(What am I doing back here?)This happened all too often now, I’ll suddenly forget anything I was thinking of just moments ago in an instant for no reason. Although to be fair, that was the least of my concerns, I used to have some vague idea an hour or two ago but as of right now at least…I have no idea who I am.Alcaeus: “… That’s right, I was thinking about looking for something… someone called an X grade”I know for a fact there shouldn’t be too many X grades in general, it can’t be too much of a problem tracking this guy down. Maybe getting out so quickly out of that makeshift hospital wasn't the best idea. I didn't even get to know who that one lady was that was taking care of me, least of all who "The Lord" she mentioned was."Honestly it probably wasn't worth sticking around just to find out" (I'm getting sidetracked again, seems like all I'm good for at this point.)I definitely knew there was something wrong with me since I'd woken, I mean I literally couldn't even remembe
(…How are they still asleep?!)Aurora had woken up just a bit ago, after barely getting any sleep for that matter. However, much was different for her compatriots. Having been asleep since they came, neither had woken all night, and to top it all off, neither showed any sign of waking soon either.Although she was tired from her restless sleep, Aurora’s injuries were inconsequential. Even before she was tended to at most she had a few cuts and bruises, all that was left now was a dull ache around her shoulders.(Since I barely even qualify as injured, it probably wouldn’t be too wrong of me to just leave.)As Aurora got up from her bed, she glanced at those with her.Arian’s arm had been healed, but because the pain would still linger for some time he needed to wear a cast to limit his motion. Palae on the other hand was seriously bruised, both her heels had gone through serious trauma, and one had even been disjointed. Now although she’d been healed, she wouldn’t be allowed to walk f
(Who… Am I?) His view was darkened, almost as if purposefully concealed. But though he saw nothing, felt nothing, and thought of nothing, he still dreamt. He dreamt of nonexistent memories, life-changing events, and impossible friends. There could be no truth to what he saw, he trusted none of it. But the feeling, it felt real. Every so often his dream would end, and the nightmare would begin. All those he loved, his friends, his family, they’d all suddenly vanish. He would be left with nothing, nothing but those flames. The fires would consume him, the blaze would dissolve everything he had but a moment ago in an instant, gnawing away even at him. The pain was maddening, but after a time those flames would fade away too, nothing would remain in their wake, just darkness. All the memories that he had treasured before became foreign to him then, the emptiness erased everything he knew. And then it would start again. All the memories would flood in, then be ravaged by fire, and then
I had been dragged here by the commandant, someone I thought I’d killed all but an hour ago. The old man ended up agreeing with her initiative, apparently, it’ll bring up my reputation. I don’t see why that matters though, I’m still their God, and they’re still mortals, why should I have to earn their admiration?I made my way to my opponent, the commandant had just called him an X grade. That means he has a powerful active Boon, I wonder whose favor he’s got tucked in there.As I got into the arena I sensed his malice, he was bloodthirsty. I’d gotten well acquainted with that energy after dueling the commandant.Alcaeus: “It would be wise of you not to go into this blind with wrath, it dulls the senses.”Arian: “I did not expect you to understand emotions, what with you being a glorified toaster.”Arian was boiling over, he could barely hold on to his senses every time that murderer opened his mouth.They readied themselves, but all Alcaeus did was slightly raise his hands and arch f
