The view of an unobservable man becomes clear as a shovel hits the dirt, the lonely being digging out a hole slowly but surely.
Each strike of the tool resounds within the absent forest, the moon's illumination casting a beam of light across the clearing.
After a few minutes pass the man comes to a halt, staring down at the small vaguely human sized trench dug out from the planet's flesh.
The loner sighs a breath of relief as he then turns to pick up a shadowed object before placing it down into the ditch and muttering a slew of his grievances.
"This was supposed to be the last one, ######... But I'm sorry… I don't even know if I'll be able to return to you anymore… I've taken too long trying to accomplish a goal neither of us planned for… And yet… I've failed… All I can hope for is that you aren't lonely anymore…"
The object's truth is hidden by the man's shadow as his breaths steam up the air of the cold night. The moonlight slowly shifts to the side, forcing the darkness to evade and reveal the reality of his circumstance.
In the grave lay a lone child carrying a faceless body pale and forgotten, the child's masked eyes laying unmoving, yet… the boy still somehow appeared more full of life than the tomb layer himself.
With the grave of the equally unobservable child finally complete, the gentleman carrying no face stares down at the haphazard tombstone before his eyes wander toward a nearby tree. Without even knowing, the man's feet start to tread forward as the space around the mysterious griever begins to fade.
A wonderful spot for the fated transition… For one final tale perhaps…?
"후퇴!" A commanding voice calls out to a mass of retreating infantry.
The black and shrouded night sky flashes with explosions as billows of smoke reach high into the distant horizon. Shouts of urgency could be heard throughout Luoes as flames and destruction painted the once mighty infrastructure of the modern city. Loud gunfire could be heard as a fire fight against an unknown force took place on a massive street where Aeroken infantry held a barricade. Vehicles and armaments of many kinds lay abandoned on the battlefield as aircraft blasted through the sky while military drones whizzed past the troops lower on the ground, providing support with gunfire and explosive ordinance against the incoming threat.
"FALL BACK TO THE RALLY POINT! NOW! NOW!" A captain yells out frantically for his infantry to retreat as defensive fire pelts the monsters approaching them. The remaining soldiers proceed to run past him and into the encampment while their enemies continue to approach undaunted, the bullets bouncing off of their bodies as if they were being fired against steel.
Their opposition? Jagged stone-like monstrosities featuring well armored titanic bodies, a majority of their exterior appeared covered in space phenomena while what seemed to be their heads contained a black hole sphere encased in a skeletal cage.
An explosion rings out as a building not too far away begins to collapse, a loud beastial roar resounding in the background as a different battle wages on. The defensive units, machinery, and air support continue to fire at whatever targets they can find while commands are hopelessly shouted out across the battlefield.
Rushed footsteps are suddenly heard from behind the captain as he halts his gunfire to turn around. "Captain, sir! We've lost contact with sectors four through eight and reinforcements are delayed! The convoy was most likely destroyed!" A soldier with a communication device calls out to the man anxiously, his eyes darting back and forth between his captain and the enemy.
The old captain widens his eyes in disbelief as he immediately points toward their backline with a tense expression. "Sentry squad! Regroup and head back toward the evacuation point! Inform the technicians we can't hold sector 3 anymore!" The panicked yet firm captain yells out with urgency as a few of the troops retreat further into the encampment to begin preparing their escape route. The captain briefly glances back toward the approaching monsters when a mortified scream suddenly rings out.
"THE FLANK! IT'S BEEN BREACHED!" A soldier calls out in terror, drawing the attention of his comrades toward their backline, the sight gracing them causing their faces to pale and eyes to shrink in fear.
A group of black skulled wolf creatures with space phenomena covering their bodies burst through the back side of the base and began their rampage, screams ringing out through the encampment as the backline became a slaughter house for the unprepared infantry.
"PROTECT THE TECHNICIANS! BUY TIME FOR THE RETREAT!" A soldier shouts out in an attempt to refocus their attention while everyone's panic only begins to triple. They were getting flanked and their escape was now cut off. Retreat was no longer an option.
As the situation worsens and buildings explode in the distance, shouts of retaliation continue to erupt from the infantry in the encampment while their numbers slowly dwindle.
The captain glances back to his troops before staring off into the blackened sky with hopeless eyes as the golems continue their approach, plowing through the forward blockades. The captain's gun was no longer shooting or even aiming toward the enemy as it simply hung to his side helplessly.
This was it… There was nothing they could do, nor would there be anything anyone could do… This truly was the end of humanity…
Suddenly, a young soldier runs up to the captain and grabs him by the shoulders before shaking him vigorously. "SIR! WHAT ARE YOUR ORDERS!? IF WE FALL TO THE GALACTIC MINERiA THE REMAINING SECTORS WILL CRUMBLE! WE NEED TO BREAK THROUGH THE STAR CANINES AND REGROUP!" The old captain, unresponsive, continues to stand in the grasp of the young man as he stares into worried eyes blankly.
With a grimace, the younger soldier proceeds to hoist the captain onto his back in order to move him to a safer distance. After running further into the encampment the soldier sets the man down with a pained expression. The young soldier then looks around and notices that the drones were no longer being sent out, causing his face to pale even more. "Did the Star Canines already get to the technicians!? Damnit!"
"THE BARRICADE IS DOWN! WE'RE OUT OF TIME!" A random soldier shouts, catching the young man's attention. The Galactic Mineria had already reached the front gate and began tearing through to enter their barely fortified camp, the remaining infantry fruitlessly attempting to defend from both sides.
Another soldier screams out in vain before getting slashed in half horizontally by a larger bipedal Star Canine. The young soldier's standard rifle was empty, the supply camp now in shambles. He then proceeded to look down at his singular weapon, a pistol with one last clip remaining. It would do little to damage the hounds let alone the golems.
A sudden thought breaks through into his mind before the soldier shakes his head and glances over to his frozen commanding officer.
