The grand banquet hall exuded brilliance, a symphony of light and colour adorning it with sparkling chandeliers and vibrant decorations. Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air in a joyous celebration of the young noble's tenth birthday. Noble ladies, draped in exquisite gowns, and gentlemen, donning their finest attire, swirled gracefully on the dance floor, lost in the revelry.
Yet, amidst the jubilant crowd, the young noble sat in enigmatic silence, as if time itself had stilled, and the festive commotion gradually faded. Amidst the ebb and flow of the party, the distant tick of an old pendulum clock echoed like an ethereal whisper from another realm.
As the clock's final tick marked the precise moment of the young noble's tenth birthday, an unexpected wave of pain washed over him, and a long-buried memories surged to the surface. He groaned, a low, agonized sound that sent a shiver through the assembled guests. Visions from a past life flooded his mind—a modern-day scholar, passionately immersed in the pursuit of knowledge
In the aftermath, the once-vibrant sounds of joy and celebration gave way to a hushed atmosphere of concern and confusion among the assembled guests. Whispers and worried glances were exchanged as his parents and concerned onlookers gathered around him, their expressions reflecting genuine worry.
The air seemed still, and the echo of laughter faded as his head was bombarded by memories from a life he couldn't recall living. His parents, keenly perceptive to his distress, called out to him in concern, but his attention remained fixated inward. The din of the party now seemed distant as he struggled to comprehend the surge of emotions and visions.
Amidst the chaos within his mind, the young noble clutched his head and looked up at his parents. Just as he raised his head, a small trickle of blood streamed from his nose, a shocking sight that elicited gasps and murmurs of concern from the guests.
'Neah, are you alright? His mother asked, her voice tinged with concern as she noticed his pale complexion and blood. Her hands trembled slightly as she held them out towards him.
'My boy, what's happening? His father inquired, worry etched on his face as he approached Neah's side, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
The memories from a life he couldn't recall were like a tempest raging within him, overwhelming and disorienting. Neah tried to speak, but his words were barely audible. 'What are these... memories... So many memories,' he managed to whisper, struggling to comprehend the sudden surge of recollections.
His mother's worry deepened, and she exchanged a concerned glance with her husband. 'We need to get him to a quiet room,' she said, her voice steady despite the anxiety she felt. 'The commotion may be overwhelming him.'
With the help of a few nearby guests, they gently guided Neah to a quieter area of the banquet hall. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of concern and confusion as the guests tried to make sense of the extraordinary event that had unfolded before their eyes.
Neah, or, as he was known in his past life, Elias, was an extraordinary talent hailing from Earth. Possessing a brilliant mind and insatiable curiosity, he had developed an appetite for knowledge from a tender age, relentlessly exploring every subject that caught his interest. However, fate dealt Elias a cruel blow when, at the age of nine, he was diagnosed with a rare and incurable illness that would inevitably shorten his life.
With an awareness of his numbered days, Elias retreated to his private library, seeking solace and comfort within the realm of books and knowledge. Countless subjects were meticulously memorised, from the intricacies of swordsmanship to martial arts, honing his intellectual prowess even in matters of combat. As he absorbed the teachings of masters, he would envision himself executing the graceful movements and techniques, a fleeting desire to experience a strength that his frail body could not match. Day after day, his thirst for understanding intensified, consumed by the burning desire to unveil the deepest truths of the universe before his time waned.
The years went by, and though Elias's physical condition declined, his mind remained sharp. At the age of twenty, alone in his beloved library, Elias breathed his last breath, surrounded by countless tomes that had become his sanctuary from the harsh reality of his impending fate.
As Elias's soul departed from the mortal realm, he found himself in a mysterious, ethereal space that transcended time and space. He roamed aimlessly through this timeless void, an endless expanse where past, present, and future coalesced into an indistinct blur. Hours turned into eternities, and Elias lost all sense of self and direction.
In this liminal realm, devoid of recognizable features or paths, he eventually encountered an enigmatic presence. It was not a being in the conventional sense, but rather a shimmering consciousness that radiated with an otherworldly aura. Elias, overcome by curiosity, questioned the presence, uncertain of what it was or what it represented.
The presence, which could only be described as divine in nature, regarded Elias with a mixture of indifference and curiosity. It spoke in a voice that resonated like the echoing whispers of the cosmos, saying, 'Mortal, you have ventured into the realm between existence and oblivion, a place untouched by time. You are lost, adrift in the tides of the eternal.'
Elias: 'Where is this place? How did I end up here?'
God: 'A place where a puny human should not wander,' the god replied, arrogance dripping from every word. 'Souls of the departed come in groups, guided by various beliefs or symbols. How did you even manage to find your way here?'
