"The entity's power spreads toward the edges of the Universe. In an instant, it collapses into a singular point yet expands further— faster until it's beyond the Horizon."
The year is 2045, March 23.
12,004 light-years away from Earth, lies a peculiar planet.
This remote celestial body has drifted aimlessly in the expanse of space for countless millennia, or even eons, keeping company with only two diminutive suns.
The firmament of this temperate world is adorned with a magnificent hue of crimson red and embellished with stunning nebula clouds. Its terrain boasts silver-hued mountains, serene blue plains, striking red valleys, and shimmering emerald-green rivers.
There was a time when dense forests thrived on this planet.
What is the name of this planet? And-
?? "No."
You pondered. You don't have time to contemplate your planet's name or be admiring its breathtaking scenery.
Shifting your gaze away from the window, you fix your eyes upon an ancient artifact resting on The Empress's bed.
Without the slightest sense of fear, you seize the relic and bolt out of the room as fast as you can, dashing through an interminable metal corridor that seems to stretch into infinity.
As you rush past numerous doors and intersections, a soldier catches sight of your escape.
"Hey! Stop right there!"
You increase your pace, your eyes scanning frantically for an avenue of escape.
The sound of approaching footsteps grows louder and nearer with every passing moment.
"Stop Thief!"
Pew!
A shot of plasma grazes your antenna.
By sheer luck, You lose your balance and tumble down a hidden hatchway...
As You rise to your feet and take in the surroundings, you are surprised to find yourself outside The Empress's palace.
You swiftly glance to the side of your waist.
?? "Whew! It's still there."
You pivot and gaze up at the towering igneous palace, its peak seemingly stretching upward to the very reaches of space. The edifice resembles an anthill, with myriad doors and tunnels leading in and out.
?? "See ya later. JERKS!"
After enduring seven grueling years of servitude, You allow yourself a smirk and shed the maid's attire. Beneath the façade, your true colors are revealed, a scarlet popped-collar tailcoat and jet-black silk pants.
A badge bearing the emblem of a hybrid creature, part-ant and part-dragon, is prominently displayed on the right side of your coat. This insignia designates you as the second-in-command of the rebellion army.
Finished with the pretense, You make your escape through a labyrinth of covert tunnels that your comrades had painstakingly excavated beneath the palace.
Finally, You arrive at a subterranean grotto adorned with a plethora of flowers.
?? "The smell of sulfur is strong,"
As you approach a rusty, decrepit door enveloped in an enigmatic blue moss and vines, your thoughts race...
You steady your mind, place your hands on the door, and utter a single word.
?? "Estrancedovana."
The door creaks open, and you step into an utterly dark room.
The entrance behind you slams shut.
Disregarding the closed entrance, you proceed cautiously toward the center of the darkened room.
In the center of the room, you discern twelve bright, luminous panels, each emitting a distinct hue and hovering above a pedestal. Strangely, despite the radiant glow emanating from the panels, the walls, floor, and ceiling of the chamber remain utterly dark, as if the space exists beyond the confines of reality.
?? "It's time."
You retrieve the relic from your satchel and examine it closely, handling it with utmost care.
The relic is roughly the size of a bowling ball but surprisingly lightweight. Its form is that of a red dodecahedral die, with intricate symbols carved onto each of its twelve sides.
As you prepare to examine the symbols carved onto the relic, the dodecahedron suddenly jerks out of your hands and flies violently toward the pedestal, slotting itself neatly into place.
"Whoa!"
The dodecahedron spins at an increasing speed, causing you to shield your eyes from the blinding light emitted from the panels. After a few moments, the spinning comes to an abrupt stop, and the panels cease their glow. The room falls silent once more.
With caution, you sneak toward the pedestal... one of the symbols is glowing a brilliant blue.
As you lean in for a closer look, your gaze is drawn to a striking image: a fractured crown with three distinct points, encircled by a mesmerizing display of flickering sparks.
Ding!
In a sudden burst of activity, the middle panel comes to life, displaying a breathtaking view of a planet in hues of blue and green. After a few moments, the scene transforms and reveals a young man sound asleep in a cozy bed adorned with a UFO-inspired theme. It becomes apparent that he is in the midst of a vivid dream.
|You are now the young man.|
Currently, You are having a dream.
