[Immortal Adventurer Dragon, we meet once again. I have been watching your journey for Vengeance to correct the mistakes made in anger. Now that you possess the Aurora and your dear sister has succumbed to her tormentor, what pray tell will be your wish?]
Divine Legends, the hottest virtual reality game held secrets greater than anyone ever could have predicted. When the hidden truth came to light it was already too late. This so called digital world was more realistic than first predicted. After only one year since its release upon the Earth and four years within Nova, they have slowly merged overturning the power balance of the whole world. No longer were the military and politicians governing the world, as those of the top ten Guilds were now in control. One such guild were the Sol Knight's, advocating light and hope but underneath the surface they were worse than monsters. Leading the most prominent dark organization among the shadows to keep their hands clean.
On this very day a record-breaking war took place for the ownership of the Aurora, an all-powerful crystal forged at the dawn of creation from the first star born among chaos' many children grant the beholder a limitless wish. No dream was too big with this item in one's possession. The battlefield became a shallow lake of blood of the fallen as guild leader of Sol Knight's, Shining Knight, stood supreme laughing maniacally above a fly he long thought dead.
"Ha, to think dear old dragon my most loyal dog was actually a mutt waiting to bite their master's hand. Grey, did you genuinely believe that you were going to be able to catch me vulnerable with my guard down and rescue your precious sister. News flash I won the very day you ran away in rage after discovering that my family had your parents killed. Minami despises you now more than she does me, but the difference is that I control her leash. How did it feel to watch as she was run through by my men every other night? Did it make you crazy? No, I bet it turned you on. You failed and now I possess the Aurora! This world will bow down to my greatness!"
Shining Knight found great humor as he towers over his strongest follower on his knees skewered like a porcupine of varying weapons. A maiden adorned in all white robes stood at Shining's side with eyes dead to the world. This was not how this was supposed to be. Dragon was meant to gain his long sought-after vengeance for the pain and suffering his family endured because of this beast. Bleeding out helplessly his eyes plead toward his precious sister hoping that somewhere deep down she was still in there. She must be in there!
"Tonight, men all of whom are left standing today will have the chance to bed the Saintess Lunaria," Shining Knight cheered in triumph holding up the Aurora for all to witness. Unseeingly a flash of white passed his outstretched hand before he could even react properly. Screams of outrage tear through the air as Dragon disappears among a rainbow ray of light thanks to a not so obedient saintess.
Dragon emerged inside the world's hub that most do not see again since the start of the game. Now healed of his wounds he stands before Mystique, the Goddess of Mystery who was giving a round of applause. She is the face of this new world even though no one has ever laid eyes upon her face for she always wore a veil. In his grasp a crystal rainbow prism radiates energy like none he has ever experienced before.
[Truly entertaining dear adventurer. I do enjoy a thrilling mystery where even I am unsure of what will happen next. I was so sure your dear sister's soul was long broken yet somehow, you've managed a shard of hope to return. Tell me boy what do you wish for?]
"Before I make my wish can you answer my question?"
[As the Goddess of Mystery, you have intrigued this one. Speak your question but know I will only answer if it falls within guidelines.]
"Then please tell me how I could've insured I was powerful enough to protect those I love?"
[As this information is now irrelevant, I will provide you with five key points that would have strengthen your foundation.]
[1. Among the cosmos Asura comes up as the strongest Ancestral name available that only a complete imbecile would remain weak. This name, however, is unlike the others that you've come across. There is a test one must pass proving their worthiness to those that came before to utilize its power.]
[2. The mystery contest before Divine Legends release prize would jump start even the most rookie of players at the start. You would be the first player to obtain a customized game cabin beginning with 99% synchronization. The answer however was simple yet not as it was the binary code for chosen one.]
[3. The obvious do not run away after reading the letter left by your parents their death was meant to make you both stronger. As a freebie I will add that your sister should have chosen mage instead of Cleric to fully experience the power of her Ancestral name. Forging bonds with those that are gifted is the only way to succeed in the end of days. Solo adventures will only take a being so far in the grand scheme of life.]
[4. Complete the gene awakening sooner as this would have given you a chance to not be left behind and absorb greater energy before the entire world merges.]
[5. Based on your hidden physique, becoming a follower of the sun was not logical. Just because a God is mainstream doesn't make them the strongest no matter the number of followers. This land holds many secrets that have yet to be discovered only uncovering 1% of its mystery.]
