I opened my eyes to find myself in a completely blank realm. There was no noun in sight—no person, place, or thing. The ground beneath me was an indistinct surface that seemed to blend seamlessly into the void, neither solid nor soft, just... there.
The sky above was an infinite continuation of the same blankness that surrounded me, with no discernible horizon or landmarks to break the monotony.
It was as if the world had been wiped clean, leaving me in a state of limbo.
The silence was profound, so complete it felt almost tangible, pressing in on me from every direction. It wasn’t just quiet—it was an absence of sound so deep it seemed to swallow up even my thoughts.
I tried to focus, to find some anchor in this strange place, but there was nothing. Just the unsettling realization that I was utterly alone in this endless void. Taking a cautious step forward, a sudden, searing pain tore through my chest. I looked down, stunned to see that I was naked, with a gaping, bloody hole at my center—so large it seemed as though a fencepost had been violently driven through me.
In that instant, memories flooded back—the betrayal, the agony, the love, the power... My life flashed before my eyes, even in death, even in this desolate place.
I dropped to my knees, the pain and anger surging through me like a tidal wave.
With a powerful explosion of oblivion, I screamed, shattering the oppressive silence—a testament to the power I once wielded.
As the echoes of my scream began to fade, the oppressive silence of the void seemed to tremble and shift.
The nothingness around me began to dissolve, revealing faint outlines and distorted shapes. From the swirling darkness emerged a room—a vast, ethereal library.
The library was unlike any I had ever seen. Grand shelves stretched high into the void, their wooden surfaces adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.
Books of every shape and size floated in mid-air, drifting lazily through the space as if guided by an unseen hand.
Pages turned on their own, creating a symphony of rustling sounds that filled the once-deafening silence with a soft, haunting melody.
The atmosphere was both serene and surreal, as though I had stepped into a realm where time and reality were fluid. The books seemed alive, their pages fluttering and shimmering with arcane symbols and enigmatic scripts.
It was as if the very essence of knowledge and memory had coalesced into this place, a repository of infinite stories and secrets. I stood in awe, the pain in my chest momentarily forgotten as I took in the mesmerizing sight. As I moved toward the nearest shelf, a voice echoed through the grand library I had found myself in.
“Abyssal King, please do not stray. You’ve completed the first task,” a feminine voice called out.
I turned to the direction of the voice and saw a sight more beautiful than anything I had ever laid eyes on.
It was a woman—no, something far more mesmerizing. Her skin was fair, almost pale, and her long obsidian black hair flowed down her back like a dark waterfall. Her ears were long, similar to an elf’s but with a difference I couldn’t quite place. She was a woman of curves, her body a masterpiece, but her eyes—those eyes—were even more breathtaking.
The instant our gazes locked, my heart skipped a beat. “Right this way, Lord...” she continued, her voice smooth and inviting, yet laced with an authority that left no room for question.
As I walked toward her, she immediately bowed, like a devoted servant before her master. Yet, as I racked my memory, I couldn’t recall such a beautiful creature ever being under my protection.
“Who are you, and why do you bow to me?” I asked, my voice carrying a mix of curiosity and authority.
The woman looked up at me, her gaze filled with a mixture of awe and devotion. Without hesitation, she deepened her bow, lowering herself onto her knees until she was nearly prostrate before me. It was as though she was offering not just her respect, but her entire being.
“I am Tsuki,” she replied softly, her voice reverberating through the stillness of the library. “I bow to you because of the legend you are, the one foretold in the ancient texts. Your presence here is a moment I have long awaited, a prophecy fulfilled. To be in the presence of the Abyssal King is an honor beyond words. I am here to serve you, as was destined from the very beginning.”
Her words hung in the air, rich with meaning and history that I couldn’t yet grasp, but the sincerity in her voice left no doubt that she believed every word she spoke.
Confused by her actions, I focused my mana, determined to make her rise from her knees, forcefully yet with a certain grace.
I summoned my levitation magic, feeling the energy surge through me as I lifted her to her feet, guiding her up smoothly, testing the boundaries of this strange encounter.
As I did this, she gasped, her eyes widening and lighting up with a newfound brilliance, as if I had performed some extraordinary feat. “No one other than the divine beings who created this place have ever been able to wield magic here before,” she said, her voice trembling with awe.
