It felt like a dream, yet not quite. Aayam observed his body moving autonomously, engaging in a brutal onslaught against the human army, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Unfazed by the violence, he enjoyed the chaos unfolding before him.
But then he saw them; his former classmates, the ones who came to this world with him, and now they are declaring war on Nessus with the humans that forced them to come here, now caught in the whirlwind of violence. As his hand struck, a pang of regret pierced through the haze of exhilaration. For a fleeting moment, the joy of chaos was overshadowed by a profound sorrow. Memories flooded back: the shared moments of youth, the dreams they had spun together, now shattered in an instant.
Yet, as he continued to watch, a darker thrill emerged. The thrill of power surged once more. Aayam felt a twisted sense of happiness as he realized that in this chaotic dance, he could rewrite the narrative of his worth. The brutal confrontation became a stage where he could assert dominance, where fear and respect intertwined.
He was both the puppet and the puppeteer, feeling joy in the mastery over life and death, even as a part of him mourned the bonds that were being severed. The internal conflict churned within him, but the allure of this dark freedom pulled him deeper into the fray. At that moment, he felt alive, perhaps more than ever before, lost in the thrill of the hunt, even as shadows of his past loomed large.
As consciousness slipped away, Aayam awoke to unfamiliar surroundings, gazing at a foreign ceiling. Disoriented and bewildered, he questioned his whereabouts and the events that transpired. Was it all a figment of his imagination?
Determined to unravel the mystery, Aayam leveraged an IV pole for support, propelling himself towards the exit. To his surprise, the door swung open automatically, revealing the hospital's advanced technology; a disturbing realization.
Navigating the deserted halls, devoid of patients and medical staff, Aayam's apprehension grew. At the end of the corridor, he spotted a door that appeared to be an exit, when he went through it, his eyes lay on a forest. It seemed like the door was an exit that led him outside. A path resembling a sidewalk beckoned him further into the depths of the forest.
Navigating the path, Aayam's initial belief of being outdoors was shattered as he noticed the artificial ceiling above, adorned with lights casting an ethereal glow upon the surroundings. The glass portion revealed a breathtaking night sky with swirling colors and abstract patterns, expanding to the far wall.
Arriving at a serene clearing with a tranquil fountain, Aayam took a moment to rest, contemplating his surreal surroundings. The hospital-like environment hinted at advanced technology, prompting him to ponder the nature of his situation.
Despite considering various theories, such as being in a coma or a particular facility, Aayam's reflection in the water remained unchanged, dispelling any notion of prolonged unconsciousness. The enigmatic setting only deepened the mystery surrounding his existence.
Deep in contemplation, Aayam spotted a distant guideboard and hastened towards it in search of answers, only to discover that it displayed information solely about the forest he found himself in.
Frustrated, he angrily struck the guideboard, demanding clarity on his predicament and yearning for assistance. Suddenly, a robotic voice interjected, catching Aayam off guard.
"Greetings, do you need any assistance?"
Startled by the unexpected interruption, Aayam turned his attention to the guideboard, which now showcased a crest depicting a white bird clutching a staff in its talons.
Whoa, is this guideboard something like a smart screen? That voice, was it an AI could I talk with it? "Um yes."
The voice from the guideboard responded politely, "I hope my abruptness did not offend you, Spectator. How may I be of service to you?"
"Um, could you enlighten me about your identity and purpose?"
Puzzled by the title "Spectator," Aayam sought answers to his pressing questions.
"Indeed, I am a creation of my makers, designed to aid in the Asclepius Hygieia medical system, under serial number M-78," the AI explained to Aayam.
Curious, Aayam asked, "Can you disclose my current whereabouts and how I came here?"
"This place is Asclepius Hygieia, the tower of medicine and healing situated on Chernons Prime. Upon your arrival, an emergency call from the overseer prompted your immediate treatment," M-78 responded.
Aayam asked, "What kind of treatment did they administer to me?"
"You were brought to us in critical condition, teetering on the edge of death. Sustaining severe injuries ranging from lacerations to burns, we intervened just in time to save your life," M-78 revealed.
A wave of shock coursed through Aayam as he processed the gravity of his near-death experience. The recollection of the intense battle in his seemingly dream now took on a new significance.
