VOLUME 1
FATE
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> Chapter 1 <
The Returne (1)
Abyss of hell.
It was a world devoid of life. A forsaken realm that can entangle a mortal in an interminable abyss of despair.
The very air that fills the lungs, tainted by a malevolence that reeks of damnation, threatens to strangle the mortal who lingers too long amidst this desolation. The gnarled and lifeless trees, vessels of wicked spirits yearning to ensnare any creature and confound their senses, stand as a testament to the horrors that beset this accursed land. From the darkest recesses of thought and essence, abominations beyond human comprehension manifest, locked in eternal conflict for dominion over the wretched domains that make up this realm.
It is a place no mortal should dare call home.
And yet... How long has Aira endured the unrelenting torment of this accursed plane?
Time has lost its meaning, its measure fading into an abyss of forgotten ages. Days bleed into weeks, and weeks into years, as Aira, a candidate lost within time, struggles against an insurmountable task. No matter how many vile Grimms she slays, whether they be newborn, mature, or elder, the problem that ensnares her within this nightmarish tapestry remains unyielding, an enigma that mocks her feeble attempts to break free from this labyrinth of despair.
TASK: EXTERMINATE TEN GREATER GRIMM 10/3RR0R
"––––!"
TASK: CLEAR THE TRIAL (NEW)
The true meaning of this trial lay veiled in an array of possibilities, much akin to the intricate games she often immersed herself in. Perhaps, like the climax of a grand narrative, it demanded the vanquishing of a final adversary, shattering the core of this realm, or something akin to such victory. Alas, the verity revealed itself in a much grimmer form: a ceaseless onslaught against all monstrosities dwelling within.
She yearned for the former, a resolute yearning for a conclusive confrontation. But in the end, she could only embrace the latter, as the remnants of her options dwindled like fleeting embers.
Unlike in the games she played, the bloodshed unfolded in the realm of reality, a testament to her fading sanity and dwindling humanity. Within the depths of her consciousness, a contemplation arose: were these the same emotions experienced by the protagonists of revered novels? Those heroes who embarked on heroes' journey, growing in strength to save the day? She could not fathom it, for her path was drenched in bloodshed alone.
In this desolate world, where only she and the final Grimm persevered, their souls interwoven in a dance of survival.
"––––––––" Aira uttered in a hushed tone, devoid of emotion. Her silver eyes, once brimming with life, now shimmered with an ethereal glow as her very essence surged. A synchronicity emerged as she and this forsaken world become one.
Her breath intertwined with its breath, her intent becoming its will.
Like a deity overlooking a realm, she beheld the world in its entirety.
Provoked, the primordial force dwelling within the radiant, pulsating purple abyss stirred. A colossal serpent-like dragon ascended, its grotesque visage once again revealed.
A thunderous roar reverberated, infused with the nefarious essence that fueled its existence. The serpent-like dragon sought to challenge her, to shatter her claim over a realm that had rejected its presence since the moment it live. The very ground trembled, and mountains crumbled, as it dared to defy her in this climactic juncture.
NAME: BAKUNAWA
SPECIES: PRIMAL GRIMM
> HOSTILE
Clap! Aira's palms collided with a resounding force, an indomitable response that set the world in motion.
The very fabric of this world transformed into its enemy.
A weapon of air, pressurizing and restraining the primal entity. Water surged forth, ensnaring its lower form like ethereal shackles. Earth splintered and floated amidst the sky, a testament to the chaos unleashed.
It became a battle for survival, a contest of endurance, as they stood on the precipice of existence, neither relenting nor surrendering, both determined to be the last one standing.
/=/
Falling. Through the vast expanse of parting obsidian clouds, she convulsed, coughing up blood that stained her chin a vivid red. Her head throbbed intensely, assaulted by the relentless gusts that lashed against her weakened state. Unable to move – numb – she could only endure the numbing ache as her consciousness teetered on the edge of oblivion, momentarily surrendering to the enveloping darkness.
With a half-lidded gaze, she stared blankly at the scarlet horizon beneath a silver ring, motionless in the heavens. Alongside her descent, the remnants of the colossal creature plummeted, their descent mirroring her own.
'It's done,' She confirmed, her senses assaulted by the stench of metallic blood mingled with acrid smoke and toxic saltwater. In the dim shimmer of her silver eyes, a gleam ignited, her lips stretching into a triumphant grin.