“Your power... it’s unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.” I shrugged, a hint of indifference in my tone.
“They must not have been trying hard enough. All I did was use simple levitation.” Her eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees again, this time more abruptly. “Levitation... on a living being?” she said, trembling in awe.
I looked around, taking in the sight of books seemingly playing with each other in the library.
Everything about the place felt deeply magical, as if the very essence of the library was alive with enchantment. As Tsuki regained her composure, she gracefully made her way toward a seating area.
I, of course, was determined to follow, curiosity driving my every step. “What is this place?” I asked, my voice laced with confusion and frustration as I tried to make sense of the bizarre encounter.
As we both settled into the plush chairs of the seating area, Tsuki began to explain with a calm yet solemn demeanor. “This place is known as Life’s End,” she stated, her eyes reflecting a deep, almost mournful understanding. “What is this place?” I asked, my confusion evident as I tried to grasp the situation.
As we both took our seats, Tsuki began to explain with a somber tone.
“This place is known as Life’s End. You have been dead for two eons, and you are our four trillionth visitor since your passing.” Her voice carried a weight of ancient knowledge and quiet reverence.
My eyes widened at this revelation.
The gravity of the information settled heavily upon me, as if the void itself was pressing down on my chest.
Two billion years...
The sheer vastness of time made my head spin. Everything I had once known—people, places, kingdoms—all of it was gone, reduced to dust and forgotten memories.
The anger that had flared within me earlier was now tempered by a deep, hollow ache of loss. Tsuki watched me intently, her expression a blend of empathy and respect, as if she could feel the weight of my thoughts.
Her presence, though comforting in a strange way, only emphasized the surreal nature of my predicament.
What was this place really, and why had I been brought here after such an unimaginable span of time?
I leaned back in the chair, trying to steady my mind.
The plushness of the seat, the soft glow of the floating books, the muted rustling of pages—it all seemed so peaceful, so at odds with the turmoil within me.
But there was no peace to be found here, not yet.
"Why now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I searched Tsuki's eyes for answers.
"Why was I awakened after all this time? What purpose do I serve in this... Life's End?"
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to the floor as if she was grappling with how to respond.
When she finally spoke, her voice was laced with a solemnity that made my skin prickle.
"The reasons are manifold, my lord. You were not just a king in life; you were a force, a beacon of power that could reshape worlds.
The echoes of your reign have reverberated through time, and now, as the end of all things draws near, your presence is required once more."
I narrowed my eyes, suspicion and curiosity warring within me. "The end of all things? What do you mean?"
Tsuki met my gaze, her expression unreadable.
"This place, Life's End, is where the threads of existence converge. It is the final stop before the great unraveling, where souls are brought to witness the closing of the cosmic cycle.
And you, Abyssal King, are not just a witness.
You are the one who will determine the nature of that end." Her words sent a chill down my spine. I had been brought back for a reason—a reason far greater than I could have ever imagined.
The library, with its countless tomes and ancient knowledge, suddenly felt like more than just a repository of forgotten lore. It was a place of power, a crossroads of fate.
But why me?
What power did I still possess in death?
And what was expected of me in this final act of the universe's story?
The questions buzzed in my mind, but I knew there was no turning back now.
Whatever the future—or the end—held, I would face it head-on, as I had always done.
"Tell me everything, Tsuki," I demanded, my voice firm with resolve.
"If I am to play a role in this, I need to understand the full scope of what lies ahead."
Tsuki shook her head gently, a look of genuine concern in her eyes.
"I’m afraid it isn’t my place to tell you such things, my lord," she said, her voice carrying an undercurrent of fear.
"The knowledge you seek is reserved for beings far beyond me. If I were to speak of it, the consequences would be severe, not just for me but perhaps for you as well."
I narrowed my eyes, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Then why bring me here if not to explain? What’s the point of this place, Tsuki?" She lowered her gaze, her expression softening into something almost apologetic. "I was sent to offer you a choice, Lord—nothing more. You can choose to continue and confront what lies ahead, or you can embrace the end, and your existence will dissolve into the void.
Those are the only options I was permitted to present to you."
