Arch9CivilReactor
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If this sounds like half synopsis and half-story content, then it’s because I’m making things up as I go along so pacing is complete trite. I just want to try barging my ideas on page before actually putting them into the novel.
This is a prologue draft so the main character won’t appear just yet. More of a start that concerns the ‘global’ perspective more than single person’s view on the world.
The basic idea is that these Isekai’d people will start EVERYTHING from scratch. Both external relations and internal management.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A population of one million. It sounded like a lot of people, but this was the current number of an ever-dwindling population. They were like autumn leaves. Once around eight billion people strong. Now? Well... Survival was top priority.
All had gathered at the ‘Ark Nation’.
The last hope for humanity…
The twelve surviving nations banded together and housed the small groups from smaller countries, but there was five among them that were different from the rest. They were the true backbone of this new nation going forward.
Korea, Africa, America, Japan, and India…
In this apocalyptic world, superpowers were the only thing that was stopping them from being swallowed up by the hurricanes outside their dome. Ark Nation was only able to run thanks to a simple girl ‘Awakening’ a special power.
That young girl was American.
It was a similar situation with the rest of them.
Perhaps due to the impending doom carried by the consecutive natural disasters, humanity was awakening superpowers. Even now, their dome was being hit by a constant onslaught of tsunamis. Broken and split by earthquakes.
An old man from Korea was the only thing keeping these disasters at bay. His immense power creating a barrier around the entire continent. The only piece of land left on Earth that hadn’t sunk to the depths of the ocean.
The common mother of five children in Africa kept the people within the Ark Nation protected from these new diseases that had been discovered. Protecting them from bio-chemical attacks thrown at them by the world.
A married man in India was watching the sky while fighting off the spiritual forces trying to enter the dome. He was the only thing keeping these creatures at bay. These undying, ghostly entities that came from the galaxy’s darkness.
The only authority stopping internal panic while all this was happening… was the police officer from Japan. Having awakened a light that could punish any evils within its brilliant radiance. He was the only one watching ‘them’ closely.
Those who the others were dying to protect.
Their powers wouldn’t last long. These miracle workers are using their lives. It already shortened by overexertion. They wouldn’t be able to last until old age, and those benefitting was not them. It was those who used this kindness for their political gain.
The now temporary leaders of the Ark Nation watched the ‘sun’ as it looked back at them. A feeling of pride in their hearts. Almost as if the ones suffering right now were themselves. All of them sure they’d do the same in their place.
Perhaps even much more smartly…
How arrogant they were.
“How long?” An African man in a suit asked.
He was the chief of the people of Africa.
“Not much. We can’t delay this further.” The current America Chief narrowed his eyes. He was sitting with the parson in question. That girl that had provided her powers to save humanity was laid motionless before him.
Her own lifelines powered by her electricity.
Cables and metallic attachments could be seen along with medical devices. She was barely breathing. Occasionally taking in big gasps of air. The only thing that separated h the stillness of death. Each breath was slow.
The man watched as it became softer.
“I’m sorry… Our people have no solutions.” The chief, who current emperor of Japan, bowed towards both the America Chief and the young girl. His face twisted horribly. One could see the dark circles growing under his eyes.
The other ‘miracle workers’ were not in a better condition. Surrounded by friends and family. The only difference was that they still had people to be surrounded with. This heroic yet nameless young girl having no one left.
If the America Chief still had his government and data, he might’ve been able to find at least SOMEONE… but not even knowing her name was the result of incompetence. Unable to even thank this citizen who saved everyone.
“None of us are innocent. There is no longer a divide between people. Isn’t that what the Ark Nation was founded on?” The non-traditional India Chief patted the man’s shoulder. Having no reason to treat this emperor like royalty.
All while the Korea Chief bit his lips silently.
Unable to come forward.
The others were trying to lighten the mood, but this man’s understandable fears could not be ignored. They tried to ignore him… Trying to act like there was something they could do. It was too unfair. Having no power to survive…
“When that kid dies…” The man had spoke.
“Don’t talk of my citizen in such a way…!” The fatherly America Chief hissed at the Korean who’d spoken up. They knew his meaning, but he had no right to be regretful. Having survived this long in an apocalypse was only by luck.
These chiefs knew of their own powerlessness.
“…” The man sat back down without remorse.
It was the end anyway.
The end of humanity.
Those many air purifiers they had installed would break down the moment she died. They had managed to organise lesser superhuman individuals to quickly finish this project. ‘Ark Nation’ being a dome built with clear ambition.
It was made with more than simple glass.
The technology used was a combination formed from the advancements of all countries on Earth. Every known piece of information compiled on a system and dissembled using artificial intelligence. It showed their worth.
They had done their best… these ‘Chiefs’.
However, it all hinged on one thing in particular.
Electricity.
They needed electricity for all this to function.
