[A/note:Hey everyone! Anjels are here! Chapter 2 is now available, and Chapter 3 is already up on Patreon. See you next month!]
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Sitting on the floor of a small apartment balcony, an 18-year-old young woman deeply reflected on her newly merged identity. Her striking appearance, with creamy café-au-lait skin that shimmered with a golden glow, making her seem radiant, wavy hair that framed her face, enhancing her expressive eyes and pink lips, contrasted with her long, unkempt hair, some strands dry and tangled. Her slender body displayed a natural grace mixed with youthful lightness, while her curious and reflective expression absorbed the world around her.
"This is crazy... I am Angie, but... I'm also Angelina? How is this possible?" She murmured to herself, feeling the weight of the strange and familiar memories she now shared. The memories of the older Angelina, from a world where magic and mana were real, vividly contrasted with her everyday life here. Reflecting on the brief possession by her other persona, Angie realized how powerful the connection between them was. She had not only inherited skills and knowledge but also the responsibility to use these new tools to create a better future. However, the idea of being possessed by another version of herself still haunted her.
"I can't just ignore all this... these memories are real. And then there's this... this system," Angie murmured, confusion evident in her voice. The floating screen with the Akashic system message was still etched in her mind, a vivid reminder of the moment she had woken up disoriented. She was still reflecting on the fusion and the light possession, recalling the actions she had taken that morning. The sensation of waking up disoriented and frightened struck her as she remembered seeing a floating screen in moss green with golden vine details and writing in the same color, congratulating her on the Akashic system.
{Flashback - Same day, earlier}
Angie abruptly woke up, her heart pounding in her ears as her eyes blinked to adjust to the darkness of the room. Her hands groped the space, searching for a point of reference, but everything felt strange, out of place.
She tried to stand up, but a wave of dizziness made her fall back onto the bed. The sensation of disorientation was overwhelming, as if she had been ripped from a deep dream and thrown back into reality abruptly. The room, which had always been her familiar refuge, now seemed like alien territory. The shadows on the walls danced strangely, and the objects were in unfamiliar positions. Taking a deep breath, Angie tried to calm her mind, but the feeling of displacement persisted. She closed her eyes for a moment and felt a current of energy run through her body, a sensation she couldn't identify as comforting or disturbing. A familiar energy enveloped her, greeting her like an old friend, which deeply reassured her. For Angie, this energy was a relief because she knew that, unlike Angelina's memories, she possessed these powers, meaning she was staying true to herself.
Suddenly, a soft light began to glow in front of her. Angie opened her eyes and saw a floating screen in moss green, adorned with intricate golden vine details. The words in the same golden hue slowly appeared, shimmering as if written by an invisible hand.
[Welcome, {user 66-33-99-88-7777}, to the Akashic System,]
the words said, in an elegant and old-fashioned script.
Shock and disbelief dominated her mind. Angie blinked several times, trying to understand whether what she was seeing was real or just a hallucination caused by her confused state. The screen continued to float serenely, indifferent to her internal struggle. Slowly, the words began to make sense, and the magnitude of what was happening seeped into her consciousness. The Akashic System – a familiar concept in the universe of her older version, according to her memories – was now within her reach, and she could no longer deny the reality of her new existence, which caused her to enter into a slight panic.
Angie felt a mix of fear and fascination as she contemplated the glowing screen. She knew that something fundamental had changed in her life, a door had opened to a universe of possibilities previously unimaginable. The feeling of being embraced by something greater than herself was overwhelming, yet at the same time comforting. Determined to explore this new reality with courage, Angie took a deep breath and decided to get up to make some coffee, seeking to relax and try to meditate to calm her mind.
(end of flashback)
The two personalities were slowly merging. Angie reviewed many of her thought processes, rethinking principles and prejudices as she became accustomed to the idea of the fusion. Fortunately, she felt that this change was not harmful; on the contrary, it was a process of growth. Neither of the lives she had lived, in any world, had been of an unpleasant person.
While Angelina from the memories was a freelance Game Designer, Angie from this world was a Development Arcanist, specializing in creating virtual worlds through the manipulation of mana. Thanks to the foundational experience and knowledge of her older version, Angie could apply her skills in the context of a horror film set in Brazilian indigenous lands.
