Xytonia

Karl stood silent, stunned by the woman's words. A captain? From a kingdom? This felt like a dream.

"W-wait… What do you mean? Who are you?" he stammered.

The woman gazed at him with a mixture of sadness and determination. "I'm Aeti, your assistant."

"A-assistant? I… I don't understand," Karl repeated, feeling the strangeness of the situation intensify.

Aeti nodded, her expression softening. "I know this must be overwhelming, but let me explain, Master."

She bowed with a strange, captivating grace. Despite his confusion, Karl felt compelled to listen and nodded slowly.

–

Xytonia was a vibrant world, divided into diverse kingdoms, each ruled by a wise king or queen. These realms coexisted in harmony, each contributing uniquely to the fabric of their world. There was the Kingdom of Aeloria, known for its scholars and inventors; the Kingdom of Valtara, famous for its skilled warriors; and the Kingdom of Sylvanth, rich in natural resources and mystical creatures, among others. Every kingdom had a specific role, creating a balanced and prosperous society.

However, this balance was shattered when a strange phenomenon emerged. A terrifying virus known as the Oxtywraiths began to spread across Xytonia. This virus didn't just infect; it took over the bodies of its victims, transforming them into monstrous creatures that terrorized the populace.

Faced with this unprecedented threat, the Alliance of Xytonia was formed. This coalition brought together the best minds and bravest hearts from each kingdom, united by a single purpose: to eradicate the Oxtywraiths and restore peace to their world. The Alliance established various specialized groups, each tasked with combating the virus in different ways.

From elite warrior squads trained to battle the monstrous forms, to research teams dedicated to finding a cure, these organizations worked tirelessly to protect their people and preserve the harmony of Xytonia.

—

"And you, Master…are one of those people."

Karl stood silent, absorbing the story. This was just surreal.

"W-WAIT, HOLD ON!!!" he exclaimed, trying to process everything Aeti had told him. "But…who am I?"

Aeti's gaze softened. "You are Kryzius Bynodus, the captain of Vanguard X, representing the Kingdom of Actonia."

"B-but why can't I remember anything?" Karl asked, his confusion deepening.

Aeti sighed, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "You lost your memory during the last battle with the Oxtywraiths. The virus has a way of affecting the mind as well as the body. But don't worry, Master. We're here to help you remember and reclaim your place as our leader."

"I...I almost died?! Here?!"

Aeti nodded, her expression somber. "You said that you wanted to die in the only place that matters."

Karl looked around the dimly lit room, filled with relics of battles past and maps of their world. "Here...? That's... sad," he murmured, feeling a strange mix of emotions.

He didn't know why, but this felt oddly familiar, almost like the way he had died—alone.

"But…why?" Karl asked, his curiosity piqued.

Aeti stood silent for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "...Well, besides being a captain, you were very reserved. You often kept to yourself," she explained. "You carried the weight of our mission alone, always putting others before yourself. It's why you were such a respected leader, but it also meant you faced many battles in solitude."

"But...was I... terrible to people?" Karl asked hesitantly.

Aeti shook her head firmly. "No, Master... far from it," she replied. "You were kind and just. People admired you for your strength and compassion. You inspired loyalty and hope. It's just that you carried so much on your own shoulders. You never wanted to burden others with your struggles."

Strangely, this description didn't quite fit Karl. He was more reserved, preferring solitude, and didn't seek out interactions with others. Kryzius, on the other hand, seemed to be a different persona altogether—a charismatic and confident individual who effortlessly commanded respect.

As Karl mulled over this discrepancy, a sense of unease settled within him. If he wasn't truly Karl, then who was he? And why did he feel such a strong connection to this identity of Kryzius Bynodus?

"But how did I manage to wake up?" Karl asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Aeti placed a hand on her chin, deep in thought. "That's what I wanted to ask myself... When I felt your energy returning, it felt almost impossible."

Karl stood silent, his mind racing. 'Wait, so she doesn't know I'm a reincarnation?' he thought, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

"And... How long was I dead?" Karl inquired, his curiosity growing.

Aeti sighed softly. "Approximately 879 days, Master, which is about 29 months," she replied, her eyes reflecting the weight of their shared history.

"T-that long?!" Karl exclaimed, his disbelief evident in his voice.

Aeti nodded solemnly, confirming the grim reality of their situation. The enormity of the time he had lost weighed heavily on Karl's shoulders, leaving him grappling with the implications of his extended absence from the world he once knew.

Karl sighs and decides to tell her the truth.

—

After a long and heartfelt explanation, Aeti looked at Karl in surprise. "You're a reincarnation...?" she echoed, her voice filled with a mix of astonishment and understanding.

"I know this sounds insane, but you have to believe me," Karl pleaded, his gaze earnest and sincere.

"Mh...well I somehow do since your energy was quite different from Kryzius." she said.

Karl nodded, grateful for Aeti's understanding. "Thank you for believing in me," he said softly. "I'm still trying to make sense of it all myself."

Aeti nodded "Of course Master this is the point of a Assistant isn't."

Karl nodded "I probably don't know you well…but you're really nice."

Aeti eyes widen in surprise and she look away with a slight blush "Thank you…Master"

"So…what now?" he ask "Now that i am here…what should I do?"

Aeti: Do not worry about this now master…for now, we have to meet the other first.

"...the others?"