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2024-10-29 19:42:56In the depths of the human psyche, an enigmatic tapestry of desires and tendencies weaves its intricate patterns. Humans, with their unpredictable nature, harbor a multitude of behaviors that both mesmerize and disturb. Beneath the facade of complex personalities lies a dormant instinct shared by every individual—a clandestine yearning to witness the world consumed by flames. Though many may display love, fight valiantly, or sacrifice selflessly, deep down, a hunger for control and a perverse pleasure in the suffering of others lurk within their hearts. This inclination often hides in plain sight, camouflaged by the innocent enjoyment of prank videos, concealing the darker truths beneath the veneer of laughter.
Yet, amidst this paradoxical existence, a distinct breed of humanity emerges—those intimately acquainted with their own shadowed depths. Bound by societal norms and the laws that govern, they are compelled to shroud their true nature within veils of normalcy. These individuals, known as "The Silent Ones," possess an instinctual art of concealment, skillfully manipulating the world from the safety of obscurity. Shadows become their sanctuaries, affording them the means to direct and shape the destinies of others, regardless of the toll it exacts upon their unwitting pawns. While society may brand them as "monsters" or "psychopaths," deep down, an undeniable truth resonates—these individuals personify the essence of what it means to be human.
But what if these enigmatic beings were thrust into a world unbound by laws, freed from the constraints that once governed their minds? What if the shackles of uncertainty were shattered, leaving no unknown variables to instill fear? Imagine a realm where the concepts of heaven and hell lose their sway over their souls.
Welcome, intrepid traveler, to the ethereal realm of Kodoku—a world teetering on the precipice of anarchy, where humans wage a relentless battle. Here, the struggle transcends mortal realms, as they fight not only for the favor of gods but for the very essence of their own existence. In this lawless domain, boundaries dissolve, and the human spirit is set ablaze. It is a realm where desires clash, ambitions entwine, and the fabric of reality is shaped by audacious souls unburdened by conventional limits.
Prepare yourself to witness the dance of gods and mortals, as the line between divinity and humanity blurs into a breathtaking spectacle. Within Kodoku's chaotic tapestry, human potential unfolds, driven by an unquenchable thirst for power and self-realization. Amid shifting alliances and transient loyalties, the true nature of humanity emerges, raw and untamed.
Enter this realm, where the silent ones awaken, where the flames of desire burn brighter than ever. Welcome to Kodoku, where gods and mortals converge, and the meaning of humanity is redefined.
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The Ascendance Deceiver Kodoku
"Please pay attention, train 11-30 is arriving on time at platform 6." The announcement echoed throughout the subway station. Alayne silently stood up from the bench and made his way straight to platform six. It was a Sunday evening, and although the subway station was less crowded, Alayne didn't mind the quieter atmosphere. Sundays held little significance for him. On one hand, he didn't particularly care about holidays, and on the other hand, Alayne had to attend his university studies almost every day as a second-year student, so it didn't make much difference. As he waited for the train to arrive, he casually brushed his somewhat long hair and glanced at the other passengers on the platform with his dark brown eyes. Wearing a gray hoodie T-shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of black and white shoes, Alayne carried the expression of a somewhat gloomy university student. As the train approached and stopped at the platform, people started gathering their bags and belongings, preparing
The Ascendance Deceiver Goddess's Revelation
As Alayn descended the staircase, he stole a glance at three passengers seated at the end row of the train car. Previously unnoticed, they caught his attention. Among them were a man and a young girl, the latter tugging at the man's right hand. The man had short hair and a remarkably attractive face, complemented by thin-framed glasses perched on his nose bridge. His attire, a black suit, white shirt with a bowtie, gave off an air of a university professor. The young girl beside him wore white sneakers, a black skirt, and a stylish yellow blouse, appearing to be around sixteen to seventeen years old. The man seemed to be in his early thirties or late twenties. After stealing a glance at the three passengers, Alayn turned his attention to the boy who had suggested calling 911. Clad in a hoodie like Alayn, with blue denim jeans and white sneakers, he appeared to be a college student around sixteen, similar to the other girl. Meanwhile, the other boy, who had scoffed, was not in proxi
The Ascendance Deceiver Credits