You've been called by a dream that has revisited you countless times since your youth. As the images surge through your mind like a translucent stream, you catch glimpses of...
--11 blurry figures facing off an enormous indescribable monster--
--A colossal humanoid figure clutching the entire universe in its hand--
--Three sets of eyes, each unique in their own way. The first pair boasts star-like pupils that gaze off to the left, while the second pair contains multiple eyes within its pupil and focuses on the right. The final set of eyes, with pupils shaped like swords, fixate directly upon you--
--An image of an entity in a suit, wearing a topha-
?? "Wait, what the fuck!"
Your subconscious mind reverberated with the sound of your innermost shout.
In response to your inner outcry, the entity pivots on its heel, tips its hat, and with a snap of its fingers...
You wake up.
Your body is drenched in a cold sweat, and your senses are reeling from the shock of what you just dreamt.
?? "That last image has never moved before..."
Muttering to yourself, you hastily clamber out of bed and rush over to your drawing board
Before you... lies a jumbled mess of all the theories you've conducted over the years, arranged in a disorganized heap.
Abruptly, you spin around and fix your gaze upon the mirror beside the board... and indeed, there you are.
You reflect that it has been 18 years since you were born in Kyushu on the fourth of March, and it has been just as long since you were bestowed with the name "Kanji Kimura".
As it stands, you still reside with your mother in a tranquil suburban abode, and in fact, you've never ventured beyond the confines of your hometown.
Standing at approximately 6.5 feet in height, you possess a well-toned physique. Your strikingly messy blue hair and deep black eyes complement your serious and cautious demeanor around strangers, while you're much more relaxed and easy-going with those close to you, such as family, friends, and acquaintances.
You have a signature style, donning a grey lab coat over a white t-shirt that features an atomic symbol design, paired with plain, earth-toned trousers.
Fashion isn't exactly your forte.
You shift your attention back to the scattered papers on the board and methodically reorganize them into a more appropriate arrangement.
In summary, you've reached the following conclusions thus far...
The first image may symbolize the various theories you've developed, while the colossal figure could represent a metaphorical embodiment of the significance behind these images
The second image may depict the divine, represented as a godlike figure, keeping a watchful eye over the vast expanse of the universe.
The third image seems to defy definition, and despite your best efforts, its meaning eludes your grasp.
Finally, you can't help but feel that the sudden movement of the final image today signifies that something momentous is on the horizon.
You ~sigh~
Kanji "As if."
A sense of resignation washes over you as you come to the realization that nothing significant will likely happen in your lifetime and that the true meaning behind these images may forever remain beyond your grasp.
Your attention is drawn to the television situated before your bed.
Kanji "Fuck."
You forgot to turn it off last night.
Kanji "This can't be good."
The TV News broadcast features a reporter discussing an extraordinary scientific breakthrough, "The Teleporter". The segment includes interviews with disgruntled transportation company owners who are voicing their concerns about plummeting sales as a result of the widespread adoption of this new invention.
That's right. You are the creator of said invention.
You possess an exceptional level of intelligence and a nearly photographic memory from birth, which has enabled you to excel academically. You graduated from high school at the remarkably young age of six and currently possess an encyclopedic knowledge of Chemistry, all branches of Physics, Robotics, Engineering, Coding, Nanotechnology, and energy-related fields.
A little on how the teleporter works. It is based on Einstein's rule of general relativity.
You concluded that objects from different points with similar locational properties in space-time can have their distance temporarily cut using a sufficient amount of energy and project said energy in a certain way, causing one object to move to the other's position. You called it "The Theory of Space Distortion".
As you make your way to the other side of the room, you come across a substantial machine concealed within its confines.
Over the years, your groundbreaking achievements in coding and nanotechnology have culminated in the creation of this remarkable machine.
With a graceful flourish, you unveil the gossamer shroud, exposing your most profound and cataclysmic creation: The Atom Fabricator. This ingenious contraption harnesses the power of nanobots to skillfully deconstruct, reconstruct, or alter the very essence of an atom's structure. In essence, this awe-inspiring device empowers you to manifest anything your heart desires from the void of nothingness.