"Should I continue with the idea I had to create a horror film?" Angie wondered as she contemplated the void.
Determined to explore further, Angie took a deep breath and gently touched the Seed. A wave of energy enveloped her, and she felt an instant connection form. Images and voices began to echo in her mind, revealing secrets and knowledge she had never known existed. It was as if the Akashic system itself was responding to her curiosity, guiding her through the depths of her new reality.
As she explored this new connection, Angie realized she was no longer alone. The presence of Angelina, her older and more experienced self, began to merge more completely. Their voices overlapped, their minds intertwining in a dance of thoughts and emotions.
"I... can do this," Angie whispered, gradually accepting the complexity of her new existence. She knew she couldn't simply go back to what she was before. This fusion had changed everything, and now she was determined to explore the possibilities that lay before her.
With the Arcane Seed as her guide and the Akashic system as her support, Angie knew there was much more to discover and create. She embraced the challenge of navigating this world of magic and technology, aware that each step forward would bring her closer to understanding her role in this new reality.
And so, with renewed courage and a new understanding of herself, Angie began her journey into the unknown, ready to explore what the future held for her as a true Arcane Developer.
She was scared, as the last time she had done this, it had been somewhat traumatic, but shaking her head, Angelina finally put that thought aside and began injecting Mana into the Seed.
Slowly, as the Mana was injected into the Seed, Angelina felt her surroundings change. She still felt as if she were sitting on the living room floor, but at the same time, her consciousness had entered the Seed's world, which was a completely blank space.
Angelina was eager to test her abilities with the Arcane Seed. Using the knowledge she had acquired as a Development Arcanist, she decided to create a soccer ball, knowing that, despite seeming simple, the process would require precision and control.
Closing her eyes for a moment, she focused deeply, visualizing the shape, texture, and weight of the ball in her mind. The flow of Mana in her body responded to this concentration, slowly moving toward her hands. Angelina felt the familiar warm and pulsing energy concentrate at her fingertips, ready to be shaped.
She began by forming the initial white sphere, a task that required careful balance of Mana to ensure perfect symmetry. The slightest lapse in concentration could result in an irregular shape, which would require additional effort to correct. She focused intensely, feeling the energy flow and shape the sphere with precision. With the base of the ball complete, Angelina started adding the black hexagonal patterns. This step was even more challenging, as it required an even and exact distribution of the hexagons across the spherical surface. Each hexagon needed to be mentally drawn and then transferred to the ball using Mana. She utilized a combination of mental energy and Mana, continually adjusting the intensity of the flow to ensure the patterns formed correctly.
The concentration required began to cause slight fatigue, a familiar sensation for Angelina. She knew that creating complex objects demanded not only Mana but also significant mental effort. However, her above-average experience as an Arcanist helped her maintain focus and efficiency, even under pressure.
Finally, after a few minutes of intense effort, the ball was ready. Angelina opened her eyes and observed her creation with a smile of satisfaction. The white sphere and the black hexagonal patterns were perfect, exactly as she had visualized. Although it was just a small test, this achievement represented another step in her development as an Arcanist, demonstrating her ability to transform energy and concentration into tangible physical objects.
With a projection gesture of her hand, she kicked the ball and felt it light and full of air. When she let it drop onto the ground of the open field she had just rendered, it rolled perfectly, as an ideal ball should. A slight smile crossed her face as she skillfully played with the ball, using her nonexistent virtual skills to dribble from one leg to the other. However, in a moment of distraction, she tripped and ended up falling onto the newly created grassy ground. Realizing that something was wrong, she noticed that the grass had no smell or real sensation, as if everything around her was a holographic projection.
Despite these peculiarities, a laugh escaped her lips. It was a laugh mixed with surprise and enchantment at the strange feeling of being in control of such a different and mysterious world. Stopping her laughter, she raised herself from the log where she had been sitting, propping herself up on her elbows to observe the environment around her. The landscape was still blank, waiting for her decisions to be shaped by the Arcane Seed.
She contemplated the shining grass under her virtual feet as she visualized the vastness of the soccer field. It was a perfect setting for an epic game, perhaps even a simulator like FIFA, but she knew she needed to focus on the horror film in development. The idea of exploring the mysteries of Brazilian indigenous lands still fascinated her, promising to maximize the audience's excitement.