"What the hell was that? What did she just say?!" Alayn blurted out, looking dumbfounded. He wasn't stunned that a goddess-like woman had literally just died right in front of him and then came back to life. He was more shocked by the fact that the goddess claimed to be an angel and referred to the other party who seemed to have killed her or caused her to bleed out as 'pantheons.' "If I remember correctly, that means gods! So I was right. Haha, I was right to fear the unknown, I was right to restrain my true self." Alayn laughed out loud in his mind, the corners of his mouth slightly curling up. But no one was able to see the changes in Alayn's expression. On one hand, everyone was focused on the self-proclaimed angel on the huge white platform, while on the other hand, Alayn quickly regained control of his expression. "D-did she just say that she is an angel?" The man whom the two boys called Mr. Luverne, who seemed to have handled the situation they were in quite well until now,
The Ascendance Deceiver Framing Bias
As Solarael greeted the seven players, they looked at each other with puzzled expressions. Despite having teleported several times before, they were still unfamiliar with the experience. Curiosity painted on her face, a woman clad in a beautiful blue dress inquired of Solarael, "Are we the first visitors to your shop, or do you possess some form of cloning ability that allows you to have multiple shops at the same time?" "Is that your question for the first-time bonus?" Solarael asked, his vibrant face devoid of any discernible emotions. "If not, you can wait for your turn to ask questions. I don't have to answer unless it's part of the first-time bonus." Without giving the woman a chance to reply, Solarael continued, "Now, let's begin. The first order of business is acquiring your ability card. To do so, please extend your right hand and follow my guidance." Solarael's confident voice resonated through the room. As the group extended their right hands, Solarael demonstrated a flu
The Ascendance Deceiver Cosmo Shop
After his initial visit to the Cosmo shop, Alayn harbored a singular goal in his mind: ensuring that Neo would enter the shop after him or, preferably, before Luverne. Alayn lacked a clear understanding of Luverne's capabilities, which fueled his determination to avoid getting caught by him at all costs. One of the reasons behind Alayn's decision to manipulate the team's entry order into the Cosmo shop was driven by this purpose alone. "Welcome back to my Cosmo shop, dear player," greeted Solarael, a faint smile gracing his face as Alayn regained consciousness following the teleportation. "Now, how would you like to utilize your one-time bonus question?" he inquired, his tone warm and inviting. "First and foremost, I have something I'd like to sell to you," Alayn announced with a mischievous grin appearing on his face. .... "You know, player, you're quite intelligent for a human," Solarael remarked, a faint expression of admiration crossing his features. "Yeah, I'm well aware," A
The Ascendance Deceiver Selective Disclosure
As Alayn's eyes adjusted to the luminous golden light, they fell upon the resplendent figure of the majestic door before him. Standing alongside him were the six other players, their expressions brimming with curiosity and anticipation, eager to glean insights from Alayn's encounter within the Cosmo shop. It was evident that they yearned to hear every detail, their eyes fixed on him, awaiting for Alayn to enable his voice. Alayn keenly observed the anticipation radiating from the other players, understanding their eagerness to hear his account. With a casual smile, he began to share his experience, "Well, as it turns out, the Cosmo shop I entered this time was exactly the same as before. There were no noticeable changes or alterations." His words hung in the air, and the expressions of the other players subtly shifted, some with a tinge of disappointment and others with a hint of relief. Alayn couldn't help but inwardly chuckle at the sight of some disappointed expressions among th
The Ascendance Deceiver Note
The atmosphere was immersed in a mystical ambiance, as white and gray clouds blanketed the sky, casting shadowy hues over the surroundings. Amidst this ethereal backdrop stood a resplendent palace, emanating an otherworldly glow that defied human comprehension. At its core, a radiant golden allure exuded a sense of divinity and grandeur, captivating any soul fortunate enough to stumble upon this floating marvel. In the midst of this enchanting scene, a woman of unparalleled beauty knelt with hands prostrated before her, assuming a prayerful position. Her ethereal presence possessed an allure that effortlessly ensnared the hearts of all living beings with a single glance, casting a spell of admiration upon those who beheld her celestial countenance. Though her face remained veiled in a mysterious blur, it radiated an indescribable beauty, like a resplendent nebula of eternal blue that captivated the very essence of one's soul. In her mere presence, the universe seemed to pale in comp
The Ascendance Deceiver Life Orb