They exchanged a few more words, but Elias's frustration grew, his patience wearing thin from the god's dismissive and arrogant attitude.
Elias, no stranger to the cruelties of fate, met this enigmatic entity with calm resilience. He questioned the presence's cryptic nature, challenging the notion that divine beings held dominion over the lives of mortals. Elias's skepticism towards gods and the divine stemmed from his own experiences with an unyielding and uncaring universe.
Elias: 'Lost? Perhaps. But I'm not here to be judged by you or any other god. I've lived my life on Earth the best way I could, pursuing knowledge and understanding. That, to me, holds value beyond your comprehension.'
The God replied with a smirk, and Elias, already frustrated, could no longer contain his emotions.
Elias: 'Your arrogance blinds you. I seek knowledge, not your judgment. I demand answers.'
In the face of Elias's unyielding spirit, the divine presence's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing its inscrutable features. Nonetheless, the enigmatic entity remained composed, as if testing the depths of Elias's resolve."
'You want answers, mortal? You want knowledge, you say?' The god's voice took on a tone of amusement. 'Fine, how about being born in a totally unknown world that defies the very logic you know of?'
With those enigmatic words, the divine presence seemed to ripple and fade. The timeless void dissolved around Elias, and he felt a sensation of falling, as if hurtling through the fabric of existence itself.
Neah regained consciousness in his room, his mind still swimming with the remnants of vivid dreams that felt more like memories. He murmured to himself, "So the things I've been dreaming about before are fragments of my memory; that's why they are so vivid."
As he opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a sea of books scattered haphazardly around his feet. The chaos of the room was a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and his sanctuary from the world's uncertainties. The scent of aged paper and ink filled the air, a comforting familiarity that had always put his mind at ease.
But in the blink of an eye, the chaos transformed into a pristine, orderly room. The books were neatly arranged on their shelves, and a faint floral fragrance now lingered in the air. Neah's heart skipped a beat, and he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, unsure if what he was seeing was real. As if he were taken back to the library in his past life, a place where he had spent countless hours immersed in the pursuit of knowledge. The vision was so vivid and real that he felt a sudden surge of nostalgia and longing for the world he had left behind.
Yet, as quickly as the vision appeared, it dissipated, leaving Neah bewildered by this surreal experience. He shook his head, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed. "Am I still dreaming?" he wondered aloud.
As Neah's heart weighed heavy with emotions he couldn't quite comprehend, he rose from his bed and took a deep breath, trying to ground himself in the present. The memories from his past life felt both distant and yet so tangible, like whispers from another realm. Drawn to the window, he gently pulled back the curtains and was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The night sky, adorned with three moons, each bearing its own distinct hue, cast an otherworldly glow.
Though Neah had undoubtedly seen such a celestial sight before in Terra Veritas, the experience now held an entirely different meaning: a reunion with an old friend, a long-forgotten piece of his identity. The realisation of his present and his newfound understanding of this world fused in a delicate dance of emotions. His heart swelled with a mix of nostalgia and wonder. He embraced the moment, feeling an indescribable connection to the universe and its mysteries. Under the watchful gaze of the moon, Neah reached for a book that lay on his bed. With each word he read, a flood of memories from his past life surged through him, blending with the knowledge he had accumulated since arriving in Terra Veritas.
The visions from his past mingled seamlessly with the knowledge he had acquired in this new world. Neah found himself navigating through an intricate tapestry of memories and experiences, drawing parallels between the two lives he had lived. It was as if the universe itself conspired to unravel the threads of destiny, weaving him into a grander narrative.
As the night gradually waned, the first light of dawn peeked through the horizon. Neah was so immersed in his reading that he didn't notice the early rays of sunlight kissing his cheeks. His parents, who had been worried about him since the incident at the banquet, had awakened early to check on him.
Approaching his room, they noticed the door slightly ajar and gently pushed it open. To their relief, they found Neah sitting in his favourite chair by the window, holding a book. He appeared peaceful in his slumber, finding solace in the embrace of knowledge and the celestial wonder outside.
With a glint of joy in their eyes, his parents exchanged a knowing smile. They walked quietly towards Neah, their footsteps barely audible, and tenderly embraced him. The warmth of their touch roused Neah from his reading-induced reverie.
Opening his eyes, he looked into the loving faces of his parents, and a spark of recognition flickered in his gaze. "Ah, I vaguely remember this feeling," he thought to himself, "the warmth of another person, a family."
In that serene moment, Neah realised that despite the harshness of fate, the loss, and the cruelty he had experienced, there were still moments
of love and joy awaiting him in this new world.
