Around these days, there had been a popular theory going around on the internet. It attracted attention because not only was it intriguing but also very much creepy. The idea went like this—
Why was it, that within this incredibly vast universe, we have not yet stumbled upon extraterrestrial life?
The failure of finding any other civilization within the observable universe, implies the possibility that there may be something preventing beings from reaching a certain point of existence.
The theory suggests: every civilization, after reaching past its infancy—be it through war, intelligence, magic, or even something else entirely—they'd reach a point where they'd face a great filter, impossible for any lifeforms to pass. And that filter would wipe any civilization, and the evidence of its existence, off the universe, leaving a blank canvas for new beings to thrive.
At one point you may have gone diving deep into the ocean, but as you swim through the currents, you realize that no fish were there. You knew there should be fish, yet you see none, as they had learned not to show themselves, for there was something much more sinister lurking in the waters. And it certainly wasn't you.
Lee Dojin knew. Only he did. The universe was a deep ocean and civilizations hid in the corners where no light ever hit. All, except for humanity, ignorant to the many silent voices. And the consequences for such behavior would become clear with the appearance of The Mirage, also known as the system. A predator that swallowed all. It was the great filter.
Every civilization, some stronger and much more united than humanity, would inevitably be eradicated by The Mirage as it continued expanding and reaching far into the universe. Thus, the only solutions were to hide, or not evolve.
However, the system was fair; Or at least it pretended it was. Within the hopelessness always came a sliver of opportunity, and if grasped, it could be the chance of a lifetime.
It gave them a chance to rebel. A chance to not be forgotten. It gave them power, skills, born from their lives to fight back. Akin to mercy, as if telling them their long history lived on earth was not in vain, and this was their only chance to prove it—their whole existence, summarized succinctly in one message:
[The Mirage accepts your way of living. All people pass their legacy around. Losing your life cannot be called death; it is merely a long rest. It is only when one is forgotten that one truly has died. Inherit your will. Fight for your name. From now on, turn your legacy into power.
Warrior, never forget, always remember. It is when one's will disappears that Death has truly come reap them.
Please select your Affinity:]
An Affinity was a rather simple thing. Yet, it would don as the most important choice of ones lifetime. The system would skive through the humans impact on Earth and based on the way of their lives, it would recommend them an affinity, on which all future skills were based. Fire, Water, Lightning, Leaf, Sword, Death, Wings, Halo, Food, Desire—everything imaginable could turn into ones affinity. A great cook, for example, could get the affinity of Food. Naturally, there'd be more choices to come, thus, even though some people may have the same affinity, the skills birthed from them were incredibly different.
Lee Dojin had the affinity of Light in his previous life. It was a rather good affinity, if possible, he'd choose it again.
"Four affinities, that's quite a lot." He was rather surprised.
One had to remember, affinities were based on significant aspects of ones life. Some may not even receive one favor at all. Even Lee Dojin in his past life only had three options.
1. Modern Toxin Monster
2. Hamelin of Murder
3. Lightbringer
4. Inheritor of the Universe
The titles were rather stupid, not telling much of their respective powers. They also left a small description, but it was not that helpful either. Naturally, one could infer from their titles what the affinity may entail, but they could also be trapped by something which appeared not as it seemed. However, as these affinities were all based on ones whole life—even if they may end up regretting their choice—they only had themselves to blame.
[Modern Toxin Monster. Evaluation B~C.
The Warrior has lived a hard life. Be it through mental oppression or external factors, it has affected the Warrior perspective in life greatly. Like poison, bad thoughts, creep into your mind, telling you to create harm. Warrior, no more will toxicity control you. It is time to let it out and use it elsewhere!]
Incidentally, Lee Dojin knew about this one. Common sense would reckon that the Toxin Master would reign over poison, but in truth they only reigned over the affinity Cyanide. It was a rather dark one as some may be able to imagine.
"Oh, that's not a bad one. But I'm not really a fan of using cyanide," Lee Dojin muttered. He had realized something interesting. This title was not based on the current him. Being a Toxin Monster would preface the fact that the user had dark and self-harming tendencies, something he never experienced.
[Hamelin of Murder. Evaluation A~B.
Death follows you—or do you follow Death? The Warrior has gone through many experiences in his life, some which leave him broken. Thoughts of killing start swirling the Warriors mind. What does Blood taste like? How does flesh cut? When do bones break? Find it out yourself. Let others feel your pain, you shan't be the only one.]
Lee Dojin scratched his head an sighed audibly. "He has some incredibly gruesome Affinities to choose here. It really makes one wonder what kind of life he had lived." This one was straightforward. The affinity of murder. An incredibly offensive one, yet also a double-edged sword as it slowly ate the users mind, turning him int o an indiscriminate serial killer. He would never choose such volatile affinity.
[Lightbringer. Evaluation S.
Born from a stranger, a Warrior that never experienced warmth. Life has it out for you, wishing for you to disappear. Karma does not welcome you in its circle. Even God himself hopes for your suffering to end. However, the darkness cannot overwhelm you. Your strength comes from your belief, and that belief will turn into strength. You will lead, you will guide, and as time comes, you will rebel. The darkness disperses at the Warriors hand. No one stands in your way, your light pierces through the sky.]
This was the affinity he knew the best. The affinity of Light. The one that would become his hands and feet. There was not much to say. It was thanks to this affinity that he had survived until the ends of humanity, even becoming the leader. If possible, he'd like to choose it once more. However, there was one crucial detail he could not overlook. Even if he was the strongest. In the end he still lost. Going the same route again would inevitably lead to the same downfall. he did not want to waste the chance his mother had given him.
As he kept agonizing, the shadows around him started to move. They wriggled around, seemingly gaining sentience, and one by one, they slowly moved toward Lee Dojin. In the meantime, he was still lost in thought.
"The last one..."
[Inheritor of the Universe. Evaluation ???.
Feeling the Warriors presence, an opportunity has been given. After all, a Warriors life is full of opportunities, and from now on, he will never miss them, as every path taken, every choice made, every breath taken—everything that was possible would become yours. A parents love is immeasurable, just like the many universes. Stand strong, for you are the inheritor of everything.]
Reading this description, Lee Dojin turned silent. In his previous life, he had never received such favor, and he knew why.
This affinity was based on his mother.
Thinking that, indescribable feelings welled up from the pit of his stomach. Did the system know he had traveled between universes, or was it more of his mothers present? Was it a trick or a treat? He could not tell. And the evaluation '???' threw him off all the more.
One of the shadows had assimilated into a humanoid creature. It had long fangs, strong limbs, and ferocious eyes that wished to rip apart anything. For normal humans who had lived a sedentary lifestyle, they would be frozen stiff, facing such unnatural creature. It pounced at the distracted Lee Dojin.
"Stop annoying me." Sadly for the Shadow, Lee Dojin was no normal human. Without even giving it a glance, he kicked the Shadows face, its head burst into black smoke and it disappeared back into the darkness. All the while, he agonized over his choices.
"I think I will have to go for this one after all."