Ugh... What happened? Last I’d seen was a bright flash of light and voices echoing in my head after seeing Origia admitting her "crimes" of sorts. The next thing I know, my head is pounding in pain and I haven't done anything yet. Unless I did and might have ruined the flashback scene.

[Don't worry, young man. I assure you everything remains untouched.]

Huh? That voice... That sounds very familiar. More importantly, where the heck am I? This isn't the flashback! Looks like I'm in some sort of a black void filled with nothing all around me. It seems like I can move here, yet I can't leave at the same time. I guess I need to deal with the voice before I can do anything else. And I think I have a few ideas. But just in case...

"Who are you? Are you one of the gods who responded to Origia's message?" I ask. "Unless I'm talking to her directly, that is."

I feel like it's a stupid question. But I'm already detecting some red flags about this voice. Their voice sounds like her and I doubt the gods are willing to meet me so soon. If they do, it might be what Hayate and Zac called "Deus Ex Machina" and after learning what it meant when I read the worst fantasy novel (in my opinion), I fear that it might ruin the game's story as well.

[Well, aren't you a smart boy? You remind me of myself. Creative and determined to make dreams into a reality. I think you can inherit my legacy.]

Before I can ask, another white light flashed around me, and as I open my eyes, I gasp in shock. Because the person appearing right before me is Origia herself. She looks young just like her flashback self. Yet something about her seems different from before.

"I-I can't believe it," I mutter while trying to retain my sanity from meeting her in person. "You're the first person, or [Insignis] in this case, to create a [Sign]!"

[I'm glad you've paid attention to my memories. It seems my successors managed to preserve my legacy untainted as I wished.]

"Y-Yeah, I'm glad, too." Oh man, I'm now shaking in excitement, yet nervous to meet a major NPC in person for the first time in [Isekai Online]! "Sorry to be rude, but why did you interrupt the memory? I thought the playback wasn't finished yet."

[Yes, I'm very sorry about that. But it has been a while since I met a young [Insignis] for millennia. I've awakened from my respite to observe the latest generation undertaking the [Sign Creation Ceremony]. Out of all children, you and that other boy show promise.]

Other boy? "Do you mean someone named "Yur1"?" I guess, to which Origia responds with a nod.

[I can take a gander that you're an acquaintance of his, correct?]

"I prefer him as a "friend"," I say with the most honest tone I can even say. "Still, why see me? I know I did a lot such as beating that huge Tempest bird and making some magical pens and inks beforehand..."

[It's more than that, young Kazu. I said before you remind me of myself. The self where I was determined to make my dreams a reality,] Origia repeats. [You are currently walking on an aimless road, but I can see potential just from your creations and eyes. The potential that you can change the world with a simple action.]

Change...the world? Whoa, I didn't expect the whole "chosen one" twist. "Are you saying I'm going to save the world?"

["Change", not saved. In this era, there are no lone Chosen Ones. I can sense several disturbances around , but I have faith in all kingdoms and races who can band together and stop them. You, on the other hand, have the power to change the logic and beliefs everyone has been clinging to after the new beginning.]

Okay, now I'm confused. "What do you mean exactly? Like my [Magecrafting] items and potions will make some kind of revolution or something?"

[It's more of an advancement than a simple revolution. Change is imminent and whether they accept or reject is up to them. All that matters is that whatever you create will shatter the world's limits.]

...Didn't expect that kind of "change". So all I have to do is to...make some stuff, huh? That's strangely easy.

"Why are you telling me all of this? Is there something I should know before following your advice?"

I wait for her answer. There's something more about her request. Begging me to change the world doesn't seem right to me.

[I can't say too much. However, please recall a memory. The time when the home of the [White Tiger of the Beginnings] was ravaged by the dark plague.]

White tiger...

Oh no... I know what she means...

"You knew about the miasma in the [Tested Wilds]?"

[Some of the great sages, past and present, felt it. The present almost turn to radical means to quarantine it until you and your brother stopped the source from spreading further. However, we fear this wasn't an isolated incident, and thus, other radical solutions were set up to prepare for the worst-case scenario. However, I was very selective and I never choose recklessly unless they meet certain criteria.]

No way... So that means the incident with [Bai Hu] and the trees were not the only [Hidden Quests] we have to look out for. Worse, it might affect the whole world if I didn't learn about it right now. But telling me all of this is too much. I'm still a kid about to turn 13 and I have no clue how to save the virtual fantasy world on my own.

[But I'm getting ahead of myself,] Origia suddenly says. [Before we can discuss this even further, maybe we should finish what you started, shall we? You need to learn everything I experienced to grant you what you wish.]

Oh, I almost forgot about the ceremony. Besides, I'm still shocked at what the gods meant by "breaking a rule". "You're right. My Dad said I have to see more proof before I believe you. So...go ahead."

With a nod from her, the whole area flashes white again as I shield my eyes from it.

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When I open my eyes, I see that I'm back in the past world where they were confronted by the Gods of Light and Darkness themselves. I also notice that not only the Origia I talked to is gone, but I'm back in the very same spot where I was standing before. I don't say anything else. I'm completely shocked by that twist earlier, so all I can do is watch and listen.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

[Interesting. A mere child messenger has rewritten and combined our runes with some help? I'm surprised you haven't died from your lack of Mana yet,] the male's voice boomed from the purple star.

[I-I'm very sorry, your Grace of Shadows. But I want to get your attention somehow,] Origia answers. [But it's simply not the only reason.]

[Oh? Care to share your reasonings, young messenger?] The woman's voice echoed from the white star. [Why must share with us this strange rune you have made?]

