In the dimly lit expanse of the abandoned factory, my mind flashes back to the day when Lancaster cornered me. It's a memory etched with the tension of arrest and the looming uncertainty of our perilous plan. The strategy was clear: Rachel would take the lead, escaping through the Emergency Escape Route while I bought precious time for her. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make. After all, once I secured that time, my own getaway would follow, a desperate dash to reunite with Rachel.
Yet, fate took a darker turn, and I found myself succumbing lamely to Lancaster's relentless schemes. Death, an unexpected twist, transformed me into a monstrous being confined within the depths of a dungeon. My existence, once familiar, is now overshadowed by the eerie atmosphere surrounding me. Here, I oversee my skeletal minions tirelessly constructing the towering Extradimensional Router— a more ambitious take on my Interdimensional Router.
Since my demise, a plan has taken root within my resurrected mind—to construct an Interdimensional Router. The goal: reach out to individuals across timelines, seeking their aid in this twisted reality.
However, the notion feels naive, an optimistic dream in the face of the grim circumstances. That is why I changed my plans a bit. Instead of reaching out to others, I plan to simply rely on my own abilities… and perhaps while at it, continue accumulating data for the sake of my studies.
Alone and free from the worries of Rachel and Evandel, a spark of opportunity ignites within me. Rachel, formidable and at my level, can fend for herself. But our little girl, Evandel, poses a different challenge. Her innocence and vulnerability could become a liability in my rather ambitious path I wish to detour for the sake of more information.
The weight of responsibility lingers as I contemplate the path ahead, torn between the pursuit of salvation and the protection of those I hold dear. I sigh… I am being melodramatic again.
In the dim glow of an otherworldly moon, I find myself standing in awe before the Extradimensional Router—a towering structure of metal, gears, and what appears to be skeletal fragments. The colossal apparatus looms over me like a sentinel of the unknown, its metallic tendrils stretching towards the heavens, connecting with the elusive Leylines that crisscross the very fabric of the world.
Planet Earth, I muse, has always been an enigmatic realm for me—a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary coalesce in a dance of cosmic mysteries. As my gaze remains fixed upon the Extradimensional Router, I grasp the notion that this intricate marvel serves as a super antenna, bridging the mundane with the metaphysical, tethering our reality to the esoteric forces that linger beyond our comprehension.
In my relentless pursuit of understanding, I have delved into the annals of knowledge, uncovering the peculiarities that set Earth apart from its celestial counterparts. One such anomaly is the phenomenon known as Time Regression, an inexplicable occurrence that bends the threads of chronology itself. Though lacking concrete evidence, my intuition whispers that this temporal enigma is an exclusive manifestation of Earth's eccentric nature.
Yet, Time Regression is but one facet of the cosmic tapestry that weaves itself around this peculiar planet. Here, amidst the kaleidoscope of cultures and religions, Earth defies the linear progression observed in other realms. While alternate worlds adhere to predictable trajectories, following straight patterns of development, Earth revels in its divergence.
As I stand in the shadow of the Extradimensional Router, I am acutely aware that this towering amalgamation of metal, gears, and bones is not just a monument to the strange happenings on Earth—it is a conduit, a gateway to the inexplicable so that I may understand more of this world.
The Leylines, unseen currents coursing through the very veins of existence, converge at this nexus, intertwining with the pulse of our world. To the feeble mind, my words may appear as rambling, but I am on the precipice of something, and I can almost taste it! The sweet, sweet knowledge! OF TRUTH! OF ELEVATED AND UNTARNISHED TRUTH! THE ORIGIN! THE BEGINNING! YES, THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL!
In my search through the annals of Earth's history, a peculiar pattern emerges—one that oscillates between the known and the unknown. It's akin to a recurring theme, reminiscent of the Dark Ages, only this time, the obscurity isn't a result of lost records, but a deliberate manipulation of information. Articulating this phenomenon proves challenging, yet it's a truth I've come to embrace.