A shiver courses through your spine as you ponder the profound ramifications this invention could have on the global economy and the conflicts it could incite if it were ever to fall into the wrong hands. With a heavy heart, you make the momentous decision to dismantle the Atom Fabricator and eradicate its blueprint. You understand that, in this case, the perils far outweigh the potential benefits.
As you drape the delicate veil back over it, your gaze drifts upwards, and you notice something peculiar on the ceiling.
You recognize it is one of the advanced invisible auto-turrets you installed, designed to neutralize threats and emit a code that blocks spyware, ensuring safety and privacy in your home.
Memories surface of transport company owners resorting to hiring assassins in attempts to eliminate you. In light of these events, devising such security measures was a rather rational choice.
Regarding the transmissive code, you implemented it as a precaution against the Japanese government, despite your confidence that they wouldn't spy on you, particularly after your invaluable assistance during that significant event.
You make your way back to the bed, sinking into its comforting embrace as you rest your head against the soft, welcoming pillow.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
You've attained it all. The admiration of the masses, a vast reservoir of knowledge, unparalleled power, and an abundant wealth that secures your every desire.
Yet, as you gaze upon the stark, unadorned ceiling, you find it mirrors the emptiness that pervades your being, despite your many accomplishments and possessions.
You feel trapped... no... empty.
It's an inherent aspect of human nature that, at some stage in life, individuals grapple with an existential crisis, seeking accomplishments or experiences to fill the void within and restore a sense of wholeness.
Now, you find yourself ensnared in this all-too-familiar struggle, though your plight is tinged with a more tragic hue. Despite your attempts to achieve fulfillment through various endeavors, nothing has managed to quench your inner yearning, leaving you feeling defeated and despondent.
You extend your arm, letting your eyes wander over the intricate lines and contours of your hand.
"What do I want?"
Despite possessing immense wealth and knowledge, you can't help but feel that these gifts have been granted rather than truly earned. As a man of science, you find yourself grappling with a disconcerting yearning for the unattainable and the impossible, which lies at odds with the very foundation of your beliefs.
You pick up a fantasy adventure manga from beside you, your heart swelling with envy as you long for a life as thrilling as the one depicted within its pages. In that world, achievements are earned through perseverance, and the knowledge of science pales in comparison to the magic of exploration. The camaraderie, the exhilarating adventures, and the sheer joy of completing a journey make you yearn for such an existence. Your attempt to create the "Teleporter" was a testament to your desire to step into this fantastical realm, a world where the boundaries of reality are stretched and transformed.
Your gaze returns to the barren ceiling, and you envision the boundless expanse of space, allowing yourself to entertain the hope that, somewhere out there in the cosmos is just for you.
Your thoughts then wander toward the idea of ending this once and for all.
Ding.
You shift your gaze to the desk situated to the left of your bed, where your computer monitor sits. As you watch, a program window unexpectedly appears on the screen, capturing your attention.
Kanji "Who am I kidding..."
A faint chuckle escapes your lips as you rise from the bed, taking a seat in front of the desk.
The program, aptly named "True Friends," was jointly created by you and your "Soul Mate" as an exclusive platform for you and your ten cherished, lifelong friends to engage in lighthearted banter and heartfelt discussions. Naturally, there are a few rules governing the use of this intimate chat space:
-You can't reveal your face until everyone decides to meet up one day, but you can reveal your voice and tell features about your appearance.
-Showing your real name is optional.
-You can't make any romantic relationship on the program. It's a chatting media, not a dating one.
Within this close-knit circle, your friends have affectionately known you as "Kanji" for many years, yet they remain unaware of your last name. You've deliberately chosen to keep it hidden to ensure that their affection for you stems from your authentic self and the genuine connections you've forged, rather than being influenced by your reputation or achievements.
Ironically, it seems you've become somewhat of a hypocrite, having broken the last rule yourself. Your soul mate is a girl you met in an online MMO game eight years ago. From the moment you connected over voice chat, the chemistry between you was undeniable. Within a few months, you transitioned from being best friends to devoted lovers, despite your contrasting personalities.
