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Suffering in the dark.

Title: "Echoes of Torment" In the darkest corners of a tormented soul, pain reigns supreme, an insidious entity that entwines itself around every thought and heartbeat. It is a relentless tempest, a relentless force, tearing through the fragile fabric of existence with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel, carving scars that run deeper than flesh, deeper than bone. Its malevolent secrets whisper in the stillness of sleepless nights, offering no respite, no salvation, only an eternity of suffering. The story follows an individual who awakens in an enigmatic and harrowing world, cloaked in darkness and devoid of memory. With every step they take, they uncover cryptic messages that torment their mind, driving them to the brink of agony. As they strive to navigate the mysterious and pain-ridden landscape, they must confront not only the physical torment but also the enigma of their own existence. With each revelation, they uncover a system that bestows pain points upon them, promising a sinister reward for endurance. But what is the ultimate purpose of this painful journey?

Bagelly · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
13 Chs

Mana & Race change?

'Mana. Mana is a concept of profound significance that transcends linguistic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. Its origins can be traced back to Austronesian languages in the South Pacific, where it initially denoted a supernatural force. In its most mystical sense, mana represents an unseen, potent force that permeates all things, bridging the gap between the spiritual and the material. Polynesian cultures, in particular, hold mana as a pivotal attribute of chiefs and priests, bestowing them with authority and charisma. Beyond its spiritual dimensions, mana finds its way into everyday language, with "mana" in Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures signifying prestige and respect. Moreover, in the realms of gaming and popular culture, mana is used to describe a resource for performing magical actions. Anthropologists have explored mana from a social perspective, defining it as a form of social power, influencing leadership dynamics. Its transferable and finite nature allows it to be passed from one person to another and fluctuate in quantity based on one's actions. The concept varies across cultures, and in some contexts, it is associated with taboo and sorcery. Philosophers have contemplated mana's philosophical implications, relating it to discussions of power, authority, and the nature of reality. In essence, mana embodies a complex and multifaceted concept, reflecting the rich tapestry of human thought and belief, transcending the boundaries of the spiritual, the everyday, and the extraordinary.'

To me, mana represents a pathway forward. Swordsmanship, while a formidable skill, has its limits. Even the most dedicated swordsmen, who have reached the pinnacle of their craft through sheer effort, face a barrier known as the 'talent wall.' Beyond this point, no matter how hard they strive, their skills plateau, and the pursuit of mastery seems unattainable. While the potential of a swordsman is undeniably impressive, it is not without its imperfections. Here, mana emerges as a solution, a bridge across the chasm between effort and innate talent. Mana, a pervasive force infusing the very fabric of our world, from the earth we tread upon to the air we breathe, presents an opportunity for growth. Mana was only really accessible on earch once.. Yet, my contemplation is interrupted by a piercing headache.

I hurriedly step outside, immersing myself in the open air. With closed eyes, I sense the particles of mana that envelop me, swirling in an intricate dance. In our land, there are two distinct categories of mana users, referred to as 'mages.' The first group, the 'wizards,' channel mana through a conduit known as spells, much like the familiar 'fireball' or 'icicle' spells. They draw mana from the surrounding environment into themselves and then cast these spells. The second, 'pure mages,' employ a far more mentally demanding approach. Rather than relying on an intermediary, they possess the unique ability to manipulate the mana directly in the atmosphere, shaping it into its associated forms through meticulous mana control. For example, a wizard may extract fire mana into their being and then transfer this energy into a spell to produce a fireball. In contrast, a pure mage would wield their mental prowess to craft fire from the ambient mana. While this approach is seemingly superior, it demands a greater reservoir of talent and mental fortitude, offering unparalleled potential. Pure mages, however, are a rare minority among magic users, accounting for only approximately 1 out of every 150 practitioners on our continent.

Naturally, my aspiration was to ascend to the coveted status of a pure mage. I extended my consciousness to the surrounding mana, a faint glimmer of hope twinkling amidst the vast expanse of potential. However, as I reached out to harness the mana, an excruciating surge of pain ripped through my mind, leaving me doubting my meager magical talent. Disheartened, I swiftly acquired the Low magic talent, replacing the inadequacies of my initial attempt with it.

As I gazed upon the tantalizing prospect of the mid-level magic talent, a description unfolded before me:

 [Mid level magic talent [5000 PP]...]

These mages are the ones who arent snatched up but recruited. They can reach a point where they can really become mages. If you meet a real mage. Run. you cannot win. The difference between a foundation mage and a real mage is huge." -Archmage Filip

My chest began to pulsate with an unfamiliar energy, signaling the enhancement of my talent once more. My mind experienced a searing yet oddly comforting sensation, and the mana seemed to draw nearer to my physical form. Slowly, I experimented with manipulating the mana, observing the faint red-tinged particles as I willed them to manifest as fire. My head throbbed with effort, but before me, fire suddenly burst forth, its bright flames dancing in the air. I directed it towards a nearby rock wall within the training area, causing the stone to adopt a fiery hue, melt slightly, and culminate in a small explosion. Overwhelmed and drained, I sank to my knees, gasping for breath, only to be interrupted by another notification that materialized within my consciousness.

[Congratulations! You have gained a new quest: Succumb to Bloodlust. [EX] Conditions: 1725/10000 kills. Reward: Race change [Law]... 

Another screen materialized before me, cryptically displaying: 

[Life [Aspect] / ??? [???] [Law]... New!]

The mention of a "Law" rank perplexed me even if both of them were still locked. In my previous life, I had only heard of the "Aspect" rank, which stood as the sole tier above mythical. It was associated with an artifact known as the "time compass," capable of halting time for a limited duration. Now, I was confronted with the enigma of an even higher rank. What was this elusive element, and why did it beckon me? A race change, too, left me pondering why I might relinquish my human identity. My thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of questions. i heard the voice of my master come from the cabin nearby and i decided to retreat to the solace of my cabin, where I could contemplate this extraordinary turn of events at a better time.