Living alongside Rachel for the past four years has afforded me the opportunity to delve into realms beyond the conventional. Through the intricate dance of wires and currents, I've learned of ways of forcibly jumpstarting my Interdimensional Router, bridging the gaps between dimensions. Sometimes, this involves a clandestine visit to power plants, a temporary intrusion into the heart of electricity. The connections are brief but fruitful, allowing me to harvest information that transcends the limits of my own timeline.
And within this labyrinth of interconnected realities, of information I have collected, a hypothesis takes root—an idea so peculiar that even my own convictions quiver in its presence. Could it be that God, in the truest sense of the word, exists? It's a departure from my longstanding belief that the divine is merely a manifestation of immensely powerful entities. Yet, my research whispers a different tale, suggesting the presence of a cosmic force, a guardian overseeing the delicate balance of humanity.
It has been roundabout, so I try not to worry Rachel. I hope to increase my knowledge by communicating with people of different timelines, communicating with the different iterations of the Great Sage in hopes of finding a solid and reliable way for me and Rachel to bring us home… yet I come stumbling to this rather annoying truth that God might be real not in a spiritual sense, but as in literally real in matters of existing and being.
This entity, whether seen as a corrective force or a meticulous adjuster, seems to be intertwined with the very fabric of existence. It's not the capricious god of mythologies or the distant deities of human worship. Instead, it appears to be an intricate mechanism, a cosmic watchmaker tinkering with the gears of reality to maintain equilibrium. In essence, yes, it can be God. But I dread the thought of actually identifying it... as something more than a powerful creature.
Perhaps, amidst the labyrinth of existence, there exists a force beyond comprehension—a force balancing the scales, guiding the ebb and flow of civilizations, and watching over the cosmic tapestry of life. I sigh… I may have found myself in more trouble than I already am as I recall the particular factoids I kept pushing at the back of my mind.
I sit atop a crate, the cold metal seeping through the fabric of my jeans. The abandoned factory echoes with the distant sounds of the monsters from the ruined city outside, emphasizing the solitude within. I ponder on my decision, questioning the sanity of my actions.
“I guess this is it… If I want to uncover the face of God, this is the best opportunity I can get.”
The Witch King, an entity residing in the recesses of my mind, has always been talkative. Her voice interrupts my thoughts with a playful tone. “You really have spunk! LOL! I hope you don’t die accidentally!” She laughs boisterously, trying to lift my mood despite the morbidity of it.
I chuckle nervously, acknowledging the recklessness of my endeavor. “Yeah, this is really recklessness at its finest.”
The Witch King, continuing her banter, raises a cautionary note. “You might die… You know the saying that a mortal should fear God… and also more sayings about how you cannot see God’s face…”
I sigh, the weight of her words sinking in. Doubt creeps into my thoughts.
“I have resolved myself… I think?”
“You sound doubtful.”
The laughter in her voice fades, leaving behind a lingering uncertainty that matches the quiet hum of the abandoned factory. The Witch King asks skeptically, questioning my audacity.
"What makes you think you can find God? Where will you even be looking at?" she challenges.
I respond, citing the Zeroth Iteration as my destination—a realm mentioned by Lancaster, a place where Outcall never occurred. I explain my theory, suggesting that the Zeroth Iteration could be a parallel universe devoid of the cataclysmic event, possibly representing the origin of our world.
Admitting uncertainty, I express a conviction that answers lie within. “It is still something you know? Maybe I can find my answers there?”
"What answers?" the Witch King probes. “No, do you even know what is it that you wish to ask?”
Even I am uncertain. Sensing my hesitancy, she presses further, dismissing curiosity as a weak motive. "Your reason is weak. Curiosity? No. The reason for your existence? Maybe," she muses. Urging me to reveal the true stakes at hand.
"Hmmm… I don't know," I confess, grappling with doubts about my own purpose.
The Witch King whispers to me with worry, challenging my conviction and demanding a stronger rationale. “Just what is it then?”
Since I have learned the Great Sage’s Breathing Method, my intelligence stat continues to improve exponentially even if it only rises by decimals. Every time my intelligence stat increases, I become more and more aware of the faults in my memories… “I believe someone or something tampered with my memories.”
