"So, this power... it's sealed somehow. But can I tap into it, even partially?"
Determination flickered in his eyes as he willed the energy to his fingertips. It danced like fireflies, a flickering luminescence that responded to his inner call. Diaz concentrated, feeling the energy weave around him like an intricate web, each strand humming with latent potential.
With a deep breath, Diaz experimented, drawing upon his predecessor's memories to invoke a skill. A soft incantation formed on his lips, and suddenly, the air around him came alive. Wind whispered against his senses, the forest responding to his newfound ability. The world expanded, its details etching themselves into his mind with vivid clarity.
'Wind Sense: Level 1' The words resonated within his thoughts, a testament to his successful activation of the skill. Diaz marveled at the precision with which he could perceive his surroundings. The rustling leaves, the distant calls of creatures, and the very heartbeat of the forest—it all reverberated through his senses.
His curiosity sated, Diaz's attention was then drawn to another skill he had unlocked. 'Wind Step: Level 1' It was as if a doorway had opened within his mind, granting him access to a world of possibilities. He envisioned himself moving with the wind, his steps light and effortless. With a surge of willpower, he felt himself glide forward, each movement guided by an invisible hand.
Diaz traversed the jungle with an otherworldly grace, his body responding to his intentions as if they were second nature. In a matter of moments, he stood before a clearing, a small pool reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
His senses detected movement nearby, and he knew that his instincts had led him to prey. A majestic deer, its elegant antlers reaching for the sky, grazed peacefully. Diaz's eyes narrowed, the hunter's instincts awakening within him. He focused on his target, the energy around him responding to his command.
'Wind Blast: Level 1.' The incantation formed in his mind, and with a motion of his hand, a gust of wind surged forth. The air itself seemed to solidify into a focused burst that struck the deer with precision. The creature staggered, its eyes wide with surprise, before it collapsed to the ground.
'Guess I can eat tonight.'Diaz's lips quirked in a mix of satisfaction and pragmatism as he approached the fallen prey. His fingers traced a gesture in the air, and a shimmering blade of wind materialized, deftly carving the meat into manageable portions.
'The Beast in this world seems to contain energy, Diaz thought as he held the core item of the recently hunted animal in his hand.
"There's much I need to learn"
The instincts of an underworld leader directed him to examine the animal's core closely. His body felt different—almost as if there were untapped resources waiting to be accessed.
The Precessor hadn't delved much into the knowledge of this world such as animal strengths, hierarchy, and their various levels.
"How could the memories of the heir be so limited to Yunita? Is he truly just a legendary licking dog"
'The man's demise might indeed be justified. 'No wonder he was killed' Diaz pondered, his grip tightening around the animal's core. Contemplating the man's fate drew Diaz into deeper thoughts, reflecting on how easily someone who should have been wise enough could be ensnared in arrogance and ignorance.
'So naive, simply having the status of The Next Hero and a strong background made him lost his vigilance' Diaz Sighted.
Diaz's contemplations are interrupted as he catches glimpses of his predecessor's memories. He recalls the power structure of this world, where individuals possess elemental abilities and are categorized as either Chosen or Enchanted.
Chosen is a person who can use an elemental skill without a skill book, and Enchanted is a person that cannot use an elemental skill and need a skill book or a magic weapon to use a skill, only 1 out of 100 people who can become a chosen, chosen is born, someone can born wih chosen ability when he reached 5 years old.
Each person has a Core that enables them to wield their skills, and Hero-level individuals typically a chosen that reach at least Level 5 or peak level.
My father was Level 5 peak with the Fire attribute, while I inherited my mother's wind-based power. Elsa, my sister, has the Fire attribute. Diaz's thoughts briefly drift to Elsa, his beautiful and headstrong sister who is just a year older.
She's the Student Council President at the top magic school, with White Hair "Azkabur," and their relationship has been strained due to his obsession with Yunita. Elsa is also a Hero candidate like Diaz, although their relationship is far from harmonious.
' I felt some energy in my body, but is not a fire or wind element, what is it and why I have it. I can't use it but i can felt its presence, it feel... evil' Diaz mused
And the memories continue with the damn Yunita, he muses, his thoughts involuntarily shifting to her. A beautiful woman, the daughter of a Marquis, and skilled in the element of fire. She enjoys reading, crafting clothes, and morning exercises. wait wait stop there .... Diaz cuts off his own thoughts, frustrated with his fixation on Yunita. Why can't I stop thinking about her? There's more to focus on.
