A few years into the Future:

A group of dual-colored eyes gazes through the dark, with murderous intent. That has an ocean blue colored sclera on the left. With transparent triangle-shape crystals forming into a circle around an alien-green pupil. While, on the right shines a color resembling a pale moonstone. Of blue, white and orange — with a black hole and a crack down the middle. All lay waiting amongst the brick buildings that exudes steam from their large pipes. I hang one foot from the ledge, as I slide towards the edge of a skyscraper. While resting my right foot on the embankment, with my elbow against the knee. Chin in my palm, while overlooking the group before me, I confine myself in a cloud of darkness. While a legion of ghastly beings behind me fall to their knees, awaiting further instructions.

The administrator then sends a message in writing, within the sky stating, "Bunker of Regrets - competition completed! Winners: Kace, Chloë, and Anon." But to me, the competition has just begun. And that name that had brought me pain for so many years. I finally will eradicate him from this world today. Thoughts of multiple scenarios and ways of killing them, brings a smile to my face. And knowing that this street of Megalopolis of Omnipotence — will become a bloody road, brings me great joy. Clean streets with floating lights on each corner, an everyday scene in this monumental city. Regardless of many waves of destruction from the elites that live here. The city always repairs itself, unlike the horrid plains where I came from. The street named Meskot, continues through and below floating buildings, and towards a metal factory on my left. And on the right, a waterfall of liquid metal leads into a river — that flows over a layer of moving crystals. That sporadically emits a discharge of rainbow colored electrical sparks while the crystals clash from the moving current.

And in the centre of it all, overlooking the young warriors that lie in wait: I sit upon the highrise with eyes gazing to the west. And inhale the horrid air of metal fumes that remind me of the time of the burning city many years ago. And the other names I still grieve - "My Lord, can you hear me?" Izanagi's voice disrupts my thoughts as the live call app. sends the signal directly in my brain.

"Argh!" I cry aloud, stroking my head, while my teeth grits from the immense pain. "Why is this damn thing on automatic answer!" I continue after a lengthy sigh, well knowing my question was rhetoric.

"Oh yeah, I changed the settings while you were asleep. ('You what?!') Anyway, the Black Bloods are ready. Should we proceed My Lord?" She rushes through the first sentence and continues to speak, ignoring my agitating response.

"Yeah, yeah proceed." I would rather leave the conversation as is. In hopes I won't agitate her into remembering that promise I made. Huckleberry Mascarpone cheesecake - "Yeah — I'm still on the call you see, and your thoughts I hear them... And yes, you owe me my damn cheesecake, chef!" Izanagi voice (shrills) with both excitement and a hint of resentment.

She turns her towards a group of adults and teenagers. All with a badge over their heads that state their names and rank. I sometimes forget that this world is a game. Even though when people die, I see blood and their bodies go cold. Quite a conundrum, and whoever created this is a great asshole. I sigh once more and scratch my head and notice Izanagi's sword in the air. She shouts the phrase: Activate shared skill- shadow realm. And as the wind blows through my overlong silver hair, the coat of mist on my back becomes smaller. And appears at the backs of my crew as they fade away.

"So this is the 'shared skill' huh? I honestly would rather not share my powers... oh well!" I grumble, prodding my index against my left cheek. Then a sight of green lights, where the crew members used to stand, comes to my view.

"Are you done complaining? I already told you if I share your powers with the others it would give us a significant advantage. We could break the pact, but that would—" Izanagi chimes in after she herself vanishes and becomes a green flame. I interrupt her comments halfway with an annoyed tone, waving my hand, feeling impatient.

"Ugh... it's fine... just kill them all. And let me know when you find that bastard. I'll kill him myself!"

In a few minutes a group of players wearing white clothing, with blue designs approaches. (Some wielding spears, while others swashbucklers, and even large axes.) They converse amongst each other in laughter and ignorance. While they protrude their chest with pride and honor. A great clan with numbers and power ruled under the King of Fire. But their movements come to a halt afterward, as if one of their members noticed the trap. And after a few minutes of bickering, they continue onwards. While they laugh at the child that requested their commander's ear beforehand. And pushes her as they walk by until she reaches the edge of the street. And within that dark section a green-flame approaches her, and she disappears.

"Izzy, is this line private? Save that girl if you can."

"First, Izzy is only for private use, not when we're about to kill people. And second, sure."