[I have now answered your question so do pray tell what your wish is?]
"Thank you for the information and I'm very sorry. I WISH TO GO BACK IN TIME AND START OVER!" Once a pure true wish has been spoken it cannot be broken, the Aurora activates shattering into a million tiny fragments forming a rainbow cyclone around him. The brightest smile spreads wide below her dark veil as satisfaction of a mystery truly fitting just took place. Throughout the cosmos this powerful surge has been felt by those big and small as reality splits and destroys itself. Cries of outrage brought pure elation to the Goddess of Mystery as the foreshadowed true fate had finally begun. Those chosen to bring great change to the universe are written among the stars from the moment of conception yet under the playful grin of the Goddess of Mystery a domino effect is spreading across the galaxy as if a film has been removed to reveal the real truth. Like everything that has taken place was all part of nothing greater than a prologue and not a separate book all on its own. One god overcome with rage saw this change and tried everything in its power to stop this occurrence however, not by one or two but several entities interfered leaving parting gifts as they stop the mad god's desperate ploy to curse their chosen one right before the Aurora seals away this one true and final wish.
[I knew you were worthy to be my chosen one.]
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Among a small three-bedroom apartment inside the city hands of fate unraveled like silk. A young nineteen-year-old boy with dark brown hair and matching eyes awakens with a start. Grasping at his burning chest gasping for air he tries to steady his mind. Ten years of memory crammed into the mind of a simple mortal brain felt like a hundred's ton truck was crushing it. A plain dark bedroom the size of a closet and a heavenly scent of breakfast wafting from the kitchen. He was truly back in the past. Glancing at the date on his phone it reads: 10/05/3250.
That leaves less than four weeks before launch day to plan and get in shape. Grey could no longer ignore the burning sensation on his chest taking off his shirt he can now locate the culprit. A faint brand lay above his heart in the shape of a prism like that of the Aurora. Does this mean it is now bound to him? Before his thoughts could have the chance to spiral down the rabbit hole a soft melody calls out to him.
"Brother breakfast is ready hurry up or its going to get cold!"
Grey redressed heads out to the small living area where two steaming plates await before the TV. As tradition every morning before Minami went off to school breakfast is to be paired with the news. Taking his seat Grey settles into his meal. "Wow brother you're eating like a stranded man in the wild! I know it's not much, but you can have some of mine I'm not that hungry."
"Eat Mini your big brother is just enjoying his precious sister's cooking. I don't want you to ever go without food."
They continue their usual small talk where Minami tells him about her courses at the college and how the archery instructor praise is so embarrassing.
[….. tonight, will be the final day for everyone to go buy a lottery ticket for this record-breaking jackpot of 6 billion credits. I know if I won that kind of cash, I would be sipping whiskey on my private island….]
[Next on Global News, the buzz surrounding Divine Legends has only grown as the release nears. How could the mysterious Starr labs not give any form of a hint as to what the mystery answer could be. There are a limitless number of possibilities….]
"Wow the world is going crazy over this game that's all my classmates talk about. Oh no, look at the time I am going to be late! Will you wash up for me?"
Grey just shooed her out the door with a smile promising to take care of it. Finally, he is alone, and the first step of his plan could commence. In the previous timeline the mega lottery should have been his but while out shopping he received a call from his family's lawyer informing him about a last rite. Grey was unable to focus on anything else and missed out on a huge opportunity. Yes, waiting would mean a larger sum of money, however it also means that he would have to share the pot. Living paycheck to paycheck, they did not have much as anything extra went towards food or Minami's schooling. Correcting this stain in history will be one of many towards a greater future. Grey pulls out his parent's old laptop pulling up the infamous text bar on Starr Labs website. "Mystique is truly cunning with such an impossible answer that only if told one could guess correctly."
[Binary code: chosen one]
Waiting with anticipation his heart drops as his screen goes into complete darkness. There was no way this was happening to him. Trumpets sound and confetti canons explode across the screen in celebration.
[Congratulations user greyhound666 on successfully answering this one unspoken riddle. A feat quite miraculous indeed as to obtain this answer required a certain key. Well, no matter, once seventy-two hours come and pass the chosen one will be the first to step foot inside Starr Labs. However, be forewarned boy if our location is exposed the reward I'm about to share will be forfeit.]