Her excitement was palpable as she explored the vast possibilities at her disposal. She knew that her previous knowledge would be crucial to avoid serious mistakes when manipulating the Mana within the Seed. Creating something meaningful required a detailed understanding of the substances and parameters involved; any conceptual error could result in the destruction of the projected structure.
However, as her enthusiasm grew with the opportunities ahead, a slight fear accompanied her. She was considered above average, her skills tested and recognized, but the tense environment controlled by Z's militia brought with it the weight of possible consequences. Genius developers were highly valued, often recruited by the militia's bosses, known as Z's scouts, whose reputation for cruelty preceded them. They sought talents capable of creating monsters and structures with efficiency and precision, directly influencing the balance of power between the militias that governed the Bangu territory.
Z and his militia controlled crucial points in District 43, dominating everything from the entry portals to the Mana energy concentration areas. These resources not only sustained their power over the western part of the city, where magical power and political influence intertwined in a dangerous dance but also imposed constant pressure on everyone operating within their territory. For her, navigating this scenario meant not only demonstrating her skills but also balancing the demands of the militia with her own creative vision. With the time limited to 45 minutes given in the challenge, she felt the weight of this duality, knowing that every decision had to be made with precision to capture not only the essence of terror but also the emotional depth necessary for a successful cinematic release.
Determined to follow her creative instinct, Angelina took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead. She set aside the idea of the soccer game for now, directing all her energy into creating a scary and immersive environment for her film. Every detail mattered, from the sinister lighting to the sounds echoing in the depths of the virtual jungle.
She immersed herself in the possibilities of her next film project, inspired by the idea of creating a film that would not only entertain but also empower its viewers. The concept of a first-person horror film set in Brazilian indigenous lands began to take shape in her mind. She imagined a journalism university student protagonist, equipped with an old camera, exploring a place haunted by the presence of paranormal entities. The narrative would unfold through the protagonist's eyes, whose discoveries would be captured in real-time by the camera. Angelina visualized the emotional and psychological challenges the protagonist would face while confronting their own limitations and inner fears. The choice of first person was not just a cinematic technique, but a tool to dive deeply into the character's perspective, increasing the viewer's immersion in the experience.
Knowing that she had to create something within the next 15 days, Angie finally made up her mind. She would use the memories she had received from her past life, or wherever these memories came from, and enter this world with determination so that everything she created would be as good as what she knew from that other version of herself. Determined to make her mark, she knew she would need to innovate and surprise, but she was also aware of the dangers involved. Z's militia did not forgive geniuses who were not under their control, and Angie was aware of the risk of disappearing overnight if she attracted too much attention.
However, the urgency to create something grandiose drove her. Every memory, every fragment of her past life was a valuable tool to transform her ideas into reality. Angie began to meticulously plan, knowing that every detail had to be perfect to avoid any failure. She dedicated herself entirely to the project, working tirelessly in the silent hours, away from curious and suspicious eyes. Secrecy was essential; any mistake could mean the end of her dreams and her freedom.
As her plans crystallized, Angie felt her excitement grow. She knew she was about to embark on an intense creative journey, where every decision would not only shape the film but also open new pathways for exploring the potential of the Arcane Seed in cinema. The concept of a first-person horror film set in Brazilian indigenous lands continued to take shape in her mind. The idea of using a university journalism student as the protagonist, equipped with an old camera to explore haunted locations, seemed perfect for creating an immersive and terrifying experience.
Every scene was carefully sketched out, every line of dialogue and every visual effect designed to maximize tension and fear. Angie visualized the emotional and psychological challenges the protagonist would face, making every moment of the film a true ordeal for both the character and the viewer. The choice of first person as a cinematic technique was crucial for immersing the audience in the narrative, increasing the immersion and intensity of the experience. With a determined smile, Angie began to materialize her ideas, confident that she was on the right path to creating something truly innovative and impactful within the new post-Convergence world.
Then, another nine days passed quickly, but the challenge Angie faced, to develop such an impactful film in just 15 days, seemed increasingly formidable. The pressure to create something innovative in such a short time left her with doubts but also with renewed determination. She knew that the success of this project depended not only on her ability as an Arcanist but also on her capacity to engage the audience from the very first moment.
