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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Jerry, I'm scared," Leila weakly revealed.
She was like a damsel in distress as she hugged me tightly.
"Why?"
"You ask me why?... Are you asking that?"
It was hard to figure out words in my current state so I stuck with the basics.
It was easier that way.
"I won't die…"
"That's not something you can decide." She met my eyes before adding. "You don't understand the processes that come with the job of an Explorer."
"Enlighten me."
"The theory isn't what's important, it's what happens after, Jerry. I just… I've already lost a father figure… I don't want to lose my brother too."
Darn it!...
My heartstrings tugged wildly.
It was dark but I could make out the contours of her face, and imagining her crying wasn't a big deal.
Her silent sobs brought life to the silent playground and I was forced to act.
I whispered while pulling her head closer. "I don't want to lose you too. But would you be happy seeing me spend each waking day with the pain in my heart?"
It was a mean question but I had to ask.
How many more days would I be able to handle it?
My heart yearned to complete the promise dad made.
He wanted to show me the outside world, free from the monsters but he died before he could complete his work.
So I would do what he couldn't and rid the outside world of the monsters.
It was a bold goal… some might call it stupid but I don't mind because I understand just how stupid it is.
Heh… dumb, I know but I have to follow my heart.
"... And we both know about the real situation with the Heart. If it collapsed, then what would happen then?"
Leila tightened her grip. "It might not collapse during our time… no need to be pessimistic."
I understood why she'd say that but being optimistic… It wasn't exactly my way.
"The chances of that being the case is slim. We are both young enough to remain for at least 50 years. What are the chances of the Heart staying that long?"
She reminded silent for a few seconds.
I couldn't tell what was on her mind but she seemed deep in thought.
She soon replied while digging her fingers into my back. "…Then I'll let you become an Explorer."
"You will?"
"Mn, I don't want to see my brother depressed and… I also want to fulfill the wishes of father."
"Thanks, Big sis!"
She put her head up again as she added. "I'll support you as best I can… so please promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Don't die."
My heart skipped a beat at her words.
I don't know why, maybe it was because of the way she said it or the feeling behind it… in any case, it left a mark deep within.
It's not like I planned to die, anyway.
"Sure."
She pulled away from me and turned on the flashlight, then grabbed hold of my hand before pulling me back home.
I smiled sheepishly, allowing her to pull me along.
It was nice to be cared for.
I guess I was lucky to not be truly alone after Dad died.
Don't worry, dad. I'll protect Leila and fulfill your wishes. That's my promise to you.
Suddenly, Leila stopped walking. "You know, dad always said that Experience is the best teacher, seeing is believing and stuff like that."
"Yeah…"
"You may think you understand the outside world because of the journal but please… don't let the experience be the death of you."
"I just promised not to die."
She wore a dreadful expression as she turned to me. "Remember, Jerry… there are fates worse than death."
Her words sent shivers down my spine for some reason with goosebumps breaking out all over.
The cold night turned colder and I could have sworn someone was breathing heavily on my neck.
"…I understand."
I'm sure she didn't mean any harm with her words, but I couldn't help but imagine a few horrifying scenarios, after all, my imagination was my best friend.
Leila squeezed my palm gently and pulled me the rest of the way home.
That night… I was unable to sleep as her words kept echoing in my mind.
The moment the lights came on, I sprang out of bed and glanced over at Leila sleeping peacefully.
I had half the mind to wake her up, after all, she was the reason I couldn't get a wink of sleep.
Was there a need to terrify me like that?
Hah, I guess she was trying to make me understand the world I was about to enter but still… Hmmph.
Wham
"Ow." Leila cried out as she opened her eyes while rubbing her shoulder.
My pettiness got the better of me and I hit her with my pillow.
With the contents being somewhat heavy, being hit by it was equivalent to an untrained punch.
She looked at me with eyes that said she was wronged but I couldn't care less.
Hmmph!
Turning my face away, I got out of bed and quickly pick up a change of clothes and a thick rectangular material that I used as a towel.
Leila was still quite dazed as she saw me move about agilely.
Just as I was about to leave, I turned to face her and put my tongue out.
Childish?... Yes.
Effective?... Why not?
"You little brat!" Leila exclaimed as she hurled her pillow at me.
Hehe, too slow.
I bolt out the door and close it behind me, hearing a light thud which meant that the pillow had hit the door.
A second later and I would have felt her wrath.
Can't stay here any longer.
I quickly rush out the door and into the shared toilet with our neighbor on the left side.
As there were twenty houses in our block, a total of ten bathrooms were constructed.