"Do you suspect it is God?" the Witch King asks.
“Maybe. I don’t know.” I have been avoiding the question for a long time, but now, an opportunity presents itself for me to know. I don’t know what it is really I want to ask. But it is a fact that I want answers.
Looking at the bigger picture, I might be reckless. But I need this.
In the four years I have been with Rachel, I realize how fleeting my existence is. I have devoted my life since my waking memory in the 666th Timeline to helping them… to be someone they will remember. To be a somebody. To have an effect on their lives.
"Them?" the Witch King inquires.
“Yes, them…” Kim Suho, Chae Nayun, Kim Hajin, Yoo Yeonha, and Rachel Elizabeth Louise.
Witch King's voice echoes in my mind, probing into the depths of my convictions. "You worship them, don’t you? You think of them as your Gods, don’t you? This obsession of yours perhaps stems from your past life. Peculiar, considering the kind of ‘Gift’ you possess."
I question her, seeking clarity. "How is that peculiar?"
Witch King elucidates, her words carrying a weight of insight.
"Your Gift is intricately connected to your essence, to your soul. Your Gift [Nobody Knows] suggests that your existence is fleeting in itself. Doesn’t that sound cruel to you? I can imagine the side effects of your Gift if you get any stronger. If Kim Hajin’s existence is abnormal, in your case, it is your destiny that is most abnormal. You died, remember? Only to be resurrected like this as an undead? And then there is your effect on those you worship… They have become so much stronger than they are meant to be, and it is unreasonable. Though Shin Jonghak’s case is unknown, I feel that it is most likely he has gotten unreasonably stronger too behind the scenes."
I mull over her words, and a chuckle escapes me.
"If you put it that way, it is certainly peculiar." I express my gratitude, for finding solace in her objective analysis. "Thanks, Witch King, I feel a lot less tense from hearing you sound me out so objectively. Destiny, huh? Everyone has their own destinies to partake, and perhaps, I am on the precipice of walking mine…"
In the dimly lit expanse of the abandoned factory, my mind flashes back to the day when Lancaster cornered me. It's a memory etched with the tension of arrest and the looming uncertainty of our perilous plan. The strategy was clear: Rachel would take the lead, escaping through the Emergency Escape Route while I bought precious time for her. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make. After all, once I secured that time, my own getaway would follow, a desperate dash to reunite with Rachel.
Yet, fate took a darker turn, and I found myself succumbing lamely to Lancaster's relentless schemes. Death, an unexpected twist, transformed me into a monstrous being confined within the depths of a dungeon. My existence, once familiar, is now overshadowed by the eerie atmosphere surrounding me. Here, I oversee my skeletal minions tirelessly constructing the towering Extradimensional Router— a more ambitious take on my Interdimensional Router.
Since my demise, a plan has taken root within my resurrected mind—to construct an Interdimensional Router. The goal: reach out to individuals across timelines, seeking their aid in this twisted reality.
However, the notion feels naive, an optimistic dream in the face of the grim circumstances. That is why I changed my plans a bit. Instead of reaching out to others, I plan to simply rely on my own abilities… and perhaps while at it, continue accumulating data for the sake of my studies.
Alone and free from the worries of Rachel and Evandel, a spark of opportunity ignites within me. Rachel, formidable and at my level, can fend for herself. But our little girl, Evandel, poses a different challenge. Her innocence and vulnerability could become a liability in my rather ambitious path I wish to detour for the sake of more information.
The weight of responsibility lingers as I contemplate the path ahead, torn between the pursuit of salvation and the protection of those I hold dear. I sigh… I am being melodramatic again.
In the dim glow of an otherworldly moon, I find myself standing in awe before the Extradimensional Router—a towering structure of metal, gears, and what appears to be skeletal fragments. The colossal apparatus looms over me like a sentinel of the unknown, its metallic tendrils stretching towards the heavens, connecting with the elusive Leylines that crisscross the very fabric of the world.