The moment she died: Power would be cut from the entire country. The dome’s internal life support systems would fail, and they’d lose oxygen at an incredibly fast pace. The other miracle workers falling along with humanity.
They did not have a solution for this…
“It was bad luck.” Rather than falling into a despairing outlook, the America Chief straightened his brown hair and gazed at them with his calm eyes. Their auburn colour and stillness made them think of a tall, elderly tree.
“…?” They did not understand.
He continued:
“We should be proud that we had defeated the creatures that destroyed Earth. Our ancestors would be proud… and especially our gods.” It was a comment that would surely trigger the India Chief especially, but she kept quiet.
Knowing that he meant no harm in his words.
“Our conscience is clear.” She nodded at him.
The rest of them looked down in thought.
Trying their best to think of another solution.
Time passed, and the lights started to dim and flicker. The dome started to shake. The shock absorbent materials paired with stabilisation technological systems were becoming weaker by the second. The floor started to tremble.
Their eyes turned to the little girl…
They were at the end of the line, but no one here acted out of panic or fear. These calm men and woman were not born leaders chosen by the people. No… People like them were simply those who knew how to utilise what they had.
Gathering people for a cause.
Desperate. They couldn’t contain it.
Yet no matter how desperate, this was the end.
There was no hope left for them grasp.
“This is the end.” It was only now did the quiet Korea Chief speak. The life support was beating strongly. A lifeline was fading. An electrical field was starting to form around her. The only one reason why no doctor could attend this girl.
This was not an illness. This was exerting it all.
Even until her last breath.
“Huh?” Something strange started happening.
The chief of India looked at her hands.
“The gods haven’t abandoned us.” Despite not knowing what was happening, she knelt down and thanked her gods. None of them knew what was going on, but few of them wanted to believe that the changes in them were detrimental.
“Teleportation?” A thoughtful look appeared on the Korean man. He seemed to have guessed this by the sensation he was feeling alone. It was as if they were being tugged. A force unknown to them was transferring them out of this world.
The miracle workers before them no different.
Many emotions flashed through everyone’s eyes at that moment. They looked at each other. The unknown no longer unfamiliar and scary. They all dared to have hopeful looks on their faces. That this would be the real miracle they’d waited for.
The America Chief closed his eyes for a second.
When he opened them up, he was no longer surrounded by his acquaintances. No longer in the hospital ward where his miracle worker was dying. There was no change in his expression whatsoever. He’d even seen ghosts at this point.
If this was an alien, he wouldn’t be shocked.
A quick glance at his surroundings made him recognise this place as a library. Though not of any kind he was familiar with. As a man who had been to many places, it was the first time he had experienced an absence of sunlight in a library.
It was then he had looked upwards.
A purple illumination seemed omnipresent in this world. There was no warmth of sunlight, but this also didn’t seem like LEDs. There was a clear invasive quality to this light. It didn’t seem to be coming from any single direction in particular.
Only that it was coming ‘generally downwards’ from above. Since the library had no ceiling, he could see the emptiness above. Starting to understand that this was not Earth. He had been transported somewhere akin to another world.
“What is this place?” He started to murmur.
“Would you like to read a book?” A remark came from behind a bookshelf. It was a deep and old voice that held the annals of time. It made me wake from my stupor. Making me realise that ‘I’ was not a being that watched over these events.
My story was the same.
Except I was not the America Chief…
I found myself seeing this memory like it was my own. The voice behind the bookshelf was familiar to me. Those ‘chiefs’ I saw were also familiar. I’d chosen them myself. Nothing was a coincidence. All events had been conspired.
All by myself in the past… Jordan Fisher.
Was this a flashback?
Had I lost my mind?
Perhaps picking that choice was not wise.
My memories were becoming loose.
I could feel my mind reverting back in time.
Back to the moment of my impending ‘end’.
I did not want to become a hero… The world was dying, and I made a promise. The only person I ever loved was dead. When the disaster started, the world took him from me. He died mysteriously and in a way I couldn’t explain. Even with my unlimited time.
Memories… My… Memories… Where…
And now where was I?
Where was I again?
This wasn’t the Ark Nation.
I found myself in a little room surrounded by many colourful books. Even though there shouldn’t be any light in a room without windows, flames, or even lightbulbs… My existence enveloped in a purple radiance. It was a sticky and invasive amethyst.
Let’s see what death this takes me to this time…
“Do not be alarmed. You are safe here.” A calm and deep voice came from behind the bookshelves. I had no choice at this point. There didn’t seem to be any map in this maze. Even if I ran around wildly, it’d do no good to help my alarming situation any further.
“Are you responsible for what happened on Earth?” I asked the voice. Looking behind the bookshelf I could hear it coming from. Hearing tapping footsteps that was unlike any other. It didn’t sound like he was wearing shoes… so what was this?
What was this sound?
