I once made a promise to a girl.
That I would stay by her side. That I would come to her, even if it killed me.
She was drowning in despair. A life stripped of meaning, dreams turned to ash, hope long abandoned. She wasn't alone, not truly, but no one truly saw her. Surrounded by people, yet so untouched, so ununderstood.
I told her I'd be there. Always. If she needed me, I'd find her. No matter how long it took.
Was it love? No…I don't think so. It wasn't affection that gripped me. Yes. It was the sadness in her eyes. A gaze that looked less like life and more like despair made flesh.
And so I promised.
And I was there.
…Wasn't I?
At least, I want to believe I was. Because now I'm dead.
Dead? Am I? I ended my own life, yet even now I'm not certain. I feel strange, suspended somewhere between being and nothingness. But if I'm not alive, then what else could I be?
I said I would be there for her.
And she…
She only laughed when I told her. Laughed, as if it were some joke. She never realized I meant every word. Yet for some reason, she believed me. Why? We'd only known each other a handful of days, and still she placed all her hope in a promise born between strangers.
Hope? That wasn't hope.
What I saw in her was despair dressed in hope's clothing. A desperate smile, a spark of life forced back into her eyes. But it wasn't joy. It was something brittle. Something really hollow.
Her name,
Her face,
I can almost see them.
Grey-green hair, eyes like storm-tossed seas, a body like a fallen angel. A beauty so radiant it seemed god-touched and yet beneath it all…
She was fractured.
She was sad.
She was lonely.
And definitely cold.
But why?
And me? How did I die? Did I really die? I feel no pain. Or…no, I felt no pain. The memory is slippery, melting away before I can hold it.
The more I think, the less I understand.
What. Is. happening?
I promised her something, didn't I? Or was it someone else? What kind of promise was it? Did I even make one?
A promise…? I think so. I think I remember now. I promised to be there. For someone.
But for…who?
Think. Stay calm down. I don't know many people so it shouldn't be so hard to remember.
Just one name, that's all.
A friend maybe.
The first friend…the first is…
Who?
My head feels heavy. Am I losing myself?
No. Wait. I do have a name.
But it is a name though?
Lyrania.
Yes, that's it. That must be it. The one I promised.
But who is that?
The harder I cling to the thought, the more it slips away. And breathing…why is it so hard to breathe? As if the air itself is vanishing around me.
Strange. Really strange.
Until now, all I've seen is darkness. Did I really not notice? Am I asleep? Alive? Dead? What is this place?
I can't remember. Not even my own name.
Who am I? No. What am I?
Then suddenly-
Shhhhew!
Something streaks past me. A Light? No. A star, burning across the void.
Beautiful it looked.
But wait…
How can a star pass by me? I'm not in space.
Or am I?
Then suddenly again-
Haaaah!
Air slams against me. I'm falling. Falling a bit too fast! Too fast! Clouds rip past, the moon spins overhead, and the ground surges up to meet me. Mountains, oceans, forests, all rushing closer.
The wind roars in my ears, freezing my voice in my throat. I can't even scream anymore.
One more second, and I'll-
But nothing.
Huh?
The air pressure vanishes. The fall stops.
When I open my eyes, I'm lying on soft, endless grass. A breeze brushes my face, cool and gentle, carrying a peace I've never felt before.
chhhriiing!
The sound drifts from above me. The light. It is the light again! The same one from before.
„Haaah…" Relief escapes me like a sigh.
It hovers just in front of my face, glowing faintly.
Can I touch it? I have to. Just a little tap.
„Weird light. I don't know my name, but I'm not a bad person."
Slowly, I raise my hand. My fingertip brushes it-
And suddenly my hair lifts, crackling with static. The air itself seems to pull me toward it.
„What, aghh!"
A flash bursts before my eyes, blinding white.
Chhhrrriiing-whoosh!
And everything shatters into light.
„Hello? Hello, young man? Can you hear me? I'm talking to you, you know? Hmmm. Maybe he really is dead?"
A voice.
Is someone calling me?
„If you don't wake up now, you'll be eaten alive, and I never lie, just so you know."
My eyes…
Heavy. They felt too heavy. Not opening the way I imagined. Or atleast as I hoped.
Slowly and painfully I forced them open.
And so he appeared in front of me.
„Oh, so you're alive after all. Hey, I'm Juenzi. I was out walking when I saw you lying here. What's your name, by the way?"
He wore glasses. Had brown hair and green eyes. He looked athletic, yet awkward in those glasses. Though Fitter-looking than his face suggested. Juenzi? Did he say Juenzi?
„Name? I don't know my name."
My name.
My name?
What is my name? I don't remember having one.
Where even am I?
My head aches.
