Volume 1: prologue
"Those who lose sight of their purpose become nothing more than burdens, lingering in the shadows of insignificance."
Chapter 6: Echoes of Memory Part 1
In Technoteria, Kurumi lay in her bed, her determined expression etched with the weight of a vivid dream. Whispering, "I remember it all," she slowly raised her arm. A soft, radiant light emanated, triggering a flood of memories from her past.
As a six-year-old, Kurumi pedaled her bicycle alone, stumbling upon a wounded and hungry dog. Tatsuya, her twelve-year-old brother, was occupied elsewhere. Intrigued by the injured canine, Kurumi, with concern in her eyes, decided to take the dog home.
Their small apartment became a makeshift veterinary clinic as Kurumi tended to the hurt dog. She applied makeshift bandages, carefully feeding and nurturing the dog back to health. Over three weeks, the dog, now named Jeremia, transformed from a frail creature to a healthy companion.
Eager to share her joy, Kurumi decided to take Jeremy for a walk alone. Walking through the city streets, she encountered curious glances from passersby, but her determination and love for Jeremia turned the journey home into a heartwarming mommen, a testament to the bond she was forging with her newfound furry friend.
Excited about their adventures together, Kurumi and Jeremia strolled through the city streets, the warmth of their companionship radiating through the air.
On a seemingly ordinary day, the decision to take a stroll with Jeremia led Kurumi down an unexpected path. The air turned eerie as a shadowy figure emerged with a sinister aura. Frightened, Kurumi and Jeremia found themselves caught in the clutches of an ominous presence.
As Jeremia, sensing danger, darted away, Kurumi instinctively chased after him. Strange and unsettling noises echoed through the air, intensifying their anxiety. Deeper into the forest they ran, the gnarled branches casting long, menacing shadows.
The once vibrant surroundings turned into a maze of twisted trees, concealing the source of the eerie sounds. Panic set in as Kurumi and Jeremia navigated through the dense foliage, the mysterious noises growing louder. Their surroundings seemed to warp, as if the forest itself harbored a dark secret.
With every step, the haunting noises persisted, causing the pair to quicken their pace. The forest, cloaked in an unnatural darkness, swallowed their anxious whispers. The chilling unknown now surrounded them.
As night descended, Kurumi and Jeremy found themselves entangled in the dense thicket of the jungle. The dwindling daylight cast long shadows with an unsettling rhythm. Kurumi, overwhelmed by fear, tears streaming down her face, hugged Jeremia tightly.
The forest, now silent, except for the occasional rustle of leaves, echoed Kurumi's sobs. Jeremia, sensing her distress, licked her face in a comforting gesture. Despite the canine reassurance, the darkness weighed heavily on Kurumi's young shoulders.
In the midst of her tears, Kurumi uttered, "It's too dark." The words hung in the air, a poignant reflection of the encroaching fear. Suddenly, a burst of radiant light erupted from Kurumi's hand, illuminating the ominous surroundings. The glow offered a glimpse of solace, revealing the tangled branches and unseen threats that lurked in the shadows.
Yet, the forest remained an enigma, concealing both the dangers that had pursued them and the mysteries that awaited in the depths of the night. The duo, bathed in the ethereal glow, stood at the threshold of an unknown realm, their journey taking an unexpected and ominous turn.
Back in present time, Kurumi, still in her bed, whispers, 'Something stole my memories.' A determined spark glints in her eyes as she rises, standing tall. 'But something, too, returned them.' The room seems to hold its breath, caught in the mystery of Kurumi's rediscovered past.
As Kurumi contemplates the mysterious ebb and flow of her memories.
Emergia Perspective:
The aftermath of Hikari's unleashed power almost left the nation in ruins. Multiple magical teams arrived, successfully halting the expansion of the void, but their efforts left them thoroughly exhausted.
As the dust settled, the ominous figure of the demon lord materialized before them. He exuded an air of malevolence, a harbinger of despair in the wake of the nation's devastation.
Hikari grimacing in pain said "You're next.." And falls unconscious
The healer magical teams worked tirelessly, their spells and potions mending injuries and replenishing mana. But hope quickly shattered as the demon lord, with a casual flick of his wrist, unleashed a whip that annihilated magic team A.
