Chapter 3 - Flawed Soul

Dark mists are rising all around me. Though it seems I’m inside some kind of dimly lit cave, the air is surprisingly warm, and a calm feeling irradiates from my chest, deepening with every breath I take.

*Great, now they’re resorting to psychedelic drugs*

Gradually, a source of light could be glimpsed ahead. Before anything, however, I took a moment to mutter, “Status Window”.

Status WindowName:SethAlignment:NeutralLevel:1Class:ScholarRace:HumanAffiliation:Ancient HistoryGender:MaleTalent:Stubborn MuleTitles??Fame:??Infamy:??-Health:?? / ??Health Regen:?.? / SecMana:?? / ??Mana Regen:?.? / SecStamina:?? / ??Stamina Regen:?.? / Sec-Strenght:??Agility:??Vitality:??Intelligence:??Wisdom:??Leadership:??Luck:??-Attack:??Defense:??Physical ResistancesSlashing:??Piercing:??Crushing:??Elemental ResistancesFire:??Water:??Wind:??Earth:??Light:??Darkness:??

Not that much useful information. Most of it is still hidden. I suppose that was to be expected, since this is probably still part of the character creation process. Not much use to complain now. Then again..

“Stubborn Mule.. my ass. Hah, ass. Now I AM an ass. Damn fatty.”

In my previous life, the REAL life, I had to admit interpersonal relationships had probably been one of my greatest weaknesses. Whether through sheer talent or force of will, somehow I was able to achieve one objective after another so long as I put out the necessary effort, without having to bow and scrape to the wishes or demands of those around me. Those under me called me a despot and a workaholic behind my back. Those in positions over me either despised me as an antisocial freak, or singled me out as the obsessive compulsive career type, and thus a prominent threat to their position.

“I guess it was about time for it to come bite me in the ass again. Will I ever learn?”

Shrugging, I looked down to take stock of my situation. I seemed to be wearing white robes of some soft pliable cloth material. Soft moccasins of the same material covered my feet. There were no weapons, and no supplies. Figures I’d be left stranded in the middle of some ominous cave with no way to defend or feed myself. Shifting my weight, I reflected that at least I wasn’t going barefoot or naked.

Well, that was fine by me. I had always made my own way in the world, and I hated owing anything to anyone. After a methodical examination of my surroundings, I casually picked up a rock, just the right size and shape to fit neatly into my hand.

I carefully examined the item.

Fist-sized RockType:Blunt WeaponDamage:2 - 4Bonus:May be used as a missileDurability:4 / 5Quality:FA round rock with the ideal size to allow easy movement while adding to the impact of any blunt attacks. However, it doesn't look like it can take that many hits before cracking or crumbling. Still, it is better than nothing.

Hefting the rock, I nodded to myself. A swift swing could cave in a skull or break a bone, effectively enhancing my damage output. Which wasn’t much to begin with, if the dismally low points in the Status Window was anything to go by. Hell, if anything, I could use it to distract any opponents while rushing in to strike at a key weak point. Or to allow for a strategic retreat. No cowardice involved, but rather it was simple efficiency.

*Ttirring*

Congratulations! You have acquired a new Trait: “Paranoid Survivalist”!

Startled, I stopped in my tracks and murmured, “Trait Information, “Paranoid Survivalist!”.

Trait Name:Trait Rank:Trait Level:Trait Experience:Paranoid SurvivalistF15%Only the most paranoid of individuals would resist the calming effect of the Mists of Serenity emanating from the Gates of Oblivion. You will do anything to survive, even if it causes premature aging, loss of hair and other high stress related ailments! It also makes you seem jumpy or suspicious to other people.

Perception bonus: +2

Alertness bonus: +2

Resistance to Charm or Mind Control effects: +2

Charisma penalty: -1

Trading penalty: -1

Persuation penalty: -1

Diplomacy penalty: -1

Max Vitality penalty: -2 HP

What the hell? I watched in dismay as my total HP took a steep hit. My health bar had gone down by fully one third! Well, maybe in the long run 2 HP would not matter all that much. Wait, one third? That meant..

“I only had 6 HP to begin with?”