Origia takes a deep breath and stared at the stars. [It has been 90 years since you have inflicted punishment for the inhabitants' actions for instigating the [Great War]. In my heart, While I also cannot forgive them for their transgressions, it has gone too long for their suffering to end. Some may not change their ways, but it will create worse monsters than Nox made. That's why change is needed.]

[And care to tell us why you go to the lengths of violating the laws of the runes that and I partially created with the great god?]

[Even as the messengers created by the great , we have our limits. We prayed for your return someday, but most had given up, except me. You had your reasons to abandon us and ignore them. But there are limits to your ignorance and it may be the catalyst of this world's early demise. That is why I had to do what no one should do. I broke the laws so I... No, we could send a message no God can ignore. That message is hidden within the runes I have fused with your knowledge, but I know from you that you will understand.]

I can hear the stars humming as the runes that Origia and her friends made float right in front of them.

The first rune moves forward first.

[Hear us.]

The second with the cross moves second.

[We pray for you.]

And last, which was the rune resembling a star moves last.

[We need the strength to forgive.]

So that's what they meant. Those are the first ones Origia made. All because this world needed the gods to end the suffering once and for all.

[You can smite me as my repentance. But spare my people and listen to our prayers. The [Humans], [Feles], [Elves], and the [Beastfolk] need your help more than ever.]

Origia... So even she took risks to make her dream a reality. Now I know why she relates her problem to me. In the end, she sacrificed her life to end the era of...

[Smite you? Oh my... Why wouldn't we do that to someone who showed us you managed to bring your dream to life?]

["Huh?] Both of us mutter, now confused at their sudden shift in tone.

[What do you mean, your light? I-I broke the laws...]

[That wasn't very well misunderstood. We were aware you broke the laws of the runes, but never abuse them,] the woman's voice that Origia referred to as the God of Light said. [In our defense, we should have worded it more carefully. We won't name who made those mistakes, but we apologize for the misunderstanding of the system you've relied on so much, our messengers.]

[O-Oh...] Origia slowly backs away and sighs. At least she wasn't executed, I think.

[However, it will take more than a few runes to convince the great god,] the other god which I guess might be the God of Darkness, . [We will pardon your crime for violating the logic we have made, but if you truly want to free this world from the everlasting torment their ancestors deserved, they must show genuine proof that they are truly worthy of forgiveness. By then, the great god will take notice and the age of retribution will end.]

[How can we do that? Along with my people's aid, helping the world is a big task for all of us, and...] Origia looked down at the cliff. [It will take time until they believe in the gods again.]

There is silence from the gods as the messengers and I watch them with bated breath.

[Then start small. Show us these strange, yet special runes you have shown us to create change in this world. Only then, the great god will take notice. And maybe, they will be the catalyst of the new era you all dream for this world.]

I smile when I hear the news. I’m not the only one as everyone began to sigh in relief at the news. Some even celebrate it. Origia seems to be taking the news more seriously, yet I see her smile with her eyes glimmering about it.

[Thank you, I will make sure I will not disappoint you all,] Origia said before she bowed to the gods.

Her master and father approach her. [I know you will, my jeweled star,] her father says. [You may even finish what your mother has started.]

[Father...]

[Yes. I think it's time for us to stop ignoring the problem and start finding a way to deal with the source,] Master Protegio adds. [I think a new system comes with a new name. You have the honor of naming it, my pupil.]

Origia's smile grows wider as she turns back to the stars. [In that case, the gods see them as catalysts of change. So to ensure it will happen. I will name this new system of runes. The runes combined into a single meaning...]

[...[Signs]."

So that's it. That's the real origin of the [Signs]. It seems like there's more beyond that story.

But I can see my vision turning white now. I guess I might learn more about it in the near future.

----------------------------------------

As I open my eyes again, I see Origia standing right in front of me. The one who showed me her past regarding the creation that led to the world's change.

"Wow... I can't believe what I saw," I comment. "That's... You managed to create something amazing with your first [Signs]. I don't know how I can top that."

[Overshadowing me isn't your concern, young [Insignis]. Change is something you act, not what you say. If you put your mind into it, you may able to save a life when you least expect it,] Origia says. [For you, a small step is all you need to start. That's what the gods have told me. And you are not alone in your endeavor. As long you have people by your side, you will do the impossible.]

People...by my side... Right... I have Wind, Arthur, Razul, and everyone helping me in my virtual journey in this world. I may try to become independent on my own terms, but I'm not alone.

[So does that mean I've earned my right to learn about the [Sign Creation] itself?] I asked.

Origia suddenly approaches me and says, [Actually, you've already learned how.]

I raise my eyebrows in confusion. [I did? How?]

Before I know it, she leans closer and kisses me on the cheek.

That's right. A kiss from out of nowhere and from a 1000-year-old or so ghost girl of all things!

[You have to be yourself. Never stop believing and never stop creating...]

I tried to ask how, but it was too late. The whole world turns white again and I find myself falling unconscious...

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I gasp as I stand up. What the heck happened back there? I notice that I’m lying on the ground with my staff near me. Then I looked around the room to find some [Symbol Speech] runes and...

Oh, right. Now I remember. I was out because I saw the origins of the [Sign]. How and why she made them save the world of . I saw the process behind its creation itself. And most importantly, I learned there is a bigger threat waiting if this world doesn't act quickly.

Yeah, I have a lot of questions right now. However, I can't think about it right now. If I do it without any thought, then there's no way of knowing how it will affect the game's story itself. There are a lot of uncertainties coming in the next update, but worrying about it will get me nowhere. If I want to change the world, then I will need help.

But first, I need to finish this ceremony and now that I know everything from her past, I'm heading to the final phase.

It's time to create my own [Sign].