Space. Time. Memory.
All of it blurred, slipping through the edges of my awareness like smoke in the wind.
I tried to feel something—anything—but everything inside me was chaos. My mind was a storm I couldn't calm. And yet… it didn't matter. I still had the will to move forward.
His body had once been shattered, then rebuilt from fragments.
In Aksel's fractured sense of reality, he found himself standing in a place utterly unfamiliar. The air was warm, yet heavy—as if saturated with invisible energy. Above him, the sky shimmered gold streaked with purple, like an eternal dawn that never quite broke into day. Somewhere in the distance, faint chimes echoed, weaving a melody that stirred a deep, impossible nostalgia.
Where... am I. Aksel whispered, his voice floating into the empty air.
He looked down. No blood. No pain. His clothes, once torn and soaked in crimson, were now whole—fresh, clean. But something felt missing. Some part of him was… gone.
He glanced up.
On a hill not far away, a figure stood bathed in gentle light, like a firefly glowing in the night. Even from a distance, even through the blur, he knew exactly who it was.
"Lyanna!" Aksel broke into a run. His feet barely touched the soft ground, as though he were gliding. But the closer he tried to get, the further she seemed. The air grew thick, pressing on him until he collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
"Do not rush, Aksel."
The voice came from behind—gentle, calm, and vast.
He turned.
A towering figure in a white robe stood there. The robe was adorned with glowing golden-green patterns resembling the roots of a great tree. In one hand, the figure held a twisted wooden staff, ancient and ornate. Their long white hair flowed like molten silver, and their brilliant emerald eyes held an ocean of stillness.
Aksel stared.
The glowing roots on the robe pulsed gently, alive with rhythm, like breath. The longer he looked, the deeper the pattern became—branching, dividing, reforming endlessly. He followed one root with his eyes… only for it to fold into itself, curling into a new path, fractal and infinite. The pattern evolved, shifting with conscious grace. It was… alive.
"What is this?" Aksel murmured, drawn in by the living geometry. It felt like drowning—no, like being absorbed—into an ocean of unseen worlds hidden in the branching weave.
"The Root of Life," the entity replied, their voice echoing like a distant thought.
"Each branch is a beginning. Each knot, a choice. And each split… a new possibility. Life is not a line. It is a boundless network, ever-changing, ever-growing."
Aksel shut his eyes briefly, grounding himself. When he opened them again, the world felt different—deeper. As if secrets now lurked beneath the surface of everything around him.
That pattern... it was etched into his mind now. A memory that would never fade.
"Who are you?" Aksel asked, narrowing his eyes.
The being gave a gentle smile, but their gaze carried a weight older than stars.
"You, Aksel Matthias, are a soul chosen to stand before me. I am Life itself—the source of all that breathes, all that grows. I have many names. But for now… you may call me The Embodiment of Life. The Bloom of Eternity."
Aksel's mind reeled. "Life? What does that even mean? What happened to me? Why am I here?"
The entity stepped forward. As their foot touched the ground, flowers bloomed and grass spread beneath them.
"You made the greatest sacrifice—binding your soul and fate to Lyanna's. That sacrifice unlocked the gateway between the mortal world and this one—the realm where beginning and end converge."
"So... I died? And Lyanna too?" Aksel's voice cracked with emotion.
The entity shook their head.
"There is no death here. Only transition. Lyanna is in a different place. Your journey to reach her is not yet over."
They raised a hand. A sphere of light materialized, and within it, Lyanna's face appeared—smiling.
"She is waiting. But to reach her, you must first understand the essence of life… and the truth behind your own sacrifice."
Aksel clenched his fists, his gaze hardening with resolve. "Then tell me. What do I need to do?"
The being's smile grew wistful. "Asking that question is your first step. But remember—life never gives without taking. And your journey, Aksel, will change more than just yourself."
He frowned, struggling to grasp the meaning. But before he could speak, the entity continued—half amused, half solemn.
"I must admit… you were bold enough to attempt something forbidden: reincarnation magic."
"I did what?" Aksel's brows furrowed in disbelief. "Something's missing. My memories... What happened? Are you… a god?"
The entity chuckled softly, their laugh light but full of layered meaning.
"You are still so young, and yet you crossed such lines." They tilted their head. "Do not call me a god. Do not give me titles. Call me by the name I will give you… when the time is right."
Their gaze grew intense, emerald eyes glowing with ancient riddles. "As for your lost memories…"
They paused. Then, with playful mystery:
"Hmm. I wonder why that happened?"
The question lingered, unanswered, daring Aksel to solve it himself.
Aksel smirked slightly, as if starting to catch on. "If you won't tell me, then I won't force you." He snapped his fingers. Still, his eyes held quiet hope, searching.
The entity turned gracefully, their robe flowing like mist.
"Come. Walk with me."
Without hesitation, Aksel followed, curiosity overcoming doubt. With each step, the world around them changed. Empty ground gave way to glowing lines beneath their feet—shapes like living roots, spreading and evolving.
