Rifts... an unexplainable phenomenon that forms at the end of a planet's lifespan.
It would devour and consume every nook and cranny of its planet. Its power is incomprehensible, no technology nor magic would be able to stop it once it reaches full maturity.
The young rift that now stands at the peak of the mountain consisting of corpses is not far from maturity. As far one can tell, it would only take mere hours to do so.
The presence of this young rift is alerted to every inhabitant of the planet. It's as if they're connected to it spiritually. Concurrently, they are also aware of the impending doom that is awaiting them.
Reactions were numerous and varied. Some wept in sorrow, some celebrated it, and there are those that took advantage of it, to do everything they can before their imminent perils.
Why did this world ending threat appear for no apparent reason one might wonder?
Well....there is one.
The planet had taken its toll from the great battle that just took place. A battle that would decide who the strongest of the strong is.
Mages, warriors, and more alike were too reckless. Fighting and destroying without a care in the world. And now.... it's time to pay for the damage they have caused.
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"Hmm... I wonder if I'll be able to reach my home before it's all gone." The voice could only belong to the victor that emerged from the battle.
"Hah....I barely have enough energy to walk let alone run. Looks like I won't be able to reach it even if I tried my hardest.", the man chuckled.
"Perhaps, I'll just stay here and enjoy the view.", The man continued, seemingly given up all hope.
There is now only 3 hours left before the rift reaches its full maturity.
Nothing else can be done. Knowing this, the one who is now regarded as the Strongest decides to close his eyes to take one final rest.
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2 hours remain, before all traces of life disappear. Time is very cruel. Not sparing even a single second.
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Now only 1 hour remain. Not only life, but even the recorded history and traces left by the humans of this planet will vanish...and it would seem as no one had inhabited this solar system...once the Rift consumes everything.
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The man had settled his mind. He had accepted his fate and his failures. He is now at peace.
Well, that was until a voice was heard in the distance.
"DAMNIT, WE HAVE TO BE FAST. There's no time left. Dhon, inject this device to the rift pronto!" It seems like the person brought a companion with him.
Dhon affirmed "Yes sir, but how are we going to acquire enough life force to close this rift?" Dhon asked the man who had instructed him to set up a never-before-seen instrument inside the portal.
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"We have to figure something out." The man replied.
The man then continues "We did it 400 years ago, so we can do it again. We just have to keep trying."
Utterly ridiculous, just what level of arrogance do they have, to think that they are able to close the rift by themselves Charon thought.
But curiosity got the better of Charon and he decided to approach the two individuals. Upon closer inspection, they're certainly not humans. They resemble dryads. However, one of them looks more noble than the other.
"Sir! There's someone approaching us, I do not sense any malice intent however, but be careful" Dhon states while using mysterious tools to set up what would seem like a ball consisting of branches, with many protruding needles.
"Ok Dhon, let me handle it" The dryad responded.
The dryad then confronts the man who was approaching them. "You.... I see. So you're part of the reason why the rift is here." The dryad states coldly.
Not even having a chance to introduce himself, Charon immediately inquires, "What... just what made you think so."
Not missing a beat, the dryad would say, "You took part in this massacre didn't you. Look around you. And you'll come to understand the consequences of your actions."
Now with a more serious tone Charon asks, "Just who are you?"
"I am the conscious thoughts of this planet; you may call me Mars." Mars says in a composed manner.
Now in a more urgent manner, Mars continues, "I'm not going to waste any more time and get straight to the point. To be frank with you, there's almost nothing me and Dhon can do to stop this Rift. We've used up almost all of our power to stop the last one 400 years ago.",
"There was another?", were the only words that came out of Charon's mouth. He was getting bombarded with information that were new to him.
Mars goes on, "Precisely so, although the last one was entirely my fault. But that's beside the point."
In a deadpan manner Mars continues, "It took everything in me to stop the last one. So, there's no way I could stop this one after only a few centuries of rest. But I've thought of a solution."
Hearing this, Charon's worries were slightly alleviated. He doesn't know why, but somehow, he feels inclined to trust the stranger's words.
"So, you mean to say you can stop this monstrosity?" Charon said while pointing at the rift.
Mars replies, "Yeah, but I won't be able to do it by myself or even with Dhon's help."
Mars goes on, "I sense it in you. You are brimming with life energy. I'd reckon if you threw yourself in that rift and feed it with your life energy, you'll be able to stop it."
"Okay." Charon says.
A bit taken aback by the immediate response, Mars would reply, "I'm not sure how much life force it will take from you but be prepared to die if it consumes everything you have. Assuming that you're able to survi-"
"Enough. I'll do it" Charon interrupts.
"If it means sacrificing my life to save this planet, I'm willing to do so." Charon says with a smile.
It would appear that both sides have come to a conclusion. And now there's only one thing left to do.
Mars then would say to Charon in a comforting tone, "I understand. I'll make sure your name is recorded in the history for being the Strongest in this era. That shall be my first and last gift to you."
Mars then continues, "There's no time left, jump into the rift and let your energy flow through. The device Dhon had just installed inside the rift will help spread your energy evenly to help with the process. Once it's taken up enough of your life force, the rift will dissolve like it was never there."
Taking one final breath Charon would say to the stranger, "Thank you for giving me this chance" before jumping into the mysterious rift.
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Once upon a time, in another world.
Two different primordial essences merged and formed into a planet.
In it, resides various and unique lifeforms.
They lived in harmony, contributing to a stable and balanced ecosystem.
Eventually, they would develop intelligence, and the world would undergo rapid changes.
However, this had affected the balance.
Greed and selfishness would take over those with intellects.
And now they fight amongst themselves for their own benefits.
Chaos ensued. And the order had been ruined.
Amidst the mayhem, one great ruler rose.
She possessed great prowess and wisdom. But more than that, she possessed a kind heart.
With her efforts and countless of her companions' sacrifice, a land barren of order and balance would once again find stability.
Peace was achieved. And now all species are banded so they can evolve together and reach a higher place.
They would then give a name to the place they resided in.
It would be called Terra.