[Hello? Is… is this on? Well, if it is then… here we go. Dear Players of World Saga Online, this is a message from the Developers of the game. We have been cooking up something different than an update these past few decades, and we finally made a breakthrough in the research. The research in question is, Digital Consciousness Transferring, or DCT for short. The process is painless and swift. What you're experiencing now and what's happening as this message is playing is just the System running its course so don't fret. When this message ends, the System will resume and you will be transported to another world to live in. Your body will be the one you control and build up in World Saga Online, so if you're strong, good on you. Humanity, Modern Mankind, is… dying. Everyone is on a life support system to try and lengthen their lifetime but, sooner or later, we will die. Our planet has died, and it won't be long until we join it. The World Government has funded this project of ours as well, whatever left of them at least, so that helps speed up the process. Anyway, without any more delays, I hope you have a great time, Player, whoever might you be. May your second life be peaceful. Over and out, one final time]
The first thing I heard once everything went dark was an audio message. It spoke of a process in which I assume is the current thing I'm undergoing. Then, it shifts to how Humanity, Modern Mankind, is dying. Earth, even without being informed through the news, was dead for some time now.
'So… this is a new beginning?'
It was a strange feeling, my head. Woozy and unsteady, it's like I'm riding those rollercoasters again.
'Fuuu~… this is annoying.'
I'm used to being in control of my own thoughts, so this situation was a little annoying. I couldn't do anything though, as the process is not yet complete. I just have to bear with it for a while longer.
'...'
Soon, a singular light appeared in the distance. At first it was small, almost like a star in the vast empty night sky. Soon, however, this light expanded until it was like watching a clear moon in the sky.
'...'
I waited for light to consume me, and it did. A stinging feeling suddenly ran through my body, at least I think it's my body, and sight returned to me.
'...I'm back.'
The impossible sight, the Throne Room from where I spend the most of my time in. It should be an impossible sight to see again, and I hurriedly checked the Game Status.
[This Feature doesn't exist.]
"...What?"
But, what I found was that there's no longer a Game Status, a feature that allows one to see the various things World Saga Online has to offer.
'Is this… no longer World Saga Online?'
A shocking revelation, and a somewhat fearful premonition if it's true.
'Am I… no longer human?'
That was an important question, but one I did not need to confirm. Human or not, I'm still myself with the set of rules I have.
'First, I need to reorder my thoughts.'
I decided to first check the most important thing. Myself.
"Status."
Fortunately, I can still conjure my own Status Window. But from the first line my interest was immediately aroused.
[True Name: Sora Kuroka]
[Alias: Saurosh Koravek Solomon, Absolute Death]
[Race: Divine Being (God of Death)]
[Karma: -9999999999999]
[Divinity Level: 30]
Strength: 58,324
Dexterity: 44,887
Vitality: 109,823
Agility: 74,992
Attunement: 44,978,546
Intelligence: 996,563,756
Domination: 7,108,988,716
Leadership: 67,447
Wisdom: 5,175,443
Dignity: 32,812,535
Demonic Power: 3,439,553,845,187,818,912
Charm: 23,902
Brutality: 83,112
[Health Points: 533,536,438,743]
[Mana Points: 44,543,746,124,856]
{Mounts/Familiars}
[Selem, Shadow Sprite]
[Aloette, Succubus Queen]
[Alex, Berserker Warforged Construct (Titan Model)]
[Faleron, Transformed Lycan]
[Sher'kharn, Bloodthirster Demon Lord]
[Orlon, Undying Ghoul Soul]
[Renan, Alpha Bicorn]
{Title}
[Absolute Death] ; [Apocalypse] ; [Experienced Monster Hunter] ; [Mastermind] ; [World Boss Hunter] ; [Beacon of Souls] ; [Pinnacle of Evil] ; [Fearsome Tyrant] ; [Last Player] (NEW!)
The last Title I have, it was a new one that wasn't there before.
"Hmm, so… I'm the Last Player? Does that mean… there's no one that'll know my name?"
This question made me feel weird. A World where no one knows of my name and its weight.
'This is problematic… but somehow, it's exciting?'
It was strange. On one hand, it's something that will undoubtedly create various unfortunate situations for me. But on the other hand, it was a thrill that I have experienced similarly in the past.
'First and foremost, are the surrounding lands still my World?'
I stood up once more, my body immediately feeling weird to me.
