Richter's brain short-circuited as he screeched to a halt, his mind not believing what he heard. A rush of goosebumps swept across his skin causing the fine hairs on his arms to stand erect, his heart thundering in his ears as he slowly lowered his outstretched arm. For the first time, since he arrived in this world and after what seemed an eternity of unending solitude… he finally heard a real, living voice that wasn’t his own.
Richter slowly pivoted on his heels, turning searching the cavern for the whereabouts of the disembodied voice. At first, nothing caught his eye, the cavern standing as still and empty as it always had been. But in a short few moments, a dark shadow formed on the ground, and a thin silhouette was created from the darkness, its edges blurred and indistinct as if it were not fully present. Its form was constantly shifting and swirling as if made of smoke as the body formed, its eyes nothing more than hollow sockets, fixated on Richter with predatory intensity.
The entity stood tall and imposing, with its every distinct feature obscured by the darkness that seemed to emanate from its very being. Despite the visual absence of life in the hollow sockets, its eyes glinted with a sinister amusement as it took a step closer to Richter. The air became thick with the smell of musk and decay as it stepped closer as if the shadows were rotting and decomposing.
“Oh my!” The silhouette drawled arrogantly, its shadowy form inching ever closer to Richter as he felt an overwhelming pressure clamp down upon him, “I must say! You ooze such fascinating energy. It’s quite rare to find a soul whose essence I cannot subdue with a mere glance. It’s a shame really that someone like you is wasting it.” The shadow tilted its head as a cartoon-like grin smugly spread across its features. A chill ran down Richter’s spine as he stared at the sudden intruder—like prey locked in the sights of an apex predator.
“I’ve come a long way to meet you, Richter. You've been causing quite the racket back home. Everywhere, actually.”
Richter flinched at hearing his name fall under the malevolent tone like they were old friends, making his skin crawl once again. Finally, Richter looked up from the ground to look at the entity, searching for some meaning in its form and vacant eyes.
“Who… who are you-” Richter choked out, but as he did, a deafening roar echoed throughout the chamber. Richter's head snapped to the guardian, his eyes widening as he saw the behemoth begin to move toward him and the silhouette. The cavern shook under the terrifying weight of the beast, dust cascading from the ceiling as the walls themselves trembled. Richter stepped back instinctively, but his back hit the impenetrable wall of shadows that blocked the exit.
The guardian moved with a speed that was impossible for its size as it bounded through the cavern on all fours like a feral beast. The strength of the roars threatened to knock Richter off his feet as it deafened his ears. Richter could do nothing else but raise his hands, cover his ears, and brace for the impact.
The silhouette watched the scene unfold, its eyes, two orbs of scorching intensity, swept over Richter and the guardian with such cold contempt that the air seemed to freeze. "Interruptions like this..." The silhouette's voice slithered through the stillness—venomous and laced with disdain—"are beneath my tolerance."
The atmosphere grew heavy, nearly suffocating, as the silhouette turned to meet the eyes of the rampaging guardian that was now mere steps away.
“And your eyes… They’re above mine."
The guardian, a creature of pure ferocity and raw power, growled in response, releasing a low, guttural sound that shook the very foundations of the cavern. It was a challenge, a defiant roar that echoed through the silent depths of the cave and elicited a click of the tongue from the silhouette.
The cavern plunged into an eerie silence, devoid of any sound. Richter hesitated, his eyes darting between the silhouette and the guardian. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, his instincts screaming at him to flee, to surrender, to do anything to escape the impending doom. But the silhouette's gaze was unyielding, its eyes glowing with an inexplicable power that commanded obedience.
"Kneel."
It was barely audible, a mere breath that hung in the air. Though this was not a mere word, but a command from an absolute authority. What followed after was something that would burn into Richters mind forever, as with that one command, he watched the dungeon, the very heart of the forest above, bend its knee.
An inexorable force, a power so immense it defied all logic, descended upon the entire cavern. It was a presence so overwhelming, so absolute, that it felt as if the very fabric of reality was being torn asunder. Flowers bowed their vibrant heads; the dungeon greenery bent its spined back; even the falling droplets of condensation paused mid-descent as if to heel at the silhouette's decree. The silhouette's command had unleashed a force of nature, a power so immense it could only be described as divine as the entire dungeon shook under the weight of this force, the cavern walls trembling and cracking under the immense pressure.
