'I should've know, I really should've known.'

To try to defy Fate is to struggle against Inevitably, Death, and even Life. It is the greatest taboo one could attempt, and fail to commit.

‘But, I… I really thought I could do it…’ After all, the greatest rewards The Guide gives are from actions that Defy Fate. From treading new paths that didn't exist through the power of will.

So, for someone like me? It was hope.

A tantalizing and pointless hope. A hope that got extinguished by every jab Life and Fate gave me, yet for some reason, always got rekindled.

Though now, all I can say is that I tried. Truly, I did.

Only it appears my Fate is to ultimately just die in obscurity. No family. No friends. No lovers.

Thousands of years of struggling, over, in an instant. ‘Why couldn't I just settle down and live an ordinary life?’ Thousands of regrets fill my mind, but they're numb, just like my body.

I think one of the reasons I can think so clearly despite the immense pain I should be in, is that I'm just happy with the fact that the struggle is finally over. I guess deep down inside I always knew that this is my Fate. Ever since I saw the title the day The Guide appeared.

Again, as pointless and futile my actions may have been, at least I can sincerely tell myself that I tried. I can be proud of this one thing.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

I close my eyes, hoping to get my death over and done with. Unfortunately, as soon as my eyes close, I feel, see, and hear a Guide notification appearing before me in my bleary consciousness.

You have received a new Quest!

'What?' I think, confused and for good reason. Quests rarely ever appear. Only in Dungeons, and Events, for the most part at least. With little else I'm capable of, I mentally pull up the quest.

The ill-Fated

You have lived a life so terrible, that The Guide feels pity towards you, with even Fate admitting that It was a bit too much.

So, Fate and The Guide have come to a consensus. They will give you a chance.

One Chance.

During this chance, Time, Life, Death, and Inevitably itself will be rewound. If you can live past the date that you died, Fate will concede.

And you will become Fate's One and Only Child.

Also, you maybe, just maybe, might become The Guide's only hope of salvation.

Note: You will also get rid of the, ill-Fated, title upon quest completion.

Note 2: You will retain most of your mental and spiritual stats.

Warning: Fate always seeks to correct itself. This action is not malicious or willful, It is just Its nature to come to pass. One way or another.

Yours is a terrible Fate, so beware.

This Quest is exclusive to the one bearing the, ill-Fated, title.

Do you accept?

Y/N

‘Do I accept?’ I nearly laugh. I mean, what else could I do?

‘Of course, I accept.’ Because if there's one thing The Guide doesn't do, it is lying.

Everything goes black.