Ice ran through my veins. I was now at 4 Hp. The rock in my hands did 2-3 damage. That meant I could only take two hits. Two, and I would be done for. That fat devil bastard was not kidding when he said a sneezing goblin would do me in. It seems I drastically underestimated how fragile the Scholar class would be.

I gripped my rock with renewed determination. Looking at it from an objective perspective, the least damage any attack could do was 1. That meant Scholars really could not afford to get careless. Even the lightest of bruises could lead to death.

Death in Aeterna carried a steep penalty with it. Not much was known about its mechanics, but upon death a random percentage of experience, skills and items would be lost. Sometimes more, sometimes less. There had been endless speculation as to the logic behind this. Suffice to say, however, that death was definitely not good.

Well, now that I was armed as well as I could under the circumstances, I felt far more confident than I had a moment ago. Old habits die hard, I suppose. I’m used to always being armed and ready. I carefully made my way forward through the mists, checking my footing. I wouldn’t put it past that fat bastard to plop me right in the middle of a dungeon full of pit traps and trip wires. That reminded me of my newly acquired “talent”, thanks to fat devil guy. Well, I suppose I had always been a bit of an ass. Now I was officially one. Then I paused.

“Talent Information, Stubborn Mule.”

Talent Name:Talent Rank:Talent Level:Talent Experience:Stubborn MuleF199%The mighty God of Rebirth, Judge of the Dead and Forger of Souls has granted you this special talent. Even in the face of all logic or reason, though oceans crash upon your shoulders and storms flail at your sides, you remain stalwart, an unmovable object, an unstoppable force.

You are the stubborn mule.

Strength +1

Agility +1

Vitality +3

Intelligence -1

Wisdom -1

Leadership +1

Luck +3

Resistance to charm, fear or other mind control effects +100%.

Resistance to bind, stun, knockdown, and other forms of crowd control +100%

P.S. Now you really are an ass. Enjoy~! - Enma-sama.

“...”

Laugh while you can, funny guy. You’re going down first when I hunt down the whole lot of you. However, for now there lies a long road ahead. Having been a soldier by career, I know about the effort and discipline it takes to achieve anything worthwhile.

I will persevere, and I will conquer. Or die trying. Talent can only take you so far. Hard work and unflinching determination are what counts, in the end.

Resuming my exploration of the mists, I was drawing closer to the source of light. I could now make out the faint outlines of a huge glowing arch ahead, at least 50 feet high and nearly as wide. It was made of some mysterious jet black stone, smooth and glittering, almost like obsidian. However, I could tell from a glance that it would not be nearly as brittle.

As I grew nearer, I finally realized it was not the gate itself was that glowing. Instead, it seemed as though a light filtered through the smallest of gaps all around it. On top of that, most of the light was dimmed because the door was completely wrapped by something.

The light seemed to pulse, as though it were alive. It would waver slightly for a moment, then blaze brilliantly the next. It almost looked as though it were breathing. Finally pulling up to the gate, I realized what it was that ran along its entire surface. The gates were were firmly chained shut. Countless chains crisscrossed the whole length of it, threading and looping over themselves like a mad puzzle. They were all in different sizes and shapes, and in various states of disrepair. Some seemed made of pure gold, though mold had covered some of its surface. Others were almost completely rusted through, the iron turning a deep maroon. Some had a grayish cast that suggested they had been white at one point or another, while others had a dull black tint that had faded with time. While a few looked exquisitely crafted, though worn away, others looked roughly hewn with uneven links and jagged edges. Some even had nasty spikes and hooks all along their edge.

“What the hell is this?” I muttered to myself.

“They are the burdens of your former life, which you must shed in order to be born anew.”

Startled, I spun around and reached for my.. rock. Feeling slightly pathetic, I hefted my rock and faced the source of the voice.

“Wha.. Who are you?”

The stately figure of a woman in the prime of her years stood before me. She wore a flowing robe of the same material I was wearing, only it looked much better on her. Flowing locks of light blue hair framed a perfectly proportioned face with delicately chiseled features. Her eyes were liquid pools of violet that watched him serenely.

Oh, and she was floating a full two feet in the air.

“I am Selenzhastadruszil, the Gatekeeper, the Guardian of the Keys, the Champion of the Lost, Lady of the Mists of Serenity.”

“...?!”

