Who am i?

"Who am i"

A question so simple yet complicated. Most people would simply just answer their name, their status, accomplishments. it's what builds oneself.

Who am i... Who am i... So simple yet i have no answer for it.

I simply am an empty shell, no past nor future.

Living the same day everyday, nothing but an empty life.

All about me is nothing but empty.

My name is Yu, or so what i call myself.

I have no memory of who i am or what my name is.

All that's left with me is this big house i live in and this key necklace.

It was 5 years ago when i woke up here.

Ever since then, i lived for years with no direction or anything. Just living for the sake of living.

I wake up, i eat breakfast, i stare outside my window until the sun sets just to repeat the same routine.

Desires... Perhaps it's what i lack.

I can't just seem to long for anything. As if my heart itself has been broken down long ago.

Walking through the flow of fate aimlessly.

Even so, deep inside, within my chest; there's a small ember. I wish for things to change, I wish for something that would make living interesting.

I'm hoping that that will change today. this day.

I live in a country called Cerez, in a city called "Hoshinomachi"

It's the most prosperous and liveliest city in this country, it's the capital.

It may be big, yet a peaceful one. no crimes or anything.

Thanks to the order running through the entire country known as Wings of Justice. A flashy name but they fulfill their work with no problem.

They're also known as sorcerers.

With that, there's another different faction, it sprouted from 120 years ago after the great protest.

A free for all guild for people to ally with and explore the world, namely adventurers.

Free from the Church Order's law.

At first, i didn't bat an eye on it but now.

This could be what I'm looking for.

Maybe, i just need to set myself out on a journey.

It's another morning, birds chirping can be heard outside, i happened to live in a really big house and a spacious land surrounded by many trees and a lake.

And despite that, only i lives here. If i weren't, the liveliness of people and carriages would not be heard.

People playing music on the streets, people advertising business and products. it's everywhere.

To start the day, i got up from my bed. The usual routine is checking myself on mirror. A horrible bedhead i have today...

I reached for my hair brush by the near table to fix it, each stroke eliminating the messiness from my hair.

And now i head downstairs, my steps echoes throughout the entire house reminding me how alone and lonely it is here. mundane, if you would describe it. dark, cold, empty.

I entered the kitchen, knocking at the wall, the furniture at the ceiling lights up illuminating the entire room.

I will just prepare a quick breakfast. i reached for a small door below and grabbed a tin can.

I have no work nor any source of food aside these canned food i have been eating for the last 5 years.

I held on the tin can, letting my voice out, i spoke my first words for today.

"I call forth flame, Heat Wave."

Uttering these words, my ring began lighting up as my hand is filled with heat i am able to control; using it to heat up the can.

This is Magic.

In this world, a powerful mystical force governs all of existence.

It allows humans to bend the very laws of nature.

Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning and different kind of things.

It's dubbed as "Force of Cosmos" also known as "Magia Vis" or "Mystical Arts" as it's original name, now known simply as Magic.

With that, another major system works within this world as well.

"Natural Ability" or "Skill System"

Are set of special abilities one is able to perform.

Starting from common ones, into unique ones.

These are understood and managed with the guide of Wisdom Goddess.

Blessed by the goddess's eye of clairvoyance.

One is able to identify own's skill, while being able to identify other objects through analysis, if one's analysis is strong enough; it's possible to analyze people as well.

That's about the basic stuff of this world.

Usually performing spells requires circles or crest.

This is what my ring is for. Living for 5 years left me with nothing but the books here.

Some caught my eye and decided to read it, this is where i learned this spell.

In which it's circle i carved to this ring to make casting it easier everytime; although heating up cans are the best i can do.

I started chewing down the heated up food, it didn't take that long to finish it.

I threw the empty can in a bin and washed my hands, changed clothes finally heading outside.

Sun rays pierces through the clouds, it's a nice day with a nice weather.

People are cheerful, they greeted me for a Good Morning as i passed down the road.

But one thing, i hate socializing. The thought of having to keep a conversation up is mentally exhausted fot me, still i don't have a choice but to proceed.

There, while walking, i saw a familiar figure, Blonde Hair and Crimson eyes. 

I suppose i could call him a friend, he drops by my house time to time to have a nice chat with me, it's pretty much him bragging about all the nice thing he encountered through the day though. 

Our eyes met and he turned his attention to me immediately, greeting me and starting a small chat. 

"If isn't it Yuu! Good morning!" He greeted enthusiastically.

This guy's name is Mitsuki Akari, although he insist to be called Tsuki. 

" Uhh yeah, good morning i guess. " i responded to him. 

