A frail young boy wandered aimlessly through a dense forest in a middle of a snowstorm.
His clothes were torn and his body covered in numerous wounds.
He is holding a blood-stained sword, and each step he took left behind droplets of blood, a mixture of his own and his enemies' staining the soft snow beneath him.
He had to fight to survive in this forest, whether it was against other people or the monsters that appeared from the mysterious portals.
He had learned that he could only rely on himself; there are no allies to assist him.
His pace gradually slows as his weary legs carry him through the cruel terrain.
The weight of his injuries and the biting cold began to overwhelm him, causing his breath to grow heavy.
Exhaustion consumes him completely, causing him to collapse onto his knees.
"Is it finally... my turn?" The young boy muttered to himself weakly.
A memory from his younger days flashes before his eyes of a time when he saw countless people die in a similar way—starving, freezing, and completely alone.
Tears fell from his eyes, blending with the red stains on the snow.
He was not afraid of death or suffering.
But he mourned the suffering and death of those he considered family.
He was a kind boy whose heart would fill with grief whenever he encountered pain and suffering.
It is in these moments, when his emotions are at their peak, an uncontrollable laughter escapes from within him.
A sinister grin curled his lips as he burst out maniacally laughing, the laughter echoing loudly through the forest.
Far from being insane or wicked, his laughter served as an outlet for overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume and suffocate him.
It was a lifeline, a declaration of his determination to endure. This laughter had been with him since birth, a part of who he was—a factor that led to his exile from his village, viewed as insane by those who couldn't understand and the main reason he's struggling to survive in this forest alone.
While he's trying to suppress his laughter, another sinister laugh suddenly emerges from the opposite direction of him.
"Giving up so soon?" A mysterious voice taunted.
Despite the pain and fatigue, the young boy mustered the last of his strength and forced himself to stand up from his kneeling position. Utterly powerless from prolonged hunger. Refusing to die without a fight.
He tightened his grip on the blood-stained sword, readying himself for the incoming confrontation.
The raging snowstorm covered the laughing, mysterious figure. Creating a blinding veil over their form.
The approaching footsteps of the figure echoed in the young boy's ears, growing nearer with each passing moment.
With a surge of adrenaline, the young boy lunged forward as the figure approached the spot near where he was standing. His sword aimed for a precise and decisive strike at the figure's neck.
In an instant, the figure snapped their fingers, and an invisible force seized the young boy's body, rendering him motionless. Every muscle locked in place, and he stood frozen, powerless to move or resist.
'Magic...?' The young boy thought,
It puzzled him, for he had neither seen nor sensed anything at all.
His mind was racing, looking for a way out.
His gaze met the figure's calm expression—a man of average height with long, flowing black hair that contrasted against the snowy landscape. Piercing him were the man's deep, dark-blue eyes, filled with a wealth of wisdom and mystery. Clad in white pants and a black vest, with a dark-blue undershirt mirroring the color of his eyes, and adorned with a white jacket, the man exuded an aura of elegance and intrigue. Lastly, and most importantly, the man lacked any equipment to activate his magic.
'Not magic... then what could it be?' The young boy wondered desperately as he attempted to move.
"Calm down, my dear Kael," the mysterious man said, addressing the young boy, his voice carrying an air of tranquility and accompanied by a gentle smile.
"I'm not here to harm you. But to give you a choice."
Even in his immobilized state, Kael's eyes remained fixed on the man, searching for any hints of his intentions.
"Who... are you? And how do you know my name?" Kael asked, doubting.
"Oh, how impolite of me," the man said, chuckling softly.
"I am known by many names, but you may call me Silvius, the fate weaver. And I'm offering you, Kael, a choice in the face of a grim future."
"What is it that you want from me?" Kael demanded, his voice firm.
"I want nothing from you, my dear," Silvius spoke with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with sincerity,
"As I mentioned before, I am simply offering you a choice," Silvius spoke softly as he extended his hands, one holding a worn book and the other a small pill, symbolizing the two paths.
"This pill," Silvius explained,
"Will let you live the entirety of your current life—A hero's life, from beginning to end and then return to this very moment.
It will be a life marked by sincerity, kindness, and warmth. But its end will be filled with tragedy and loss."
Silvius then directed his gaze to the worn book in his other hand and continued,
"Within the pages of this book unfolds the path of a villain I'm offering you. It guarantees a future where you can rescue numerous lives, yet it demands that you be seen as a villain. The world will perceive you as the embodiment of evil, leaving you devoid of warmth and engulfed in constant struggle. However, this choice offers the possibility of everyone's survival at the cost of your own."
Just by looking at Silvius, Kael's instincts tell him that he is telling the truth. Nonetheless, suspicion persisted within him.
"Even if you're telling the truth, why should I follow the path you've given out?" Kael firmly questioned,
"I have no one in my life—no family, no friends—or anyone to protect," He pressed on, his determination unwavering,
"Besides, if I took the pill and had knowledge of the future I am meant to take, couldn't I change it for the better?"
"Don't be hasty, my dear," Silvius said, widely smiling.
"Why not take the pill first and then decide? In the end, the choice is yours to follow or reject the path I'm offering."
