Prince of Heaven and Hell

Dark clouds faded as bright sunlight illuminated the wetlands as the withered trees gleamed with radiance.

Pants Pants

Clad in a purple robe, Yami let go of his dagger, which now was stuck in a sphere as its purplish-blue glow faded and turned grey.

[Lich Bhak now lays in his final rest]

"Hahaha"

Yami fell on his knees and then to the ground as he laughed in joy, "Finally."

[You have subdued Lich Bhak]

[You have leveled up]

[You have leveled up]

[You have leveled up]

Three veils of light flickered as Yami felt his exhaustion vanishing.

"This~"

[You have obtained Transdimensional Scroll x 2]

[You have acquired 12 Third Grade Spirit Ores]

Ding

[You have successfully acquired a Transdimensional Scroll]

[Quest "End of unknown era" has been completed]

[Please find Zephyr and collect the remaining rewards]

Yami broke a vial of potion and drank.

"This harvest was better than expected. Dying a couple of times was worth the trouble."

"These ores- if I can commission a blacksmith, I will be finally able to complete a set of unique items," Yami grinned as he took out a scroll and used it.

Golden light shrouded him as he vanished, leaving behind the cleansed infamous marsh- Valley of Despair.

*** *** *** ***

[You have successfully used a teleportation scroll]

Yami looked at the red flags soaring high in the castle and walked towards it.

"Identify yourself"

Yami paused as he noticed the level of equipment the two had and shook his head. "I am here to meet Zephyr."

Yami noticed the obvious gazes of the two and averted his eyes.

"Do you have any token? State your work. Lie, and the next thing you shall see is hell."

Yami stepped away instinctively, took out something, and handed it over to them.

The rectangular token gleamed a blue light, seeing which they immediately opened up the way.

"Please enter."

Yami took back the token and entered.

"May I know where Zephyr is?" After walking straight in the wide corridor, he finally met a man cleaning off dust from the paintings.

"Hmmm... Who even let you enter? Were they sleeping or what?" The man fell into a rage but quickly calmed down on seeing the frosty slab Yami had in his hand.

"Master is currently busy with the Emperor. Let me guide you to the waiting room."

Yami followed him with a sigh.

'How long do I need to wait now?'

The man showed him the waiting room and left, "I will tell someone to inform you when Master will be free."

Yami sat with a weary sigh.

"Just how long?"

Yami grew restless every passing second. Time seemed to have slowed down for him as he checked the rewards repeatedly.

"When will this quest end? Ughh" Yami could barely remain sane. His feet moved vigorously up and down as he tried to pull his hair out.

"How long? Ugh- this sucks."

"You should have some water," a familiar voice came from behind. "You are still suffering from that. Hyperactivity."

"Zephyr!!!" Yami jumped and rushed towards him.

"You kept me waiting for so long. Even when I got what you wanted."

Swish

"Did you perhaps forget that you are standing in front of Duke."

A chill ran into his spine as his body froze- not daring to move an inch.

"Kamya, withdraw."

"Yessir."

Yami took a breath of relief as the girl glared at him, "Ugh~hh~"

"Kamya, leave us and don't let anyone in."

"Yessir."

Kamya bowed and left the room. "I will guard the room."

Zephyr let out a weary sigh, "Did you get what I asked you for?"

"Ummmmmm~ Yes."

Yami took the scroll out of his inventory and handed it to him.

Zephyr examined it and nodded, "Indeed, this is what I was looking for."

Zephyr took the scroll with a warm smile. "Did you find anything else? Don't worry- I won't take them."

Yami handed over the ores and the other scroll he planned to sell in the market.

"Hmmmmm~ You did well."

[Affinity with Zephyr increased by 1]

[The quest has been cleared]

"Now the compensation for your losses." Zephyr took out a box from his drawer. "Take this."

[Your Token of Status has been upgraded]

[You can now visit lower royalties and expect a warm treatment]

"This will help you. I noticed you coming, but his majesty wanted to discuss some national affairs."

"Ugh~ Thank you."

Yami blushed- he didn't expect to get such a thing. 'This will be handy in quests.'

"As for the other rewards~" Zephyr paused and took out a book from his pocket. "Take this as well."