Tsuki is rather extroverted and energetic, so he tries to keep the air lively all the time. 

" There you go again, why not smile a bit? Yeah? "

I have nothing to smile about in my life, i thought to myself but... 

I smiled, although wryly. 

"Yeah..." Tsuki commented. 

"Anyways, i have forgotten"

Tsuki shifted the direction of our conversation so easily and naturally as if it was breathing.

"Let me introduce you my newly found friend!"

Tsuki turns his arms towards the mysterious figure behind him. 

"His name is Sora, i met him the other day

Sora, this is Yuu"

And just like that, I'm yet forced to socialize with another person again, and also; his? weird... 

Anyways, this guy surely makes friends like he's picking fruits from a tree. 

Sora, have i heard that name before? 

There stands a figure wrapped in heavy and baggy clothes, hat and cloak. 

His hair seems to be green, and his eyes stands out being golden. 

"Uhh yeah, nice to meet you" i uttered.

The guy named Sora let a smile surface and stretched his hand towards me, asking for a handshake. 

"Nice to meet you too" he replied while his hand is hanging waiting for me to take his offer for a handshake.

I reached out for his hand, for a man, it's surprisingly a really soft and small hand. 

"Shoot! Look at the time! I guess we gotta go now, smell ya later!"

And Tsuki interrupted as he swiftly changed the road this conversation was walking towards, apparently they have something important to go to. 

Thus farewell, I'll see him again later though. 

And thus puts me back to my original plan, walking down the road i finally arrived in the Guild House. 

I have sent my form yesterday, so i should be fine now... The problem is i have no idea how to start especially since i have no one with me nor anyone i can go with. 

I stepped inside the huge building, lively adventurers welcomed me with their noise. What a sight... 

My objective, to claim my license. It signifies that I'm an official adventurer, it also keeps track of my status. 

The keep welcomed me with a smile on her face and told me that my license should be ready now after one last step.

They need to analyze my Aptitude for Magical Control and other abilities.

Surprisingly, it went really fast, i heard that it usually takes atleast 10 minutes or so.

The keep has returned with my license and stats finalized, still with a smile.

Ignorant of what kind of horrors she holds.

"Umm, Sir Yuu, Here are your results and well umm your Magical Aptitude is..."

Why is she hesitating?

"It's Ranked F" she said still with a smile on her face.

Huh.

Is that why it went fast?

"Well, it's not going to stop you from entering the House though, you may still join although when it comes to magic, at best; you can only perform everyday kind of magic" she followed, still with a smile.

I'm noticing that her smile is starting to feel creepy.

Well, if that's what it is then it can't be helped i guess...

"I'll take it" i responded followed by me grabbing the license, now i just have to come up with how do i start.

I sat in an empty table by the corner thinking of my next move, this is going to be a trouble. 

I sat there for hours, although i am saying that I'm coming up with something, in truth; i really just don't know how so I'm waiting for an opportunity.

That's when a party of 3 people came in. 

They seem to be newly registered as well, however they look troubled.

Apparently they lack another member to be able to form a party, a party needs atleast 4 people to be formed. 

That's when the girl from the party approached me. 

"Umm, are you affiliated with any party?"

There it comes. 

"No, not really, i just got my license to day actually"

As i uttered these words, her eyes lit up like a candle. 

"then, would you like to join our party?"

She desperately asked, i can see that she has thrown her shame away just to ask a total stranger.. 

The other guy with her approached and asked the same thing. 

"Excuse me but, we'd really appreciate it if you would join us!"

Then the other one asked the same thing as well. 

"please!"

Wow, how convenient this situation is, as if someone is writing these people for the sake of my convenience. 

Regardless, i have no reason to refuse. 

"Sure, i was actually looking for one as well"

By my declaration, the 3 of them jumped in joy. 

Yay, i guess. 

"say, why are you people desperate to get another member as soon as possible?"

The 3 of them looked to each other's eyes after i asked the question, they are surprised that i asked about it. 

Until the girl handed me a paper. 

"Dungeon raid?"

Looking at the paper, it seems like there will be a dungeon raid 2 months from now, and the party must have atleast 1 month of experience. 

Bruh. 

"So that's the story" the girl finished. 

Following another question.

"What's your name by the way? My name is Lyra, this redhead is Hinler and this blonde dude is Frosch"

I have forgotten to introduce myself. 

"My name is Yuu, nice to meet you all"

And just like that, i somehow got in a party. 

Our party's current plan is to venture on some places, gather funds and improve our equipments.

Adventurers, as the name implies goes on an adventure, mostly to explore unknown places and discover things such as ruins, dungeons, and etc. 