“I have nothing to do with what happened to your planet. That was all on you: Beings lesser than monkeys.” As the individual spoke, he came out from the hallway behind the bookshelves. A gasp left my lips, but it was hurried by the sight before me.
What was I looking at?
A hairy bodied primate that was shorter than me.
This was not a cuss or insult. It was what I saw.
The ‘man’ speaking earlier was this chimpanzee.
And he was wearing a casual-looking suit, huh?
“What? You never saw a monkey before?” This was definitely not a lucid dream. The insanity of what I was seeing and the surroundings were too far off from anything I could imagine. His serenity while asking that question was hard for me to counter.
My hands were trembling.
“Send me back to my home.” My voice was broken.
I couldn’t quite control the intensity of it anymore.
Raising my arms and being ready to throw down.
“That is not possible. The major leaders of your little nation have agreed to my terms. All of humanity will be leaving Earth for a new world… but I will be taking more than one thing they value.” There was clear hatred in his eyes, but it was also complicated.
It made me curious.
“I’m guessing you’re some sort of celestial being.”
“No… Not at all. I am a mere librarian, as you can see.” The chimpanzee pulled out a chair. It was only then I noticed the chimp was holding a book. One that seemed special. He was lazily showing me openings. Not at all worried that I would be violent.
I took a deep breath.
Calming down.
“So… What should I call you?” I acted more civil.
Not wanting to anger this unknown entity.
“I have no name worth giving or remembering. Not in front of someone like you.” There was a passive aggressiveness to his tone as if he blamed me for something, but why did it make me feel… like he was scolding me. This was the first time we had met.
“So you transported humanity off their planet.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“Would you like to continue our introductions?” I sat down and matched wits with him. His demeanour had reminded me to keep a level-headed mindset preemptively. Who knew what this conversation could turn into? I had to keep myself on my toes.
The war against the ‘Aeons’ was not pretty.
I had commanded humanity and brought them together. Finding the ones most useful while trying to minimise the damage as much as possible. Each time we killed one of those disasters, the world ended up being driven closer to its own destruction.
“Then let’s get to the main point here.” The chimp closed the book and looked at me in the eye. He was looking at me like a teacher looking down on his student. His voice sounding oh so strict in this bad place: “Do you know where your power came from?”
“My… power…?” I did not show what I truly felt.
“Your ability to regress in time upon death.” It was an impossible situation, but the chimpanzee seemed to know of my ability. He spoke of it so matter-of-factly that I couldn’t hide it. Doing so would likely have no benefits. I chose to reveal my one secret.
“How do you know about it?” I was on guard.
“Like I said earlier. This is a safe space.”
“I built the Ark Nation. Without me, they will fall into chaos. Even if ‘this is a safe space’, I know you likely have nothing good for humanity. Is this just a game before you toy with my life?” I spoke to the chimp while getting ready to take my own life.
A secret capsule in my mouth I’d just have to bite.
“I simply want to give you the truth I’d told to the rest of humanity face-to-face. This is simple the type of interview I had with all you animals. Something done before every transference. Oh yeah, you are the last among them to be transported to this world.”
“Great. Now we’re moving along.” I relaxed.
Even though that explained nothing.
“We are… ‘relatives’ to your adoptive grandfather. It pained us to see the humans he loved go extinct.” A strange comment was spoken. The chimpanzee was acting like what he said wasn’t completely insane. I openly squinted my eyes when I’d heard his farce.
“My grandfather was no monkey.”
“Regardless, your grandfather had a ‘miraculous power’ even before your great catastrophe. He was able to save your life, and give you a power that was not supposed to exist.” After saying those words, the chimpanzee sat there while extending his long arm.
“You want me to give it up to you.” I raised a brow.
“You don’t want to?” The chimp’s face was lively.
I could understand his expressions.
…Weird.
“I’m all for it!” This power was more akin to a curse anyway. Forcefully extending my life even when I’d just wanted everything to end. It was only because the disaster would kill me endlessly that I’d taken everything into my own hands. Solving everything.
Now I could just die like a normal person?
Why wouldn’t I agree?
“Good… Then let’s get onto the standard procedure I went through with everyone before you. Those who all combined their efforts to ‘take down the Aeons’. I have a simple thing to say about that.” The chimp finally got onto his hand-like feet and looked sharp.
“Which is…?” I felt a foreboding feeling.
“YOU killed the Earth, and something solely for you to hear is… that humanity killed your darn foolish grandfather.” These words. What did he mean by saying that with such eyes? I felt aggressiveness from this monkey. Like he wanted to rip me to shreds.
“No…” I shook my head.
Unable to accept his words.
It was at that point the book in the chimpanzee’s hand was thrown in my direction. I felt it submerge into my entire being. Knowledge flowed into me. It was the feeling of enlightenment. Suddenly grasping on the truths of the matters fusing with my past.