The older man leaned against a piece of the pavement with a soulless expression, not even bothering to sit up fully, as if already dead. The young man could only stare in sadness as the former stature of their squadron's leader had been lost against the darkness. The Abyss had consumed almost all of Aerok and now their beloved capital was nearing its end. All that would remain after their loss would be Neochni and Nasoes, the only support that they could have received now most likely not being capable of arriving anymore. If the loss of contact with the neighboring nations indicated anything then it meant that the end was nearing, didn't it? Was this truly it? A random string of unfortunate occurrences that led to the fall of humanity? Were any of their farther allies faring better? Was the western side falling as well? The last thing he had heard was that they were fighting back viciously yet still losing ground. If they couldn't stop this invasion then how could anyone survive this?
As the Star Canines continued to close in from the back and the Galactic Mineria pushed through their front, the young man began to feel wet droplets fall down his cheek, a slow hand reaching up to touch his face in minor surprise. He hadn't cried all that much in his short life, but this… this was the first time he had ever cried as an adult. Just barely 20 before the course of his life was changed forever. Was his mom still alive? Wait… his mom? Oh…
The tears seemed to flow even harder than before as memories of his childhood began to pour into his mind while pangs of pain punched through his heart, filling the dark crevices inside his being with beautiful recollections. Joy, anger, sadness, fear, and disgust filled his very soul yet… despite all those differing emotions, every memory felt like it was more priceless than anything the world could offer…
The young man once again looked down at his gun in contemplation before growing angry, no, furious at himself! Was he really so much of a coward to have considered such a thought!? While his brothers and sisters in arms fought valiantly to the end… Was he going to leave them behind in their final stand?!
With the shake of his head and a wipe of his tears the soldier stood up on his two feet while checking his pistol with a determined expression. He then saluted to his faceless captain before turning toward the golems as the other soldiers all focused their fire onto the wolves, their weapons ineffective against the stone-like beings. The young man stares at his pistol for a moment longer before moving forward toward his impending doom. If he was going to leave this world, he would do so while protecting what was most precious in his heart. Even if it had long since faded from his memory.
The golems were now through the barricade and ready to wreak havoc when suddenly… A lone soldier stood in front of them, his vastly ill equipped pistol raised in defiance against the insurmountable threat. "COME ON YOU UGLY BASTARDS! I'LL HOLD YOU BACK ALL ON MY OWN IF I HAVE TOO!"
Tears no longer streamed down the man's face as unbridled rage replaced whatever was left of his wavering emotions. Though the golems halt for a brief second they then proceed to move forward once more, uncaring of the insect before them.
The young soldier promptly unloads his pistol… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Chk, Chk, CHK, CHK. The soldier winces as the closest golem to him begins to raise its massive fist, ready to bring it down on the small and insignificant being.
With a desperate final resolve the man throws his pistol to the ground, raises his fist, and punches forward just as the giant's arm blasts toward him. "Please! If any deity exists! GRANT US A MIRACLE IN THIS LIFE!"
"GGRRRAAAAAAAHHH!!!!"
Wake Up
The valiant soldier did not survive… Nor did the remaining infantry that remained in the sector they had been tasked to defend. This is the truth of reality.
Sectors two through eight of Luoes had fallen as one of the last bastions in Aerok, along with every other nation's remaining fortresses, began to breathe their last.
The many countries of the world had gathered together in united factions thought to be impossible in the modern age, to face the insurmountable threat and survive through the present disaster. Battered and bruised, they continued to fruitlessly wage war while desperately clinging onto the dim light remaining in the forefront of their vision… A hope of a better tomorrow… A wish for a brighter future… but alas, their conviction slowly flickered and faded against the raging inferno of the threat. In the end, humanity sought an anguished victory, only to find the Abyss staring back.
Wake up
Yet… suddenly… When the humans took their last stand, a final stand of defiance where they would struggle to the bitter end, a miracle shone through the darkness. As the remaining embers of humanity began to fall there lay a key to the problem at hand gifted to them by a system beyond their comprehension. By a script beyond their notice. A solution. A gift. A miracle.
Wake Up…
Humanity had been given the power of the Sacred Catalysts. The people that had survived up until now were given supernatural abilities, some even defying the laws of reality. Like a story straight out of fiction, the remaining humans became incomprehensibly powerful. They became monsters that rivaled the ones they had trembled against and completely changed the tides of war. They became… Rainers
A human male stands tall on top of a mountain of rubble, facing the Abyssal Disasters with a cocky expression as his body transforms into a ray of light and shoots across the sky while raining down eradication against his foes.
A human female with golden irises calls forth a mantra, summoning a yellow haired knight from an old tale as the king inhales deeply before shouting a cry and swinging her sword, obliterating the heralded calamities into dust.
A human male breaks through entire cityscapes with his bare hands, leaping, tearing, crushing, and banishing every putrid enemy back to whence they came with attacks unseen by the normal eye, all while a smile graces his face.
A human female with shark-like attributes swims through a grassy plane before grinning and transforming into a monstrous form even greater than the incoming threats, her tail whipping forth and cleaving the ground as she leaps.
A human male with draconic appendages shoots forth beams of fire that cut through his opponents like butter, the man's wings unfurling as his great form is unleashed, blowing the fodder high into the sky as they explode like stars.
A human female whose presence holds a mysterious power simply waves her hand, curing illnesses as if they had never existed and petrifying any who dare harm her companions, her form glowing a mystically blinding hue.
Wake Up…
Like a torrent of rainfall against an unquenchable forest fire, the Rainers drowned the Abyss with the power of their Sacred Catalysts until they became an afterthought. No longer did they have to live everyday in fear. No longer were they the weak and frail creatures they once were. No longer would they sit powerless against a force they couldn't fight against; for when humanity now glared into the Abyss… The void of Voracity blinked.
Wake Up!
But… with the Abyss no longer being a threat to humanity, life moved on. A few decades. A couple centuries. And suddenly people forgot what horrors the past had endured. People had forgotten what it was like to be afraid. What it was like to scour, to run, to hide, to tremble… They became… Complacent
Wake Up!
Well that would change pretty soon, after all… What is a story without its strife? A victory with no challenge? A conflict in no need of hope?
Truth be told, an end that lacks meaning…
WAKE UP!
Is no Ending at all…
"Ji-hu, wake up." A monotone yet borderline irritated female voice calls out, causing a young man to open his blue ringed eyes drearily in a barely lit room.
The room he found himself in was a familiar sight as always. His numerous posters of various ancient movies. His closet, filled with clothes, lazily opened and unorganized. His tinkering bench with broken pieces of scrap laying around along with his mechanical gear. And of course his PC, which for some reason, was still on.