"..."
It was light, making me almost leap up from the floor. Each of my movements, from me moving my arm to the single strands of muscle in my body, I can feel it surging with power. It was a power that's capable of wiping away an entire mountain with one swipe.
'No… this isn't necessarily my power.'
Yes, the Souls I have in possession would also contribute to the calculations. And since I have acquired two new additions to the collection, my strength should be capable enough to accomplish that feat.
'...'
I walked down the stairs of my Throne, and slightly moved my hand up to stop the Royal Guards from following me.
"Stay, I won't be gone for long.''
The Royal Guards, even though it goes against their programming, still obeyed my order and stayed their positions. With a nod, I walked to the door at the other end of the large room.
"..."
The door that held a large meaning. Now, it was an unknown door that looked nice from the perspective of outsiders. I push this door open with little strength needed to be exerted. Outside, the hallway was as silent as it used to be with no signs of activity.
"...Should I?''
I contemplated shifting my course. The separate dark hallway, I was contemplating whether or not I should visit my dear wife.
"...Maybe after this."
I should also check on the others on their individual floors so that there's nothing out of the norm. It'll also double as my visitations to each of their floors that happens on a regular basis.
'Let's go.'
I head to the Master Gateway to teleport to the Black Castle once more. Arriving at the platform, I quickly set coordinates to shift.
"..."
It was the same place, no signs of changes, the other hallways to the sides are also the same, and the second floor along with its staircase hasn't undergone anything major with its appearance.
"Not a time related shift…''
I turn to the front door, white and somehow gleaming, I step forward in front of it and open the door to a definitely unfamiliar and alien sight.
"...Nature?"
Trees, countless of them, a sea of gigantic trees that casted shadows down to the ground.
"...Where is this?"
I walked out and let the door close on its own behind me. I'm curious, but at the same time cautious as I explore this new land. It was filled with vitality, that much I can feel through my Passives. It was strange, foreign, yet held familiarity as I inspected the land more and more. It was uneven, very much so as some of the giant trees grew somewhat at an angle. There are several large puddles on my exploration, and some lakes as well. All of which are dirty and clouded.
I avoided them in fear of anything that may lie in wait, though it would be an incredibly ridiculous thing that I'm fearful of anything when I'm a God.
'Being safe shouldn't yield any disadvantages. It's a good habit to be fearful of the unknown.'
Modern Mankind was like that, fearful of the unknown. Even so, they're finally united under one banner, something that our forefathers said to be a very challenging thing to do. Maybe it's because of the prospect of extinction being so close, and with the little time they have left, they decide to set aside everything and just live out the rest of their days with each other's embrace.
'...I wonder what's happening back there?'
As I wondered this, I picked up the sounds of approaching danger. It was slow, but I immediately sought shelter from it. Up amongst the thick tree branches, I cast the tier 7th Spell, Great Chameleon Charm to blend in with the surrounding colors.
"Are you sure this is the right track to follow?"
In the distance, I could make out audible voices. From the sound pitches, I believe they're children.
"Yeah, trust me, my father mapped out this place during his younger days. He spoke of a door that granted him luck, and gave me permission to venture." A second voice said.
"And why are you taking us with you?" A third voice chimed in.
"Because it's not fun to go alone, is it! Also, I'm a little scared of this place." The second voice said.
"From the stories of the elder, there was once a great battle that took place here. One so catastrophic that forced our forefathers to seek shelter underground for many years." A fourth, more monotonous voice explained.
"Woah, you paid attention to whatever that crazy hag says?" The first voice rudely comments.
"That's very rude of you, Charles. Should I tell your mother that you said something like that?" The fourth voice threatened, voice still monotonous.
"Eek! Please don't, I'll do anything you want!"
'Charles…'
I got the first voice's name. And soon, the group of whom I suspected were children was within sight from where I stood.
'Hoh?'
Children, elven children to be precise, wandered in a forest that might have monsters inside, and still loudly chatted with each other.
"You sure about this… door, Manu?" The fourth voice, a girl with a bob haircut and golden hair, spoke to the boy holding the map who I presume is the second voice.
'Manu…'
"Yeah, it should be a little farther from here. Let's pick up the pace, everyone!"
"Hey, wait! Manu, you idiot!"
The group of four consists of two boys and two girls. Manu, the map boy, has dark hair that's tied in a ponytail, yet that made him look more handsome than girly.