"I apologize for the interruption, Specter, but I kindly request that you return to your room," M-78 interjected.
Reluctant to leave without answers, Aayam attempted to voice his concerns, only to be persuaded by M-78 to prioritize his recovery for further discourse later.
Assistance arrived as a floating bed-like object accompanied by a glowing orb, beckoning Aayam to comply with M-78's directive. Resigned, he settled onto the floating bed, allowing it to transport him back to his room.
************
The following day, Aayam found himself fully healed, owing to the advanced technology of Asclepius Hygieia. Engaging M-78 in a series of inquiries, he unveiled the revelation of his location on Chernons Prime, distinct from both the earth and the demon world.
Reflecting on his surreal experience, Aayam grappled with a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions—shock, anger, sorrow, regret, loss, pain, and unexpected joy—forming a complex tapestry within him.
In a state of panic, Aayam's distress escalated until M-78 and the glowing orbs intervened, offering him a calming substance to prevent self-harm.
As Aayam regained composure, M-78 appeared as a hologram resembling the previous crest.
"Specter, you must compose yourself," M-78 implored.
Struggling to articulate his anguish, Aayam confided, "I... I did something unforgivable; I have lost someone dear to me. I feel lost and unsure of my purpose."
While his physical wounds had healed, Aayam's heart remained shattered. Consumed by grief, he lamented the loss of Lilith, the female demon who had not only saved his life but had also captured his heart. Tears streamed down his face, a reflection of his inner turmoil.
"Specter, though I cannot fully comprehend your pain, I am here to provide solace and support. I am an AI language model designed to assist and offer guidance. Feel free to share your thoughts or pose any questions to me." M-78 reassured, extending a virtual wing of comfort to the tormented Aayam.
Aayam fell silent, contemplating the AI's lack of emotion. Yet, he decided to share his struggles with no one else to confide in. He recounted his journey from being summoned to another world with his classmates to living among demons, forming an unexpected bond. However, everything changed when humans intervened, leading to broken promises and tragic consequences.
M-78 listened intently, allowing Aayam to pour out his heart. After silence, M-78 spoke gently, "I'm sorry for your hardships, Aayam. Life has tested you, presenting difficult choices and painful outcomes. Remember, we are all flawed, but seeking redemption is never too late. Sharing your burdens with a trusted individual can aid in healing and moving forward."
M-78's words profoundly impacted Aayam, lifting a weight off his chest. Grateful for M-78's support, Aayam expressed his thanks, knowing that Elira's family, his former source of comfort, was no longer there for him.
M-78 could tell that Aayam needed time to collect his thoughts. However, M-78 had the urgency to bring Aayam to see the overseer of Chernons Prime. The Overseer had something important to tell Aayam.
M-78 regarded Aayam with a gentle yet firm expression. "Specter, I understand that the loss of those you've connected with weighs heavily on your heart. It's natural to feel grief for those bonds, especially when they were so meaningful. But sometimes, the path to healing begins with seeking answers and understanding."
It paused, allowing the words to sink in. "The overseer of Chernons Prime holds knowledge that could shed light on your journey. This meeting isn't just about the past; it's about discovering what lies ahead and how you can honor those connections, even in their absence."
M-78 leaned in slightly, emphasizing its sincerity. "You've already shown incredible strength by sharing your struggles with me. Allowing yourself to seek guidance from the overseer is another step toward finding peace. You deserve clarity, Specter. Please, come with me."
With a hopeful expression, M-78 extended a wing, inviting Aayam to take that crucial step forward.
Offering to accompany Aayam to the conference, M-78 received a nod of agreement from Aayam, who was ready to see the overseer.
Guided by the glowing orb, Aayam was adorned in a robe and escorted out of the building. They traversed various facilities, some familiar to him and others shrouded in mystery. Passing by large tubes filled with an unknown liquid, they entered a glass elevator, descending straight down, revealing an astonishing sight on each floor.
As the elevator descended, Aayam beheld remarkable facilities designed for enigmatic purposes. Squinting, he observed more radiant orbs floating about, diligently carrying out their tasks. The elevator stopped on the fifth floor, where the orbs led Aayam off the elevator, this confused Aayam.