Together, you created a private channel within the program, accessible only to the two of you. In this hidden space, you indulged in re-enacting various romantic scenarios inspired by pop culture, sometimes to an excessively intense or elaborate degree. Recognizing the need for balance, you both mutually agreed to take a break from each other...
Your friends, your soul mate, and the deep connections you've forged with them have forged to live on.
?? "Ummm..mm..m. Hi! "
A strange and cheery voice appeared out of nowhere.
Kanji "What the fuck!?"
You quickly jump out of your seat, scanning the room for any signs of movement or potential intruders. However, everything appears to be still and undisturbed, leaving you puzzled and unsettled.
?? "Don't Panic! I'm a friend."
Ka: "Yeah, right!" "If some fluctuating and mysterious voice suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the comfort of your private bedroom, you would be sane enough to be cautious as well."
?? "Okay, let us calm down. Please give me a chance to explain myself. Please."
You relax and with anticipation give the mysterious voice a chance to speak.
?? "To be short. My name is Anata Zenith, I'm an alien rebel from planet 12,000 lig... I mean 12,004 light-years from Earth and I seek your help."
Kanji "My name is Kanji Kimura and I'm not sure you are an alien."
You cross your arms, suspicious of this so-called "alien".
Kanji "I'm gonna keep proof."
Anata "Well. Have you ever seen or heard of any telepathy-based technology on your lush green planet?"
Kanji "No, but how do you know Engli-
Anata "Our species have been watching yours for many years now and have been learning your language and culture"
Your reaction is a mix of shock and intrigue upon hearing what was said.
Kanji "Okay, I will believe you for now, but tell me more about your goal."
Anata "The rebels' goal is to defeat an Evil Empress who is abusing her power on our planet. For it to succeed, I stole a relic that chooses 12 people on a random planet and gives them unimaginable powers."
Kanji "Let me guess, Earth is chosen and I'm one of 12 people."
Anata "Correcto! And perhaps all of your friends are the others!"
You are consumed with excitement and relinquish any trace of skepticism.
You have finally found the life you've always longed for, and now you are willing to take bold risks to seize it. Your curiosity intensifies...
Kanji "I will help you but under one condition."
Anata "What is it?"
Kanji "I want to learn more about the world outside my own. What do you look like? What your society is like? Are there other aliens?-
Anata "Okay! Jeez! I'll just give you information throughout your journey. Maybe like one question per day or something. Just please keep it to a minimum. Seriously though, you might get injured or even killed accepting this request. It doesn't seem like a smart decision to blindly accept my request, especially for someone as knowledgeable as you are."
Kanji "Listen. If someone were to come up to you one day and say they'll give you superpowers and offer you to go on an epic space adventure with them, you would probably say yes. Only boring individuals would decline an invitation of this caliber."
Anata "I..I...I don't what to say, but I'm so glad you'll be willing to help us!"
Kanji "Don't forget about the condition."
Anata "Right. Right. Then let's start activating your powers!"
As Anata applies pressure to the relic, the dodecahedron levitates and hovers above the pedestal then begins to spin rapidly.
Kanji "Wait...What is the process-"
You suddenly feel weightless as you float off the ground and a powerful surge of energy courses through your entire being.
Kanji "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!!!!!!"
Your... RIGHT ARM..... falls off.
Kanji "WHAT THE HELL!?"
|First Person Narrative denied|
Anata's face contorts with concern and guilt...
Anata "Oops. Sorry, I forgot to tell you that every time a wielder's power gets activated, one of their body parts... Ummm...disappears."
Almost instantly, Kanji's pain dissipates, and he collapses to the ground.
Kanji "Wow! I feel lighter now! As if I have been stripped from the clutches of something."
Anata "That must be just the rejuvenation perk of being an aspect wielder, meaning you can't age further than 21 years old and you are forever healthy! Plus, you don't need to eat or drink."
As he glances at his arm, he realizes that it is now composed of luminous blue energy.
Kanji "Okay! This is awesome!"
Anata "I know! Buuuut, I would recommend hiding it."
Kanji "Why?"
Anata "The Empress has eyes everywhere."
Comprehending what Anata had intended, Kanji retrieves a box from beneath his bed and extracts a carbon steel mechanical arm that he places over his right shoulder, activating it. The device swiftly expands and enshrouds his newly transformed arm.