Do I have to remember?
„You don't remember? Hmm. Maybe because you fell from the sky. Did you hit your head when you landed? Maybe you were fighting? This region is crawling with monsters, you know? Lots to see, lots of ways to die."
He is laughing at his own jokes. Is that normal behavior?
„I fell from the sky? I don't remember that. I don't remember falling."
„Hmmm. Hit your head too hard, maybe? Try remembering anything, doesn't matter what. Just something."
That's exactly the problem. There's nothing.
And then I noticed it.
The ground beneath me. No, not just the ground. It was a crater. One big one. Towering walls of earth surrounding us. It ws deep and wide. If I had to guess, at least three kilometers across. Hundreds of meters down.
What in the world had happened here?
„I don't remember anything. Not my name. Not my past. Nothing. I may have even forgotten how to walk."
„Not so good to know. Well, actually, I need someone to help me with my work in the city. Want to come with me? I'll give you a roof over your head. A bed and food too."
Food. Shelter. Choice? Do I even have one? Saying no feels… impossible.
„Work? Me? I just said I've lost my memory."
„Oh yeah, you did. But you're clutching that sword like it's your lifeline. So I'd say you know how to use it."
Sword?
What sword?
Huh?!
My hand? Something solid pressed into it. A blade curved and gleaming. White edge, black hilt, a blade tinted blue, glowing faint but real.
Is that mine? I don't…remember having one.
Wait. I don't remember anything.
So…it must be mine. Right?
„I didn't even realize I was holding this."
„Then you've really lost everything. Poor you. Anyway, let's get moving. Hope you can fight, otherwise we're both done for. I'm just saying, I don't know what it's like to get beaten up."
So we climbed out and from above, the crater looked monstrous like a meteor had slammed into the earth. Or a battle of gods. Or both?
„Listen, when we get there, don't play dumb. Be polite. They're good people, you know the research group. Do me that favor."
Research group?
„It's the least I can do. By the way what is this place called?"
„Ah, right right. You lost your memory. My bad. This is Longyuan. Basically means Dragon Spring. Long ago, dragons lived here in harmony. To keep it short, their dragon leader fell. The rest fled…many killed one after another. Afterward, the Moritae family bought the land, built a civilization. They're one of the twelve great families now. They are respected, feared and also known for trade and alliances."
Too much.
Too much information.
I asked one question and he gave me a whole book.
My age? I don't even know how old I am.
„I don't know my age. But thank you for the lovely story."
„Maybe I really did talk too much."
„It's all right."
I already had my doubts.
Well, whatever. Let's just focus on this "work" he kept bringing up.
After what felt like hours of him talking, we finally reached some kind of building. Actually, three buildings. The middle one looked like the main hall, the other two probably just side places for workers or something. Government-supported? I had no idea.
But it looked…crazy. Old, but not old, you know? Antique and modern at the same time. Kind of strange, kind of beautiful. People were everywhere. They were selling things, laughing, kids running around. There was even a little water park where children were splashing. Their laughter felt…real.
Peaceful compared to the crater.
„So, when we go through this door, try to act normal, okay? Friendly. I don't want things to get awkward again…"
„Again?" I raised a brow.
"Eh, let's not talk about that. Just come on."
He shoved the door in.
The mechanism was odd. It had no handle, just a push. Easier, I guess.
Inside, I stopped.
The first girl didn't even glance at me. She had red hair, red eyes, and was focused on a map she was scribbling on. She wore a white uniform, probably standard here. Her body was…let's say strong or did look strong, but in a way that made you realize how hard she worked for it.
The second girl looked softer. Brown hair and wore glasses. Similar build to the first girl, maybe a little curvier. I sound like I'm inspecting them. But the way she smiled at me it was…warm.
And then the last one.
She was blonde, had long hair that nearly brushed her back. Eyes like deep oceans and her body or well everything just balanced.
„Oh! Is he the new one? Is it him?" the brown-haired girl asked.
„Well, technically, yeah," Juenzi said. „I found him lying on the floor. I couldn't just let him starve. Sniff sniff poor guy…"
What the hell?
„He's lying," the redhead snapped.
„He forced you, didn't he? Desperate as always, Juenzi. You're insane!"
She really sounded like she didn't like him and honestly, I could see why.
„Fine, fine!" Juenzi waved his hands.
„Truth is. I found him in a huge crater. Not even lying, right now. He fell from the sky and has no injury, not even a scar. Just no memories somehow."
„The first story was more believable," the brown-haired girl frowned.
„Falling from the sky? Seriously? Sure, we all saw the weird light explode, but that's pushing it. Even he looks confused."
And she was right. I did look confused. I mean I was confused. Who in their right mind would buy a story like that?