Ignoring the searing pain in her lungs and the throbbing agony of the sizable wounds gouged from her side, she cackled through the tumultuous wind, her laughter merging with its echoes.
Scattered fragments surrounding her shine in a familiar golden light, countless particles converging toward her in a frenetic dance. Within the fleeting speed of light, they coalesced, mending her physical wounds piece by piece.
'It is time,' She thought, her laughter fading, replaced by a wistful yearning. 'To go back.'
As her radiant form emitted a dazzling glow, her eyes focus on the silver ring. A flicker of glint flashed through her eyes and her lips wry curled up. Slowly, she extended her weakened and agonized right arm toward its solitary figure, as if seeking to grasp its elusive essence.
Summoning her final reserves of will, she imbued her essence into the fabric of this realm, an apologetic resonance coursing through her weakened being. "I did it," she weakly uttered, the words barely reaching the winds that carried them away.
Though the act felt unsettling, akin to severing a part of herself, it had to be done.
She had lingered within this realm for far too long, risking the erosion of her sanity.
The essence of this world echoed across the expanse, intertwining with her own presence – Not with anger, but with a semblance of understanding for her motives and desires. Such empathy, even if it were illusory, stirred a pang of guilt within her core.
"Whether you perceive me as a friend or a construct of this realm," she whispered sincerely through the fading connection, "thank you. Thank you for everything."
Reality began to fracture, ripping through the fabric of space and time. Landmasses tumbled from the sky, and the tumultuous ocean bellowed in unison with the roaring winds. And she felt it. The foreign sensation engulfed her, severing the link between her and this realm entirely. Two pulsating glyphs materialized, encircling her from head to toe, their inscriptions an enigma in an unknown tongue.
As the silver ring fractured, she finally closed her eyes, allowing a solitary tear to escape as she dissolved into the ethereal air.
And as she disappeared, a mournful cry reverberated as the darkness moved.
"––!!!"
"Welcome back, child."
A soft voice seemed to silently echo in the heart of a forgotten city, where vibrant plants, ancient trees, and elusive creatures thrived. Amidst the lush surroundings, a massive, gnarled tree began to pulsate, its leaves rustling as dense essence swirled around it, causing it to grow. With a gentle sway, the trunk of the tree shifted, parting like a cradle to reveal an unscathed figure—a young teenage girl.
The child had disheveled, layered black hair that cascaded messily around her, and her fair brown skin emitted a subtle, ethereal glow. For a moment, she remained motionless, curled up in a fetal position, devoid of any signs of life.
After a few agonizing seconds, her heart began to beat once more, coursing life through her veins. Gasping for air, she jolted awake, her silver eyes snapping open to behold the brilliant blue expanse before her.
"I'm... back?" She muttered, her body tensed as she struggled to breathe in the heavy, unfamiliar atmosphere. It felt different—warmer, cleaner. She calmed her racing nerves, sitting upright and casting her gaze toward the verdant forest that surrounded her. The melodic chirping of birds filled the air—earthly wildlife, not the fantastical creatures from the Trial. Innocent creatures.
'Earth,' Aira thought, excitement tingling in her core. 'This is Earth.'
As she gazed up at the pristine, clear blue sky, it was almost surreal. Like a fragile dream that could shatter at any moment. Feeling the warmth of the sun caressing her exposed skin, it felt like a tender embrace. This was real.
Though her expression failed to reflect the joy swelling within her heart, her gaze softened, and without realizing it, an unbidden tear slid down her right cheek. Those who have once lost the light can understand how beautiful it is.
"Sawakas..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm back."
A pleasant lightness enveloped her chest—a warm sensation, as if she could soar through the heavens. Was this... joy? She couldn't fully grasp the magnitude of this emotion, but she welcomed it.
[ REGISTERING... ]
[ 002% ]
[ 005% ]
Slowly getting out from the tree trunk, she steadied herself, placing a hand against the rough bark while her bare feet touched the soil, relishing the sensation of uneven dirt and scattered pebbles beneath her. The sunlight bathed her figure, causing her to squint through the dense foliage, her gaze fixed on the radiant orb adorning the cerulean sky.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"Sun..." She whispered, only now realizing that her voice was no longer the scratchy, weary tone she had grown accustomed to.
Her right hand brushed against her soft, unmarred neck, and Aira blinked in bewilderment at the unfamiliarity of her own body. No wonder something felt amiss. Her form had changed, diminished, and the scars that had once littered her flesh were no more.