"One thousand credits!?" Neo blurted out, his voice filled with disbelief and a hint of uncertainty, unable to fully trust what he had just heard. "Yes, indeed," Solarael replied with a smile, a tinge of amusement lacing his words. "By selling your one-time question back to the shop, you can receive a generous sum of one thousand credits. I assumed that Player Alayn had informed you about this option and the potential value it holds. Did he not mention the amount you could obtain by selling it?" Neo didn't answer Solarael and remained silent, as his mind consumed by a single question that echoed loudly within him: "What the hell did Brother Alayn do with those thousand credits he obtained?" Neo refrained from voicing his thoughts and chose not to ask Solarael about Alayn's use of the thousand credits. He realized that obtaining an answer from Solarael would require spending some of his own credits, and Alayn was someone he could approach directly without such expenditure. In Neo's
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- The Ascendance Deceiver
Second Phase
Gray clouds blanketed the expanse, concealing the space beneath. A magnificent yet elusive gray castle loomed, seemingly asserting its dominance over the surrounding area. The atmosphere exuded an air of grandeur, accompanied by an unsettling undercurrent. The gray hue, symbolic of deception and trickery, pervaded the very essence of the place.Within the castle, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, the god of deceit, resided. Clad in a shroud of gray fabric, surrounded by raven-like ethereal entities that swirled around them. An unmistakable sense of power and authority radiated from their being, casting an aura of both mystique and foreboding."It appears the moment has arrived. My dear avatar, may you continue to put on a spectacular performance," Marauder's voice, simultaneously mystical and eerie, echoed throughout the castle. The shadowy, raven-like creatures clung to the corners of the throne and the ground, seemingly cowering before the authority emanating from the voice."He wi
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Conversation
"Authority, huh? Well, to be honest, I expected you to ask for that topic," Solarael remarked, taking a refined sip from his white porcelain teacup. Cradling the delicate vessel with elegant finesse, he continued, "Well, I have already considered how to maintain the flow of the conversation, should you inquire about that." "Is that so? Well, that's good to hear," Alayn replied with a smile as he, too, savored the exquisite brew poured by the angelic Solarael. The sweet aroma of the oolong tea enveloped his senses, offering a tantalizing olfactory experience that hinted at a sophisticated flavor profile waiting to unfold. As the tea touched his lips, Alayn's taste buds were greeted by a complex dance of robust oolong notes that gently intermingled with nuanced hints of caramel and brown sugar. The tea seemed to envelop his palate in a delicate embrace, leaving a lingering sensation that was both revitalizing and soothing, as if every sip was an intricate melody playing on his tongue.
- The Ascendance Deceiver
History
Observing the book vanish after his touch, Alayn couldn't help but ponder whether the rumored luck boost upon entering the library was truly in effect. Intrigued by the mysterious circumstances, he carefully retrieved another book from the nearby shelf, its spine gleaming softly in the ambient light. As he approached one of the exquisitely sculpted small tables, he couldn't help but appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the furniture. The table and chair emanated a lustrous brown shade, appearing to be crafted from the finest dark oak wood, each curve and detail meticulously designed. Intrigued by the carvings behind the chair, which depicted a bookshelf with a pair of wings, an eyeball, and a hovering triangle, Alayn felt a sense of fascination and curiosity wash over him. The enigmatic imagery seemed to suggest hidden depths within the library's offerings, further fueling his desire to uncover its secrets. With deliberate movements, he swiftly pulled out a chair and settled int
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Missions
"Zins, huh? What a peculiar name for currency," Luvern muttered, his voice hushed as he seemed to find amusement in the monetary denomination of Kodoku. Alayn nodded in agreement, sharing the sentiment. With the realization that they were likely transported to a world with its own civilization, Alayn had to revise many of his plans. He had initially assumed they were heading into a straightforward battle royale with only players, but the new circumstances demanded adaptability. Nonetheless, the prospect of a more complex game with additional players didn't deter Alayn; to him, more participants promised more excitement. "Very well, that's the extent of my explanation for the next phase of the game. You'll receive your messages and missions shortly. Any other information necessary for your survival will be provided after the game begins," Viviana stated with an enchanting smile. "Well then, may your own abilities not betray you in the true forsaken world of Kodoku," Viviana whispere
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Chain Reaction
