Jacob was convinced his life had reached its end, yet there he was, his own power granting him the choice to return to life. As apprehension grew within him, a question emerged from his turmoil: What would happen if he chose to "Quit the Game"?
"Quit the game? How so?"
If he remembered correctly, in real life, quitting the game meant going back to the game's title screen. But now that it was his personal power, this option was impossible since he no longer needed to go through a menu. So, what did this option hold for him? Jacob was eager to find out by pressing it, but the risk was significant; he might lose his life permanently.
Moreover, the confrontation with the Founders deeply disturbed him. This interaction had brought crucial answers and vital information, such as the name of the entity residing in Gwendoline and its origin, but it also raised questions as complex as they were perplexing. Who was this man from a distant future? Why had the Founders chosen to converse with him when they knew he wouldn't accept? However, the predominant question among his inquiries was the close link between the Founders and Damahan, Mudon, and Ergania. All these questions remained unanswered, eventually pushing him to press the "Reappear" button.
A burst of light emerged in the distance, dazzling him to the point of forcing him to cover his eyes with his arms. After a short while, he awoke near the golden laurel, where Igdifir had placed him to rest. Speaking of him, he was preparing for the upcoming battle with the boss Orion, honing his elemental abilities on nearby enemies.
"Igdifir?!"
"Yes, Master?"
So... am I immortal inside Deity Battle?
After Igdifir joined him, Jacob explained what had happened from his perspective. He first recounted the battle they had fought against Orion, elaborating on how both had lost by his power. But when it came to the most surprising part, Jacob detailed as much as possible about the Founders and the conversation they had had. Several facts surprised Igdifir, notably the additional information about Ergania, but especially the revelation of the close link between these gods and Damahan.
"And there you have it, you know everything."
"What a strange revelation... This man you told me about at the end of your story intrigues me greatly. An Egyptian from the future, you don't see that every day..."
"You're telling me."
"However... I wonder why these Founders are so intent on neutralizing Ergania."
"For her so-called malice. At least, that's what they told me."
"No, that doesn't hold up... I think it must be related to their power. There must be a hidden truth. If they are metapotent beings, as they claim, I find it absurd that they don't act themselves. Unless Ergania is more powerful than them, but then again, there's a problem. Why would they need the help of a being less powerful than them? Nothing in this story seems coherent."
"Yeah, we're missing a piece of the puzzle."
Jacob paused for a moment, now reflecting on his situation.
"Igdifir?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think it's a good idea to join the others in Edra to talk about it with Gwendoline?"
"Well... It's risky, we don't know who Ergania truly is. Who knows what she will do when she learns that gods are after her?"
"Still, I worry about them..."
"Don't worry, I'm sure Ergania will handle this problem, don't forget she's a metapotent being like the Founders after all!"
Jacob bowed his head and thought back to his conversation with the Founders, where they spoke of two potential collaborators.
"But one last problem persists, that of the second collaborator, the Egyptian. What should we do with this information?"
"That's a delicate question, we know nothing about him after all. The only clue we have is that he may come from a distant future, or perhaps an alternate universe, who knows?"
"Anyway, I think it would be wiser to inform the others, and maybe even the government?"
"Yes, it remains an information of capital importance."
"Exactly, in that case, I'll go inform the others as soon as we beat Orion. Shall we go?"
"Yes, let's go!"
*
During the journey that led them to Orion, both wondered to what extent Jacob was immortal. Now, they knew they feared no danger within his personal power, but what about in the real world? If Jacob were to die outside of Deity Battle, would he resurrect?
Regardless, there they were, arrived at the portal leading to Orion.
"Here we are. Are you ready, Master?"
"Of course, I'm ready! I won't die a second time!"
After declaring his conviction with unwavering firmness, Jacob advanced towards the lair of the formidable Orion. Following him, Igdifir prepared for the battle by clenching his fists, a glimmer of determination lighting up his face.
[Den of the Fallen Forger]
[Boss: Orion, the Stars Blacksmith]
[HP: 250,000/250,000]
As before, as soon as they entered the vast cosmic hall, a palpable tension gripped them. It was as if the entire atmosphere held its breath, all due to an imposing presence: Orion. Armed with the Celestial Dragon Blade, the legendary sword with ethereal draconic reflections, Orion stood majestically on his translucent crystal pedestal.
