*Disclaimer*
This is the follow-up scene from the prologue. Please read the prologue before proceeding with this chapter to avoid any confusion.
"So, what's the catch for it?" I inquired, fixing her with a cold stare.
She chuckled, a chilling smirk playing across her lips. "You're quite sharp," she remarked as she approached me, her voice dripping with an eerie allure.
"Every opportunity comes with its own set of rules," she whispered, her breath sending shivers down my spine. "According to the ancient prophecy, your deepest sins will be brought to light and used to test your sanity. Those who pass will be reborn with greater knowledge and understanding of the world."
"And those who fail?" I interjected, pushing her away gently.
"Those unfortunate souls will be tormented by their own sins," she explained, circling me like a predator sizing up its prey. "Either descending into madness, trapped in an endless cycle of self-torment, or gradually fading into oblivion, condemned to the abyss for eternity."
"I don't get it. It's all rather cryptic. Why of all things that can be used to test us, our sins that you picked?" I remarked, keeping a wary eye on her.
"Ah, but it's not my doing. I have nothing to do with the current God's games. I merely offer assistance to you who have been chosen. Consider it a small advantage in the grand scheme of things. Giving you a little advantage compared to others who get chosen. Aren't I a nice lady? Hahahaha." She suddenly flies in the air steadily while moving back to her throne.
"Wait- So, no one else knows about this except me? Even about the prophecy?" I pressed, incredulous.
"Lucky for you, I've taken a liking to you," she admitted, settling back into her throne and toying with the skull adorning its armrest. "The rules remain hidden from all but those directly involved."
"Why were we chosen by this so-called God?" I demanded, striding directly to her throne and standing before it.
"Your guess is as good as mine, dear," she replied casually. "Why not ask God yourself? You've met her before, after all. I'm sure she'd be willing to provide an answer."
The memory of my encounter with God in a dream flashed before me. "Wait, are you saying the woman I saw in my dream was the one behind all of this?"
"Bingo!" she exclaimed, breaking the skulls in her grasp with a mere squeeze.
I struggled to keep up with the rapid pace of events unfolding before me. Lucifer's gaze bore into me, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Relax, Kiseki. You're overthinking. That face of yours looks pathetic right now. I'm here to help you remember? So why the stress when you are one step ahead from everybody else." She stood up, and her face came very close to mine.
Though hesitant, I found myself drawn to her proximity. "..." I hesitated, unsure whether to trust the Devil herself. But with limited options, I relented.
"You know, I've lived for centuries. I can sense your doubt," she murmured, her hand brushing against my cheek as she locked eyes with me. "But for now, just listen to what I have to say."
"Fine," I conceded, gently pushing her hand away from my face.
Her laughter filled the air as she conjured a chair from the bones scattered around us. "Look at us, bonding already! How thrilling!" she exclaimed with amusement.
"Take a seat, dear," she urged, pointing to the bone chair she had conjured.
I hesitated, unsettled by the thought of sitting on human bones. However, I pushed aside my discomfort and complied with her request.
"Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat, my child?" she offered, summoning a plate of freshly cooked meat.
"I'm not hungry right now. You said you had something to tell me, so let's get to it," I responded, gently pushing the dish away.
Her expression soured at my refusal of her hospitality. It seemed I had made a misstep.
"Very well," she conceded, flicking her fingers and causing the food to burst into flames.
"The world you're about to enter is called Ruina. It's divided into five major continents, each ruled by different 'Specia' types: High Elves, Orcs, Demons, Dwarves, and Ender Humans," she explained, conjuring a map before me to illustrate her words.
"Your starting point will be random, with your people scattered across the continents. If luck is on your side, you'll begin in the Ender Human continent, the safest place for you. But remember, despite being human in your past life, here you're known as Sinners, a distinct identity from the Ender Humans."
"The Specia of Ruina are aware of the arrival of the Sinners to their world. They recognize you upon sight," she continued.
I interrupted at the mention of the term "Sinners." "Why are we called that?"
"Sinners are considered a unique Specia by the others. According to their God's prophecy, your people were brought to Ruina to restore balance and peace... by killing me," Lucifer revealed.
