The next moment, Adam’s vision blurred, and he found himself enveloped in pure white light. As his eyes adjusted, he realized he was standing in an immense, pristine room, entirely empty save for a magnificent throne at the far end. Sitting upon it was a woman of astonishing beauty, her long, violet hair cascading down her shoulders, her scarlet eyes holding an otherworldly glow. She was dressed in a lavish purple gown, radiating an aura of authority that made Adam tense.

“You’re going to die soon, you know,” she stated matter-of-factly, her gaze unflinching as it bore into him. “The mana essence is lethal to your mortal body.”

The words jolted Adam. Mana essence? Is this really how I die? Or is she here to save me? And… who is she?

The woman seemed to read his thoughts, her lips curving into a faint smile. “I’m Oriel. And yes, I saved you.”

Adam steadied himself, meeting her gaze. “Why save me?”

“Because,” she said, her voice even, “you’re someone fated to do significant things.”

Adam’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. “So you want me as a pawn on this planet? To do the things you can’t do yourself?”

Oriel arched a brow, clearly unamused. “There is nothing I cannot do, mortal.”

“Then perhaps there are things you can’t be seen doing,” Adam countered, holding her gaze.

A flicker of irritation passed over her face. “Don’t flatter yourself,” she replied icily. “You’re far from special. If I wanted, I could end your existence here and now.”

Adam smirked, leaning into the challenge. “Then tell me about the magic potion. Does it actually work?”

She gave a faint nod. “Yes, it works.”

“Can you complete it for me, then?” he asked, his tone casual, though he sensed she’d be resistant.

“Why would I do that?” Oriel replied coolly, watching him closely.

Adam shrugged. “Perhaps to make my journey easier—speed up the part where I achieve your ‘significant things.’”

She regarded him in silence before answering simply, “No.”

Oriel leaned forward, her tone taking on a sharper edge. “In this world, magic wielders are ranked from five to zero. At rank one, you reach a level akin to a deity, and at rank zero, you become something even greater—though only one has reached that level, and he has since vanished.”

“Gone missing… so now angels want to replace him?” Adam prompted, curiosity piqued.

She gave a nod, her expression inscrutable. “Some do. But I exist to protect the Almighty, to preserve stability.”

Adam glanced away, digesting her words. “So, if I’m not even on this ranking list, what’s the use in my being here for your plan?”

“Humans will inevitably serve a role in this world. You are only one of many,” she replied, her tone dismissive. “As you progress through each rank, you will gain mastery over one of the four primary elements—wind, water, fire, or thunder. This affinity is often tied to what one desires most or has some inherent understanding of.”

“What about the highest ranks?” he asked.

“Upon reaching deity, you may gain control over Time, Space, or Soul Manipulation,” she explained, her tone implying that such a thing was nearly beyond comprehension. “At godhood, your dominion could extend over nearly everything.”

He studied her, feeling a mix of curiosity and wariness. “And how exactly do I ascend these ranks?”

Oriel’s gaze was steady as she delivered the answer. “You don’t.”

He blinked. “What?”

“To ascend, you must die. If fate allows it, you will be reborn into the next rank.”

Adam gaped, trying to process the twisted system. “So… death is the only way to advance?”

“Precisely.”

He shook his head, disbelief mingling with frustration. “And you? How did you reach your rank?”

“I was created as I am,” she replied smoothly. “A direct creation of the Almighty.”

“So… people can be born at different ranks?”

“Only if God permits it, though that is rare,” she clarified. “There are only six angels, myself included, who were born into higher ranks. All others begin at rank five.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Adam raised an eyebrow. “Then why would anyone even try to ascend?”

“It’s a choice—few are driven to risk everything,” she said simply. “Even if you reach rank three, for instance, understanding two elements more than an opponent is an advantage, but it doesn’t guarantee victory. Skill still matters.”

He scoffed. “So I could theoretically face off against the six deities as a rank five?”

Oriel’s gaze grew colder. “Deities wield abilities beyond mortal comprehension. I, for example, command Time. Such power cannot be matched without the heavens’ blessing.”

“Fair enough,” he muttered. “But back to my original point—can I avoid this… rebirth cycle?”

“There is no alternative. Only through death, if you are fated, will you ascend.”

He tilted his head, a dark idea forming. “What if I were to… force fate’s hand? Eliminate everyone else at my rank so I’m the sole candidate?”

A slight smirk formed on Oriel’s face. “Yes, you would indeed be the fated one under those circumstances.”

Adam’s expression turned smug. “Aren’t I clever?”

“Perhaps,” she replied dryly, “but consider this: Why do you think the human population is so controlled? Why do you think the elves impose such stringent laws? Countless individuals have had the same idea as you. None have succeeded. Attempting to eliminate others on a mass scale is an invitation to ruin. The only true way to transcend without consequence is to attain deity status.”