They also contribute to the map, and are paid for this service. Along the fact that they may sell the loots they have gathered from their adventures. 

And so, tomorrow, we will explore some parts of Starvalley Ruins, a mysterious ruins that appeared 25 years ago,  stars were falling that time and one fell at the land revealing a town like structure. Yet it's still unidentified. 

The environment is rich in Mana, a natural force of the world that fills the space, just like oxygen. 

Thus making it difficult to cast spells and it disrupts items. Maybe the reason why it's not explored that much. We'll see tomorrow.

And so, i turned in and slept for the night, it was a long day; it's time for another one. 

The sun rose, as the sunlight pierces through the skies. 

It's another day. 

Today is the day the party i joined will go on it's first exploration. 

We promised to meet by the gate nearby Akaxhia Section, it's the closest to the exit of the city.

And so, as promised, we met up. 

There they were waiting, as i arrived; they greeted me for a good morning, and so i did as well. 

"Good morning!" Lyra greeted. 

"So it's finally today, our first time" Hinler  muttered to himself. 

Lyra, noticing him started hitting him on his guts with her elbow, in a gentle way meant to tease, not to hurt. 

"What? Nervous?"

"There's no way!" Hinler responded.

"Oh? Let's get going then!"

Something seems to have caught Frosch attention the moment we started walking.

"Hey, Lyra, where's your bag and staff?"

Upon hearing this, Lyra's eyes widened.

She has forgotten.

Seriously, how can a person forget such valuable things? I could never understand that. 

Lyra screamed upon this realization, bursting on great speeds as she ran back to her house to fetch her things. 

That was pretty impressive, breaking even the sound barrier just to get something you've forgotten at home. 

And so, a few minutes later, we're back on track. 

Lyra was gasping for air heavily after exhausting herself. 

"Gasp, Gasp, So, let's go...water, does anyone have water?" Lyra asked desperately as she breathed heavily. 

"Uh here" i took the bottle of water i had in my small baggage. 

Lyra took it faster than light and chugged all of it down in mere seconds. 

"Ahh, you're a life saver" she sighed on relief. 

"Thanks!"

"Sure... No problem."

"You really gotta stop being so forgetful" Frosch scolded her. 

Followed by Hinler agreeing, awkwardly as he himself forgot about it as well and never noticed that it was gone. 

"H-He's right, you should be more cautious!" 

"Shaddap! Dun wanna hear that from ye" Lyra responded to Hinler as she pouted. 

And so, we started walking again. 

"Anyways, now that everyone is here, let's confirm all our position and capabilities" 

Lyra suggested to do some review.

"Hinler here, is obviously a marksman wielding a bow"

"Hah, i can take down millions of numbers with ease" Hinler boasted, obviously an exaggeration. 

"Frosch, he may not look like it but he specializes on sustainability and endurance, hence a tank"

"And i, the "Leader", specialize in support and magical effects"

Lyra turned her attention to me

"and you? What can you do?"

The question i wanted to avoid the most. 

"Uhmm, well, that..."

Clearly i have no answer for it. 

They might just leave me behind and find another member, through this thought; i started looking down. 

What can i do? 

That's when Hinler interrupted my thoughts. 

"Hey, is that, A Mystic eye?" 

Hinler pointed out my left eye due to it being different on color.

They can also trace magical effects on it. 

My hair is really long, so i use it to cover my left eye. 

Why? Somehow it makes me feel insecure, the fact that it's different and always attracts people's attention.

It feels really uncomfortable. 

But it being a Mystic Eye is a first time to my ears. I've never given any thought to it, i just thought of hiding it. 

Lyra inspected my eye closely.

"Oh! You're right!" 

"True, i can sense a Terminal from it" Frosch commented. 

"Hey, what does it do?"

I don't know, i have no idea

Is what i wanna say but... 

I don't wanna kill their enthusiasm.

"Well, that's a secret" i answered. 

I truly have no idea. 

"oh, so it's a surprise, I'll look forward to seeing it then"

"right..."

Our journey continued, it was a very long walk. 

We encountered a few wild beasts and monsters on the way. 

Monsters are just normal wild animals, who have evolved to adapt to the harsh Mana Rich environment, causing them to grow on power, speed and everything. 

Some are able to harness nature as their own, but a beast is a beast, it's Intellegence are not great so we can still deal with them.

It's been almost 10 hours since we departed, the sun is almost setting. 

And, we finally arrived. 

I thought it was a dead end but there was an unseen path, it lead to Starvalley Ruins. 

The ruins was located nearby a volcano. 