The air between us grew tense, her words heavy with the gravity of the decision before me. But before I could respond, she spoke again, this time with a subtle hint of something more personal. "However... I suppose I could take you to the Elder Gods.
It’s not something I’m allowed to do, but as a favor to you, my lord—my hero—I can guide you there.
They alone have the answers you seek, though I must warn you, their judgment is final and often harsh." Her offer hung in the air, a forbidden path laid before me.
I could sense the risk in her words, the danger of seeking an audience with such powerful beings.
Yet, the thought of turning away, of accepting an end without understanding, was far more unbearable. "Take me to them, Tsuki," I said, my voice resolute.
"I have to know the truth, no matter the cost." She looked up at me, a mixture of admiration and trepidation in her eyes. "Very well, my lord," she whispered, her voice laced with a quiet determination.
"But know that this path may change everything. Once we begin, there is no turning back."
With that, she turned and began to lead me through the labyrinthine halls of the library.
The space around us seemed to warp and shift, the shelves and books blurring into shadowy shapes as we ventured deeper into the heart of this enigmatic realm.
Finally, we reached a grand, imposing door, its surface carved with intricate symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light. Tsuki stopped before it and looked at me, her expression solemn.
"Beyond this door lie the Elder Gods," she said.
"Their presence is overwhelming, and their judgment unforgiving. Are you certain you wish to proceed?"
I nodded, my resolve unshaken.
"I’m ready."
She bowed deeply, her eyes filled with both reverence and sadness. "Then may the Elder Gods show you mercy, Abyssal King."
Stolen story; please report.
With those words, she stepped aside, leaving me to face the looming door and the unimaginable power that awaited beyond it. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped into the light filled room.
As I entered the room, the familiar sensation of the void returned, but this time it was a void of light, not darkness. The white expanse seemed to stretch endlessly, a serene and infinite horizon.
The overwhelming brightness made it difficult to gauge the size or distance of anything within, but as my vision adjusted, I noticed a group of five figures seated at a distant table. Their presence was immediately noticeable, but not overpowering.
Each figure emitted an aura that was slightly more potent than my own, a subtle reminder of their ancient status, yet nothing that felt beyond my reach.
It was as if we were equals, or perhaps rivals—beings of comparable power, but with them holding just a slight edge. As I approached the table, the figures seated there began to take on more distinct forms, each one unique in its own right.
The first figure was reminiscent of an elf, tall and elegant with sharp, angular features. Their skin had a faint, ethereal glow, and their long, silver hair cascaded down their back like a waterfall of moonlight. Their eyes, a deep shade of emerald, held a wisdom that spoke of countless ages. Draped in flowing robes that shimmered with the colors of a forest at dawn, they exude an air of calm authority and ancient knowledge.
Next to the elf was a small, petite figure that at first glance seemed human, but there was something otherworldly about them. Their features were soft, almost androgynous, with large, innocent eyes that radiated a gentle kindness.
Despite their delicate appearance, they held a quiet strength, as if their sweetness masked a depth of character and resolve.
Their clothing was simple, a tunic and trousers in pastel shades, and they sat with a serene smile that made them approachable and comforting. The third figure was a stark contrast to the petite one, towering over the others at nearly eight feet tall.
This being was massive, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame that seemed to be carved from stone. Their skin had a rugged, earthy tone, and their face was set in a perpetual expression of stoic resolve. They wore armor that looked as though it had been forged in the heart of a volcano, with intricate patterns that hinted at a warrior’s history. Despite their imposing size, there was a sense of honor and protectiveness in their aura. Beside the giant was a figure that looked to be a succubus, stunning in every sense of the word, with a flawless figure that exuded an almost tangible allure. Her skin had a soft, rosy hue, and her long, dark hair flowed like silk, framing a face that was both seductive and intimidating. Her eyes glowed with a mischievous light, and her lips curled into a knowing smile, as though she was aware of every secret desire.
She wore a revealing, form-fitting outfit that accentuated her every curve.
But despite her beauty, I couldn’t help but compare her to Tsuki, and to me, she paled in comparison.
The final figure appeared almost entirely human, with only a pair of leathery wings folded behind their back hinting at their true nature. Their skin was smooth and fair, and they had a tall, athletic build. Their eyes burned with a fiery intensity, reminiscent of molten lava, and their presence radiated a fierce, almost primal energy. Yet, despite the subtle hints of their draconic heritage, they carried themselves with the grace and wisdom of a seasoned warrior.