[ 045% ]
"I've... shrunk?" Aira murmured, her mind struggling to comprehend the transformation as her gaze fell upon the black star tattoo adorning her right arm.
"Ah..."
In a haze, fragmented memories flashed before her eyes—a distant recollection of her revealing the same tattoo to someone whose visage remained hazy and indistinct. The memory must have belonged to a time before she was transported to the Trial.
"Who?" Aira pondered, her lips pursed in contemplation. She yearned to unearth further details, but, nothing further came to mind, and she couldn't recall who that person was.
Though disappointing, it was a starting point.
Setting aside the unresolved memory, for the time being, Aira focused on a more pressing matter. She clenched her fist tightly, veins protruding on the back of her hand, and scrutinized her slender arm. The absence of her once-honed strength brought a frown to her face, her brows furrowing as she pressed her lips together.
"Mahina..." she whispered, recognizing her own weakness. Even without consulting her status, she could discern the vulnerability that permeated her body—a vulnerability that could render her defenseless even against the likes of a Griblin.
"This could be a problem," Aira thought, steadying herself before taking a cautious step forward.
The sensation felt peculiar. Her muscles responded in an unfamiliar manner—unbalanced and unused—making her movements clumsy and awkward. In a hypothetical scenario where she faced a formidable Grimm, pushing herself too far would undoubtedly result in dire consequences.
Adapting her mind and body to these changes would require time and caution.
"I would need to be careful," Aira reminded herself before taking a peek at the percentage loading in her mind.
[ 072% ]
As Aira examined her surroundings, she took in the sight of towering, weathered trees and dilapidated buildings adorned with veins and cracks. Amidst the ruins, vibrant flowers and peculiar plants added splashes of color to the scene. She continued walking, gradually adjusting to her weakened body, sensing a strange familiarity but unable to pinpoint its origin.
"Have I been here before?" Aira pondered, her brows furrowing as she passed another crumbling structure. However, her attention was soon drawn to something dangling from a tall tree. She approached and trailed her fingers along the surface of a rusted signboard, barely hanging on by the clinging veins. Though the words on the sign had faded beyond readability, a sense of recognition washed over her.
Sumar Quezon. Aira's memories resurfaced, and she nostalgically recalled the name. This sign had caught her gaze countless times as she passed by. Sumar Quezon was her hometown where she was born and raised—a vibrant place filled with bustling energy.
But now, it lay in ruins, long forgotten.
[ 099% ]
"If I wake up here... then my family-" Aira's thoughts trailed off, abruptly interrupted as a resounding "DING!" rang in her ears.
[ 100% ]
Blue screens materialized before her, appearing the moment the loading percentage reached one hundred.
["AIRA" HAS BEEN REGISTERED TO EARTH #0004]
[ AUTHORIZED ]
WITH THE WORLD'S PLANE EARTH #0004 APPROVAL
YOU HAVE NOW ACQUIRED THE AUTHORIZATION OF HOLDING A SPECIFIC SYSTEM IN EARTH #0004.
PROGENITOR'S TRIAL
CONGRATULATION ON YOUR COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENT OF BECOMING THE {PROGENITOR} OF EARTH #004
TASK: CLEAR THE TRIAL (COMPLETE)
DIFFICULTY: NIGHTMARE MODE
RATE: SS+
REWARD: IMMORTAL PHYSIQUE(ATTRIBUTE), ENHANCED SKELETON BONES(ATTRIBUTE), MARK OF LUNA(ATTRIBUTE), CHARACTERISTIC VISION(ATTRIBUTE), INVENTORY, STARTER PACK.
[YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE STARTER PACK!]
OPEN / X
The screens displayed information, but Aira didn't bother to read them. Their contents had already been etched into her mind before they fully manifested. Normally, such notifications wouldn't faze her, but the weight of a pounding headache made her furrow her brow, her inexperienced mind struggling to cope with the sudden influx of information from the system.
Taking a few deep breaths, Aira channeled her essence, using it to alleviate the discomfort caused by the unfamiliar presence of the system. She erected a mental barrier to shield her consciousness, knowing that connecting her current state directly to the system without a solid foundation in her new body's brain would be unwise. And training in this unfamiliar territory without a safe zone to fend off any potential threats would only put her at a disadvantage.
Mentally closing the two screens, she opened her eyes and focused on the remaining one. Raising her left hand toward it, she pressed "OPEN." In response, particles of white light began to converge on her skin, gradually spreading throughout her body. As the light dissipated, it revealed the materialized form of the items contained within the starter pack—a set of clothing and leather equipment.