Chills run down through my spine as i entered the area, i can tell how dense the Mana is here. 

We inspected the rumored Foreign looking buildings, it has some writings in it albeit unreadable. It seems to be written on a foreigner language. 

A giant triangular structure towered in the middle of area covered in shiny blue like surface with a golden tip. 

We were amazed by how alien the entire area looked like, we started mapping down the enire area so that we may explore it more.  

Silence wrapped the whole place, with the gust of wind and the shaking of trees being the only noise. 

"I wonder why no one has ever explored here, it seems to be really peaceful" Lyra thought out loud. 

"Stupid! Don't say such red flags in this situatio—" Hinler shouted but was interrupted by the ground shaking. 

As the ground started shaking, the group has started to panic. 

"i told you!" 

"I think the beast awoken to your screaming though!" Frosch interrupted as he tries to keep his balance. 

The ground shattered revealing a spherical object rising from underground. 

Measuring about 8 meters, the giant sphere overshadowed us. 

"W-what is that!??" 

"We're looking at the same thing, don't ask us because we don't know either!" 

Lyra was on panic as none of the party knew what we were facing, but Hinler tried calming her down.

She breathe slowly as she made up her mind. 

The sphere was revealed by the moonlight. 

It was an eye, a giant eye.

It was staring down at us. 

"IS THAT AN EYE!?" The 3 of them in unison screamed upon seeing the giant eye. 

Lyra was the very first to make her mind up as she snaps the other two to their senses. 

"Okay team! Let's handle this and continue our exploration!"

Frosch charged as Lyra enhanced his abilities and endurance with a support spell as Hinler picks his bows up

"Great Helio o divine flame and sun, hear my call and grant me the power of scorching flames"

SCROCHING ARROWS! 

Hinler started chanting as he forms circles around his arm lighting up the tip of his arrow on the process. 

His hand acted as a device to light the tip on fire by converting his Magical Power instead of lighting the arrow directly through the spell. 

Barrages of arrows were released as it pierced through the winds with great speed before hitting the Giant Eye Creature... However it was deflected, As if a barrier was protecting the eye. 

"WHAT?!" Hinler was shocked upon this situation. 

I observed the eye as hard as i could which then something bizarre happened. 

My vision changed, the surrounding started glowing on colors, and the Giant Eye was like it was burning on fire. 

Magical Energy? I realized that it showed me Magical Powers and Mana from my surrounding as i saw it. 

Until my vision was back to normal.

Was that really my mystic eye??? 

No time to wonder, i looked back at the Giant Eye again

I neve notice but this monster was bending space itself from sheer Magical Power. 

I must warn them about it and should retreat. 

"GUYS! HEAR ME! THAT MONSTER POSSESS IMMENSE POWER THAT IT DISTORTS SPACE AROUND IT AND IT ALSO ACTS LIKE A BARRIER!!!"

This must be the first time i shouted. 

They all looked back at me and gave signs that they understood.

However, the eye turned it's gaze on me. 

It was definitely observing me, like it was staring further than what i am outside. 

Until it felt calm, strangely it retreated. 

What just happened? 

It happened so fast, the eye disappeared like it melted on air. 

Even the others are confused.

" what just happened? " Lyra questioned reality infront of her as she couldn't believe that monster just disappeared.

" i can't detect it anymore, with a power that immense, it's safe to say it left the area now " Frosch commented as he looks on a glass-like tool. 

 " That's for the best i guess... My arrows were utterly deflected, and it was weakened thanks to the dense mana here "

It took some moments before the shock left them, after that we finally decided to continue our exploring but before it happened, they started being impressed by my observation.

" Hey, Yuu, was that your Mystic Eye at work?! " Lyra enthusiastically asked as the two looks at me with the same gleam on their eyes as well.

" Uhh, i think so... " is what i responded 

" That's Amazing! "

She's completely impressed.

Somehow it feels great, like my chest was fluffy and all.

It's the first time i received a compliment. 

The other two followed their own comments as well, nothing but being impressed by it. 

How nice... 

That too took some moments to end, but i have no complaints. 

And so, we continued our exploration. 

We started mapping each roads and corner we could see, and at the furthest end 

There stands a temple? A castle? Like building.

It's locked however. 

Many foreign helmets and armours can be seen throughout the area as well as diffierent kind of weapons with weird writings on it. 

We walked futher down until we saw a weird hammer looking thing. 

It's too short to be a Warhammer though.

" Hey, let's take this! " Hinler suggested

He approached the strange hammer and tried lifting it, however he couldn't. 

It was very heavy, how could one use this? 