With a flick of his fingers, Silvius released Kael from his immobilized state, freeing him from the invisible restraints.
And with another swift gesture, shadows enveloped Kael in an instant, only to dissipate as quickly as they had appeared, leaving behind a gust of wind. Kael's exhaustion and cuts faded along with it.
He then extended the small pill towards Kael.
A moment of confusion took over Kael as he tried to make sense of what had just occurred.
He wasn't sure if his eyes were failing him, but all he saw was Silvius' flicker, and nothing else.
'What was that...'
Kael wondered as he looked at the small pill in Silvius' outstretched hand, his suspicion and doubt diminishing greatly.
Kael reached out and took the pill, he examined it closely—a small, pure white object holding immense weight and significance.
His gaze shifted from the pill to Silvius, studying Silvius' calm expression.
"Why are you giving me this choice?" Kael asked,
"Why do you care about the paths I take?"
Silvius' smile remained as he responded to Kael's question.
"My dear, I am an observer of fate, a weaver of possibilities. I do not hold personal attachments or desires for specific outcomes. After all, it is the essence of my role, isn't it?"
Realizing there is no point in continuing the conversation before taking the pill, Kael slowly swallowed it.
The slight flicker of determination that had once burned bright in Kael's eyes faded and dimmed, transforming him from a determined spirit into what appeared to be a lifeless young boy.
Despite his usual tendency to burst into uncontrollable laughter when overwhelmed with emotions, this time, there was nothing. He felt absolutely numb as he lived his bleak future, his heart seemingly ceasing to beat.
A moment was all it took for him to live out the entirety of his future. Its end was filled with the lifeless forms of his cherished ones—loved ones, friends, and family—struck deep into his memory.
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Kael surveyed the devastating scene as his once-beloved home lay in ruins, reduced to rubble and countless lifeless bodies sprawled across the ground, their blood staining the earth as far as his eyes could see.
Kael's lifeless gaze locked with Silvius' as their eyes met.
"Before I make my choice," Kael said, his voice heavy with sorrow.
"I want to see the path you have presented."
Silvius' smile broadened, affirming his understanding.
"While that was not originally included in my offer, I accept your request. I will, however, only reveal your own death and the impending war with the monstrous forces."
Silvius lifted his hand and the world around them transformed as a vision materialized, presenting Kael with the outcome if he embraces the role of a villain.
Unlike the pill that offered him a second chance at life, the vision only reflected his sight. However, for Kael, it carried equal significance.
The vision revealed the kingdoms, once enemies in his previous life, forsaking their conflicts and directing their combined might towards a common enemy—the very monster that Kael had yet to become.
Their combined strength proved powerful enough to repel the approaching army of monsters.
Kael's path as the villain would serve as a warning, allowing everyone to see the incoming danger and prepare accordingly.
Tears welled up and the flicker of life returned in Kael's eyes, brightening them as he witnessed his death and the events that followed.
A new reality appeared in front of him, distinct from his previous life, in which everything completely collapsed once the monsters arrived.
They formed an unbreakable wall against the approaching monster war.
The strength of those he held dear shone; their spirits were unyielding, and their lives were preserved.
They stood together in the face of despair and won the war.
showing that the sacrifices he must make and the decisions he must take will not be in vain.
Kael was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Seeing his family, friends, and loved ones alive filled him with both joy and sorrow, knowing that his sacrifice preserved their lives.
The mixture of emotions threatened to consume him once again. His lips curled into a twisted grin as a familiar, maniacal laughter emerged deep within him, voicing itself loudly throughout the forest. His eyes blurred as tears streamed down his cheeks, falling on the delicate snow.
The cause behind his laughter is a mystery. It could have been a release of the immense burden of sorrow that weighed upon him or perhaps the sheer joy he felt upon seeing his loved ones alive again.
"Why embrace uncertainty when I can promise you a path where every person dear to you will survive, granted you strive hard enough?" Silvius uttered these words as he snapped, his voice resonating as his form dissolved into darkness. Without awaiting a response, for he already knew the answer.
In his place, a worn book was left behind, its title embossed in dark ink: 'The Path of a Villain.'
Kael struggled to stop his laughter, but his efforts seemed meaningless. The intensity of his emotions completely consumed him. His tears and laughter strangled him and left him gasping for air.
The trees became silent and devoid of melody, the sky held back its snowflakes, and the snowstorm suddenly stopped, as if they were witnessing his struggle, and a deafening silence followed.
Finally, as the laughter subsided, Kael's body collapsed to the ground, exhausted.
'Is it really a lifeline...?' Kael silently pondered about his laughter, remembering his mother's words from a long time ago, as a single last tear fell from his cheek.
Kael took a deep breath and slowly rose to his feet as he rested for a moment, knowing that time was running out as people were approaching this location.
He remembers every detail from this point in his life until that tragic ending, deeply engraved into his mind.
Now, his mission was clear—to prevent that future from becoming a reality, regardless of the cost.
He walked toward the book resting on the snow-covered ground and carefully picked it up. After all, it is his sole guide and the key to his future.
