Chapter 1: Where Am I?
In the peaceful rain, I lived my dream of tidying up the bookstore. Armed with my tools—a spray bottle, a rag, and a feather duster—I worked diligently. As I cleaned, the cluttered shelves transformed, shining with the promise of knowledge.
Since I was young, I dreamed of being a renowned librarian, like those of the Imperial families. The idea of being surrounded by wisdom fueled my ambition. I believed that books held the secrets of the ages, rivaling even a dragon's knowledge.
This dream motivated me as I cleaned, inching closer to my goal with each book I touched. The library itself was old, with rotting walls and a worn staircase. A stained carpet led to the reception desk, welcoming visitors despite its age.
To be honest, I didn't really like this place. It was just a leftover piece from the war, a glimmer of hope in a desolate landscape. But despite its humble appearance, it held the key to my dreams.
A sudden sound broke the silence, pulling me from my thoughts. I was confused—no, more than that, I was bewildered. Customers were rare in this barren land, surrounded by ash from the past conflict. Even I, after three years of navigating these confusing streets, sometimes got lost. The idea of someone intentionally finding this forgotten place seemed impossible.
As excitement bubbled inside me, I reminded myself not to falter. This was the moment I'd been waiting for, the culmination of my relentless pursuit of my dream.
"I have to make this count," I told myself firmly, pushing aside any doubts. If I could satisfy this lone customer, it could be the start of something big. But the stakes were high—this encounter could change everything for me.
With determination guiding my actions, I leaned over the balcony, ready to greet the mysterious visitor below. But as I looked at her, I felt a strange sense of awe. She stood at the reception desk, surrounded by an air of mystery that made it hard to see her clearly.
Despite the mystery, I could still make out some details. Her hair flowed like silk, framing a face I couldn't quite see. I noticed the scars and injuries on her body, and her blood, which seemed to shine with a golden light.
In her presence, I felt both fascinated and afraid, drawn into a world where reality blurred and the unknown beckoned.
The air felt tense, as if danger hung in the air. Every part of me wanted to run, but I couldn't move. I watched as she collapsed, wondering if it was a trick or if she was truly vulnerable now. Fear and uncertainty filled my mind as I tried to make sense of what had just happened.
Fear and confusion surged within me, battling against any semblance of reason. Amidst the turmoil, one thought persisted—a desperate desire for understanding, mingled with a deep fear of the unknown.
Then, everything faded into darkness. My awareness dwindled to nothingness, swallowed by an abyss of uncertainty. Dreams and fears alike vanished, leaving only a hollow emptiness in their wake.
When I awoke, it was to blinding white light, disorienting and surreal. Was this the afterlife? Had I entered a realm beyond mortal comprehension? Questions swirled in my mind, but before I could grasp any answers, a voice broke the silence.
"Welcome back, Cain."
The voice, both feminine and resonant, sent shivers down my spine.
"Who are you?!" I cried out, my voice betraying my fear.
"I am Iris, the goddess who met her end at your doorstep," came the unexpected reply, a mix of cheerfulness and solemnity.
Before I could process her words, agony engulfed me, overwhelming my senses. I writhed in pain until darkness mercifully claimed me once more.
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Iris, the Goddess of Illusions:
Despite residing within a mortal vessel, it will serve as a temporary shelter for my soul until I secure another. Dividing my essence was a wise decision to evade pursuit, yet I curse the impulse that drove me to thievery. Theft has always been my indulgence, a gift from my mastery over illusions. But what drove me to steal from him?
The object of my theft is the Creare Orb, containing an entity known as 'The System'—a creation unique in the universe. Its power lies in its ability to erase boundaries, granting omnipotence. Even a mere ant could ascend to godhood under its influence. With the Creare Orb, limits vanish, opening the path to absolute freedom. If it falls into the wrong hands, the fate of the universe hangs by a thread. Moreover, the enclosed mini-world, though limited, holds immense power. Within its confines, the owner reigns supreme, capable even of erasing their own existence with a mere thought. In mortal hands, it grants godhood instantaneously. I am fortunate that it remains bound to my soul, safeguarding its potential from malevolent forces.
The realization hit me like a storm, breaking through my fragile calm. The Seven-Colored Lotus should have vanished with Ivarr. How did such a relic of destruction end up within a mortal soul? Panic gripped me, a primal fear unlike any other.
"Why?!" I exclaimed, my voice quivering with terror. "How does this mortal carry the burden of the Seven-Colored Lotus? I thought its destructive power died with Ivarr!"
My panic turned into a frenzy of dread as I grasped the implications. The Lotus, capable of erasing a god's soul, now dwelled within a mortal. A burning agony gnawed at me, a torment beyond compare.
The pain overwhelmed me, pushing me to the edge of madness as I screamed into the void, my despair echoing through the emptiness. In that moment of utter despair, I cursed the creator for abandoning me, for subjecting me to this cruel twist of fate. And as my essence faded away, I pondered the cosmic irony of my demise.
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Cain
As I slowly woke up, the peaceful atmosphere of the white room surrounded me, calming my confused mind. I realized that what I'd experienced wasn't just a dream but a strange encounter with powers beyond mortal understanding. And with that came the understanding that the mysterious goddess was no longer present.
Trying to gather my bearings, I looked around, seeking something familiar. To my surprise, I spotted something unexpected—a single marble, shining softly in the light of the room.
"Wow, what a pretty marble!" exclaimed a voice filled with childlike wonder.
Intrigued, I approached the marble, feeling a sense of peace wash over me with each step. It seemed to radiate tranquility, drawing me closer. As I reached out to touch its smooth surface, I felt a deep connection, as if the marble held secrets waiting to be discovered.