The only indication of their true nature was the pair of wings that seemed to blend seamlessly with their otherwise human form, adding a touch of the extraordinary to an otherwise deceptively ordinary appearance. As I prepared to speak, my mind racing with questions and uncertainties, the petite figure suddenly raised a delicate hand. Their gentle, yet authoritative voice cut through the air with an unexpected clarity. “Please, let us speak first,” the petite being said, their tone both calming and firm.
“We have awaited your arrival with much anticipation, and there are matters that need to be addressed before you voice your thoughts.” The others turned their attention to me as well, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation.
The elf's eyes were filled with a knowing gaze, the giant’s face remained stoic, the succubus’s lips curled into a slight smirk, and the dragonoid’s gaze was intense and penetrating. The petite figure continued, their voice soft but imbued with an undeniable authority. “We understand that you have many questions and concerns, but there are protocols to follow, and it is our duty to guide you through the process.” As their words washed over me, my frustration reached a boiling point.
With a surge of anger, I waved my hand with such force that it shattered the entire table, sending splinters and dust flying through the air.
The sudden explosion of power reverberated through the room, amplifying the tension and disarray. The gods reacted immediately. The succubus, her eyes widening in shock, staggered back. Her usual confidence was eclipsed by surprise, her lips parting in a mix of awe and fear as she took in the sheer magnitude of my anger. The giant, with a grunt, dropped into a battle-ready stance.
His massive frame tensed, every muscle coiled like a spring, ready to react to any further threat. His gaze was locked onto me, prepared for a possible confrontation. The dragonoid, sensing the gravity of the situation, took to the air with a powerful beat of its wings. Hovering above me, it conjured an aura of god-class magic, its presence both majestic and intimidating.
The magical energy crackled around it, adding an ethereal glow to its imposing form. The petite figure, though initially stunned, quickly regained their composure. With a sigh, they raised a hand, their voice calm yet firm. “Everyone, please stand down,” they instructed, their tone carrying a weight of authority that brooked no argument. But just as the command was issued, I felt their collective power surge. It was as if the room itself was charged with a force beyond comprehension. The very air became thick with energy, pressing down on me with an overwhelming intensity.
My knees buckled under the weight of their combined might, my breath caught in my throat, and for a brief, terrifying moment, I feared I would be crushed by their power. Then, with a single, sharp clap, the petite figure brought everything to a halt. The overwhelming pressure lifted instantly, leaving me gasping for air. The gods' power receded, their auras diminishing as quickly as they had flared. “Control yourselves,” the petite one said, their voice now cold and commanding. The other gods obeyed immediately, their gazes lowering in respect. “We are here to provide guidance, not to provoke further conflict.” I glared at them, my anger simmering just beneath the surface.
“Enough of this,” I demanded, my voice laced with frustration. “What do you want from me, gods?” The petite figure took a deep breath, their expression softening with a blend of empathy and resolve. “We did not intend to cause you distress,” they said, their voice steady despite the recent upheaval. “Our purpose here is to offer you a choice, not to impose our will upon you.”
They paused, allowing their words to sink in before continuing.
“You have been given a rare opportunity—a chance to return to existence or to embrace a different path. We are merely the intermediaries, tasked with presenting this choice to you.” The elf leaned forward slightly, their gaze serene but penetrating. “It is a matter of great significance. You are not the only one who has faced such a crossroads, and many have found their way through our guidance.” The giant, still in his battle stance, gradually relaxed as the tension eased. The succubus, recovering from her surprise, adjusted her posture, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution. The dragonoid hovered above, its magical aura dimming slightly but still radiating an undeniable sense of power.
The petite figure then spoke, “We are the Elder Gods who oversee this realm. I am Ryota, the Keeper of Paths.” They gestured toward the elf, who nodded gracefully. “This is Mei, the Guardian of Harmony.” They indicated the giant, who gave a solemn bow. “Taro, the Protector of Strength,” and then to the succubus, whose initial shock had given way to a calm, composed demeanor. “Sakura, the Muse of Desire,” and finally to the dragonoid. “And Ryuji, the Sentinel of the Skies.” Ryota continued, “We are here to guide you through the choice that lies before you. But first, we must adhere to the established procedures.”
