Eigen gasped in the Black Realm, his voice echoing with anger. "Where are you?" The sound reverberated, bouncing off the unseen walls of this strange, empty space, amplifying his feelings of isolation and fury. A coldness permeated the air, a stark contrast to the warmth of the sun he remembered, clinging to life.
"#1: Hi Eigen, We are sorry for your loss, but HE will pay for what he has done to everyone!" The voice was filled with a chilling certainty, a promise of retribution that hung heavy in the air. It was a voice that spoke of ancient grudges and a thirst for vengeance, a stark contrast to the grief-stricken cries Eigen had heard from his fellow villagers.
"#2: As Blitz Said, He will pay, YOU'll make him pay Eigen, and We will assist you." There was a note of encouragement, but also a subtle pressure, as if Eigen was being drawn into a conflict he didn't yet understand. A sense of destiny, unwelcome and terrifying, began to take root.
"#3: That's True Eigen, I'll let you in on everything that has happened. First of all, my name is Klar. And I am an Exiled, just like Blitz and Sinn, and also the unbound exile that unleashed that wave, that hopefully didn't kill all the villagers, we are sorry for your loss Eigen." Klar's voice was somber, laced with a regret that seemed genuine, yet Eigen couldn't shake the feeling that something was being withheld. The apology felt insufficient, a mere whisper against the symphony of his pain.
Eigen introspecting, "ME? Make him pay? You Help me? Just What are you?" The questions swirled in his head, a chaotic mix of grief, confusion, and a growing sense of dread. He struggled to reconcile the voices' words with the horrifying images of the destruction he had witnessed. His brother's laughter, his mother's gentle smile, the familiar bustle of the village - all seemed like a distant dream, replaced by this cold, alien reality.
He finally asked, "The blue sickness, … the growths on my mom's skin, … that's you?" His voice trembled, the words heavy with a mixture of fear and accusation. He needed to understand the source of the nightmare that had engulfed his life. Was this strange realm responsible for the horrors he witnessed?
Karl replied: "No, that's not us that's an unbound Exile his name is Yazir, and the wave is the result of the bounding, we suspect that he got your brother as a temporary host because the Gates are going to close very soon." The explanation was clinical, yet it painted a disturbing picture of a desperate act with devastating consequences. It spoke of a cosmic deadline, a force that drove these Exiles to such extreme measures.
Eigen Said "Kraft, but why, Why is my brother? Is the unbound the reason?" The raw pain in his voice was palpable, a desperate plea for understanding in the face of senseless loss. Why his brother, who was only trying to protect his flock?
Klar continued "The bounding normally happens when the host is still newborn, and every host has only one spot for one exiled and when the host and the exile Within live together for several years the connection between them strengthens, then they can communicate, gradually until it becomes like what you call 'Talking to my self'. You might be wondering how he could bound with someone that isn't a newborn that's called Forced Bounding, and our laws forbid it, as it destroys both the host and the guest." Klar's tone was grave, emphasizing the severity of Yazir's actions and the violation of their ancient laws. This wasn't just an act of desperation; it was a crime.
Eigen in agony said "Why would he want my brother?" The question was a cry of anguish, a desperate attempt to find reason in the irrational. He remembered Kraft's strength, his kindness. Why would anyone want to hurt him?
"Unbounded Exiles will be erased if the Gates are closed, but if they have a host then they can stay for as long as the lifespan of the host, that's if the Exile entered the host when it was a newborn, if not as I said a wave will be unleashed, and both will gradually die." The full horror of Kraft's situation began to dawn on Eigen, the implications of this "Forced Bounding" sending a chill down his spine. This wasn't a temporary inconvenience; it was a death sentence for both his brother and this Exile.
Eigen Asked, "What Gates are you talking about?" His confusion was evident, but beneath it, a flicker of fear began to grow. He sensed that this was more than just a local tragedy; it was tied to something larger, something ancient and powerful.
Klar: "It Will be easier if I showed you", and called Sinn as if she knows what she was supposed to do. There was a silent communication between them, a shared understanding that hinted at a deeper connection. A connection that Eigen couldn't comprehend.
Sinn, Said confidently "Alright." Her voice held a strange mix of assurance and something Eigen couldn't quite place—a hint of excitement, perhaps? It was unsettling.
Eigen's Eyes became Blue, and blue Lines formed around his Eyes, he felt he could do see everything the fibers that make the black realm, he could see through his black body to realize the strings of energy that are traversing his body, the lines on his face as Energy centralization lines to better fed Energy to his Eyes and Brain. It was a breathtaking and terrifying experience, as if his very being was being turned inside out. He felt a connection to this place, a sense of belonging and alienation all at once.
The black realm became a Big Canvas, in which he saw everything, The Gates the Exiles' Kingdom, and How their life Doesn't differ from ours with the exception they have magical powers, but there is something about their Appearance they have a fog around them, Eigen Asked "Why do everything look foggy and spirits-like, and why are they in pain?" He was bombarded with sensory information, struggling to process the sheer volume of what he was witnessing. It was a world of energy and suffering, a place that both fascinated and repulsed him.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Sin: "Oh, That's just my Senses that's how I see everything -As Energy- cool right? If u accept us we can share our powers, and also help u pass through the Gates. And for the pain, that's what it is like to be boundless." Sinn's casual explanation did little to ease Eigen's growing unease. The idea of sharing powers was both alluring and deeply unsettling. To share his body? His mind? It felt like a violation.