His hands shook as the weight of the world pressed against his shoulder. Making the act of simply opening the book difficult.
As he finally opened the worn book left behind by Silvius, the first page read:
'Dear reader, this book carries the power to shape your future. Your choices and actions will breathe life into its pages, for within them lie tasks, descriptions of events and encounters that await you on your journey. These descriptions hold valuable insights, providing clues, hints, and even foreshadowing to help you navigate through important decisions, discover potential allies, and prepare for critical moments you are destined to face.
Disregarding the book's guidance or failing to fulfill its prophecy can have grave consequences. On the other hand, successfully accomplishing the prescribed tasks within the guidance will always lead to the optimal results and rewards.
If anyone other than your chosen companions, those who walk the same path as you, reads the words within this book, its essence will wither away, and it'll be unable to infuse life into the future any longer.'
After reading the first page completely, Kael took a deep breath and moved on to the second, where the words appeared to take on a different form. It seemed to be a letter, as if a voice were calling to him from the pages.
'I implore you, dear reader, to embrace the villain's path and follow the book's guidance. In order to guarantee your future, you must be perceived as evil when necessary. Only when the world witnesses your descent into darkness will the forces of light be able to unite and overcome the impending doom.
The path ahead will be difficult, and the burden of your actions will weigh heavily on your soul, causing your conscience to waver. But, remember this: Your intentions are pure, and the outcome you strive for is one of salvation. Your actions will be judged as cruel, but they are undoubtedly acts of righteousness. No matter the apparent cruelty, be assured that every task assigned by the book is destined to bring about a positive outcome.
Let the world cast you as a villain; for in time, they will come to see the true essence of your noble deeds. Though they may not comprehend it now, those who judge you will come to understand the truth in the future.
May your conviction never falter, and may the future bear witness to the hidden hero.'
After completing and absorbing the contents of the introductory pages, Kael moved on to the next page.
His heart sank as the words materialized before his eyes:
'Eliminate the One-eyed Serpent and Acquire the Blades of Mar'Ith...'
"The... Crimson Fox Blades?" Kael muttered under his breath involuntarily as the monster information materialized beneath the task.
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Monster Name: One-eyed Serpent
Location: The Serpent's Mountain
Rank: A or Higher
Properties:
Armored Skin: The One-eyed Serpent possesses a tough and impenetrable skin that can withstand most conventional attacks. Infusing your weapon with energy at the Mid Master stage is required to have a chance of penetrating its defense.
Heightened Sense of Smell: The serpent has an extraordinary sense of smell, enabling it to detect every odor within a three-kilometer radius. Its keen olfactory abilities make it difficult to approach undetected.
Unparalleled Stealth: The One-eyed Serpent exhibits exceptional stealth capabilities, rendering it practically invisible even when it is right before your eyes. This makes it an elusive and cunning adversary.
Venomous Bite: The serpent's venom possesses a terrifying potency. A single touch from its venomous fangs can induce excruciating pain and lead to a toxic demise within minutes. Its venom is lethal and poses a grave threat to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught by it.
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Kael had heard of the mission to eliminate the Serpent in his previous life. Four Grandmasters at the Low stage and numerous Masters at the High stage had been massacred by this creature.
Ultimately, Seth Hanma, The Glacial Dragon, intervened and personally defeated the Serpent. It was during this encounter that Seth discovered the Crimson Fox Blades.
Kael clenched his fists and a look of irritation flashed across his face.
"How long will that take?" escaped his lips with frustration.
The introductory message pressed heavily on his mind, warning him that failure to achieve the tasks within it would have grave consequences.
'Is there a time limit to obtain them?' As Kael thought that, the words continued to materialize, adding:
'Eliminate the One-Eyed Serpent and Acquire the Blades of Mar'Ith... within five years.'
Kael sighed heavily, his face filled with despair.
"This won't be enough," he admitted, recognizing the need for extensive preparation.
"To harm the Serpent, I need to at least reach the Mid Master Stage, and even that won't be enough."
He turned to the next page, disheartened, and as the words appeared, his heart sank deeper:
'Prepare to confront the enraged 'Glacial Dragon' who will arrive in this forest three years from now. Strive to survive, the length of time you can keep him at bay will determine whether you live or not.'
If the 'One-Eyed Serpent' was a monstrous entity, then the one who defeated it is far more terrifying.
He took a deep breath and read it again. All he has to do is keep him occupied for as long as possible.
Even if he reaches the High Master stage within these three years, the idea of not being killed in a single strike seemed completely out of reach.
Kael hoped he would only have to withstand him for a brief moment, as anything longer would almost certainly seal his fate.
With his heart pounding, he turned to the next page, hoping for some guidance. Yet, to his shock, all subsequent pages were blank, providing no assistance.
From the very beginning, the first two tasks seemed impossible.
He sighed deeply and sat down, allowing the weight of the book to settle within him. He closed his eyes, seeking refuge in the darkness as he formed a mental plan.
After a few moments of contemplation, he opened his eyes, rose from his spot, and began walking towards his secluded place—a cave hidden deep within the forest.
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Name: Kael
Age: Ten
Rank: High-Novice stage