Planet Earth, I muse, has always been an enigmatic realm for me—a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary coalesce in a dance of cosmic mysteries. As my gaze remains fixed upon the Extradimensional Router, I grasp the notion that this intricate marvel serves as a super antenna, bridging the mundane with the metaphysical, tethering our reality to the esoteric forces that linger beyond our comprehension.
In my relentless pursuit of understanding, I have delved into the annals of knowledge, uncovering the peculiarities that set Earth apart from its celestial counterparts. One such anomaly is the phenomenon known as Time Regression, an inexplicable occurrence that bends the threads of chronology itself. Though lacking concrete evidence, my intuition whispers that this temporal enigma is an exclusive manifestation of Earth's eccentric nature.
Yet, Time Regression is but one facet of the cosmic tapestry that weaves itself around this peculiar planet. Here, amidst the kaleidoscope of cultures and religions, Earth defies the linear progression observed in other realms. While alternate worlds adhere to predictable trajectories, following straight patterns of development, Earth revels in its divergence.
As I stand in the shadow of the Extradimensional Router, I am acutely aware that this towering amalgamation of metal, gears, and bones is not just a monument to the strange happenings on Earth—it is a conduit, a gateway to the inexplicable so that I may understand more of this world.
The Leylines, unseen currents coursing through the very veins of existence, converge at this nexus, intertwining with the pulse of our world. To the feeble mind, my words may appear as rambling, but I am on the precipice of something, and I can almost taste it! The sweet, sweet knowledge! OF TRUTH! OF ELEVATED AND UNTARNISHED TRUTH! THE ORIGIN! THE BEGINNING! YES, THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL!
In my search through the annals of Earth's history, a peculiar pattern emerges—one that oscillates between the known and the unknown. It's akin to a recurring theme, reminiscent of the Dark Ages, only this time, the obscurity isn't a result of lost records, but a deliberate manipulation of information. Articulating this phenomenon proves challenging, yet it's a truth I've come to embrace.
Living alongside Rachel for the past four years has afforded me the opportunity to delve into realms beyond the conventional. Through the intricate dance of wires and currents, I've learned of ways of forcibly jumpstarting my Interdimensional Router, bridging the gaps between dimensions. Sometimes, this involves a clandestine visit to power plants, a temporary intrusion into the heart of electricity. The connections are brief but fruitful, allowing me to harvest information that transcends the limits of my own timeline.
And within this labyrinth of interconnected realities, of information I have collected, a hypothesis takes root—an idea so peculiar that even my own convictions quiver in its presence. Could it be that God, in the truest sense of the word, exists? It's a departure from my longstanding belief that the divine is merely a manifestation of immensely powerful entities. Yet, my research whispers a different tale, suggesting the presence of a cosmic force, a guardian overseeing the delicate balance of humanity.
It has been roundabout, so I try not to worry Rachel. I hope to increase my knowledge by communicating with people of different timelines, communicating with the different iterations of the Great Sage in hopes of finding a solid and reliable way for me and Rachel to bring us home… yet I come stumbling to this rather annoying truth that God might be real not in a spiritual sense, but as in literally real in matters of existing and being.
This entity, whether seen as a corrective force or a meticulous adjuster, seems to be intertwined with the very fabric of existence. It's not the capricious god of mythologies or the distant deities of human worship. Instead, it appears to be an intricate mechanism, a cosmic watchmaker tinkering with the gears of reality to maintain equilibrium. In essence, yes, it can be God. But I dread the thought of actually identifying it... as something more than a powerful creature.
Perhaps, amidst the labyrinth of existence, there exists a force beyond comprehension—a force balancing the scales, guiding the ebb and flow of civilizations, and watching over the cosmic tapestry of life. I sigh… I may have found myself in more trouble than I already am as I recall the particular factoids I kept pushing at the back of my mind.
I sit atop a crate, the cold metal seeping through the fabric of my jeans. The abandoned factory echoes with the distant sounds of the monsters from the ruined city outside, emphasizing the solitude within. I ponder on my decision, questioning the sanity of my actions.