My expression must have spoken volumes for me.

“Ah, you may call me Selendra.”

“Whatever. How do I get out of here?”

She seemed to take no offense at my tone. If anything, her gaze held quiet sympathy as she gestured towards the gates behind my back, “You must walk through the Gates of Oblivion.”

*Ttirring*

You have received a quest: “The Journey to Oblivion, and Beyond.”

The Journey to Oblivion, and Beyond Difficulty: DDescription:

As ages come and go, empires rise and fall, and worlds are born and die, legend becomes myth. One such are the tales of the Gates of Oblivion. Each soul must be tempered by its trials. Only then will the Keeper of the Gates unlock the doors to the next cycle, where the soul may rejoin the endless circle of life and death.Goals:

Shed the chains of the past.

Cleanse your soul.

Pass through the Gates of Oblivion

The Keeper of the Gates of Oblivion bids you welcome, and grants you permission to pass through to Oblivion, thus shedding the burdens of your former life as you step into the final stage of the Ritual of Rebirth.

Aeterna awaits beyond the Gates!Requirements:

Must be wearing the Robes of Rebirth.

Restricted to newly forged souls.

Must shed chains of the past to forge soul anew

Quest Rewards:

Achieve status: Reborn - Newly Soulbound

Enter Aeterna.

“Yeah see, I would, but in case you haven’t noticed, there are about 5 tons of scrap metal between it and me,” I muttered darkly.

Nonplussed, Selendra dipped her head imperceptibly towards me, “It would indeed seem as though the burdens your soul bears are an order of magnitude above that of other humans.”

I waited for her to continue, but Selendra merely returned my stare with a serene, impassive gaze.

“So? What am I supposed to do?”

“You must walk through the Gates of Oblivion.”

I waited, but apparently there were no other instructions forthcoming.

Turning around, I inspected the chains once more. Upon closer examination, while the chains were an unredeemable mess in the middle, they were each attached to both sides of the gates. There stood one pillar on each side, to which countless chains were fastened. I gave an experimental tug on one of the smallest, puniest looking chains I could see.

There was stiff resistance at first, but with the groaning sound of twisting metal, it slowly started to give. Then all of a sudden..

*POP*

The chain I was holding detached itself from the left pillar of the gate all at once, and I was forced to drop it as the sudden weight pulled at my hands painfully. The heavy links landed on the ground with a heavy THUD. Taking hold of the other side of the chain, I pulled hard against it, feeling it straining against the pillar on the opposite side.

*POP*

There was even less resistance this time. Confident now, I dumped the chain at my feet and rolled up my sleeves. Maybe I could pull off 2 or 3 chains at a time and save myself some work. This felt good for some reason, like my body were lighter. Freer. Maybe something about the sound? I couldn’t decide if it reminded me of the popping of popcorn or the sharp boom of a gun going off.

Wait a moment. What? I froze in mid-motion, the chain I had just picked up still draped around my hands. Popcorn sounds nothing like real gunfire. If anybody, I should know that. Cold sweat trickled down my back.

“I.. I can’t remember the sound popcorn makes. Old.. old gramps used to.. I know he used to make it for me all the time when I was a kid. He would.. He would..”

Scrambling through my head, it felt as though I were grasping at fine sand trickling through my fingers. Whenever I took hold of a single grain, 5 others were irrevocably lost. I stared in horror at the chain at my feet, which had begun to slowly disintegrate. It’s surface seemed to be flaking off as though it were shedding its skin, only there was nothing under it. Within moments, it was gone. The last of its ashes was picked up by a gust of wind and they floated over his head towards the mists circulating in the caves.

“Gramps?”

What did Gramps look like..?

“The chains.. and the mists.. they’re memories. You’re taking all my memories.” I spun around to glare accusingly at the Keeper.

Selendra nodded somberly, though her eyes seemed to hold a hint of sorrow. “You must let go of the past in order to reach for the future. The pain of the loss of loved ones, the nights of desperate loneliness, the scars of unbearable wounds to the body and spirit.. the Gates of Oblivion shall cleanse all, and thus forge your soul anew.”

“All well and good. Only, it is MY pain. MY nights of solitude. MY scars to bear.”