THE SET OF EQUIPMENT MEETS THE REQUIREMENT OF THE FULL SET OF LIGHT LEATHER ARMOR (7/7)
NAME: LIGHT LEATHER ARMOR (7/7)
EFFECT: PROTECT THE WEARER FROM CERTAIN PHYSICAL HARM.
FULL SET ITEMS BONUS EFFECT: 10+ STRENGTH | 10+ AGILITY
NAME: SHORT SWORD
DESCRIPTION: A DURABLE SHORT-LENGTH WEAPON MADE OF HIGH-CARBON STEEL
NAME: WOODEN SHIELD
DESCRIPTION: A ROUND WEAPON MADE OF REFINED SOLID WOOD AND A SMALL QUANTITY OF METAL
With the full set of light leather armor equipped, Aira could feel the weight of the steel short sword and wooden shield in her hands. Compared to her previous experience where everything felt light, these items now had a noticeable heft to them.
It feels really weird, Aira idly thought before muttering to no one, "Now that I think of it... Isn't this a bit unfair?"
{ STATUS }
NAME: AIRA | FAMILIA: GIYERA
ESSENCE: 350/2000 (50 per minute)
RESERVE ESSENCE: 12/1000
STRENGTH: 50 (+10)
AGILITY: 40 (+10)
If they were going to reset her stats, it meant that all the time she had spent grinding for strength and power had gone to waste. She felt a twinge of anger, but she couldn't get angry even if she wanted to. If her strength to be given was what she needed to find her way back, she would give it once again. That indifferent and maddening state of mind was something she doesn't want to be.
Comparing her past self to her present self, Aira felt like two different people. She had almost forgotten what it was like to feel at peace and refreshed. Now, she was calmer than ever, having left behind the restlessness and inhuman killing. The memories of the cold, lifeless environment, endless killing, annoying monster noises, and loneliness were tiring.
She wanted to go back home, see her waiting family, and be with other people.
Gripping the sword in front of her, Aira smiled, albeit shallowly. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked beyond the ruins to the vast green forest, where she believed others must be. Her memories were vague, but the goal remained steadfast in her mind.
Defending the world from monsters and fighting alongside the people she would meet. A newfound sense of purpose filled her heart.
"I should find the others," she declared, tightening her grip on the sword. She looked at her reflection in the blade, her expression flat but her eyes filled with determination. "And regain some of my strength to survive."
Suddenly, Aira noticed a presence and turned her gaze toward a large rock where a white-furred, four-legged creature emerged.
The blade of her sword gleamed in the sunlight.
NAME: WHITE DEER
SPECIES: SPIRIT
> PEACEFUL
The White Deer bent its front leg, kicking its hoof on the rock it stands on, letting out a low grunt while its burning blue glowing eyes gaze down at her.
Had it not for its lack of hostility and that screen that appeared before her eyes, Aira would have immediately moved to attack the spirit out of instinct that had yet to disappear in herself.
This isn't the trial, Aira told herself as the veins within her hand became visible from the force of her grip. Repeatedly reminding her that thing isn't a Grimm and that this isn't a place where all creatures are out to kill her.
With great restraint, she set her focus on something different.
Spirit? Aira thought with narrowed eyes.
She felt a faint force that brought an odd feeling. She hasn't met a spirit just till now but there is a frequency that seemed to tell that this White Deer meant no harm despite it letting out that strange signal on its antlers.
"What are you trying to tell me?" Aira wondered, her eyes narrowing.
The White Deer kicked the rock with its front leg, grunted softly, and shook its antlers before leaping down between the shattered buildings. It then ran toward the distant high mountains.
"...?"
Aira didn't follow it and watched it disappear from her view with a confused and mild interest.
To ignore such an encounter, it's unfortunate that she isn't familiar with spirits. Had she known what the White Deer is known for, she would have followed it without any hesitation. Too bad, her awful experience in following creatures in the Trial had always led to deceit and traps.
Even if she is curious, she wouldn't follow anything unknown at the moment, especially with her current weakened state.
"Odd," Aira dryly muttered, acknowledging the encounter but choosing not to pursue it further. She had priorities to attend to and investigate. She turned around and headed deeper into the ruins, her weapons in hand. Her objective was to regain her strength and find her family and others while uncovering the situation of everyone.
This place seemed like a good starting point for her exploration.