"I probably won't be able to complete the entire film in such a short time," Angie thought, reflecting on the challenges ahead. "So, the ideal approach is to develop the film in layers. To start, I can create an initial demo, inspired by some interactive films my older version has seen, where viewers have the opportunity to directly influence the narrative."
This approach would not only attract the initial audience's attention but also allow Angie to use the Mana generated by the spectators to continuously expand the film's world and develop it until it became a complete and immersive experience.
As she pondered these points, Angie decided to list the pros and cons of her approach:
Pros:
1. Immersion and Authenticity: The amateur filming technique offers a sense of realism and authenticity, essential for evoking fear and anxiety in the audience.
2. Interactive Engagement: Allowing viewers to influence the narrative at key moments can increase engagement and interactivity in the film.
3. Unlimited Creativity with the Arcane Seed: Angie can use her memories and skills to efficiently create elements in the film, using less Mana initially and refining it based on feedback and interaction with the audience.
Cons:
1. Time Constraints: The short 15-day deadline may limit the film's depth and complexity, making it challenging to achieve the desired quality.
2. Risk of Lack of Continuity: Dividing the film into chapters and initially developing a demo could result in a fragmented narrative if not managed properly.
3. Dependence on Audience Reaction: The strategy of absorbing Mana from viewers to develop the film implies a significant dependence on audience engagement and response, which can be unpredictable.
Angie was aware that this approach was risky, especially in the current environment where most developers preferred to absorb Mana to enhance themselves rather than continuously invest in the same project. However, she was determined to create a truly immersive and innovative experience.
Inspired by her own journey and the memories that were becoming clearer, Angie sought something that would challenge both her skills and the audience's perception, opening new pathways in the post-Convergence cinematic world.
The good thing about horror films, especially psychological horror, is that they don't necessarily need to be graphically precise, Angie thought, recalling some films and games that made great use of light and shadow and the abstract.
With this in mind, Angie envisioned her project as a first-person narrative, intensely emotional and immersive. She knew that the key to capturing the audience's attention lay in creating a deep connection between the protagonist and the viewers, allowing the latter to influence the narrative at crucial moments. The amateur filming technique, with its sense of authenticity and urgency, would be crucial in evoking the fear and anxiety she wanted to convey.
Every scene was meticulously planned, with attention to details that would make the viewers feel like they were part of the story. Angie had in mind not only the development of the virtual environment but also the construction of an emotionally rich narrative, creating a cinematic experience that would not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact.
The ability to manipulate reality through the Arcane Seed offered limitless possibilities for exploring terror and the psychology of the characters, providing a unique and interactive experience for the audience.
Determined to follow her creative instincts, Angie took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead. She put aside the idea of a traditional film and fully dedicated herself to developing an initial demo that would serve as an irresistible invitation for viewers to explore and actively participate. Every detail mattered, from the dark atmosphere to the events that could change based on the actors' choices.
Angie was about to embark on an intense creative journey, where every decision would not only shape the film but also her own future as a Development Arcanist.
With all this in mind, she suddenly remembered a film her older version had watched with her boyfriend, a B-movie called "The Blair Witch Project." The details of the original film were vague in her hazy memory, but what was clear was the impact of the amateur filming technique in creating suspense and immersion through a first-person narrative.
As Angie pondered this new strategy, a soft notification sound echoed in the room. She looked around and saw a moss-green floating screen emerge before her eyes, with golden vine-like details elegantly drawn around the edges. In the center of the screen, words in the same golden color began to appear:
{Initiating search on universe BX-112-6F7-9034....}
Surprised and curious, Angie watched the screen attentively. She vaguely remembered reading a bit about the Akashic System that morning — she knew it was a powerful tool for research and storing information from the multiverse. However, at the time, she was dealing with a crisis after being temporarily "possessed" by her older version, which made her momentarily forget important details like this. Discovering that the system could interact with her through the Arcane Seed was quite a surprise.
{User 66-33-99-88-7777...} the screen continued, {...Searching for 'The Blair Witch Project' in progress. Gathering data, technical details, narrative insights, and critical analyses.}
Angie felt a wave of excitement rush through her body. She realized that this direct interaction with the Akashic System through her own Arcane Seed could be a unique opportunity to transform her creative project.