Selendra shook her head slowly, “You must shed the burdens of the past if you wish to purify your spirit and forge your soul anew. Otherwise, you will be tainted and broken, unable to be whole and achieve the state of perfect bliss within Aeterna. Your soul will wander the lands for eternity without respite, unable to quench its thirst or sate its hunger, for you will be flawed.”

I showed her my first real, heartfelt grin since the beginning of this whole fiasco. To be honest, it was more of a feral snarl which bared my fangs, daring anyone to come for a closer look. I would chew your damn head off.

“It’s called being human, bitch. Now lay off.” Yeah, that suited me just fine.

Selendra’s eyes widened in surprise, but she instantly schooled her expression into that of seemingly boundless serenity.

“Nonetheless, you are at an impasse. The chains will not allow you passage on to Aeterna, and you will wander these halls until the Mists of Serenity sap your will completely. Eventually, you will become part of the Mist.”

One chain. Gone. Sure, there were memories I could really do without.

.. Giving the order to proceed with the crucial first assault on Hunan Beach, where the casualty rate had reached a mind-numbing 90%. A brilliant strategic victory, but the brutal tactical reality was that over 200,000 fresh recruits - barely more than kids, most of them - had lost their lives in 3 hours of frenzied battle. He had hated his own cold calculating mind as he assigned the veteran units to flanking duties in order to minimize the loss of personnel in their ranks, because they were harder to replenish..

.. Signing the execution warrant for private Chris Walcott, who had deserted his unit in the crumbling frontlines in order to look for his wife and newborn child among the throngs of refugees fleeing the other way. He was only the first of many, many to more come..

.. Crushing the tear-stained letter that lay within my trembling fist as I choked down one pitiful sob after another, as my other fist repeatedly slammed against the military issue equipment locker beside my head. The bright plaque partly read, “First Liut. Michael Lee, 1st Force Scout Reco..” The rest was liberally splattered in blood. I had known that leaving Gramps to join the army would break his heart, but to find that it literally had done so. After all those years of selfless sacrifice and unremitting love.. Gramps..

.. And of course, Sophia.. Ah, my Sophia..

“Screw that. Get out of my way! I’m going in one way or another, and I ain’t leaving anything behind.”

Selendra dipped her head in acknowledgement, but said nothing.

*Sophia..*

My mind firmly made up, I gripped the thickest of the chains in both hands. I could barely get my hands around it. Images flittered through my mind as I squeezed, and I thought sparks could be seen jumping between my fingers. With a loud roar, I pulled. Hard.

*BOOM*

The chain came off abruptly, both sides tearing with a great squealing sound of abused metal. The weight of it made me stagger to one side, and I had to catch myself against the bulk of the other chains in order not to fall.

“One..” I huffed, gasping for breath.

I knew this was as much a race against time as it was of strength, both physical and of will. My trembling hands were being rapidly sapped of all their power. However, I had a theory, and here I would be proven right.. or wrong.

I had always been a gambling man, no matter the odds.

With another roar, I threw the thick chain over my back, looping it around my left shoulder. It dug painfully against my skin, but I gritted my teeth and shook off the pain. Then I took hold of the next thickest chain, and once again pulled with all my strength.

*SNAP*

It came off, and this time I managed not to stagger. Quickly looping it around my other shoulder, I barely took the time to take a few breaths before reaching for the next chain.

“You can’t possible be considering..” came the voice of Selendra over my shoulder.

“That’s exactly right,” I grunted.

*CHINK*

Another chain. Loop. Next.

“You can’t do this. It is impossible, your soul cannot possibly endure..”

That instantly confirmed my suspicion. I knew it! It seemed logical to conclude that if memories could be given tangible physical manifestations, then this realm might not be the physical after all. If that was so, then this body was not my flesh and blood body in Aeterna. Not yet.

It was my soul. Or whatever metaphysical equivalent applied. In any case..

“If.. it’s.. muscle.. and bone.. might.. break..”

*CRACK*

Loop. Stagger. Next.

“But.. my soul.. it.. is.. goddamn.. bulletproof..”

*SLAM*

Loop. Wheeze. Next.

“So.. if.. not helping..”

*THRUMP*

Loop. Groan. Tremble. Next.

“Then.. get.. out.. of.. my way..”

