'Did this NPC just call me a fool too, no, even more importantly did this NPC just approach me of its own accord?!' inwardly raged Kaiden as he shifted his view to the voice.
What entered his eyes was an old man, whose age could only be told by the state of his hands and his beard being snow white as there was not a single presence of wrinkles upon his countenance. Upon his head was a mix of both hairs as black the abyss as well the purest white shade analogous to untainted snow. Draped in black fleeting robes, he sat in midair with a thick stick looking similar to an aged tree branch, his grip on branch seemed feeble yet also as domineering as slumbering tiger.
"Bah, what do YOU want, you old fool."
"Ahahaha, that tone sure holds such arrogance…", suddenly the unidentified NPC's expression dignified, "do you understand just how ancient this being I am? How dare you not spare me face, do you dare believe me when I say a mere flick of my forefinger would kill you a million times over?"
Frowning Kaiden uttered "On the contrary, face is not given, it is earned unless we're talking about that disturbing face of yours, then yes that is the only face you're worthy of being given, HAHA!"
A huge oppressive aura exuded from the NPC's body while an earth rattling roar ensued, "Preposterous! INSOLENT! PWAH!!" however a second later they vomited blood, and their aura shook becoming unstable, reigning back into their body.
'There's something…off, about this NPC. He is rather unusual but in a way that intrigues me so I must know.'
Completely curious, Kaiden inquired about what was currently baffling him, "Ahem… why did you approach me you eccentric old fellow? I was completely unaware of your presence."
Recovering a semblance on color in his pale countenance, the NPC answered. "Precisely, see now you're asking the right questions. Ah, that's right your potential intrigued me perhaps you are capable. Do you dare take up my mantle, one who tread the sacred path first?"
"No rude intentions, and forgive me for being blunt but… Who are you?!" retorted Kaiden. 'I didn't approach you! WHY would I ask you questions? Damn narcissist.' … "Wait, you can see my title? My status is hidden!" exclaimed Kaiden.
This may be some type of prominent NPC if he is able to see hidden statuses. The only question left unanswered is… What is his mantle? And, is it suitable for me?
"WHAT? How dare you not know my illustrious name? For I am the omnipotent Kairo the Tenebrous, Holder of the Devastating Throne, Epitome of the Ancient Divines, I was one of the few who survived the toils of time." uttered Kairo.
Lv.950 [Kairo Al-Shikar the Tenebrous] (Ancient Divine, High Human)
Health: 300/?????? (Dying)
'THE HELL!? He's ridiculous… but what's up with his health?
Unsure how to respond the only response which came to Kaiden's mind was, "Uhm…okay?"
Kairo continued, "Before the acceptance of my inheritance, listen to my story. One which explains – explains the downfall of previous thriving and complete firmament."
Nodding Kaiden only repeated one thing, 'Firmament? The heck is a firmament. This is a game! A game!'
"Well, honestly this cataclysm's first step was birthed 86 eons ago. In which I was still a mortal being proceeding forth with my first steps in my self-cultivation. As I advanced in tiers, thoroughly outpacing my peers I reached heights deemed unattainable by others who said I possessed nothing but a piddling talent. Nevertheless, with extreme tact and tenacity I prevailed through struggles so mortifying even Hades himself would prostrate before my figure.
As uncountable years past, I who was raised in times immemorial began to come in contact with the true higher beings who held the destiny of all those under the firmament, in their palm. Treating us as nothing but entertainment, pass time for their boredom if you will. I never accepted this destiny, under their all-encompassing perception I steadily and arduously struggled – struggled to be one who brought about change. Unfortunately, my attempts were virtually inefficacious. I could never reach their exact level, despite countless defeats, despite unimaginable pain. Their level was ultimately unattainable, entirely too transcendent. However, I never once cowered under their presence, never did I abscond from inevitable battle.
Through the dissuasion of peers and deterrence of unimaginable oppression, I obtained a liberation of the soul, prying into the truth of certain matters. It was a disturbing truth. This world as we know it was false, the truths did not wholly remain here. They were in the midst of being stolen. All that remained was incomplete paths, ones where the path to liberation was now fleeting."
Bewildered by such outlandish claims and information that he couldn't yet understand as the game environment was fresh, Kaiden gulped. "You mean to say, that the world itself holds unimaginable secrets?"
Shaking his head Kairo bestowed even more knowledge. "The knowledge I am about to confer to you…is only for you, for I believe in the distant future you will link the firmaments broken paths back to together once again. Only you who is qualified to be my successor, shall carry the undying tenacity that I contain, rebelling against order – opposing the ones who have oppressed our fates, limiting us from achieving their heights.