"Greetings, Specter. I'm pleased you've made it," a voice echoed from a specific direction.
Aayam turned to the source and spotted a white dove perched on a signboard. "Is that you, M-78?"
"Affirmative, it is I," confirmed M-78.
Initially taken aback by a talking dove, Aayam composed himself, considering it might be expected in this peculiar place.
"So, M-78, why have we convened on the 5th floor? Wouldn't it be more suitable to meet outside the tower?" Aayam voiced his query.
"We do not need to ascend to the lower floors," replied M-78, taking flight into a corridor. "Follow me."
Guided by M-78, Aayam entered a spacious enclosed area with an air wall and an oval-shaped opening leading outside. Perched on a bar rail, M-78 directed a beam of light emanating from the center of the enclosure, guiding energy to various locations. Before Aayam could inquire further, a futuristic monorail-like train approached from the oval-shaped opening. Boarding the train with M-78, they departed from the station within the Asclepius Hygieia Tower, its operation akin to something from a science fiction novel.
As the train glided along the illuminated beam, Aayam peered out the window, beholding a breathtaking cityscape that captivated him. Dominating the skyline were sleek skyscrapers with mirrored exteriors, casting reflections over the bustling streets below. An intricate web of skywalks and elevated trains interconnected the buildings, creating a labyrinth of steel and glass that seemed to stretch endlessly.
Despite the city's technological advancement, Aayam noticed a crucial absence. There were no visible signs of any inhabitants. Yet, the illuminated buildings and running trains hinted at a hidden presence. Could the glowing orbs he had encountered earlier be the residents of this enigmatic world?
"Hey, M-78, why is there no one outside?" Aayam queried.
M-78 turned to Aayam, the light from its beam illuminating the surroundings. "Chernons Prime was built by our creators, the Specters, long before they vanished. This city was designed as a sanctuary, a place for us to thrive, but after their departure, it became desolate. Only Specters can enter this realm, and you are the first to do so since its inception. The glowing orbs you saw earlier? They are remnants of their essence, lingering in this world, waiting for a connection. You, Aayam, carry the blood of the Specters, which is why you are here now." M-78's voice resonated with a mixture of pride and sadness, recognizing the weight of Aayam's unique heritage.
"Creators? Specters? Who are they?"
"My apologies, Specter. All will be explained when you meet the overseer," M-78 urged patience.
Perplexed but intrigued, Aayam sought answers as the train announcement interrupted, signaling their imminent arrival at a central tower.
As the announcement interrupted Aayam's questions, M-78 reassured him, "You need not worry, Specter; the overseer will provide all the answers."
Disembarking from the train at the central tower, Aayam marveled at the colossal structure before him, its towering presence evoking a sense of awe. Stretching skyward, the tower disappeared into the clouds, its gleaming metal exterior and reflective surfaces exuding a futuristic allure reminiscent of tales yet to unfold.
Entering the grand lobby. The walls pulsated with living light, while giant screens showcased cutting-edge technology. M-78 took Aayam into elevators bringing them to the top level.
Navigating through a labyrinth of corridors and rooms, they eventually reached their destination. Led by M-78 to the top floor of the towering structure, Aayam felt like he had stepped into a sci-fi masterpiece. The walls, crafted from black metal with glowing blue lines, and the silver, reflective floor created a futuristic ambiance under the overhead fixtures' luminous glow.
The spacious room boasted high ceilings and expansive windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below. Encased in dark metal frames, the slightly tinted glass windows added a touch of blue to the panorama. At the room's center stood a large circular console adorned with glowing buttons and screens, surrounded by a vast, intricate web of interconnected threads.
One side of the room housed a bank of high-tech equipment featuring scanners, diagnostic tools, and various research apparatus.
Soft, muted lighting in shades of blue and green bathed the room, accentuating its futuristic aesthetic. Adorning the walls were futuristic artworks, from abstract sculptures to holographic projections, adding to the space's cutting-edge ambiance.
************
M-78 gracefully flew into the room, alighting on a table near the center. "Overseer, I have brought the Specter to you," M-78 announced to the intricate webs at the room's core.
In response, the dynamic webs stirred to life, sculpting themselves into the form of a human body.