Richter and the guardian were sent crashing to their knees, their bodies convulsing under the sheer weight of the force. The cavern walls trembled, the ceiling cracking under the immense pressure. Richter watched in sheer bewilderment as he saw the guardian, once a monstrous figure of fear and awe, and the strongest being he’d ever met, now cowered before the silhouette, its form shrinking under the immense power.
The presence that had descended was not just an echo of death - it was death. It was a presence that treated the living as mere playthings, a presence that was as cold and unyielding as the silhouette itself. It was a presence that made Richter's body grow cold in an instant, and he tried to catch his breath amidst the suffocating aura.
Richter's mouth felt dry, his tongue feeling like sandpaper against his teeth. His heart pounded in his chest, a wild drum that echoed the terror he felt. His eyes met the silhouettes, a silent plea for mercy in their depth. Yet, the shadow remained unmoved. Its empty gaze was one of sheer apathy, those cold, indifferent eyes focusing on the guardian with neither contempt nor regard——just an unsettling blend of grays and blues swirling within the black void of its undulating pupils.
“Cease.” It was not just a word but a decree—the kind which could alter destinies and shape nations. The figure then raised its arm, snapping its fingers together lazily.
It was gone. The Guardian, which was a once colossal and unwavering force of nature, began to dissolve—not in the manner of solids turning into liquids or gasses but as if it were a specter caught in the break of dawn. There was no visual to this disappearance; flesh didn't strip away from bone nor did essence turn into smoke. Instead, it was more akin to a fracturing in the very fabric where the Guardian existed—one moment it was abundant with fierce life force and tangible power, and the next, simply gone.
It was as if reality itself reluctantly obeyed a command it dared not question. The Guardian didn't just vanish—it fragmented into nothingness faster than Richter’s comprehension could grapple. The attack was so complete and precise that there was no residue—no sign that the Guardian had ever been part of this world. It was not merely destroyed, it was erased.
The entity turned its gaze towards him, its eyes glowing ominously in the dim light. "Now, we may proceed," it declared, the voice resonating throughout the cavern.
Richter barely noticed the rush of notifications that appeared in his vision, instead, he could only shudder at the empty spot where the guardian once stood, his mind not comprehending what happened. The beast that had caused him so much strife, had nearly killed him and forced him to think outside the box, had been dismissed with only a flippant snap of the fingers. Like a childhood toy no longer needed.
“Oh, no need to look at me with those pitiful eyes.” The now familiar voice cooed in amusement, “Rest assured; my ambitions soar far beyond trivial things like your suffering. You're little more than a bug under my boot; for now, hopefully. But, to ease your mind, know that the system does have these rather tiresome, extreme safeguards—I suppose they'd stop me if I truly wanted to destroy you.”
Richter shuddered at the words, his eyes falling back to the ground in confusion.
The figure clicked its tongue at Richters response, making its annoyance well known to the world. “Ugh, I keep forgetting how new you are. It's beneath my dignity to even converse on such basic principles. But I will indulge you, for my sake of course. Your cowering makes me ill.” The silhouette said, waving off Richter.
“You see, every world initiated into the greater multiverse falls under the system's protection, hidden from view and travel, allowing primitive planets such as this to grow and flourish without being ravaged by forces beyond the natives' capability to defend. While the rule is absolute, there is an exception for beings at the zenith of power if they are prepared to pay an inconceivable price." The figure paused for a moment, its voice dropping to an unfathomable depth as the walls trembled slightly. As the tremors subsided, the figure took a deep breath and continued, "The system doesn't take kindly to those who defy its protective measures. It’s exceptionally overprotective in that regard. So even if I were inclined to inflict damage upon your person – which I assure you is not beyond my capabilities – I would find myself… inconvenienced."
Stolen novel; please report.
Before Richter could even digest what the figure said, an orange bubble instantly appeared around him as a deafening boom thundered throughout the cave. The rocks began to violently shake around him as the shockwave caused enormous pieces of stalagmite to break off from the ceiling and crash into the floor, causing huge plumes of smoke to engulf the area around them. Everything happened so fast that Richter didn’t even have time to understand what was happening.
In front of him was the figure with its arm stretched out, its inky black finger lightly pressed against the bubble. “See? Couldn’t even harm you if I tried.” The figure's laugh boomed across the cavern, reverberating off the walls. Richter stood frozen, the power of the figure gripping him even as the orange bubble dissipated around him.
"Tell me," Richter whispered faintly after a few minutes, his voice trembling. "What do you want from me?”
