What exactly is the point of life? Is it wealth? Happiness? Success? Family? Friends? Well whatever you may think life is, it’s just not for me.
At the end of the day… or should I say my life? I will eventually die. It means nothing to live a ‘fulfilling’ life with such lies.
Ever since I was young, I was taught by my parents and teachers to live life the fullest! By doing what I’m supposed to d— No… Rather, what I needed to do.
I would see the faces of happiness from artists, singers, writers, directors, comedians, and shit! Even the e-sports players!
But noooooo! I have to be the man of the house and play in the palm of adults that mandated needs over wants.
Otherwise, fraught will eventually catch up and drive me to the inevitable end of emptiness…
That’s right… If I wasn’t empty… stupidly detached… Then I wouldn’t be standing here…
The idea of sacrificing for the sake of the next generation rubs me the wrong way, and what?! So, I can die?! Knowing, I had this sense of ‘pride’ focused on the sense of ‘need’.
Now I know I’m just yapping, but acting as the Goody Two Shoes and having that amenable character of following the higher ups is great and all, but it’s not what I wanted to do. It’s not what I wanted to become.
These negative feelings that have been building up since that epiphany moment have been wearing me down, causing turmoil from the inside-out.
I have concluded that this world… This infected world… it’s a whole disease that primarily exists for our short life span of several decades.
I’d say it’s similar to a gamble of whether you win against those odds… or lose…
After all, I lived my life being a bottom-tier character with the ideal theory that my life is short because I was pressured into believing needs over wants.
Yes… This is what I believe in… nothing else matters.
As I stood on the roof of some random skyscraper in the city that never sleeps, the wind shouts to take the leap, so I did.
“This edge is mine! Mine alone!”
With my body free falling, swiftly diving head first to the poop stained concrete road. My heart was racing and my face wore a particular smile; a smile that I have never felt before.
POP
*
In a blink of an eye, I fell flat on a long red carpet, stretched out to who knows where.
Confused faces stood around me with their eyes forward.
What is everyone looking at?
I lifted myself off the ground and finally understood why the confused, yet tensed people faced forward.
In front of us were thrones… But the four dangerously looking men seated there had a serious expression.
As we all stood still and waited for one of the four to talk, the second man at the throne started shaking. Then the first man stood up.
“Ahem. We are called Sovereigns. The supreme and legendary rulers of the land.”
Hold on. Wait a minute. I’m supposed to be dead! Didn’t I just jump off a ridiculously tall building! Do I have to mention head first?! It’s like I was diving into a pool, but instead of water, it’s concrete. What's going on?!
This isn’t a death wish. I wonder if it’s an easter egg? A glitch in the matrix? Or is it the fourth wall?!
“My name is Alpha, one of the legendary sovereigns. The three legendary sovereigns standing next to me are Bravo, Charlie, and Delta.”
I think that is called… What was it? Oh right! NATO phonetic alphabet…
“You have all been summoned here to become future legendaries! As the fifth generation, we would like you all to work hard and persevere through the obstacles to enter our ranks! You se—!”
The man next to him named… Beta?
“I’ll take it from here.”
“Very well.”
While Alpha takes a seat, Beta stands and adds on to his endearing speech.
“While that is your main objective, the most important reason is because there is an invasion that happens once a year. Because of this we need more legendaries or even those below the ranks!”
“Aren’t you four legendary sovereigns?! What a load of shit!”
Oof. I mean he isn’t wrong, but to put it like that…
“YOU FUCKING IMBECI–.”
“Calm down, Bravo.”
The third man… Charles? Yeah. He placed his hand on Beta’s shoulder.
“TCH! Whatever, you three take it from here.”
It was Bravo… I’m one for three.
Bravo who looked like a tall knight in shining armor with a short red cape attached on his back, gripped his Ax. He stomped out of the premises, followed by a gorgeous woman wearing an all black hooded robe.
Our eyes met up for a second as she chased after Bravo.
“I’m sorry. It’s because we’re not enough. This is why you are all summoned. The truth is many heroes, knights, guardians, even incarnations have passed away from invasions. When we say that we need help. With the utmost respect we really do need your help. Over time, many generations put up tons of effort with strategists, so they can come up with the best way to create legendaries or potential legendaries. I’m not trying to say that it’s meaningless if you’re not a legendary, because every help we can get is absolutely imperative to our kingdom.”
A sorrowful smile followed by a bow to the summoned. What a great day to be al–
What am I thinking?! This is so much work. And the fact that he said ‘need’... If I have another chance to unalive myself, I’ll do it without a second thought.
“However, if you would like to return to your original world, we would gladly do so. After all, we didn't have permission to summon you.”
Charles?! What are you saying?! Come on! Aren’t you supposed to be greedy and take advantage of us! We’re practically your livestock! What’s another loss of a human being!
“I would like you all to form two rows, where the first row is grouped up to go back to their original world and the second row is grouped up to stay and fight.”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
While the people were talking amongst themselves, I sat down and meditated on what exactly I should do.
