" Shit... my ears hurts.. "
*DING DING* Ino felt as his ears were ringing. It was almost unbearable. The sound was like a loud bell clanging against inside his skull that made his head ache. Slowly, the sound started to fade away.
「 C.. , l, ? 」
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「 Ch.../# 」
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「 Child? 」
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「 Do you hear me? 」
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A voice could be heard, and Ino, still in a state of shock and confusion, hesitated briefly before responding, "Who are you?" He tried to open his eyes, hoping to discern his surroundings. Upon opening them, he found himself in a vast, seemingly endless void filled with stars and gears resembling clocks, as if transported to a mystical realm straight out of a fantasy novel.
After a long moment of silence, the voice in his mind returned. He scanned the area, attempting to pinpoint its source, but everything remained still and silent.
「 I'm $#...#※ 」
「 Humanity knows me as a higher existence, or perhaps, as God. Since you've heard my voice, it seems you can perceive me, child. As a reward, I will explain what truly transpired. 」
「 Currently, you are summoned here within one of my pocket dimensions where time holds no sway. 」
「 You must be curious about what happened to you and your little brother. Your fate was unfortunate and inevitable, yet anticipated. 」
「 The initial dream you had was in an alternate reality. In that timeline, our Antares Siente had already passed away before turning fifteen. You faced a similar destiny in another universe, child. Your little brother was a crucial variable across all timelines. But fear not, even though Antares was sacrificed, you lived prosperously in different realities. 」
「 In this present existence you've previously encountered, you, the child, and your little brother in the original timeline shared a deeply bonded relationship, given your family's abandonment. Fortunately, he reached his fifteenth birthday on that very day. 」
After some time, Ino abruptly interrupted the explanation in his mind. "What's the purpose of telling me all this?" he asked cautiously, suspicion coloring his tone. He found it somewhat absurd and difficult to believe.
"Why does his reaching fifteenth matter?" His questioning tone conveyed a desire for more information while also revealing wariness about the God's intentions. Clearly confused, Ino sought clarity and answers to make sense of the situation.
「 I cannot disclose that to you, child. However, since you meet the required criteria to become my loyal follower, I will bestow upon you my blessings as my chosen Apostle. 」
「 With these blessings, you can return to your own world to fulfill your mission, child. As my apostle, your task is to prevent the demise of ※#!;■°#※. If you succeed, I will grant you a wish. 」
Ino's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Am I supposed to believe this is some cruel joke?" he questioned, his voice tinged with anger. He shook his head, struggling to comprehend the bizarre situation.
"You want me to save a world I've never heard of, offering me 'false hope'..." His words turned into a sneer, his fists clenching with frustration. "Is this the sick game you delight in? Manipulating emotions, treating lives like pawns in your twisted game?"
Turning away, Ino cast his eyes downward, attempting to calm his turbulent thoughts.
「 Do you believe I am joking, child? I am the one who spared you, yet you react so outrageously. 」
「 You were never given a choice from the start. Once chosen as an Apostle, you are bound to serve your God until death. 」
「 Isn't that remarkable, child? That you may worship me. 」
As the voice echoed in his mind, Ino fought to steady his thoughts. Aware that the voice could read his mind, he strived to maintain a neutral expression, concealing the emotions churning within him.
「 After this explanation, I will send you back to your world. Consider this my mercy towards a human. I am a very considerate God, so I will give you a chance to settle everything, sever all remaining attachments or ties you have in your heart to that world. Child, I will return for you later, and only then will I give you your true orders.
Do not disappoint me. 」
As the explanation concluded, everything seemed to snap back into place. Ino's vision started to dim and blur, leaving him feeling dizzy and disoriented from the sudden transition. His head throbbed painfully, and his surroundings appeared hazy. He groaned, attempting to gather his thoughts and make sense of what had transpired. As he scanned the area, trying to recognize his return to reality, the God's words began to echo in his mind, a reminder not to forget his duty.
As time passed, he struggled to move his limbs, feeling weak and burdened. He realized his injuries had completely healed, yet the room was still stained with his and Anta's blood. Only minutes had passed since the ordeal. Trying to recall the events, he stared blankly at the floor, overwhelmed by the shock and trauma of what he had experienced. His mind raced to process and replay everything that had occurred, leaving him feeling lost and unsettled.
"Anta," he managed to utter, his voice cracking slightly. Slowly, he reached up to touch his neck, then turned his gaze blankly towards the space where Anta's body had lain.