The grand banquet hall exuded brilliance, a symphony of light and colour adorning it with sparkling chandeliers and vibrant decorations. Laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filled the air in a joyous celebration of the young noble's tenth birthday. Noble ladies, draped in exquisite gowns, and gentlemen, donning their finest attire, swirled gracefully on the dance floor, lost in the revelry.
Yet, amidst the jubilant crowd, the young noble sat in enigmatic silence, as if time itself had stilled, and the festive commotion gradually faded. Amidst the ebb and flow of the party, the distant tick of an old pendulum clock echoed like an ethereal whisper from another realm.
As the clock's final tick marked the precise moment of the young noble's tenth birthday, an unexpected wave of pain washed over him, and a long-buried memories surged to the surface. He groaned, a low, agonized sound that sent a shiver through the assembled guests. Visions from a past life flooded his mind—a modern-day scholar, passionately immersed in the pursuit of knowledge
In the aftermath, the once-vibrant sounds of joy and celebration gave way to a hushed atmosphere of concern and confusion among the assembled guests. Whispers and worried glances were exchanged as his parents and concerned onlookers gathered around him, their expressions reflecting genuine worry.
The air seemed still, and the echo of laughter faded as his head was bombarded by memories from a life he couldn't recall living. His parents, keenly perceptive to his distress, called out to him in concern, but his attention remained fixated inward. The din of the party now seemed distant as he struggled to comprehend the surge of emotions and visions.
Amidst the chaos within his mind, the young noble clutched his head and looked up at his parents. Just as he raised his head, a small trickle of blood streamed from his nose, a shocking sight that elicited gasps and murmurs of concern from the guests.
'Neah, are you alright? His mother asked, her voice tinged with concern as she noticed his pale complexion and blood. Her hands trembled slightly as she held them out towards him.
'My boy, what's happening? His father inquired, worry etched on his face as he approached Neah's side, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
The memories from a life he couldn't recall were like a tempest raging within him, overwhelming and disorienting. Neah tried to speak, but his words were barely audible. 'What are these... memories... So many memories,' he managed to whisper, struggling to comprehend the sudden surge of recollections.
His mother's worry deepened, and she exchanged a concerned glance with her husband. 'We need to get him to a quiet room,' she said, her voice steady despite the anxiety she felt. 'The commotion may be overwhelming him.'
With the help of a few nearby guests, they gently guided Neah to a quieter area of the banquet hall. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of concern and confusion as the guests tried to make sense of the extraordinary event that had unfolded before their eyes.
Neah, or, as he was known in his past life, Elias, was an extraordinary talent hailing from Earth. Possessing a brilliant mind and insatiable curiosity, he had developed an appetite for knowledge from a tender age, relentlessly exploring every subject that caught his interest. However, fate dealt Elias a cruel blow when, at the age of nine, he was diagnosed with a rare and incurable illness that would inevitably shorten his life.
With an awareness of his numbered days, Elias retreated to his private library, seeking solace and comfort within the realm of books and knowledge. Countless subjects were meticulously memorised, from the intricacies of swordsmanship to martial arts, honing his intellectual prowess even in matters of combat. As he absorbed the teachings of masters, he would envision himself executing the graceful movements and techniques, a fleeting desire to experience a strength that his frail body could not match. Day after day, his thirst for understanding intensified, consumed by the burning desire to unveil the deepest truths of the universe before his time waned.
The years went by, and though Elias's physical condition declined, his mind remained sharp. At the age of twenty, alone in his beloved library, Elias breathed his last breath, surrounded by countless tomes that had become his sanctuary from the harsh reality of his impending fate.
As Elias's soul departed from the mortal realm, he found himself in a mysterious, ethereal space that transcended time and space. He roamed aimlessly through this timeless void, an endless expanse where past, present, and future coalesced into an indistinct blur. Hours turned into eternities, and Elias lost all sense of self and direction.
In this liminal realm, devoid of recognizable features or paths, he eventually encountered an enigmatic presence. It was not a being in the conventional sense, but rather a shimmering consciousness that radiated with an otherworldly aura. Elias, overcome by curiosity, questioned the presence, uncertain of what it was or what it represented.
The presence, which could only be described as divine in nature, regarded Elias with a mixture of indifference and curiosity. It spoke in a voice that resonated like the echoing whispers of the cosmos, saying, 'Mortal, you have ventured into the realm between existence and oblivion, a place untouched by time. You are lost, adrift in the tides of the eternal.'
Elias: 'Where is this place? How did I end up here?'
God: 'A place where a puny human should not wander,' the god replied, arrogance dripping from every word. 'Souls of the departed come in groups, guided by various beliefs or symbols. How did you even manage to find your way here?'