My anger subsided slightly, replaced by a gnawing sense of curiosity and urgency. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Very well,” I said, my voice still taut with tension. “Show me what I need to see. I am ready to hear what the Elder Gods have to say.” Ryota nodded, their demeanor remaining calm and composed. “Then please, follow us,” they said, gesturing toward a pathway that seemed to open up within the infinite expanse of light. As I followed the Elder Gods down the corridor, the surroundings shifted dramatically. We passed what seemed to be hundreds of portals, each one unique and mesmerizing. The portals floated in mid-air, their surfaces adorned with swirling patterns and glowing symbols.
They were sophisticated, clearly advanced doorways leading to other worlds. The corridor itself was vast and bathed in a soft, ambient light, but it was the portals that truly captivated me. Each one seemed to pulse with its own energy, hinting at the realms and mysteries contained within. The air around us was charged with an arcane essence, a faint hum resonating from the portals as if they were alive. Ryota, the serene elder, led the way, his calm demeanor in stark contrast to the swirling chaos of the portals.
Mei walked beside me, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of such overwhelming grandeur. Taro moved silently behind, his formidable presence a reminder of the strength that lay within. Sakura, with her enchanting allure, followed gracefully, while Ryuji hovered above, his dragon-like wings casting a divine glow over us.
“This corridor is the Path of Realms,” Ryota’s voice broke through the mesmerizing hum. “Each portal here is a gateway to different worlds and dimensions, shaped by the forces of creation.” I took in the sight of the portals with a mix of awe and curiosity. “Can we enter any of these worlds?” I asked, my voice tinged with wonder. “Not without conditions,” Ryota explained.
“Each portal requires specific criteria to be met before it can be accessed. Your choice here will determine which path you take and what awaits you on the other side.” As we continued, the portals grew even more intricate. Some shimmered with flowing energy, while others were encased in crystalline structures that refracted light into dazzling patterns. It was a display of cosmic beauty, each portal whispering the secrets of its world. We reached the end of the corridor, where Ryota stopped and faced me. “The choice you make will shape your destiny,” he said. “But first, you need to understand the nature of this choice.”
I nodded, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. The journey through the Path of Realms had revealed only the beginning of what was to come. I turned to Ryota, my mind racing with the enormity of the situation. “So, about my choice,” I began, trying to mask the urgency in my voice. “Will you reverse time? I doubt I have the power required for two days, let alone two billion years.” Ryota’s expression remained composed, though a flicker of understanding passed across his eyes. He glanced at the other gods before addressing me. “Time manipulation is indeed a formidable task, even for us,” he said, his tone measured.
“Reversing time on such a grand scale is beyond the simple capabilities of most beings. However, the choice you make here will dictate the nature of your journey and the potential for such changes.” I felt a wave of frustration and uncertainty, the weight of my predicament pressing down on me. “Then what am I supposed to do?” I asked, my voice laced with both desperation and resolve. Ryota's calm, measured voice echoed in the ethereal expanse as he presented me with a choice. “You stand at a crossroads, Kaito. Rebirth, or death—to change the course of history.” His words weighed heavily in the air, and I felt the enormity of the decision pressing down on me.
My mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications.
“And what history will I be changing?” I asked, the uncertainty gnawing at me. Ryota’s serene expression didn’t falter, but there was a subtle shift in his eyes, a flicker of something almost imperceptible. “We cannot say for certain,” he replied. “For we are only fragments.” A chill ran down my spine at the word. “Fragments?” I repeated, confusion and unease creeping into my voice. “What do you mean by fragments?” Ryota’s gaze held mine, steady and unwavering.
“We are but echoes, remnants of something greater. Reflections of your own mind, cast in the form of gods to guide you through this trial.” I stared at him, trying to make sense of what he was saying. The figures around me—the serene elf, the imposing giant, the alluring succubus, the majestic dragonoid, and the petite being who had spoken with such authority—were they all just figments of my imagination? “Wait... what?” I stammered, my thoughts spinning. “You’re saying this is all in my head?” Ryota gave a slight nod, his expression unchanging. “Yes, Kaito. We are manifestations of your consciousness, created to help you navigate the choices before you. But in the end, the power lies within you.”