"Well, I can't say I'm surprised if God wants to kill you, considering the misery you've caused," I remarked. "But why are you telling me all this? What's your agenda in helping only me and not the others?" as I'm about to finish my sentences, Lucifer gazed at me coldly and said,
"You ask too many questions, human," she retorted coldly, her gaze piercing. "Just listen to what I have to say. You know nothing of this corrupted world yet you readily believe in a God you've never worshipped before." Her anger was palpable, sending shivers down my spine.
"... Please continue," I urged, wary of provoking her further.
Her menacing demeanor softened, and she resumed speaking.
"It's your choice whom to believe once you enter Ruina. But mark my words, as you learn about this world, you'll struggle to discern right from wrong."
I couldn't fully trust her words. The situation felt dubious from the start. Nevertheless, I decided to play along until she was finished.
"Upon entering Ruina, you'll be greeted by a voice in your head known as The Calling," she continued.
"Remember this, child. Whatever The Calling instructs you to do on your journey, do the opposite. Even seemingly innocent tasks may lead to peril."
"We will see about that," I replied defiantly.
"Stubborn as ever. You humans never change," she remarked with a hint of disdain.
Suddenly, she teleported before me, her hand pressing against my chest. Though her lips moved, I couldn't hear her words. It was as if she were casting a spell on me.
I attempted to retreat, but my body remained frozen in place. As she chanted, an eerie presence enveloped me. The darkness seemed to creep closer, and shadows slithered over my hands and feet.
Panic surged through me as the shadows crept up my chest, seemingly directed by Lucifer's hands. What was the Devil trying to do to me? Just as I feared being consumed by the darkness, it halted abruptly and vanished.
Lucifer completed her chant, and I found myself able to move again. Recoiling from her, I demanded, "What have you done to me?!"
"Relax, where's the brave human I saw moments ago? You're easily frightened," she remarked casually, her hand resting against her cheek.
Examining my chest, I felt a burning sensation. Tearing off my shirt, I was shocked to see a demonic crest etched across my skin. "What is this?!" I asked, sweat beading on my brow.
"You may not realize this, but the sins within you are really messed up. It's best to keep them in check for now. I wouldn't want my favorite plaything to be defeated too soon. Where's the fun in that?" Lucifer explained, her tone nonchalant.
"Sins? What are you talking about? And using them?" I protested, attempting to rub off the crest.
"Human, do you know why amongst the Specia, your kind are called Sinners?" she asked.
"N-no," I admitted hesitantly.
"Because Sinners possess the unique ability to wield their sins as weapons. It's known as the Sinner's System," she elucidated.
"Sinner's System?"
"Yes, each Sinner possesses unique weapons or attributes based on their past sins. At first, your Sinner System is rudimentary and weak. Try activating it by saying, 'Release the Sin,'" she instructed, briefly outlining the system before urging me to summon it.
"I... I'll give it a try," I said, calming myself.
"Now now, don't be shy! Let me see your Sin!" Lucifer's excitement was unsettling.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. Even in thought, I could feel something within me eager to emerge.
"Release the Sin," I uttered. Instantly, an eerie jet-black liquid materialized before me, accompanied by the sound of a familiar scream.
"So, this is my Sin? I don't understand," I remarked.
"Interesting. You never cease to amaze me, child," Lucifer observed closely.
"But how can this be considered a weapon? It's just a floating blob of black liquid," I questioned.
"Who knows, human. You must discover its nature for yourself. I cannot simply provide you with the answers. It's far more exhilarating to witness your journey of discovery," Lucifer replied cryptically.
"But I must remind you. Do not overuse your Sinner's System. I placed the crest for a reason—to restrain its power. But it won't hold forever. Eventually, your Sinner's System will overpower it. Until then, learn to control it, lest it control you," she warned.
Though skeptical, I nodded in acknowledgment. There were still many questions I wished to ask, but before I could speak, Lucifer continued.
"It seems explaining matters to you has taken longer than expected. I will open the gate to Ruina now. Remember everything I've told you on your journey. When the time comes for us to meet again, you will need to make a choice."
Without a word, I approached the portal she had opened. Just before stepping through, Lucifer called out to me.
"Kiseki, Ruina is fraught with challenges that will shape you. This journey holds far more than sweetness and happiness. As the ancient prophecy foretold: 'For all who are chosen here are sinners unforgiven by God.'"
With those words echoing in my mind, I stepped through the portal, prepared for the trials that lay ahead.