Ino sat on the floor, hollow and devoid of thought. His eyes were vacant, as if all meaning had drained from his life. His posture was limp, like that of a lifeless shell.
Eventually, he rose from the floor, his gaze fixed on the ground. He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Wiping his face, he surveyed the chaotic aftermath. His mind was a jumble, struggling to comprehend the events. He wondered if he would ever make sense of what had occurred.
Suddenly, a wave of nausea overcame him, and he rushed to the bathroom, barely reaching the toilet before vomiting.
"Ahh..." He couldn't stop himself, the memory of the brutal killing of Anta and himself still vivid in his mind. The sensation of their wounds, the disgust welling up in his stomach, forced him to retch repeatedly. "Haah..."
Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees and buried his head in his hands, enduring the relentless waves of nausea. After a few minutes, the nausea subsided, and he struggled to catch his breath. Wiping his mouth, he took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
He couldn't believe he had survived while Anta was gone. Guilt weighed heavily on him for living on when his little brother had perished. He knew Anta would have wanted him to carry on, to find purpose, but finding the strength to do so was a daunting task.
"This is such a mess..." he muttered, turning to glance at himself in the mirror. Accidentally catching sight of his left eye, shimmering like a golden sun.
「 Ding! 」
Ino gazed at the brown-colored screen, resembling an old hologram suspended in the air, puzzled by its presence and purpose before him.
"Name: Ino Siente [Apostle of #,..※#]
Age: 21
Planet: EARTH
Status: Disgusted, Shocked.
Mission: N/A
Current Status Effect:
- Apostle's of ##...※% Blessings (Passive)
[Immune to all Negative Statuses]
- God's Revive (Passive)
[Instant Regeneration]
World Demise: 6 days, 23 hours, 12 minutes, 7 seconds"
"What in the world is this?" Ino stared at the screen, trying to make sense of everything displayed for the first time. He found the information amusing. "This is utterly ridiculous," he chuckled uncontrollably, feeling as if he had lost his mind.
"Is this your idea of showing mercy?" Ino ran his hand through his hair in disbelief. "This is crazy. It's like I'm just a puppet on a string," he muttered, looking down. "Does Earth really need a countdown just for me to fulfill some mission? It's absurd."
Unable to contain his laughter, Ino leaned forward against the mirror, shaking his head.
"Brother..." A soft, tender voice whispered behind him, abruptly halting his laughter. Ino froze, his heart pounding. He knew his little brother wouldn't return.
"Maybe... I'm losing my mind," Ino murmured quietly, heading out of the room to face the mess ahead, sighing heavily as he prepared to tackle the aftermath.
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"Ino! I told you the laundry will get wet! It's raining!!!"
"Ehhhh!!? Hold on!"
At that day the sky was very dark, I hurriedly went outside to get the laundry, The clouds seems about to fall above me. After i went inside, my little brother helped me.
"Tsk." I heard him.
"Oi, youー did you justー" I looked at him, looking like offended.
"I told you this again and again!" Anta sighed, he seems disappointed at my action, he was nagging at me again.
"It was only for a bit" I reasoned with him as i felt his sharp gaze towards me. "Nevermind."
One day Anta went home with a lot of bruises. I hurriedly went after him and asked in a mocking tone with crossed arm in the chest. "Oi kid, why do you look like that?"
My eyebrow raised as i questioned him.
He didn't looked me at the eye. "Trip"
He replied back shortly.
"Huh?" I said to make him say it louder.
"Tripped! I tripped on my own then fell downstairs."
I chuckled. "Objection your honor, the victim in front of me has been found Guilty!"
I said as i walked to him. "You're under arrest Antares Siente, you may not remain silent, and tell me the truth."
Anta reasoned back. "But that's the truth! I swear"
I leaned against his face. "Swear on macaroon?" He nods slowly.
Although i don't really believe that.
The next day i followed him at his school.
"Hey you got the money?" I saw his classmate asks him as he nods and followed him.
I even disguised myself as a bush you know.
Finally it's almost time for dismissal of their class, i found his other classmate dragging him behind the school, of course, i quickly followed. Finally they stopped, i observed them from far away, then the boy that dragged anta raised his hands, as if something was about to go down, Fu*k I knew it! This brat!
"Hey, hey Stop there brat!"
