"Hey there! Watch where you're going!" a vendor barked as Loki narrowly dodged a woman carrying a precarious stack of colorful fabrics.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he replied, brushing past with a wave of his hand, his mind elsewhere. The vibrant marketplace of Novalith buzzed around him, the air thick with the scents of spiced meats and sweet pastries, intermingled with the sounds of haggling merchants and the laughter of children. It was a world full of life, yet beneath the surface, something darker stirred.
"Tch, how ignorant these people are," Loki muttered under his breath, feeling the pulse of the crowd as they moved around him like a river. "They have no idea when their lives might end, just going about their business as if nothing could ever change. I suppose now I understand why they say ignorance is bliss."
A nearby vendor overheard him, his voice booming above the din. "You got that right! No one wants to think about the dark stuff—just look at the smiles on their faces!" He gestured to a group of children playing with a small, glowing orb, their laughter ringing like chimes in the breeze. The sight stirred something deep within Loki—a bittersweet nostalgia for a simpler time, long before the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders.
"Yeah, well, those smiles won't last forever," Loki replied, his gaze drifting toward the horizon, where dark clouds gathered ominously, roiling like an angry sea.
The vendor's laughter faltered as he noticed Loki's troubled expression. "You're a gloomy one, aren't you?" he said, concern creeping into his tone.
"Not gloomy, just realistic," Loki countered, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. He felt a pang of sympathy for the vendor, whose life was so intricately tied to this chaotic marketplace, blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking just beyond the city's borders.
"Don't think of the negative, young man! Here, take this steam bun. It'll lighten your mood," the vendor insisted, offering a warm, freshly made bun.
Loki took the bun, his heart softening at the unexpected kindness. He removed his hood for the first time, revealing his striking snow-white hair and ruby-red eyes. The vendor's eyes widened, momentarily losing his voice at the sight of Loki's features.
Loki flashed the vendor a bright smile, his confidence surging. "Thanks for this! I was indeed hungry. As payment, I'll solve this for you." His tone was playful, yet there was an undercurrent of seriousness as he gazed back at the horizon, where the clouds darkened further.
The vendor looked skeptical. "What do you mean by 'solve this problem'?" But before he could get an answer, a shadow fell over the entire street. Panic rippled through the crowd as darkness stretched and contorted, fear gripping the atmosphere.
"What's happening?" a woman cried, clutching her child tightly to her chest. A man beside her stared wide-eyed at the sky, trembling as he dropped the woven basket he'd been carrying. Joyful laughter turned to gasps, the vibrant marketplace transforming into a cauldron of anxiety.
Loki could sense the fear resonating in the crowd, their uncertainty pressing against him like a physical weight. He looked around and saw people exchanging worried glances, children tugging at their parents' sleeves, shopkeepers abandoning their stalls to find safety. The once lively atmosphere had become oppressive, each heartbeat resonating with impending doom.
"Don't be afraid, ossan. I promised I'd handle this. Just forget my face, okay? Bye-bye!" he said with a forced smile, vanishing from sight. The vendor blinked in confusion, lost in a whirl of panic and worry for his family as he pushed through the throngs of frightened people.
Meanwhile, perched atop a rooftop, Loki surveyed the chaos below. "This gate is unusually large. This has never happened before, especially not in Novalith. These monsters are dumb but instinctive; they know where to strike and where to avoid. But something feels off here."
His thoughts were interrupted by a deafening roar that echoed through the streets, sending chills down the spines of the onlookers. They gasped in unison, a collective intake of breath that hung heavy in the air. The monstrous portal widened, a dark void contrasting starkly against the colorful marketplace.
As he peered closer, Loki saw the creature emerging: the Venomspike. Its iridescent scales shimmered dangerously, casting eerie reflections on the cobblestone streets. Venomous quills bristled along its spine, creating an allure that was both beautiful and deadly. As a C-rank monster, it was a rare sight, typically requiring a party of Ascendants to fend off without collateral damage.
But then he saw another head emerging, and panic gripped him like a vice. "This is bad," he thought.
Disappearing from his spot, he reappeared in front of the portal, standing defiantly against the chaotic backdrop. The civilians, initially paralyzed by fear, began to react, their wide eyes shifting from the monstrous creature to the lone figure standing before it.
"What is he doing?" a man whispered, clutching his daughter close, his voice trembling. "He can't take that thing on alone!"
Gasps of disbelief echoed through the crowd. "Is he insane?" someone shouted, while another added, "We need to get out of here!"