The memories were being given more context.
Aeons… Large creatures with mysticism.
I saw all but one of the twelve that supposedly had always existed on Earth. Visions of a calamity far more greater than the Aeons was shown destroying the planet. This scene was followed by a man holding a broadsword. Trying to revive the now dead planet.
A total of twelve ‘pins’ was placed into the world.
And those pins holding Earth together were…
…the Aeons.
I’d lead humanity to destroy their own world.
I’m not a saviour.
“Ha, haha…” I laughed at my foolishness. My mind was now clear. The foolishness… The arrogance I had not too long ago. All of it faded. Teardrops fell from my eyes, but I couldn’t understand it. I’d hated the world, so what was this murk grasping onto me?
Regret?
Wishing that I’d known?
“You humans blamed the disasters on the Aeons after killing one of them. At first it was hurricanes and earthquakes, but that was the beginning. You’d know how things turned out the more you killed them, right? Do you blame me for my hatred now?”
No, I didn’t blame him.
I’d feel the same in his position.
When the first Aeon died, so did my grandfather.
But why…? Was he the man in that vision?
Who was my grandfather? Who even was he?
“If possible, I’d like to stay here. I want to know more about my grandfather.” I brought up this request. My place in the country I’d created had no meaning anymore. Everything was futile now. It was just making me unable to focus or keep composed.
I had to know more…!
“I can grant that request, but you must know of the consequences.” The fact he didn’t immediately reject me brought me hope. The chimp stood over me with eyes of pity. His hand landed on my shoulder. As if trying to comfort me after seeing my breakdown.
I looked up at him.
He seemed more human than I could’ve imagined.
“Go on.” My voice had yet to falter at his warning.
My thirst for knowledge stronger than anything.
“This is the Akashic Records. A place that stores all the knowledge of the universe. Only I and three others can safely stay here, but a being like you would eventually become twisted. You will no longer be a human… should you stay here for too long.” The voice of the chimp was still calm, but he looked at me with a gaze different from before. It was a mercy.
He wanted me to go.
Because that would be best for my happiness.
“That’s fine.” I spoke with dead eyes.
A sinner like me could no longer be called human.
“It isn’t. You are not a sinner, and ‘he’ wouldn’t have wanted your journey to end here. Surely, you must have a wish yet to be granted. Something that you’d want in exchange for your blessing.” The chimp had knelt to put our gazes at even level. Speaking softly.
His tone gentle and forgiving.
“Then let my grandfather live. Let him live again.”
“That is… beyond what we can do. It is also far too cruel. To give him the curse to continue ‘living’ even after all he went through. You do not understand that your pain now… is only a fraction of what he’d lived with his entire life.” The chimp was emotional.
I… had no idea.
“He was in pain?” I got to my feet.
The only memories I had of my grandfather was him being a happy old drunkard. He’d never shown any of what this chimp was speaking about. Pain? I’d seen my grandfather laugh after tripping down the stairs and hurting his nose. He was always fine.
“Your grandfather is… old.” It sounded so obvious.
“How old?” I felt strangely interested by the answer.
“Older than your species.” That was… very odd.
Grandfather didn’t seem like an eldritch being.
“And that’s why he won’t want to live?” I could vibe with the suicidal aspect of immortality, but it had clashed with the image of my grandfather. He was not one to lose against time. He was far too unique to be toyed with by a normal person’s miseries.
“You will understand in time… but is that really what you request from us?” My mind raced as the dark feelings enveloping me were washed away. Life had returned to my once empty eyes. A fire lit in my heart and was coursing through my bloodstream.
“You can save him?” I asked the old chimp.
“He will not remember everything. His memories are too vast. His soul is too powerful. There is no telling how he would end up. Moreover, only one of the humans from Earth are an option. There is a high chance he’ll die early.” The chimp was persuasive.
“Just do it anyway.” I insisted on this.
“Why…?” The chimp was perplexed.
Was my determination too odd?
Perhaps I seemed too cruel.
“I’m giving back what he’d given me: A chance. I’m hoping he’ll be different from me.” Other than saving the world, this was the second thing I was ever so adamant about. The chimp was fighting an internal battle upon hearing me. He clenched his fists tight.
“…If he dies this time, his memories will be gone for good.” The chimp warned me again. This was not a shallow warning. If his memories were erased, then the grandfather I knew would never come back. It would end up as the same soul, different person.
“Do it.” I did not falter here.
He seemed to have forgotten something now.
And I would use this to my advantage.
My grandfather will never ‘die’.
I will not allow it.
I’ll await the day he comes looking for me. The day he remembers his grandson. His ONLY grandson that would find a way to protect him from afar. If I’m in this place, then I was sure I’d be able to influence all worlds even if it was subtle. That was all I need.