"Welp, Manu has a death wish again."
Charles, a boy with shoulder length red hair and a toned physique, jokingly said while walking behind the entire group, hands behind his head in a relaxed manner.
"Please, don't say such things, Charles."
"Just joking, Genna. Don't take it so seriously~."
The third voice, the other girl of the group, Genna, also has dark colored hair that's about buttock length. She was the most beautiful of the group in terms of femininity, while Charles is the most handsome in terms of masculinity.
"A little more… ah! I found it guys!"
Manu, who was running ahead of everyone, saw what he's looking for in the distance. It was the white door to my place.
"...Interesting.''
The group arrived shortly in front of it. Manu, who folded the map and placed it into his bag that's strapped across his body, was the first to touch its smooth surface.
"Woooo, it's so smooth…"
"Woah, that's a damn big door."
"Hmm, so the tales were true."
"Wow! It's so big~!"
They marveled at the very plain door, and it seems like Charles was the first to say it.
"So… it's a white door."
"Yep!"
"...What do you even do with this?"
"Well, it's a cool door, isn't it?"
"...Manu, I think you've officially become a weirdo nutjob."
"Eh?! How?!!"
"It's not just any door, Charles."
But, it seems like Manu's honor isn't about to be tarnished yet, and be labeled as whatever Charles just said. The fourth one spoke up while gazing at the door, sizing it up and down.
"It's the same door that the elder said to have belonged to a God who once ruled the World. Everything back then was dark, dreary, and fear clouded everyone's mind. Elder said that they were like sheeps back then, our forefathers were. The mighty God has no longer made any appearances anymore, yet the elder says that one day he will return to rule once more. To me, I find it hard to believe."
"Wow, Lily. That's some story. Especially since there's no 'Gods' left on this whole wide World."
'...'
I eavesdrop on their conversation, mostly the scarce history from the girl, Lily. It seems like all this information was from the tales and stories of a village elder these elven children came from.
"Are you sure about that, Charles?"
"Yeah I'm sure, Genna. I also remember something the elder said, that no other God existed beside Him, his Wife and his Children."
"Indeed, there was only Him and Him alone, no other foreign God or Goddess could be allowed to exist unless it was directly underneath him."
The story, the explanation the two children were telling seemed to be a depiction of… me?
'Wait… could this still be my World?'
It was close to an impossibility, yet it wasn't entirely zero. No, it's more likely to be honest.
'But wait… that Manu kid's father said he made a journey here and mapped out this place? Then that means… I must've been in a stasis or something.'
This discovery was shocking, so shocking that I was thinking about going to meet with the floor members.
"So, you think this is the same door, Lily?"
Manu asked once more, his eyes curious to know more.
"Yes, the white, smooth surface also attest to the stories the elder told. She said it was so smooth that it could be used as a mirror, but also so white that anything that could make a reflection would be swallowed by it."
"But, she also said that it's a door, right? A door's connected to something, and from what I can tell there's nothing but a flat mountain here."
'...Huh?'
At first, I didn't look back. But now that I saw the whole thing, it indeed was like Charles had said. Covered in moss, and the black texture was enough to mistake it for a mountainside, though pretty unique since it's smooth.
"Well, it has a slit downward up there. So let's try opening it."
"That's dangerous, Manu!"
"Woah there, as much as I like adventuring, opening ancient shit is something that I don't want to do unless I'm in my twilight years."
"Indeed, Manu, that's too dangerous of a risk."
'...Really?'
The door to the Black Castle, a white marble door made out of a special material that can be found in icy Worlds, could only be opened by a Level 100. These kids could never open it, and it didn't matter how strong one is.
'If you're not Level 100, then the door won't be opened.'
It's an innate function to the material, the White Marble Rock, that only recognizes the best of the best!
"Hrrrkkk!!"
"Hmmmmhhhhh!"
"Hehhhhhhhh!"
"Gurkkkkkk…"
The four children still tried nonetheless. They pushed and pushed with whatever strength they had. But nothing, not even a nudge nor a slight creek came from the door.
"Hah… hah… Manu, let's just go back. We've seen the door, and it's about to get late."
"Yeah, this place doesn't have anything interesting anyway. No beast or monster around, wonder why?"
"Maybe it is like the stories the elder said, that no beast nor man dare come close to God's tomb. For only the chosen may open its white gates."
