Location: ???
Everything was drowned in absolute darkness.
Black was no longer just a color; it was a void that devoured everything, a boundless emptiness with no clear edges. Wherever one looked, gigantic objects could be seen. A torn teddy bear, a single leftover shoe, a cracked watch, a hat with frayed edges… All of them were enlarged, as if they had been placed there meaninglessly.
Far in the distance, a statue of a child rose upward. Most of its body was shattered; its face had been erased, and one of its arms was missing. Even within the darkness, it formed a deeply unsettling silhouette.
At the center of all these objects lay a human figure. Motionless, as if unconscious. Then his chest rose slightly, his fingers trembled, and his eyelids slowly parted.
- - - : …Where… am I?
The voice echoed, but not naturally; it was as if the words weren't bouncing off walls, but striking the void itself.
He hesitated for a moment. His memories were slowly returning.
- - - : The last thing I remember… I made a deal with a mysterious man…
That man was Jack.
Jack pushed himself upright. As he stood, his body swayed slightly as if the ground wasn't stable, yet he wasn't falling either.
Jack: What kind of place is this… and why is everything black?
He began to walk. The surface beneath his feet was solid, yet with every step, a dripping sound echoed metallic, wet.
Jack: The ground is solid, but the sound is liquid…
(a brief pause)
Forget it… where is this place, seriously?
At that moment, another set of footsteps mixed with his own. The droplets no longer followed a single rhythm.
Jack suddenly turned around.
Jack: Who are you? Show yourself.
The footsteps grew heavier. As they approached, two red lights appeared in the darkness brighter, clearer with each step.
Jack's muscles tensed. He thought it was a creature; his instincts prepared for combat.
Then the lights stopped.
A deep, calm voice one that carried pressure spoke.
- - - : You really forgot me that quickly.
Jack clenched his teeth.
Jack: Who are you?!
A silhouette advanced from the darkness. As it came closer, its facial features became clear. Jack's breath caught in his throat.
- - - : Looks like the contract broke you a little.
Jack's eyes widened.
The figure in front of him… was himself.
And yet, it wasn't.
A crown-shaped tattoo rested above his eyebrows, and his eyes shone with a diamond-like red glow. His gaze was heavier, more condescending.
Jack understood.
Jack: It was you… the man who made the deal with me!
- - - : My official name is Liberty. You'd do well to remember it.
Jack: You said you'd show me the technique I possessbut you didn't!
Liberty rolled his eyes, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips.
Liberty: Rule number one.
Always stay alert when making a contract.
Jack clenched his fist in rage and lunged forward.
One step
And then everything reversed.
Jack slammed onto his back.
Liberty: Did you seriously think you could punch me?
Jack didn't understand what had happened. When? How?
His body hadn't moved by his own will.
Liberty: You asked where you were the moment you woke up, didn't you?
Jack remained silent.
Liberty: This is your subconscious.
The place where I live.
Those words echoed inside Jack's mind.
Jack: Since when have you been living here?
Liberty climbed onto a nearby pile of dark objects and sat down. He rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his hand.
Liberty: Since you were one year old.
Jack's throat went dry.
Jack: Since I was one… and you say you "fell" here?
Liberty: I don't fully understand it myself.
Someone… used you to reincarnate me.
Jack: How is that even possible?
Liberty looked at Jack; for a brief moment, his eyes shone even brighter.
Liberty: If you're lucky… someone will explain the reason to you.
Jack: HUH!?
His voice echoed again and again through the void.
Meanwhile The Sacred Temple
Everything was dark. The silence was heavy.
Suddenly, a sensor sound rang out. The doors slowly opened.
Rick stepped inside.
- - - : Welcome, Rick Deathclaw.
Rick walked forward ten meters, then dropped to one knee.
Rick: It is an honor to speak before you…
The Four Great Kings, and the Supreme Arthur.
One by one, candles ignited.
Five thrones emerged. On each sat a figure radiating a terrifying presence.
On the central throne
The strongest being in the world.
Arthur Violend.
Arthur: Let the meeting officially begin.
Arthur Violend, Appearance: He has fire-like hair. His eyes were fiery and constantly moving, as if his pupils were literally burning. He wears black athletic clothing and a white trench coat on his back. He is 1.95 meters tall and 46 years old.