'System: Any further participation in this conversation will result in the forced acceptance of 2 quests, will you continue to participate?'
"Yes."
'System: [Kairo's Inherited Glory] (Above Divine Rank Quest) and [The Secrets Held Within] (Divine Main Story) accepted.'
[Kairo's Inherited Glory] (Above Divine Rank Quest)
Information: Deemed to be Kairo the Tenebrous's successor before completing the ritual you will now be forcefully tasked to create a legend comparable to your predecessor. You will be held to the highest standard in all trials that you receive and/or participate in. You MUST resuscitate the resounding effect of Kairo's prestige, rebelling against the Supremes' above the firmament, ultimately creating an indefinite legend in which yours and Kairo's name resonate through the passage of time.
Quest Details:
Status – Ongoing from this moment.
1/3 – Reach the level beyond, walking into the residence of the Supremes' above. 0/1
2/3 – Establish a Celestial Kingdom that brings a new world order. 0/1
3/3 – Repair the damaged paths by establishing a forbidden Godhood. 0/1
Quest Rewards: Deification of your name by World inhabitants, ?????, ?????
Failure Consequence: The eradication of all the
Time Limit: 15 natural years. (45 game years)
'T-T-T...THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I'm back at square one! No… this is even worse. Others will be brought into dire consequences… Just what secrets does Kairo hold? And why is he in the game!' mentally roared Kaiden as his eyes turned crimson.
[The Secrets Held Within] (Divine Main Story Quest)
Information: Rather than the secrets known about the established empires, the world itself holds deeper secrets connecting to those empires and Kairo has left it up to you to unravel them. Following his teachings, grow strong enough to locate the exact secrets reminiscent of the tales Kairo has informed you of.
Quest Details:
Status: Locked until Lv.500
1/2 - Find the more thorough clues about where the secrets reside inside every corner of the Sanctoria World.
2/2 – Resolve the secrets, exposing the world for what it really is. Liberating the minds of the inhabitants.
Quest Reward: ????,????,????
Failure Consequences: Character Level reduced to 1. Reset of all information and deletion of all creations and achievements of your character. However, required experience increased 10,000%.
Time limit: 9 natural years, (27 game years).
Kaiden felt this situation was laughable, the unfolding of these ironic events didn't break his spirit in the usual fashion. In contrast, it motivated him and provided a thrill he was looking. 'Yes… this is just something fate believes I need; therefore, I will conquer it. This quest is similar but fundamentally different.'
"Now listen closely as I isolate our presences, limiting everything's perception…the Supremes' above are the direct cause of the state of this now semi desolate world, not desolate in the sense of environment but in the ways of enlightenment. They have indirectly placed things in the empires – things that don't belong in these empires, controlling and manipulating events from the shadows as if they can't release their ties to this world.
I was driven to my current state in that devasting battle with the Supremes' subordinates 2 eons ago, namely the 'The Origin Catastrophe' in which history is dubbed the 'The Shifting World Order'; Hence, I have been in a deteriorating state for countless millennia, that calamity was partly my doing.
I will now test you, test your tenacity to prevail through any and everything."
Reaching into the space in front of him, Kairo snatched and opened his hand, revealing a palm size cerulean fruit. "Young one, are you confident in yourself? Do you hold yourself to the utmost standard? Wanting to stand above the yielding masses? If so, do you dare eat this fruit?
'Quest Alert: Do you accept [Inheritance - Destiny Alteration] 1/3 (Unranked)? Y/N?'
"Yes."
[Inheritance – Destiny Alteration] 1/3 (Unranked)
Information: Take upon the task of Kairo the Tenebrous forever altering your destiny. Whether it's for better or worse, solely depends on your actions and tenacity. Begin the process of taking your fate into your own hands by accepting to go forth with his inheritance.
'WARNING: Undergoing this quest disables you from taking up any other type of profession.
Details:
- Consume the nameless fruit residing in Kairo's hands, projecting the magnitude of your resolve. 0/1
Rewards: ????
Consequences: Kairo will take your cowardice as an insult, expelling you from this world. (Banned from the game on the first day what a shame, noob.)
Time Limit: 30 seconds
'Haah, why does this game provide me such brutal ultimatums. The developers are sadists.'
