In the ancient realm of Erendath, a powerful guardian known as Aelthar watched over the delicate balance between light and dark. He was the strongest of the Eternals, revered for wielding the dual energies of Void and Shadow. As dark forces, later known as the Darkspawns, threatened to engulf Erendath, Aelthar dedicated his life to protecting the realm.
"Aelthar!" a voice cried out, breaking through the chaos of battle. It was his loyal companion, Oran. "You can't take them all on alone!"
"I must!" Aelthar shouted, his eyes blazing with determination. "If I fall, they will surely invade our realm! I can't let that happen!"
His efforts culminated in a climactic battle where he valiantly confronted the Darkspawns, sacrificing his own life to safeguard the future of Erendath. As he fell to the dark tide, a wave of regret washed over him—regret for not being strong enough to vanquish the darkness and a fervent wish to find successors who shared his resolve to protect the realm.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his last breath a promise to the realm. "I should have been stronger..."
As Aelthar's life force faded, the wisps of his energy dispersed, merging with the very realm he had fought to defend. This mystical essence was imbued with his last hope: to seek out those with a strong will to become powerful—individuals who could continue his legacy and protect Erendath in his stead.
Simultaneously, in a distant world known as Earth, the creator of the Ascension game—an avid gamer—met his own tragic fate. After a long battle with a chronic illness, he took his final breath, his heart filled with a singular wish: to create a virtual realm where players could transcend their limitations, be reborn, and become strong.
"I just want… to create a world where players can be strong," he murmured, his eyes closing for the last time. "A place where they can escape their pain…"
In his vision, Ascension was not just a game but a sanctuary for the fallen, a place where they could rewrite their destinies.
Through a twist of fate, the energies of Aelthar and the soul of the Ascension creator converged, forming a sentient being that would embody their combined hopes and regrets. This entity mysteriously merged with the Ascension system, giving birth to the Rebirth Core—a unique essence that granted those who possessed it extraordinary potential.
With the emergence of Darkspawn Rifts across Erendath, the Ascension system awakened in the hearts of heroes and warriors. These brave souls became the Ascendants, players and adventurers tasked with restoring balance by clearing the dark rifts and combating the threat of the Darkspawns.
However, among them, non bear the trait of the Rebirth Core, a gift reserved for those who had transcended the ordinary.
The Rebirth Core would only manifest in those who died due to chronic illnesses and who, in their final moments, held onto a wish fueled by regret and hope. Those who qualified were transported to a white space, where they faced a pivotal choice: to be reborn into the world of Ascension.
"Welcome," a voice echoed in the ethereal void, its tone soothing and angelic. "You have been granted a choice: to be reborn into the world of Ascension or to embrace eternal rest."
"I want to live again," a former gamer named Varin exclaimed, determination in his eyes. "I want to explore this new world!"
It was here that they received the Rebirth Core trait, granting them unparalleled power and the chance to reshape their fates.
Yet, for the Rebirth Core to truly manifest as a guide, its bearer had to be a non-player, someone who had never played Ascension but possessed the unwavering will, regret, hopes, and wishes that resonated with both the Ascension creator and Aelthar.
"The Ascendants need heroes," Aelthar's essence whispered through the winds of Erendath, seeking out those who fit the criteria. "I can't let my legacy die with me. I will find those who are worthy."
The Ascension creator's desire to conquer his illness and become a stronger version of himself echoed in the core, while Aelthar's longing for a worthy protector reflected the strength of those chosen for rebirth.
As the Ascendants fought to restore harmony to Erendath, they remained unaware of the Rebirth Core's deeper connection to their journey. Each encounter with the Darkspawns brought them closer to uncovering the mysteries of the Rebirth Core, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of Aelthar's wish: to empower a new generation of guardians who would rise to become the protectors of Erendath, preserving its legacy and defending it against the encroaching darkness.