Key's head pounded slightly as he opened his eyes, his vision clouded by the dim, ethereal light surrounding him. Dark, shifting shadows stretched in every direction, punctuated by glowing, vibrant stars scattered across the void like distant flames. He squinted, trying to focus, feeling a strange sense of weightlessness and isolation.
"Where the hell am I—?"
"Welcome to what I call 'The Fragment.'" A deep, resonant voice echoed through the darkness, vibrating the very air around Key.
Key's eyes snapped to the source, and his breath caught in his throat. Standing a few feet away was an older version of himself. This figure exuded an almost oppressive presence, tall and commanding, dressed in a sleek, dark suit that hugged his muscular frame, intricately detailed with swirling patterns of gold. The suit seemed almost alive, pulsing with a faint, cosmic energy that converged at a glowing purple gem embedded in his chest. The gem emitted a soft, yet powerful glow, casting an otherworldly light over the man's face.
"No way…" Key muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper as he stared in disbelief. "You're… me?"
The older Key gave a faint, knowing smirk, his eyes sparking with a mix of amusement and something far more complex. "Correct. We are The Ascended. And before you ask what that means, let me tell you a little..story."
With a sense of purpose, he moved beside Key, his gaze distant as he glanced forward. Key took note of how the man carried himself—every step measured, every movement purposeful. The older Key stood a few inches taller, his presence towering, and Key's thoughts strayed to Gamble, wondering where his friends were.
"They're fine." the older Key said, as if reading his mind, his voice softening slightly. "No harm has come to them."
With a snap of his fingers, Key watched in awe as the stars around them morphed into shimmering windows, each revealing entire worlds—fragments of countless realities. He felt a shiver crawl up his spine as he tried to comprehend the enormity of it all.
"The stars you see here," the older Key continued, his tone calm and almost reflective, "are fragments of realities I created, seeking a specific result. Yet, every single one ended the same."
Key shook his head, blinking as he tried to process. "Hold up.." He raised a hand, a confused laugh slipping from his lips. "Did you just say… trillions of realities? Who are you supposed to be Jesus?"
The older Key let out a chuckle, the sound resonant, yet tinged with a deep, almost melancholic undertone. "Hardly. That would imply perfection in every sense—something I am far from." His gaze turned steely, his face shadowed. "I know you want to understand why I created these Fragments."
Suddenly, the air around them grew heavier, pressing against Key's skin like invisible needles. He felt as though he were standing under an immense weight, his breath hitching at the sheer force of his older self's presence.
"It's because I despise the gods and everything they stand for." The words were laced with an icy bitterness. With a slow, deliberate wave of his hand, the shimmering windows shifted, revealing scenes of gods laughing, their faces twisted with amusement as souls writhed in agony in the Abyss below—forced into brutal battles, enduring unthinkable torment.
"These… these gods…" Key whispered, feeling a surge of rage bubble up in his chest. "They're… they're monsters."
The older Key nodded, his expression hardening. "Every synonym of evil, embodied."
"And if you're me," Key began, his voice steadying as he met the gaze of his older self, "what does that make me?"
The older Key's gaze softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Exactly what it sounds like." He snapped his fingers, and in an instant, memories flooded Key's mind—visions of his past life, his family, and the life he now lived. His heart clenched painfully as he saw his two sons, smiling as they once had. A dull ache settled in his chest, a reminder of the life he had lost.
"They'll never see me again…" His voice cracked, barely audible.
The older Key's gaze softened further. "Not necessarily. That's a possibility for another time. Right now, you need to know why you're here, Key." His eyes darkened, his voice gaining a deadly edge. "I fought the gods and defeated them. Their arrogance led to their fall, but a question lingered: Could they ever be just, or compassionate? My curiosity led to the creation of these Fragments… and each has left me more disappointed than the last."
Key's gaze shifted to the ground, the weight of the words settling in. "So… The Abyss. You created it?"
The older Key gave a slow nod, his jaw tightening as regret flickered across his face. "Yes. It was meant to balance their darkness, but I miscalculated. Instead of merely repelling the gods, it became a force that consumes anything it touches. I won't deny the countless lives it has taken, and I live with that regret."
Without thinking, Key placed a hand on the older Key's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Look, with power like yours… most people wouldn't have even tried to make a difference."
The older Key's lips curled into a faint, genuine smile. "I appreciate that, Key. You've probably been wondering, though, if you're just another Fragment yourself."
Key nodded, his mind racing. "Yeah… so am I?"
"No," the older Key replied, his gaze steady. "I've decided to take a different approach this time. This is the first time I'm actively intervening in one of my own creations, with all the knowledge of what will happen, to see if a new outcome is finally possible."
Key raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "So you're going to give me… what, the secrets to everything that's going to happen?"
"Not just knowledge," the older Key replied, his voice tinged with something deeper. "Your full power will be unlocked. But it will happen gradually; if you were to get it all at once, it would destroy you."
Key exhaled, the enormity of it all pressing down on him. "But… why me? What makes you think things will be different this time? And why so soon?"
"I have faith," the older Key replied simply, a light in his eyes that spoke of unshakable resolve. "For the longest time, I was too singularly focused to see other paths. But now… I'm ready to try something new and the reason I wanted to talk to you so soon is because you will have to start training as soon as possible."
