....

His eyes blazed with a cold fury while his body exuded a newfound battle intent. Clenching his hand, an aura of madness burst forth from him. Inspecting his body, he peered at his limb with a proud smile.

"It seems the advance to Tier 8 has increased my battle capabilities exponentially. I'm even able to emit my pure battle intent as a weapon now. I should be ready to resume that quest. Never would I have thought that I'd advance so far within «World's Destiny: Redemption» yet even then it feels as if I've barely scratched the surface," stated Xerakrid as he released a cold smirk. 

Laced within his eyes was a tinge of murder. His black gold armor with crimson engravings and bloody gems only served to accentuate the murderous aura he released. Over time, his character had changed as he continued to immerse himself within the role of a Berserker class.

Leaving his place of dwellings, Xerakrid embarked on a journey. In his wake was a trail of slain monster bodies. Surprisingly, he didn't bother looting them. Instead, he kept his sights focused ahead. The large dual broadswords in his hand dripped with crimson blood as his grim expression remained present.

It wasn't long before he found himself before the royal gates of an ancient-looking empire's imperial palace. It was apparent it had existed throughout time and withstood its fair share of tribulations. However, this only served to add to its character.

"Oh? It seems they're expecting my arrival, perhaps this is relevant to the quest," chuckled Xerakrid before brandishing his blades, "The Fraust Empire is it, let's unravel your deep secrets."

Kicking off his back foot, he confronted soldiers donned in silver and gold armors. They were of multiple different archetypes; sword-wielding soldiers, spearmen, archers, guardians, etc. Even though he was outnumbered, so much so it was mind-boggling, Xerakrid instead felt a thrill. This is why he played the game, he sought to find a thrill not present in everyday life.

At first, he was confronted by the initial assaulters—the sword-wielding soldiers. On the other hand, before they confronted each other his health began draining. Conversely, his aura began becoming increasingly terrifying. This was the innate practice of a Berserker, sacrificing health for power!

One slash!

'Splich!'

A soldier was cut in half. Leaning to the side, he spread his arms before turning into a crimson whirlwind. By the end of the move, mutilated bodies laid in his surroundings. Appalled expression crept upon the countenances of his foes.

"It would seem Mythical gear is as strong as disclosed on the forums," chuckled Xerakrid. He had made quick work of soldiers nearing his own level. Usually, this was something that shouldn't be possible. 

'Unfortunately, I'm not as strong as those who can utilize Inhuman Control to a terrible degree. I'm stuck within the Omniscience Realm. Nevertheless, at this point, my other abilities should be able to make up for it.

"Let's cut this short," he said. Immediately after, a dense crimson aura exuded from his body. As a result, sanguine cuts began appearing across those which were affected by this aura. The image of a bloody demon appeared behind him as his expression grew increasingly cold.

"Death Domain: Blood Deva's Torture," uttered Xerakrid. His domain bolstered his combat power exponentially. After all, it complemented both his gear and class. The bloody scene grew worse as harrowing wails of pain echoed throughout. 

It wasn't long before all his opponents were robbed of life. Advancing forward, he continued to unleash terror before finally meeting someone of equal standard. A woman who was a beauty in her own right except for a gruesome scar over her left eye appeared before him.

「NPC Name: Celaphine, Fraust Great General

Level: 558

Rank: Tier 8 Saint.

Health: (100%)」

"What brings you to my imperial headquarters? Not only is your presence unwelcome here, but you also initiate a massacre? How rude of you! Now I'll take your life in return," coldly remarked Celaphine as she drew a crystalline, rune engraved spear. At the same time, he immediately released a torrent of aura as an intangible aura extended from her spear.

'Is that perhaps Spear Intent? It would seem this woman is strong to have grasped the essence of her weapon,' he thought before revealing a cold smirk. Kicking off his back foot, his active domain flared as it did less damage to the woman than expected. 

Dodging to the side, he avoided a lightning-quick piercing thrust which crackled with lightning at the end of it. 