Grandfather, I hope you find me one day. Hopefully you won’t be disappointed once you see my ugliness.
Live on. For the next time we meet…
My hero.
This is a prologue draft so the main character won’t appear just yet. More of a start that concerns the ‘global’ perspective more than single person’s view on the world.
The basic idea is that these Isekai’d people will start EVERYTHING from scratch. Both external relations and internal management.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A population of one million. It sounded like a lot of people, but this was the current number of an ever-dwindling population. They were like autumn leaves. Once around eight billion people strong. Now? Well... Survival was top priority.
All had gathered at the ‘Ark Nation’.
The last hope for humanity…
The twelve surviving nations banded together and housed the small groups from smaller countries, but there was five among them that were different from the rest. They were the true backbone of this new nation going forward.
Korea, Africa, America, Japan, and India…
In this apocalyptic world, superpowers were the only thing that was stopping them from being swallowed up by the hurricanes outside their dome. Ark Nation was only able to run thanks to a simple girl ‘Awakening’ a special power.
That young girl was American.
It was a similar situation with the rest of them.
Perhaps due to the impending doom carried by the consecutive natural disasters, humanity was awakening superpowers. Even now, their dome was being hit by a constant onslaught of tsunamis. Broken and split by earthquakes.
An old man from Korea was the only thing keeping these disasters at bay. His immense power creating a barrier around the entire continent. The only piece of land left on Earth that hadn’t sunk to the depths of the ocean.
The common mother of five children in Africa kept the people within the Ark Nation protected from these new diseases that had been discovered. Protecting them from bio-chemical attacks thrown at them by the world.
A married man in India was watching the sky while fighting off the spiritual forces trying to enter the dome. He was the only thing keeping these creatures at bay. These undying, ghostly entities that came from the galaxy’s darkness.
The only authority stopping internal panic while all this was happening… was the police officer from Japan. Having awakened a light that could punish any evils within its brilliant radiance. He was the only one watching ‘them’ closely.
Those who the others were dying to protect.
Their powers wouldn’t last long. These miracle workers are using their lives. It already shortened by overexertion. They wouldn’t be able to last until old age, and those benefitting was not them. It was those who used this kindness for their political gain.
The now temporary leaders of the Ark Nation watched the ‘sun’ as it looked back at them. A feeling of pride in their hearts. Almost as if the ones suffering right now were themselves. All of them sure they’d do the same in their place.
Perhaps even much more smartly…
How arrogant they were.
“How long?” An African man in a suit asked.
He was the chief of the people of Africa.
“Not much. We can’t delay this further.” The current America Chief narrowed his eyes. He was sitting with the parson in question. That girl that had provided her powers to save humanity was laid motionless before him.
Her own lifelines powered by her electricity.
Cables and metallic attachments could be seen along with medical devices. She was barely breathing. Occasionally taking in big gasps of air. The only thing that separated h the stillness of death. Each breath was slow.
The man watched as it became softer.
“I’m sorry… Our people have no solutions.” The chief, who current emperor of Japan, bowed towards both the America Chief and the young girl. His face twisted horribly. One could see the dark circles growing under his eyes.
The other ‘miracle workers’ were not in a better condition. Surrounded by friends and family. The only difference was that they still had people to be surrounded with. This heroic yet nameless young girl having no one left.
If the America Chief still had his government and data, he might’ve been able to find at least SOMEONE… but not even knowing her name was the result of incompetence. Unable to even thank this citizen who saved everyone.
“None of us are innocent. There is no longer a divide between people. Isn’t that what the Ark Nation was founded on?” The non-traditional India Chief patted the man’s shoulder. Having no reason to treat this emperor like royalty.
All while the Korea Chief bit his lips silently.
Unable to come forward.
The others were trying to lighten the mood, but this man’s understandable fears could not be ignored. They tried to ignore him… Trying to act like there was something they could do. It was too unfair. Having no power to survive…
“When that kid dies…” The man had spoke.
“Don’t talk of my citizen in such a way…!” The fatherly America Chief hissed at the Korean who’d spoken up. They knew his meaning, but he had no right to be regretful. Having survived this long in an apocalypse was only by luck.
These chiefs knew of their own powerlessness.
“…” The man sat back down without remorse.
It was the end anyway.
The end of humanity.
Those many air purifiers they had installed would break down the moment she died. They had managed to organise lesser superhuman individuals to quickly finish this project. ‘Ark Nation’ being a dome built with clear ambition.
It was made with more than simple glass.
The technology used was a combination formed from the advancements of all countries on Earth. Every known piece of information compiled on a system and dissembled using artificial intelligence. It showed their worth.
They had done their best… these ‘Chiefs’.
However, it all hinged on one thing in particular.
Electricity.
They needed electricity for all this to function.
The moment she died: Power would be cut from the entire country. The dome’s internal life support systems would fail, and they’d lose oxygen at an incredibly fast pace. The other miracle workers falling along with humanity.