'My mother's power was exceptional, even surpassing my cheap dad's in a one-on-one situation without a skill book or magic weapon He got lucky to defeat her once'.
Diaz's thoughts take a momentary turn to his mother's prowess, her royal lineage come from an ancient kingdom and... that's all??'. "Damn it diaz you don't even bother to find out your mother's background, a very filial child, in fact YOU JUST NEED TO ASK HER!!!".
Did he become so preoccupied with Yunita that he neglected his own family's history? He chides himself for not asking earlier, feeling irritation. 'I swear If I could meet you in my dream, Ex-Diaz, I'd knock the sit out of you.
As Diaz contemplates his own future revelation plan, the veils of deception around him slowly begin to unravel, revealing the complexities of the world he now finds himself entangled in.
'Can you Stop Scolding me,' the voice echoed.
'Who are you?' Diaz questioned, his senses on edge.
'I am you, and yet I am not,' the voice replied, a hint of enigma in its tone.
Diaz's patience wavered. 'Enough with the cryptic talk.'
'Fine, let's drop the act. It's me, your ex-doppelgänger,' the voice admitted.
'Ex-doppelgänger? What nonsense is this?'
Ex-Diaz sighed. 'Okay, I'm the previous you, the one who was here before you. and to answer you complained, yes I erase some of the major information to protect you'
'So that's what it ism No wonder, and why are you in my head?' Diaz Asked
'You have a task left unfinished, and you're the only one who can accomplish it.' Ex-Diaz reply
'And what's this task?'
'To protect the World Stone, and grow with it.'
'World Stone? What's that supposed to be?'
'An ancient artifact, a source of incredible power. But it's not just power; it's the balance that holds the world together.'
An organization called "The Obsidian Order" seeks to obtain the World Stone's power for their own nefarious purposes. They want to tip the balance and plunge the world into chaos.'
'Great, so you're telling me I have to save the world now?' Diaz Smirk
'No, Just be yourself, I don't care about this world anyway' Ex-Diaz reply. 'My power way too strong to behold, I force to make a façade to be a scumbag (cough cough), but when I was grow up, the power within me cannot holding me back'.
'You know I become a Best Freshman in Academy, while I am sleeping?? Yes, I run my skill A wind skill to defeat all of them while i am sleeping, you know why?. Ex-Diaz explained
Diaz say 'I know, the world stone and Why me? Why not find someone else?'
'Because the World Stone is tied to our bloodline, Diaz. And you're the last one left who can wield its power.'
Diaz's frustration was palpable. 'And what if I refuse?'
'Nothing Happen', Ex-Diaz Explained
"Nothing??' Diaz say
"Nothing, as I said, you will just die like before, and the world stone will be used by other people, but as I said, it in your bloodline, you need to die", Ex-Diaz nonchalant reaction make Diaz felt unbelievable, that's it?, die again?, of course not, why would I die again…
'Why the World Stone with you in the first place?' Diaz's curiosity was piqued, his mind racing to grasp the complexities of the situation.
Ex-Diaz's voice held a hint of somberness. 'It was a legacy, passed down through generations. Our ancestors were entrusted with its protection, guardians of its immense power.'
'And how did it end up in my hands?'
'The World Stone was kept hidden for centuries, its existence known only to a select few. But as the Obsidian Order's influence grew, they began searching for it, seeking to wield its power for their own dark purposes.'
'And they found it?'
'Yes, they came close. I was a member of a secret organization dedicated to protecting the stone, but we were betrayed from within. The Obsidian Order attacked our sanctuary, and in the chaos, I managed to escape with the stone, but not without a price.'
Diaz's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. 'You died protecting it.'
'Yes, I was gravely wounded. I hid the stone and then used my remaining strength to create a false persona, a scumbag, to divert their attention. I needed to buy time, to let the stone's power remain dormant until someone worthy could arise to wield it.'
'And that someone is me?' Diaz's thoughts were tumultuous, grappling with the weight of destiny placed upon him. 'Fine, I'll do it. But I'll do it my way.'
Ex-Diaz's voice held a tone of approval. 'That's all I could ask for. You see, I had a plan. I faked my death not just to hide the World Stone but also to control it within you.'