"Makes sense." Key nodded in understanding. "But what if it's the same outcome?" Key asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawing at him.
The older Key smirked, confidence radiating from him. "It won't be. I'm certain of it."
Key cocked an eyebrow, a skeptical smile tugging at his lips. "And you're not just going to spoil what happens, right? I'd rather not know every detail."
"Of course. No spoilers." The older Key took a step back, his gaze sharp and full of purpose. "So, Key… are you ready? Do you truly want to walk this path?"
Key let out a slow breath, his lips pulling into a crooked grin. "This is hands down the craziest shit I've ever heard. But… if there's one thing I know, it's that I won't let you down."
The older Key's expression softened, pride gleaming in his eyes. "I know you won't. Now… let's begin."
.
.
Key's eyes snapped open, taking in the familiar yet alien landscape of The Abyss. A rush of energy filled him as messages appeared before him.
[Congratulations! You have Ascended!]
Name: Key LV.1
Title: The Ascended One
Rank: Ascended
[SSS Skill Abyssal Acension Wrath of the Void has been upgraded to Ascended Skill: Divine Acension 'Wrath of The Ascended.']
[New Ascended Passive Skills Unlocked!]
[New Ascended Active Skills Unlocked!]
His stats surged, elevated to a divine level. He let out a slow breath, his now dark purple eyes glowing with an otherworldly gleam as he scanned his surroundings. It felt as though his consciousness was no longer confined to his body; he could feel the Abyss as if it was an extension of himself.
[Passive Skill Abysswalker's Insight LV.1 has activated.]
Your vision has adapted to perceive not only the physical but also the spectral and metaphysical layers of the world, allowing for a range of visual effects. Such as seeing
invisible creatures, detecting energy flows, and reading intentions by glimpsing into the shadows of your enemies' souls.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted his introspection. Turning, he saw a group of shadowy figures—humanoid forms shimmering in black and purple hues
[Void Runners LV. 10] (x20)
The Void Runners paused, their faceless gazes fixed on him in silent reverence.
[Passive Skill Abyssal Sovereignty LV. 1 has activated.]
Your presence alone exerts a command over lesser creatures of the Abyss and lower realms. Monsters and corrupted beings instinctively submit or retreat in fear, recognizing your ascended status. This aura also grants immunity to Abyssal corruption, allowing you to traverse even the deepest levels of Drakara without being affected by its chaos.
One by one, the Void Runners kneeled, heads bowed in submission.
"Damn.." Key muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips. "This… is going to take some getting used to." He glanced at each Void Runner, eyes gleaming with newfound purpose. "But I think I'll manage."
He looked down at his hands, noticing two distinct symbols etched into his skin.
On his right hand, a swirling vortex emanated a dark energy, symbolizing the depth and boundless allure of The Abyss. Intricate rings and cosmic patterns radiated from the center, representing his mastery over multiple dimensions. Wisps of dark blue, purple, and black energy shimmered around the symbol, with a subtle, eye-like shape at its core, suggesting perception and control over The Abyss itself.
On his left hand, an omnipotent symbol radiated from a luminous core, embodying boundless power and divine authority. Nebulae and galaxies swirled around it, while lines of energy shot outward, symbolizing the convergence of realms and dimensions. Small particles and accents of deep purple, blue, and gold danced around, giving the design a mystical, celestial quality.
These markings signified his status as The Ascended. The right symbol unlocked abilities to help him adapt, while the left held godlike powers that would come later.
He recalled the memories given to him by his older self—some knowledge was shared, and some held back. Key couldn't help but appreciate the restraint, as his older self had promised not to "spoil" everything.
This world was far more complex and expansive than he'd imagined. The Divine Thrones (SSS-Rank) comprised 10 primordial gods, each representing a facet of reality. His older self had hinted at them but left out the nuances, encouraging Key to discover them firsthand. These gods governed aspects like Creation, Destruction, Time, Space, Life, Death, Knowledge, Fate, Chaos, and Order. Through his Ascended status, he could feel faint traces of these forces. Time hummed in the air, Life pulsed subtly, and Chaos flickered in the Void Runners bowing before him.
The other S Ranked places—The Celestial Peaks (SS-Rank) and the Ascendant Islands (S-Rank) was home to regular gods of natural elements, emotions, and etc. Plus demigods, godlike former mortals, beasts, and more.
Those 3 places are the most important.
His older self had risen from a mere E-Rank to a being beyond even these Primordials—a feat both humbling and inspiring.
Testing his new powers would be satisfying, but he knew patience was key. One misstep could disrupt the balance of things here.
But there was one thing he couldn't delay.
He looked up, the smirk returning. "I need to see them again… Nythra and the others."
Key directed his gaze at the Void Runners. "You all may leave. Inform the others that The Ascended has returned."
One Void Runner, slightly larger than the rest and presumably their leader, met his gaze with a glowing intensity before bowing. "Of course, Ascended One." In an instant, he and the others melted into the shadows, disappearing without a trace.
[Active Skill 'Reality Rend LV.1' has activated.]
This ability allows you to tear through the fabric of reality, creating portals or "rends" that allow you to transport to various locations across Drakara. The power of this skill increases with the level, eventually allowing you to manipulate space around yourself and your opponents in battle.
A dark purple portal shimmered into existence, and without hesitation, Key stepped through, eager to reunite with the others.