After some time, they arrived at a vast space that defied walls, floors, or skies.
In the center, a radiant circle floated in the air—covered in ever-shifting symbols that twisted and danced endlessly.
"This," said the entity, raising their hand.
The circle lit up.
A map unfolded within its glow—not of geography, but of flowing threads of light. A map of life, of choices, of interconnected fates.
"This," they said, "is the Map of Fate. It records every life, every choice, every path you've ever taken. But more importantly—it shows who you truly are."
Aksel stared, stunned.
In one corner of the map, a pulsing light throbbed like a heartbeat. Threads—dozens, hundreds—connected to it, forming a pattern too complex to comprehend.
"That's… me?" he whispered.
"Yes," the entity said, eyes gleaming. "That is your trace. Your current flow of fate. You are not just a single soul. You are a node—an intersection of many lives. That is why your actions echo far beyond yourself."
But something was off. The threads looked blurry to Aksel, unreadable.
"I can't see it clearly. Why?"
"Because you are still mortal. Your human eyes can't perceive the full map. Only entities like me can read its entirety."
"And because you used forbidden magic, your past was sealed. You won't remember who you were. When you're reborn… you'll be like a child—blank and new."
Aksel pondered the weight of that truth. "Will I… see her again? In that new world?"
The entity nodded slowly. "Yes. But I do not see you two living together. At least… that is what the threads show me."
Aksel chuckled bitterly, disbelief on his face. "Even if you say so? I refuse to believe it."
"You may choose to doubt me," the entity replied calmly. "That is your right."
Then they added, "Death and reincarnation both lead souls to me. The difference lies in intent. Death asks for nothing—it simply ends. Reincarnation pleads to live again. But remember... it is I who decides. If I say no, you will be sent to The Embodiment of Death. The Keeper of the Final Gate."
Aksel gave a faint smile, still unsatisfied. "So… why are you telling me all this?"
The entity met his gaze. And in that moment, their voice deepened, as if carrying the weight of something far more vast.
"Because, Aksel… at this very moment, I am speaking to Lyanna as well."
Aksel fell silent, confusion clouding his face.
"What do you mean… at the same time? There's no one else here but us."
"More precisely," the entity said, folding its arms across its chest, "I am speaking to you, to Lyanna, and to all souls who have just died… and those about to begin life. Countless ones—past, present, and future. From the smallest to the grandest of existence."
A chill ran down Aksel's spine. Cold sweat trickled down his neck. He trembled slightly, though not from fear alone. Awe began to rise inside him—an awe at a scale of being far beyond his understanding. This moment… it wasn't just about him. It was about something older, deeper, more eternal.
"It's best not to dwell on it," the entity continued, its tone flat but layered with meaning. Then it turned, locking eyes with Aksel—its gaze sharp, yet curiously gentle. "But Aksel… I sense you're not completely crushed by the idea that you may never walk beside her again. Is that true? Or have you already made peace with it?"
Aksel said nothing.
Silence wrapped around them like thick fog.
His head lowered, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
"I... I don't know," he whispered, voice cracking.
He bit his lip to keep from breaking down.
"If I can't be with her again... not even see her… then in this infinite universe—who do I belong to?"
He took a shaky step forward and reached out, clutching the entity's robe with trembling hands.
"Can't you do something? I don't care if I lose all memories of my past life. But the thought of never being with her again… it's enough to destroy me."
The entity looked at him for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. It wasn't mocking—more… ironic.
"You worry too much about a future you won't even remember," it said gently. "When you are reborn, Aksel, this pain—this longing—it will no longer be yours."
It continued, "Now let go of my robe… and calm your mind."
Reluctantly, Aksel released his grip, though anxiety still gripped his heart like a vice.
If he truly is a god, Aksel thought bitterly, shouldn't he know what I'm feeling? Shouldn't he understand what I want?
The entity gave a faint smile, as if hearing his thoughts.
"And what if I do understand?" it asked. "Have you ever wondered why I might not grant your wish?"
Aksel didn't answer. He didn't know what to say.
"I don't need your answer," the entity continued. "Everything I do is in service of my nature—nothing more, nothing less."
It gently patted Aksel on the shoulder, and for a moment, a fragile peace touched him.
"Come now. There's more to see."
They walked again, their footsteps echoing in the boundless space.
After a while, the entity spoke once more.
"Your time as a mortal is not yet over. I have approved the function of the ritual you performed. For that reason, I will not question what came before. You will be sent to a new universe—one tailored for you."
Aksel paused. The words lingered in his mind.
He closed his eyes, trying to absorb them.
Then—memories sparked like flashes of lightning.
He remembered the moments before the ritual.
He and Lyanna…
Chased by mysterious figures.
The relic they had stolen together.
The chaos. The desperation.
A bitter feeling rose in his chest.
He opened his eyes and stared at the entity's back.
The road ahead was uncertain… but he knew.
This was just the beginning.