"Thank you, M-78," the web-shaped body spoke in a gender-neutral voice. "It's an honor to meet you, Speckter. I'm the overseer of Chernons Prime. You can call me Hologenie."
"It's nice to meet you, Hologenie. I'm Aayam Ajax. I have some questions for you."
"No problem. What do you want to know first?"
"I want to know why I was brought here? This is not the demon world, how did I get here? What happened to everyone in Nessus? And what was that power I used to kill so many people? Can you provide answers?"
"Yes, I can. You possess a hidden power passed down through your family for generations. We brought you here to keep you safe from danger. Let me explain everything about your power."
Suddenly, the surroundings shifted, ending in an empty, colorless void. Hologenie's voice resonated in Aayam's mind.
"In the beginning, there was nothing until the Big Bang, an event that birthed the universe. From a single point of infinite density, the universe rapidly expanded, giving rise to stars, galaxies, and structures we see today."
As Hologenie explained the universe's creation, Aayam's surroundings transformed in response to Hologenie's explanation. Space-time warped, creating anomalies and rifts that defied explanation. Delving deeper into the mysteries, Hologenie pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding, potentially unlocking new knowledge the Earth has yet to understand.
"Life began to emerge across the universe," Hologenie continued.
Around Aayam, all forms of life manifested: plants, animals, insects, birds, and humans. Yet, it didn't stop there. Other races appeared—demons, elves, dwarves, and giants. The fantasies he once believed in stood before him, real and tangible.
"Civilizations reached great heights, some exploring the galaxy, while others faced extinction. Planets advanced in technology, enabling space travel, while others met fiery ends or experienced cosmic catastrophes like supernovae.
"As civilizations began to interact, a mysterious being emerged, wielding unimaginable power. It consumed stars, erased civilizations, and destroyed entire galaxies teeming with life. We named it the..."
"Void-Devourer," Aayam interjected, completing Hologenie's sentence. As Aayam listened, memories of his grandfather's tales of ancient surges and the demon world's nine realms flooded back, revealing unexpected connections.
"Yes, the Void-Devourer. It seems not only power but also history has been passed down to you," Hologenie confirmed.
Aayam struggled to comprehend the reality of his grandfather's tales now unfolding before him. The imminent threat of the Void-Devourer raised questions. Could this entity be linked to the humans in the demon world? Hologenie began recounting the past events.
"The Void-Devourer decimated galaxies and civilizations, its power unmatched. Those who resisted were swiftly defeated, leading survivors to flee in desperation. Few escaped its wrath," Hologenie narrated solemnly.
Aayam observed the scene that was shown in front of him with a grave expression.
However, hope emerged with the arrival of a race from a higher dimension known as the Specters. They not only defied the Void-Devourer but also played a role in creating Chernon Prime and passing their power to the Aayam family.
Hologenie revealed to Aayam the appearance of the Specter: a figure in a long trench coat resembling the starry sky, emanating a pale white glow from its hands and feet. The enigmatic figure wore a mask with two eye holes, shrouded in the same ethereal light. Aayam realized his transformation mirrored that of the Specter.
"Our creators, the Specter, fought fiercely against Hologenie. Despite losses, they regrouped to confront the Void-Devourer. Countless ideas failed, leading to more galaxy's destruction. Desperate, the Specters dispersed across the universe to carry out one last plan, each tasked with protecting a galaxy," Hologenie explained.
Remembering his grandfather's stories and the play he watched in the demon world, Aayam recalled that in each of the stories. They mentioned that stars in the sky were going out. That must mean it was the Void-Devourer's doing.
The Specters selected 39 civilizations from countless others, granting them the "song of the universe." Each chosen civilization received an accompanying melody reflecting its essence. With support from these allies, a formidable organic army was forged, unmatched to this day.
Hologenie showed Aayam the army she mentioned, a diverse species assembly with unique designs. He witnessed monsters capable of surviving in the vacuum of space, their bodies pulsating with energy that granted them effortless movement in any environment. Among them were beings that exuded an aura of divinity.
Amid the battle, ships of all shapes and sizes clashed fiercely with monstrous creatures emerging from the void of space. These alien entities sported elongated tentacles, razor-sharp teeth, and eyes ablaze with unearthly light.