“I guess this is it… If I want to uncover the face of God, this is the best opportunity I can get.”
The Witch King, an entity residing in the recesses of my mind, has always been talkative. Her voice interrupts my thoughts with a playful tone. “You really have spunk! LOL! I hope you don’t die accidentally!” She laughs boisterously, trying to lift my mood despite the morbidity of it.
I chuckle nervously, acknowledging the recklessness of my endeavor. “Yeah, this is really recklessness at its finest.”
The Witch King, continuing her banter, raises a cautionary note. “You might die… You know the saying that a mortal should fear God… and also more sayings about how you cannot see God’s face…”
I sigh, the weight of her words sinking in. Doubt creeps into my thoughts.
“I have resolved myself… I think?”
“You sound doubtful.”
The laughter in her voice fades, leaving behind a lingering uncertainty that matches the quiet hum of the abandoned factory. The Witch King asks skeptically, questioning my audacity.
"What makes you think you can find God? Where will you even be looking at?" she challenges.
I respond, citing the Zeroth Iteration as my destination—a realm mentioned by Lancaster, a place where Outcall never occurred. I explain my theory, suggesting that the Zeroth Iteration could be a parallel universe devoid of the cataclysmic event, possibly representing the origin of our world.
Admitting uncertainty, I express a conviction that answers lie within. “It is still something you know? Maybe I can find my answers there?”
"What answers?" the Witch King probes. “No, do you even know what is it that you wish to ask?”
Even I am uncertain. Sensing my hesitancy, she presses further, dismissing curiosity as a weak motive. "Your reason is weak. Curiosity? No. The reason for your existence? Maybe," she muses. Urging me to reveal the true stakes at hand.
"Hmmm… I don't know," I confess, grappling with doubts about my own purpose.
The Witch King whispers to me with worry, challenging my conviction and demanding a stronger rationale. “Just what is it then?”
Since I have learned the Great Sage’s Breathing Method, my intelligence stat continues to improve exponentially even if it only rises by decimals. Every time my intelligence stat increases, I become more and more aware of the faults in my memories… “I believe someone or something tampered with my memories.”
"Do you suspect it is God?" the Witch King asks.
“Maybe. I don’t know.” I have been avoiding the question for a long time, but now, an opportunity presents itself for me to know. I don’t know what it is really I want to ask. But it is a fact that I want answers.
Looking at the bigger picture, I might be reckless. But I need this.
In the four years I have been with Rachel, I realize how fleeting my existence is. I have devoted my life since my waking memory in the 666th Timeline to helping them… to be someone they will remember. To be a somebody. To have an effect on their lives.
"Them?" the Witch King inquires.
“Yes, them…” Kim Suho, Chae Nayun, Kim Hajin, Yoo Yeonha, and Rachel Elizabeth Louise.
Witch King's voice echoes in my mind, probing into the depths of my convictions. "You worship them, don’t you? You think of them as your Gods, don’t you? This obsession of yours perhaps stems from your past life. Peculiar, considering the kind of ‘Gift’ you possess."
I question her, seeking clarity. "How is that peculiar?"
Witch King elucidates, her words carrying a weight of insight.
"Your Gift is intricately connected to your essence, to your soul. Your Gift [Nobody Knows] suggests that your existence is fleeting in itself. Doesn’t that sound cruel to you? I can imagine the side effects of your Gift if you get any stronger. If Kim Hajin’s existence is abnormal, in your case, it is your destiny that is most abnormal. You died, remember? Only to be resurrected like this as an undead? And then there is your effect on those you worship… They have become so much stronger than they are meant to be, and it is unreasonable. Though Shin Jonghak’s case is unknown, I feel that it is most likely he has gotten unreasonably stronger too behind the scenes."
I mull over her words, and a chuckle escapes me.
"If you put it that way, it is certainly peculiar." I express my gratitude, for finding solace in her objective analysis. "Thanks, Witch King, I feel a lot less tense from hearing you sound me out so objectively. Destiny, huh? Everyone has their own destinies to partake, and perhaps, I am on the precipice of walking mine…"