[1. Gaming helmets of varying grades are all the rage but how could such limitations on time be deemed suitable for the one chosen to put on a great show. A divine cabin marks the foundation of your journey to come. During your visit special measurements and data will be collected to craft a vessel that only one chosen will be able to utilize. No longer fret of only having limited playing time for there will be no such restrictions. As long as the cabin remains stocked with Nutra-smoothies and Powder-X to sustain hunger, thirst, and body fatigue you will never need to leave.]
[2. Of course, with such a great vessel greater supply is mandatory so a year's supply of grade 3 or higher Nutra-smoothies and one-of-a-kind Powder-X will be supplied as needed for an entire year.]
[3. Once the divine cabin has been successfully programmed to match your specific needs and delivered you may begin your journey on the path to becoming a legend.]
[4. As the one chosen a simple beginner's pack will not do so I will grant you a suitable beginners pack to accommodate your fated path.]
[5. As the final reward that I will share with you a single request within bounds will also be granted.]
[I will see you soon chosen one.]
"Mystique mentioned the cabin that alone is enough of a power boost, but all this was nothing short of monstrous."
Grey shuts down the computer to wash up their dishes before heading out to one of his jobs at the gym as a physical trainer. For now, all he could do was wait for this coming Friday to be able to move forward with his plan. Just like before late in the evening on his way home from his second job he is stopped by a man hidden among the shadows. This black box is the last time he would ever be able to communicate with his parents.
Arriving at their small apartment Grey is greeted with the savory smell of hamburger steak right inside the door. Kicking off his shoes he heads to the small bathroom to wash up before joining Minami for dinner. Last time Grey was impatient fearing that this package would give the answer he knew deep down to be true. Unraveling the letter on top reading over the short paragraph his anger boiled over like a pot before even reaching the end.
[To our darling children if you're reading this letter it means we are no longer with you. Apologies for the unusual delivery method but we could not be too safe. As much as we would love to continue to protect the rose-colored bubble around you both that is no longer possible. Our deaths were no accident or whatever fabrication they made up. These people are immensely powerful so please don't do anything rash. We love you both so much and want you two to look after each other. As the date nears for Divine Legends release you both should take it very seriously as it holds greater power than either of you could imagine. A deposit of fifty grand will be deposited into the family account to buy whatever you need, so you don't fall behind. Be safe our loves the future will be a dark winding path of challenges you must overcome. The Raven will guide you.]
Minami was bawling her eyes out as she clutched the letter like a lifeline. The sight was truly heartbreaking but there was no time to mourn. Grasping her shoulders, "I know this was hard to hear Minami but our parents have imparted on us a task to get stronger so we can protect ourselves from whoever killed them. As your brother I will always protect you from the darkness of this world, however I need you to be able to protect yourself if for some reason I cannot be there. Do you think you can handle that?"
Minami glances up with tear-stained cheeks her usual bright purity seemed almost clouded unlike before. There was never a day that a smile did not grace those soft lips. Grey knew that tough love was not what she would be expecting but it was what she needed. In these coming days nothing would ever be for certain whether strong or weak. With a firm nod in resolution Minami follows Grey's instructions to unlock this small black box.
Genetic DNA security was an invention that only existed in the pockets of the elite and shady. It is a special device that comes in many shapes and sizes sought-after by the darkest of criminals and politicians to prevent burglary. One could not replicate DNA, blood flow, and whatever else one wanted to add on as a security measure. This one in particular needed both siblings to be scanned at the same time. Something that never had the chance to happen in the previous timeline.
Once unlocked all that rests inside is a burner phone programmed with one number inside, a slip of paper, and two buzzing blue vials. How could he be looking at the gene awakening serum so soon? Were their parents actually involved in something that Grey knew nothing about? Unfolding the piece of paper Grey's pupils shrunk over its contents. These numbers were the code for Starr labs grand prize that only he was able to receive by going straight to the source. How could his simple parents have access to so many top-secret items? So many unanswered questions but there was only one thing for certain and that's to call the number on this phone.
(Ring!!!!)
"[So, you've finally received your parents' package to think they would hold off so close to the starting line.]"
