Sitting still at the edge of the bed, books were scattered across the desk and on the floor— Remnants of her earlier outbursts.
The soft light emanating from the lamp cascaded over her beautiful face— yet her gaze is completely locked forward despite the tension visible in her expression.
A sharp pinging sound that seemed to reverberate throughout the entire room, yet could only be heard by her.
And with two small hands, clutching the sheets of the bed.
---
[Status Window]
[Reward Unlocked]
Title: [Transmigrator [EX]: The authority of one who possesses a soul from another world.
The soul closest to fate, yet walks free from its bindings.
This being is incorruptible by any means.
---
My expression slightly shook, and surprise was visible on my face.
'I expected them to acknowledge my existence as a transmigrator in some way or another... but absolutely not in this manner.'
I felt perplexed by the extravagant display.
The anxiety I felt was replaced by relief and a soft smile escaped me.
"... Now, I could absolutely say that I was truly transmigrated."
My gaze then focused back on the status window, specifically at the description.
"They sure do love fate huh?— most stories I've read which focuses too much in fate usually doesn't end well... "
My expression turned slightly grim.
I lightly shook my head side to side— as if to shake such rather uncomfortable thoughts.
"Anyways, the fact that I'm incorruptible is such a... huge relief."
Letting out a sigh of relief— 'I have a literal skill called—mental corruption, after all.
If I were to live alongside something called mental corruption... I don't want to think about it'
My thoughts were cut off as the status window is displayed on new information.
Yet, this interruption was something I'd already anticipated in the first place.
---
[Status Window]
The title Transmigrators[EX] is unlocking its trait!
Processing...
---
In the game [Echoes of the Fallen Sun].
Titles are not just for aesthetic purposes, it is one of the rarest and hardest things to acquire in the game.
Just like how your typical game grants you achievements for completing tasks. In the game [Echoes of the Fallen Sun], achievements come in the form of [Titles].
It's basically like traits, but traits are innate in individuals themselves, while traits could still be acquired—yet titles are much harder.
Yet, unlike traits where you could have multiple amounts of them at the same time, a title could only be one.
In the game, titles are described as:
"A declaration of authority of one's existence and the recognition of the world of one's achievements."
And how do you declare authority?
'... Power.'
I gave a slight smirk as if finding the thought to be... cool?
' Ugh... I just cringed myself.'
My face was visible with a slight tinge of red.
Dismissing the thought, wearing a slight frown, and a questioning gaze.
'Anyways, why is it processing? It's taking quite long also on top of that. After all, that's the first time I've seen it done like that, but that doesn't... really say much— sigh.'
I was now once again reminded of my situation, but now it was different from previous realizations, now it also comes with acceptance.
But my thoughts were cut short as the Status Window had updated itself.
---
[Status Window]
You have gained the trait [Unbound[EX]!
Details: You are unbound by fate, corruption and the providence of this world!
You have unlocked the skill: Fate Log[EX]!
Type: Passive
Status: inactive (requirement not met)
Details: Guides the user towards fated events, characters, and items, and collects fate fragments collected by the user.
---
Still wearing a slight frown and questioning gaze, I started to analyze the trait and skill given to me by the system.
'I mean, the trait Unbound [EX] is really great, amazing and all but looking at it. It's just the same repetition as my title which is actually understandable since just like in the game, it needs a proxy to function.'
But the frown and questioning gaze momentarily disappeared from my face.
'But the skill FateLog[EX] is actually just god sent, it's like whoever's the one who designed this skill knows I did not played the game.'
But because of that, yet again, my eyebrows frowned even harder, and my gaze lurked even deeper as I voiced out my thoughts.
"...But what requirements is it looking for? Do I need to get close to the characters to collect fate fragments? What did it even process in the first place? I mean... the others were shown just fine."
And as if answering my question.
---
You have unlocked [Missions]!
Missions: N/A
---
The necessary requirement for the activation of Fated Log [EX] has been met.
