"I was so close. Thirteen years—thirteen long years of trying to escape that wretched place. And just when I finally managed to break free, everything came crashing down."
"Yeah, I died like a rat, starving in the streets. Locked up for most of my life, but at least I had food. Well... sometimes. But to be honest, it wasn't all bad. I hated that place, but in some messed up way, it was worth it. I just wish I could have left sooner."
"If it wasn't for the fire in the neighborhood, I would've never had the chance to escape. And... I still don't know what happened to Mom and Dad."
"Damn, it hurts. I was engulfed in flames faster than a matchstick in a storm. It's been days, and I'm surprised I'm still here. My stomach's killing me."
He curled up, feeling a numbing pain spread across his body.
"My eyes... they're closing..."
As the fading light turned grey, a golden light suddenly burst forth, filling him with an unexpected surge of energy. His eyes snapped open, and he found himself gazing down at the town below.
The whole city gleamed under the golden hue, seen through the eyes of a small child. But before he could react, a voice thundered from behind, calm but commanding.
"I've been waiting for someone exceptional, and you—well, you're something else. A good choice, I must say. Still, it's a shame I can't bless you right away. That'll come later."
The boy whipped around, heart racing, scanning for the source of the voice. Thunder rumbled in the sky, lightning crackling. He stumbled back, instinctively crawling away like a terrified squirrel.
"Please, don't hurt me!"
"Be silent."
Each word rang in his ears like the toll of a church bell.
"Fang Herz?"
"W-who are you?! P-please, just leave me alone!" His eyes darted around frantically, looking for somewhere to hide, trying to escape the voice.
A smooth orb of electricity floated in front of his eyes, just dim enough to look at but still blinding. The sky around him seemed to blur in an instant.
"I see you're quite shaken," the orb spoke, its voice strangely soothing, though powerful.
The orb slowly shifted, taking form—a humanoid figure, dense with swirling lightning. Two balls of light spun in the empty sockets, one lavender, the other a deep ocean blue.
"I guess it's time for introductions," the figure said smoothly. "I am Asu, the God of Lightning. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Fang blinked, his eyes wide in disbelief. He couldn't comprehend what was happening.
"A god? Sure, and I'm the Queen of England. Is this some kind of hallucination from dying?"
"So rude," Asu said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "We've got work to do, though."
"I don't know what's going on here, or if this is just some crazy death hallucination, but I'm done. I just want peace and quiet. I've been through enough already."
Asu's tone softened. "I'm afraid I can't give you peace, Fang. The soul cycle can't be interrupted without permission, and I'm sure my troublesome brother won't allow it. But your future? That's a different matter. You have a much brighter path ahead, far more than you realize."
Fang, in pain, shook his head. "I don't think I'm of any use to you, even if I wanted to be."
"I need someone who's willing to dive headfirst into danger."
"And you want... me?" Fang tilted his head, a weak smile tugging at his lips. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. "Why me?"
"You're not impressive yet, I'll give you that. But you have something far more valuable—your mentality. You'll be perfect for the tasks ahead. You'll need to guide those who rely on you."
"I don't get it. Can you at least help me get back to life?"
"I can, under one condition." Asu's voice became grave.
Fang's expression stiffened. "What is it?"
"The group of people you will be sent to lead one day are eccentric and odd. They are all coming from earth, yet none of you will know of the world around you.
To learn this harsh world, you will need to group up.
to build a union of power. To lead.
Then, your kind, the chosen ones, will be a part of Edenia.
That is your purpose."
Fang's eyes softened. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with a quiet determination. "I will do my best."
"Good. I'm glad you've accepted your fate."
"I don't want this," Fang muttered. "But I don't want to die either. So... let's do this. Besides, who wouldn't want the chance to become king?"
Asu nodded, the skies above darkening further as thunder rumbled.
"We must move quickly. There are matters I must attend to," he said, drawing glowing symbols in the air.
Fang's heart raced. "What's happening now?"
The symbols glowed brighter, the light blinding, and before Fang could protest, he felt himself being drawn into it. A strange sensation flooded through his body.
"The world you'll live in is called Edenia," Asu's voice echoed around him. "It's rich in mana, but its magic users are few. The magic academies are exclusive to the elite. Most are blessed by gods but cannot use their powers for advanced tasks."
Fang's vision cleared as the light faded, revealing a new world. He stood in a vast, green forest, tall oak trees stretching overhead, their branches interlacing to form a canopy of shade. The air smelled fresh, humid from the damp forest floor. A small stream ran by, and in the distance, a cave entrance loomed.
Fang's eyes widened. "This... this is it? This is the new world?"
"Yes." Asu's voice was distant but steady. "I can't guide you further, but know this—your journey has just begun."
Fang's heart pounded in his chest. He was in an entirely new world, alone, with nothing but his will to survive.
"Now," Asu's voice boomed, "prove that you're worthy of this second chance. Never give up, no matter the obstacles."
Fang nodded, his resolve hardening. He had no choice but to move forward.
"Let's begin."