"Did I not just make myself clear?" The figure scoffed dismissively with its eyes rolling dramatically. "This act is beneath you – or at least it should be. Just stop… It’s annoying. The fear, I mean. I just showed you that I have no way of harming you. You couldn’t comprehend what I’ve had to sacrifice to come here today, and if that’s ruined because you're too scared to speak, I’m gonna be pissed. Now, stand up straight and articulate your words like you hold some modicum of backbone.”
Richter stood there, his heart pounding in his chest, his mind racing with thoughts. The entity's words hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the power it held. The cavern, once a place of fear and danger, now felt strangely... quiet. The Guardian was gone, the entity blocked the exit, and Richter was left standing there, feeling like a mere spectator in this new life that he had been so rudely handed.
“Understandable, I- I’m sorry…” Richter offered weakly, but the figure cut through his apologies like a hot knife through butter.
"Oh, cut the crap," the entity snapped, its voice echoing ominously through the cavern, “Let's get something straight—as I seem to have to keep repeating myself. I am not here for your blithering and sniveling. You'd do well to remember who is in control. I am the one who holds the cards here, not some whimpering child in the dark. I came here for an honest conversation, not to harm you, and I will be getting that. It’ll do you well to remember that.”
Richter swallowed hard, his gaze darting around the cavern looking for an escape. But there was none. It was a harsh reality check for Richter, a stark reminder that he was not in control of this situation; he almost wished he had remained alone, having never met another sentient being like this.
"Alright," Richter said finally, his voice steady despite the tremor in his mind. "What do you want from me?"
The entity chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Richter's spine. "Glad you’re finally on the same page. Though, you’ll have to think of better questions than that; you couldn't possibly fathom what you have to offer me," the figure said, its words cutting deep with foreboding. "Unfortunately, I cannot spill those beans just yet. This tale is only for the cunning and the ones who play their cards right.”
Try as he might to suppress it, Richter felt an eye twitch coming on. Not a minute ago the figure said it was after some deep heart-to-heart, and the next it's playing coy like a reality TV starlet avoiding spoilers. "Alright… who are YOU then? Why are you here? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out you are also not from this world.”
"Hm… Who I am is insignificant," the voice replied, and Richter clenched his fists so tightly he could feel his nails digging into his palm. This arrogant prick is just trying to piss me off.
The shadowy figure tilted its head, seemingly amused by Richter's annoyance. “Ah,” it mused, “I think the real brain-teaser here is who are YOU? It seems that you have stumbled upon some things far beyond your control, little one.”
“Could you be any more vague?" Richter snapped back. "You're clearly fixated on me for some reason— so what is it? Because it seems like you already know my whole life story despite me never even giving an introduction. So let’s keep it simple for you to answer, how do you know my name?” Richter said in an accusing tone.
The shadowy figure laughed, the sound echoing through the cavern and touching every corner before it made it back to Richter’s ears. "Finally showing that backbone, are we? But I must disagree with your observations. A simpleton like you should feel privileged that I'd even care to notice your existence. You're but a footnote in my grand narrative. To answer your question, however, know that I simply have a way of knowing things, as it's one of those perks of being... well, me." The figure's voice was laced with a hint of amusement, and Richter couldn’t help the involuntary tic in his eye.
The figure took its time, taking long breaks between his speeches. "Let's just say that I've taken an interest in your story," it replied cryptically. "A human who already has potential to wield such power, unchecked and unguided... It is no small matter. Initially, I was content to observe this pathetic world from my world, but with the recent chain of events and the push of some other hands, it became my direct involvement.”
The figure paused, seeming lost in thought for a moment. “I suppose that alone is enough to warrant such curiosity. But… your situation lies beyond that. Imagine, a human who was originally marked for termination for failing the qualifications of the tutorial, then defies the rightful judgment bestowed upon by the heavens as a pre-initiated human? By the Empire, if that’s not the most batshit insane lunacy I’ve heard in my life, I don’t know what is!” The figure smacked its knee and gave a hearty chuckle.
Richter met the figure's gaze with a mix of confusion and contempt, his laugh nothing more than an uncomfortable reflex to a missed joke.