There were two reasons for this.
One, water was a commodity in the tower that couldn't be wasted since our underground reserves weren't infinite.
If that finished, then our chances of getting water from the outside… well, I'm not sure that would be plausible.
So a set amount of water was provided to each toilet and it was up to the two houses sharing the bathroom how to make use of it.
The second reason was that we were on the 101st floor.
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At World's End Entry 5
Honestly, I didn't know much about the Tower.I've spent my whole life in it but that doesn't automatically make me a guru about it. I never really thought much of it too, since the outside world was more appealing to me. Sure, there were schools on each floor to educate children on the basic arts and sciences but I never attended. Not like those that went were better than me though… I dare say I would be one of the smartest in my generation, after all, I received tutoring from both dad and Leila. So it wasn't hard to understand those subjects but the problem came down to the Tower structure. Anyway, while staying with dad, everything I had was natural to have so I didn't think much of it. I considered it normal for the rest of the tower… that was until I moved in with Leila. Some might call me a spoilt brat but that's not an insult but the truth. I am a spoilt brat and that's all because of dad. Dad's position allowed him to enjoy the same status as those people in the Twelv
At World's End Entry 6
The elevator made a humming sound as it was turned on. It was made of transparent glass with an octagonal shape, The elevator floors and edges were lined with metals with the roof hooked up to a tough line that connected it to the higher floors. Quite some time had passed since I used one of these. The last time was when I left the 20th floor to move in with Leila.Right now I was in the elevator with Leila, heading for the 50th floor. After Leila helped to boost my confidence… hateful witch!... I felt much better about myself. With such a big supporter by my side, no obstacle could stand in my path to fulfilling my dreams. Don't worry dad, you can rest easy. I will finish what you started. Uhmm, where was I? Oh yeah. The elevator was located at the center of the floor, with enough room to fit thirty people at a go. Connected from the 101st to the 81st floor, it enabled the transport of people and goods between floors. This was the only way to move between floors and one ha
At World's End Entry 7
The time to part had come. I couldn't but sigh because even though I prepared mentally for this moment, it was hard to let go. Spending time with Leila, I realized that even though dad was dead, I still had someone I could call family. She did everything to make me forget but I always kept the memories of dad. But I was grateful. If not for her… there were several nights I couldn't sleep because the memory of five years ago kept coming back. Darn it… my eyes stung a little as I tried to hold back my tears. I turned to face Leila to say goodbye when her slender finger touched my lips. She applied no force but I didn't try to speak. For that brief moment, we met each other's gaze, and the world around us seemed to disappear. "Don't say anything. I'll be waiting for you so do your best and come out on top, okay." She spoke softly but her words resounded deep within my heart. With no words to respond, I merely nodded while smiling sheepishly. Wrapping my arms around her, I dra
At World's End Entry 8
Blood… gore… despair… pure, unrestrained horror. they were displayed before my eyes. People got hacked to pieces, their guts spilling out as their blood dyed the floor red. People were in the air with a spike through their stomachs. A pregnant woman getting stoned to death. A baby's head was crushed with a hammer. At some point, I collapsed to my knees and threw up. It was too much to bear. Were they real?... Had such things happened out there in the real world? Just what sort of barbarism was this? Once again, I threw up. I wasn't the only one reacting adversely to the images as I heard a few thuds, most likely because some had fainted. I tried to turn away but where could I turn to? I looked up but a screen was there as well. Below… same. What the hell was this? What sort of madman would do such a thing to us? I could have sworn I heard someone crying. Was it from the video or amongst the aspirants? Shit… I felt nauseated again. I gripped my stomach as I closed my
At World's End Entry 9
Each year the Academy accepted new entrants, depending on the number of spaces available.Registration normally took place on the 15th day of the first month when the Tower was at its hottest, Eos.From then till the 25th, candidates would show up with hopes of getting accepted in the institution.Each day a different age group was accepted…And today being the 15th, my age group which was 18-20 were the ones being tested.The red haired guy looked 30, especially with his muscular physique and… wait, he already has a beard?So, lucky… Ahem, I digress.I shook my head to get rid of the unnecessary thoughts when the military man suddenly spoke.“Well, well, it seems the maggots accepted this time are much better than last year’s set. Quite impressive. I’ll enjoy breaking you lot.” His tone of speech sounded quite sinister.But what was he talking about?He continued after a quick scan. “I’m sure you are wondering what just happened. Well, in short form, you all just passed the first ac
At World's End Entry 10