A map comes into my view near my knee, with the sender marked as Chloe. A sleeper cell I sent into the tournament with me, just in case 'He' was present. She leaves a message stating, "This anon person seems suspicious. On the move, will send a message upon discovery." And the map reveals a set of markers representing their real-time locations. The traps laid below the opposing clans' feet — And a red line forming behind Izanagi when she physically appears. Their sword is about 8 feet long, unsheathe itself from her back. While, a wall of tornado strength wind falls to the ground and rips the street apart. Creating a large slice at least 5 miles wide, while demolishing buildings and splitting bodies of water into two. Her appearance causes a fright, while a few launches an attack. And the others retreat and some seek orders from the frantic commander.

"Pathetic!" I scoff, changing my gaze from one area to the next. Where I noticed a few green-flames emerging from below the asphalt. It jumps into the air, behind their officers, as their physical bodies appear. And with a black and red blade in hand, they swiftly slit the throats of the opposing clan members. Their dual- color eyes glares at the King of Fire commander, as if to say — you're next!

Ten members of my clan mercilessly murdered fifty members of the King of Fire clan in a few minutes. And as I predicted before, blood washes the street of Meskot, as the fight continues into a brutal massacre. Flames disperse from their mouths, scorching the metal pipes that run along the ground. Which causes the metal to melt, releasing a continuous burst of steam. It even causes the flowing blood to boil and evaporate, leaving behind a nauseating scent. Which travels with the wind, even to the height of where I oversee the bloodbath, with a glorified smirk. But the 'selective barrier' a wind skill Izanagi set beforehand protects our crew-members from every attack. Until the commander spits a burst of brimstone from his mouth, shouting "Hellfire!" That burns through the barrier, erasing the wind, current, and anyone behind it.

"Don't let up, we have the numbers. Kill them all.... Kill these bastards that dare to attack our King. Man, your stations! Man, your damn stations!" He continues shouting while he looks around to find his fellow men. And gestures with their attack patterns, while they surround him, about twenty in total. Some with elaborate wands in the shape of dragons and other beasts. While others hold swords of flame, objects that seem to melt the asphalt from the brick road. And chains with spikes that ignite when clashing together, and some with magma balls hovering over their backs. And five miles away, another thirty in constant battle with my men. Their attack patterns change, as they form a line, in hopes to surround my men.

However, in unison they shout "Activate: Shadow skill" and vanish from their sight. But from my view they retracted to little green lights and underground. They slide beneath the men above, constantly spit flames from their mouths in all directions. And halt their movements for a moment. And a loud bang with an aftershock strong enough to disintegrate a building before me. Toss my body into and through a row of walls and glass. Unable to stop, I plant my foot into the ground, and stretch my hands out to grab ahold of anything.

"Ahhhh! What the hell just happened?!" My monstrous scream causes the surrounding air to tremble, shaking the very ground, disrupting any stability I desire. And after a pinch to my chest, my body comes to a halt.

"My Lord... My Lord! Are you okay?" Izanagi's voice echoes in my head once again. And after a low growl showing my disapproval, I reply and also notice my situation.

"Oh, I'm very much fine..Well I have a metal rod in my chest. What's your prognosis, doctor?" I reply with a sarcastic tone. But instead of replying, another loud bang rush through the air, and the surrounding building shatters like glass. "Skill number 7: Arctic winds." The call ends and Izanagi descends and steps on a frozen steel pole above me with the commander's head in her hand.

"Apparently extreme hot and cold winds don't mix well..." Izanagi proclaims with a snicker, tapping the hilt of their sword on the man's head.

"I'm not a scientist and even I could say that." I reply with a grunt, rolling my eyes while pulling my body from the pole. "Regener-" I pause mid-way into the command and notice that I have already healed.

"Guess you're that strong, you no longer need to ask the administrative system permission to use a skill." Izanagi suggests with their hand at the waist.

"Hmm... guess not." I shrug my shoulders with a grin.

"Kace. Come in, Kace. I have found anon, he is the one we've been looking for. I repeat, I found the King of Fire himself--" Chloe's voice breaks in and out with static after every two words. But the message was coherent enough for me to make my move.

"Go, we can handle the rest. We only have a few of those bastards left to kill."

"And the girl?" I question, snapping my neck and prancing up and down to stretch my legs.

"She's safe with Dion." Izanagi replies and pulls up an image of them.

"Good... On that note, I have a King to dethrone!"

XX

Chole:

"Come in, Kace! Kace, can you hear me?? Dammit, the reception here is horrible!" I stomp my feet and tilt my head to the right with a lengthy sigh. I left the locker after the announcement of the game's end. And travel downward to the basement. And into the pipes where this 'anon' person was last seen. I tap the bracelet on my wrist, which portrays a circular map with dots on that represents the players. Then enter a code, which changes the color and shape of the map itself. What was once transparent with red dots. Has become a diagram of the complex both underground and above with a 10-mile radius. "Oh, the hack worked perfectly. Oh goodie, now I track that rat bastard."