As Alayn's mind swirled with revelations and speculations, the players around him exhibited a palpable mix of emotions. Some held their breath with anticipation, their eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope, while many wore expressions burdened with fear and trepidation, dreading the unknown that lay ahead in the game of Kodoku. However, a collective hush pervaded the assembly, a tacit understanding that disrupting the angelic figure at the central platform would be unwise, to say the least. Alayn, meanwhile, felt like a conductor orchestrating his mental symphony of thoughts and analyses. The revelation about gods possessing multiple avatars was a puzzle piece that had snapped into place in his mind. He couldn't help but wonder about the other avatar of the god of deception, if indeed such duality existed. As the scoreboard rankings were revealed without providing the specific placements, Alayn recognized that uncovering the rankings of the players around him presented a challenge. The
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Ranks
"Before we move on to the details of the final phase, Kodoku, I think I should first let you all know the ranks you hold in the scoreboard. Please note that your positions are based on how much entertainment you provided to the Pantheons," Viviana said as she waved her hand. "Scoreboard and rankings?" A player next to Alayn, dressed in a red checkered shirt and black cotton trousers, echoed Viviana's words as a question. "They have a darn scoreboard for us? Isn't the reason for the game to find the most powerful authority holder? Or is that the goal, but these weirdos are making it fun for themselves by adding competition and entertainment?" Alayn mused silently and he wasn't sure of the correct answer. Deep in thought, Alayn sensed a change in his ability card, much like the moments when he had previously experienced alterations – once when he copied Neo's ability and when the "Proceed" button materialized on his card. An inkling told him that something new had surfaced within it,
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Numbers
Viviana's voice resonated throughout the entire cathedral-like opera house space, slowly dispersing the haunting memories of the madness and nightmares the players had just endured. As her soothing voice signified the transition to the next phase, the crowd of players reacted with a mixture of restlessness and violence. Some began to demand a return to Earth, pleading and shouting for it. Amid the commotion, Alayn took the opportunity to discreetly observe the other players surrounding him. He was cautious not to let his gaze wander too freely, as the ethereal presence of the god-like silhouettes still felt capable of shattering his sanity. Glancing around the platform, Alayn spotted his teammates nearby, and he saw various other players, some in teams and others alone. A kaleidoscope of clothing colors and styles filled his vision as he scanned the players, his heart pounding with hope. He searched fervently for someone familiar, someone he longed to see, someone he wanted to intro
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Insanity
"Dear players," Viviana's melodious voice echoed through the waiting room, resonating directly in the minds of Alayn and his team. "It seems you are all prepared to embark on the second and final phase of the game, hm?" As the team readied themselves for the forthcoming phase, a sweet yet enchanting tone pervaded the air, heralding the commencement of the game's next chapter. Alayn and the others, breath held in anticipation, felt the weight of the moment, a pivotal juncture in their journey. Alayn, in particular, sensed that the pieces were aligning in his favor, having secured two formidable players with potent abilities. He believed himself to be adequately primed for this impending, unknown phase, one that Viviana had indicated would be the final stretch. In the game of Kodoku, the next phase meant one thing for certain: they would have to face each other, and only the organizers and gods knew the specifics of this new setting. Amidst the players' mingling emotions—anticipation,
- The Ascendance Deceiver
Knowledge
Hours passed by like a gentle breeze in the wilderness as Alayn and the team relished the relaxation they so desperately needed. Their minds had been thoroughly cleansed by the god of the mind's authority in the waiting room, and the rejuvenating effects of the environment had made their bodies feel more alive and vibrant than ever before. Even Alayn's throat, which had been irritated by the cold of the fallen world during the night, had fully healed. Each of them experienced a newfound sense of health and vitality that seemed to transcend their previous physical limitations. Some team members took short naps, while others, particularly Alayn, indulged in dishes they had previously been hesitant to try. Strangely, despite consuming food and drink, they never felt the urge to use the restroom or engage in any bodily functions. Alayn speculated that this anomaly might be the result of the divine authority or powers at play, altering their metabolism or rendering the food they consumed