Anata "You look like a cosplayer lmao."
Anata giggles, while staring at his appearance.
Kanji "Haha. Very funny! Is there anything else I need?"
Anata "Maybe a weapon like a gun or maybe something old-fashioned like a swor..."
Anata watches as Kanji rummages through the box once more, and retrieves a long, silver metallic chain.
Kanji "This is a tungsten-infused silver chain, coated with adaptive shock-absorbing nanomachines, perfect for conducting energy, utility, and is quite durable."
Then a revelation enters his mind.
Kanji "Wait. What kind of power is this anyway?"
Anata "You are now the |z| Aspect of Energy |z|"
Kanji "So, how does this work?"
Anata "As an aspect wielder, your skills are relative to your imagination, your understanding of your aspect, and how many anomaly crystals you have to break. You can only conjure up one skill per day."
Kanji "So you're saying I can create any skills relating to ANY form of energy like thermal, radiant, chemical, nuclear, electrical, motion, sound, elastic, gravitational, and dark energy."
Anata "No, sadly. You have a great understanding of each energy, but your skills are heavily restricted to the number of anomaly crystals. There are four in total for each type of aspect and they are on the 4 total planets in the universe that host intelligent life. These planets are Earth, Wal'tera, Granolith Prime, and my planet, "Caverrin"."
Kanji "Damn."
Kanji slumps onto his bed, his disappointment is palpable. Then, he speaks up and asks:
Kanji "So, Can you summarize what I'm currently capable of?"
Anata "Right now, I believe you only have access to electrical and thermal energy. Using all of your strength, you can probably destroy an entire village."
"However, If you destroy one crystal, you will gain elastic and sound energy. Your limit will increase to several villages."
"Destroy a second crystal and you'll gain access to radiant and motion energy. Your limit expands to an entire continent."
"Destroy a third and you'll get chemical and nuclear energy. Your limit would be an entire planet."
"Destroy the final and you'll get the remainder and the capability of being able to destroy an entire galaxy using all your strength."
Kanji "Holy, shit! That is beyond what I expected! Wait, let me experiment with something."
As Kanji fixates on his chain, his mind races with thoughts of "Infusion". Suddenly, the metallic links of the chain illuminate with an intense surge of both electricity and heat.
Reacting with equal swiftness, Kanji conjures up the concept of "Absorption", causing the surging energy within the chain to retract back into his arm.
Kanji now knows
|1. Energy infusion and absorption|
Anata "Congratulations! Wow, that somehow counted as one skill. However, I digress as there is a greater problem at hand. It is whether your friends will be joining us on this quest."
Kanji "True. But one step at a time, I must tell them that I'm coming to pick them up."
Kanji goes toward his desk and starts typing on his keyboard. He then looks at his monitor with a smile:
___________________________________________________________
....
___________________________________________________________
With that, Kanji stands up, ready to depart. He pauses for a moment, then decides to pose a few questions that have been nagging at him.
Kanji "Hey. Why am I chosen as the |z| Aspect of Energy |z| specifically?"
Anata "People who are chosen by this aspect tend to be the ones who gather and connect the friendship within his/her friend group, just like how energy binds everything in the universe together."
Kanji "You said 12 people have to be chosen. Counting me and my friends, it only adds up to 11."
Anata "The last person will most likely be the *Aspect of Fate*. Someone who isn't in the friend group, but you will meet along your journey."
Anata then adds on.
"...Extra fact is that the leader of the 12 wielders tends to be the one possessing the most active aspect "Energy" or the one possessing the most passive aspect "Fate". Active meaning the one that can cause the most physical effect and Passive means the least physical effect."
Kanji "Ah, I see. That's cleared up a few holes but left new ones. But I won't pester you about that now. Here is my next question, What is the name of your species?"
Anata "We are called Castastrians."
Kanji "Okay. This may be awkward.... but what is your sex?"
Anata's face flushes red like a tomato, but despite feeling embarrassed, Anata musters the courage to respond nonetheless.
Anata "I'm a-a-a Tripalian."
Kanji "A What?!"
Anata "It's....It's the third and rarest sex of my species. The first two are male and female which for some reason is a universal constant."