"I guess you're speaking of me? Or am I being too presumptuous?" A voice calls out from the dark, behind me, and within the sewer pipes where I stand. My darkened eyes peers through the darkness, and a sudden faint light illuminates the surrounding area. It grows into a blinded golden light, with a sudden heat. Hot enough to spike my internal temperature, and the air around me scorches my nostrils and throat. I didn't need to look at my lifeline bar to know that it was dwindling at a rapid pace. As the tremendous heat burns through my leather clothing, my body ceases to function. I could neither scream from the maddening pain nor would tear fall from my eyes. And as my life line decreases to 1%, a calming sensation overcomes my mind.

*Shared Skill activated - Reincarnation. - When the life line reduce to 20% or less, players will receive a 50/50 chance to stay alive. Rank to Rise - Devil's advocate, Rank Upgraded- Legion.* A computerized voice speaks in my head. "I don't like the sound of it, but I'll use it for what it's worth." I whisper to myself as the light diminishes and my eyes reopen.

"Well, well, just like your Lord Kace, nothing but a damn pain in my ass." He utters with a snarling tone, and a row of lengthy red needles surround my body with a flick of his finger. Unphased by the sudden action, I stand on guard with two transparent swashbuckler swords in my hands. A rare item from the marketplace gifted to me by Sir Izanagi. And with my skill set to control trajectory and sound, even with my eyes blinded by the light, I will win.

"Oh, it quite surprised me. Not only did you guard yourself, but also chose not to attack. Granted, you're surrounded by needles and all. You've been trained well." A man wearing a white robe with golden armaments steps from a corner. A name-tag with a static effect above his head reads 'anon', however, his fiery hair reveals otherwise. A trademark that represents the King himself. And being the only player that has such a strong elemental connection, that his hair itself becomes flames. He takes a step closer and pauses for a moment. And in silence we stand before each other, but our eyes diverge to a dark alleyway behind him. Another calming sensation overcomes my body as my grip relaxes from a familiar sight. Pale blue eyes glare at us in the shadows, with overlong silver hair that floats above it.

"Well, I guess this bug will enjoy the time spent tormenting you from the inside out, Oh 'king'. Let me ask you this. Isn't a king that escapes in the sewer pipes, while his men and women above ground get mercilessly slaughtered not considered lower than a bug? I mean, well, maybe you're a fire ant?" Lord Kace steps from the shadows, laughing hysterically with a palm over his tanned forehead. "A lone, dumb, fire ant... (his banter halts and becomes serious and the air around him trembles.) The damn being I wanted to kill for years. Oh, how I longed to erase you from this world!"

"Hmm... the mighty, mighty Kace. Finally, you've risen to power, and precariously think he's strong enough to refer to me as an ant. I'm (pauses for a moment) downright appalled! And I thought the person you wanted to erase was Jack... You remember—"

"Don't you dare say that atrocious name! (Kace points at the man and a powerful wind rushes at us both, strong enough to push me a few feet backward.) I won't have it... I placed him in a life of torment far greater than he even deserves. And guess what my 'friend' is damn next!"

"Are you sure you can — "(Chloe, I'll take it from here, meet up with Izanagi at the rendezvous.) Kace interrupts the King of fire and speaks to me without acknowledging his words. I take two steps back, staying attentive and ready to strike while retreating. And on my fourth step, the King of Fire appears before me with a wide grin. Fiery eyes that sink behind his cheekbones and pale skin that glistens — tugs my heartstring. A handsome man with a straight nose and smooth pink lips, the type I would love to entangle with. But I must kill him.

Another step back besides my quickstep skill, I slide to the left of him, around and behind. The end of my swashbuckler aims for the nape of his neck, while I tarry mid- air, with a counterstrike in mind. However, in a flash the King of fire turns, and his name-tag chances to Rikonia. At that moment, a burst of flames engulfs my body — but there's no sensation of heat as before. Yet, a powerful grip holds unto my shoulder and my head (without intention) rests on a firm shoulder. I then realized that my clothing denigrated from the previous attack. And a white aura clothe my body, as it heals, while

Kace holds me in his arms, covering my body with his black jacket. "Shared SKill: Cloak of void" A notification appears at the corner of my eye, while a replica of his jacket covers my naked skin. "... retreat to the rendezvous!" His voice thunders with anger, and I reply, "Yes, My Lord," and bows my head in shame. And when the dust settles, as I walk and turn to gaze upon this magnificent man once again. I notice Kace's hands around Rikonia's neck, with his flame extinguished. "Maybe he was more so angry at him, than of me? Oh well, time to take my leave. I'm sure my future husband Kace will be victorious." I think to myself as I tug the coat closer to my face with a smile. *comfortable*

Rikonia and Kace:

"This is rather uncomfortable... If I may say." Rikonia speaks with a raspy tone and wheezing for air.