Hinler kept on insisting to take it until he screamed on pain 

"AWW!!! I just felt a sting or a shock from this thing "

Hinler was intimidated by the hammer and distanced himself from it fearing it might be more than a shock next time. 

It's obviously a magical weapon. perhaps even an [Armament]

Armaments, from what I've read are divine like weapons that is within the ultimate domain allowing one to bend laws and wield earth shattering power. 

But that's unlikely, for one to be left here.

We proceeded with our main objective until we finished mapping the entire area

It took us some hours but we're done here. 

After a long work, we decided to camp her as we build a fire, cook what we could find and slept for the day. 

The next day, we headed back to the city

Hinler seems to be excited for the rewards we'll obtain.

The City was lively again.

We arrived at the House as we return the complete map. 

In return, the reward was already there. 

500 Stelle in Coins.

Wow that's a lot.

The team decided to split it up evenly and their were really happy about it. 

However, i had nothing to do withh such money, so i told them. 

It was strange for them but Hinler told me i could use it to buy equipments and stuffs. 

And so where i headed to. 

A large Weapon Smithing Shop.

There a beautiful lady welcomed me, her face was covered with some coal but she stands out. 

She had a pinkish silver hair and purple eyes which her eyeglasses complimented. 

" Welcome! "

She welcomed me happily as she waited for me to pick something. 

I see that there's a lot of different weapons here, but one caught my eye. 

It was a long sword with a curving blade. 

It's a one sided blade.

It also felt light. 

Somehow, the sight of this sword makes me feel something i can't explain along my excitement. 

Excitement, huh... 

" 100 stelles only for that sir! " the lady approached me and showed what's good about the blade.

She looks at my eyes directly, she definitely knows how talk with people until she suddenly fell silent. She just stood there staring at me. 

" Uhh, what is it? "

That stare sparked my anxiety.

" Oh no! It's nothing! I just remembered something, sorry if that felt rude "

" it's okay... "

I noticed some tears started falling from her eyes

" uh w-what? What is this? Why am i crying? Sorry let me fix myself quick "

That was definitely weird. 

" I'm sorry for that again "

" it's fine... "

I bought the sword from the lady for 100 stelles and left the shop, what just happened was definitely weird. 

 I kept thinking about it until i got home. 

My house, still dark and empty as ever. 

I was too tired to keep on thinking however, i slept the whole day. 

Thus marks my first adventure.

The next week, our party planned on exploring again.

Lyra said that we're gonna go on an adventure spree. 

After a week, starting that day.

We kept on venturing through many places.

Forests, Caves, Fields and many more. 

Filled with nothing but joy and laughter.

They sure are enjoying this, hehe.

Before i noticed, i too started enjoying myself. 

Ahh, is this what being genuinely happy feels like? 

It's such a good feeling. 

I hope everyday can stay the same like this, i hope this very moment never ends... 

My heart was dancing with joy. 

I became a part of their team.

And so, a month has passed sine our team has formed and the raid has finally come. 

The team was very excited for it, after all the reward for participating was 4000 stelles. 

Along the fact that many treasures may hide within the dungeon. 

" Hey, guys! Are you all ready for this? " Lyra asked

Hinler and Frosch responded with a nod which satisfied Lyra

" What about you, Yuyu? "

" There is not a time i am not ready! "

I answered, enthusiastically.

Over our time on our friendship, Lyra somehow started calling me by a nickname "Yuyu"

I asked her why and she said that it just felt nice saying it. 

" What about you? You sure you didn't forget anything again? " i asked Lyra. 

" Well, i definitely didn't forgot about few of my items, ahahahahaha "

This girl doesn't learn... 

" You gotta stop doing that, you'll never become a wife that way "

" DON'T BRING UP MY ROMANTICAL RELATIONSHIP! "

Heh. I gave Lyra a smug as she was flustered.

EVERYONE!!!! 

suddenly a loud voice screamed calling out for everyone. 

They're now about to open the gate but... 

Before it, he started giving a really long speech. 

Meh, it was really long and i didn't listen so let's skip that part.

About time we set our foot inside this dungeon. 

This dungeon is just located below Welsh Mountain, it surfaced after a landslide happened recently. 

The gates were opened. 

The moment we entered the gate, an amazing sight welcomed us.

This is more like a palace than a dungeon inside. 

About 10 parties have participated in this raid so there's pretty much a lot here. 

Even so, we immediately split ways anyways. 

Our party took the path on north east. The pathway had golden statues of wings. 

Huh, the whole place is filled with wings...

Then suddenly— BANG!!!! 

A loud bang was heard from the gates shutting close. 

