When Kyan was finally able to move again, he found himself surrounded by absolute emptiness. There was no ground, sky, or any other point of reference—only infinite darkness. Despite this, he didn't feel like he was falling. The only fixed point was the mysterious figure, still surrounded by its blinding light.
Without thinking, Kyan advanced, his face twisted in hatred, but his assault was useless. His movements had no effect on the void, as though he were trapped in an eternity of futile effort.
The light around the being began to dissipate, revealing its true form. Before Kyan stood a majestic, almost ethereal figure. Its gray hair seemed to shimmer as it floated gently around a face with perfect, severe, inhuman features. A pair of horns adorned its head, one black and the other white, symbolizing an imposing balance. Its wings were equally divided: three black as an endless abyss, and three white, as radiant as the light that had once surrounded it. Its eyes were the manifestation of duality—one completely dark, the other glowing like a distant star.
"I am Velys, god of a distant world... among other things." Its voice cut through the silence, calm and indifferent. It shrugged. "But let's get to the point, mortal. How about a wager?"
Kyan didn't respond immediately, his fury consuming him. He tried again to advance, as if movement could dissipate the impotence he felt.
"Ah, so predictable..." Velys sighed, its wings beating gently, creating a motion in the void as if it were a breeze. "That anger... interesting, I admit. But let's focus on what matters. You are unique, did you know that? A human who survived my game longer than anyone else. I'm curious—was it determination or just stubbornness?"
"Game?" Kyan's voice finally emerged, laden with hatred. "You made me relive that hell, die day after day... all because you were bored?"
Velys stopped, its two-colored eyes assessing Kyan as if he were an incomplete puzzle. It tilted its head slightly and, with a small smile, responded: "Exactly. A simple game to pass the time. Don't think you're special... though you did better than expected. I admit, now I'm curious to see what you'll do next."
"You're a monster!" Kyan shouted, trying once more to reach the god, but it was like running in quicksand.
Velys let out a cold laugh, the sound reverberating through the void. "Monster? Maybe. But I prefer to see myself as... efficient. Anyway, I'll offer you something more interesting. I'm tired of one of the worlds under my dominion. It's, how should I say, boring. So I thought about destroying it."
"Destroy an entire world just because you're bored? How can you...?" Kyan panted, trying to control his rage.
"Simple. Because I can." Velys shrugged again, the simplicity of its response only increasing Kyan's indignation. "But destroying something dull isn't so interesting. So, I decided you'll be the unpredictable factor in this story. Let's make a wager."
"I don't want to be a part of anything involving you!" Kyan fired back, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Oh, but you don't have a choice, mortal." Velys' tone became slightly amused but still carried an unquestionable authority. It spread its arms as if presenting its idea as a spectacle.
"See, I am a just god. At least, more just than you deserve. To make things interesting, I'll give you a gift. A present from me that reflects the perfect balance I represent."
Kyan remained silent, his eyes burning with fury as they fixed on the god.
"Each time you die, you'll be sent 10 days into the past, with all your memories intact. A little 'reset', like you've experienced before. Sounds useful, doesn't it?" Velys smiled, relishing its own ingenuity.
"But, of course, it wouldn't be fun without a catch." It leaned in slightly toward Kyan, its eyes glowing with a mix of malice and satisfaction. "Every time you die, the Apocalypse that will destroy the world will be brought forward by 100 days. You'll have time to learn, to fight, but you'll be shortening the clock as you do. A perfect, fair, elegant cycle. Don't you think?"
Kyan clenched his fists, his thoughts boiling with rage. After a few seconds, he finally managed to articulate a question. "And what happens if I win your wager?"
Velys stopped, a smile slowly forming on its face. "Ah, what else could motivate you? If you survive the Apocalypse and somehow prevent the world's end, I will grant you all my divine power. You'll become a god, like me. And, of course, when that happens, I will be vulnerable. You can do whatever you want with me."
Kyan narrowed his eyes, skeptical. "And how can I trust your word?"
The god laughed, a cold, thunderous laugh that echoed through the void. "You can't. But what do you have to lose, human? Either way, the game has already begun."
Before Kyan could respond, Velys extended one of its hands, and an oppressive glow emanated from its body, engulfing Kyan completely.
"Enjoy yourself, mortal. And remember: I look forward to seeing how far your determination will take you."
The void swallowed Kyan, while Velys' echoing laugh spread like distant thunder.