"I'd rather you not speak, can't you tell I'm squeezing against your trachea?" Kace tightens his grip with an enigmatic expression. While searching Rikonia's eyes for any sense of remorse or self pity. But neither exchange a word for over five minutes until Rikonia brings up a question. "Now that you know that you can't kill me this way. Would you care to know how and why things turned out this way?"

"I would rather you not speak. I can always dismember your body one section at a time..." I reckon squeezing harder, feeling the pulse at my fingertips.

"So you care not of the fate of the ones that died for you. About Lorena!" Rikona words rips open a wound I try to keep closed for years.

"Do not say her goddamn name!" Kace's voice shouts, echoes throughout the pipes and causes a tremor. And snaps Rikonia's neck in a fit of rage. However Rikonia continues to speak, "I beat the levels in the forest of the dead, and ate the super rare fruit known as 'limbo'. I won't die even if my HP is at 0%."

"So a liar, a cheater and a game beater. Oh goodie, guess I might have to do you like I did that vile thing."

"Do you remember when we met at the gates of the burning city, huh Kace? The time when you were the commander to the dead? I know it's ironic since you really are commanding spatial creatures, I see them at your feet. But you never once used them."

"Get to the point, Rikonia!" I squeeze harder and bash his head against the metal pipes.

"I'm saying everything that happened was for your cause... You needed me!" Rokina blurts out while flames shoot from his eyes and he grabs Kace's jacket collar.

I gaze at his hand in disgust, cringe and turns back to him speaking in a sarcastic tone. "If you want to join my fangirl club, please join the line like everyone else. But knowing Izanagi's personality, she might let you in to disrupt the other girls."

"You take me for a fool, Kace... I could have had you murdered as a child..."

"And you tried and failed... Keep talking, that tongue will be on the floor very soon."

Since you don't want to listen to me, why not listen to her? Rokina places his thumb on Kace's forehead as a bright light enters his mental vision. And a clock appears over his head with the hands moving counterclockwise.

The past:

The commander thinking to himself: "Here I stand, a mustard seed before this great being, with immense power. That seems to pour out of his pores. He says he knows my past, and who I am. Yet this murderous intent from his eyes cuts into my soul. I'm in fear of my life."

Rikonia thinking to himself: "Even though I sit before this powerless boy, feeling at ease, why do I have the urge to bow? I know he's nothing but a bug in need of a squat. Yet the power he held over me in the actual world still lingers. Now, in this game designed by him and being powerful, I could kill him. I need to, before he gains the knowledge of self, and outrank me. But this sensation I'm feeling... Should I kill now or follow the plan and kill him later?"

"So you're the guy that can help me kill Jack? And why do you refer to me as Kace?" The commander breaks the silence with questions.

"Oh, I hear you like to be called the Commander. Quite cute. Kace is your accurate name, a gaming administrator in the actual world. Not this fake survival — burden of a game."

"So you're telling me, my actual name is Kace, this all is a game designed by me in this actual world apart from this? Am I stupid to you?"

"If you don't believe then, you'll be sorry. I call it a game because in its entirety it is. However, if you die here, you will die in the sleeping chamber where your human body is resting. But that's for another chapter in this 'to be' story. For now, let's focus on using your true power and the destruction of the Jack brothers."

Hmm.... My gut is telling me not to trust this man before me. But how will I even kill Jack in the state I'm in? And brothers? Hmm... Makes sense since they're always together — And while my thoughts gather to a conclusion, the name Rikonia blurts out into laughter.

"Do you just realize who Jack is... a beast that masquerades in the flesh of another. His powers are like ours, but only on a physical level. Were empathic beings here with the skills of consciousness. Jack is a parasite that consumes his prey and becomes them. You, however, can transfer your consciousness into their body, creating no harm. And if the body dies, you will still live by transferring your consciousness into another. I think the command phrase is hmm... 'Transference.' I can teach you how, and with that, we can kill him."

"You say you know who I am. The extent of my powers, and yet you want to help me kill someone. Am I not also a threat?"

"Good question, now direct that to yourself... Am I not a threat to you also? But all jokes aside, I despise Jack and he needs to die. However, being King and all, I'm bound to certain stipulations and treaties written by the elites. And since Jack is one of those Elites, it puts me in a sticky situation. But an unknown player like yourself will do just fine. Especially since you're an I.P - an Independent Player without a crew or clan affiliation... So shall we meet in the morning to practice your skills?"