The revelation hit me like a tidal wave.
Everything I had experienced, the overwhelming presence of the Elder Gods, the corridors of portals leading to other worlds—all of it was an elaborate construct of my own mind. And yet, it felt so real, so vivid. “But why?” I demanded, desperation creeping into my voice. “Why would I create this? What’s the point of all of this?” Ryota’s gaze softened, a hint of compassion in his eyes. “You are searching for answers, Kaito. Answers to questions that have plagued you, fears that have haunted you, and choices that have weighed on your soul. This is your mind’s way of confronting those fears, of forcing you to make a decision that you have been avoiding.” I felt a surge of frustration, my fists clenching at my sides. “And what if I don’t want to make a choice? What if I want out of this nightmare?” Ryota’s response was gentle but firm.
“There is no avoiding it. The path you choose will shape your future, whether you embrace it or not.” As the weight of his words settled over me, I felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, anger, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
I looked around at the other figures, seeking some kind of reassurance or explanation. But they remained silent, their gazes fixed on me, waiting for my decision.
“This isn’t real,” I muttered to myself, trying to ground myself in that thought.
“None of this is real.”
Ryota’s voice broke through my turmoil, calm and steady.
“Real or not, the choice is yours. And it is a choice that only you can make.”
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath as I tried to center myself.
The void seemed to press in on me, the silence deafening. When I opened my eyes again, I looked at Ryota with a newfound determination. “So, what happens now?” I asked, my voice firmer than before. Ryota inclined his head slightly. “You decide. Rebirth, or death to change the course of history. But remember, Kaito, we are only fragments—your imagination given form. The true answer lies within you.”
The world around me began to blur, the figures fading into mist as a sense of disorientation washed over me. Ryota’s voice echoed in my mind one last time, faint and distant.
“Wake up, Kaito... Wake up...”
And then, everything was gone. I woke up at the start, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
The darkness was all-encompassing, the void where I had believed I’d found a new life now returning me to where it all began. But this time, the darkness felt different—less like an ending, and more like a beginning. The choice, I realized, was still mine to make. As I got up, the world around me seemed to ripple, the darkness shifting in subtle waves. The pain from the gaping hole in my chest seared through me, sharp and relentless, but I clenched my teeth and fought through it.
This was no longer a punishment or a torment—it was a test, one that I would overcome. As I steadied myself, a slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the void, the sound cutting through the silence like a blade. My head snapped up, scanning the darkness for the source. “Show yourself!” I demanded, my voice filled with a mixture of anger and resolve. The clapping continued, mocking, distant, yet growing closer with each passing second.
I whirled around, expecting to see one of the familiar figures—the elf, the giant, the succubus—but there was nothing.
The void remained empty, save for the oppressive darkness that seemed to stretch on forever. And then, suddenly, the clapping stopped.
A chill ran down my spine as I turned back around, only to feel the blood drain from my face. My eyes widened in disbelief. Standing before me, bathed in a faint, eerie light that seemed to emanate from nowhere, was... me.
But it wasn’t just a mirror image. The figure before me was a twisted reflection, a darker version of myself.
His eyes burned with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine, and his smile—a cold, sinister grin—was devoid of warmth, a twisted parody of what I knew as my own.
He stood there, arms crossed, radiating an aura of power and malevolence that I recognized all too well. This wasn’t just another figment of my imagination. This was the abyss itself, wearing my face.
“You,” I breathed, my voice trembling despite my efforts to keep it steady.
The dark version of me chuckled, a low, menacing sound that seemed to reverberate through the void. “Surprised, Kaito? You shouldn’t be. After all, you’re the one who brought me here.” I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion and fear that threatened to overwhelm me.
“I don’t understand... What are you?”
He took a step closer, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey.
“I’m the part of you that you’ve always tried to suppress. The darkness you feared, the power you denied. The Abyssal King—your true self!”
My heart pounded in my chest, the words striking a chord deep within me. This wasn’t just some abstract manifestation. This was the culmination of everything I had been running from, everything I had refused to acknowledge.