Arian: “Ahhh…Haah…”Palae: “I’m… Gonna need a minute here-”The words hadn’t even escaped her mouth before Palae suddenly dropped down to the floor, completely exhausted.Aurora: “Come on, people! We have to keep at it or else we won’t get anywhere.”Arian: “That… Seems easier… For you to say, but…”Arian couldn’t even finish his sentence, he was too preoccupied with just catching his breath.It was already getting pretty late. The school was supposed to be locked down for the day after the rally ended, but Aurora managed to convince the guard to leave locking up to them after they had finished training. ‘Getting ready to fight against those devil X grades’ and all.Mitsuno: “Aurora’s right, you guys! How many times do you think this excuse is going to work?! We have to make the most of it!”Aurora: “I appreciate it, Mitsu, but I don’t really think the hate for an entire group of people dissipates so quickly.”“Speaking of which, Arian… How are you going to make it through school afte
Aurora: “You must be crazy.”Everyone, except a single brave soul, slumped over instantly at Palae’s proposal.Arian: “I understand regular training with each other, but sparring? I’m not one to boast but the difference in capabilities is…”Aurora: “… I’m going to have to agree with Arian, I mean what’s even the point if we just keep losing against him for our entire training session.”Mitsuno: “Awe… I was looking forward to it Palae…”Mitsuno abruptly embraced her, although she was attempting to comfort her, she was obviously more upset than anyone.Palae: “Okay, hold up then. What if it were all of us against Arian.”Aurora: “I’ll just speak for myself in this matter, I’m definitely more of a hindrance in a fight than an advantage.”Arian: “I’m afraid even that wouldn’t change much…”Palae: “Hey! What’re you two on about, if we can’t even hold Arian off how are we supposed to beat Tifon?!”“And besides Aurora do you intend to sit out the actual fight too?”Mitsuno: “Exactly!”(She d
(What does the old man have planned I wonder.)After having stood in the same spot for over 5 minutes I finally saw the Lord coming back.Lord Xuth: “My boy, sorry for the inconvenience, but we’re all ready for you now.”Alcaeus: “What do you mean?”Lord Xuth: “Well, I know we’ve kept you on ice for some time already, therefore I’ve seen to the arrangements. We’ll be conducting your very first fitness survey, so to speak.”I had no idea my capabilities were in question, moreover by someone in such a state as this geezer before me.Alcaeus: “Is my fitness in question?”Lord Xuth: “Oh, Heavens no. This is simply so we can measure them more effectively.”I hadn’t the energy to waste on mistrusting the old man, he’d given me no reason to doubt him before so I decided to play along with his little game.He led me to the experiment chambers, afterward, we came upon an underground entrance. It seemed to lead to an arena.Lord Xuth: “Here we are then, we’ll be watching you from above. Oh, and
ΔΔΔ: “Hey! Hold up for a sec Arian!”Arian had just left the campus when he heard a voice calling out to him from behind.Arian: “Palae? What… Why have you come here?”Palae: “Isn’t it obvious, come on I came after you!”Arian: “What they said is probably right, you know… Eion had hate in his soul, maybe he did-”Sensing his growing doubt Palae immediately interposed: Palae: “Maybe so, but what the Lord did after wasn’t right. He shouldn’t have come after you just because you were an X grade, he just used you as a way of pushing his agenda.”Arian: “What is he doing all of this for?”Palae: “I’m not entirely sure, but one thing’s for certain. He really wants them all angry.”“Come on, let's get out of here.”Arian: “?! And where are we going exact-”Arian didn’t even get a chance to question her as Palae grabbed onto his arm and took (read: dragged) him away.(They’re all… They’re practically worshipping him already.)Aurora looked on from a distance at the sight.(They keep cheering
The day had finally come, preparations for the speech required some beforehand maintenance, therefore school was canceled for that day as well. It would be an understatement to say Aurora and Arian were not the only ones looking forward to the Lord’s declamation. In fact, entire crowds had formed well before the oration was to take place. No one knew what to anticipate from the Lord. Some fancied he’d make a heartwrenching speech dedicated to his fallen son, and others still, thought he’d twist the tragedy into some business proposal. Only one thing could be said for certain of the public's initial thoughts: none were expecting the speech that would follow. (It's almost time now.) Arian couldn’t wait for a second longer. He needed answers, or rather, needed his assumptions to be validated. He got ready to set off so he’d just make the event, knowing that if he went any sooner the media would jump at the opportunity to interview him. Hopefully, they’d be too engrossed in the Lord’s sp