Thoughts of avoiding that man haunted that night, more than the faces of the dead. And as the cold sweat washes over my skin, I leap from a nightmare of that horrid scene with tears at my eyes. I grip my shirt and grit my teeth while I gaze through the leaves into the darkened night sky. And rest my head on the tree's trunk, wishing it was a pillow, groaning from my (disdain.) "Well, I guess the least I can do for them is to kill Jack."

Lorena:

Both feet slide along the loose soil, with a powerful wind at my back. And with caution, I step over a pile of rocks and leap unto a vast plain, while holding my skirt. And the moment I land, a static sound echo within my head with a distorted voice. That grates at my mind for a few minutes, while I scream from the burning pan. Then it vanishes afterward. Weakened by the shock, I fall to my knees with my hand on the ground. Out of breath with a foggy mind, my eyes become blurry, leading to an unsettling sensation. Not long after, I realized that something took me into a darkened area without walls. A man then emerges before me in the blackness, with a glowing white light surrounding him. His hair, ablaze and shines like bronze in the sun, sways from his shoulder outwards. And his bright orange eyes glare at me with sheer power. Under no circumstance could I move from my position, or even think to retaliate. In that moment, he waves his hand and a sharp pain strikes at my right hand. While a mark of an eye with a flame design, writes into my skin. As I grip my arm, shrieking, while wishing I could rip it off in hopes it would ease the pain.

That ceases after a few moments, and a euphoric bliss overcomes my senses. I have never felt this clarity before, however only one thing stands out the most. My name is Lorena, and I must bring someone to their demise.

"Good, it seems like you now understand - you are me and I am you. Your desires are from mine. No longer will you be a free player in this game, I now control you. Speak only when I tell you to speak. Kill who I want you to kill." And an electronic voice in a female tone joins in saying, "Contract of essence is complete!" Are the words I last heard while I was in the unlit room without walls. He didn't reveal his name. Only the will to kill Kace remains. And as my eyes open observing my surroundings his image appears in my mind with the words, "If he remembers the name, kill him. And if he does not, stick by his side like a fragile thing. Earn that man's trust and I'll take care of the rest. His weakness is children, always trying to protect the damn orphans."

When I regained consciousness, I notice a man standing over my body, with a lit cigar in hand. At his right same a blonde-haired boy clings to his rusty finger. He raises his hand and a similar tattoo to mine appears under the sunrays. He strokes his chin with a smirk, and for a moment the image of that man in the room emerges from that boy.

"Child, can you not hear me speaking to you?" The man questions, pulling me back into reality. And the blond- haired boy steps behind the man with a thumb in the mouth, as the tattoo recedes to nothingness. "What is going on, did he suddenly change personalities or am I seeing things?" Thinking to myself and a sudden shock of pain clash into my ribs.

"Argh!"

"Well, it seems like it's alive! Can you talk child, or do I need to kick you again?" The voice proclaims.

"N-No p-please, so- sorry I-I... Think I hit m-my head..." I spoke but the words barely would leave my lips, with uncontrollable breathing. However, I didn't feel like the kick caused my dilemma, even though it hurts. As I gaze upon my hand and notice the bony structures and loosen flesh. My once beautiful skin and young features now seem withered and close to death. "What had happened to me, why am I like this?" Thoughts of worry that continue to annoy me.

"From the looks of it, it seems like you passed out for quite some time. Surprised a player didn't kill you. Especially since P. Ker's use this pathway daily. The one without flavor. What is your name?"

"L-Lorena, Sir a-and you a-are?" But before I receive an answer, my eyesight becomes dark, and my senses fade to nothingness.

I struggle to open my heavy eyelids, rubbing them vigorously with a painful groan. My body aches meanwhile, a sharp pain attacks my head. Trying to sit up, yet failed.

"I would take my time if I were you. You've been out for quite some time... again. Guess my essence skill is too much to bear." A voice calls out from my right side with a slight snicker. 1,2,3, deep inhale, 1,2,3, slow exhale. A meditation I used to gather myself when I'm scared or worried. Which I very much am.... My eyes open, revealing the blondie I noticed before. Now taller, with a sinister grin and mature presence about him. The tattoo similar to mine now appears on his forehead and as he walks close, my chest tightens for unknown reasons. I clench at my shirt, in hopes the heart within me would stay that way. And my uncontrollable breathing becomes worse, while I now wheeze gasping for air.

"Be at ease. *Contract of Essence* binding skill release to the minimum 10%." His voice orders, with a touch on my shoulders. And my body reaches a level of bliss... a sense of relaxation and rose petals form around me.