Aww that's definitely not a good thing isn't it.

But it seems only i was paying attention to it, the rest of parties proceeded with their walk. We encountered few monsters on our way, it's just expected.

As usual.

Frosch took the lead in order to take damage and control the monster while Lyra supports him and Hinler shoots his flaming arrows from afar until an opening is made, that's when i charge to cut with my sword.

It's been a month since i bought this sword, I've gotten pretty used to it by now. Although I'm still not sure what I'm doing really, i just keep on swinging it

But It has increased our party's efficiency tenfolds.

And so, i started observing the area, my vision changes.

I can see through the walls through magical sigmatures and pin magical traces down.

" What do you see? " Lyra asked.

I saw 3 possible paths for us to take.

One leads to a room full of sonic bats. Their fangs are valuable, we will profit a lot from taking them.

The second leads to a room full of imense magical power, it's a gamble.

Whether we find strong monsters or powerful items.

And the third one leads to a room full of seemingly gold.

Hinler didn't hesitate and suggested we should go to the 3rd for the riches.

Frosch interrupted and suggested that we stay cautious, we don't know what lurks there.

Lyra agreed with Frosch but still wanted to check it out as well.

Gold is rare in Cerez, the only way we could have some good amounts was to trade with our neighboring country.

Therefore it's really expensive here.

Without Hesitation, Hinler took lead and entered the 3rd path.

But at his 4th step, loud roar could be heard.

The entire complex was shaking as if reality was collapsing.

It confused all of us, some even panicking and retreating from fear.

It was so sudden, and an unexplainable phenomenon which drove them crazy.

After all, humans fear the unknown.

My own party was frozen in place as well, we could barely move with the shock of what just happened, before we noticed it, only us remained in the complex.

The shaking continues as the complex itself starts sinking.

Gates opened which spawned countless monsters such as Infernal Arachne, Crystal Giants and Hornthrusters.

Flaming hot spiders as big as hounds surrounds us while Giants slowly stomps their way.

The hornthrusters charged faster than eye could see which we could barely dodge thanks to Lyra's enhancement and our own equipments.

The exit path has been overrun by monsters, our only chance now is the path infront of us, if we can only get inside of it then we might be able to close it and shelter there.

" this way! " my body moved faster than i can think, perhaps it's the adrenaline at work.

I sliced my way through as i grabbed Lyra's arm.

Out of all members, Lyra is the defenseless one.

The monsters started chasing us on our way.

The other two followed my path as well, just a little bit more and we'll get out of this.

Just a little more closer—

.

.

.

Ah. I failed.

It was one step away. Just one step.

A strong force struck my right side, breaking my ribs and knocking me over with Lyra.

" Yuu! "

It was a hornthruster.

I might lose consciousness any moment now.

I can't even speak anymore, I'm barely breathing.

Yet instead of proceeding, Lyra prioritized checking on me.

" Are you okay!? I will use healing spells on your immediately! "

What are you doing? Run already...

It's no use, i can't speak.

I can only see her crying face struggling to heal me.

Hinler and Frosch tried fending off the monsters to cover Lyra, but they're humans in the end.

A loud shock of power struck Lyra sending her away.

The very sight of her head being blown open was burned to my eyes.

Hornthrusters can easily reach mach 10 at speed, it's no surprise we can't keep up.

Due to that, The other two lost their focus and prioritized checking on lyra whose head was blown to bits.

Yet i couldn't do anything.

Powerless.

It only took moments before molten webs from Infernal Arachnes burned the other two alive.

I can't move to do anything.

All i could do was watch my friends die.

The sight of their skin melting were pure horrors.

" AAAAAGHHHHHGGHGGHHHHH!!!!!! "

I can hear someone screaming so loud i can't hear anything else, who's that? is there someone else left other than us—?

No.

Oh...

It seems.

It was i who was screaming.

I screamed so hard my throat started bleeding.

Out of survival instinct, i started crawling as i kept on screaming.

Hoping that this was just a dream, but no, it's reality.

Reality is cruel.

Eventually, i reached the room.

I tried so hard to stand and close the door.

This was the furthest i couldn't get, eventually I'll die myself.

Even if i do survive, i have nothing left.

I gained happiness but it was taken away from me.

It's all my fault. If i were only stronger, if i only were faster.

This wouldn't have happened, maybe i shouldn't have signed up for this at all.

That way they might be alive and laughing as usual right now.

I should just die- no.

I want to live, at least i want to keep them alive at my heart.

Aghh!!!!

This isn't real

This isn't real

This isn't real

This isn't real!!!!