"Ughhh who… Oh." His eyes finally rested on a blackish-purple haired young lady who stood with a cold stare, her cybernetic arm barely lighting up the darkness with an orange glow.
The forgetful young man's name is Ji-hu Kwon and the seemingly cold young lady is Meihua Yu. Both of the recent high school graduates are agents of the International Rainers Index, a large global coalition that actively fights against the Abyssal Disasters in underground dungeons. The Rainers make a living off of dungeon exploration and Abyssalite cores, a material dropped by defeated Disasters that can function as a universal tool. The International Rainers Index boasts a whopping 100 million Rainer operation that spreads out across all the corners of the planet, not including all the Index staff that carry out separate operations. The two siblings are now both 19 and have chosen to skip Rainer University to become fully fledged agents, earning them the right to clear higher level dungeons on their own. Though, at their own peril of course.
Ji-hu, the young male with a head of messy dark blue hair and owner of an abhorrent sleep schedule, finally sits up in his bed to get a better look at the one who had awakened him. The lights suddenly flick on, causing the young man to flinch before covering his eyes while grimacing. "Aghhh… What time is it Mei? And why do you sound so… upset?"
The now named Mei continues to glare coldly at Ji-hu, her dour mood becoming all the more apparent. "It's 7:30 a.m. The time that we agreed on to go out on the dungeon run." The young lady speaks with a barely hidden annoyed tone as the now sheepish Ji-hu cringes for a moment before briefly looking to the side with a horrified expression plastered across his face.
Ji-hu quickly glances over to his tinkering bench to distract his thoughts as he fidgets in his bed. "Ohhh… the dungeon raid… I agreed to that…?" Ji-hu questions in uncertainty while desperately trying to avoid eye contact.
The unamused Mei gives an eye roll at her brother's cowardice before grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and lifting him out of his bed and onto a chair. Mei then proceeds to jab a finger into Ji-hu's face aggressively, causing the boy to wince with each metallic poke. "Listen. YOU said that TODAY would be the best day to go. YOU are the one who told ME to wake up early for the dungeon! YOU asked for this Ji-hu! I am not liable to be your damage sponge if you don't even plan on going!" Mei finishes her vexed recollection of yesterday's events with a huff as the nervously grinning Ji-hu awkwardly sits in his chair.
"I told you that you'd be too exhausted, but noooo, you said you'd be all good to go by tomorrow morning! And then you kept on ranting about all these projects that you wanted to start and made me stay up and listen to all of it!" Meihua exasperatedly reprimands Ji-hu with a fed up expression while he cautiously scratches his head before looking down shamefully at his lap. "Ah… I did do that… didn't I?" Ji-hu murmurs out with an apologetic tone.
"Yes. You did." Mei glares deeply into Ji-hu's very sorry eyes without blinking, prompting the young man to shake his head a few times before fully bowing down in his chair. "Ok ok! I'm sorry! I didn't expect to be up so late at night alright! Let's just call it off!"
Mei stares at Ji-hu for a few seconds before sighing tiredly. "Fine, don't come, but I'm still going. I didn't wake up this early on a Friday for nothing." The disgruntled sibling mutters while shaking her head in disappointment before heading for the door.
"Thanks a bunch Mei! Promise it won't happen again!" Ji-hu grins in relief while watching Mei almost make her way out of his room before halting briefly.
"Sure. Like you haven't said that the past five times this month." Mei sarcastically mumbles under her breath while side-eyeing Ji-hu harshly. She then turns back to Ji-hu with a softer expression painting her face. "Take care of yourself, alright? Don't forget about our quota."
Ji-hu proceeds to look into Mei's eyes, now filled with a hint of mild worry, as a soft smirk graces his face. "You too Mei. Don't do anything I would do." The young man's expression then quickly changes to a cheeky grin as he holds a finger up. "Actually I guess I should probably warn the Abyss since a frickin armored gorilla is heading their way~!"
The amused boy chuckles as Meihua gives him another quick glare before heading out the door and shutting it loudly, causing him to jump a little.
Ji-hu sweat drops for a moment before turning to his computer to take care of his open tabs. "A little too far haha… I hope my door isn't broken again…"
The disgruntled Meihua could be seen exiting their semi-large apartment complex and into the city with an irritated expression, heading out for the presumed dungeon run the duo had originally planned.
The cityscape of Luoes had changed drastically over the last 500 years, but so had the entire world. Technology had surprisingly advanced slower than expected since the marvels of the Abyssal dungeons and Sacred Catalysts took up the full attention of the world, but this did not mean humanity refused a chance to evolve with time. New inventions brought on by the introduction of Abyssalite cores gave way to breaches in technological innovation, yet… These new and unthinkable breakthroughs also came with the return of less than pleasant former operations. After the war, the corruption that existed in the past had also unsurprisingly resurged. Due to the existence of the Sacred Catalysts criminal activity on scales even larger than before eventually made way all over the planet. In a turn of more fortunate events, many previously conflicting nations wished to settle their differences in favor of a newer and brighter future, creating an international peace treaty brought on by the people who suffered through the end of the world. Though as history would entail… There were always going to be those who disagreed.
Inside the duo's abode, Ji-hu stares at his computer while skimming through the open tabs and remembering yesterday's research on Dimensional Control users along with the lack of profound results. A frustrated Ji-hu sighs loudly while closing the numerous open tabs on his computer with a hopeless expression. "Why is it so damn hard to find anything but the basics on Dimensional Control! I get that it's supposed to be a really rare Catalyst, but it's been five hundred damn years! Someone had to figure out something along the way!"
Ji-hu drags a hand down his face in frustration before making a claw shape with said hand and tugging at the space beside him lazily. The area proceeded to form an indent around his fingers as he pulled and ripped open the space to reveal a dark blue rift bearing a searing white outline. Ji-hu simply puts his hand inside and pulls out a bottle of water before sipping from it mindlessly, the rift closing on its own soon after.