They did not have a solution for this…
“It was bad luck.” Rather than falling into a despairing outlook, the America Chief straightened his brown hair and gazed at them with his calm eyes. Their auburn colour and stillness made them think of a tall, elderly tree.
“…?” They did not understand.
He continued:
“We should be proud that we had defeated the creatures that destroyed Earth. Our ancestors would be proud… and especially our gods.” It was a comment that would surely trigger the India Chief especially, but she kept quiet.
Knowing that he meant no harm in his words.
“Our conscience is clear.” She nodded at him.
The rest of them looked down in thought.
Trying their best to think of another solution.
Time passed, and the lights started to dim and flicker. The dome started to shake. The shock absorbent materials paired with stabilisation technological systems were becoming weaker by the second. The floor started to tremble.
Their eyes turned to the little girl…
They were at the end of the line, but no one here acted out of panic or fear. These calm men and woman were not born leaders chosen by the people. No… People like them were simply those who knew how to utilise what they had.
Gathering people for a cause.
Desperate. They couldn’t contain it.
Yet no matter how desperate, this was the end.
There was no hope left for them grasp.
“This is the end.” It was only now did the quiet Korea Chief speak. The life support was beating strongly. A lifeline was fading. An electrical field was starting to form around her. The only one reason why no doctor could attend this girl.
This was not an illness. This was exerting it all.
Even until her last breath.
“Huh?” Something strange started happening.
The chief of India looked at her hands.
“The gods haven’t abandoned us.” Despite not knowing what was happening, she knelt down and thanked her gods. None of them knew what was going on, but few of them wanted to believe that the changes in them were detrimental.
“Teleportation?” A thoughtful look appeared on the Korean man. He seemed to have guessed this by the sensation he was feeling alone. It was as if they were being tugged. A force unknown to them was transferring them out of this world.
The miracle workers before them no different.
Many emotions flashed through everyone’s eyes at that moment. They looked at each other. The unknown no longer unfamiliar and scary. They all dared to have hopeful looks on their faces. That this would be the real miracle they’d waited for.
The America Chief closed his eyes for a second.
When he opened them up, he was no longer surrounded by his acquaintances. No longer in the hospital ward where his miracle worker was dying. There was no change in his expression whatsoever. He’d even seen ghosts at this point.
If this was an alien, he wouldn’t be shocked.
A quick glance at his surroundings made him recognise this place as a library. Though not of any kind he was familiar with. As a man who had been to many places, it was the first time he had experienced an absence of sunlight in a library.
It was then he had looked upwards.
A purple illumination seemed omnipresent in this world. There was no warmth of sunlight, but this also didn’t seem like LEDs. There was a clear invasive quality to this light. It didn’t seem to be coming from any single direction in particular.
Only that it was coming ‘generally downwards’ from above. Since the library had no ceiling, he could see the emptiness above. Starting to understand that this was not Earth. He had been transported somewhere akin to another world.
“What is this place?” He started to murmur.
“Would you like to read a book?” A remark came from behind a bookshelf. It was a deep and old voice that held the annals of time. It made me wake from my stupor. Making me realise that ‘I’ was not a being that watched over these events.
My story was the same.
Except I was not the America Chief…
I found myself seeing this memory like it was my own. The voice behind the bookshelf was familiar to me. Those ‘chiefs’ I saw were also familiar. I’d chosen them myself. Nothing was a coincidence. All events had been conspired.
All by myself in the past… Jordan Fisher.
Was this a flashback?
Had I lost my mind?
Perhaps picking that choice was not wise.
My memories were becoming loose.
I could feel my mind reverting back in time.
Back to the moment of my impending ‘end’.
I did not want to become a hero… The world was dying, and I made a promise. The only person I ever loved was dead. When the disaster started, the world took him from me. He died mysteriously and in a way I couldn’t explain. Even with my unlimited time.
Memories… My… Memories… Where…
And now where was I?
Where was I again?
This wasn’t the Ark Nation.
I found myself in a little room surrounded by many colourful books. Even though there shouldn’t be any light in a room without windows, flames, or even lightbulbs… My existence enveloped in a purple radiance. It was a sticky and invasive amethyst.
Let’s see what death this takes me to this time…
“Do not be alarmed. You are safe here.” A calm and deep voice came from behind the bookshelves. I had no choice at this point. There didn’t seem to be any map in this maze. Even if I ran around wildly, it’d do no good to help my alarming situation any further.
“Are you responsible for what happened on Earth?” I asked the voice. Looking behind the bookshelf I could hear it coming from. Hearing tapping footsteps that was unlike any other. It didn’t sound like he was wearing shoes… so what was this?
What was this sound?