I don't want to believe this is reality.

Tears fell from my eyes.

One question, why?

All of them died before my very eyes.

Perhaps we flew too close to the sun, or maybe because I'm just incompetent.

My head started going hazy until i fell on my back.

Behind me, there, i saw a large figure.

A huge dragon casting it's shadow upon me.

Standing at a pile of treasure.

The entire room was made of gold.

So, there was a monster here too.

Ahaha... Ahahahahaha. AHAHAHAHAHAHA.

so we would've died whether we succeeded sheltering her or not.

Hahaha...what a bad joke...

The shadow approached me, it looked like it had wings. I can't see it well.

But i know that it's a huge dragon almost like it's glowing blue. 

It looked scary at first, but somehow i was relieved after i realized that it was a dragon.

" oh... My.... What a horrible condition you're in... "

I could barely hear it, but i know the voice was really soft and soothing. 

" don't worry, I'm here now, it's been a very long time isn't it? "

I just closed my eyes as a flash of light lit my mind up. what a relaxing voice that was. 

Upon closing my eyes, a stream of memory ran through my head like a film being played.

So that's how it is.

How many times do i need to see my loved ones die in front of my eyes?

I passed out.....

I sunk into a dream, a deep dream.

A dream of the past.

It was a rainy night.

A little girl stand amidst the thunderstorm. Lightning illuminated the skies as thunder roared.

She was in poor condition. what was she doing there? She doesn't know.

For this girl, she know nothing.

What was she waiting for, what was she doing, where was she from.

She doesn't even know who she is.

She just stood there.

Due to the storm, no one was outside except her, so she thought.

A nice figure approached her.

It was like seeing the brilliance of sun after an endless night.

" hey, what are you doing here alone? "the figure asked

But the girl gave no response, she just stared at the figure.

Until she decised to respond with a gesture signifying she does not know.

" well that's a trouble then, Where are your parents? Where do you live? "

Unfortunately the girl didn't know either.

The figure kept on asking stuffs until she concluded that this girl was abandoned.

So then, she decided to take her in.

After a few walk, they reached a gate.

Inside it was a huge mansion and a wide land.

This was the figure's house.

The nice figure took care of the girl, cleaned her and fed her..

By the looks of it, the girl was somewhere 4 old.

It was very cruel to leave a girl this fragile in the middle of rain, the figure thought.

Since Hoshinomachi was a rich city, there's no way she came from here originally, so she decided to search for her parents or where she came from.

" My name is Misaki, Hoshino Misaki. And you are? "

No response again, the girl didn't know who she was either.

Misaki took care of the girl for days, while she searched for leads on where she came from or who she was.

Months passed, unfortunately no lead was ever found.

The girl remained a mystery.

That's when Misaki decided to adopt the girl.

Through blood pact, the two of them because siblings not only through papers but biologically too.

Bloodpact was a ritual the first king, the goddess of sky introduced to this nation.

Legends says that the 2nd king, and the god of sun arose from this pact as well.

Misaki took care of tne girl as her own little sister.

She gave her the name of Miku, Hoshino Miku.

Miku was rejoiced.

She found a family.

Misaki would sometimes being a male friend with her.

Miku was not sure of who he was but overtime they too grew close to each other, apparently they kind of work together.

That man was Arenfiel, shortly Ren.

What was his relationship with Misaki? Who knows.

To Miku, Ren was like an elder brother or perhaps a father figure.

Misaki found that nice.

Misaki and Miku, The two of them lived happily together.

To Miku, Misaki was the most important part of her life.

So did Misaki considered Miku to be her most treasured.

It would be nice if the two of them stayed together like this forever isn't it?

No.

After 6 years of being together, one night.

Yet another thunderstorm came.

Misaki was being chased by mysterious figures.

Misaki usually get home at 8 but it's already past 10

Miku who was fed up with waiting decided to go outside and look for her.

She saw people running at roof tops.

And of course, there was a silhouette she would recognize anywhere.

It was Misaki.

Misaki the hero.

This is the end of her story.

The legends lied, Miku saw it with her own two eues.

The assassins were simply trying to kill Misaki.

The assassins were never killed either, they escaped as quick as lightning.

There, Misaki's body fell.

Her blood flowed through the puddle made by the rain.

Miku went straight for her, her sister dying in front of her.

She wished it wasn't real, she hoped it was just another bad dream.

Unfortunately, reality is cruel.

Her hatred burned inside, swearing to find whoever did this.

She was just 10 when this happened.

Her left eye glowed golden.

The floating city was illuminated not only from surface but from below the land as well.

Immense power wrapped the whole power.