The young Rainer looks up toward his ceiling as visions of a wishful future play out in his mind. "If only I had an instructor or something… Someone who could teach me everything there is to know and maybe even a little more." Ji-hu then looks back down at his desk before covering his face and dragging his hands down again while groaning. "Now that we're done with school this isn't a joke anymore… I have to take it seriously… More seriously than I already have." Ji-hu grimaces before turning to look at the door Meihua had left through and deadpanning. "Or Meihua's gonna have to carry my ass through the dungeons again…"
A couple of hours pass as Ji-hu finds himself tinkering with a strange metallic object on his table. Odd devices could be found wrapped around Ji-hu's arms and head as the young rift user continued to work at the circuitry of his peculiar invention.
Ji-hu suddenly jolts up in shock before quickly taking his head gear off and holding his thumb out in pain. "AGH! Damnit! That's the third time today, come on!"
The young Rainer sighs dejectedly while lifting up his device and folding pieces of it carefully. "I know Mei said she wanted the shield, but does she really need it? She's already stronger than a tank on her own anyways." Ji-hu huffs in exhaustion before blowing a strand of hair out of his face, a softer expression replacing his annoyed one slowly. "But… I guess we have to take Malevolent level dungeons instead of the Vector ones since we aren't getting money from Uncle Yu anymore. And we'll have to join up with a strike squad if the other two don't have the time…"
The rift user momentarily glances at a picture sitting on his window sill before exhaling exasperatedly and ruffling his hair in frustration. "I know we both agreed that we shouldn't depend on him anymore since he's already too generous, but seriously… Maybe we should've asked for a little allowance… He'd probably give us one if we ask, right?"
Ji-hu then turns to the arm shield that he had been tinkering on and stares at it briefly. With a firm resolve, the young Rainer nods to himself before putting on his headgear once more and restarting his work. "She'll need this arm shield and more if we're going into real dungeons… I can't depend on her so much either. Though… maybe I do deserve a break from all this hard work heh." A cheeky expression shows itself on Ji-hu's face when suddenly, a loud explosion goes off nearby as the rifter's room shakes violently.
The young Rainer gets thrown backwards out of his chair as his gear crashes against the floor with a loud crunching sound, Ji-hu just staring upward at his ceiling blankly. "Or not…"
Ji-hu groans while quickly rising to his feet as the quakes recede, his gaze landing on his broken equipment sitting on the floor. "Welp. That's gonna hurt the budget."
The rift user briefly glances around before holding a thinking pose in confusion. "Did the building stabilizers not activate? Why did it shake so much?" The young Rainer's face quickly changes from annoyed to serious as he looks out his window to see people fleeing. "Ok, think later, go help now!" Ji-hu hastily runs out the door while putting on a hoodie and pulling out mechanical gauntlets from his portal space, the technology shifting onto his hands and over his arms as a worried expression paints his face. "I really hope no one's hurt."
A few minutes later a winded Ji-hu is seen running through a usually crowded street now empty of people. "I swear the explosion came from over here… Did everyone already escape to safety? Where are the other Rainers?" Ji-hu promptly claps his face with his metal hands before taking a deep breath. "Get a hold of yourself, just keep going!"
After running for a bit more Ji-hu suddenly screeches to a halt as he rounds the corner of a building and finds an enormous crater in the middle of an inactive construction site. Major damage to the nearby buildings was evident but… The lack of people confused him a bit.
The young rifter glances around in a baffled manner due to finding no Rainers or curious onlookers around, not even any news helicopters, only strangely eerie shadow creatures. "What the hell? Did a rogue Catalyst user explode or something? Why are there no Rainers? And are those… summons?"
The young rifter quickly runs over to the edge of the crater and peaks downward before noticing more shadowy Abyssal-like creatures along with an odd looking unidentifiable aircraft. "That doesn't look like a normal dungeon portal… And those are definitely shadow summons… But who's Shadow Manipulation in Aerok could be this strong? Is it Keria or maybe Jun?" Ji-hu momentarily surveys the area before his eyes stop at a tall figure standing a few feet away near the edge of the crater.
Ji-hu squints while trying to get a better look of the figure when his eyes suddenly widen in recognition. "Is that Paxis!?Why is the #20 here in Aerok?! What the hell is a covert Rainer like him doing here!?" The rift user swiftly runs over to Paxis and passes by multiple shadow summons that somehow seem to miss his intrusion by a sheer matter of luck.
Finally arriving near the odd individual, Ji-hu takes a few breaths before analyzing the person before him a little more closely and deadpanning. "Masked face? Black cloak? Edgy vibes? Yup that's 100% Paxis."
Codename: Paxis. Full name classified. Paxis is currently Globally Ranked #20 in the International Rainers Index and is an extremely patient and careful individual. He is known as one of the strongest Shadow Control users in all of history and is extremely skilled in multiple types of close range combat. Very few have personally seen what Paxis looks like as he always wears a shadowy mask with no discernable markings. In terms of pure ability, it is stated that he could conquer an entire country on his own in just a few days. He is by all definitions of the term, a walking nation.
Suddenly, a low and authoritative voice calls out to Ji-hu, surprising him slightly. "请远离坠机现场 — I am still determining the threat level of this scenario." The masked individual speaks without bothering to look in Ji-hu's direction as two shadow creatures make their way towards the young Rainer.
Ji-hu stands awkwardly while fidgeting with his fingers before scratching the back of his head. "Oh um… I just wanted to let you know that I'm a Rainer too and that I'm here to assist!" Ji-hu firmly declares with a raised mechanical fist.
Within the International Rainers Index there are countless active members, each varying in skill and ability, that fight in Abyssal dungeons or against criminal Sacred Catalyst users. Though powers tend to overlap, more often than not Catalyst users specialize in one specific skill set. The International Rainers Index is the main operating Index in the world, but there are National Rainers Indexes and even City Rainers Indexes all over the globe. Paxis often prefers working alone and is also within the upper echelons of the Index, which is why he is given the authority to commandeer any situation and force others away. Unfortunately he seems to have somehow missed this random boy, a lapse in his capabilities perhaps?
The esteemed Paxis turns around and proceeds to analyze Ji-hu, taking notice of his gauntlets as the young rift user just squirms under the intimidating man's invisible glare. "How did I miss this Rainer? My abilities really have been on fritz lately… Alright then, what is your Sacred Catalyst? Biomechanical Engineering?" Ji-hu raises a finger to answer before immediately getting interrupted by Paxis who decided to not wait for a reply. "Currently the pod in the crash site is inactive and I require more time to assess what level of force is necessary to prevent any more damage to this city. Do what you can, but stay out of my way or I will remove you myself."