'Boom!'

Smashing both of his broadswords downward, it was blocked. Even then, it created a thunderous noise. Although it seemed to be blocked, it wasn't completely the case as a trickle of blood flowed from Celaphine's lips. Throughout the process, her eyes widened in astonishment, 'H-he's strong.. And getting stronger.'

"Not bad, however…" his health once again fell, now remaining at 30% of its totality. In response, he entered his near strongest state and began overpowering Celaphine. Unlike the other battles, this one took much longer. She deployed her domain as well. Surprisingly she possessed a dual one. Unfortunately, it was only Elemental.

"Dual Domain: Piercing Empyrean Lightning," uttered Celaphine. A moment later, her strikes were empowered as her response time quickened. Furthermore, the precision of her attacks increased further.

It became a battle of Saint-level beings utilizing Domains. As a result, the terrain became affected. The palace walls began cracking as the pressure they released eclipsed the integrity of their surroundings.

'Boom!' 'Boom!' 'Krrrrrrrrrk!'

Their strikes became heavier, the winner was far from being determined. However, within the booms, cracking noises could be heard. Celaphina was being pushed back! It was evident she wasn't his equal in Strength. After all, when it came to such a thing, a Berserker was not to be contested.

"You're a worthy opponent. I'm enjoying this first true battle after becoming a Saint," coldly smiled Xerakrid only to receive a scoff in return. Celaphine felt belittled! Her aura flared as her thoughts became chaotic. In that moment, he noticed she slipped up as her spear intent faltered. A cold smirk appeared on his face.

….

"Ah, the good times. How I missed them, I would exchange everything to once again experience them," frowned a man sitting in an office as he gazed upon red messages flashing across the screen of his office computer. His mind remained focused on other things as he stared at it until finally, his mind returned to the present.

'Is this all 15 years amounts to? A Master's in Financial Analytics and Business Strategies as well as Dynamic Coding. A constant everyday struggle with a myriad of corrupted codes? Is this what my life has amounted to? There was a time where I possessed happiness. Regrettably, I made a mistake.' thought Kaiden as he leaned upon his hand releasing a melancholic sigh. 

At the same time, he had a hankering for the taste of coffee. Approaching the automated coffee machine in the room, he leaned across the desk as he began another session of recounting past events. Only this part caused him emotional distress as he closed his eyes attempting to control himself.

'E-eaagghhhh…' 'Thud!' 

'WARNING: Due to your Empire-Grade Divine Quest «Desolate History of the Ancients» being deemed a failure; the system will now enforce the consequences of failure. Your character items will now be deleted and commencing the character deletion sequence. Registered brain wave signatures now classified as BANNED! Now ejecting your presence from the game, Godspeed user.' 

His thoughts circulated quickly as he remembered pained screams, his body dropping, and a repeating message. Soon, a repeated chirp was heard from the machine behind him prompting him to press a button. Taking a sip, he frowned, shaking his head. 'Not strong enough,' 

'Knock' 'Knock'

Right then, a continued rhythmic knocking sound reverberated against the office door followed by a pleasant voice, "Mr. Smith, may I enter?"

"Come in, Chanel," he replied while approaching his desk. He withdrew a bottle, twisting the cap off he added a few drops of a black substance into his coffee. The aroma of burnt coffee beans with an added scent filled the room. 

"Ah, Mr.Smith I'm just reminding you about your 4'o- Is...that another cup of coffee? Eh? Are you using that caffeine concentrate again? It can't be good for you!" frowned the tanned secretary. Hidden behind her glasses were bright dark brown eyes which complemented her strawberry blonde hair tied into a bun.

Glancing in her direction, he tasted it again. "It's just a wake me up. I need it to deal with my workload, though I must say it's pleasant to know you monitor my health so closely," lightly smiled Kaiden, finding the taste to be acceptable.

"A-ah... of course. I have to do so, you're my boss," stammered Chanel before continuing, "Just make sure you take care of yourself and don't forget about your 4'o clock!"

