I apologize for any grammatical errors as English is not my first language. I am, however, slightly proficient in it’s use. As such, I am forging ahead without a proofreader. Forgive me for any discomfort this may cause.

I’ve heard that my intros can often be confusing, and I would appreciate some feedback. My story’s lore will purposefully be shrouded in mystery and intrigue as our protagonist will attempt to make sense of his world.

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I can't sleep. The thought of impending pain keeps me wide awake. My body has been frail since birth. The magic that courses through our family’s lineage only breaks the weak.

Aside from my exalted younger sister, I’m the only one of the siblings to survive. As the eldest, I had to watch as their last breaths left their young bodies.

I could feel the pain of losing each time my brothers and sisters died. My parents, incapacitated by the pain, it became my duty to bury the bodies. They even stopped giving them names.

The entire city spoke in hushed whispers of our curse. Once an exalted line of powerful mages that produced legend after legend. Now reduced to a broken home of dead children. Their only living heir being nothing but a husk.

It wasn’t until Orlena was born that my parents regained their vigor. They cast me aside, locking me away at a dusty villa. I don’t blame them. My affliction only serves as a reminder to all the lives they lost.

My needs are attended to by several servants that were tied to me at birth. I feel sorry for them. At first I studied all kinds of medicine despite knowing full well that there would be no cure. As I studied more and more, the sense of foreboding only grew.

Despite this, I was able to make a little headway into the field. I daresay there isn’t a healer out there who far outstrips my knowledge.

I glance over to the pouch atop the dresser. I stare at the concoction of herbs before carefully measuring out enough for three nights.

My face twists as the horrible taste coats my mouth. I fall backward onto the bed and let out a sigh as the medication drags me under.

I find myself floating in a body of water. I'm just deep enough to where the light shines off my aging hair. I look down to see writhing masses pushing towards me from the darkness.

I can make out their features as they draw near. Glossy eyes set into solid angular heads. The pocked blue scales almost seem to meld in with the water. ‘The fuck are these things?’ They swirl up my body as if seeking something.

I can feel something in my hand, but it's hard to make out with the serpents coiling around me. It's wrenched from my grasp, and they descend back into the dark after swallowing whatever it was they took.

Just as the serpents fade out of sight, my lungs give out. My sight growing weaker until I feel no more.

As my eyes flutter back open I can feel rough bark digging into my arms. ‘Where the hell am I?’  I'm splayed over a ragged piece of wood. The shore isn't too far, but my thin limbs are devoid of strength. I surrender myself to the waves as it draws me closer to land.

After being dragged onto the rocky shore, I manage to crawl further inland. The land rumbles beneath me as a volcano prepares to explode. Hordes of monsters are gathered around it as if preparing for a confrontation. ‘Hell indeed.' I muse as a wry grin settles upon my face.

Flashes of blinding light blind me as what can only be gods arrive in quick succession. They ignore me as they put up a 

barrier. Each layer composed of a patchwork of intricate spells.

As the barrier expands, it passes through me. The strands of magic get caught and swirl around me as they attempt to assimilate into my body.

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The magic begins to overload my senses, and I struggle fervently to keep my mind. My thoughts become frayed as if they're being tainted.

My vision suddenly clears as I feel intense strength being channeled into my entire being. My mind moves at an accelerated pace, and I can visibly see the sudden change in my physique.

As I begin to glow with power, the gods take notice, but they don’t move from their precarious positions. A slight frown gracing their divine faces as they refocus on their task at hand.

The mountain rumbles, but now I know it isn’t from natural causes. There is a presence of such immense bearing that it almost drives those who feel it into a fit of madness. ‘Whatever is in there, I want it to stay.’

The horde of monsters I spotted from the shore make haste as the tremors increase in frequency and power. As they reach the barrier an unearthly howl is unleashed as they begin their assault.

My senses are far too sharp for this to be anything but reality. ‘I’m sure I didn’t put any hallucinogens in my medicine. 

Maybe a few spores weren’t contained.’

I feel a light shock and a sense of disembodiment as a voice enters my head. Varied yet singular, a harmony of tones without a hint of discord. You could feel their will as a collective body.

Aethros commands you now. Hear our will. Take up arms and destroy our foes.

Magic consolidates around my naked body as it is coated in silver armor. The close fitting metal bends and molds itself to the contours of my body. At my hips forms a pair of swords thin and elegant in design. ‘Yup. This is definitely abnormal.’

I have to admit the power nearly intoxicates me, but I don’t budge from the spot. ‘This is a dream.’ I think to myself. Once I wake from such a heroic epic, the sense of despair would only crush me once again. ‘Maybe I should just enjoy it and make some euphors to even my out later.’ I entertain the notion for a while, but I drop it.

I can see the gods expressions sour, but they seem to be unable to take any actions against me. Too occupied to give me further notice.

I sit down and just watch the scene. Every second wishing I could dive in and engage in glorious combat as my ancestors once did. In the distance I can spot the figures of others clad in similar fashion to myself.

The prowess they display is impressive as they tear through the army of demons and beasts. Each showing great proficiency with the weapons they have been graced with.

I keep watching to wait until this vision is over. I heave a sigh as my much too childish ambitions come to light. ‘A hero? Pah. I’d consider myself fortunate to be an average man.’

Deep tremors once again shake the earth, but this time it’s different. With it comes a voice. The low rumbling speech is hard to make out, but the power it carries is unmistakable.

D. .ou w..h f.r po..r? Th.. h.r. .s .ur con..a.t.

‘What did you say?’ As the voice fades a gleaming circuit appears before me. Swathed in raven black flames. ‘It’s beautiful.’ I think as I reach out.

As soon as I am about to touch it, the magic crest dodges my hand. It makes its way towards my heart with alarming speed, and with a searing pain my consciousness fades.