"Better now? (He didn't give me a chance to reply and continue speaking.) Good, the boy will be here momentarily. Even though I released the skill of binding my essence to yours, at 10% I still control you. You know what to do—" His voice pauses, and the tattoo of an eye surrounded by flames diminish. And the man from before walks in with the boy I'm destined to betray in his arms. He lay him in a bunker across from me, then turned with a scowling expression.

"Finally, the flavorless one is awake... And Findel, why are you in here, the other scouts haven't returned, have they?"

"Most of them have Sir Jack. We bought a large haul of gems today. I'm sure you will be pleased. The unnamed guy did good too, I'm impressed. And Oh, I was just checking on Lorena here, she finally came a few moments ago!" His voice returns to that of a pre-teen boy, with less of mature demeanor. Before his presence felt like a tonne of gravity, and now, the boy is basically a fluffy rabbit. What the hell is going on... Is he possessed... Am I possessed? Were the thoughts I pondered while the two talk like father and son.

And in no time the boy awakens and seems to take control of everything. He approaches me with more confidence than the other boys. Yet his eyes seem distant. Wearing a black leather jacket, matching color pants and shoe, he seems more of a biker boy than of a commander. But what is a biker boy and these images that keep flashing by? A sharp pain throbs at my head, causing me to bend to my knee. And a voice whispers in my ear, similar to that possessed boy saying, "Oh, child, be good and don't fight it."

"Lorena... Lorena, are you okay?" The commander shouts my name and strokes his palm across my shoulder. It was the first time he spoke to me, but I feel a certain warmth in his tone. He pulls me to my feet with his hand at my back and another holding my hand.

"Lorena is your name, right? I heard you were sickly but have the power to cast healing magic."

"Ah, yes!" Gathering myself, I take a step back and brush the dirt from my knees. "Sorry to worry you commander... What you said is true. I am also okay now. Just a dizzy spell..."

"Hmm... A healer who gets sick... quite the irony — Well, if you stay by my side, I'm sure we could come up with an effective method to fight, while keeping you from harm. What you think?"

"Oh, I'd never think to become a burden to you.... I'd rather — "

"You've mistaken me. Let me make this clear... No one here is a burden. Not if everything goes according to plan. Fight with me... Even though we're children, doesn't mean we should always think like one." His firm gaze plunders my heart along with my breath. I never thought a child would say something so bold and bizarre with a serious tone. He is unusual... different from us. Yet I have to betray him. I'm not sure how and what I need to do and why, but I have the urge to kill this boy.

XX

Kace and Rikona - Past:

"Are you ready for this Kace? I taught you all I could. If you manifest your powers correctly, you should be able to get rid of this beast. Then and only then can you rise in Ranks to become the veritable master, the Omnipotent one."

"Humph, this will be nothing but a stepping stool to me. Give me a year, and the world shall know my name!"

The sun climbs over the hills, shining a light on this auspicious day. And as I enter the encampment, my stomach turns with disgust and grievances. And I notice the blood spattering at every corner, running like a river to the centre toward a large tent. I pause for a moment, as the metallic scent of blood and decomposed bodies hits my nose. I bit my lips and clench my fist to quell this (disgusted) feeling in my stomach and chest. And a soft touch strokes my back from the hand of Rikonia, saying, "Let's put this bastard to rest. Shall we?" And push my shoulders upward, and my back straightens, holding my head up. I endure the stench and scene as we draw near the tent. And with a pull of the flap, I notice the familiar bodies of my once teammates - Joel, Rick, Mitis and Lorena laid out at his feet. Jack smiles with a cigar in his mouth, exhales a puff, as flies disembarks from their bodies. "Took you long enough... The flies here have already laid eggs in these bodies. And as much as I like scramble eggs (*sorry guys*) I'd rather not eat these." He smirks, then spits on the deceased and shrugs his shoulders.

Rage boils from my stomach and the steam of anger hits my chest. Which condenses into homicidal movements, as I dash from the entrance with sword in hand. I leap above his head screaming "Activate skill: Furnace" and my sword transforms into a whip. I snap the end at his head, and instead of dodging, he grabs it with a smirk. "Change form!" I command, and the whip reverts into a flaming pole with a blade on each side. It severs his fingers from his hand, and with another swing I aim for Jack's head. Within that moment, his body disperses like roaches from the supreme body, leaving behind a bone structure. That then crumbles to powder. Jack enters the deceased bodies, and in a matter of sections the headless corpse disperse from the tent. All of which happened in the mere second my sword would have reached his neck.

"Dammit, what's going on! Rik — Rikonia, where's Rikonia?!" My mind scrambles with the thoughts of the unknown, and the scene from moments ago. Something is not right and I can feel it. I slice a hole into the tent and jump through the side, attentive to my surroundings. The clouds now overcast the sun, and a chilly breeze strikes against my chin.