Except it's the truth. As much as I know it.
„He's not lying. At least…I don't think so," I muttered.
„I woke up there. That's all I remember."
„Did he drug you?" the redhead scoffed. "There is no other way. Juenzi's so obsessed that he went as far as to drug you, didn't he? With your little energy addiction!"
„It's important!" Juenzi argued back instantly.
„If we could tap natural energy directly just imagine the savings. Imagine the money!"
Yeah. They'd clearly been at this argument before. Dozens of times probably too.
Poor girl.
„Does that matter right now?" I said.
„I'm already here, so might as well help."
„Good! Great! Perfect!" Juenzi beamed. „Just need to grab the drill and we're set. Don't worry about a thing!"
A drill?
„Wait."
Her voice was quiet, but heavy. It came from the blonde one.
„I'll come too. We shouldn't overwhelm the newcomer."
After that we set off and so finally arrived, our paths split though. She went her way, we went ours. She didn't say a word the whole time. No questions, no glances, nothing. Like I wasn't even there. Meanwhile, Juenzi just wouldn't shut up. Queation after question, explanation after explanation. Annoying, but also helpful. Honestly, at least he was filling the silence.
He told me about this world. About magic. Or mana basically the same thing. Everyone has a core in their body, like a second heart? I guess. It's where life energy flows from, keeping you alive and strong and balanced. You usually can gain more mana by killing creatures, eating certain fruits, pills, or just training. Cultivation, he called it. There are so many more things here I couldn't even try to remember them all.
But mana isn't the only thing. There's also something called Aether. But yeah by then I didn't listen anymore.
Still, one thing bothered me. How do I even sense mana? Do I even have any? I don't feel like I do. Or maybe I just can't tell.
„Where are we going? You said cave, right? That one looks like it," I said, while pointing.
He stopped me. His voice changed too.
„Listen. This isn't an ordinary cave. It's like a small dungeon so that means monsters. And that means Everywhere. And also waiting. The deeper we go, the worse it gets. I don't know you. You don't know me. But once we're in there, you listen to me. Okay? You understand? Because if you slip, we both could die. And if you die, I'll leave you behind. But that doesn't make me the villain. It's just survival. We need fifteen minutes for each drill and there are 3 locations in total. After that, you're free to go. I'll even give you contacts, people who can help you build a new life. Only if you survive."
Contacts and a new life?
He says it like he's already sure I'll make it through. Or maybe like it doesn't matter to him either way.
„Fine," I said.
„Lead. I'll follow. I'll fight. I'll survive."
„That's the spirit!" he grinned. „Let's find the first spot."
The cave wasn't natural. Jagged walls glittered with black crystals. The air hung heavy, thick, sharp in the nose.
We reached the first spot. Crystals arched overhead, humming faintly. The ground uneven, black moss crunching under our boots.
„This is it," he said.
He set the drill down. It came alive, humming, tip glowing blue. The stone shook and so the dusk rose. The moss shifted.
Skrrkkhh!
Something was scraping.
And then it turned into screeches.
Eyes were opening in the dark. Rats? Definitely not normal rats. They seem bigger. Way bigger.
„I knew the noise would bring them," Juenzi muttered.
The drill kept turning. Fifteen minutes. Just fifteen. Long enough for anything to happen.
„Don't worry," he said quickly.
„They sound close, but it's just echo. Still careful though. The next drilling spot is nearby. Maybe we'll rest first."
Was he nervous? His voice didn't sound controlled.
I smirked. „Hope the food's worth it, otherwise I'll drain your natural energy instead." A weak joke to ease the atmosphere around us.
„Also…since I'm actually starting this
conversation, tell me something. About Aether. Can you feel it?"
He blinked, surprised.
„Oh, you talk? Interesting, interesting. Well, to feel Aether, you'd need to consume runes. And you know only someone with no mana at all could do that. Me? I'm still full of mana. So, no experience there. But theoretically speaking no. You wouldn't feel it. Aether doesn't flow through a core like mana does. It merges with you and becomes part of you. But I like this topic so let's say I drained all your mana. That would mean you'd die because no oxygen equals no brain activity. But if you somehow survived and consumed Aether, it would form an artificial core. Well, not really a core but rather a whole new body. One that is stronger, sharper, and more defined. It doesn't flow like mana, but uses your nerves instead. You'd need stronger nerves to handle it, you know? Otherwise, it means death again. If you somehow survived that one too you wouldn't notice much until you used aether. But yeah converting mana into Aether is forbidden. Too dangerous."
I leaned back against the wall, needing space. He dropped too many information. His words are still spinning in my head.
„So basically," I muttered, "Aether isn't power. But a replacement?"
