Telltale: Dead and Alive

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

In Tachiaoi, an independent island city built with private wealth, science runs years ahead of the mainland. The streets look safe, the rules are efficient, and the image is spotless, but the city hides a dark side rooted deeper than anyone realizes.

After losing his only friend, Aizawa Himeko, Kagayaki Ryūta, a sixteen-year-old boy who lives alone, returns to school with a single purpose: to move on and find happiness again, honoring her last wish. But grief isn't the only thing following him. The circumstances behind Himeko's death don't sit right, and the closer he looks, the less anything in Tachiaoi does. A mysterious classmate, Utsushino Sanae, enters his life with secrets of her own, bound to him by something neither of them understands, and a Russian maid placed at his side by powers he barely comprehends, leaving him to choose between his own safety and his humanity.

The city's underworld is far deadlier than he ever expected, and definitely not something he could face alone. But he is not alone. He finds unexpected friends in the sharp-minded Takeda Shinji and his family, in the calm and composed student council president, Hoshizume Nao, and in the soft-hearted yet tough Daigorō and his girlfriend, each carrying their own scars and secrets.

This is a slow-burn fantasy about love, friendship, and family. But unlike the others, this one does not open with swords and spells. It begins with awkward conversations, questionable jokes, and a protagonist who is just trying to survive society, school, and his own emotions before the world demands more of him than he ever thought he had to give.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: Czibere Csaba

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.2/ 5.0
Followers: 49
Views: 6,085

What readers say about Telltale: Dead and Alive

“Story: From the very beginning, The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun does something I rarely see in fantasy: it prioritizes intimacy over spectacle. This is my favorite type of story—one with rich worldbuilding and lore, but with its focus grounded in the cha…”
Robert CochranRoyal Road4.5 / 5
“The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun: Feelings That Change Even History excels at something I don't generally except from fantasy stories: slow intimate character moments. Every scene is deliberate. There's no wasted words here. Every moment serves a purpose…”
ItsAlizehRoyal Road4.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(3)

Robert CochranRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Story:
From the very beginning, The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun does something I rarely see in fantasy: it prioritizes intimacy over spectacle. This is my favorite type of story—one with rich worldbuilding and lore, but with its focus grounded in the characters rather than the world around them. The story opens with a prologue showing Ryūta making a decision that initially feels strange or confusing, which creates instant intrigue. The next chapter then travels back in time to explain it, and that structure works beautifully.
The author does an excellent job of letting the drama hit hard without tipping into melodrama. For example, when Ryūta reads to Himeko as she dies, the scene is emotionally raw and well-crafted. It doesn’t overstay its welcome or meander—it hits, and then Ryūta grieves. It’s one of the saddest scenes I’ve read recently.
Ryūta’s two friends serve as emotional anchors, and their presence makes the prologue even more compelling. You’re left asking: what happened? Why does he choose to leave them?
I also appreciate how the story slowly reveals its supernatural elements. The dream appearances, the desecrated grave, and the hints of powers all build toward what feels like an inevitable explosion. Personally, I enjoy stories that progressively get stranger and more fantastical. That said, I can see some readers growing impatient, especially those who prioritize action over character and world grounding. But the author is clear: if you’re expecting a fast-paced ride, this story isn’t for you.
Overall, the story is extremely impressive. It’s clear the author has plotted this out for a long time—many of the twists and character evolutions feel carefully planned and foreshadowed.
Characters:
The characters are top-notch. Ryūta is emotionally complex and relatable, and his relationships with Shinji and Sanae are layered and meaningful. Their presence adds depth to his grief and makes his journey feel earned.
However, one critique I have is that Ryūta an
ItsAlizehRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun: Feelings That Change Even History excels at something I don't generally except from fantasy stories: slow intimate character moments.
Every scene is deliberate. There's no wasted words here. Every moment serves a purpose and adds to the characters that makes them feel more nuanced in one way or the other. That coupled with the deliberate build-up and relaxed pacing makes every character interaction stick. You'll be thinking about Ryuta and Sanae's conversations ages after you're done reading them.
As the author has disclosed, AI was used in translating the text to English but the story itself is wholly original. That's why I don't feel comfortable criticizing the grammar since it is mostly fine but there are a few innocent typos here and there that shouldn't hurt the reading experience too much.
The prose is like a sheet of polished metal. There are no excessive flourishes or high prose or instances of waxing poetic. It is clean, direct, and very matter-of-fact. It serves its purpose and never gets in the way of the story. Every interaction is crystal clear and nothing is left ambiguous unless it is purposeful.
Again, the characters are where the story really shines. Ryuta's grief and distrust feels genuine. He feels like an awkward teen going through a lot and trying to make the best of his situation. He's not perfect but he's always trying his best and that's what makes him likeable. I don't wish to spoil too much but Sanae is another stand-out character. Her interactions with Ryuta as well as the mystery surrounding her are really well done.
In short: a fantastic slow-burn of a novel carried by the strength of its characters. Highly recommended!
SHIVANSH1Royal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Review: The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun (Chapters 1–25)
The Legacy of the Moon and the Sun is a slow-burn, character-driven story that blends emotional drama with urban fantasy. It doesn’t rush to impress, and while that is one of its biggest strengths, it’s also where some readers may struggle.
⭐ Strengths
1. Strong Emotional Core
The story’s biggest strength is its emotional depth. Ryūta’s grief, isolation, and gradual healing feel genuine. His emotions aren’t exaggerated or melodramatic — they’re quiet, heavy, and believable. This makes his growth feel earned rather than forced.
2. Natural Character Relationships
Friendships and bonds develop slowly and realistically.
Shinji feels like a real friend, not a plot device.
Sanae is written with subtle mystery — her odd behavior creates tension without overexplanation.
The interactions feel human, awkward, and imperfect, which adds realism.
3. Smooth Genre Transition
The story transitions from slice-of-life → mystery → supernatural very smoothly. There’s no sudden power dump or lore overload. The supernatural elements creep in gradually, making the world feel grounded even as it becomes darker.
4. Subtle Power System
Ryūta’s foresight is introduced quietly and thoughtfully. It feels more like a curse or responsibility than a flashy ability. This restraint helps the story avoid common power-fantasy clichés.
5. Atmosphere & Tension
The author is good at creating unease. Even calm scenes often feel slightly off, keeping the reader alert. The Black Tower arc is especially effective at shifting the mood from curiosity to danger.
⚠️ Weaknesses
1. Very Slow Pacing
The biggest drawback is the slow pace, especially in early chapters. Readers expecting quick action, constant plot movement, or early explanations may feel impatient. Some scenes could be shortened without losing impact.
2. Limited Early Payoff
For a long time, the story raises questions without answering them. While this builds mystery, it may frustrate readers