Grey knew this voice like no other, Mr. Night, the father of his arranged betrothed and head clan leader of the league of shadows. "[Hold all of your questions a car will be by to pick you up shortly. Pack only the essentials.]" (Click.) With the end of the call the phone self-destructs a trail of smoke escaping the inside. Within ten minutes a black SUV pulled up in front of their apartment complex followed by a van that stayed behind for what Grey could only presume to be a cleanup crew to make them disappear.
A silent 45-minute ride along empty roads lead to the outskirts of the city within the forests to a small fortress surrounded by reflective wall. To the untrained eye the forest went on forever. After a facial scan, pin, retina, and voice activated phrase the armored gates swing open to a large two-story mansion. Grey takes in several security measures that should not yet exist in this timeline digging a deeper hole of doubt into who were his parents.
The driver guides them to what could be nothing short of a war room where Mr. Night and his daughter Onyx await dressed in staple all black attire. "[Welcome Minami and Grey to the safe house your parents designed for you. There is much to discuss.]"
Onyx remained silent throughout her father's storytelling cold eyes focused only onto her betrothed. Basically Dream Co. murdered their parents because of a paranoia that the pair created a special serum that would chemically awaken a dormant gene to unlock unimaginable power. Divine Legends came to fruition as their parents discovered a fossil radiating cosmic energy on an excursion. While completing research at one of their unmarked labs this fossil awoke to become something Abnormal. Abilities displayed only in movies were taking place right before their mortal eyes. As scientists they knew nothing about video games so they chose the top companies to battle for the chance of partnering with them to craft suitable VR equipment that can support soul transition. The world minus a few chosen ones would be led to believe that this new world is nothing more than a game meanwhile the truth hidden behind the smoke was so much more. The artifact commonly would distribute codes that need to be solved to access blueprints on how to build certain items, one of which was the serum. Their parents were leagues above any other scientists on the project, so everyone tried to steal their results. Before their death they managed to craft ten vials two of which were delivered earlier tonight.
Minami could no longer contain her tears as her brain had just taken a major beating. The driver from earlier escorts her up to her room to rest as it's already late. Grey knew what he was about to say was going to sound crazy and only had one chance to gain their trust, so he decided to go out with a swing. "Ubi lux umbrae morabuntur, nam in tenebris umbrae exibunt ad ludendum."
"[To utter our vow while not baring the brand are grounds for death. However, with the knowledge your parents nor my daughter taught this to you I'll grant 60 seconds to plead your case.]"
Palpable tension weighs heavily in the air. Grey's resolve could not afford to be shaken before he even begun. "Thank you, Master Raven, what I'm about to tell you shall not leave this room though I'm sure you'll deem me insane. My soul is from the future thanks to this brand on my chest from an artifact known as the Aurora that can grant one true wish. Previously, after reading half of the letter, I became overcome with rage that my suspicions were true and abandoned my sister for a path of Vengeance. That is how after a few months I became aware of the league of shadows thanks to my former queen who lost her life to protect a blinded fool. Divine legacy will begin to merge with reality in one year once the majority of humanity awakens and becomes able to bring powers from inside the so-called game to reality. Governments toppled as the mightiest guilds stand supreme. I refuse to let those I love fall into the hands of Dream Co. again."
"[That is quite the tale boy. Usually, I would not believe such a story and slit your throat where you sit however, your lack of reaction earlier now makes sense. Tell me why I should not just torture the information out of you for myself?]"
"We both know there's no way for you to confirm my words so that would be pointless. As my future father-in-law I will share this small nugget of knowledge as courtesy. Be wary of your brother for he is striving for the title of clan head, which we both know rightfully belongs to Onyx. Greed can become blinding to even those we respect the most."
The only one to not speak thus far was Onyx as a lady of few words in public. "I am to be your queen and my uncle will betray the clan to upsurge my crown. To share such information freely you must have a plan. If not, then such a powerful wish is wasted on a fool."
"And that's why I love you. My plan has already begun by using a key to answer the riddle on Starr Labs website and possessing this gene awakening serum. Guilds, as I stated before, will lead humanity into an age of magic but for those standing among the top three spots will receive extra bonuses. This won't just be some simple club where the strongest gather together in a simple building no I have knowledge of what section of land will develop into a mana hotspot. Those that train in these areas will see a greater improvement when assimilating to the new world to come. Add the bonuses of being a top three guild and we won't have a simple head start we will be in a whole other league."
"Three spots, will your sister be able to manage leading a powerful guild?"
"With proper guidance I know she will."