Ji-hu shakes his head nervously before going into his explanation as Paxis just glances in mild intrigue. "My Sacred Catalyst is Dimensional Control sir. I have little mastery over it… but I built these devices that allow me to fight by myself." The rift user pulls out a strange looking piece of tech from a portal to show off before putting it back into the gate he took it out of.
Paxis stares silently at Ji-hu much to the young Rainer's continued unease. "Dimensional Control? When was the last time I've heard of an active Dimensional Control user? Although he seems lacking in mastery, his technology seems well made… Perhaps his Catalyst is why none of my shadows detected a presence? Intriguing…" Paxis turns back around as his summons continue to move closer towards the spacecraft while simultaneously securing the area. "Very well. Be prepared to disengage to a safer distance if things get too dangerous."
Ji-hu's expression becomes downtrodden as he watches Paxis continue to observe the pod in the crater. "I guess that makes sense. It probably doesn't help that I'm here…" Ji-hu sighs quietly before saluting to leave quickly. "Yes sir! I'll just go keep any curious citizens away from the crash site." Ji-hu turns to leave when a shadow creature suddenly steps in front of him, halting his movement and causing him to look confusedly toward Paxis.
"That is unnecessary. I maneuvered my shadows around the area before you arrived to keep this site locked down, however you somehow happened to avoid detection so you are to stay near me and wait." Paxis explains, once again without turning to look at Ji-hu.
"Oh… ok." Ji-hu wears a disappointed look before turning back to where Paxis was standing. The younger Rainer then glances around in awkward silence, scratching the back of his head before raising a finger to question the top ranked combatant. "Um, if I may? Why are you here sir? In Luoes I mean." Ji-hu timidly questions, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Paxis glances at him for a moment, debating on whether he should inform the young man of anything. After a brief second the experienced Rainer sighs before turning back toward Ji-hu, causing the young rifter's face to brighten a little. "I am visiting for a conference with Aerok's branch of directors. I'm sure you've already heard, but the Abyssal dungeons in Anihc and Aerok have been getting quiet lately. Less new dungeons have appeared and the normal ones we have in our hands aren't replenishing themselves as quickly as they used to. We still haven't figured out the reason why, but there is little need to worry… yet." Paxis then momentarily pauses while looking up at the sky. "As I was heading toward Luoes' HQ this strange aircraft fell from the sky before creating the crater you see before you." The shadowy Rainer answers simply before going back to observing the odd object.
Ji-hu wears a confused expression at Paxis' last tidbit of information before looking back down into the crater to analyze the spacecraft himself. "The sky? But Abyssal Disasters don't emerge from the sky… They always come from underground, why would it—" Ji-hu's thoughts are suddenly interrupted when the odd aircraft opens up and reveals a pod that begins to make a hissing sound, the latches of the pod unfolding as a gleaming light and mist leak out.
"Prepare yourself." Despite the situation Paxis appeared calm and collected as he instructed Ji-hu to focus. Though the young Rainer, being startled, flinches slightly before comedically raising his armored appendages for combat.
Paxis watches with bated breath as nothing happens for a few seconds. This was the first time something like this had ever occurred since the beginning of the Abyssal invasion. Nothing that had Abyssal origins ever came from the sky which implied that this could very well be a declaration of war from a foreign nation or malicious group. Though the model of the transport vehicle didn't ring any bells nor did it look like it belonged to any country.
The shadowy Rainer then glances over to Ji-hu briefly before bringing his attention back to the pod. "Will I be able to protect him if things go awry? Perhaps I should have sent him away… curse my curiosity…"
Suddenly, much to the surprise of the other two, a female humanoid being covered in stars slowly steps out of the pod, its odd clothing resembling some sort of ceremonial garb. The being's eyes were covered with a veiled headpiece while its long white hair remained untouched. Its overall appearance was a far cry from normal, though many Catalyst users did often take very odd disguises. It would be wrong to assume it wasn't an Abyssal Disaster, but the implications of that being true were too dire for the moment.
The experienced Rainer watches with trepidation as his shadows continue moving closer and closer to the mysterious being… But… for some reason it doesn't react?
"Am I even capable of handling this alone? If it's a Calamity grade Disaster then the entire Aeroken peninsula is already done for. It might even reach Anihc and Napaju depending on its classification. Would Cho be able to reach our location in time?" Paxis thinks to himself while waiting cautiously for a few seconds longer just to be sure. The supposed Abyssal Disaster makes no moves nor reactions toward Paxis' shadows as the seasoned Rainer stares down at the being. "It seems inactive… a trap? Or human?"
Paxis glances toward Ji-hu momentarily, who was currently just staring in shock at the sight before them. "It doesn't matter anymore… We're all dead either way if I'm correct, but I suppose I shouldn't frighten him."
"Rainer, stay here, I'm heading down to deal with the… unidentified personnel. If it appears that I have been overtaken in battle contact this number and flee." The shadowy man swiftly forces a download onto Ji-hu's phone, prompting a confused expression from him as Paxis suddenly leaves without hearing the young rifter's reply.
Ji-hu had thrown a hand forward in hopes of getting the battle hardened Rainer to stop but just ended up sighing dejectedly. "Yes sir…" The young rifter then silently begins observing from the craters edge and reluctantly stays put so as to not hinder Paxis. "Since it's humanoid it could be a Calamity level Disaster… But if it is, will I even be able to make a call before everything goes kaboom? Can Paxis even handle this? He's better in a war of attrition rather than fighting one on ones…" Ji-hu briefly takes a glance at his phone and notices the random contact information he was given. Who was it that the battle hardened Rainer wanted him to contact in case of an emergency?
Paxis braces himself with a pool of shadows as he jumps down into the center of the crater to meet with the humanoid Abyssal Disaster. Though he wasn't afraid, Paxis was no fool, he knew that depending on what he did he and the numerous residents in this country could die in a split second. While his defensive capabilities were no joke they were not where his strengths lied unlike Freesia or Amari. Nor did he have reality bending powers like Jeeo or Alter… In fact he was quite tame in comparison to the other monsters hiding amongst them, but at the very least, he could teleport the threat to a place with no civilians. Possibly minimize the casualties and stall for time. He slightly regretted not calling in for backup when he had the chance. His way of doing things could be the death of him now that he thought about it.
