Aftermath

~Just as is the reality of the world, the Threefold Ability Careers (TAC) operated in a system of ranks and a chain of authority, the bottom being the Special Defense Unit and the top being The Zenith, which operated directly under the World Government~

YEAR: UNKNOWN

LOCATION: VALERIA (RUINED WORLD)

It happened several decades ago, no, maybe even more than that, when it happened. The sky suddenly multicolored ripped apart and a bright light shone on the world. Moments after the people realized they possessed special abilities and called it a gift from their god Valerie.

Nearly a decade passed after that, and everyone enjoyed a peaceful life, as they were a unified race. Then suddenly it happened. The priests called it The Calling of God, but it was not... It was the Harvest.

Nearly everyone was caught up, as most had already Awakened. The rest were left behind awaiting their turn when they were struck dead by the Otherworldly Energy Poisoning, passing away in the most gruesome of ways, and confused as to why this was happening to them.

It was not sure how long time had passed since then when it opened its eyes. The once colorful skies had now faded away, and darkness covered everywhere. It had been but a creature of habit, mildly intelligent, but no more than a beast, one of many of its kind... Before the HARVEST that is. It journeyed alone, with no company until it dawned on It,

"I could be the only living being left in this world." This harsh reality It faced was too much to bear as it cried out. Suddenly, small weak-looking cyclops creatures started approaching it.

For the first time seeing another living thing since it awoke, it realized... "They're not small... It's just that I'm big. They're not weak, I'm just too strong!"

They all bowed to this superior-looking being and from that moment forth, It was the Grandmaster of the ruined world, The Giant VampCyclops Overlord, Kyron.

It would not be until later when It would discover the real truth behind the Harvest and the post occurring events. The Reapers had granted It an empire, but in exchange It was to Invade other worlds and prepare them for their Harvest. That was all It was, a tool for use... A Cultivator for the growth of the buds.

Now It was once again utterly defeated as Its weakness was shoved gain down Its throat. It however found hope in this despair. The one to kill It would rise against fate and finally put an end to the Reaper and their system.

"I wish I could witness that moment," It thought as its mind fell into eternal slumber.

"Hey... Wake up!" A voice called out to It.

"I'm not dead?" It spoke to itself as its eyes opened slowly.

They widened at once at the sight before it.

"Y...You are... Him?"

Michael looked at the confused character before him and decided to explain, but first... "Welcome back from the dead! Feels good?" He asked, smiling at the naked tall looking young man who sat upright on the sandy floor. "Where am I? What am I? What's going on?" the young man spoke.

"Relax, I'll explain," Michael said, amused at the lad's confused expression...

The dead body of the Grandmaster lay on the hard ground as Michael stood above it. Deadman Monopoly was activated as dark purple energy covered the Grandmaster and after ten seconds it returned to Michael and dissipated.

"Hmmmn, not bad. It's sure to come in handy one day" He said as he jumped down the giant monster's body.

"Now let's try this out..." Michael whispered softly

"LIFE AFTER DEATH."

Suddenly white light shone and covered the entire room, omitting certain events, which then led to the present.

"You revived me?... But why?" Kyron, the Grandmaster was amazed at Michael's power. Not only did he possess great battle prowess, but he could also raise the dead? What were the limits of his power? These questions raced in his mind, but a more urgent and more pressing question pervaded his entire being.

"Why am I like this?" He asked Michael again as he looked at the humanlike appearance he possessed.

" 'LIFE AFTER DEATH' is a twofold ability which allows me to revive any dead being as long as I alter its structure and appearance in any way I see fit. You might have been a Grandmaster previously, but as of now you're no different from a 16-year-old human, except for a few factors." Michael explained while smiling, obviously enjoying himself.

"But why...?" Kyron was still puzzled.

"Because I need you," Michael said point-blank, which shocked Kyron.

"You... Need me?" Kyron asked, bewildered.

"Yes. You might be wondering why I, someone with incomprehensible power, would need a loser such as yourself..." Michael said while looking at the clearly hurt Kyron

"That last part was not necessary" The former Grandmaster retorted.

"Well, it's simple really." Michael continued, ignoring Kyron's remark.

"I have a plan... And for it to succeed, I need allies. I already have Tenny, but he won't be sufficient for what I have in mind."

Tenny who was sitting, while resting his back on a boulder was paying rapt attention to the conversation which Michael had already briefed him on.

"But why me? I may be a Grandmaster... But ultimately I'm still a Harbinger, a natural enemy to your world."

"Because you possess strength unique to yourself, and I only seek for specific pieces to complete my masterpiece. As for your previous identity, I told you already, you're almost indistinguishable from a human. While using Deadman Monopoly, I gained access to your memory. You were once just a regular beast until the Harvest. You absorbed the most energy and evolved into a Grandmaster... Exactly as planned by the Reapers." Michael said.

"And what's your point?" Kyron asked him almost instantly.

"You and I are very similar. We both didn't ask for it, but it happened anyway. I will put an end to the Reapers, with your help or without it. But it'll sure be easier with yours. So what's it going to be? Will you join me?" Michael asked with a tone of finality.

Kyron was awestruck at Michael's words.

He, who had been served for so long, finally found someone who was phenomenally higher than him in all he could think of. He could not ask for a better master.

He knelt and bowed to the boy before him and said, "I, Kyron of Valeria, former Grandmaster of the VampCyclops hereby pledge my allegiance to you. I swear upon my newly given life that I will remain by your side, and should I perish, I will only do so with your approval, Master."

Michael, obviously pleased with Kyron's display of loyalty smiled and responded genuinely.

"Good. Rise, Kyron. I, Michael, accept your pledge. I also promise not to fall short of your expectations of me as your master. Seems only fair, considering what we will be doing from now henceforth, and where it will lead us."

Tenny had already risen at this point and said "Hey, don't leave me out of the party. Yo Kyron. I'm Tenny. Just so you know I'm your senior, kay?" attempting to sound casual and cool, but failed woefully.

"Any comrade of the master is a senior of mine. I am honored to be graced with your kind words, Sir. Tenny" Kyron spoke subserviently, which freaked Tenny out.

It appeared the former Grandmaster had forgotten how he considered Tenny mere fodder just moments ago.

"Hey s-stop you're embarrassing me" Tenny quickly protested.

"Oh, my apologies, it was never in my intention to displease you. How may I correct my grave error?" Kyron replied in its now usual tone

"You're doing it again... Stop..." Tenny said

"Stop what sir?" Kyron asked, genuinely puzzled

This continued till Michael couldn't take any more.

"Enough, both of you!" He said calmly, and they both immediately ceased their exchange.

Michael heaved a sigh of relief as he looked at both of them, who were already beside each other, and smiled.

However, that expression didn't last for very long.

Suddenly his face grew grim, and he looked serious

"Now that we have all settled down, It's time I told you about my intentions and the mysteries behind certain events that have occurred and those that are underway," Michael spoke seriously, though he was calm.

The audience sensed the tension and the serious air and fixed their gaze on Michael, prepared to listen.

"The identity of the Reapers, the purpose of the Harbingers, the Harvest, and the significance of all these as well as their connection..." He stated.

"... And finally, the intention I have to stop all of it. My grand plan... PROJECT INVERSION!"

TO BE CONTINUED...