Kyra rubbed her temples in exasperation. She had already been briefed on what had happened, and she couldn’t help but cast an unbelieving eye towards Astra and Estelle. The former looked her in the eye without batting an eye—not that her expression ever changed—while the latter glanced down at her feet while fidgeting with her forefingers. “…I think my ears aren’t working well. Can you please repeat all you’ve done?” she asked, her voice dangerously low. “Okay.” Astra replied evenly. The air was tense, but despite it, she showed no outward sign of anxiety. This was not an act on her part. She simply thought the problem wasn’t hers to deal with. Meaning she threw all accusations on her companion without so much as a hint of hesitation. Kyra listened to everything they said, her brow twitching all the while. “Let me get this straight,” she paused, before releasing a profound sigh, “You activated an FRA? An admin class, no less?” Astra nodded empathetically while Estelle wis
What is time?What does it represent, what does it mean? I’ve asked myself that for countless centuries. And then I met you. Someone who is undefined by time, yet at the same time, so intertwined in it.You, boy, made me come to a shocking revelation.Time cannot be stopped. This intangible thing we call time can enslave in the truest sense of the word. This intangible thing can be expressed. It can take shape and interact with the multiple worlds in existence, all without the knowledge of people. I can choose those to favor and those to scorn.And in your case, it chose to guide. Never again shall you be free of time, never again shall you walk in your own path. It doesn’t matter what you do. It doesn’t matter what you say.For those bound by time live on in an endless and unchanging hell. I should know, I am one of them.But the one thing you should know, is that you can form it. Mold it the way you want it to play out. Guardians of time take the brunt of this responsib
Chapter 14I was once asked a foolish question. “Which is more important? This world, or the people who live in it?” Leave it to a dying person to spout psychological nonsense with their dying breath. Of course, he wanted to know why I found his decision so disagreeable. After all, he had done the impossible and maintained both. But I knew my answer. “I would sacrifice both. What you did was offer a sacrifice that wasn’t yours to give. For that, I will never forgive you.”“S-so what now?” he’d asked.“I will prevent this future from ever taking place,” was my reply.“A foolish endeavor. You would need to die more than a million times in multiple timelines to even get the chance to make that a reality.”“So what? That’s how little I value my life, and that of those who brought this upon us. At the very least, I shall ensure they get a taste of hell with each new life of mine I give up.”How many years has it been since then? How many eons? What have I been fighting for?
“So, you’ve come for me too,” came a booming voice. Contrary to what one might have believed, the loud voice lacked vitality.Indeed, the owner of the said voice was in their death throes. Their presence, their very being, was almost nonexistent.But they did not beg for their lives.“I had a feeling you might. Tell me one thing. T-this… This isn’t the first time you’ve snuffed me out, right?”A figure, though imperceptible while they spoke, revealed themselves. Then, the figure replied evenly after a bit of hesitation. “……No.”“Haaah… I th-thought as much. W-why do you cling to a dying wish? A barely audible cry none but yourself can comprehend? Why do you tether yourself to time, letting it whisk you however it desires…? Did you truly believe their words would come to pass?” A pause. “I hate to tell you, old friend, but not even you can achieve it. It is beyond what one can accomplish alone.”“…Then I’ll keep trying,” the figure retorted. “…No matter how long. No matt
Prologue —12 years ago— A young boy ran. He ran faster than he ever had, and a grin formed on his face. His glee was only natural. He didn’t know how, but his body had strengthened over the past two months. He could not do any physical labor, given his weak constitution. Now though…it was as if some nameless god was blessing him for the torture and suffering he had endured to that point. Even the guards couldn’t catch him now, and he had not even employed his usual tricks. The wind whipped about him, blowing his bangs out of his face. He ran, breaking past the limits of what was considered possible, even for an elf. Thinking back, Elrand almost felt tears fall from his eyes. He was always prone to escaping, so most of the guards already knew him well. If they endured what he went through, even for a day, they would understand. In fact, he had once dared one of them to try enduring what he suffered every day. The result was not pretty. Every now and then, that guard wo
Chapter 1 *Aldan’s Diary* —Entry 1— I almost could not believe it. Though I devoted my whole life to this cause, I never thought I would succeed. I’ve found it. The truth of this world, which none of us knew. The real reason summoned heroes have soul fragments, and what it means. I am one step closer to my ultimate goal. Though I do not have the power to do anything, I must avenge our mother. At the same time, I must not be rash in my decision. My younger siblings’ lives are at stake. For now, at least. To break out of this endless loop, I need to obtain power. Untouchable power, one unrivaled by anything else. Several theories have been said about it, but none are accurate. This does not mean I shall take this new development as a failure. Not at all. In fact, due to this new information, I know how to move on from here. My path is chock-full of danger, this is how I know I am headed in the correct direction. After all, an empty house has no guards… —Estelle—“Ugh
Aldan’s Diary —Entry 2— Ha, ha. I now know why it is said power corrupts. This knowledge exhilarates me in ways I can’t even describe. By the end of the day, I’m still a scholar. I may have acquired the necessary tools I need, but it is all for naught if I am unable to act. For now, I am a wanted man. The posters make it difficult for me to travel. The sum being offered for my capture is quite hilarious. Almost makes me feel special. Almost. It has become quite dangerous for me to keep this record too, no matter how vaguely I write. Even when I’m tempted to take matters into my own hands, I know I am no match against such powers. Ugh... These are far from peaceful times. The demon population is in decline, which is partially my fault. I am in no condition to accuse those who took my family. I’ve been responsible for the of many lives which were lost, so many that I’ve lost count. That doesn’t take the resentment away though. It still burns deep in my heart. These
*Present time* —Elrand Daewynd— The halls were pleasantly empty. It must be my mother’s doing. Since the day I first escaped, the queen had been giving me more freedom to keep me nearby. It was quite astute of her. No matter how much I may have cared of any of them, there is no way I would have stayed here if I felt trapped. I might have escaped long before my Hlia. My father though…he did not quite agree on the amount of freedom given to me but the Queen’s word was final. Elven power was hereditary, making my mother higher than the King. He still had authority, just lower than the Queen. Must be tough to be in such a relationship. I shook my head and cleared my thoughts. Why though had she called for me? I’m pretty sure I abstained from my usual mischief. Surely it is not something I had done. I knocked on her door. “Enter.” I ran through all the things I may have done unconsciously. I braced myself. Every time the Queen called for me, it ended up the way. Well,