Doom! A loud thud echo from my right and my reflexive movements saves me from becoming a pancake. Jack's face lights up with glee above my head, with my friends surrounding me from all corners.

"Don't you want to be with your friends again? Don't be a loner, join them!" He taunts me then spits a green color goo towards my head. While the others draw closer I scream "Stop this, guys this is not you. He's the one that killed you not me." Even though I knew they were already dead and being controlled by that devil. However, I can't shake the feeling their soul resented me. Quick to action, I jump inside the tent and a sharp object pierces my chest. A hand grabs at my head, and a familiar face approaches mine. "Lorena... Wait... you're alive?!" My eyes shook from the shocking truth, but I could tell she was not a friend. And neither did she speak to me. However, Rikonia's voice enters my ear from behind. "I may not intimately enter your mind. But a person who had a mental connection with you can. And guess what Kace?" His sinister voice spells my demise, and the moment I turn to face Lorena everything all seems to make sense. " Bing Bong, you guessed it! I control her, which means--" And in reluctance I yell the word "Transfer". My mind becomes blurry and a darkness covers my eyes. And after a few minutes my vision returns, and the three stand before me. Jack stands to the right, with Lorena on the left and Rikonia in the middle. I try to move, however a set of chains bound me to a chair. With a monument of a familiar group of gems on either side.

"Quite fitting for a King, don't you think Jack?" Rikonia questions with a demeaning tone and kicks at my chains.

"We only planned this because you said this brat would be dangerous. I never once sense any eminent power from him. But his mind, now that's a different conversation."

"I sense the power, and you sense his mental fortitude. Either way, our plan worked to a tee." Rikonia waves his hand and shrugs his shoulders.

"You're a sick bastard for a so-called King Rikonia, not only did you create the idea, you have him execute his own demise. Have them gathered gems that could trap him. Give him motivation, that would be me eating your friends Sir Kace ( points both hands at himself.) Then you taught him how to jump, so he could jump inside a cursed body sealed with the very gems he and his friend salvaged. If that's not evil then I must be a saint."

"Ugh, shut up Jack! You talk too much, let's just kill the brat already. Do you have the module I asked for?"

"Sure I do, but what if my price gets higher? I mean, this boy is probably worth more, right?"

"And you're just a bug in my sight, do not let me repeat myself!"

"Yes, your Majesty, I have wronged thee."

"Good, give me the damn module!" They bicker amongst themselves, while I struggle to slide through the shackles. But to no avail; and while the tears flow down my cheek from the unknown terror. I beg Lorena for help. I scream her name aloud, pleading for mercy and help. Yet to no avail.

"Isn't it quite clear Kace? No one can help you. No one, but yourself!" Jack steps towards me, bends his knee and peers into my frightful eyes with a smirk.

"Well then, time to say goodbye to the King that would have been." Rikona shrugs and places the chip on my forehead. A zap of electricity courses through my body from the crown to my toes. While I scream in my mind, "I don't want to die." And a scenic view of a Chapel comes to mind. My body feels light, with a white mist around my head. That then becomes blue, and converts into a green floor with large toes before me.

"Wait... What the hell is this?" My head pokes into a massive room, with two men sitting across from each other. Both wearing a blue cloth over their green bodies, and a crown hovering over their heads. One resembles a man well into age, while the other may be in their twenties.

"I guess our host is about to die... Do you feel obligated to help him?" One questions the other with a voice that causes the room to shake. I fall to my bum not only from the tremor but the power the being exudes from his very mouth. Unsure If I should be afraid or to be in awe, I raise my hand in question. I gesture I did with no thought. "So, am I dead or is this.... Just what is going on?"

"We have no time to waste... Help him!" The other commands and a staff appear in his hand and also in mine. He bangs it unto the floor, and in that moment I reawaken in my previous body as a boy.

Outside of the tent I stand, watching the two laugh hysterically as the body I was in before into burns. The blue flames scorch the beast's skin, turning its green appearance to charcoal in a matter of minutes. However, a voice echoes into my head, and without controlling my body, it swings the rod and a gale of wind shreds the tent apart. Jack on the queue swings his arm turn blade at my back, and Rikona appears at my front with a fiery axe. Their attacks come to a halt with the swing of my staff, and a bolt of lightning descends from the sky. It splits into two and strikes them both, burning them from the inside out. Even though their horrendous screams of extensive deathly pain cuts at my ear, I feel nothing. A sense of serenity overcomes the anguish I once felt. However, I feel pity towards the bodies that lie cold - the ones used as sacrificial pawns.