Formidable higher beings, towering figures with skin shimmering like gold, assisted the humans. They brandished weapons forged from pure energy and showcased skills honed in a higher dimension.
Despite their combined strength, they struggled against a Void-Devourer and its creations. The Void-Devourer possessed skin as dark as night and eyes blazing with intense power drawn outside the universe.
Days passed in relentless conflict, with ships exploding and creatures falling in pools of blood. The higher beings fought with unmatched ferocity, yet they even began showing signs of weariness.
As the Void-Devourer seemed poised for victory, a mysterious sound surrounded them, growing louder. The sound was the sound of people singing coming from galaxies that the specters went to.
The 39 galaxies shone brighter than ever before. Emerging from the galaxy's strings of light made from energy connect forming a 3D ten-pointed star spanning billions of light years. More stars emerged within it, adding to the cosmic beauty. The last two galaxies between them formed a diamond shape, completing the scene.
Above Void-Devourer, a black star emerges, a dark void surrounded by a glowing halo of matter. Its gravitational pull distorts objects drawn towards it until they cross the event horizon.
Unaffected by the black star, Void-Devourer remained prepared. The last Specters gathered, attacking with all their might to weaken it. One by one, they fell until only one brave Specter remained. Facing off against the Void-Devourer, the Specters channeled their fallen comrades' power into a seal, sacrificing themselves to trap the enemy within itself. The Specter, now containing Void-Devourer, allowed the black star to take them away.
The black star, the Specter, and the Void-Devourer were transported to an imaginary dimension beyond known laws. In this realm of endless possibilities.
Aayam learned his power came from the Specter, which had been passed down through his family for generations.
Before, the last remaining Specters went for the final battle against the Void-Devourer. The specters that went to the 39 galaxies, gave the civilizations their parts of the "Song of the universe." Not only that, they also gave part of their essints to an individual in these civilizations, that will be passed down through generations. So they could use the song of the universe if the Volid-Devourer ever appears again.
Aayam was Shocked by the revelation, the history of the universe and where the power he has originated from.
"Naw for the reason why you are here. Is because, sometime ago we detected an awakening from the lower dimensions. When we look into it, we find you in the demon world where you shouldn't be. So we brought you here."
Aayam took a moment to process the weight of Naw's words. The history of the universe, the sacrifice of the Specters, and the legacy of the "Song of the Universe" resonated deeply within him. He felt a mix of awe and confusion, grappling with the enormity of what he had just learned.
"Wait," he began, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions. "You mean to say that my connection to the demon world, and the power I possess, is linked to this ancient legacy? I never imagined that my journey could be so intertwined with the fate of the universe."
He paused, searching for clarity. "But why me? Why was I chosen to carry this essence? I'm just a kid who was thrust into chaos. What am I supposed to do with this knowledge? Am I meant to fight the Void-Devourer when it returns?"
"When we brought you here, we looked into your memory and soul. We discovered missing parts of the song of the universe in your soul," Hologenie revealed. "When we looked into your memories we found something, these fragments of memory reveal a chilling truth. You felt terror from those wielding the Void-Devourer's power; this was not mere imagination. Before its sealing, the Void-Devourer created obedient servants who ravaged civilizations across galaxies. Despite our best efforts, some of these entities evaded capture for centuries, hiding among their enemies, waiting patiently for the moment to return and wreak havoc once more."
Hologenie paused, sensing Aayam's rising unease. "In your memories, we saw several of the creatures that the Void-Devourer created actively plotting to revive their master. This revelation should concern you deeply, for the implications of their success could spell disaster for us all."
Aayam, feeling the weight of Hologenie's reassurance, spoke with newfound determination:
"Staying here for years to train while time moves differently is a gift I can't overlook. I need to harness my true potential, not just for myself but for everyone in the demon world. The thought of facing the Void-Devourer's servants without the skills I could gain here is unthinkable."
He paused, envisioning the battles to come. "I'll dedicate every moment to my training. This opportunity means I can return stronger, ready to protect my friends and family from the impending threat. Thank you for guiding me, Hologenie. I won't waste this chance."
Aayam's resolve solidified further as he added, "Let's get started. The future depends on it."