Loki, undeterred by their fear, squared his shoulders, a playful grin spreading across his lips. "Not today, bud! I have a steam bun debt to pay, and I can't let you wreak havoc here," he quipped, his bravado masking the gravity of the situation.
His eyes glowed bright red as he raised his arm, pointing a finger at the gate. A bright red singularity began forming at his fingertip, a spark of terrifying power. The Venomspike sensed it and recoiled, its instincts screaming for it to flee, but its pride kept it rooted in place. It opened its mouth, a swirling mass of black energy gathering inside, convinced it could cancel out Loki's attack.
"Oh, you think you can match my power? How wonderful! Make sure to give me a good show!" Loki's smile widened, excitement bubbling within him like a child anticipating a grand spectacle. "Scarlet Annihilation!" he declared, unleashing the red orb that shot forth at a speed unseen by the human eye.
Time seemed to stand still as the world held its breath. The spectators watched, awe-struck, as the Venomspike and the gate were enveloped in a blinding red light. The ground shook; the sky trembled. Whispers of disbelief morphed into shouts of encouragement as the crowd began to realize that the boy before them might actually have a chance.
"Look! He's doing it!" someone shouted, hope igniting in their voice.
When the light faded, a gaping hole marred the heavens, and the dark clouds began to disperse. The civilians fell to their knees, staring in awe and horror at the figure standing before them, unfazed by the destruction.
"Aww, no fair! They died just like that? And here I thought I could enjoy this! I should really learn to hold back." Loki's dramatic tone was laced with an undercurrent of disappointment, but the mischief in his eyes revealed his true feelings.
"Well, my work here is done. I should get going, or Amara will kill me if she finds out I skipped school again." A worried expression flickered across his face at the thought of facing his friend Amara.
"Hey, system, show me my status."
[Lord of the Void System]
[Name: Loki Aetheris]
[Age: 18]
[Template: Void Emperor % 17]
Health: 1,200 / 1,200
Mana: 1,000 / 1,000
Stamina: 800 / 800
[Abilities]
Eclipse Barrier (Active)
Description: Creates a nearly impenetrable barrier of void energy, absorbing attacks and reflecting them back.
Echo of the Abyss (Active)
Description: Phases into the void to avoid damage and reappear at a chosen location.
Scarlet Annihilation (Active)
Description: Channels a concentrated beam of void energy to pierce defenses and deal immense damage to a target.
Void Grasp (Active)
Description: Manipulates void energy to grab and immobilize enemies, dealing damage over time.
Azure Manifestation (Blue Power)
Description: Loki can summon a powerful blue energy that enhances his physical abilities, increasing his speed and strength for a short duration. This energy also provides a protective aura that reduces incoming damage.
Cyan Surge (Blue Power)
Description: This ability allows Loki to unleash a burst of blue energy in a cone in front of him, dealing damage and pushing back enemies caught in the blast.
[Skills]
Void Manipulation (Passive) : Enhances control over void energy, allowing Loki to shape it to his will for both offense and defense.
Aetherial Insight (Passive) : Heightens awareness of his surroundings, granting the ability to sense hidden threats and incoming attacks.
[End of Status]
Loki examined his status with satisfaction . This system had appeared unexpectedly when his family was attacked by a Wyvern. He recalled the tragic day when his parents lost their lives protecting him and his younger sister.
Lost in thought, he was jolted back to reality as his phone rang. "Ring, ring, ring!"
Seeing who was calling, a smile crept onto Loki's face. "Moshi moshi!" he answered cheerfully.
"Loki, where are you?" It was Ronan Vale, his best friend. The urgency in Ronan's voice made Loki's heart sink.
Hearing Ronan's serious tone, he lost his smile, worry etched across his face. "Did she find out?"
"Yes, and she's currently standing outside the classroom waiting for you. You're a dead man; she's going to kill you!" Ronan's voice was filled with dread, as if he had suffered through Loki's antics before.
"Ronan, help me cover! Please, aren't you my best friend?" Loki pleaded, his voice dripping with desperation.
"Heck no! Do you want me to die? You're alone in this!" Ronan laughed, clearly enjoying Loki's predicament.
"WHERE IS HE? TELL HIM TO COME HERE RIGHT NOW!" Suddenly, an angry voice roared from the other end, making Loki wince as the call abruptly ended.
"Shit!" Loki exclaimed, his eyes wide. Without another thought, he vanished from the rooftop, leaving behind the remnants of void energy.