Unbeknownst to Paxis, he had unfortunately overlooked one crucial detail… Just as HE had been analyzing the mysterious being so had IT been analyzing him…
The humanoid female suddenly lifts its head ever so slightly, startling the seemingly stoic Paxis into pausing.
"你好,人类" A feminine voice, speaking Paxis' native language, makes its way out of the Abyssal Disaster's mouth much to the shock and disbelief of the Rainer.
The shadowy Paxis instantly becomes wary and furrows his expression. "It greeted me in a non-threatening tone? Impossible. All known intelligent Abyssal Disasters have only used language to torture or play with their opponents. This thing is far more intelligent than any other Abyssal Disaster that we've ever encountered… What exactly am I facing right now?"
The Abyssal being then holds her hands up in a gesture of surrender, somehow surprising Paxis even more. The expression was extremely human, not like that of a sadistic killer or primal beast, but that of a conscious and intelligent being. "I mean you no harm, human. I am sure my appearance has put you on guard, but I assure you that I am not the monstrous creature you believe me to be."
The being then takes a second to look around at the damaging crater her spacecraft had caused before bowing deeply. "I sincerely apologize for the trouble I have caused, I did not intend for this destruction to occur. I was sure to land in an unpopulated area, however it seems I was mistaken. I truly hope no life was lost due to my rough entry onto your planet."
As the being spoke, a million thoughts and scenarios ran rampant in Paxis' mind. His battle hardened instincts were screaming that this was dangerous. That this was far beyond his understanding. This Abyssal Disaster was unbelievably intelligent compared to any known encounters and he didn't know what powers it held… but distastefully his curiosity overwhelmed it all. He had always been a knowledge seeker and now, the greatest mystery of the Abyss was standing before him. A talking Abyssal Disaster that didn't seem malevolent. The fact that it had just apologized didn't do anything to ease his worries… What knowledge could this bring? What answers? What chaos?
The creature, sensing that Paxis would not be speaking yet, decided to continue. "My name is… Geni. And I have come to your planet to fulfill a prophecy. A great prophet from my home foretold a selection of great warriors that would be capable of quelling the sickness that has plagued countless worlds for eons. It was said that these heroes were to be birthed on this very planet within this star system."
Geni then looks around again, as if analyzing her surroundings thoroughly this time. "As expected, you have already protected yourselves from the first wave." The Abyssal prophet's gaze then seemed to somehow pierce directly into Paxis' despite neither of their eyes being visible. "However… your peace will not last." The foreboding tone spoken by the supposed alien prophet sends shivers down Paxis' spine. The implications were impossibly terrifying.
The now named Geni seems to lower her head in a tired manner as she watches Paxis carefully. "The only thing I can offer is my council and warning. The respite you experience now is only but a moment in the never ending cycle that is time. If you do not heed my words your planet will fall, just as the countless others have. Should you accept my words as truth I shall aid in discovering these hidden heroes and inform them of what they are destined to achieve."
As Geni finishes her explanation Paxis enters into deep thought while the many shadows that surrounded them lay still. "First wave? The countless others that fell? Hidden heroes? Could she be speaking of the top rankers?"
The wary Rainer finally looks up from his thoughts to stare at the odd Abyssal Disaster before gesturing towards Geni as he speaks. "Greetings... Geni. I am a member of the planet's International Rainers Index, a coalition that fights against Abyssal Disasters. I must ask, how can you expect me to trust you and your claims? You come from the stars and yet closely resemble the Abyssal monsters that you speak of." Paxis then narrows his eyes in suspicion. "And can speak my language perfectly… could she be a part of the System? Or is it all an elaborate hoax? She could be a Henkaishin user. It would explain the appearance and the capability of speech translation."
Geni nods in full understanding before glancing to the side in a bit of a bashful manner, another human-like action that did not go unnoticed by Paxis. "That is a valid inquiry. To put it short I am a being compromised by the… Abyss as you say. Yet I have not fallen like the others have for reasons I myself do not yet grasp. Which is why I stand before you now, sent as a prophet and supposed final messenger. You may take my words as a lie and cut me down here and now… I will not stop you… After all, my fate has already been sealed all those centuries ago. But I must inform you that I hold information that is vital to the survival of your species. Should you end me, you will lose your only chance at survival. Though… even I doubt the legitimacy of the prophet's claims. I have only arrived to carry out a long forgotten duty. Or perhaps to give what's left of my existence some semblance of purpose." Geni states calmly while staring directly at Paxis, but for some reason… The last part of her long explanation sounded almost wistful to the shadowy Rainer.
Paxis continues to watch Geni for any sudden movements before responding cautiously. "What do you mean, compromised by the Abyss? The Disasters we have fought were nothing more than mindless beasts. Only a great few were capable of speaking and even then it was never to converse intelligently as we are doing now. Are you claiming that these monsters we've been combating were once conscious beings?" Paxis questions with slight curiosity lining his voice.
Geni shakes her head solemnly before raising her hand to stop Paxis from asking more questions. "Some, not all. I will answer any questions regarding the Abyss should you accept this arrangement. As I said I will perish either way, therefore, the choice is up to you." Geni presents an ultimatum to the experienced Rainer while laying her hand out dramatically. A difficult choice to be made by a single man that could change the future of everything… Forever.
Paxis gazes forward with concern etched into his face, contemplating everything he had just heard. "If what this being says is even remotely true then the information it holds is invaluable. Even if this turns out to be an elaborate scheme I cannot risk the chance. The consequences are too dire and the implications are too great. Especially with the dungeon irregularities that have been happening lately." Paxis continues to ponder to himself as Geni stands not too far away from him, patient and unbothered.
After a moment of tense silence, the shadowed Rainer finally speaks up. "I alone as a single man cannot decide the outcome of this arrangement, but I have deemed your words too important to simply ignore. Since you are a being similar to the Abyss you will most likely cause chaos to the populace. Will you cooperate with my conditions as well and allow me to transport you to a safer location?" A few of the shadows around Paxis slowly begin to dissipate as he becomes less wary of Geni.