[You have acquired Book of Previous Legends]

Yami's hand trembled as he saw the details of the golden book.

[Book of Previous Legends

Type: Class Change Item

Rank: Legendary~ (Depreciated)

The four legends of the previous era left their knowledge in the form of a book, waiting for their successors.

When used, your class will be changed to one of the four random legendary classes.

Uses Remaining: (4/4)

Restrictions: Level 1]

[This item can be transferred]

[This is a single usage item. You won't be able to use it once already used]

"Th~anks."

"You don't need to thank me."

Zephyr glanced at the door and continued. "Now the promised rewards."

"Here, take this."

[You have acquired a subspace ring]

"All the things are inside. You can check if you want."

'I never thought such a man existed.'

Yami could barely hold himself from crying in joy. After all, each item he received was unbelievable.

'The book, if I can sell it~ No, I should help my friends.'

"I once again thank you." Zephyr gave a warm smile grabbing Yami's hand. "You have little idea how desperately I needed this."

"Sir, the Empress is here. She looks angry." Kamya entered the room and found Zephyr holding Yami's hand and glared. "Please! Only you can calm her down. She wants to meet you personally."

Zephyr's bright face turned pale as he parted with Yami. "Run."

"Heh?"

Yami felt the seriousness of the words and got out of the castle quickly.

Crack

A tiny rupture appeared in front of him that grew wider.

Crack

Soon the castle collapsed- the ground split- space broke into fragments, and Yami fell.

"Ahhhhhh!"

Yami let out a cry as his eyes grew heavy and heavy, and everything turned blank.

Ding

[Illusion is no longer in effect]

"What?"

Yami was standing in a place he didn't remember. His hands were dirty and pale cold, and moss all over his body.

Clack. Clack. Creak.

His hands moved like that of a rusted machine.

"What happened?"

[You are the first person to experience Master Illusionist's Illusion]

[Insight stat has been unlocked]

"Illusion?"

"What Illusion?"

Confusion took over his mind as he saw the blue windows hovering around.

[You have created astonishing records]

[You have acquired the title, "One who withstood another life"]

[You have acquired the title, "One who escaped peak of illusions"]thing

"Illusions?"

Yami still couldn't understand what was happening- not until he saw another message.

[Illusion from the items is no longer in effect.]

"What?"

Yami quickly checked his inventory and screamed while crying.

"What happened?"

His inventory was empty other than the scroll and book, "Even my items."

"How did this happen?"

Yami dusted off his breastplate and wiped his running nose. "What happened to me?"

Overwhelmed with confusion, Yami took out the book from his inventory. "This is the only thing I have left."

[Book of a Legend?

Type: Class Change Item

Rank: Epic~ (Upgraded)

Journal left by a mysterious fifth man, who pursued the path of a legend. Later he gained enlightenment and gave up his dream.

This journal contains his observations along his journey of attaining enlightenment.

When used, your class will be changed to Master Illusionist's Disciple

*Note: This is a single usage item and can't be traded*]

Yami felt like coughing blood as he saw the updated contents. "It isn't even of a unique grade."

[Do you want to change your class?]

Yami looked at the window- his eyes looked focused.

"No, I will pass."

[Book of a Legend bares its fang at you]

Am I not good enough? Do I need to be a legend to prove my worth?

Yami stepped back from the book floating in the air in shock and froze. 'Is this an event?'

"It~ it isn't like that. I already have a rarer class."

...

Although the book wasn't alive, Yami felt the long pause awkward.

'I don't want to go back to epic when I just upgraded to unique.'

I am truly not worthy of you. I will tell you a secret if you help me find a new owner.

Ding!

[A quest has been created]

[Ownership

Type: Class Change Quest

Difficulty: Rare

Transfer the "Book of a Legend?" to a person deemed worthy by the Ego.

Rewards: Information about a legendary class

Time Limit: 1 hour

*Failing this quest will lead to class change*]

Quick.

The book fell into Yami's hand, and the pressure it excluded vanished.

"I don't have much time left."

Yami had many doubts regarding the book but now wasn't the time. "How do I find anyone here?"