For some reason, I suddenly remembered my family and I were praying to God before we all started eating dinner. Although I had the mind of an insane person, I was raised Catholic and somewhat believed in God, which is why I still wear this cross today.
Whatever! I already decided what I wanted to do. Let’s see what these fools will choose.
I opened my eyes to see a guy with long dark brown hair close to my face.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“First of all… back up. Second of all, why are you asking? And third of all, who are you?”
“Oh I’m sorry. I was just wondering what you were doing. I was like ‘let me take a closer look.’ Then I got too close, but you weren’t moving. I’m like ‘Is he sleeping?’. So I just stayed close to your face until you reacted.”
“You should try to change that approach of yours, otherwise you’ll make enemies.”
“Oh okay. Well my name is Zach Young.”
“We’re using our government names? Then you can call me Luca.”
“Luca?”
You know what… I was going to say something, but this guy seems to be a different breed.
“Luca Osorio.”
“Nice to meet you, Luca!”
If I had to describe Zach, it would be that he looks like the popular type. A handsome happy go lucky face. A suit like he came from a four hour meeting with his team. He’s probably been on hundreds of dates too. If he ever languidly walks on the beach, then this long-haired chad would get hundreds of girls.
“So what do you do?”
“I’m a social worker.”
“Don’t tell me…”
He better not say it!
“I like to help people.”
“DAMN IT ALL!”
“W-what happened?”
“It’s nothing! The equator must’ve shifted to the left causing my mind to be out of balance.”
“Wh-what should I do?!”
“Nothing! You’re good! It will only take a few seconds to recover.”
See! Someone like him would be taken advantage of… Because of that helping mindset.
“By the way, what are you choosing?”
“My choice is locked in with the minority.”
“Ah I see.”
“...How about you?”
“...”
“...”
“I see.”
“ATTENTION EVERYONE! PLEASE CHOOSE WHICH SIDE YOU ARE GOING WITH!”
Alpha shouted with demand and sincerity.
I stood at the side of staying in this world.
Why? I mean I had nothing in the other world to begin with. At least the one I’m in… I can choose to die without any consequences or repercussions.
“THANK YOU EVERYONE. I WILL LEAD THE SUMMONED BACK TO THE PORTAL, WHILE CHARLIE AND DELTA WILL LEAD YOU TO THE TRAINING GROUNDS!”
With Alpha leading the summoned back to their original world, our line stood still.
It’s not Charles? Damn… Two for three… Isn’t it four actually?
“Me and Delta will now lead you.”
“W-w-w-wait right now, at least let me get my— woah!”
SLIP THUD
“Ow. Ow. Ow.”
“Get up, we have people watching us.”
He gives a helping hand and Delta happily takes it.
“Shall we?”
“Shall.”
Suddenly, Charles leaps from his throne to the front entrance, then Delta ZAPS next to Charles.
We all clapp—. Well everyone except me.
Then I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Guess who!”
“As I said before, if you keep doing that you’ll only make enemies.”
“Sorry.”
“And what are you doing here?! You have a great life on the other side!”
“I thought about it, but I couldn’t help thinking how cool you are, so I chose this side.”
“Throwing that side of your life for this? Are you sane?”
“I’ve never been more sane in my life.”
This guy… he’s too bright! Maybe he needs a shred of darkness… If no one will show him… I will!
As we were led to the courtyard where the training ground is held there were various mages behind a stand. However one stood out like a sore thumb. The hooded black robe girl that chased Bravo was there.
“IN EACH STAND THERE ARE EIGHT MODDERS WHO WILL EVALUATE YOUR ABILITIES! AFTER YOU ARE EVALUATED STAND BACK IN LINE UNTIL EVERYONE FINISHES!”
With a line of twenty four people, that would be three people per Modder. And by chance I managed to have that woman evaluating me.
“Luca Osorio. Give me your hand.”
Her voice… Alluring yet full of mysteries…
“...”
“...”
Suddenly, the whole world changed before me. Everything is pitch black except the woman in front of me.
“Hey! What’s going on?!”
“This is the evaluation.”
“B-but I can’t move.”
“I have to do this, so you can be evaluated.”
Is this… she has to be lying!
She then wraps her arms around me and felt a soft, delicate touch to my lips.
“Hey… isn’t this enough?”
“Mhmhmhm. Yes it is. Awww that was good.”
“A-a-a-are you sure that was part of the evaluation?”
“Yes… I’m sure.”
“Then what’s my abilities?”
“Your abilities… You are a healer class. You have Sixth Sense, Detection, Holy Touch, and Saints Spirit.”
“Can I go now?”
“Unless you want more?”
“I-I’ll take my leave!”
The dark world disappeared and I immediately dashed back to the line.
That woman… She definitely has some loose screws. Is that how she evaluates people’s abilities?
After thirty minutes, everyone was fully evaluated.
“GREAT JOB EVERYONE! NOW THAT WE’RE ALL DONE, LET’S HEAD TO YOUR QUARTERS!”