As the data began to compile on the screen, Angie was impressed by the depth and breadth of the available information. The Akashic System not only provided details about the original film but also offered detailed analyses and comparisons with other works. Angie felt a growing connection with this tool, realizing how she could integrate her personal and creative knowledge with the vastness of the multiverse that the Akashic System offered.
Determined to make the most of this new discovery, Angie delved even deeper into the research. She knew that every insight and detail from the Akashic System would not only enrich her current project but also open new paths for her journey as a Development Arcanist. With the Arcane Seed as her main tool, Angie was determined to use the power of the Akashic System to overcome challenges and create a cinematic work that would transcend the expectations of the post-Convergence audience.
After exploring the vast possibilities of the Akashic System through the Arcane Seed, Angie felt inspired to bring a new project to life: an intense and immersive horror film set in Brazilian indigenous lands.
Angie found herself deeply immersed in the development of the film. With a clear vision in mind, she decided that the plot would revolve around a fearless journalist, whose identity was still being defined, who decides to investigate the mysteries surrounding the São Sebastião Asylum, built on an old indigenous cemetery.
The introduction would be intriguing, presenting the journalist and his motives for exploring the asylum. Perhaps he was seeking answers to an old case or trying to unearth hidden truths that no one else would dare to touch. The camera would closely follow his steps, capturing the determination and fear in his eyes.
As the journalist ventures into the decaying, dark corridors of the asylum, Angie wanted the audience to feel the same tension he did. The old camera, with its sense of authenticity, would record every movement, capturing not only the search for answers but also the first disturbing signs of paranormal activity. Shadows dancing on the walls, distant murmurs, and objects that seemed to move of their own accord would create a palpable sense of discomfort.
As the journalist delves deeper, he would uncover sinister records of abuse and cruel experiments conducted in the asylum. Angie imagined the viewers holding their breath as he read each page of the old records, feeling the presence of the desecrated indigenous spirits becoming increasingly evident.
Flashbacks of local stories and past interviews with regional residents would intertwine with his journey, further deepening the sense of fear and mystery. Angie wanted the viewers to feel as if they were alongside the journalist, exploring every dark corner and uncovering every horrible secret.
The presence of the desecrated indigenous spirits would become increasingly evident, leaving the journalist in a growing state of paranoia and despair. Angie knew this would be one of the film's high points, where tension and fear would reach their peak.
As Angie reflected on the film's climax, she envisioned the final scene occurring at midnight, a moment laden with symbolism and terror. The protagonist, still unnamed, would face the tormented spirits in a desperate attempt to purify the place and free their souls. The tension would heighten as the asylum transformed around him, challenging his perceptions and testing his sanity. Angie could visualize every detail: the corridors distorting, shadows moving unsettlingly, and desperate whispers echoing through the walls. The atmosphere would be suffocating, capturing the audience in the same anguish the protagonist felt.
At the climax, a disturbing truth about the asylum and its dark secrets would be revealed, leaving the protagonist struggling to escape the endless maze of corridors. Angie imagined the audience trapped in the tension, not knowing whether the journalist would manage to escape or succumb to the malevolent forces infesting the place. The harrowing escape would culminate with the camera, a silent witness to all the horror, being left behind. In the last moment of the recording, a figure quickly passing by a window would leave one final disturbing image before the camera shut off. Angie wanted the film to be more than just a horror story; she wanted it to be a reflection on the unknown and the inexplicable, deeply marking both the characters and the audience with its enduring mystery.
At the end of the workday, Angie felt completely drained. The physical and mental exhaustion weighed on her shoulders as the Arcane Seed emitted a mana drain warning. Suddenly, she was expelled from the seed's interface, feeling an overwhelming wave of fatigue and nausea. Her thoughts became blurry as she tried to process what had happened. Angie realized she had underestimated how much intensive mana manipulation could affect her.
With a trembling body and a throbbing headache, she let herself collapse onto the couch, reflecting on her mistake. "I pushed myself too hard, went beyond the limit," she thought, as her body protested the abuse. She knew she needed to be more careful in the future, balancing her ambition with the need to conserve energy. Before she could formulate a plan to better handle the situation, exhaustion completely overtook her, and Angie passed out on the couch, succumbing to a deep, restorative sleep.