"Wow, Lily, you listen and remember all that?"
"Yes, I'm a good girl, not like you, Charles."
"Heh? What, want a fight?"
"Hmm, maybe, but not now."
"What, scared?"
"No… just bored."
"Tch, whatever."
'...'
Children will always be children. But, that Lily girl. She's interesting, I'll give her that. She managed to stay composed, not breaking her character as a cool and serious girl that knows a lot of information. A know-it-all, the kinds that I somewhat see as an eyesore.
With them slowly leaving, I also tailed them from above using the Spell, Flight. Although the situation at home was concerning, exploration still takes precedence. The outside world, if it's indeed still the World that I had built, would change a lot if my name could only be told through incredible tales and myths from old elders.
'...'
As I made my way through the thick trees, trying my best to avoid the tree branches in order to not make them rustle, a cry of a beast was heard somewhere to my left.
'Huh?'
"What was that?" Manu questioned with raised eyebrows.
"Uhhh, Lily? Do you… know what that could be?" Genna asked with a worried expression.
"Lily, speak to us! What the fuck was that?!" Charles exclaimed after Genna had asked.
But Lily, almost like a mouse in front of a menacing cat, was frozen still. Her face, no longer devoid of emotions, but was only filled with one singular emotion. Fear.
"That's a demon!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
And, as if on cue with her scream, something resembling that of a demon did appear. It jumped tree to tree and was seeking food from its ugly, twisted expression.
'...Damn.'
My body moved on instinct, and my hand plunged through the chest of the demonic creature. It was human, but the demonic deformities made it hard to see it as one. A horn on one side of its forehead, black charcoal skin, red eyes, veins popping through its cracked skin, sharp, canine and shark-like teeth, it was indeed something belonging to Hell.
''...''
When I killed it, the atmosphere was silent. To the children, it probably looked like the corpse had a hole punched through its chest, now floating mysteriously in the air. But one closer look to the side would see the forearm poking out, visible through the covered blood.
'Shit…'
I didn't mean to move, but since the children could prove to be valuable, my head made calculations on its own and jumped to action before I could stop it. The effect was this scene right now, undoubtedly cool-looking.
'Well, let's just wing this then.'
I dispel the tier 7th Spell, and my form gradually returns to full color.
'Ah, right, I need to put on a human appearance.'
As the Spell was lifting, I also switched to my human appearance. This was to not frighten the small elven children.
"..."
"Woahh…"
"Is that…"
"Who… is that?"
My appearance was met with words of awe from the children. They're probably wondering who I am.
"...Are any of you hurt?''
I spoke calmly with no emotions. This apparently scared them, along with the dead eyes that I have devoid of any human emotions.
"..."
I lit the corpse of the now dead demon aflame and disintegrated it into ashes, but still, the vitality and durability of demons can't be underestimated.
"Grahhhhh!!!! Ahh, ahhh, ahhhhhhhh!!!"
It screamed as hellfire consumed it. Soon, not another sound was uttered from anywhere. The soft winds blew into the forest, making the leaves rustle as I made my way down to the children.
"S-Stand behind me, guys."
"Charles…"
The boy, Charles, acted as the wall between me and the other three. Manu was the one who peaked out the most on his left, while the two girls completely hid behind them.
"It's alright, I'm not here to hurt you."
"W-Who are you, mister?"
"I…"
I don't know how to answer that question, so for now I just answer with mystery.
"It's not necessary for you to know my name. I'm just passing through this place in search of something."
"Searching… for something? Do you mean, a white door?"
"..."
I didn't know whether or not it is good that I'm making contact this early, but I don't know what else to say in this situation.
"Well, it's getting late. I should leave for the night, you four should also leave this forest."
"Y-Yeah, we will…"
Charles looked at me with suspicion, probably trying to analyze my expression.
"Good luck on the road back, don't dawdle too much."
With that, I took to the air again and flew away out of view. I placed my invisibility Spell back on and watched them from afar again.
"Everyone's okay?" Manu said while glancing back.
"Who… was that?" Genna shakingly asked.
"Don't know his face… not an elf from the looks of it, a human Demon Hunter maybe?" Charles said speculatively.
"But, don't they use swords and melee weapons? Spells aren't very effective against the Demons." Lily explained with an uncomfortable face.
The children didn't stay for long and hurriedly went back, to which I followed them closely behind.