Hah, it’s fine I guess.Can’t keep on hating every doctor I came across, it’s too much work.Taking a deep breath, I retained my composure.With that, the doctor blitzed through the checkup, going as far as to ask about my medical history and if I had any problems up there.“No.” I answered bluntly.She nodded as she penned down something.After that, she took my blood and urine for some more tests before coming back out with a smile on her face.“You are quite healthy, Jeremy.”“...I try my best.”“Here you go.” She handed over an ID card with my face and basic details on it. “Welcome to the Academy for the Gifted.”“Thank you.”“I hope you enjoy your stay.”“I hope so too.”After I took possession of the ID card, she allowed me pass the door behind her which led me to yet another hallway, even though this one was shorter than the previous one.I walk down the hall until I got to a split.Following her direction, I took the left split and walked down till I got to another door.Ugh,
At World's End Entry 11
I couldn’t answer his question.Even though I answered a variant of said question yesterday, I hesitated.Leila had asked and now this rude bastard asked me again.It was at a level where I had to step back to reevaluate what I understood.I bit my lower lip to keep calm. Recalling what I read in dad’s journal, I pondered on what I’d do if faced with those situations.Even though the outside world was a beautiful place, right now it was crawling with Otherworldly, creatures residing in the Fog with only two goals.Death and destruction.They were part of the reasons why humanity had to abandon that world and live within a Tower.And even now, their existence threatened ours.Would I be able to handle it?I couldn’t be sure any longer.Fear slowly crept into my heart and the crazy captain seemed to notice as he cracked a mocking smile upon seeing my expression.He must think of me as an impulsive teen with only big dreams and no idea on how to fulfill them.Meeting his gaze aggravated
At World's End Entry 12
“Keep running, you maggots. Any one of you stop and that’s three more laps, try me.” Captain Rodgers spoke authoritatively while sitting on a chair, enjoying a beverage.Ugh, what the hell is this?How could he subject us to such labor?... This wasn’t exercise, the bastard was being an asshole by punishing everyone for the mistakes of a few.As I dragged my legs across the track, I felt like dying.I was dehydrated, and worst of all… I was freaking tired!Shit, why didn’t I try to get some sleep last night?Hah, you might be wondering what’s going on right now. Well, to understand, I’d have to backtrack to just after we were ushered into the academy grounds by the captain.It was a pretty cool sight with dormitories set on the East side, separated into the male and female quarters and then the lecture halls as well as training ground, meditation center, clinic, cafeteria and weaponry hall on the West side.What divided both sides being the large track field that spanned several meters
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Entry 174
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Entry 173
It was the first time Vampires became a thing.Once Creatures of folklore told around campfires in the old world, these creatures were tame compared to what was before them at this very moment.A few reasons remained as to why the Otherworldly abomination was called Vampire but two stood out.One was because these monster feasted on blood and the second was that they had insane regenerative abilitiesMore than that, the third and last one was their dislike for light.They thrived in dark place as the mines and even the entire tower was meant to be.It’s quite understandable why the higher ups wouldn’t want the Vampires reaching the heart, now, no?Unlike normal Otherworldly that just don’t like light, the light for Vampires was a lethal weapon that could deal incredible damage in proportion to the intensity of the light.Which meant if they got to the Heart and by some stroke of luck, succeed in destroying it, that would mean the entire tower would be destroyed without a chance to sav
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Entry 172
There were many things to consider when it came to leadership.Both for those that sought to be leaders or those that searched for a leader.It was no easy task, rather daunting enough for those that dared to take the post of leader to actually do what they were meant to do.For Heralds, their leadership was absolute as long as it with the squadron they commanded.Before any other position, a Herald was considered first when a Squadron was to move out.The squad members of a particular squadron have the right to listen to their Herald over a captain or commander or even General.This was because the Herald was not just a simple position.One wasn’t just a leader, nay, they were also family.Such sense of camaraderie helped squad members look out for one another but also brought fierce competition as there were hardly squadron’s that listened to the Captain’s, commanders or Generals over their Herald.A position where one held the life or death of so many people.There had never been a
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Entry 171
The All-seeing Eye would have never believed it would come across the Void Wanderer again, after all, ever since that day, the Void Wanderer was pronounced dead.It should have died but even in death, it seemed as though it wouldn’t rest until it had done what it wanted which was to cause chaos amongst them.You will never get away with this!... Your kind is already doomed!... Do not waste your time fighting against the inevitable. What you should do is swear your allegiance to the one who watches and accept his reign.[Bold of you to assume that I would waste my time having a conversation with you. Please… enough with the noise.]The All-seeing Eye wanted to say but before it had a chance to, space about it began to constrict, growing tightly about it until it could barely move in any direction.No!... You cannot do this!.... You cannot do this!Unfortunately, Lord had no more words to share with him and a moment later, his body exploded like a watermelon that received the full brunt