'Control it? Why?' Diaz Pondered
'For both our sakes. The World Stone has immense power, and with it, you can grow steadily without drawing unnecessary attention.'
"Did Our Parent know", Diaz Asked with worry
"They Didn't, and why the stone is not in our father's hand is because he dumb". Ex-Diaz Explained
"Dumb", He shock, I know my cheap father is dumb, but he is so dumb to the point the Ancestor Doesn't want to give the stone to him.
'But why are you reaching out now?'
'I can't communicate with you regularly without using up extra energy. So, I'm here to remind you: be yourself, achieve your goals, but protect my family—our family. Mother, our stepfather, and our sister. They're precious to me, and I trust you to watch over them.'
Diaz's heart softened. 'You cared for them that much?'
'Yes, and I know you'll do right by thing, the world in not just the world you live in now, you will learn someday when you strong enough.' Ex Diaz explained
'What What' Diaz asked
With that, Ex-Diaz's presence faded, leaving Diaz with a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't burdened with saving the world; instead, he had a unique opportunity to grow stronger on his terms.
In the end, one realization surfaced in his mind: he needed to gather information. This world was open to him, and if he wanted to comprehend the dynamics at play, he had to start by amassing knowledge about the world that had become his new home.
As he was about to collect his hard-earned meal, a voice shattered the tranquility of the forest. "KABOOMM!" Diaz's head snapped up, his senses alert to the urgency in the voice.
'What is that Explosion 'Diaz's thoughts raced as he followed the source of the cry and Panic. Through the dense undergrowth. With a newfound determination, Diaz stepped forward, the wind at his back and the energy of his new life coursing through his veins.
30 minutes ago.
A caravan of merchants traversed the dense expanse of "The Elysian Enigma" a forest whose name held an eerie resonance with its mysterious depths. Led by the formidable figure of Helena, the merchants hailed from the illustrious land of Tual—one of the four great kingdoms within the sprawling continent of Salazar.
Helen: "It's taking so long."
Helena, the daughter and a heir of one of the top traders and a hero "Berkah Mercenary", had been entrusted by her father, James, with the crucial task of delivering essential food supplies to the distant kingdom of Polimax.
With her yellow hair catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, her white skin seemed to glow with an exceptional beauty that was the talk of the kingdom. Cheerfully, she managed the caravan, her presence like a ray of sunshine amidst the dense forest. Despite the task at hand, her wasp-waisted form exuded an air of elegance.
"Your Highness, according to our estimates, we will arrive in about another day."
Indah, a servant possessing unique abilities, approached Helena with a tray of tea. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back, framing a face that was as beautiful as it was enigmatic. The sweet curve of her lips held a sense of mystery, a demeanor that belied the depths of her skills. Her eyes held secrets, but her loyalty was unwavering.
Helena: "You and your peculiar abilities. It's strange to see you as a servant. You could be a knight, you know."
Indah: "I dare not. I am a servant. His Highness James rescued me from slavery."
Helena: "Ugh, don't mention my cheap daddy. He's the worst. Sending me as if there's no one else."
Indah: "His Highness wishes to train you, milady."
Helena: "Cut the crap. By the way, have you heard? There has been no news of the Polimax's hero for the past year."
Indah: "Please lower your voice, milady."
Helena: "Come on, don't be scared. But they say he has two children, both of whom are supposed to be his successors."
Indah: "Milady, can we change the topic?"
Helena: "Not fun. But ever since losing his child, that old hero hasn't been seen."
Suddenly, a guard rushed in. "Apologies, Your Highness. It seems we cannot proceed with the journey."
Helena: "Hey, what's going on? Are you doing your job properly?"
Guard: "Tha—"
KAABOOMMM
An explosion echoed, interrupting the guard.
Helena: "What was that sound?"
Indah, gripping Helena's arm, activated her skill "Verdant Shield," a defensive ability derived from the enchanting power of the forest itself. It was Level 3, a protective earth skill that harnessed the innate energies of the environment.
As the forest trembled with the aftermath of the explosion, and the echoes of intrigue and danger reverberated through the air, the shadows within "Invisible Shadows" concealed both secrets and threats.
Diaz, intertwined with the legacy of his predecessor, must navigate the enigmatic forces that have disrupted their journey. With each revelation, the boundaries between hero and villain blur, and Diaz must harness the power within him to protect those he's come to care about.
**To be continued...**