Note

The atmosphere was immersed in a mystical ambiance, as white and gray clouds blanketed the sky, casting shadowy hues over the surroundings. Amidst this ethereal backdrop stood a resplendent palace, emanating an otherworldly glow that defied human comprehension. At its core, a radiant golden allure exuded a sense of divinity and grandeur, captivating any soul fortunate enough to stumble upon this floating marvel.

In the midst of this enchanting scene, a woman of unparalleled beauty knelt with hands prostrated before her, assuming a prayerful position. Her ethereal presence possessed an allure that effortlessly ensnared the hearts of all living beings with a single glance, casting a spell of admiration upon those who beheld her celestial countenance.

Though her face remained veiled in a mysterious blur, it radiated an indescribable beauty, like a resplendent nebula of eternal blue that captivated the very essence of one's soul. In her mere presence, the universe seemed to pale in comparison to the cosmic brilliance she embodied, leaving all who gazed upon her in awe of her transcendent enchantment.

"Is this truly necessary, my Lord?" spoke the woman, her voice resembling a celestial song resonating from the depths of the cosmos. Its purity and innocence carried a radiant essence that had the power to captivate the hearts and souls of all who heard it. The melodic tones of her voice intertwined with the very fabric of existence, weaving a tapestry of enchantment that could enthrall even the most steadfast of souls.

"Yes Gaia, My dear child. I understand your compassion for the humans entangled in this affair," spoke a mysterious voice, resonating throughout the entire palace. Its words carried a weight that echoed within the crystalline and golden walls which seem to have the ability to destroy any living creature's mind. "However, you must realize that humans are not deserving of pity. They should consider themselves honored to be chosen for such a fate." The voice pierced through the veil of gray clouds that surrounded a magnificent throne before the goddess Gaia, who knelt with reverence and listened intently.

"Humans are a wretched species, as you well know, my dear child," the voice continued, resonating through the palace devoid of any discernible emotion. "Though they may be my sixth creation and served as a prototype for my future endeavors, they are undeserving of pity from a goddess such as yourself." The voice echoed from an unfathomable source, devoid of both anger and sadness, emanating from a mysterious entity that defied comprehension.

"Forgive me for pressing on, my lord," the ethereal voice of Goddess Gaia resounded in the palace, filled with a blend of reverence and curiosity. "But what about those humans who have aspired to godhood? What about figures like Herakles and Quirinus? There have been humans who, through their own extraordinary efforts, claimed godhood. Should their accomplishments be disregarded? They shows that humans are not just some failed experiment." Her words carried a tinge of inquiry, seeking understanding from the enigmatic entity that spoke in the palace.

"Hmm, indeed, Herakles possessed divine lineage as a demigod, being both human and divine in nature," the mysterious voice responded, imparting its knowledge to the inquisitive Gaia. "And as for Quirinus, he attained godhood after his mortal life had ended, not while he was still a human." The voice conveyed a sense of instruction, as if guiding a young child in understanding the nuances of the divine and mortal realms.

Goddess Gaia's voice trembled with curiosity and hesitation as she posed the question, "And what about 'him'?" Her inquiry hung in the air, enveloped by a veil of intrigue and uncertainty.

A pause enveloped the surroundings, as if the very fabric of existence held its breath in anticipation of the answer. The mysterious voice, resonating with a solemn undertone, began to unveil the enigma surrounding 'him'. "Ah, 'him'. 'His' story is an extraordinary one, dear Gaia. 'He' treads a path that intertwines mortality and divinity, carrying the weight of both realms. 'His' authority was not originally intended, for it arose from the intricate and distorted facets of my own being." The voice exuded an aura of intrigue, leaving the question of 'him' unanswered but leaving an indelible curiosity lingering in the atmosphere.

.....

As Neo's eyes fluttered open, a wave of recognition washed over him, for he found himself standing once again in the familiar confines of the shop. And there, behind the counter, stood Solarael, the enigmatic figure with golden eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the cosmos, and hair as radiant as strands of pure gold.

"Welcome to the Cosmo shop," Solarael greeted Neo, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

As Neo approached the counter with a nod, his gaze shifted downwards, his instincts guided by the priming Alayn had discreetly implanted in his mind. It was an unconscious response, a trigger that compelled him to examine his surroundings with heightened perception.

In that moment, Neo's heightened perception allowed him to notice a pen and paper resting at the base of the counter. The realization sparked a curiosity within him, as if these mundane objects held some hidden significance within the realm of the Cosmo shop.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Neo mustered the courage to inquire about the pen and paper that caught his attention. "Excuse me, but I noticed these items here. Did Player Alayn leave them behind?" he asked, his curiosity evident in his voice.

