What Really Happened (2)

It's not merely about loyalty. Not to mention that loyalty is not exactly an emotion. This adorable companion not only provides me with the strength to confront my deepest fears but also instills a profound sense of faith within me.

As I lay down to rest, my muscles ached, rendering even the movement of my fingers a challenge, and soon I succumbed to a deep sleep.

As time elapsed, the sun completed its descent, surrendering the celestial canvas to the moon and stars. It was then that I recalled the peculiar dream that unfolded during my slumber.

Enveloped in darkness, I found myself standing alone. A solitary ray of light beckoned, revealing a golden heart intricately connected, though invisibly, to every living creature—a symbolic nexus of all existence, aptly named the Heart of Earth. Intrigued, I drew closer, and upon touching it, a profound experience shook me to my core.

It felt as if I were being inexorably drawn into a black hole. Suddenly, a panel-like structure materialized, bearing a cryptic message:

[[

You are connected to the 'Infinite'. From now on, 'Infinite' will take care of you.

]]

Chaos ensued; everything around me collapsed. In a frantic state, I found myself running aimlessly, like a headless chicken, grappling with the overwhelming uncertainty of the impending collapse.

Transitioning to the present, I endeavored to comprehend the true essence of 'Infinite.' It dawned on me that the key might lie within that golden heart—the very heart the panel referred to as 'Infinite.' As my mind buzzed with questions, my little companion, ever watchful, gazed at me with anticipation. In an attempt to reciprocate his joy, I gently rubbed his stomach. Yet, amidst this moment, my own stomach began to growl, a reminder of the earthly, tangible needs coexisting with the mysteries of the 'Infinite.'

Savoring the anticipation of this moment, I consumed the last of the fish carefully stored for such occasions, sharing a portion with my loyal companion. Suddenly, the enigmatic panel reappeared, presenting me with a choice:

[[

Your skill is useless. Pick one of the skills below.

1) Max strength.

2) Double intelligence.

3) Path Finder.

]]

A pivotal decision lay before me, each option holding the promise of newfound abilities in this mystical journey.

Contemplating my existing capabilities, I questioned, "What skill do I possess?" Puzzled by the significance of choosing a skill, I grappled with the decision. Lost in thought, I unintentionally selected the 'Path Finder' skill. In an instant, the panel vanished, leaving me bewildered, as if nothing had occurred.

"What the hell is Path Finder?" I irked. Just then, the enigmatic panel reappeared, presenting a detailed description:

[[

Skill: Path Finder

Uses: Know the reason for your existence

Level: 1 (Max)

]]

Stunned by this revelation, I pondered, "Can I truly unravel the purpose of my existence with this seemingly simple skill?" Despite my initial skepticism about choosing what I deemed a "dumb skill," curiosity got the better of me. With a hesitant press of the "Yes" button, the panel responded with a message, unveiling the mysteries that awaited.

The cryptic message unfolded as the panel reappeared:

[[

Surrounding yourself in darkness, thee will become the light. Revenge will become your life.

]]

The panel vanished once more, leaving me to grapple with the weight of its ominous words. As thoughts of the tragedies that had befallen me stirred, a subtle desire for revenge emerged. Then, the panel materialized again, revealing unsettling information:

[[

What happened to you is a part of the plan of those whose existence is unknown on earth. You will meet them in the near future.

]]

Determined, I declared, "I will destroy them for sure. I will avenge my parents," with a villainous tone. The panel responded by unveiling my another skill:

[[

Skill: Emotional Sensor

Uses: Sense another creature's emotions.

Level: 1

Sub-skills: Injection (activates on shouting, inject a desired emotion into any creature, LVL1)

]]

Armed with this newfound ability, the journey ahead seemed fraught with emotions and the pursuit of justice.

Pondering the seeming inadequacy of my current skills, a stroke of fortune granted me another opportunity for empowerment. The enigmatic panel reappeared, presenting a fresh array of choices:

[[

Choose one of the skills below.

1) Max strength

2) Double intelligence

3) Superhuman capabilities

]]

Recognizing the potential synergy within "Superhuman capabilities," a skill promising a blend of extraordinary strength and heightened intelligence, I promptly made my selection. However, the panel's response introduced an unexpected twist:

[[

You cannot have any additional abilities. The skill you chose cannot be leveled up.

]]

Unfazed, I accepted this limitation with a nonchalant, "No problem." The panel, having conveyed its message, vanished into the unknown, leaving me eager to put my newly acquired skill to the test.

With anticipation coursing through my veins, I decided to challenge the limits of my enhanced abilities. Aiming for a tree, I unleashed a powerful punch, and the outcome surpassed all expectations. Not merely one, but the tree and its two companions standing sentinel behind it succumbed to the force of my newfound superhuman capabilities. The spectacle unfolded, revealing the true extent of my augmented strength and intelligence, a testament to the extraordinary journey that lay ahead.

As I marveled at my newfound superhuman capabilities, it occurred to me that my physique remained unchanged. Determined to align my appearance with my enhanced strength, I decided to embark on a rigorous exercise regimen to bulk up my body.

---

Four years elapsed in this pursuit. Mark dedicated himself to relentless training, each day marked by rigorous exercises. His loyal companion, Shadow, also underwent significant growth, becoming adept at hunting for his own sustenance. Their lives intertwined seamlessly, and happiness became their constant companion. Today marked Mark's eighteenth birthday.

The morning arrived with gentle licks from Shadow, nudging Mark awake. "Yaaawn," Mark stretched and affectionately rubbed Shadow's head. Surprisingly, the panel that had been a constant presence for years remained absent. Twelve seasons had passed, bringing about a transformative period.

"Let's go for some fishing, Shadow," Mark suggested, and at the mere sight of the hunting stick in Mark's hand, Shadow's tail wagged with enthusiasm. The duo set out for fishing, a routine that had become a source of joy and sustenance.

Their fishing expedition proved fruitful, satisfying their appetites. Then, unexpectedly, the panel made a reappearance after four years:

[[

Get ready. You will be teleported in 10 minutes. Would you like your dog to come with you to 'Celestia'

]]

The mysterious message injected a sense of anticipation into their otherwise tranquil existence, hinting at an imminent adventure that awaited Mark and his loyal companion.

In a moment of contemplation, the question lingered in my mind, "What the hell is 'Celestia'?" It dawned on me that this might be the very place where the elusive culprits responsible for the upheaval in my life resided. With the allotted 10 minutes ticking away, I, accompanied by my ever-loyal buddy, embarked on a journey into the enigma that was Celestia.

As we arrived, the grandeur of Celestia unfolded before us, a testament to technological advancements far beyond the scope of earthly comprehension. The very existence of such a place on our home planet left me utterly astonished.

Once again, the cryptic panel illuminated with a message of great import:

[[

From now on, you will live in 'Celestia,' a highly advanced planet, home to diverse species.

GEC will be starting in one month. Get ready for it. The large building in front of you provides a personal room. They will take care of you.

]]

The revelation that "Celestia" was not just a place but an advanced celestial planet threw my understanding into disarray. The mysteries surrounding my existence deepened, prompting an incredulous exclamation, "What the actual..." as I grappled with the profound implications of this extraordinary journey into the unknown.