The outside of the large forest was not anything new, but a smaller one in terms of scale. Smaller trees that're more separated apart, the orange rays of sunlight basking them in warmth before darkness.
The more interesting sight is the elves who inhabited the inside of the trees, building bridges between them to commute with each other
"Should we tell someone about what we saw?" Genna asked with a worried expression.
"It would be wise… but would any of them believe us?" Lily said with a stern face.
"Yeah… let's just keep it our little secret, aye? Maybe tell them about the demon though, that shit's not good to be kept a secret." Charles said, his mouth is a bit foul now that I think about it.
The elven children were oblivious to my presence.
'It seems like none of them are specially connected with Mana…'
I was disappointed. I have grown my World to accommodate at least a Level 54 since birth, and with them being of Elven descent they should at least detect something following them, but now it seems like the World I painstakingly raised and built has gone down the drain.
'I would be lying if I said this is fine.'
I followed the group of children until they separated, and decided to split some of my Shadows to accompany them for the day.
'They can be useful…'
I can use them as temporary surveillance. To gain knowledge of daily lives in this new World of mine, and to collect any useful intel that they might come to know of.
'For now, let's return to inspect my place. If there's anything that's changed…'
I recall the Royal Guards. Their position hasn't changed, nor did their numbers dwindle. That means no one has managed to reach the Throne Room while I'm absent, and the Entrance Room of the Black Castle hasn't changed at all.
'...'
I hurriedly flew back.
......…
I ran through the second floor of the Black Castle and reached the end of the hallway, where a Teleportation circle lay dormant. It was covered in dust, showing that some time has indeed passed.
I place my hand on it and pour in some of my Mana to activate it. Then, a blinding blue light engulfed me. A tingling sensation was felt on my body, like a bunch of flakes had gathered and attached themselves onto my skin.
"...Saul?"
I called out to the floor's owner, Saulian Reilan Arscheen. He is a special existence, so anything that has happened to him should also alert me. But now, I can't feel anything from him. Almost like I'm separated from him when he's also a part of me.
"Saul? Where are you?"
I called out into the now dark Boss Room. It was supposed to be lit by torches, but there were none inside the room. Large pillars of bones, the cracked floor showed just how long this place had been through, and finally, the sight of my son gave me a sense of just how long I could've been gone for.
"...Saul?"
Sitting on the throne made of bones at the end of the room, was a skeleton wearing a set of tainted red armor. It was supposed to be silver.
"Saul…"
"..."
No replies, but upon entering some sort of radius he twitched his skull. It was very brief, very fast, but it was a violent jerk that would alarm most people.
"...Fa…ther?"
When I heard that disconnected word, my face brightened. I thought that maybe I was wrong, and that my son still remembers me.
"You… returned…"
But, his next words didn't sound so welcoming. I stopped, and he in turn moved.
"You… abandoned… us… me, to fend for myself… sinner…''
Words that resonated with me deep inside. Words that are filled with hatred, a deep rooted and intense hatred for the one he called Father.
"Saul… wait, I can explain."
"No! Die! DIEEE!"
His hatred blinded him from my explanation. He charged at me, a green greatsword materialized in his right hand.
'...'
His speed was naturally as fast as mine, maybe a little faster, but my judgement was faster than his hasty, enraged approach.
"Iceberg Prison!"
A light blue Magic Eye appeared on the ground, which engulfs both me and Saul in its Spell radius.
"Instant Teleport."
However, I had linked another Spell just before the previous could go off. I was outside the Spell's radius, and Saul was caught inside a large iceberg that spread intensely cold vapor.
"Saul, calm down."
"...!!!!!!"
My words held no authority, and it bugged me to no end. But, I still suppress it to the best of my ability.
"Saul, calm down and listen to your maker."
"...NO!!"
Audible words escaped from the iceberg, and cracks appeared around it.
'Tch… he's gotten stronger.'
He would've been trapped in the tier 9th Spell until I let him go, but it seems like he's indeed gotten stronger compared to the past. He didn't need to use any Skills to break free now.
'This is going to be cumbersome.'
Annoyance ran through my mind, but it's not something I can ignore. So, with much calming down on my part, I released the Spell and let his hatred filled eyes to lock onto me.
"Come, Saulian Reilan Arscheen. I will show you why I am your maker!"
With that, we began our sudden fight.