Without any hesitation or lost time in contemplation, Jacob launched himself towards Orion's three-crystal belt that girdled his waist. The trail of flames from his katana testified to his speed, leaving a burning streak in the air.
His sudden impulse allowed him to reach the vulnerable point in a flash, so much so that even Orion, his face in astonishment, barely noticed the shattering of one of his crystals into a thousand pieces.
[HP: 165,000/250,000]
Once the crystal was broken, Jacob quickly returned to Igdifir's side to avoid Orion's aura explosion, which would have certainly disadvantaged him. Then, to the rhythm of epic music playing from the void, Orion unleashed his rage and roared, creating a barrier from his aura.
"Well done, Master! You didn't waste a second!
"We especially can't afford to waste time. The more he attacks, the more likely we are to be caught off guard like last time.
"You're right. Shall we move to phase two of the plan?
"Yes, and I'm on it! Get ready!"
Jacob, his katana glittering in hand, prepared once again for action. His muscles ready to burst with energy as he began running at an impressive speed around Orion, creating afterimages that destabilized Orion's senses.
Suddenly, his katana blade whistled through the air as he skillfully directed it towards Orion, executing the Adaken with unmatched grace. Each of his movements was a deadly dance, a symphony of power and precision.
Look at me, Master! Look at the pupil you have taught!
His previous fight with Marshal had been a true trial, a forge where he had honed his skills beyond all limits. So much so that at this moment, Jacob felt superior to Marshal in mastering Adaken, executed with absolute perfection. Every movement of his blade was a demonstration of mastery, a silent declaration of his determination to defeat Orion.
But reality hit him hard when Orion vanished from his field of vision. As before, he moved at such a speed that no movement was perceptible to him.
Here we go, the fun begins!
Thinking these words with an arrogant smile, he spotted Igdifir, arriving from the air, mimicking a sword guard with his hands, as if holding an invisible blade ready to unleash all its power.
[Zephyr Blade]
In a single sword strike, a blast of compressed wind hit Orion in the abdomen, stopping him in his frenzied run.
"Argh!" he groaned.
Now destabilized by the shock, he had no choice but to realize the trap he had fallen into. Now, Jacob had a clear path to slash one of the two remaining jewels on his belt, which he did with great momentum.
[HP: 79,820/250,000]
"How?!"
In a final effort to preserve his existence, Orion lunged with incredible bravery, projecting his blade towards Jacob. Despite the rapidity of his attack, the young man managed to evade with superhuman speed, thanks to Igdifir's providential assistance. They both landed on the ground, filled with triumphant awareness, convinced that victory in this fight was within reach.
"Why do you covet my sword so much?
"Because it is more useful to us than you," replied Jacob.
"And how so?! For power? For glory?!"
With solemn sincerity betraying his gaze, he retorted:
"Because it is the symbol of survival. Of course, at first, I only saw the power it contained. But recently, I understood something else…"
He lowered his gaze, letting memories play out before him like a short film. The moments shared with the Lost Ones, training with Marshal, the missions, and finally what seemed to be the real reason for his realization: his confrontation with Tony. He remembered the bitter taste of defeat because, in his eyes, Tony didn't deserve to win. His abject nature made it unjust.
Then, he recalled a conversation with Yanis, where they both discussed revenge against Tony. He then vowed to fight alongside him to defeat the abominable Tony.
He lifted his head, continuing his sentence:
"I've understood my mistakes and defeats. I want to become stronger, not for personal satisfaction, but to protect others and the weaker ones, so that no one has to endure what I've experienced. That's why I want your sword, Orion."
Orion stood there, unsure how to respond. But a sudden realization overtook him, as if a consciousness emerged from his mind.
"Are you sure, young man? You say you want to protect others, but what about yourself? If you become the strongest, who will protect you when you are in danger?
"No one will come to save me, because I don't want to be saved... If I have to die to save a greater cause, like protecting an entire multiverse, then I will do it.
"Those beautiful words from your mouth, are they sincere?"
He nodded slowly.
"I swore to someone dear to me that I would do what it takes to become a better person. Lying about it would be a betrayal to him."