“I have nothing to do with what happened to your planet. That was all on you: Beings lesser than monkeys.” As the individual spoke, he came out from the hallway behind the bookshelves. A gasp left my lips, but it was hurried by the sight before me.
What was I looking at?
A hairy bodied primate that was shorter than me.
This was not a cuss or insult. It was what I saw.
The ‘man’ speaking earlier was this chimpanzee.
And he was wearing a casual-looking suit, huh?
“What? You never saw a monkey before?” This was definitely not a lucid dream. The insanity of what I was seeing and the surroundings were too far off from anything I could imagine. His serenity while asking that question was hard for me to counter.
My hands were trembling.
“Send me back to my home.” My voice was broken.
I couldn’t quite control the intensity of it anymore.
Raising my arms and being ready to throw down.
“That is not possible. The major leaders of your little nation have agreed to my terms. All of humanity will be leaving Earth for a new world… but I will be taking more than one thing they value.” There was clear hatred in his eyes, but it was also complicated.
It made me curious.
“I’m guessing you’re some sort of celestial being.”
“No… Not at all. I am a mere librarian, as you can see.” The chimpanzee pulled out a chair. It was only then I noticed the chimp was holding a book. One that seemed special. He was lazily showing me openings. Not at all worried that I would be violent.
I took a deep breath.
Calming down.
“So… What should I call you?” I acted more civil.
Not wanting to anger this unknown entity.
“I have no name worth giving or remembering. Not in front of someone like you.” There was a passive aggressiveness to his tone as if he blamed me for something, but why did it make me feel… like he was scolding me. This was the first time we had met.
“So you transported humanity off their planet.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“Would you like to continue our introductions?” I sat down and matched wits with him. His demeanour had reminded me to keep a level-headed mindset preemptively. Who knew what this conversation could turn into? I had to keep myself on my toes.
The war against the ‘Aeons’ was not pretty.
I had commanded humanity and brought them together. Finding the ones most useful while trying to minimise the damage as much as possible. Each time we killed one of those disasters, the world ended up being driven closer to its own destruction.
“Then let’s get to the main point here.” The chimp closed the book and looked at me in the eye. He was looking at me like a teacher looking down on his student. His voice sounding oh so strict in this bad place: “Do you know where your power came from?”
“My… power…?” I did not show what I truly felt.
“Your ability to regress in time upon death.” It was an impossible situation, but the chimpanzee seemed to know of my ability. He spoke of it so matter-of-factly that I couldn’t hide it. Doing so would likely have no benefits. I chose to reveal my one secret.
“How do you know about it?” I was on guard.
“Like I said earlier. This is a safe space.”
“I built the Ark Nation. Without me, they will fall into chaos. Even if ‘this is a safe space’, I know you likely have nothing good for humanity. Is this just a game before you toy with my life?” I spoke to the chimp while getting ready to take my own life.
A secret capsule in my mouth I’d just have to bite.
“I simply want to give you the truth I’d told to the rest of humanity face-to-face. This is simple the type of interview I had with all you animals. Something done before every transference. Oh yeah, you are the last among them to be transported to this world.”
“Great. Now we’re moving along.” I relaxed.
Even though that explained nothing.
“We are… ‘relatives’ to your adoptive grandfather. It pained us to see the humans he loved go extinct.” A strange comment was spoken. The chimpanzee was acting like what he said wasn’t completely insane. I openly squinted my eyes when I’d heard his farce.
“My grandfather was no monkey.”
“Regardless, your grandfather had a ‘miraculous power’ even before your great catastrophe. He was able to save your life, and give you a power that was not supposed to exist.” After saying those words, the chimpanzee sat there while extending his long arm.
“You want me to give it up to you.” I raised a brow.
“You don’t want to?” The chimp’s face was lively.
I could understand his expressions.
…Weird.
“I’m all for it!” This power was more akin to a curse anyway. Forcefully extending my life even when I’d just wanted everything to end. It was only because the disaster would kill me endlessly that I’d taken everything into my own hands. Solving everything.
Now I could just die like a normal person?
Why wouldn’t I agree?
“Good… Then let’s get onto the standard procedure I went through with everyone before you. Those who all combined their efforts to ‘take down the Aeons’. I have a simple thing to say about that.” The chimp finally got onto his hand-like feet and looked sharp.
“Which is…?” I felt a foreboding feeling.
“YOU killed the Earth, and something solely for you to hear is… that humanity killed your darn foolish grandfather.” These words. What did he mean by saying that with such eyes? I felt aggressiveness from this monkey. Like he wanted to rip me to shreds.
“No…” I shook my head.
Unable to accept his words.
It was at that point the book in the chimpanzee’s hand was thrown in my direction. I felt it submerge into my entire being. Knowledge flowed into me. It was the feeling of enlightenment. Suddenly grasping on the truths of the matters fusing with my past.
The memories were being given more context.
Aeons… Large creatures with mysticism.