They exchanged a few more words, but Elias's frustration grew, his patience wearing thin from the god's dismissive and arrogant attitude.
Elias, no stranger to the cruelties of fate, met this enigmatic entity with calm resilience. He questioned the presence's cryptic nature, challenging the notion that divine beings held dominion over the lives of mortals. Elias's skepticism towards gods and the divine stemmed from his own experiences with an unyielding and uncaring universe.
Elias: 'Lost? Perhaps. But I'm not here to be judged by you or any other god. I've lived my life on Earth the best way I could, pursuing knowledge and understanding. That, to me, holds value beyond your comprehension.'
The God replied with a smirk, and Elias, already frustrated, could no longer contain his emotions.
Elias: 'Your arrogance blinds you. I seek knowledge, not your judgment. I demand answers.'
In the face of Elias's unyielding spirit, the divine presence's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing its inscrutable features. Nonetheless, the enigmatic entity remained composed, as if testing the depths of Elias's resolve."
'You want answers, mortal? You want knowledge, you say?' The god's voice took on a tone of amusement. 'Fine, how about being born in a totally unknown world that defies the very logic you know of?'
With those enigmatic words, the divine presence seemed to ripple and fade. The timeless void dissolved around Elias, and he felt a sensation of falling, as if hurtling through the fabric of existence itself.
Neah regained consciousness in his room, his mind still swimming with the remnants of vivid dreams that felt more like memories. He murmured to himself, "So the things I've been dreaming about before are fragments of my memory; that's why they are so vivid."
As he opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a sea of books scattered haphazardly around his feet. The chaos of the room was a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and his sanctuary from the world's uncertainties. The scent of aged paper and ink filled the air, a comforting familiarity that had always put his mind at ease.
But in the blink of an eye, the chaos transformed into a pristine, orderly room. The books were neatly arranged on their shelves, and a faint floral fragrance now lingered in the air. Neah's heart skipped a beat, and he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, unsure if what he was seeing was real. As if he were taken back to the library in his past life, a place where he had spent countless hours immersed in the pursuit of knowledge. The vision was so vivid and real that he felt a sudden surge of nostalgia and longing for the world he had left behind.
Yet, as quickly as the vision appeared, it dissipated, leaving Neah bewildered by this surreal experience. He shook his head, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed. "Am I still dreaming?" he wondered aloud.
As Neah's heart weighed heavy with emotions he couldn't quite comprehend, he rose from his bed and took a deep breath, trying to ground himself in the present. The memories from his past life felt both distant and yet so tangible, like whispers from another realm. Drawn to the window, he gently pulled back the curtains and was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The night sky, adorned with three moons, each bearing its own distinct hue, cast an otherworldly glow.
Though Neah had undoubtedly seen such a celestial sight before in Terra Veritas, the experience now held an entirely different meaning: a reunion with an old friend, a long-forgotten piece of his identity. The realisation of his present and his newfound understanding of this world fused in a delicate dance of emotions. His heart swelled with a mix of nostalgia and wonder. He embraced the moment, feeling an indescribable connection to the universe and its mysteries. Under the watchful gaze of the moon, Neah reached for a book that lay on his bed. With each word he read, a flood of memories from his past life surged through him, blending with the knowledge he had accumulated since arriving in Terra Veritas.
The visions from his past mingled seamlessly with the knowledge he had acquired in this new world. Neah found himself navigating through an intricate tapestry of memories and experiences, drawing parallels between the two lives he had lived. It was as if the universe itself conspired to unravel the threads of destiny, weaving him into a grander narrative.
As the night gradually waned, the first light of dawn peeked through the horizon. Neah was so immersed in his reading that he didn't notice the early rays of sunlight kissing his cheeks. His parents, who had been worried about him since the incident at the banquet, had awakened early to check on him.
Approaching his room, they noticed the door slightly ajar and gently pushed it open. To their relief, they found Neah sitting in his favourite chair by the window, holding a book. He appeared peaceful in his slumber, finding solace in the embrace of knowledge and the celestial wonder outside.
With a glint of joy in their eyes, his parents exchanged a knowing smile. They walked quietly towards Neah, their footsteps barely audible, and tenderly embraced him. The warmth of their touch roused Neah from his reading-induced reverie.
Opening his eyes, he looked into the loving faces of his parents, and a spark of recognition flickered in his gaze. "Ah, I vaguely remember this feeling," he thought to himself, "the warmth of another person, a family."
In that serene moment, Neah realised that despite the harshness of fate, the loss, and the cruelty he had experienced, there were still moments
of love and joy awaiting him in this new world.