“Not exactly encouraging,” he muttered, but her words had sparked new ideas in him. “And how would I know if I’m even fated to ascend?”

“There is a labyrinth,” she said. “Those who reach its end may test their fate there. It lies in elven territory, under their strict control.”

“Sneaking there would be a challenge, what about other species ?” he asked.

“Each species has its own system and its own challenges. For humans to attempt such a journey is nearly suicidal.”

Adam’s mind raced. “So, there’s nothing stopping elves from doing the same thing—”

“Focus on surviving to wield magic first,” she interrupted, her tone final.

Adam tilted his head. “Perhaps you could help me with that.”

Her eyes narrowed. “No. You will manage on your own, if you’re capable.”

He chuckled, though frustration simmered beneath the surface. “Lucky me that you saved my life, then.”

But as he spoke, a deeper realization settled in. This world’s system of power wasn’t random. The king had been meant to wield magic, yet Adam was here instead. His arrival was more than coincidence—fate itself seemed to have allowed for his existence in this world, something that should have been impossible.

Oriel studied him, her gaze thoughtful, almost amused. “You, Adam, were not supposed to be the first human in a position to wield magic, yet here you are.”

Adam’s mind spun. “So, I wasn’t supposed to be here? But… you think I was brought here, that my presence is deliberate?”

“Most likely,” she replied. “Your existence in this world suggests manipulation—a deity’s hand.”

Adam felt a chill as he considered this. “So, this deity controls fate, then?”

“No deity controls fate itself,” she said with a trace of irritation. “But they can control paths, create events that alter lives and timelines. A deity most likely forced your soul to this place, for reasons we can only speculate,”

With a scoff, Oriel says; “one possibility would be quickening the elves plans in human territory which you executed flawlessly”

He frowned, the implications sinking in. “Then, if they control events… someone up there has a vested interest in the elves’ success. Or rather, they need them to succeed.”

Her gaze was unwavering. “There is likely a deity backing the elves, yes. But which deity or for what purpose is unclear. For now, only possibilities lie before you.”

As he processed her words, Adam felt the weight of his role pressing down on him. The truth was both daunting and exhilarating. And he was beginning to understand that he was a far more pivotal piece in this game than he’d ever anticipated.He truly just wanted to go home yet to achieve such a feat, he needed strength, he needed magic.

"Venturing into elven territory as a human and entering their dungeon isn’t exactly feasible with this appearance," Adam said with a calm, almost conversational tone, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Oriel tilted her head, her scarlet eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. “I do see your point.”

“Well, then,” Adam continued smoothly, “help me out. You’re here to maintain order and stability, aren’t you? I’m your key to this balance. All I need is a way to alter my appearance when necessary. Surely, for someone of your stature, such magic is trivial.”

Oriel’s smile widened, though it carried a sharp edge. “You overestimate yourself, mortal. You’re merely the first human to be in a position to wield magic—a curiosity, yes, but a fragile one. You lack the power, the understanding, and most importantly, the foundation to wield any such spell. And your existence… It’s already under close watch. There are eyes upon you, even now.”

Adam’s calm smile didn’t falter. “Eyes? Like the ones that let me replace the king?” he asked lightly. “You mean I’ve done exactly what they wanted me to do, all along?”

“Precisely,” Oriel said, her voice firm. “You’ve unknowingly served their bidding. Every step you’ve taken, every move you thought was your own—it was all guided, arranged. You’re not a free piece on the board, Adam. You’re their pawn.”

Adam chuckled softly, shaking his head. “And that’s exactly why you’ve brought me here, isn’t it?” he said, meeting her gaze steadily. “Because you know I’m the kind of person you can use to get what you want. I’m easy to manipulate, predictable even. You understand I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve my goals. That makes me convenient, doesn’t it?”

Oriel’s expression shifted, her smile thinning slightly, though she didn’t deny his words.

Adam leaned back slightly, his demeanor calm and unruffled. “I don’t mind,” he continued, his tone almost playful. “After all, you’re a deity, and I’m just… mortal. Of course you can manipulate me. You have control over me. But that also means you see my value. You see why guiding me, even if it’s for your own interests, is worth the effort.”

For a moment, silence hung between them. Oriel’s gaze lingered on him, sharp and unreadable, as if she were weighing the depths of his words.

“Tell me, what do you want to do? Will you venture into elven territory?” Oriel asked, her scarlet eyes glinting with faint amusement.

Adam smirked, a flicker of confidence in his gaze. “You control time, don’t you? Do you really need me to answer that? Of course, I will—if you give me the ability to transform my appearance.”

Oriel let out a melodic laugh, sharp and mocking. “HAHAHAHA, good luck on your adventure.”

“Thank you,” Adam replied with a calm smile.