---
The doubt that I've been having for a while now has been completely cleared as the appearance of yet again— something you would only see in video games— something that guides the players throughout the entirety of a game.
And unlike previously where I was given a short amount of time to have some leisure thoughts, now— it was the complete opposite, without giving me any time to catch a break— I was truly mercilessly bombarded by countless information.
---
Fated Log [EX] is now active!
Fate Log[EX] has detected fragments of the fated character [Nyx]
Initiating Target[Nyx]... Collecting information... Failed ⚠️ failed ⚠️ failed ⚠️
The soul of the character [Nyx] is fractured beyond repair by the trait [Mental Corruption].
Collection of the fractured fragments of the soul of the character [Nyx] is being initiated...
You have regained the trait [Mana Sense [B]!
You have regained the skill [Intermediate Wind Magic(B)!
---
[Unbound[EX] has detected the element [Corruption].
[Unbound [EX] is destroying Mental Corruption.
The trait [Mental Corruption[SS] has been successfully destroyed!
---
Fated Log[EX]
A small memory fragment had been found!
Would you like to see it? Y/N
Warning ⚠️: This could not be rejected.
---
[Mission Log had been updated]
[Mission]
Watch the fragment of the original soul of the character [Nyx]
Rewards: +10 stats in all attributes
---
Staring blankly at the status window, countless questions swirled in my head.
Words tried to escape on my lips— yet no sound came out.
Just like when I first arrived in this world, my head was too overwhelmed—had once again... short-circuited.
***
Lying in the bed, I gave myself a few minutes of rest from all the things happening around me by closing the status window.
Feeling an immense headache. I lightly massaged my forehead.
" Too many things are happening all at once—yet all these things happening still don't feel totally real at all... I still haven't truly even adapted to everything... there's too much information, it feels like my head is going to explode at this rate..."
'... For the first time, I want to go outside and breathe some fresh air and touch grass.'
I let out a small laugh at my rather dry joke.
Still lying down, I shifted my body, then started to lie down sideways while grabbing a pillow— pressing it deeply into an embrace, as if seeking comfort— then I started to close my eyes.
***
Waking up —not knowing whether it was day or night as thick curtains completely blocked out the windows cutting off the any source of light — as if completely isolating myself. Regardless— I slept, which made me regain my usual composure and rationality.
I lightly stood up from the bed.
My gaze focused on the books scattered around.
I headed towards the desk and started to grab the books that were scattered on it— reading the titles of each book one by one, yet none of them had anything like a resemblance of a diary or personal records.
'... what really happened to the original Nyx?.'
Bending down to reach the books that were scattered on the ground, yet again, they all had titles related to magic and history.
Still bending down, I've found the letter that I've postponed reading just recently.
'...it seems to have fallen in here. Hmm? a pouch?.'
Finding a leather pouch underneath the desk, a dozen real golden coins shining— making it more visible to see.
Grabbing one of the coins, I stared at it while squinting my eyes, "Wow... this is real gold. Imagine the things I could do with this... ehem, I mean even in the game, gold is the second highest currency in the entire game."
After some time, I put the pouch aside placing it at the table and redirecting my attention again to the letter with a golden stamp in the middle.
"... I had already some kind of idea of the contents in this letter... still— not everything."
I opened the contents.
---
Dear Examinee, it is with great honor to let you know that you have passed the literary aptitude exam set by our esteemed professors.
However, the score you provided isn't enough to guarantee enrollment in our Academy.
In accordance, you are hereby required to undertake the forthcoming practical examination to test out your combat aptitude on the 17th sun in the 6th moon.
Please be mindful of your appearance when taking the test and maintain proper decorum
Sincerely,
The Office Admission
Solarion Academy.
---
'...I had already figured out that this is for enrollment at Solarion Academy.'
After all, at the introduction of the game, it shows you this letter while you type your name.