The Abyssal prophet clasps her hands together and bows deeply with small hints of joy being evident in her posture. "But of course. I am more than willing to comply with your requests." Geni then raises her head while lowering her hands. "However, despite this arrangement coming into fruition, I cannot guarantee the truths in what I've been informed. I am simply a messenger as I have stated previously. This may very well be a lost battle either way." Geni informs Paxis once more. Reminding him of the true disaster that is the Abyss. An all consuming threat, apparently not just on this planet, but spanning countless galaxies. A war fought by countless species. A war that an uncountable many hadn't survived.
Paxis calmly nods in response, though he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little unnerved. This could very well be the beginning of another invasion even worse than the first. If that were to occur… the planet wouldn't survive. Only a few reality bending individuals would be capable of living on into the bleak future, but even then… What would be the point?
The seasoned Rainer glances up at Ji-hu's location, noticing that he was watching their interactions earnestly. "I'll have to inform the Rainer to go home and keep quiet about this… Or maybe it would be best to bring him with us. I can't risk letting this get out to the public." Paxis then turns back to Geni, who was still watching him, to address the Abyssal prophet. "Very well, please follow me." Paxis gestures for Geni to follow as he begins moving toward the edge of the crater. Geni simultaneously begins walking, much to the small surprise of Paxis. He had assumed she would float due to her garments doing so, but it seemed he was incorrect.
Back upward near the edge of the crater Ji-hu could be seen laying on the ground observing Paxis and the Abyssal Disaster when some of the shadows surrounding the duo suddenly begin to disappear. "I've been watching those two stand around for a while now, but what the hell is going on? It doesn't seem dangerous… Is Paxis talking to it…?"
Ji-hu's worried eyes follow Paxis and the Disaster as they begin walking in his direction. "What if… what if Paxis was mind controlled? Is that the power of this Abyssal Disaster?? N-no that isn't possible… right? Besides, Paxis is one of the top rankers, he has insane reaction speeds and definitely knows how to defend himself from mental attacks so… that's gotta mean the situation is safe enough… Maybe?" Ji-hu glances around nervously before groaning quietly at the stupid decision he was about to make. Steeling his resolve once more, Ji-hu smacks himself in the face before sliding down the crater and using his gauntlets to slow his descent. If they were coming toward him he might as well close the distance.
Just as he reaches the bottom of the massive pit the Abyssal Disaster that had been following Paxis suddenly disappears then reappears right in front of Ji-hu's face, a burst of wind following harshly. Though her clothed face hid her eyes, her gaze almost seemed to pierce Ji-hu's soul.
Unsurprisingly, Ji-hu's expression immediately changes to one of horror as he immediately shields his head with his gauntlets in hopes to delay the inevitable, but while the rift user mentally berates himself at his foolish mistake a shadowed sword could be found being held directly at the Abyssal creature's throat. Unbeknownst to Ji-hu, Paxis had noticed Geni's sudden movement and moved to quickly neutralize the threat before stopping at Geni's abrupt halt.
With an expression so cold that it could be felt through his mask, the displeased Rainer begins to speak. "What are your intentions?"
Paxis waits for a moment, not moving his blade due to his wish to at least receive an explanation from the supposed alien until a soft weeping could be heard, surprising the two currently in range of said weeping. Paxis quirks his head ever so slightly while his sword slowly wavers as a curious thought breaks into his mind. "Is that… her?"
Ji-hu, who had thought his body was going to be vaporized along with the entire intersection, was now also opening his eyes in confusion. "Crying…? I'm not crying am I?!" Ji-hu proceeds to wipe his face a bit frantically though finds no tears, only sweat from the tense and terrifying situation.
The weeping in fact seemed to be coming from Geni who was now on her knees as the robes around her were glowing ever so slightly brighter, Paxis' blade having left its position near her throat. A liquid flowed down her cheeks much like human tears, though they seemed more Abyssal in nature. Geni's suddenly anguished voice could be heard as she began to softly murmur. "To think that I would find one of the heroes so early in my arrival and the rift bearer among them none the less… A miracle… Finally…" Geni continued to quietly weep while covering her face as the two confused Rainers watch, baffled at the sight before them.
Paxis, unsure of what to do, retreats into his inner mind to begin ruminating. "What does she mean? Are Dimensional Control users that special? Though extremely rare, there are countless other Catalysts of even greater power… And why would this one be one of the prophesied Rainers…?" Paxis' gaze falls upon Ji-hu who was currently just staring at the odd sight before him. "Why is this Rainer so unique?"
Ji-hu lets out heavy breaths that he hadn't known he was holding, hoping that just maybe, maybe everything would be alright. "What the heck is this Disaster talking about? Wait… THE DISASTER JUST TALKED! It has to be at least low Calamity then! A-And did she say rift bearer? What the hell is going on?!"
Ji-hu nervously looks behind Geni and toward Paxis. "Um sir… I may be in need of a little explanation? Is this monst—" Ji-hu glances at Geni awkwardly. "Person… An Abyssal Disaster? And what in the sacred sanctions is she talking about??" Ji-hu questions in absolute confusion as Paxis almost looked amused at his panic, however, it seemed to be a trick of the eye.
Paxis quickly shakes his head in response while exhaling with a hint of relief as he dissipates his shadow weapon, finally deeming Geni not to be a threat. For now at least. "That I do not know, however." Paxis promptly gives Ji-hu a small bow, much to the shock of the young Rainer. "I must apologize for being a step too slow. Had you been harmed it would have been due to my inadequacy."
Ji-hu freezes up while goosebumps climb up all over him as he stares at Geni in fear. "Wait wait wait so not even Paxis himself could match her movements? Paxis isn't known for his speed, but his reaction time is still ludicrously fast! What exactly are we dealing with here?!"
The young rifter continues to watch the Abyssal prophet cry softly, her tears slowly coming to a halt as she regains her composure. While it was kind of awkward, he… also kinda felt bad? Like it was his fault somehow?
Gathering his courage, Ji-hu gets down onto his knees in front of the strange visitor from afar, surprising Paxis slightly as he hadn't expected the Rainer to want to interact with such a strange being. "Um miss… Abyssal lady? Can you explain a bit more? And please don't… cry? I feel like I just stepped on a cat's tail by accident—Oh wait you probably don't know what a cat is since you don't seem to be from here haha…" Ji-hu nervously chuckles in an attempt to keep himself calm while scratching the back of his head.