I saw all but one of the twelve that supposedly had always existed on Earth. Visions of a calamity far more greater than the Aeons was shown destroying the planet. This scene was followed by a man holding a broadsword. Trying to revive the now dead planet.
A total of twelve ‘pins’ was placed into the world.
And those pins holding Earth together were…
…the Aeons.
I’d lead humanity to destroy their own world.
I’m not a saviour.
“Ha, haha…” I laughed at my foolishness. My mind was now clear. The foolishness… The arrogance I had not too long ago. All of it faded. Teardrops fell from my eyes, but I couldn’t understand it. I’d hated the world, so what was this murk grasping onto me?
Regret?
Wishing that I’d known?
“You humans blamed the disasters on the Aeons after killing one of them. At first it was hurricanes and earthquakes, but that was the beginning. You’d know how things turned out the more you killed them, right? Do you blame me for my hatred now?”
No, I didn’t blame him.
I’d feel the same in his position.
When the first Aeon died, so did my grandfather.
But why…? Was he the man in that vision?
Who was my grandfather? Who even was he?
“If possible, I’d like to stay here. I want to know more about my grandfather.” I brought up this request. My place in the country I’d created had no meaning anymore. Everything was futile now. It was just making me unable to focus or keep composed.
I had to know more…!
“I can grant that request, but you must know of the consequences.” The fact he didn’t immediately reject me brought me hope. The chimp stood over me with eyes of pity. His hand landed on my shoulder. As if trying to comfort me after seeing my breakdown.
I looked up at him.
He seemed more human than I could’ve imagined.
“Go on.” My voice had yet to falter at his warning.
My thirst for knowledge stronger than anything.
“This is the Akashic Records. A place that stores all the knowledge of the universe. Only I and three others can safely stay here, but a being like you would eventually become twisted. You will no longer be a human… should you stay here for too long.” The voice of the chimp was still calm, but he looked at me with a gaze different from before. It was a mercy.
He wanted me to go.
Because that would be best for my happiness.
“That’s fine.” I spoke with dead eyes.
A sinner like me could no longer be called human.
“It isn’t. You are not a sinner, and ‘he’ wouldn’t have wanted your journey to end here. Surely, you must have a wish yet to be granted. Something that you’d want in exchange for your blessing.” The chimp had knelt to put our gazes at even level. Speaking softly.
His tone gentle and forgiving.
“Then let my grandfather live. Let him live again.”
“That is… beyond what we can do. It is also far too cruel. To give him the curse to continue ‘living’ even after all he went through. You do not understand that your pain now… is only a fraction of what he’d lived with his entire life.” The chimp was emotional.
I… had no idea.
“He was in pain?” I got to my feet.
The only memories I had of my grandfather was him being a happy old drunkard. He’d never shown any of what this chimp was speaking about. Pain? I’d seen my grandfather laugh after tripping down the stairs and hurting his nose. He was always fine.
“Your grandfather is… old.” It sounded so obvious.
“How old?” I felt strangely interested by the answer.
“Older than your species.” That was… very odd.
Grandfather didn’t seem like an eldritch being.
“And that’s why he won’t want to live?” I could vibe with the suicidal aspect of immortality, but it had clashed with the image of my grandfather. He was not one to lose against time. He was far too unique to be toyed with by a normal person’s miseries.
“You will understand in time… but is that really what you request from us?” My mind raced as the dark feelings enveloping me were washed away. Life had returned to my once empty eyes. A fire lit in my heart and was coursing through my bloodstream.
“You can save him?” I asked the old chimp.
“He will not remember everything. His memories are too vast. His soul is too powerful. There is no telling how he would end up. Moreover, only one of the humans from Earth are an option. There is a high chance he’ll die early.” The chimp was persuasive.
“Just do it anyway.” I insisted on this.
“Why…?” The chimp was perplexed.
Was my determination too odd?
Perhaps I seemed too cruel.
“I’m giving back what he’d given me: A chance. I’m hoping he’ll be different from me.” Other than saving the world, this was the second thing I was ever so adamant about. The chimp was fighting an internal battle upon hearing me. He clenched his fists tight.
“…If he dies this time, his memories will be gone for good.” The chimp warned me again. This was not a shallow warning. If his memories were erased, then the grandfather I knew would never come back. It would end up as the same soul, different person.
“Do it.” I did not falter here.
He seemed to have forgotten something now.
And I would use this to my advantage.
My grandfather will never ‘die’.
I will not allow it.
I’ll await the day he comes looking for me. The day he remembers his grandson. His ONLY grandson that would find a way to protect him from afar. If I’m in this place, then I was sure I’d be able to influence all worlds even if it was subtle. That was all I need.
Grandfather, I hope you find me one day. Hopefully you won’t be disappointed once you see my ugliness.
Live on. For the next time we meet…
My hero.