As we were following Charlie and… Del? Dev? Developer? He’s not here… So I guess he left the session… I had to know what that woman did to Zach!
“So Zach…”
“Yeah?”
“You had that black robed woman right?”
“Yes.”
“How did she evaluate you?”
“Oh that? She hovered her hands on my palms and she told me my abilities.”
“Nothing else?”
“Nope… why?”
T-t-then everything she did… Wh-whatever! It doesn’t concern me.
“What’s your class and abilities?”
“Yes! I was waiting for you to ask that question!”
Is there a way to lower his brightness? This must be an extrovert feature or something.
“My class is a Tank.”
Pffft! Come on! This guy? A tank? Yeah right.
“My abilities are… Armor Enhancement.”
“What else?”
“That’s it.”
“I’ll treat you to something…”
“Huh? Why?”
Poor Zach… Blessed in the other world, but unfortunate in this world.
“We will be the best supporters, don’t worry.”
I wrapped my arm around him as we gradually walked with the group.
We then ended up in the lobby. It’s more or less like a hotel lobby, but it’s filled with hundreds of Summoned. Not only humans but different races such as lizards, rhinos, elves, cat-like humans, and much more. The aesthetics of this place is amazing. I thought it would be a tavern but this takes the cake.
“Excuse me.”
The gear that the summoned are wearing! Wizard Robes! White and gold Armor! Is that human wearing a fox-like mask an assassin? He has a dagger! There’s a snake-like human holding a long spear! So cool!
“Umm… Excuse me.”
I really didn’t expect this to be that good. Well… It’s not going to change my opinion… We’re still needed here… But maybe…
“EXCUSE ME!”
Maybe picking this world over the original world was the way to go.
“HEY! YOU! I’M CALLING YOU!”
“Hey look Zach, this person is mad. I wonder who she’s calling.”
“She’s been calling us.”
“Who?”
“Us… both of us…”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“HELLLLLLLOOO!”
“Sorry!”
“Sorry about that ma’am.”
“THANK YOU. Haaaa. I need you two to sign this form of your abilities. Then you’ll be granted to become an official Summoned.”
After our… my mistake. We officially became the Summoned that the Sovereigns talked about.
“THANK YOU EVERYONE! WE”RE REALLY SORRY FOR DOING THIS! WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOU ALL FOR HELPING US! THANK YOU! TRAINING STARTS IN A WEEK! PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE IMMORTAL CASTLE! WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD SUMMONED!”
“Thank you, Charlie, for your service.”
“Hey. You should save that for when he does something.”
“Oh yeah. Should we check out the castle or head back to the Quarters?”
“Let’s just head back.”
“Okay!”
As we were walking around the castle, we found a strange, bald man sitting on the side.
“Luca! We should help him!”
“I’ve seen way too many of these. It’s probably a trap.”
“How?”
“Listen—”
“Excuse me sir! What happened?!”
“Spare change?”
“Here you go sir.”
“Thank you!”
“No problem si—. Sir?”
“The first person to help me gets rewarded with the Immortal Castle Map Knowledge!”
“Thanks?”
“What in the TikTok shit is this?”
“You two come close.”
“Like this?”
“Closer.”
We became enlightened by the touch of his index finger.
ZAP
“You got it?”
“Woahhh this is useful sir.”
“Thanks old man.”
“No no. It’s thanks to you.”
We both ambled back to our Quarters after… whatever that event was.
“Hold on, this is our room?!”
“It looks nice.”
“Why do you say it like that?”
“Nice?”
“Yes.”
“In the original world, I lived in a manor.”
“Please say sorry to everyone who doesn’t live in such a luxury.”
“Sorry.”
“Okay. Since we have nothing else to do, I’m going to sleep.”
“At 9 PM?”
“Yep. Goodnight Zach.”
“Goodnight!”
*
“What’s going on?”
Apparently I’m outside the castle… And everyone is dead…
“Luca… is that you?”
“I’m sorry…”
“About what?”
WOOOOOSH
SPLAT THUD
A spear flies at mach speed, shooting through Zach’s face.
“Hey… Zach…”
Among the pile of bodies were the so-called Legendaries and other Summoned.
Gulp
“W—what the hell is that?”
In front of me stood a tall man who appeared to be half flesh and half bones.
“What do we have here? A survivor? Can you get me my spear? I’ve dropped it on that corpse.”
“R—right… Here you go…”
“Thank you.”
What do I do? I feel like if I move a muscle… I’ll end up like the rest of them.
“You can go now.”
“O—oh okay…”
I gradually walked to the entrance of the castle.
Suddenly, everything was upside down, going in circles.
No… that’s not right…
THUD
“How unfortunate. My hand slipped.”
“Hehehehehe. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.”
“Let’s see that horrifi—”
“WHAT THE HELL? MY GOD HAHAHA WHAT A SCARY SMILE!”
I’m dead. Just like what I wanted. But why does it feel wrong? I’m smiling though. The same smile I had before I jumped off. What does it look like? I bet it’s genuine.
RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
“Hehe.”