Cid The Outcast
Cid woke up at the crack of dawn, as he did every day, to open his family's shop. It was a cherished inheritance from his late parents. According to history, after the vampires vanished, Earth was invaded by another species called the Xeltharans, and humans had to fight to protect their homes.
The human forces successfully pushed back the Xeltharans, and there is currently a ceasefire in place. However, there is still a lingering fear that the Xeltharans will launch another attack. As a precaution, all 17-year-olds are now mandated to join the military and undergo training to prepare for any future attacks from the Xeltharans.
The Xeltharans are alien creatures that Range from 7 to 9 feet tall. They have iridescent skin that shifts colours based on mood and environment, primarily shades of blue, green, and purple. Their eyes are large, multifaceted eyes that can see in multiple spectrums, including infrared and ultraviolet. They are humanoid creatures with four long, slender limbs and three dexterous fingers on each hand, allowing for the intricate manipulation of objects. The head is an elongated skull with a pronounced forehead and a series of bioluminescent patterns that pulse with their emotions.
The Abilities they possess are: Telepathy: Xeltharans can communicate mentally, allowing for instantaneous sharing of thoughts and emotions.
Energy Manipulation: They can harness and manipulate energy, enabling them to create force fields, project energy blasts, or absorb energy from their surroundings.
Regeneration: Their bodies can heal rapidly from injuries, making them difficult to defeat in combat.
Cid's parents perished in the lengthy war against the Xeltharans, leaving him to fend for himself. They were not of noble descent or wealthy by any means, so the military, who would typically take care of the children of soldiers who had died, didn't pay him any attention. Ever since Cid was 13 years old, he has had to fend for himself. He made money, continuing the drink store his parents owned.
Tomorrow, Cid will turn 17, making him eligible to join the military. In this society, having an ability is also a prerequisite for joining the military, and there are two ways to gain one. Fathers pass on their abilities to their children at birth, or people can get them through merging with an Ability Crystal by training and practicing.
This Ability Crystals have six levels, with level one being the basic form that allows manipulation or creation depending on the type of ability. As a person progresses through the levels, they gain increased control over their ability until they reach level 6, at which point they have fully mastered it. Cid did not have a natural ability. His parents were always strong, which made him wonder how they were so powerful physically. One day, he asked his mom about their strength without ability, and she explained they could tap into the power of Qi, a life force present in all living beings. However, they never had the chance to teach Cid how to use it because they were constantly busy with military duties.
Cid's shop specializes in herbal drinks with healing properties. As he prepared one of the signature blends using ingredients, his family had passed down, he realized they were out of a critical ingredient - the rare Bloodberry Fruit.
In the past, Cid would accompany his parents into the forest to gather ingredients for their medicinal concoctions. There was a section of the forest that was strictly off-limits, and it just so happened to be where the Bloodberry fruit grew. Cid's parents, when they brought him along on their expedition, always warned him to be careful around the area. The area is notorious for being inhabited by dangerous beasts.
He decided to venture into the forest in search of the Bloodberry fruit. Fortunately, he remembered a safe route that his parents had shown him and avoided encountering any dangerous monsters along the way. As he closed up his shop, he headed towards the fruit location. However, two things made this journey tricky: high-level beasts roamed the area, and there was a border blocking off a section of the forest that no one could enter. The barrier emitted a sinister aura that his parents had warned Cid about when they visited the area together. They always kept a safe distance from it to avoid feeling its uncomfortable effects. But now, Cid had no choice but to approach it in order to collect the Bloodberry fruit growing on the trees nearby.
As he got close, he could feel an overwhelming aura emanating from the labyrinth. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like tiny needles prickling at his skin. But amidst the fear, he also felt a strange pull, as if something deep inside him was being awakened and drawn towards the mysterious labyrinth. His heart raced as he tried to resist its allure, but it was as if an invisible force were calling out to him, begging him to come closer. With trembling hands, he took a step forward, unable to resist the irresistible call of the unknown.
As he ventured deeper towards the Labyrinth, the aura grew more tangible and oppressive. The closer he got to the center, the stronger the energy became, almost suffocating in its intensity. He finally reached a towering door adorned with intricate carvings and symbols unlike any he had ever seen before. As his hand approached the door, a deep voice echoed through the surroundings, its drawl and menacing tone sending shivers down his spine. "Welcome to the Labyrinth of Draven, the bloodthirsty," it declared. "You have been granted access as you have proven yourself worthy to claim the treasure within." Just then, a blinding circle of light enveloped Cid, and he felt himself being transported to a vast chamber, the inside of the chamber looked like a hauntingly beautiful gothic interior, likely a cathedral or an ancient hall, characterized by its dramatic lighting and architectural features.
The room featured tall, pointed arches that created a sense of grandeur and height. The intricate details of the stonework add to the historical ambiance.
Warm, flickering candlelight illuminated the space, casting soft shadows and creating a mysterious atmosphere. The light from the candles contrasts with the darker tones of the stone walls.
The large, uneven stone slabs that composed the floor enhanced the environment's ancient and rugged feel.
Several candles, strategically placed around the room, cast flickering flames, enhancing the ambiance and providing warmth amidst the cool stone. At the end of the room, on a platform, was a striking, ornate sword with a dark and menacing design, characterized by its unique blade shape and intricate details. The blade is long and curved, resembling a scythe, with a sharp edge that tapers to a point. The surface is predominantly black, with splashes of deep red, giving it a blood-like appearance. The handle has a firm grip thanks to the black material wrapping it. It features decorative elements, including rose motifs, which add an elegant yet sinister touch. The guard of the dagger has a distinctive shape, with pointed extensions that enhance its aggressive look. The cutouts in the guard add to the overall aesthetic, making it visually striking. The Sword seemed to call to Cid.
As Cid approached the dazzling sword, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him, as if the weapon were resonating with his very essence. The room, once eerie and foreboding, now felt charged with an otherworldly power that seemed to beckon him closer to the blade.
With trembling hands, he reached out to grasp the hilt of the sword. As soon as his fingers made contact, a jolt of electricity shot through him, causing his whole body to tremble with a mixture of fear and exhilaration. The sword pulsed with a faint, crimson light, responding to Cid's touch as if recognizing him as its rightful owner.
At that moment, he knew that this was no ordinary weapon. This was a relic of immense power, one that had hidden in the depths of the labyrinth for untold centuries, waiting for someone worthy to claim it.
As Cid pulled the sword from its resting place, a surge of energy washed over him, coursing through his veins and filling him with otherworldly power. Gradually, he lost consciousness as his vision blurred and darkness crept in at the edges. But just before he succumbed completely, a bright red transparent screen materialized before him, blinding him momentarily. As his eyes adjusted, he saw the words flashing across the screen: "Congratulations, you have been chosen to wield the legendary crimson reaper." Your body will now transform to become a powerful Halfling." Everything went black.