Cid woke up at the crack of dawn, as he did every day, to open his family's shop. It was a cherished inheritance from his late parents. According to history, after the vampires vanished, Earth was invaded by another species called the Xeltharans, and humans had to fight to protect their homes.
The human forces successfully pushed back the Xeltharans, and there is currently a ceasefire in place. However, there is still a lingering fear that the Xeltharans will launch another attack. As a precaution, all 17-year-olds are now mandated to join the military and undergo training to prepare for any future attacks from the Xeltharans.
The Xeltharans are alien creatures that Range from 7 to 9 feet tall. They have iridescent skin that shifts colors based on mood and environment, primarily shades of blue, green, and purple. Their eyes are large, multifaceted eyes that can see in multiple spectrums, including infrared and ultraviolet. They are humanoid creatures with four long, slender limbs and three dexterous fingers on each hand, allowing for the intricate manipulation of objects. The head is an elongated skull with a pronounced forehead and a series of bioluminescent patterns that pulse with their emotions.
The Abilities they possess are: Telepathy: Xeltharans can communicate mentally, allowing for instantaneous sharing of thoughts and emotions.
Energy Manipulation: They can harness and manipulate energy, enabling them to create force fields, project energy blasts, or absorb energy from their surroundings.
Regeneration: Their bodies can heal rapidly from injuries, making them difficult to defeat in combat.
Cid's parents perished in the lengthy war against the Xeltharans, leaving him to fend for himself. They were not of noble descent or wealthy by any means, so the military, which would typically take care of the children of soldiers who had died, didn't pay him any attention. Ever since Cid was 13 years old, he has had to fend for himself. He made money, continuing the drink store his parents owned.
Tomorrow, Cid will turn 17, making him eligible to join the military. In this society, having an ability is also a prerequisite for joining the military, and there are two ways to gain one. Fathers pass on their abilities to their children at birth, or people can get them through merging with an Ability Crystal by training and practicing.
Ability Crystals have six levels; the first is the base form, usable for manipulation or creation depending on the type. Progressing through the levels grants users more control, culminating in complete mastery at level 6. Cid possessed no innate ability. His parents' strength always intrigued him, making him question their physical prowess. Curious about their abilities, he questioned his mother, learning that their strength derived from Qi, a universal life force. Military duties prevented them from ever teaching Cid how to use it.
Cid's shop specializes in herbal drinks with healing properties. As he prepared one of the signature blends using ingredients, his family had passed down, he realized they were out of a critical ingredient - the rare Bloodberry Fruit.
Cid used to go with his parents into the forest to gather ingredients for their medicines. Ironically, the forbidden part of the forest was where the Bloodberry fruit grew. Cid's parents always cautioned him about the area's dangers whenever they took him on their expeditions. This area is infamous for its dangerous beast population.
Seeking Blood berries, he entered the forest. Thanks to his parents' instructions, he remembered a safe route and avoided all dangerous monsters. As he closed up his shop, he headed towards the fruit location. This journey, however, presented two significant challenges: dangerous beasts and an impassable border sealing off part of the forest. Cid's parents warned him about the barrier's ominous aura during their visit, and he could feel it. To avoid the discomfort it caused, they always stayed far away. But now, Cid had no choice but to approach it in order to collect the Bloodberry fruit growing on the trees nearby.
As he got close, he could feel an overwhelming aura emanating from the labyrinth. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like tiny needles prickling at his skin. But amidst the fear, he also felt a strange pull, as if something deep inside him was being awakened and drawn towards the mysterious labyrinth. His heart raced as he tried to resist its allure, but it was as if an invisible force were calling out to him, begging him to come closer. With trembling hands, he took a step forward, unable to resist the irresistible call of the unknown.
As he ventured deeper towards the Labyrinth, the aura grew more tangible and oppressive. The closer he got to the center, the stronger the energy became, almost suffocating in its intensity. He finally reached a towering door adorned with intricate carvings and symbols unlike any he had ever seen before. As his hand approached the door, a deep voice echoed through the surroundings, its drawl and menacing tone sending shivers down his spine. "Welcome to the Labyrinth of Draven, the Valiant," it declared. "You have been granted access as you have proven yourself worthy to claim the treasure within." Just then, a blinding circle of light enveloped Cid, and he felt himself being transported to a vast chamber, the inside of the chamber looked like a hauntingly beautiful gothic interior, likely a cathedral or an ancient hall, characterized by its dramatic lighting and architectural features.
The room featured tall, pointed arches that created a sense of grandeur and height. The intricate details of the stonework add to the historical ambiance.
Warm, flickering candlelight illuminated the space, casting soft shadows and creating a mysterious atmosphere. The light from the candle's contrasts with the darker tones of the stone walls.
The large, uneven stone slabs that composed the floor enhanced the environment's ancient and rugged feel.
The room's ambiance was enhanced by the flickering flames of strategically placed candles, which also warmed the cool stone. In the room's far corner, on a raised platform, sat a sword; its dark, menacing design, unique blade, and intricate details were striking and ornate. The blade's long, curved shape, reminiscent of a scythe, ends in a sharp point. The surface is predominantly black, with splashes of deep red, giving it a blood-like appearance. The handle has a firm grip thanks to the black material wrapping it. It features decorative elements, including rose motifs, which add an elegant yet sinister touch. The Sword's guard has a unique shape, its pointed extensions accentuating its aggressive appearance. The cutouts in the guard add to the overall aesthetic, making it visually striking. Cid felt a pull toward the Sword.
Nearing the brilliant blade, Cid felt a rush of energy, a sense of connection to the sword's core. A strange power, replacing the room's former eeriness, beckoned him to the blade.
With trembling hands, he reached out to grasp the hilt of the sword. As soon as his fingers made contact with the sword, he felt a sharp cut, and his blood spilled onto the blade. This triggered a jolt of electricity that shot through him, causing his whole body to tremble with a mixture of fear and exhilaration. The sword pulsed with a faint, crimson light, responding to Cid's touch as if recognizing him as its rightful owner.
At that moment, he knew that this was no ordinary weapon. This was a relic of immense power, one that had hidden in the depths of the labyrinth for untold centuries, waiting for someone worthy to claim it.
The moment Cid removed the sword, an intense energy filled him, surging through his body and granting him supernatural strength. His vision blurred, darkness encroached, and gradually he slipped into unconsciousness. As he neared unconsciousness, a translucent, bright red screen materialized, temporarily blinding him. His vision cleared, revealing a screen flashing: "Congratulations, you've been selected to wield the legendary crimson reaper." Prepare to become a powerful Halfling.
The world went dark.