Richard's heart pounded as he strained to make sense of his surroundings. The place was too quiet, unnaturally still. The voice that had spoken felt uncomfortably close, yet he saw nothing but mist and grass stretching endlessly around him. He let out a frustrated breath, looking around for the fourth—or maybe the fifth—time.
After a few more minutes, he sighed, muttering, "Alright, whatever. If I'm dead, just take me already."
Just then, a gentle touch on his chin forced his gaze upward. His breath caught as he looked into the face of a woman so beautiful it was almost disorienting. Her eyes glimmered with a playful yet unsettling knowledge as she studied him. She wore an armless Japanese kimono, one side slipping just enough to hint at her curves. Her hand held a delicate fan that she flicked open, sending a soft breeze into his face.
He stared, feeling an unusual mixture of awe and caution. Whoever she was, this woman was no ordinary beauty. Something about her seemed both inviting and... lethal.
She tilted her head, laughing lightly as if she'd read his thoughts. "I must admit, Richard Hudson, I expected something a bit different. I thought you'd already be strategizing how to get me in bed, and yet here you are, simply admiring?"
A faint grin tugged at his lips as he straightened. "I'm a practical man. I only set my sights on what's possible." He let his eyes meet hers, a hint of defiance sparking in them. "Besides, I don't usually fantasize about things I can't reach."
Her smile softened, something briefly like surprise flashing in her gaze. But then her expression shifted, growing more serious, and she took a step back. "I am the Goddess of Rebirth," she said, her voice turning cool. "And I've chosen you, Richard, for a mission of importance."
Richard raised an eyebrow, trying to process her words. "Alright, 'Goddess of Rebirth.'" He folded his arms, taking a relaxed stance. "So… what's this 'mission' of yours?"
The goddess looked unfazed, her gaze growing distant as if she were seeing into another world. "You are being sent to Taphnor," she began. "A world that borders Lumanie, the realm of the gods." Her voice took on a somber tone. "Things there have gone… amiss. Long ago, some of our most trusted angels defied our laws, mingling with humans and demons in ways that were strictly forbidden." She paused, her expression darkening. "These angels were cast out and made to fall, exiled to Hell where they now live alongside demons."
Richard scratched his head, half-listening as he tried to piece together what she was saying. But when she mentioned Hell and fallen angels, his interest piqued. She continued, voice now tinged with urgency. "But recently, these fallen ones have discovered a way into Taphnor. They've slipped past our barriers, infiltrating the world of humans. And now…" She locked eyes with him. "We need someone to keep them from finding the passage to Lumanie, the gateway to the realm of the gods."
He raised a hand. "Alright, alright. Look, this all sounds… epic, sure, but couldn't you just send me somewhere else? Like a nice, quiet place?"
Her eyes narrowed, the easy warmth fading from her face. "This is not a request." Her tone was as cold as stone. "You, Richard Hudson, are going to Taphnor. You will find and stop these demons and fallen angels before they unleash ruin upon both worlds."
Richard blinked, his expression growing more deadpan. "Right. Or, hear me out, I could just live a simple life. Maybe a place where I could make some money and enjoy myself?"
The goddess's face tightened, her patience thinning. "Simple life?" she said, voice like a crack of thunder. "Why crave peace, Richard, when your own life was anything but? Or have you forgotten?"
Her words sliced through him. His jaw clenched as he realized she knew. The side of his past he'd buried under layers of poker chips and casino games. The part of him that was hidden in plain sight, disguised by suits and bank statements. She knew.
He glared at her, lips pressed thin. "That's none of your business. I left that life behind. And if you're so powerful, maybe you should keep it there."
The air trembled, the ground beneath him vibrating as the goddess's gaze intensified. Fury rippled from her like a wave, making the hairs on his neck prickle. He held his ground, though his heart pounded as he stared back at her, defiant.
But, after a tense moment, she inhaled deeply, visibly calming herself. "Believe what you want. But I am sending you regardless." She lifted a hand, her fingertips glowing with faint, otherworldly light. "You will need strength for what lies ahead, and I have granted you a power that will aid you. Consider this… a final gift."
Before he could protest, a blinding light surrounded him, drowning out his vision. The last thing he saw was her expression—somewhere between pity and cold satisfaction.
»«»«
The goddess remained in the empty plane, her gaze lingering on the spot where Richard had stood. Slowly, she waved her hand, and a glowing card appeared before her, symbols etched along its edge. This was his skill—the one gift the gods had created, pooling their divine essence to empower him. The Beast Evolution System.
A slow smile crept onto her face, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous. She'd had a feeling about Richard, and he had only confirmed her suspicions. He was stubborn, cocky, and hopelessly defiant—a gamble, even among mortals. But she had a way to deal with that.
With a delicate touch, she pressed her finger against the card, channeling a part of her own essence into it. As she did, the symbols on the card twisted, rearranging as the magic took on her new conditions. "Let's see how you fare now, Richard."
She watched with satisfaction as the skill shifted, reshaping itself according to her will. Now, he would only be able to evolve beasts he purchased from the system, and even then, the cost would be doubled. Even worse, he would have to work double for those evolution points.
She murmured, half to herself, "Consider it a… penalty. Evolution will be a little harder for you."
She held the card up, watching as it dissolved, a faint trail of energy drifting toward the realm of Taphnor to embed itself in Richard's soul. With a wicked smile, she whispered, "I hope you die with that cocky attitude of yours." Her laughter echoed through the empty plane, mingling with the soft hum of the universe, before she vanished into the void.