Both of them looked at me with confused expression. "Are you bullying my little brother? I knew iー"
"What the hell are you doing here Ino?" Anta didn't let me finish my words, and looked at me suspiciously.
"Uhhhh saving youー"
"Do i look like i need one?" Anta sighed. "I told you i fell downstairs."
"Huh? Then whー"
"It was embarrassing to admit it." Anta looked away.
Then... was i here for nothing?
"What are you two doing then?" I asked quick.
"Trading Cards." He said in embarrassed tone. After all a kid is still a kid. After that accident i never questioned him about how he fell the stairs.
Later that evening, back at home, I found Anta sitting quietly in his room, sorting through his trading cards. I knocked gently and entered.
"Hey," I said softly, taking a seat beside him.
"Sorry for barging in like that earlier."
Anta shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.
"It's okay. You were just being protective, as always."
I chuckled, ruffling his hair lightly.
"Yeah, well, you know how it is. Can't help but look out for my little bro." He nodded, his smile widening.
"Thanks, Ino."
We spent the rest of the evening talking about school, his friends, and everything else. Despite our teasing and occasional disagreements, moments like these reminded me why I was always ready to jump in and protect him, no matter what.
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And just like that, six hours had passed since the brutal murder earlier. Morning finally arrived; the sun rose, casting warmth across the room. Outside, the sound of birds chirping and the gentle breeze signaled the start of a new day, seemingly oblivious to the events of the night before. Ino had fallen asleep from exhaustion and the emotional turmoil of the earlier chaos. Despite the blessings bestowed upon him, he was still human.
"Brother..."
"Wake up!!"
"Brother!"
Ino slowly opened his eyes. Sunlight flooded into his room, and he glanced around, his gaze settling on the window where the morning light streamed in. He rubbed his eyes wearily, his lips curling slightly in irritation. Tears welled up, reflecting the sunlight as they rolled down his cheeks. Finally, Ino let out the emotions he had been suppressing since yesterday-the emptiness, self-blame, and the weight of failure. Silence enveloped the room as tears continued to fall.
"Anta..." he whispered. "I wish you were here to tell me it was all just a nightmare..." He bit his lip, remembering how lively the house had been just the day before, agonizing over what to give him. Ino, who had only his little brother by his side, mourned deeply. Anta was his sole remaining family, the reason Ino never gave up. Despite his own dreams, he had done everything for Anta's happiness, sacrificing everything else.
Even though Ino knew it could never be enough, he wanted to give his best. Possessions meant little to him compared to Anta's joy, which was priceless.
"You've woken me up again," Ino murmured softly to himself, composing himself after a moment and sitting upright. He stared out the window, contemplating his next steps.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," he said sarcastically to himself.
"I should have given you a proper burial..."
Ino sat quietly in his room, the weight of grief heavy upon him. With a determined sigh, he decided to take action. Leaving his room, he ventured out into the quiet morning streets. The bakery, with its familiar aroma of freshly baked goods, beckoned him inside.
He scanned the display, and his eyes settled on a box of macarons-Anta's favorite. Ino hesitated only briefly before purchasing them.
"Are you alright, dear?" The old lady asked, flashing a cheerful sign.
Ino managed a small smile, nodding. "Yes, thank you." He replied as he reached the desserts from the old woman's hand.
"I added one more dear, it's your little brother favorite right?" She smiled at him. "Make sure to come here with him next time" She added. Ino looked down and nodded.
"I will..."
Back home, Ino carefully arranged the macarons on a small table in the backyard, where he had already dug a shallow grave. Tears welled up once more as he knelt beside the makeshift grave.
"Anta," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."
With trembling hands, he covered the grave with soil, marking the spot with a small stone. It was his secret farewell to Antares, a private ritual that only he would ever know about. As Ino stood there, the morning sun casting a gentle warmth around him.
「 DING! 」
Once again the brown-colored screen, had appeared in front of him.
Name: Ino Siente [Apostle of #,..※#]
Age: 21
Planet: EARTH
Main Mission: Locked
Current Status Effect:
- Apostle's of ##...※% Blessings (Passive)
[Immune to all Negative Statuses]
- God's Revive (Passive)
[Instant Regeneration]
World Demise: 6 days, 12 hours, 16 minutes, 34 seconds
UPDATE!
Sub-mission: Find Orlando De Von Deus.
Time Remaining 2 Days, Penalty Upon Failure,
「 Death. 」