„Pretty much," Juenzi shrugged.
„But it's all theory. In reality, you'd be dead long before you got that far
By the time he finished the third drill, the crystals had turned to liquid. He scooped the glowing pink fluid into a container, eyes sparkling with greed.
It was beautiful, I had to admit. Strange, glowing, and alive almost.
Learning new things about this world should've been exciting.
But all I could think was.
If I hadn't lost my memories would I have already known all this?
„So, we're finished!" Juenzi cheered.
„Expected monsters, but nothing came. Not even one. What a day to be alive!"
The grin on his face was too wide, too greedy.
This is your average scientist.
As we left the cave, I thought it was over. But then-
„Shrieeeee!"
The scream tore through the forest. My ears rang, my skull throbbed.
„Argh, damn it!" Juenzi staggered.
„That…that sounded like a Syrithiel! Shit, I wasn't expecting that!" He dropped everything, bags, tools, didn't even care, and bolted.
„What's a Syrithiel?" I yelled, trying to keep up.
„You don't want to know! Fighting one is suicide, especially with you in your state! With memory loss? You'd get us both killed!"
We started running. Through the forest. Trees blurring past. One, two, three, a hundred. So many my lungs burned.
And then the trees ended.
Before us…grass. Miles and miles of grass. Endless, swaying under the wind. The sky swallowing everything. Too open and too wide. Damn it.
„Skkrii!"
The scream again. But this time much closer..
It was following us.
Of course it was. That dungeon stench of mana clung to us like blood.
„We can't lose it here!" Juenzi gasped. „Open land? It'll catch us in seconds." His hands shook, and his eyes were looking everywhere. He was panicking too muchy
„Think, think, think…there has to be a way…maybe. No, no that's suicide, damn it, damn it!"
He was cracking. Sweating, trembling, muttering to himself.
„It's almost here!" I shouted, but he didn't hear me. Or maybe he did and couldn't process it. Then.
Crack!
The sound behind us.
I froze.
A shadow moved out of the trees.
Huge and terrifying.
Black scales jagged like shattered obsidian. Wings sharp as broken glass, sparks hissing at their edges. Horns curling from its skull. And eyes, eyes that burned white, merciless, cold.
The air itself buzzed like it was alive. My skin prickled. Grass bent low like it was bowing. The scent of ozone filled my throat.
Every instinct screamed.
Run!
But my legs locked.
„Juenzi," I whispered.
„Don't move fast. Slowly."
But he didn't hear me. He wasn't even trembling. Just…frozen.
Then again.
"Fwoom!"
He was gone. Thrown like a ragdoll, crashing somewhere in the grass. Unconscious. Dead? I didn't know.
And I…I was alone.
My chest burned.Yes, my whole body burned. It wasn't like fire. It felt different and unknown.
Breathing became hard . My skin tingled, hot. Too fucking hot.
The creature stepped closer. Its size was about 3 meters tall if I had to guess. Only muscle and scale.
It loomed over me. Looking up and down. Was he studying me?
My body still screamed. Heat still rising.
What's happening to me?
„Hungry."
…What?
The voice didn't come from it. The sound was inside me.
Inside me…? What did I say?
„Eat him. Eat him. EAT HIM!"
It was screaming now. Mad one. A voice I didn't know, but one that felt too close.
„What? Who's talking?"
The monster in front of me stimm didn't move. It was just starring at me almost like it was waiting.
„NO! EAT HIM!"
The voice roared again. My blood felt like it was boiling.
But then-
The monster's claw slammed down on my shoulder.
„Splrch!"
Pain exploded.
„ARGHHHH!"
My shoulder? It was gone. Crushed into pulp. I collapsed and my vision shook. I clutched the wound, blood soaking everything, but…I barely felt the pain anymore. What the hell is just happening? Everything's been weird.
Was I dying? Just like this?
„NO! I'M HUNGRY!" The fucking voice again.
What was happening to me?
I remembered waking in a crater with no memory. Then meeting Juenzi. And now dying in front of some ugly creature? The hell?
Maybe if I close my eyes, it'd be quicker. Maybe it wouldn't hurt.
„Eat…eat…EAT!"
My body jerked. But I didn't tell it to. It wasn't me. I didn't tell it to move. My arm stretched forward, hand open, fingers splayed.
The creature tilted its head, almost…puzzled.
My vision still blurry and I couldn't breathe.
„EAT! CONSUME!"
The voice shattered everything inside me.
I reached further and further.
And then.
There was also darkness.
My eyes closed on their own. Consciousness slipping like sand through my fingers.
Maybe dying isn't so bad. And so my eyes closed.
„Eat…eat…lied…"