“Ugh, your naivety is simply unbearable! You lack even the most basic insight – it’s utterly disgraceful." The figure stated, its impatience almost tasteable in the air. , "Let me try to break this down to a level that you might understand; The multiverse is extraordinarily old, I’m talking trillions of years beyond the conception of your little universe. And never, in all the recorded history throughout it all, has there been something like this that has happened. You, Richter, are something so beyond out of the ordinary– you shouldn’t even exist. You should have been annihilated like the rest of them.” The figures laughing boomed across the cavern, causing the walls to tremble ever so slightly. The figure’s fluid motions turned to face Richter, pointing a smokey finger at his face.
“And you ask me why I’m here… Only a monumental fool would pass up an opportunity like this before someone else snagged it!” The figure spoke as if it was tantalizing the thought.
Richter, feeling a fresh wave of disdain from the figure's mockery, could only muster a grimace. “Do you know why this happened? Why have I been the only one to manage such a thing?” Richter tried asking respectfully, doing his best to hide his anger. As aggravating and annoying as this arrogant dickhead was, he didn’t want to risk angering the shadow before he was able to retrieve as much information from it as he could.
“Hell if I know.” The figure laughed, “Your guess is as worthless as your existence; that is precisely what baffles me! Unraveling that mystery is precisely why I've decided to grace this dreary place with my presence.”
“Let’s forget the pleasantries then,” it declared, the smirk replaced by an inky sneer, "Gracing a wretch like you with the gift of my company goes beyond charity – in fact, it's a near-heroic act. Despite your aura already being so astonishingly dense and potent; I’m almost convinced it's an illusion because surely, someone who oozes ignorance like yourself couldn’t possess such a potent force. You are aware of what an aura is, are you not? Or do I have to enlighten you about that as well?" The figure asked, waving its hand expectantly for an answer.
Richter bristled with resentment as he responded through clenched teeth, “Of course I don’t.” He spat, “I know literally nothing about this world. No one has told me anything, and I’ve been in the dark since the day my life was torn to shit… with absolutely no contact with a sentient being that has tried to kill me.”
“How utterly predictable. Still, time is on our side for such trivial knowledge. But first I believe I must address the elephant in the room…” The figure said, and Richter could feel its gaze moving to the gown he wore.
“You'd think someone with your 'achievements' would be more inclined to dress the part. Like, not trying to be a dick, but what the hell are you wearing? A dress with sticks and foliage stuck to it? You look more homeless than the squatters I’d find in the sewers back in my home world. And not to mention that stick you’ve been prattling on about for the last couple of days…”
“You can talk shit about my dress all you want, but don’t you dare bring Sir Charles into it. This may come as a surprise to someone as obviously self-absorbed as you but Sir Charles is more than just a stick. He’s a companion, and he was the only thing that had kept me sane through all of this.”
“Companion? A piece of wood? Please, don’t make me laugh; I’d hate to appear rude.” The figure said, coughing awkwardly. “Anyways, I believe we got sidetracked. Not sure how you brought the topic of dresses and sticks into this conversation, but I digress.”
You were the one that brought it up, dickhead! Richter screamed in his mind. His eye twitched as he watched the figure snap his fingers again, and a torrent of shadows rose from the ground, forming into a stool which the figure promptly sat upon.
“Enough of the distractions. Let’s move on to why I’m here. Your existence has somehow managed to capture my interest – a rare feat, I must admit. So you will tell me about every single part of your life leading up until this very moment, leaving no stone unturned in your recounting. I command it. In exchange for your compliance, I might deem you worthy of insight that could elevate your pathetic understanding of this world – a courtesy, really, given your evident confusion about even the most basic knowledge about a freshly awakened planet. My knowledge is your lifeline, but remember, it is my attention you are privileged to hold. Are we clear?”
Richter felt dwarfed by the sheer force of the silhouette’s command, his mind racing. “I… don’t get it. Why do you need to learn more about me if I am so insignificant like you keep saying I am?”
The shadow sat still for a moment, its shadow frozen mid-air in silence. Richter could feel its sharp gaze studying him, scouring over every inch of his body. After a couple of minutes, the figure opened its mouth, and its voice dripped with malice. “You matter because you upset the balance of my domain, and many others throughout the multiverse." it declared with disdainful arrogance. "You are a fleck of chaos in the order that I have been building– intolerable. And what I seek from you…" Leaning forward so sharply that its shadow seemed to cut through the space between them, its voice turned cold and sharp as a knife’s edge. “I want something only you may have the potential to do. And when that time comes… when the threads of fate begin to unravel, rest assured, I shall be there to claim what should be mine by right."