"What about the relic I stole?" he asked, voice tinged with hesitation. "Where is it now?"
The entity stopped. Slowly, it turned with a faint smile.
"Ah, your memory begins to stir," it said calmly. "The Primordial Reliq: The Embodiment of Darkness has a will of its own, Aksel. You're fortunate. It chose to dwell within your soul."
"As long as the relic remains intact, the balance of the universe is safe. You needn't worry—the reach of a Primordial Reliq spans an entire cosmos."
Then it smirked, amusement dancing in its tone.
"Though I must admit… I can see Erin and her little army are quite disoriented right now."
Aksel blinked.
"So… the ones chasing me were Erin and her troops…"
She must be some kind of divine agent, he thought. Or something close to it. I understand now.
He drew in a slow breath.
"My reason for stealing the relic… wasn't for myself."
His eyes met the entity's, now sharp and burning with purpose.
"I wanted to keep it out of their hands. They would've drowned the universe in darkness. That king… he's insane. Corrupted. I don't know who hurt him—but his intentions are beyond twisted. I stopped him. At least for now."
The entity gave a subtle nod. "You've played your part, Aksel. But remember… the path ahead demands even more from you."
It raised a hand and snapped its fingers, as if considering something.
"I believe I need to revisit the moment that relic was taken."
The entity's eyes glimmered—watching, or perhaps remembering—events only it could perceive.
A battle. A sacrifice. A ripple that shook the cosmic balance.
The details were unclear, buried in the mist of time.
Aksel narrowed his eyes. "What did you just do?"
The entity smiled vaguely, offering no clear answer.
"Just ensuring fate remains aligned."
Then it turned to him.
"Tell me, Aksel… how important is your life to your kind?"
The question struck like a hammer. Simple in form—yet impossibly deep.
He took a breath, sifting through the echoes of memory.
"My life, huh…"
He gave a faint smile. "I never thought it mattered that much. Honestly, I used to think I was… disposable."
"My abilities were useful. Sure. But is that all there is to life?"
He exhaled slowly.
"I've chosen not to define my worth by how others see me. I matter… to myself. And to the one I love. That's all."
The entity didn't reply at once.
They walked in silence until they approached a massive tree—its branches stretching into infinity.
"Come," the entity said.
Aksel followed.
His eyes locked onto the tree's trunk, covered in glowing etchings.
They formed patterns beyond comprehension, like ancient verses whispering to his soul.
"The Tree of Life…" he whispered, reading the light that danced across its bark.
"Yes," the entity confirmed. "If you are deemed worthy, your new life shall begin again."
Aksel looked uncertain. "And… where will I live after this?"
The entity gave a mysterious smile.
"Who knows? That's not for you to worry about."
Aksel scowled. "Not for me to worry about? It's my life, isn't it? Don't I deserve to know?"
The entity studied him for a moment, then answered casually,
"It's not wrong to think that way. But there are things best left unknown."
Aksel clenched his fists. He hated answers like that.
The entity chuckled softly.
"Very well. A small glimpse, then."
Aksel's eyes narrowed, filled with curiosity.
"You won't be living on Earth," the entity said with a widening grin. "That's all I'll give you."
Aksel raised an eyebrow. "So that's it? A vague riddle?"
He sighed, then smiled. "No matter. I'll forget this anyway. Let's just skip to the good part. I'm out of patience."
The Embodiment of Life nodded, finalizing the ritual.
The Tree of Life began to glow—casting brilliant patterns into the air.
Ancient symbols whirled in circles of light, forming a spell unlike any other.
Names had been chosen:
Aksel Matthias. Lyanna Minerva.
They would be reborn. With new identities. New fates.
Wind howled around Aksel, spiraling into invisible cyclones.
Glowing roots burst from the ground, climbing toward him like searching fingers—examining him.
Foreign energy surged into his being, rattling bone and soul.
"Are you ready?" the entity asked, its voice now vast and heavy.
Aksel looked up. His eyes, once full of doubt, now brimmed with clarity.
"No one's ever really ready to be reborn," he said softly, then smiled. "But I'll face it."
The entity raised its hand.
And in an instant—
A giant magic circle appeared above, etched in radiant gold and blue-green.
The colors of life.
Aksel's chest burned.
Heat radiated from within, tearing him apart in silence.
He gasped as his body began to dissolve—light as a feather, then…
Lighter still.
Flashes of brilliance surged around him.
His hands disintegrated into shimmering dust, swept upward into the spell.
No pain—only strangeness.
As if his soul was being peeled from the edges of reality.
Everything faded.
Light consumed him.
No air.
No sound.
No shape.
Only an endless sea of light, carrying him away from everything he had ever known.
But just before his awareness disappeared, he saw—through the veil of radiance—
A glimpse.
Lyanna. Or someone he knew was her.
She stood behind the light… smiling softly…
And vanished into the wind.
And then—
There was nothing.
For the first time in his life—or after it—
Aksel was reborn.
Mors est initium, non finis.
Death is the beginning, not the end.