Miku's soul was split into 4 parts.

In the process, she removed her existence from history until she's collected all of her souls. 

Only her knows for what reason. Only her knows why and how. 

Reversing causality and changing her very appearance, she was reborn as a different person bearing nothing of her past.  

Where did she get such immense power? Who knows. It's a mystery. 

Until 5 years later.

In the middle of a golden room. 

A female figure awoken from her slumber. 

She had long straight silky black hair. 

Golden left eye with a shape like that of a star in it and Blue right eye. 

She woke up with another figure welcoming her. 

" welcome back, master "

The figure greeted her as she bowed gently, she had a short hair and glowing blue eyes and a pair of dragon wings.

Furthermore, this was the voice she heard before she collapsed. 

" I'm back...Aoi"

The long haired figure stood up from her slumber, she stood straight and firmly aa she looks around the place.She headed towards the pile of treasure that was once guarded by a huge dragon she saw.  

" so these are all you gathered? "

She asked. 

" Yes, i apologize if this doesn't suffice "

" no, not really, it's more than enough "

She took a pair of boots, a long black pants and a white long sleeved shirt with open shoulders decorated with golden ends and collar. She changed her currently torn and blood stained clothes with the new ones. 

The once dying boy was now standing tall, a beautiful lady. 

Well, she was never a boy to begjn with. 

It was all just a temporary disguise.

Hiding from who? Only her knows. 

She also took 1 sword which was so huge. It was longer than her. 

She held it and it's size adjusted to be able to swing it easily. 

Descending from the pile of treasures, she stepped forward slowly towards the closed door with bitterness visible on her face. 

She opened the once closed door meant to block monsters from earlier. 

The sound of door alarmed all the monsters thus rushing towards her as she opened the door, but it was nothing.

With a single swing, the monsters perished. 

A strong gust of wind seemingly disintegrated the monsters.

The girl named Aoi followed her and gave an applause, she claps her hands gently as a sign of respect and amazement. 

" amazing, as expected from master "

With all the monsters wiped, the dead body of her fallen friends were revealed. Yet her eyes still felt empty. 

Until she was still taken aback by the sight. She slowly approached the corpses and sat close to it. 

Tears fell from her eyes as she apologized to the dead countless times.

She swore she'll never forgive herself for this. 

I'm sorry 

I'm sorry

I'm really sorry. 

It's all my fault. 

Her chest tightens, the difficulty of breathing was very unpleasant. Yet she embraced that feeling for there's nothing else she can do now but cry and regret it. 

She sat there for hours, she knows she have to move on but the pain is just too heavy it's crushing her chest. 

But staying here will do nothing. 

At best she could do was cover them and return them to the city so that they may be given a proper funeral. 

She kept on recalling the smiles of her friends. their laughs and silly fights. 

It pains her chest very much. 

" Aoi, carry them for me "

She stood up and wiped her tears. 

" understood " Aoi replied. 

The Dragon Girl held the covered bodies, they were covered in light which allowed them to be carried inside a seperate space. 

The two of them reached for the exit. 

There lies the corpses of other adventurers. It would seem that none of them survived either. 

Step by step, she finally reached outside. The sun was starting to rise from its slumber. Miku turned her gaze to the gate of the dungeon. 

This dungeon was supposedly Aoi's lair where she would wait for Miku. It shouldn't have those monsters from earlier. 

The sight of her friend's smiles and the sight of them dying mixed up and haunted her mind. 

Furthermore, Hornthrusters and Infernal Arachne don't work together. They're natural enemies. 

Meaning someone had to put and control them there 

Who's behind all of this? For what reason? 

She asked herself. She bit her nails as she stormed her brain with thoughts unfortunately nothing came.

The mystery held her mind occupied.

Therefore to conclude who has done it, she needs information.

The first clue is the fact that only someone with higher authority may pull this off.

She pointed her palm to the entrance of dungeons which started shaking it more once again, unlike before however, it's shaking much more violently now.

Until it had disappeared. The once ominous entrance has perished from the land. The anomaly of the world.

I must find whoever was behind this and for what reason.

But who do i think i am to pull this off... No.

Who do you think i am? I am Hoshino Miku.

I'm not Yuu. Those were simply lies i made to hide myself.

This question shall no longer bother my heart.

Misaki...my elder sis... And now my friends? If there is a god, I'm sure he's watching me all entertained right now.

Miku stands facing the rising sun, the wind gently drags her hair towards left, a goddess arose.

Even with the sun's brilliance, her eyes were still blinded by rage. The flame inside her chest raged into hell.

"I will kill you."