Orion took a moment to weigh the decision that would change Jacob forever. Until now, he had never felt any emotion, yet here was this blond young man who had made him doubt his reality. But for the first time, he chose trust over the usual fight to the death.
He walked towards Jacob, leaving the last precious stone exposed.
"What's your name?
"Jacob Anabito.
"Jacob, before you deliver the final blow, let me tell you one last thing.
"I'm listening.
"Be careful not to become too powerful, for it's often overwhelmed by strength that we become a shadow of ourselves.
"I will be careful."
With a precise and swift cut, Jacob severed the last crystal without looking back. He let Orion disappear into scarlet smoke, before taking in his hands the sword for which he had shed blood and tears: the Celestial Dragon Blade.
[Zone Boss Defeated.]
[You have obtained the legendary Celestial Dragon Blade.]
[XP Gained: 1,500,000]
[Level Required to Wield the Celestial Dragon Blade: 500]
[LVL: 402/1500]
"I finally have it..." he sobbed, appreciating the joy of the moment.
Igdifir placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, rubbing it gently.
"Congratulations, you fought for it, and you finally got it. Congratulations.
"Thank you, Igdifir…
"I'm sure Marshal would be proud of you!
"Yes, haha."
*
After passing through the portal to return to the dojo, Jacob indulged in the pleasure of a renewed vision of his surroundings. The sky appeared a more brilliant blue than ever before, casting an almost dazzling brightness. The orange-hued greenery of autumn around him took on a new life, vibrating with a radiant energy. Each leaf seemed to shimmer like a precious jewel, spreading an unprecedented lushness across the landscape.
Igdifir turned his attention to him.
"What do you plan to do now?"
"I need to apologize to a friend."
"I know that, but what about after that?"
"Well, I think I'm going to protect Haradi. Because if I understood correctly, Hermiel is no longer in the Kingdom?"
"That's right, he left with the others for Edra. It's just you and your friend Rogue now."
"Then it's decided. I will protect the Kingdom of Rymis until they return! And afterwards, I'll fulfill a promise."
"A promise?" he inquired.
"I promised Yanis I would help him defeat Tony! And as a brother-in-arms, it's my duty to help him."
"So be it… Good luck to you," he agreed with a proud sigh.
Igdifir disappeared into the void, leaving behind a cloud of scarlet pixels.
Now alone, bearing the weight of his responsibilities, Jacob set off towards Haradi, a peaceful hamlet sustained by the perseverance of local farmers and traders.
After his journey, his unwavering determination evident with every step, he arrived amidst the inhabitants of Haradi, who greeted his presence in the heart of the village with pleasant surprise. He finally reached the residence of Garnal, a temporary home for the Lost in Haradi, which was in truth the dwelling of this young man of delicate charm.
Jacob stood before the door, hesitating for a moment before knocking. He knew this would be hard, but he couldn't back down. After two knocks, the door slowly opened, and Garnal appeared, his eyes wide with surprise and alarm at seeing Jacob.
"Garnal, I... I'm here to apologize. For everything I said in the dojo earlier, for the threats I made against you and the people of Haradi. It was insane, and I can't even explain why I acted that way. I'm sorry, Garnal, truly."
Garnal remained silent for a moment, seeming to absorb Jacob's words. His face showed a mix of emotions, from anger to confusion, but finally, he sighed and said in a resigned voice:
"Jacob... you really scared me. I truly thought you had become someone else. But... I suppose we all make mistakes, don't we?"
Jacob nodded with relief.
"Yeah, you're right... Just know that I'm ready to make amends as much as I can."
"I hope so."
"It's decided, Garnal! I'm going to protect Haradi to ensure nothing bad happens to the villagers during Hermiel's absence. And I swear that the night against Abaguo won't happen again!"
Garnal offered a shy smile.
"It's good to see you again, Jacob! I hope you'll honor your promise!"
The two men shook hands, sealing their tacit agreement to put the past behind them and work together for the good of Haradi. Jacob knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to do everything to regain his friend's trust and protect the village he had threatened.
"By the way, Garnal?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think I could visit King Rymis?"
"Strange question, but given your status, I think that's possible, yes. Why do you ask?"
"I have some vitally important information to pass on to him."
Garnal's eyebrows raised, curious about what kind of information Jacob might have.