Eigen, Freaked out "Why would I got to that place? There are no humans there?" The thought of entering a world so alien, so filled with suffering, was almost unbearable. He was a boy of the earth, of green fields and blue skies. This place was the antithesis of everything he knew.
Klar: "We are beings that have free will just like you, and each one of us had a certain attribute (like speed) if you remember it was Blitz that helped you run through the Forest's sand, handy wasn't it, and Sinn's Heightened Senses was pretty handful. And you aren't going now, it is pretty dangerous as they can all get inside you. You need to learn how to open and close your inner door, we call it the XXXXXXXX"
Eigen was more eager to know one thing, Who did all this, and it was Yazir, and that was all that went back and forth trough his brain all this time. As Kraft, his Mom's Death, and the whole village got transformed by the explosion's light wave, leading them to their graves. The grief and confusion he felt moments before hardened into a steely resolve, a single-minded focus on vengeance. He would find this Yazir, and he would make him pay.
Eigen had one more question "Is fainting the only way to talk to you?" His voice was low and dangerous, the question less about curiosity and more about strategy. He needed to know the rules of this strange interaction.
Klar gladly answered, "No, Once you accept us, as your companions and seal it as a contract, we can all talk freely and simultaneously, you'll get used to it." There was an eagerness in Klar's voice, a sense that this "contract" was crucial. It was a bond they desperately needed.
Eigen asked "Contract what do u mean?" The term felt formal, binding, and he instinctively distrusted anything that sounded like a trap. What were the terms? What was the price?
Klar, said "without it we are just invaders, whatever we do, damages us for example we communicate with you without it, while you aren't fainted will damage our form." Klar's explanation revealed a vulnerability, a weakness that Eigen could potentially exploit. They needed him as much as he needed them.
Eigen felt Guilt, and remembered that Sinn shared some of his power to help him run from Yazir. "I feel sorry, I didn't know." He then asked, "How can we do this contract thing?" His tone was grudging, still suspicious, but willing to entertain the idea. He had little choice.
Klar replied: "The contract is done by a ritual, in which two sides benefit, and there is a third party, in your world it is like a judge." The description of a ritual added to the strangeness of the situation, but the mention of a "judge" offered a small measure of reassurance. A sense of order, perhaps.
Eigen imagined a scary ritual but couldn't grasp what they would benefit from him. "What do u get from it?" He was wary of any deal where the terms weren't clearly laid out. What was the catch?
Klar replied: "We get a small part of your body as our place, and live inside it as an oasis, and you benefit from our powers and if u accept be our Master." The idea of these beings living inside him was deeply unsettling, but the promise of power was a tempting lure. A dangerous bargain.
Blitz couldn't stop himself and commented "We believe you are the destined ga…" Klar and Sinn made sure Blitz closes shuts down, and Told him "Close your mouth Blitz!" Their reaction was swift and sharp, suggesting that Blitz had revealed something he shouldn't have. Something important.
Eigen didn't want to ask them anything, but felt suspicious about all this. He asked, "When are we performing the ritual?" He wanted to get this over with, to understand the full extent of what he was getting into. And to get the power to avenge his family.
Klar replied, "Tomorrow, Sinn Show him."
Eigen Saw all the instructions, and said "Alright, For my family and the villagers." The weight of his decision settled upon him, a heavy burden of responsibility. He would become something else, something more, for them.
Eigen for the first time has a purpose in life, something he would achieve without the need of his family, something he must rely on himself and the new friends he acquired. This realization marked a turning point for Eigen, a transition from a grieving boy to a determined young man. He was no longer just a victim; he was a force of will.
Klar notified Eigen "Alright u'll wake up pretty soon, and remember, once u wake up do as instructed."
Eigen Said Happily, "Sure!" Despite the grim circumstances, a spark of hope flickered within him. Or was it something else? A dangerous excitement?
Eigen Woke up, in a bed, and it was night then, first thing he noticed is that he was inside a hospital, and that was his first time in one. The sterile environment, the smell of antiseptic, and the soft hum of machines were all alien to him. He felt disconnected from the world he knew, as if he'd been reborn in a place of cold efficiency. Curiously he checked on his left and right, on the right next to him there was a boy the same height as Eigen, he had medical tape on his arms, and also on his legs. He seemed peaceful, oblivious to the drama that had unfolded. A stark contrast to Eigen's inner turmoil.
Eigen Fueled with curiosity slowly checked on the next bed, "is that Munter?" Eigen asked himself in disbelief, He woke Him up "Munter Munter Wake up" happily shaking him, smiling "haha, I'm so happy you are alive Munter!" A wave of relief washed over him as he saw his friend was safe. A small piece of his old life returned.
Munter Opened his eyes, "Oh hoho is that you Eigen, ofc you are alive otherwise who is going to be my friend?" Munter's cheerful demeanor was a welcome contrast to the grim events Eigen had experienced. A reminder of the simple joys that had been stolen from them.
Eigen, was so curios how his friend survived so he asked him "How did u survive?" He needed to understand how Munter had escaped the devastation that had claimed so many others. It defied logic.
Suddenly, a big person in a black suite, and black glasses, short hair, and tall. And mysteriously holds a sword. opens the door and says "That's what we want to know as well." The figure's sudden appearance, combined with the sword, introduced a new element of mystery and danger, leaving Eigen with a sense of unease. Who was this? What did he want?