Yami was in the middle of nowhere. All he could see was the starry sky and long stretch of grassland.

[The person is offline]

[The person is offline]

[The person has turned off whispers from you]

"Fuck!" Yami cried in anguish as he ran towards the east. "The market is just a mile away."

[You have used Quick Steps]

[You have used Rapid Movement]

Yami sped up as the transparent beads flew off his face. His face turned pale as the timer to this failure grew closer and closer.

[Duration of Quick Steps is over]

Yami twisted his face. He wasn't even able to spot the market, and he already used up one skill.

"Damn it!"

[38:07]

Yami felt his sore muscles crying in pain. His body moved like an old car used after a long time.

[Duration of Rapid Movements is over]

Yami felt his pace slow down, but a smile appeared as he spotted orange lanterns on the horizon.

"I am almost there!"

[23:46]

[Cooldown of Rapid Movements is over]

[You have used Rapid Movement]

Yami swiftly reached the place soaked in sweat and panted heavily. "Finally~"

[17:48]

Yami looked around and took out the book.

"How do I find out if someone is worthy or not?"

...

Yami clenched his fist as he observed the nearby players who were buying potions and consumables for raids.

"That guy~" Yami pointed to a man equipped with epic grade items. "He looks good."

No.

"That guy over there?"

No.

"That blue one?"

No.

[10:00]

"How do I find him?"

No.

"What?"

No.

"What?!" Yami stopped wondering if something went wrong with the book.

Yes. That girl~ She has potential. She is worthy.

"Finally."

Yami instinctively ran towards the girl and called her out. "You won't believe me, but I have an epic class book. I am willing to give it for free as long as you accept it."

The girl turned back, and Yami froze.

"S~ayaka?"

"Heh?! An epic class book? Really?"

Yami flustered and froze. 'There is no way she is going to accept this.'

"You~ Did you just offer me an epic book class?"

"..."

"Let me see it."

Yami handed her the book.

Sayaka glanced at it and threw it away. "I don't need it."

"Sister! Leader is calling you~ Who are you? Do you know our sister?" a girl slapped Yami's back and grinned. "Do you know our sister, or are you a fan?"

"I~"

"Leave him, let's go."

Sayaka gave him a disgust-filled look and left.

[03:36]

Quite daring.

"Brother, is this yours?"

A young boy landed Yami the book. "I saw you two. Do you know Miss Sayaka?"

Yami grabbed the book and scratched his face in embarrassment. "I~ I mistook her for someone. Thank you for returning it back."

Worthy.

"What?" Yami's eyes gleamed like a pardoned criminal.

"He?"

No, the girl next to him. Although her potential is somewhat lacking, she is worthy. Quickly you don't have much left.

"Are you with this girl?"

Yami held his excitement and worry as he clenched his sweaty fists.

"Ugh~ She is my sister. We came here to complete our class quest."

"Did you complete it?"

"Ugh~"

Yami backed off, noticing slight hesitation from his expression, and sighed.

"I don't have much time left, so please trust me."

'It is too late to hide anything.'

"I am doing a quest, and I need to find a new owner for this book. I was talking with Sayaka about the book. You know the rest."

Yami paused and looked at the girl. "This book chose you. Please accept this."

"Eh!~"

The girl hid behind the boy, "Big brother~"

"Umm~ I see. Can I have a look at the book and your quest."

Yami hesitated for a bit, and it was natural- after all, every player dreamed of a legendary quest.

[You have shared the information about the quest "Ownership" and "Book of a Legend?" to player Kai]

"L~l~en~lendary." His eyes widened, and the book fell once again. The Ego roared and expressed his anger.

"Yes, and this book will grant you an epic class. It's not a bad deal."

"Umm~ Fine."

"Megumi~" Kai picked up the book and handed it over to the girl. "It's your choice now. Do whatever you want."

Megumin grabbed the book with trembling hands and squeaked. "But~ what about you? Didn't we agree that~"

"Don't be a fool. You are wasting such an opportunity."

Hmmm~

The two squeaked in unison, and the book left her hold and hovered.

Although he has decent potential, there can only be one inheritor. But~

The book paused and circled Kai.

