally.
First, the alarm didn’t go off. He was late. Again. Financial Accounting midterm. Awesome. He could already imagine Professor Altavera’s signature disappointed sigh. That sigh alone was worse than an F.
Then—because the universe wasn’t done being a jerk—he tripped on literally nothing while sprinting to school and face-planted into a puddle that smelled like expired tuna. Actual expired tuna. It tasted like pennies and regret.
And now? Bike’s gone. Vanished. Third time this month. He was sure he’d locked it properly this time. Probably cursed at this point.
"Unbelievable," he muttered, tugging his soaked hoodie tighter around him as cold drizzle kept stabbing at his neck. "At this point, I should just accept that life’s got beef with me."
And then—A voice. Loud. Way too loud."OH COME ON, NOT AGAIN!"
Luis blinked. That... wasn’t him. That was not him.
The air in front of him bent—like heat ripples off asphalt—and then shaped itself into what looked like a guy who’d lost a fight with destiny and a washing machine. Robes that looked like laundry from a cursed thrift store. Hair a mess. Face? Exhausted. Just deeply, soul-level tired.
"You’ve got to be kidding me," the guy said, rubbing his temples. "Another one? Really? Can’t I get one decent host?"