Grabbing the fruit and ingesting it, Kaiden completed the quest. however, he would be lying if he said he didn't hold a tinge of regret against accepting the fruit. As the pain that followed was nearly unbearable with his brain perceiving its entirety, Kaiden let out heart wrenching cries as the veins under his skin expanded and contracted. Multiple upon multiple system notifications went off.
'System: Your character is experiencing a complete anatomical cleanse; hidden benefits are being applied.'
'System: Physique reconstruction 8% complete."
'System: Physique…'
'System: Physique…'
Suddenly after a moment the notification changed.
'System: Due to experiencing extreme pain, you brain frequency is reaching incalculable levels. Approaching the risk of permanent damage. Initiating the force log-out sequence.'
'System: Error! Incapable of initiating log-out rank of the quest you are participating in overrides force logout. May god be with you adventurer.'
'System: The system now holds no liability on ensuing matters, this was your choice. Hence, bare the consequences if any may show!'
"A-ARGGGHH!!! NO! This will not happen to us again!", unwilling roared Kaiden.
'In reality',
In Kaiden's room, his body was twitching releasing an intangible energy that enveloped the room, everything at that moment was still as if time froze. This was a Cellular Phenomenon, the immense stress his brain was under, produced the instinctual action of forcibly undergoing initial evolution to protect itself releasing hormones in his body that wasn't supposed to be secreted yet. The chemical makeup of his body and the original capabilities were being heightened; unknown to Kaiden. His height increased by 5 centimeters and his physique became slightly more compact. As for brain activity, they were off the charts currently unable to be measured.
'Back in game,'
30 seconds had passed and Kaiden's character laid sprawled out on his back with Kairo monitoring him. Finally, a system alert worth head sounding.
'System: Congratulations you have consumed the Celestial Meridian Purification Fruit.'
'System: Quest Complete! Your entire physique has been refined to an untold degree. Rewarding: Constitution unsealed. +20 to All Attributes and Critical Damage increased by 15%. Level +1.
"Haha! I knew it, your tenacity has enabled you to survive that trivial suffering. You are indeed somewhat qualified. With your constitution able to be trained, you're now lightyears ahead of your peers.", proclaimed Kairo.
One had to know that you are unable to naturally unseal your Constitution until Lv.100. Meaning, while the masses were just familiarizing themselves with a constitution, Kaiden would have already been training it for who knows how long; perhaps Kaiden lucked upon this by pure chance, or maybe, it was his fate all along.
Regaining the ability to speak and strength to open his eyes, Kaiden realized that his surroundings that were previously droning were remarkably vibrant, the architectural markings on the town buildings in the distance were visible, clear as limpid water and despite the fluttering of the avian species wings above being rapid, they were perceived.
"Th-…This is the effects of that fruit? Amazing!", gawked Kaiden, really taking in his surroundings at this time.
At this moment, the beginning of the Sacred Commmander, Leader of the 9 Saintly Generals was about to begin - this uprising would be one so momentous. No one could stop it, not even my undeveloped writing skills.
"While your potential is now unrestrained, you are still weak ,therefore, I have but another simple task for you." interrupted Kairo, dousing Kaiden's excitement.
'Quest Alert: Do you accept [Inheritance - Destiny Alteration 2/3] (Spiritual)? Y/N?'
[Inheritance – Destiny Alteration 2/3] (Spiritual)
Information: Having shown immense resolve and beginning the inheritance process, Kairo now feels satisfied with you and insists on testing your new foundations, providing you with what he classifies as a simple task.
Details:
Kill a Lv.15 or higher Lord Rank Boss while under Lv.15 alone and bring back the proof (Kairo will detect the proof himself, no physical proof needed), the moment someone else attacks the boss, assists you by healing…etc., that boss attempt will be rendered null.
Rewards: Level +2, 1,000 Gold and ???
Consequences: Level -10, and repeat once again when you reach Lv.10
Time Limit: 2 natural days. (6 in-game)
'Eh…WHAT? Simple? How is this simple? What simple does he mean…is this old fogey insane? Screw this, I want to reject this disgusting thing.', cursed Kaiden darkly in his mind, firing a cannon's worth of profanity.
'Phew…No wait, remember what Gentle Whisper said, I can do this!'
"I accept.", voiced Kaiden the system adding the quest to his long, a timer reading 143 hours... appeared.
"Come back when the quest is done, and at that point we'll complete the Inheritance rite.", instructed Kairo as his presence began to fade into obscurity. Kaiden now understood his title and just how powerful this old man was.
"System, time left in game until ejection?"
'System: 15 hours, 34 minutes.'
'I should have enough time to set some plans into motion!'