Consider yourself lucky as if not for her, I wouldn't have given you this role.

Kai looked at the window, and the two discussed amongst themselves.

"Thank you big brother."

[Quest has been cleared]

Tear the first four pages.

"Heh?~ What?"

Tear the first four pages.

Yami tore the first four pages. They were all blank. "It's empty."

[You have acquired x4 Legendary Class Pages]

Yami's eyes gleamed in disbelief as he continued.

[You can partially inherit one legend of the previous era]

'Finally!!!'

Yami stored the pages into his inventory and looked at the book.

'Can that book possibly have a hidden secret. If I could get~'

"Now, we will take our leave."

Kai noticed Yami's eyes staring at the book with hunger.

"Ugh~ Wait. Can~ Do you mind showing me what you got?"

"Please forgive us, but we can't. You should know that sharing information about one's classes is exposing one's weakness."

"Ah~ I see."

Yami waved his hand while hiding his pleasure.

'They couldn't have gotten any better rewards than me.'

Yami logged out, "That was a good reap. I need to decide carefully."

"Big brother~"

"Let's log out for now. Did you accept it?"

Megumi shook her head, "No."

Kai glanced back where Yami was standing and replied with a serious face. "Since we don't know much, let's hold it for now."

"Okay," Megumi opened the book and squeaked.

"What happened?"

"Nothing~ Let's log out. I am not feeling well."

*** *** *** ***

Zephyr dropped his robe as he stood and watched the world crumble into pieces.

"Master~"

Zephyr turned around and caressed Kamya. "Everything is going to be fine."

Her obsidian hair glittered as tears fell from her eyes.

"Can I~"

Zephyr bit his lips as litter cracks appeared on her.

"Can I hug you?"

Zephyr widened his hands and embraced her little body. "I am~"

"Shhh!"

"The time we spent together, the memories we made- they were real. I wouldn't have experienced them if you didn't do this."

Her wide smile looked flawless under the moonlight. "I~"

"Did what you had too. I am glad that it was you whom I served, and not someone else~" Kamya burst into tiny bits of light that flew away.

[Duration of your Imaginary World has ended]

[You have lost all your skills, levels, and items to compensate for the causality]

Zephyr threw a glance back at where once the castle stood, there was nothing left.

Ding!

[You have cleared scenario, "Escape - 1"]

[Please use the Transdimensional Scroll to continue]

Zephyr tore the scroll, and he looked once more with regret.

"I will miss you all too." A golden-white light wrapped him as it melted into the darkness.

*** *** *** ***

Pants. Pants.

Zephyr opened his eyes as he violently gasped for breath.

"Did I~"

He looked at his hands- he could still feel the gentle touch and warmth.

"I did it."

[Welcome]

"What?!" Zephyr saw a familiar panel floating.

[You have completed the scenario, "Escape-1"]

[Scenario, "Escape-2" is in progress]

His eyes turned dark as he let out a twisted sigh filled with annoyance. "At least I am back."

[Scenario information updated!]

[Escape-2

Type: Special

You managed to leave Oasis using Transdimensional Scroll temporarily and return to the real world.

Find a balance between the real world and Oasis.

Rewards: Scenario progression

Time Limit: 2 Years

*Failing the scenario will reset your progress*]

"What?!" he read the details carefully, letting out a weary sigh, "Any progress is a progress, no matter what."

[Please take out the items from the drawer on your left]

"Eh?!"

"Am I in a hospital?" He got off the bed and opened the drawer.

[Please do not lose your identity card]

"This makes things easier."

[Name: Glitch

ID: ZEAR004X

Age: 24

Augmentations: Guidance]

"Glitch~ I am suppose." He let out a weary sigh as he kept the id into his pocket.

[Star Cubes: 10]

"At least I have enough money." Glitch looked into the drawer and found a crushed paper.

"Is this for me?"

He laid it down neatly and read.

Message from Agnus~

I will take care of them, focus on clearing the scenario. Meet me at Sector B-12. I will be waiting for you in Hannab's place.

"So he knew," Glitch paused for a while, "Even he couldn't help me. Just what happened to me."

[Your fatigue is at 70%]

[Please sleep to recover]