After the proclamation of the Story, the world began to fracture.
The white fur coat Lein wore started fading away — just like Kyle's body — both crumbling into black sand.
The cave, once reeking of blood, suddenly lost all smell.
The cold gnawing at Lein's back slowly faded, leaving behind a strange after-sensation.
Before he could react, the cracks widened, devouring everything and drowning the space around him in darkness.
In a blink, not a trace remained of the vast world Lein had just stood in.
Everything was gone — erased — swallowed by true Nothing.
«And so... here we are again.»
Lein let out a long sigh.
He still hadn't recovered from Kyle's death — it pressed down on him like a weight.
«Idiot… He was going to die anyway. So why am I even sad?» he wondered.
«Because… it is sad,» he replied to himself.
He clenched his jaw.
Kyle had chosen death. He had wanted it. He had stepped toward it on his own.
And yet… those final words...
Lein wanted to smash something, to break it just to spill his rage — but there was nothing around.
He wanted to hit someone… maybe even kill. But no one was nearby.
He wanted to scream, snap, unleash everything burning inside him.
But he was alone. Completely alone.
«Idiot… If death scared you so much — you could've just not died back then,» he thought bitterly, remembering Kyle's confession.
Lein shook his head, exhausted.
The tempests in his chest gradually settled.
«Haa... What's done is done. No point regretting it now.»
Once he had finally calmed, a familiar whisper brushed his ears — and a Story Window appeared:
[Chosen One, you have successfully completed the first level of the fragment.]
[Your soul has evolved.]
[You have chosen your path of Ascension:]
— Ascension Level: 1
— Current Title: Child of Darkness
— Path: Darkness
[Do you want to view the details of your level?]
[Yes/No]
Lein hesitated.
«So... like game ranks? Hmm, how many are there in total?..»
The Story said nothing.
Lein sighed and pressed Yes.
[Path of Darkness: First Ascension]
Title: Child of Darkness
[Description:]
Since ancient times, darkness has been seen as a sign of misfortune.
People turned their backs on those who walked in it — or worshiped it.
Now only rumors remain. Their glory is forgotten, their deeds wiped away.
This is a path that should not exist.
A deity erased from history.
First level of the Path of Darkness: Child of Darkness.
[Abilities:]
— «Your soul has evolved: you can now comprehend far more.»
— «Your body has strengthened, your reflexes quickened, your mind sharpened.»
— «You see through any darkness.»
— «Your intuition has evolved: you sense Errors.»
— «Cracks in reality now appear before you alone.»
— «You may influence them. The stronger the influence, the more energy is required.»
— «Your soul now produces mystical Ether — limited only by your imagination.»
Lein smirked crookedly.
«That's… a lot.»
But the Story wasn't done. Another whisper — and a new Window opened:
[Congratulations, you have obtained a Divine Title: Apostle of Darkness]
[Title Level: 8]
[Title Description:]
You are the Apostle of the God of Darkness. Your fate is now interwoven with His.
He has noticed you and offered a chance to follow in His footsteps — do not waste it.
[Title Effect:]
— Your bond with darkness deepens — it will not shy away from you.
— You are now tied to His past — darkness shall obey.
— Your intuition has sharpened — now you sense flaws even in what seems flawless.
— The Story grants you new opportunities — you are now bound to it.
Reading the last line, Lein went silent:
«So… the God of Darkness really did create the Story? He controls both... Darkness and the Story?»
He exhaled.
He was still nowhere near understanding the nature of gods.
Another whisper — another Window:
[You have received a new Title: Forgotten by the Story]
[Title Level: 8]
[Title Description:]
You are now forgotten by everyone — everyone except the Story.
The Story remembers all: the strong, the weak, even the nameless.
Your existence is weightless — unseen by gods and men alike.
Your tale won't fade into oblivion — grant it meaning anew.
You alone remember yourself.
So who are you now?
[Title Effect:]
— All will forget you.
Lein exhaled with relief.
«Good... At least they'll be safe...»
His head swirled with thoughts.
What now?
How was he supposed to keep going?
Why had the world shifted so suddenly?
Why was the Story born in the first place?
«First of all… I need to leave.»
Another whisper — a tiny Window:
[Do you wish to return to Reality?]
[Yes/Yes]
Lein let out a dry chuckle.
«Beat you to it…»
He hit Yes.
At once, he started falling.
Downward — into darkness.
To his surprise, he saw no cracks at all...
As if this very darkness was the crack — endless and terrifying.
Then, suddenly — he was standing in a familiar basement.
Four people lay in front of him.
Two adults. Two children.
His family.
He noticed a mirror — empty, without the faintest trace of his reflection.
A white towel lay nearby; with a swift motion, he draped it over the glass.
Then he went over to them and checked their pulse.
«Thank God... They're breathing.»
Carefully, he lifted them and carried each to a worn-out couch in the corner.
Once he made sure they were resting peacefully, Lein turned and headed for the stairs.
Each step grew heavier.
The realization that he might never speak to them again settled like lead in his mind.
But he didn't dare look back.
If he did… he'd never be able to leave them behind.
The thought that maybe they would simply forget him — offered a cruel, false hope.
Lein climbed out of the basement and stepped outside.
He walked away from his family.