*CRASH*

Loop. Slip. Recover.

“.. Bitch..”

“...”

After what felt like an eternity, I lay on my knees. Blood had pooled on the ground below me, trickling down my body from wounds and cuts I had literally lost count of. Couldn’t even feel them anymore. Couldn’t feel anything. My breath came in ragged gasps, and my chest felt as though it were about to explode. I could hear the desperate thumping of my heart reaching a crescendo, and I knew the end was near.

One final chain. The thinnest, smallest, but when I had pulled on it with one trembling hand, it had simply not been enough. The weight of the chains coiled all about my body was overwhelming. Not only the physical weight, but the pain, the despair and sorrow of each dragged at my soul as though I were reliving each for the first time.

“.. So.. phia..”

The hoarse whisper that escaped my lips as I collapsed against the Gates of Oblivion was hard to distinguish from a prayer or an oath. Oh, the memories. The sweet pain, the infinite sorrow, bitter regret. Maybe she’d been right. It was just too much for any one soul to bear. For the first time in years, decades, I felt moisture pooling around the corners of my eyes. Tears?

*So close..*

I could no longer feel my hands. The edges of my vision were contracting into a red haze, and I could only grind my head uselessly against the cold, indifferent surface of the Gate.

“.. So.. ph..”

And suddenly, I was falling, tumbling forward uncontrollably in a limp pile of abused flesh and bones. But.. I was falling forward. Through the..

*Ttirring!*

Congratulations! Your Talent "Stubborn Mule" has reached rank F level 2.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the quest: “The Journey to Oblivion, and Beyond.”

[a]

The Journey to Oblivion, and Beyond Difficulty: SDescription:

As ages come and go, empires rise and fall, and worlds are born and die, legend becomes myth. One such are the tales of the Gates of Oblivion. Each soul must be tempered by its trials. Only then will the Keeper of the Gates unlock the doors to the next cycle, where the soul may rejoin the endless circle of life and death. Goals:

Shed the chains of the past.

Bear the chains of the past.

Cleanse your soul.

Pass through the Gates of Oblivion

The Keeper of the Gates of Oblivion bids you welcome, and grants you permission to pass through to Oblivion, thus shedding the burdens of your former life as you step into the final stage of the Ritual of Rebirth.

Aeterna awaits beyond the Gates![/b]

Must be wearing the Robes of Rebirth.

Restricted to newly forged souls.

Must shed chains of the past to forge soul anew

Embrace your sins and forge a flawed soul.

Quest Rewards:

0 Exp gained.

1000 Fame gained.

5 Soul Points gained.

Enter Aeterna.

Achieved status: Reborn - Newly Soulbound

Special Reward: Blessing of the Keeper.

Special Reward: New Trait Acquired: “Relentless”

Special Reward: New Trait Acquired: “Flawed Soul”

[b]

“Wha.. what?” An S-ranked quest, all of a sudden? How? Why? I was sure I had failed.

As I slowly lifted my head, I felt the cool kiss of metal against my forehead. Reaching up with a tremulous hand to touch it, I realized in wonder that it was the final chain.

“But.. I couldn’t.. didn’t remove it..”

The soft touch of a hand against my cheek spread warmth against the intense cold wracking my body. I looked up to find Selendra kneeling next to me, her gaze holding my eyes. Her other hand gently coiled the remaining length of the last chain onto my upturned hand. Satisfied, she nodded solemnly to me.

“Though it is flawed, you have a great, precious soul, Lord Seth. It has been a most gratifying experience to witness the forging of your soul. I thank you for the instruction. Now go forth with my blessing. I do not give it lightly, and it shall give you much needed aid in the dark days to come.”

“S.. Selendra.. I..”

“Farewell, Lord Seth.”

“Wa.. wait. Will we meet again?”

For the first time, there was something like the twinkling of mischievousness in her eyes as she smiled back at me. Wait, had that been a wink? It couldn’t possibly..

Then she was all serene grace once more.

I felt darkness swallow me, and for once I did not give a damn where it spat me back out. Or whether it did at all.

Victory. The first of many. Aeterna, here I come.

The Ultima Deus, the Last God, the God to end all Gods.

I am come.

Back to Main Page