"This is not over!" Jack screams his war cry and shatters his body into fragments of blade. They lunge at the body from all directions, but yet again his attack stops and the blade falls to the ground.

"Rikona, what the hell is going on?" Jack questions with a frightened tone. Throwing a multitude of spears at KAce which then falls to the ground.

"It seems like instead of destroying him, we awakened his latent abilities..."

"Didn't you say he could only transfer his mind into another person?"

"Yeah... but this right here, is entirely an unfamiliar creature."

A gale of wind surrounds my body as it floats above the two. And the gems from where the creature sits surround and form into spears. They point towards the two, and Rikona's eyes divert to the west. I do the same and when I return my gaze to him. His body was there no more. Jack jumps into the air and launches a chain attack. Three kicks to the face, and a quick twist with a blade at my back. He yells, "Activate spiral void: the centre of nothingness" and four black spheres appear around my body. "Seems like I can stop physical attacks but not magic... So be it. Lymphatic Devastation!" The staff drops to the ground and shatters.

"I've seen that before, it takes twenty minutes to activate how foolish of you!"

"You're right, how foolish of you — to think I am the same as before...." I turn to face him with a conniving smirk and whispers (Gem of solitude- Transfer soul). His body pulses for a moment, and the spheres dwindle in size. Jack's body cracks and shatters as he exhales air from his lips that freezes becoming snow. And while his body disintegrates, a black gem emerges from my head. It floats towards his dying body and pulls Jack's soul within itself.

"It is done!" A loud voice speaks within my head. And my sight fades to darkness.

Now:

"Everything that occurred was for your doing. To make you who you are today.... Can you see that?!" Rikona shouts at Kace, tugging on his jacket, hoping that he would understand.

"Well, I've gained a doctor, and since then my body has been having some issues of weakness. Seems like your so-called plan was incomplete. I still have the wretched beast you sealed my consciousness within. How about we pay it a visit, Hmm... Fix me up real nice, eh? Then I'll see if you're worth the air you breathe."

"Fine whatever, give me three months. Then perform a ceremony with your right-hand man, since they have a direct line to the hierarchy. Being the first person in line of your crew, they can help you shoulder the weight of 'you.'"

"Didn't recall I was that heavy, but so be it."

Three months later:

Upon a throne sit, wearing leather straps, my black wool jacket, and pants to match. Five rings of various colors rests on my fingers, that represents the five crew I now control. And my view overlooks a chamber room of high pillars, broad podiums with precious gems and intricate engravings. I release a lengthy sigh and rest my face on my fist.

"Hey you, supreme commander and all, act like it will you." My eyes turn downwards to Izanagi that kneels before me, staring with contempt. While the group of diverse individuals kneel also in rows.

"I'm not to be queasy about things, but do i really need to share my blood in a damn chalice?"

"This is the only way to seal the bond Kace, just deal with it." Rikona conveys. Afterward, he moves the chalice from my bleeding wrist towards Izanagi's lips.

"This is not morbid..." Izanagi protest, staring at the chalice with disgust.

"Think of it as cran-" Rikona tries to speak, but Izanagi interrupts him, waving their hand at him.

"I demand you to shut up. I neither trust you nor need you to ruin my appetite anymore."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Return Rikona to his cell, let him rot until he's necessary!" Izanagi waves their hand, gesturing to the guards to take him away.

However, without further complaints Izanagi swallows the blood, and we both whisper a phrase without thinking. And at that moment, my mind becomes blank.

Izanagi:

At that moment, I appear before two massive beings with an overwhelming presence. Both clothe in blue with green transparent skin. One with the resemblance of an elderly man with a staff in his hand, on the left. And a younger one with a sword in his hand, to the right. And above elderly lies a sign with an inscription saying 0031 - KA. And above the younger CE -K3.

My body trembles from the sight, as those pale blue eyes, void of any mercy, stare at me like an ant. As if I'm a vile thing. That wandered into their space, uninvited. Yet the younger smirked while saying, "it is done!" And my sight and mind returns to the throne and the image of Kace. He shakes his head, with his overlong hair fluttering about. "So beautiful.But I may need to braid it." Words that slip from my lips without a thought. He releases a grunt of disapproval, then slides towards me with a hand covering his mouth. "So what did you see? My mind went blank for a minute."

"Oh really? (flashbacks of the scene appear in my mind. However, I rather end this on a light note.) Well, I saw you dancing in the kitchen naked, only an apron on making me breakfast..."

                                                                                    End.

P.S/ I used this opportunity to try and plug as many plot holes as I can. Hope I answered everything. Thank you to the Action team and to everyone that read through this crazy story. Take care and be safe. Peace.