Solarael, the owner of the shop, met Neo's gaze and nodded knowingly. "Indeed, Player Alayn did leave them here," he replied, confirming Neo's assumption.

As Neo connected the dots, a sense of realization washed over him. He understood that Alayn had purposely instructed him to watch his steps near the counter, leading him to notice the pen and paper. It became clear to Neo that Alayn had left these objects intentionally for him to discover.

A mixture of curiosity and gratitude filled Neo's heart as he picked up the pen and examined the paper. He wondered what message or purpose lay behind Alayn's gesture, and he couldn't help but appreciate the thoughtfulness and cunning of his fellow player. With a newfound determination, Neo decided to explore the contents of the paper and unlock the hidden message left by Alayn.

The 2 page note Alayn had left at the foot of the counter contained five instructions.

The two-page note left by Alayn at the foot of the counter held a set of five instructions, each providing guidance on specific actions Neo should take.

The first page outlined the following instructions:

1. Sell the bonus question: Alayn advised Neo to sell his bonus question, indicating that it held significant value within the game.

2. Buy a life orb: Alayn recommended that Neo acquire a life orb, a crucial item for survival within Kodoku.

3. Keep your remaining credits a secret: Alayn cautioned Neo against revealing the number of credits he possessed to the other players.

The second page featured the following instructions:

4. Share a false answer about leaving the game: Alayn instructed Neo to inform others that he had used his question to ask Solarael how to exit Kodoku, and to claim that the answer was that players could only leave the game upon its conclusion, either by winning, dying, or by receiving fortification from a superior player.

5. Pretend to feel nauseous upon returning: Alayn urged Neo to act as though he was experiencing discomfort or sickness after his return from the shop.

With these instructions in hand, Neo felt a mix of intrigue, responsibility, and a sense of being part of a larger plan. He realized that Alayn's strategies and advice were intended to help him navigate the game and maintain an advantageous position. Neo carefully folded the note and pocketed it, ready to follow Alayn's guidance and make his next moves in the treacherous realm of Kodoku.

Despite his timid nature, Neo's intuition led him to trust Alayn and follow his instructions. He reflected on the experiences they had shared, including the life-threatening encounter and Alayn's defense against Aiden's mockery. Alayn's act of revealing his ability card, showcasing his vulnerability as a powerless player, also resonated with Neo. In those moments, Neo developed a sense of connection and understanding with Alayn, realizing that Alayn was likely the most trustworthy person within their team.

Neo believed that Alayn possessed valuable knowledge and insights about the game, as well as a deeper understanding of their fellow teammate, Aiden. This trust in Alayn's character and judgment outweighed Neo's usual reservations and propelled him to follow the instructions outlined in the note. Neo felt that Alayn had a genuine concern for his well-being and the success of their team, and he believed that by adhering to Alayn's guidance, they could navigate the challenges of Kodoku more effectively.

With newfound determination, Neo embraced Alayn's plan, recognizing that it held the potential to shape their fate within the game. He resolved to execute the instructions with caution and diligence, placing his trust in Alayn's wisdom and forging ahead on their shared journey through the mysterious realm of Kodoku.

As Neo made his decision, he approached the counter and addressed Solarael with a sly smile, "I would like to sell my one-time offer."

...

In the waiting room outside the golden door, Alayn sat perched on a seat, his eyes fixed on the majestic structure before him. A mischievous grin played on his lips, betraying a sense of cunning and deviousness that lay hidden beneath his calm exterior.

Alayn's mind buzzed with calculated strategies and nefarious plans, his thoughts centered around manipulating his companions and exploiting the game's rules to his advantage. He reveled in the power he held over their destinies, relishing the control he wielded over their actions and choices. Deep down, he harbored a thirst for dominance and a hunger for the thrill of outwitting his fellow players.

With an unsettling aura of darkness surrounding him, Alayn reveled in the thought of the mysteries, obstacles, and chaos that awaited them in the depths of Kodoku. His heart raced with a blend of wicked excitement and a twisted sense of satisfaction, relishing the chaos and discord he could sow among his unsuspecting teammates.

With an insidious glimmer in his eyes, Alayn patiently awaited the return of his comrades, his mind already plotting the next steps in their shared adventure. For him, the game was not just about survival or victory—it was a stage upon which he could revel in his dark desires and cunning machinations.

Deep down, Alayn wrestled with his inner demons and sought to find a balance. As he awaited the return of his comrade, he pondered the challenges they would face and the sacrifices they might have to make.

Alayn, like every human, was a complex blend of light and shadow, driven by both self-interest and a yearning for control.

He could be considered, as a true human.