"I won't," lightly responded Kaiden as he peered at Chanel's retreating figure and the closing door.

Throwing his head back, he gulped the contents of his coffee in a near-instant; numb to the heat of the drink. Approaching his desk, he sat down. His head throbbed while his heartbeat sped up. Leaning his head back he closed his eyes, muttering to himself.

"Just a small break and I'll get back to my meager everyday life."

However, what he failed to realize was his heartbeat continued to accelerate. The thump of his heart soon traveled to his ears. However, at that point, it had already grown increasingly erratic. Slowly opening his eyes, he stared at the ceiling as his sense of hearing dwindled.

Closing his eyes once again, Kaiden touched his chest. The rhythm was disrupted and his fingers were becoming numb, "Perhaps I added too much. Well, if it so, then I'll resign myself to fate. Hopefully... miracles do exist..."

His consciousness grew increasingly thin. Until finally, it left him; his body falling limp in his office chair. In the office he dreaded, his life had ended. However, at the same time, it truly began.

....

At that moment, in the insurmountable distance, a presence was alerted. "Hmm? Seems my watch comes to an end; finally, that soul filled with regret is about to enter the tethers of Samsara. It is time to enact what I need to do, I shall grant them the opportunity to indulge in my presence; therefore, receiving my guidance and witnessing my undeniable presence. [Young soul, awaken from your stupor.]"

Feeling something resonating with him, Kaiden's conscience faintly hears a voice saturated in arrogant confidence, responding to the stimulus. "W-...Who is that?"

"I am not that, I am I, and you are now privileged to call me THEE young soul." retorted the ethereal voice.

"Young soul...? What soul? I am Kaiden, not a young soul. And, what do you mean THEE? What type of name is that? questioned Kaiden's conscience.

"Correct, you are just but a soul at this point. Also, names are meaningless and irrelevant; therefore, dismiss these empty notions. Secondly, THEE is no mere name, but a haughty status; 'The Higher Entity, Eon' but that is enough, forgo the questioning. That is an action in which only I shall be blessed to partake in. In accordance, following your happenstance, would you like another chance?"

Without even taking the time to think of possible consequences, Kaiden immediately replied. "Yes, a thousand times, YES Reincarnate me!"

"Granted, you may experience me sending you through the reincarnation of thy self, impatient one, but before you go..."

Deep in another celestial plane, a being gently flicked their index finger sending an intangible wave billowing forward.

"...As I see that your regret stems from this thing you called «World's Destiny: Redemption», all experiences pertaining to it before and after your circumstance of regret shall be erased. Except for one of your choosing. Now, choose." continued Eon.

"My memories then, I'll keep them," muttered Kaiden's soul.

"That isn't allowed. Your memories are your complete experiences. Let me make this clearer for you; you can only choose ONE of your memories. Choose one of these choices: combat instincts, a quest of your choosing, or skill from this thing you call «World's Destiny: Redemption»."

'A quest? I don't remember much of the old ones... nor do I want that dreadful quest. It seems my mind isn't what it used to be. A skill? I mean, that's not really what I want either. If I keep my combat instincts then I can simply create those. Well, I have my answer then.'

" I guess I'll choose my combat instincts. Yeah, I've made my decision; I'll keep them," replied Kaiden despite thinking to himself. 'Although I have not used them in forever somewhat dulling them, they are ingrained in my persons. I can always reshape them!'

"Fulfilled, they will be forever engrained in your conscience, now go forth and embark on your journey. I will now be sending you back in time through the continuum, injecting your conscience at some point in time where everything would seem the same; except you. Keep the struggles of this adult life as a mold that tempers your parallel character..."

"Forever keep this message." Eon's voice trailed off into the difference as Kaiden's conscience experienced a titanic pulling sensation.

Realizing something, Eon murmured to himself. "Oh, I forgot to mention something important to him and that his current self will cease to exist. Well, it is done already."