The dark doppelgänger stood tall, his eyes glowing with malevolent energy. “Pathetic,” he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “We are the King of the Abyss, master of the void, terror of terrors. And you trap yourself in your own darkness?” As he spoke, the void seemed to contract, its oppressive darkness growing denser and more suffocating. But amid this encroaching gloom, a spark of defiance ignited within me. I refused to be a mere victim of my own creation. I would confront this shadow, not as a prisoner but as a ruler of my own fate. Drawing on every ounce of my willpower, I summoned the full depth of my dark magic.
A menacing black blade materialized in my hand, its edge enveloped in flickering dark flames.
The sword seemed to pulse with a life of its own, casting eerie shadows that danced across the void.
I gripped it tightly, feeling the raw, malevolent power surge through me. My doppelgänger, a distorted and malevolent reflection of myself, materialized his own dark blade, its surface glistening with shadowy energy. His smirk was one of twisted satisfaction.
“Let’s see how you fare against yourself,” he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. The air was thick with tension as we clashed. The sounds of our blades meeting were sharp and jarring, echoing through the void like the clash of thunder. Each strike and parry was executed with deadly precision, our weapons creating a whirlwind of dark energy.
My blade cut through the darkness, its flames crackling as it collided with his weapon, sending out ripples of dark energy that reverberated through the void. My doppelgänger retaliated by unleashing a barrage of shadowy projectiles. Each one shot through the void with lethal speed, aimed directly at me. I deftly deflected them with my sword, the projectiles bursting into ephemeral wisps of darkness upon impact. He didn’t relent, conjuring a swirling storm of dark mist, its tendrils snaking toward me, aiming to envelop and suffocate. I responded with a powerful spell, channeling my dark magic into a torrent of fire that roared forward with explosive intensity.
The dark flames consumed the mist, creating massive explosions that illuminated the void in brief, blinding flashes. Yet, my doppelgänger was unfazed.
He summoned a dense shield of shadow to absorb the blasts, his eyes narrowing with cold determination.
With a sudden, decisive movement, he raised his sword high, the void shimmering with dark energy as he called forth a series of shadow blades. They whirled around him, their edges sharp and deadly. I twisted and turned, narrowly evading their lethal arcs. Each blade that grazed my skin left a burning mark, a stark reminder of his formidable power. Not to be outdone, I unleashed a dark vortex, a maelstrom of swirling shadows that roared towards him with destructive force. The vortex exploded on impact, a tempest of dark energy that engulfed him momentarily. But he emerged unscathed, cloaked in an impenetrable shroud of shadow. He charged forward with unrelenting ferocity, his dark blade crackling with arcane energy.
Each strike was a brutal testament to his superiority, his movements swift and calculated. I struggled to keep pace, my defenses weakening under the relentless assault. His attacks were a relentless barrage of darkness, each one more intense than the last. Desperation drove me to unleash a final, explosive surge of dark magic.
I channeled energy into a series of devastating bursts, each explosion tearing through the void with thunderous force. But my doppelgänger remained impervious, summoning a dark shield that absorbed the blasts with ease. He closed the distance between us with chilling efficiency. With a final, crushing blow, he knocked my sword from my grasp. The weapon clattered to the void's floor, its dark flames sputtering out. I staggered, disoriented and exhausted, as he loomed over me, his dark blade poised for the killing strike.
The void seemed to close in, the darkness pressing down on me with an almost tangible weight. My doppelgänger stood above me, a towering specter of my own making. His eyes gleamed with a cruel satisfaction as he looked down at me.
“You see now, Kaito,” he whispered, his voice cold and final.
“You are nothing but a shadow of your true potential. And now, you are at my mercy.”
Defeated and drained, I lay on the ground, the void feeling like an inescapable prison.
My energy was spent, and the crushing realization of my failure pressed down on me. As I gazed up at my dark reflection, I felt the full weight of my own inadequacy and the overwhelming power of my own darkness.
“Accept me and be free, Kaito, be yourself, the part you were destined to be.”
The words of my dark reflection cut through the air like a blade, chilling and profound.
“Kaito... Not even the gods will be able to stop you... who do you think put you here in the first place?”
I stared at him, the revelation sinking in with a heavy, almost crushing weight.
My breath hitched, and my heart pounded in my chest.
The void around us seemed to pulse with his words, amplifying their gravity.
