CHAPTER 2- “MERCER'S EYE-OPENING REVELATION
“As the sun bathed the ocean in golden light, Mercer's peaceful moment was shattered as he was forcefully from the water , his lungs burning for air. Gasping, he opened his eyes to a scene of horror, fear gripping his heart as panic surged through him. “Calm down, Calm down... you’re safe now, I just saved you from drowning, “ a voice reassured him. Confused and disoriented, Mercer struggled to comprehend what had transpired as he questioned the stranger before him. With a mixture amusement and seriousness, the man chuckled at Mercer’s bewilderment. “My name is Alexander, from the werewolf community in the western city of CUPARIA.”
“Ah, Mercer Aether,” Alexander responded, a hint of amusement in his voice. “A ‘HUMAN’ , you say?” Mercer, seizing the opportunity, pretends to suffer from amnesia, eager to delve deeper into the mysterious realm he found himself in, despite his previous doubts about reincarnation.
“Can you tell me about this world?” Mercer Inquired. Alexander, with a hint of concern for the bewilderment human, began his explanation from the very beginning. “In this realm, magic permeates every corner, and wonders abound,” he began. “We have beings like Angels, the paramount beings of the cosmos, followed by Demons, their eternal rivals, feared for their formidable power. Dragons, possessing the ability to shift between human and draconic forms at will, rank as the third strongest. Elves, known for their peaceful nature but also their cunning, come next. And finally, there are werewolves, beasts of both man and wolf, reigning supreme under the full moon.”
“Where's your Yo-tize?” Alexander inquired, studying Mercer intently. Confused, Mercer admitted he didn’t possess one. “ It's an earpiece that provides information about your health, power level, and other abilities,” Alexander explained. Determined to rectify the situation, they left the seaside and headed towards town to procure one for Mercer. As they journeyed towards the town, Alexander felt compelled to share an important revelation with Mercer. “In this world,” he began solemnly, “There are realms and dimensions that manifest in different locations. Within these realms dwell creatures of monstrous power. If left unchecked, these creatures can emerge into our world, their strength multiplies fivefold.” He continued, recounting a dark chapter in history when a dungeon was left unsealed, allowing it’s denizes to infiltrate human territories. “ They grew stronger within our world and wreaked havoc, ultimately leading to the devastation of half the world in 2066.”
Mercer, still perplexed, questioned the current year, to which Alexander replied, “It’s the year 2093.” As Alexander elaborated on the nature of dungeons and realms, Mercer learned about the rank qualification system. “Your Yo-tize determines your rank, which and defeating dungeon monsters and bosses,” Alexander explained. He outlined the hiercarcy of ranks: from the lowest, F, to E, D, C, B, A, S, Z, and finally X, reserved for the most formidable individuals in the cosmos. “ Each dungeons you enter corresponds to your rank,” Alexander concluded.
As Mercer strolled through the vibrant streets of CUPARIA, he marveled at the sights unseen in his previous life. Witnessing a family together together triggering memories of his own, stirring emotions he struggled to contain. Arriving at the sells shop, Mercer found it bustling with people eager to purchase equipment and supplies. And he navigated the crowded aisles, he couldn't ignore the stares directed his way. Perplexed, he turned to Alexander for an explanation, only to learn that humans were exceedingly rare in this world. Undeterred, Mercer approached the registration desk, determined to embark on an adventure despite his lack of funds. With his newly acquired Yo-tize in hand, he eagerly awaited his rank, only to be met with disappointed ad the digital display flashed an F rank. The crowd's reaction ranged from disapproval to outright disdain, but Alexander swiftly intervened, silencing their judgment murmurs.
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As murmurs of excitement filled the air, an anonymous female voice piled up, inquiring about a A-rank gates. The secretary, unfazed, responded professionally promoting gasp of disbelief from the onlookers as the woman requested four A-rank gates. “If it isn’t the popular Miaya Kingsley,” remarked Alexander as he recognized her. “What brings you here?” she inquired. “I’m here to assist my good friend Mercer,” Alexander replied. Miaya's eyes widened in shock as she scrutinized Mercer, her curiosity piqued. “ Are you truly human?” she asked incredulously. Mercer simply nodded in affirmation. “And what rank are you?” she pressed further. With a hint of resignation, Mercer revealed his F-rank status, prompting laughter from Miaya, who assumed it was a best. However, the truth in Mercer’s answer was soon became apparent.
Enticed by the prospect of adventure and intrigued but the captivating Miaya, Mercer agree to join the expedition, on the condition that Alexander accompany them. Miaya reassured him, nothing Alexander’s respectable C- rank status. As they ventured into the dungeon Mercer was awestruck by its resemblance to the portals depicted in his beloved comic books.
Inside they carefully scouted the area only to be confronted by a horde of rank the zombies with remarkable skill and efficiency, Miaya swiftly dispatched the six of them with a single blow, leaving Mercer in awe of her prowess. Even Alexander’s abilities proved formidable as he joined the fray. Amidst the chaos they instructed Mercer to collect the gems dropped by the defeated monsters knowing they could be traded for valuable currency.
As they continued the exploration, Mercer couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration mixed with appreciation, unsure of what further challenges awaited them in the depths of the dungeon.
As Mercer turned, a sudden slash lacerated his left arm, revealing the colossal zombie that loomed before him, the dungeons formidable boss. Overwhelmed and weakened, Mercer stumbled to the ground, his legs failing him. With swift determination, Miaya intervened, bravely confronting the monstrous adversary, while Alexander and Miaya's guild battled fiercely against the remaining zombies.
Minutes stretched into eternity is they fought against the relentless onslaught. Despite her exhaustion, Miaya pressed on, her resolve unyielding. Finally, with a decisive blow she vanquished the A-rank monster, her efforts rewarded with precious limited crystal and substantial sum of money.
Rushing to Mercer’s side, She found him teetering on the brink of death. Encouraging him to keep fighting, she lamented her depleted magic reserves, rendering her unable to heal him. Desperation seized her as her as she realized the only hope for Mercer lay in the wish crystal, a last resort to save his life.
As Mercer lay on the brink of death, hallucinations of his family engulfed him, tears streaming down his cheeks as he murmured his sister's name. Sensing his desperate plea, Miaya made a fateful wish for his healing, unaware of the ominous warning that accompanied it: the healed person's heart would become tainted by darkness.
With a surge of magical energy, Mercer's arm restored, but the consequences quickly manifested within him. Visions of a mysterious tree and indistinct figures flooded his mind, foretelling events yet to unfold. Yet, as the visions grew more intense , so did the physical toll on Mercer's body. Nosebleeds and uncontrollable twitching ranked his weakened form until he finally succumbed to a deep, troubled sleep.
Unbeknownst to him, the darkness that lurked within his heart would shape his destiny in ways he could scarcely imagine, setting him on a path fraught with uncertain and peril.