[Sword Burst(B)lv.1]
> You create a momentary circle of spectral blades that sweep five meters around you
> Active skill
> Range will increase at higher levels.
"Hmm, interesting...activate."
[Skill cannot be activated]
"And why?"
[Skill use consumes a total of 100 AP per second]
[User AP is not enough]
"What is this?"
[AP is the fuel for skill use]
[As Qigong is the fuel for martial art effectiveness]
[In terms of An awakener there are three classifications of this fuel]
[Mana, Aura, Cosmotic]
[Mana and Aura are adaptable to the human body]
[However, Cosmotic energy will destroy the human body]
"You are talking in some jargon I don't even understand."
[You will come to understand]
[For now, you can only use Aura]
[Mana will be available when you progress in the abyss or after the first gatebreak]
"You are just talking in signs, are you a prophet or what? I don't wanna go into the abyss. Do you know how much I suffered? You came to me, said you can get be stronger without stress, now every time abyss, abyss, abyss."
[I knew not of what evil was about to befall your world then]
[I still do not make it a mandatory matter]
[But in nine(9) days, if you are not strong enough to handle them]
[You might not have the luxury to be comfortable and to laze around]
[The Abyss cannot kill you]
[I have made sure of that]
Ayo sat down on the swing and calmed down. "I know my behavior is cowardice considering I have lived before..."
[The Fear Of Death]
Ayo paused.
[You've known the pain of death, it is what you fear the most]
[This second chance is something you stole]
[You fear you might never get another chance again if you are wreckless]
Ayo smiled shyly, '...how do you know so much, because you are Phanes Authority?'
[No]
[In a way, you remind me of myself]
[Fear is a dangerous element to keep]
[Enter the abyss]
[Fight your fears]
[You can cut your cake and have it]
Ayo looked to the sky, "Fight my fears?"
[Yes]
[The gate break is just the beginning]
[Terror is coming for Earth]
"Perhaps it won't hurt to explain these things to me. Maybe I can understand and respond the way you expect."
[Okay]
~Whish~
The vision in front of Ayo changed to a white plane.
[Does this ring a bell?]
Ayo could not forget it. Where he faced the dilemma of dying forever and where he copied Phanes Authority.
"The borderline?"
[This is more than just a borderline]
[This is Phanes Authority]
"huh?" Ayo was puzzled.
[I am the primordial of creation]
"Huh?" Ayo was furtherly puzzled. "You are the one that created the earth?"
[No, that is my sister Gaea]
[I am a consummation of life and death]
[A concept that is not supposed to exist]
[That was why my brothers and the other primordials decided to get rid of me]
[But my essence was integral to the composition of life and death concept so they could not just do away with me. Hence they molded me into a plane that gives life and takes life. This is what you call The Borderline]
[Several years have passed and the offsprings of my siblings still use me. However, you gave me the first freedom I tasted. Although not long after, your system after discovering my identity tried to lock me out but yet your desperate cry for help fueled my passion to break free and help you]
[The gods are coming for me]
[I don't want to go back into their hands]
[I prefer to be with you]
[The only way you can protect me is by becoming stronger]
[That is why the abyss is needed]
[The abyss is the first creation of us primordials and also our first failure. Each floor starting from the second floor is a universe on its own. If you conquer the abyss. You can bear what is coming]
[I will keep my word]
[I don't intend to make you stronger outside your comfort]
Ayo was busy digesting all this enormous information. He had no idea his actions would have so much effect and was baffled by it. He was a lazy dude no doubt but maybe because of his age before dying, he had integrity to his ego and a sense of responsibility.
"But how?" Ayo asked, "...how will you do that?"
[All you need to do is sleep and dream]
"Considering the sensitivity of this situation, I suppose you shouldn't be making jokes."
[Every time you sleep, you will be transported to the abyss]
[Your growth in the abyss will reflect in reality]
[You won't be able to die while in the abyss]
[When killed by monsters, the floor level will reset to one and you would have to climb again]
"Will I be conscious?"
[Of course, You are the one challenging the abyss]
Ayo looked at the plane one last time. "Can you take me out of here now?" He queried.
[Of course]
~whish~
He returned to the scenery of a calm and quiet playground. Only that... the next minute he was stunned.
[You have entered stunned state]
He struggled to retain his consciousness for a few seconds but eventually collapsed.
***
***
***
(New York, America)
"Do you perhaps have any idea why Father called a sudden meeting?" Aaron's croaky voice made the man in front of him stop and bow. Aaron had black, straight hair that slightly reveals his furrowed, lived-in face. Sparkling blue eyes, that seemed to be watching hungrily over the ancestors they'd been separated from for so long. Soft skin charmingly compliments his eyes and mouth and leaves a fascinating memory of his wealth
Aaron had a gracious presence despite his lean frame. He was perfect to no fault except for his lack of skills in martial art which is compensated for by his management brain, due to that, despite being the second son of his father, he had more shares than anyone in the company. Although his weakness as a martial artist still frustrates him at times.
"I do not know." The secretary donned in a black suit responded, bowing as he adjusted his rectangular framed glasses.
"You are my father's secretary yet you claim you have no idea why he suddenly called a family dinner when he knows we are very much occupied with business already. Should I take it as you saying you are inadequate for the job?"
"Doyle has been father's secretary for more than fifteen years brother. How more do you suggest that he proves his adequacy?"
Aaron did not notice him until he spoke, his voice caused him to flinch and be flustered. "Brother... you are here?"
"Yes, I am here..." Derek replied, tapping his younger brother's shoulder, he was much bigger and larger in physique compared to Aaron. Aaron had a clean shave but his beard was full making him look like Aaron's father.
"Now, let's go inside. It has been quite a while since I saw father. I heard Minan is here already." He said as he put his arms around Aaron's shoulder and the two walked inside the mansion with frustration written all over Aaron's face.
'Over and over again, with his big presence, I still can't sense him when he sneaks up on me.' He complained to himself as both of them walked inside, looking like happy brothers and the servants and maids bowed.