“What... what are you saying?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.
“You mean to tell me that the gods themselves are behind this?”
He nodded, a sinister smile curling his lips.
“Yes, Kaito. The very gods you have revered, the deities you believed would guide and protect you—they are the ones who orchestrated your descent into this darkness. They are the ones who set this trial before you.”
A shiver ran down my spine, and I felt my world tilt as the truth hit me. Everything I had been through, every moment of suffering and confusion, it was all part of a grand scheme, a manipulation far beyond my understanding. The gods I had trusted, who I had thought were guiding me, were actually the architects of my torment.
The dark doppelgänger’s expression hardened, his eyes gleaming with a cold intensity. “Because they fear what you, no, what we can become. You are an Abyssal King, a being that hasn’t been seen in billions of years since your passing. They fear us.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“So, all of this was never a game or a test, It’s a hell they created to keep me here?”
His gaze was unwavering, his voice edged with a bitter truth.
“Yes, it is a hell they designed to trap you in your own doubts and fears. The gods didn’t want you to realize your true potential. They wanted to hide the truth from you.”
A chill ran through me as the full weight of his words sank in. I had been manipulated, ensnared in a cycle of torment crafted by those I had once revered. It shattered my belief in their benevolence. “But why would they do this?” I asked, the anguish evident in my voice. “Why go to such lengths to keep me from understanding my true nature?”
The dark doppelgänger’s eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity.
“They fear what you could become, what you were always meant to be. They tried to keep you from discovering your true power, from becoming the Abyssal King you were destined to be. They didn’t want you to realize what you should have been born as.”
The void around us pulsed with a dark, almost malevolent energy.
The truth was undeniable: the gods had created this hell to hide the reality of my power, to prevent me from embracing my true self.
“You mean,” I said, struggling to grasp the enormity of the revelation, “this darkness, this power—it’s what I should have always known?”
He nodded, his form flickering with the dark energy of the void.
“Yes. It is your true nature, your birthright. You have the choice to embrace it now, to become what they feared you would be, or to continue resisting and remain trapped in their design.”
“Well then I choose you…”
As I reached out, my dark doppelgänger's form flickered and vanished, leaving behind a void of swirling shadows and intense, oppressive darkness. In an instant, the darkness shot toward me, a torrent of dark energy converging with a frenzied, almost desperate intensity.
The dark energy surged into me, engulfing me in a whirlwind of shadows. It felt like being submerged in an endless abyss, the darkness pressing into every fiber of my being. As the dark energy merged with me, an overwhelming sensation of power began to surge through me, growing stronger by the second. It was as if I was being infused with boundless strength, each moment amplifying my power to levels I could scarcely comprehend. I could feel the energy pulsing through my veins, transforming my very essence.
It was an exhilarating, almost intoxicating sensation, like a surge of raw, untamed power coursing through me.
I was becoming millions of times more powerful than I had ever been, the sheer magnitude of the transformation leaving me breathless. The darkness enveloping me was no longer a torment but a source of incredible power, propelling me beyond my previous limits.
As the last remnants of the darkness dissipated, the oppressive weight slowly lifted. The void that had been my tormentor began to fade, dissolving into a more serene, if unsettling, white expanse. I stood alone in a realm of pure, empty whiteness, the remnants of the darkness having receded into the void from which it came. In the distance, barely visible against the blinding backdrop, was a solitary figure. Seated upon an imposing throne, the figure was surrounded by an aura of calm and control. The throne itself was grand, a stark contrast to the emptiness of the white realm.
It was as if this being existed beyond the chaos and darkness I had just endured.
The figure's presence was both commanding and inscrutable, radiating a sense of profound authority. The realm around them was unblemished by shadows, a pristine expanse that seemed to exist outside of time and space.
They sat with a composed dignity, their gaze distant and contemplative, as if observing the unfolding events with an unspoken understanding. Suddenly, the figure's eyes snapped into focus, locking onto me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. A slow smile spread across their face, filled with a mix of admiration and something more unsettling.
“Great Kaito Ren, what a show!” they exclaimed, their voice resonating through the empty expanse like a chorus of echoes.
The praise dripped with both genuine awe and a hint of mockery, as if they had been waiting for this moment for far longer than I could comprehend.