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Entry 170
The Otherworldly were graded according to a system created by mankind after constant bouts with them.From E, it ascended thusly; E, D, C, B, A, S, SS and lastly Godspawn.Two things were used in the grading process.One was the destructive capabilities of said monster while the second was the utility of their ability.Which meant a flame monster could be lesser than a monster that can’t be seen simply because the monster that can’t be seen won’t be easily beat.For the flame monster, there would surely be ways to counter since it’s seen but the other… the first step would be to see it no?Other criteria was put into consideration as well, like how hard was it to kill one or like how fast were their regenerative capabilities.Of course this applied to most Otherworldly.Yes, most.The SS and Godspawn were different.They were a class that defied natural laws and created conundrums that defied everything humanity had come to understand.The difference between an SS and a Godspawn was t
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Entry 169
It was a simple plan with a simple purpose in mind.Reginald, Veronica and Jeremy.These three had abandoned the pain and suffering from that time during the newbie massacre to come together for a singular reason.What was the reason you might ask?... It was purely revenge.Revenge for their fallen comrades that had died unjustly at the hands of scheming bastards that hid within the shadows.The fact that they had found out whom the perpetrators were made it all the more better.At least they wouldn’t move like headless flies.Now they could move with the desire to kill the one that caused them the grievance they were still suffering even as they sat in Jeremy’s room, talking with smiled on their faces.Leah hadn’t been fooled when she saw them smile and laugh so energetically.It was most likely because they didn’t want her to worry.Unfortunately, she no longer had eyes that could be deceived.Leah only listened to the hearts of those she communicated with and currently, as she list
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Entry 168
Veronica sighed as she rose from her bed and walked over to the door to open it only to find her father standing outside.“Dad, you?” Veronica said.Her father nodded. “Were you sleeping?”“No… not yet.” Veronica shook her head in response.“I thought as much. Alright, let me come in first.” With that said, he casually entered without giving Veronica much of a choice to refuse or anything of that sort.She watched on as he sat on her bed and made himself comfortable before tapping on the bed.“Come sit.”Veronica pursed her lips before letting out a sigh. “still as intrusive as ever.”Sitting beside her father, she waited for him to talk.He pondered for a bit before he spoke. “how are you feeling?”“Fine.” Veronica replied.Her father glanced at her and after a bit of scrutiny, shook his head. “that’s a lie.”“If you already know, then why ask?”“To know if you are willing to tell yourself the truth.”“…The truth is too painful to accept.”Her father stared at her solemn face and aft
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Entry 167
It all happened so suddenly.One moment, the thugs were trying to take down Jeremy and Marcus to take away their belongings and the next moment, they were writhing on the floor like worms that had salt poured in them.As they groaned and gasped for air, Jeremy looked on with an expressionless look on his face.Meanwhile, Marcus was somewhat terrified.Just what power had Jeremy used?He couldn’t even begin to fathom it.But then he wondered. If he had such an ability… wouldn’t Ria still be alive now?Wouldn’t he have been able to save Ria and ensure nothing happens to her?As that thought came, Marcus found himself pondering on it more and more until he could hardly think of anything else.Then he heard Jeremy’s voice. “This not power you should hope for.”His voice snapped Marcus out of his reverie, causing him to realize that he had Ben staring off into nothingness for a bit too long.Then he glanced at Jeremy who was staring intently at him.“how did you do that!” Marcus immediatel
- At World's End
Entry 166
“You heard about the fire?” Jeremy inquired with a raised brow.Reginald nodded. “It was a dangerous affair after all. It’s one of the few times when an entire floor was threatened. If anything had gone wrong, we would have seen casualties in the thousands.”“I agree. And that was just a side effect.”“A side effect, you say?” Reginald raised a brow.Jeremy replied. “Yeah. Apparently, Marcus only had to kill some mafia leader that had his hands on the black market on that floor, engaging in unsavory activities including drugs, prostitution and slavery.”“that… wait, you said the orb is a Vestige?” Reginald asked.Jeremy nodded. “it is.”“so how did he use it?... Aren’t Vestiges objects that only react to variance?... So how did he activate it?”“I have no idea.” Replied Jeremy in all honesty.He was also quite curious to figure out how it happened.It was a known fact that even ordinary Explorers could not use Vestiges because of their lack of variance.But Marcus managed to do so des
