Earth had come a long way from what it was once. A world that had clawed its way out of the dark age, an era erased from the pages of history itself.
Not much was known about what happened back then. But the scars left behind were evidence that it had been an age of terror. The world had changed greatly after that–Continents swallowed, dried up ocean basins, scattered landscapes spread across the world.
Many wondered how humanity had survived the calamity that tore the earth apart. But humans were tenacious creatures if anything.
From the ruins, they rebuilt, and once again the world was a teeming metropolis filled with humans dwelling on the few remaining habitable landscapes across the regions.
But the earth never fully recovered from its wound. Wounds so deep that caused fractured spaces across the world. These fractured spaces led to the birth of the Otherworld. A dimension that became home to dark creatures that roamed the world.
Only a select few were aware of the Otherworld and deadly horrors dwelling within. Furthermore, they could only be seen by few individuals gifted by the universe.
...
Deep in the Northern region, within one of the many rooms of a manor carved into the heart of a mountain, a figure finally stirred.
His silver hair was tied neatly into a bun, his body tensed the moment his eyes opened. He quickly shot up from the bed in one swift motion, already summoning his weapon as he scanned the room.
"Calm down, will you?" A figure said from the corner of the room.
"Ahhh. What a stress."
A silver haired lady sat lazily on a chair not far from his bed. Strands of silver hair falling across half her face.
"Honestly, I thought you'd spend the whole month in that sweet little dream of yours. But I guess you finally grew tired. Or was it a nightmare?"
Raziel stared at her with a confused gaze. "What do you mean... Eliza?"
"Well... how should I begin?" She said, stretching lazily. "You've been asleep for three weeks. Your miraculous survival had caused quite the stir in the clan.
Someone had to keep an eye on you less one of those da... lovely relatives of yours might grow some bright ideas and try put it into practice."
She yawned and rose to her feet."Well... it's been a hell of three weeks. And it's Avina!"
"Ahhh. I need a good massage" She muttered, massaging her temples.
"Huh? What's with the look?" She said with a scoff, pushing back strands of her hair.
"You look... different," Raziel muttered.
Avina raised a brow. "Different?"
'Is she acting this way to avoid suspicions? I guess I'll just play along.' He thought with a slight frown.
'She's a good actress, though.'
With his weapon still pointed at her, he let out a deep scowl before asking.
"Why... are you helping me?"
"Tsk. You're quite a cheeky brat, aren't you?" Not bothering to answer the question, she brushed past him and headed towards the door.
"Anyway you woke up just in time. The clan's holding a gathering. Since you're awake, it's best you attend. Also... your Uncles will be present and are pretty eager to see you in the flesh."
The door shut behind her leaving Raziel with his thoughts.
Staring at the closed door for a moment he finally snapped out of his dazed state.
Dismissing his sword, he let out a soft exhale.
A soft smile slowly formed across his lips as he prepared himself.
He had been successful in sealing some parts of his memories. It was better this way. Even with most of his memories sealed, his goal still burned bright.
Before long, he stood before a mirror, dressed in a long black robe with silver strands of hair falling freely over his shoulder.
Staring at his lean physique, Raziel couldn't help but exhale. He felt great. His body was brimming with energy. Strange.
When was the last time he felt this way? With a shrug, he quickly completed his preparation.
"System status." He called out as he walked out of the room.
Light shimmered before his eyes as a translucent panel unfolded in the air.
Several notifications popped up with a soft chime.
[You've defeated a high stage Inner realm human... +5 fragments]
[You've successfully formed a core]
[Congratulations! You've broken into the Inner Realm]
[You've received a great boost in strength]
[Name: Raziel]
[Race: Human??]
[Bloodline: Human, Half-Angel, ???]
[Innate Ability: Devour]
[Inner Realm: Low stage]
[11/1000 Fragments]
[ATTRIBUTES]
[Strength: 18]
[Agility: 17]
[Stamina: 10]
[Vitality: 20]
[Intelligence: 15]
[Perception: 12]
Raziel went through the notifications and was quite surprised. "Hmmm. I broke into the Inner realm. No wonder the surge of energy."
Closing the system, Raziel quickly walked towards the hall where the gathering was being held.
...
In a large hall filled with luxurious decor and paintings, a couple of figures moved around, exchanging pleasantries with one another.
The hall could easily hold thrice the number of those present. Golden chandeliers illuminated the vast chamber with walls adorned with pictures of strange feral creatures.
Seats were arranged in a simple order. The young heirs sat on the lower flooring. Above them, the elders and senior members occupied elevated platforms, their gazes sharp and aura leaking faintly into the atmosphere.
The soft murmurs and laughter fell as an older man rose from his seat at the center of the platform.
His neckline dark hair was tied neatly. Draped in a golden robe, his sharp gaze scanned through the gathering.
"A warm welcome to all present," the man began. "Your efforts have made this occasion possible. As you all know, the young heirs of the Shindo clan have completed their trials, achieving results that surpass expectations." He said with a pause.
"We–"
The heavy double doors groaned open, cutting his speech short.
A figure calmly stepped in, his silver hair glinting under the lights. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he walked forward. "I guess I made it in time."
All eyes were fixed on him as he steadily made his way towards the platform containing the young heirs with calm indifference.
"Who's that?"
"Don't you know? That's the cursed heir... Raziel Sonoma!"
"So the rumours were true. He's truly alive"
Raziel ignored the murmurs as he continued forward. He finally reached the row for the young heirs and took a seat as if nothing were amiss.
Quite a few of the youngsters wore shocked expressions on their faces.
"You can continue, Uncle Algar." His casual voice echoed across the room.
The man's expression darkened, eyes glinting dangerously as he stared at the figure for a moment. He wasn't the only one as half of the room stared at him with varying expressions.
They weren't trying to hide their disgust.
He glanced at the young heirs... his relations who were left speechless by his sudden appearance.
Chuckling inwardly, he leaned back, eyes shining in amusement.
"This is gonna be fun."