Selena shouting "Everyone, we need to—"
Before Selena could finish, the demon lord's ruthless attack unfolded. A fusion of Selena's water manipulation and Suzaku's elemental ice magic made a majestic yet spiky dragon. The B and C teams, driven by desperation, rushed in, only to face the brutal consequences.
Selena shouts "Stop! It's too powerful!"
The immense water dragon, a symbol of their unity, was effortlessly crushed by the demon lord. Magical teams B and C, overwhelmed and terrified, met their demise at the hands of the demon lord's whip, their bodies twisted into half-existence.
Elaira looking determined said "Everyone, retreat! I'll hold him off."
Elaira's shadow manipulation created a massive ball, within which she summoned countless shadow monsters. Yet, the demon lord effortlessly dismantled the dark defenses. As he disappeared, a sudden, brutal strike sent Elaira hurtling through the air, blood staining the sky.
Selena frustrated said "We can't keep this up. We need a plan."
The demon lord, seemingly impervious to their efforts, turned his attention to Selena. Her weakened attempt at water manipulation was futile as the demon lord seized her, ready to crush her head.
Suzaku roaring shouts "Let her go!"
Suzaku's fiery assault proved ineffective, and the demon lord swiftly retaliated. A sinister smile crept across his face as he confronted Suzaku.
Demon Lord said "So, you're the one."
The air crackled with tension as Suzaku faced the malevolent force, his determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds. The Cyclones stood on the precipice of despair, their world hanging in the balance.
Demon Lord menacingly said "I wonder how much you have collected..."
Suzaku's consciousness teetered on the brink of despair, grappling with internal questions. What does he mean? Am I going to die? Is this it? The demon lord's grip tightened, each moment intensifying the torment.
Suddenly, a powerful punch shattered the oppressive hold. Edric, now adorned in a transparent white armor, confronted the demon lord with unwavering determination.
Edric said "I won't let you harm my friends any longer!"
"So you're back…" said Selena
Amidst the chaos, Lumin, the healer, made a belated entrance. With a nonchalant remark, "Well, sorry I'm late," he unleashed a healing spell that bathed the Cyclones in revitalizing energy. Lumin's magic not only healed their wounds but also granted them an augmented reservoir of mymana.
Lumin: "I was testing my magic, and I managed to create a buffed armor, boosting every move and making you two times stronger than before. And I also regenerated my lost arm"
The Cyclones, now equipped with the green transparent armor, felt a surge of newfound strength. Lumin declared the armor's name – "The Demolisher."
"But before that…" Lumin, seemingly erratic, delivered a series of powerful blows to Suzaku. The team, including Selena, protested against this sudden aggression.
Selena: "What are you doing?! He's already pretty hurt!"
Lumin: resolutely said "He forgot everything. Let me remind him."
With a forceful push, Lumin compelled Selena to step back. He continued his relentless assault on Suzaku, pushing him to the limits. In a poignant moment, Suzaku, bleeding and bewildered.
Lumin's eyes burned with a fierce intensity as he confronted Suzaku, frustration etched across his face. Without a word, he delivered a powerful punch, the impact resonating through the air. "Have you forgotten everything!?" Lumin's voice echoed, filled with a mix of anger and desperation.
As Suzaku staggered from the blow, Lumin's fury intensified. He followed up with a swift kick, the force behind it accentuating his demand for recollection. Each strike was a plea, a desperate attempt to jog Suzaku's memory.
Lumin's relentless assault continued, a flurry of punches and kicks punctuating his words. "Did you forget your purpose!!" he growled, each syllable carrying the weight of their shared history. The air crackled with tension as Lumin sought to unravel the amnesia that had shrouded Suzaku's mind, determined to rekindle the forgotten flames of their past.
As Lumin's relentless assault continued, "Can't you remember it?! Suzaku Atherion!", Suzaku's world blurred, and his consciousness teetered on the edge of surrender. With a final, powerful blow, everything went black, and Suzaku succumbed to unconsciousness. In the depths of Suzaku's mind, a flicker of memory ignited.
End of Chapter 6