Kanji "Tell me more about your appearance, I just want to know for science."
Anata "Okay. Males and females of my species look like humanoid ants with plum-colored carapaces covering every part of our body except our hands, feet, and face which instead have reddish skin. Our fingers and toes are constructed of sharp talon-like claws which we can control freely. Our faces are just like humans, but we have sharp keratin-based teeth and two antennas on our heads that act as ears and a form of communication. Also, some of us have large mandibles sticking out our mouths."
Kanji "Do you have hair?"
Anata "We have something called, "Scalp formations", which consists of spiky shell-protrusions or hair-like materials called "kerahairs". You can see or call them as hair as you like, but unlike human hair, they are fixed in place. My scalp formation consists of two long straight frontal horns and short kerahair around the horn..."
Anata nervously adds.
"... Males and Females have the same differences as humans, but their genitals are slightly different. I WILL NOT GET INTO THAT!"
Kanji "Okay. That's fair. But what about you?"
Anata "Oh, I'm a bit different. You may assume me to be male at a distance, but you tend to notice some feminine features close up. My voice fluctuates between male and female with every word. Overall, I'm neither and the way I reproduce is different as well, I can breed with anything."
Kanji "I was about to ask about the voice thing next. But excuse me, WHAT?!"
Calmly, Anata explains.
Anata "When it is time to breed, I will unveil three tentacles from my back. The middle large tentacle creates a massive floating bubble with an embryo inside. The other two tentacles have suckers that can grab any object and put it into the bubble, thus fusing it with the embryo. The Empire has long been seeking someone like me to obtain total universal conquest. In ancient times, it is foretold that with enough things fused with the embryo, You can create a monster that can devour the Universe itself."
Kanji "Then, why didn't you rebels use this to your advantage?"
Anata "It is too risky for the rebellion, as the creature would be aggressive towards everything and you can't command it even if you're its parent. However, It will do anything to protect its parent, even trapping them for all of eternity to keep them safe. The Empire can take control by simply taking me hostage before it is even born."
Kanji "Don't worry!"
Kanji lifts his right arm.
Kanji "I'll make sure that won't happen!"
It brings a sense of relief and comfort to Anata, much like the feeling of hearing words of encouragement from a dear friend back when things were simpler and happier. It's a feeling that they haven't experienced in quite some time, and it brings a smile to their face.
AN "You can call me AN for short."
Kanji "Sure AN, Let us go!"
AN "Okay!"
Kanji swiftly retrieves his backpack and places a few devices inside before slinging it over his shoulder and descending the stairs.
As he enters the kitchen, the enticing aroma of freshly cooked ramen wafts into his nostrils. He looks over to see his mother beaming at him with a smile.
"Good morning Sweetie!"
Kanji "Good morning, Mom!"
As his mother turns back to continue cleaning the dishes, Kanji can't help but feel a twinge of guilt gnawing at him.
Beneath the warm facade of his mother's smile, Kanji knows the harsh reality: she is deeply unhappy. Ever since Kanji was recognized as a prodigy, his mother has been living a life unfulfilled, without the time or opportunity to fully embrace her role as a mother. The pain of not being able to see him have a normal childhood is something that cuts her deeply, and it's a wound that never truly healed.
Kanji is well aware of his mother's unhappiness, and it's precisely why he has never moved out, choosing instead to remain by her side and spend time with her. The memories of his first six years, spent with her, are precious to him, and he cherishes them dearly.
Feeling a sense of sorrow, Kanji turns to his mother and speaks...
Kanji "Mom, I'm going to go meet all my friends. I might be gone for a long time."
His mother is taken aback by Kanji's words, but then a smile spreads across her face as tears start to well up in her eyes. It's the most genuine smile he has ever seen on her, and it takes him by surprise. It's almost as if she's saying:
"My son is normal. My son is normal!"
Kanji and his mother embrace each other tightly before he sits down to savor his delicious ramen. After finishing his meal, he slips on a pair of sandals and heads out the front door. He turns back to glance at his mother, who is still busy in the kitchen.
Kanji "Goodbye... Mom."
Kanji has a feeling that today is going to be a very very long day.