My gaze shifted towards the book.
'If the original Nyx, still didn't guarantee enrollment even with all those books...'
I shuddered at the thought.
'I'm screwed if there are quizzes and exams, there definitely are— If I were ever to pass the practical exams in the first place.'
"... Practical exams huh, I need to learn magic."
Putting down the letter, then for the second time, I massaged my forehead— not just because of that realization but also for a different one...
'...Why does the calendar system have to be that different... Actually, it's not that different as sun is just basically days and moons are months... sighing, for god's sake, I am already having a hard time remembering the days, weeks, and the order of the months on Earth.'
I let my palm meet my face.
'... I also don't really know the current date of this world.. I'd have to ask even if that would give me suspicions.'
I have to enter Solarion Academy.
"...it's so dumb, really—Sighing, I want to go out and explore. All this isolation in a small room is really making me feel things... Still, it's not like I could just come out without knowing anything regarding my current situation, I don't know anything about what the original Nyx did before arriving here after all."
So I sat down at the desk and steeled myself for what was to happen, then I thought of—'status'
---
[Mission]
Watch the fragment of the original soul of the individual [Nyx]
Would you like to see it now? Y/S
Rewards: +10 stat points
---
A newly added section was now in the status window, and with some slight hesitation.
"Yes."
---
After accepting to watch the fragment, it felt as though I'd been engulfed beneath a crashing wave, and my vision turned dark.
A new scene replaced my vision— but it wasn't mine, it was of the individual called "Nyx".
Before me stood a middle-aged woman, her clothes and the room were filled with extravagance— her long golden hair clinging to her shoulders, and golden eyes filled with guilt... and fear.
Her eyes were trembling, and her voice trembled.
"...No. No—I've already thrown you away. Why... why are you here?! Why did you come back? You monster! You are not my child!."
Words escaped my mouth, but at the same time, it wasn't mine.
"You were supposed to be my mother yet... You call me a monster?"
The voice that came out was surprisingly young, yet it was filled with composure, and slight cracks could be heard as the words were being said.
"You threw me away and had the guts to call me a monster! How dare you! Sniffs... please explain it to me... I can't understand at all, I can't understand it!"
The expression of the middle-aged woman who recently expressed fear is now filled with guilt and sorrow, with tears falling down her face.
"... I'm sorry...I'm sorry..."
My vision turned to the ground, my hands tried so hard to stop my tears, yet no matter how hard I tried.
It doesn't stop.
"I've thought of... So many things... yet... this is all I got?... hic.. hic... Ugh.."
Tears falling like rain while feeling like my chest would break open, it was a pain I'm so familiar with.
Then a soft hand softly caressed my head full of gentleness, and my heart started to gradually calm down.
"If I'd known that things would go this way... I'm very sorry, always remember, no matter what anyone says. I will always love you... So, sleep for now... Nyx."
A voice belonging to that of a woman — her voice gentle filled with affection and care.
And as if reciting some spell.
"Sleep"
***
I was brought back to reality and unbeknownst to me... Tears filled my eyes.
The window screen appeared before me.
Yet, even that failed to move my heart.
---
[Mission Complete]
You have successfully watched the fragment of the original soul [Nyx]
Reward: +10 stat points in all attributes have been rewarded!
Your MP have increased 20,000 to 25,000
---
My gaze remained steadfast at what seemed to be a second transparent window— and what's being displayed...
---
[Passive Skill Activated!]
[Impulsive Desires is active]
[Amplified Emotion: Sadness]
Your Mana Capacity has grown momentarily!
MP capacity: 30,000(+5000 MP)
---
Truly made me feel sick in my stomach, enough to make me nearly forget everything that had just happened.
"...What kind of sick joke is this?"
After all the things that I hated the most in my previous— no. In both worlds,
Is someone playing with my emotions.
But then...
Knock, knock, knock
|Chapter 2 - The Hidden Heroine (2)