Geni promptly wipes her face and finally composes herself before calmly answering Ji-hu. "I apologize young one, my… race was made up of beings who could control the rifts, much like you are able to." Ji-hu's eyes widened by a large margin at this information, a small tug of hopefulness arose momentarily before disappearing as Geni continued. "We were capable of controlling space as if it were our limbs." Geni appears wistful as she continues to explain while raising her arm. "I am… the last of my kind and have long since forgotten the feeling of another's spatial energy. You reminded me of the family I lost a millennium ago. Though I do find it strange that you have such an ability even if the prophecy foretold of such a thing… I had always assumed our powers were unique to my species…"
Geni then looks directly at Ji-hu, slightly scaring the young Rainer a bit. Her Abyssal skin glowing with the stars and phenomena of the Universe. He'd never been this close to an Abyssal Disaster that wasn't trying to kill him. "As for what I mean. You hold a very special type of rift energy, the spatial essence foretold in the prophecy of the warriors. You even fit the depictions of your counterpart, albeit with a few minor differences…" The Abyssal prophet then shakes her head as if to refocus her thoughts. "Putting that aside, to find a rift bearer on this planet indicates that the oath of time may hold true… which indicates that this war can possibly be put to an end once and for all." Geni finishes her explanation while gazing deep into Ji-hu's soul.
The young rifter just lowers his head and looks at the ground with an empty expression for a few seconds. Then his gaze slowly rises back up toward Geni while holding the same blank face.
Ji-hu's expression then quickly shifts into a wide googly eyed humorous appearance as he lets out a scream. "WHAT?!"
End of Chapter 1
Character Sheet
Geni (Gen-ai)
Age: Unknown
Species: An alien race of "Rift Bearers"
Sacred Catalyst: (Was some sort of Dimensional Control)
Character Description: A tall female humanoid Abyssal Disaster. The only difference is that the stars and constellations that make up her skin and body glow a bluish hue in contrast to the normal dark void of the Abyssal Disasters. Wears some sort of ceremonial robe that glows and floats. Is compromised by the Abyss yet still retains sentience and intelligence. Eyes are covered by a headpiece. Has long white hair reaching to the mid torso length.
Likes: Reading
Dislikes: The Abyss
Fears: Unknown
Relations: Is teaching Ji-hu to master his rift warping capabilities. Has met Paxis.
Ji-hu Kwon
Male
Age:19
Nationality: Korean
Ranked Globally #34,771,389
Sacred Catalyst: Dimensional Control
Sacred Catalyst and how it works: Gives user the ability to control space and enter dimensions. Ji-hu in particular has trouble using it efficiently and in turn has created technology to aid him in combat situations. The nations have not seen a Dimensional Control user in a very long time. Though it is not an extremely rare ability as of late it has been absent in the system.
Character description: Medium Height, Black hair, Very dark blue eyes. Has messy hair. He wears hoodies and sweatpants most of the time. Has a combat suit that he rarely wears. Has unwavering determination when it comes to doing his job. Will risk his neck for other people's lives much to his sisters' worry and annoyance. His main choice of weapon for dealing with Abyssal threats are his combat gauntlets that he created himself to increase his fighting strength. Is extremely good with technology and mechanics.
Likes: Tinkering and very old movies
Dislikes: Overly spicy food
Fears: Not being capable or useful in battle and hindering others
Character relations: Son of Eun-kyung Kang and Gajok Kwon. Childhood friends and brother of Meihua. Best Friends with Atlas and Romy. Learning under Geni.
Meihua Yu
Female
Age: 19
Nationality: Chinese
Ranked Globally #32,770,522
Sacred Catalyst: Divine Intervention
Sacred Catalyst and how it works: Divine intervention blesses or curses the user with random events that can be either lucky or unlucky. These events can occur at any time during the user's life. This Sacred Catalyst can also force byproducts onto its user that can be both positive and negative. These byproducts are placed on the user the moment they receive this Sacred Catalyst.
Character description: Medium Height, Black Purple hair, Purple gray eyes. Has short straight hair. Has a cold demeanor, but is extremely soft hearted at the core. Her left arm is entirely mechanical due to an accident which resulted in the loss of her appendage. This arm is mostly used for combat. Has enhanced strength as a byproduct of Divine Intervention. Has enhanced durability as a byproduct of Divine Intervention. Has asked Ji-hu multiple times to give her an arm shield for more dangerous missions. Is extremely patient at times, but can just as easily get riled up quickly.
Likes: Spicy food and drawing
Dislikes: Her mechanical arm
Fears: Losing anyone close to her
Character relations: Niece of Zichen Yu. Childhood friends and sister of Ji-hu. Best friends with Atlas and Romy. Knows Hyun-ki Cho and respects him.
Codename: Paxis
Male
Age: Classified
Nationality: Chinese
Top Ranked Globally: #20
Sacred Catalyst: Shadow Control
Sacred Catalyst and how it works: Little is known about how far Paxis' Shadow Manipulation can go, but he far surpasses all known shadow manipulators in all of Sacred Catalyst history. Has been stated to have no limit to his control over his and other's shadows though has not been confirmed. Can create shadowy material from thin air. Can create constructs, illusions, Abyssal Disasters, weaponry, and armor. Has destructive attack power and high durability along with great reaction speed.
Character Description: Tall, Masked face, Silver hair, Eye color unknown. Calm and collected. Does well in extremely stressful situations. Well versed in the history of Sacred Catalysts. Well versed in Abyssal Dangers and their abilities. Is a knowledge seeker. Main Weapon: Shadow constructs. Is rarely seen using hand to hand combat, but is apparently adept at many types of fighting. Can summon most Abyssal creatures formed out of his shadows. Unknown if he can summon Calamity level Abyssal Disasters. Most likely able to, but chooses not to use them in battle. Most consider him a walking nation.
Likes: Has been said to like origami and nature
Dislikes: Unknown
Fears: Unknown
Character relations: Is teaching Nagato. Has met Ji-hu and his friends (Finds him intriguing). Knows most of the top ranked Hunters. Friends with Hyun-ki Cho.