...
Who made this? Why me?
Grace's hands trembled. Her first instinct was fear deep, instinctive, almost childlike. What was this? A divine artifact? A curse? Something form of twisted creation of Evil gods?
Yet for all her surprise, Grace's mind was not so easily swept away. She thought carefully and decided to explore, then willed herself to open the members list somehow knowing exactly how to do it, as if the knowledge had been gently placed in her mind.
Two entries appeared. Both simply marked:
[???]
[???]
2nd was obviously her. The other, someone else already here. Her stomach gave a nervous twist.
Taking a slow breath, she decided to reach out. She kept her words careful and polite, every bit the noble daughter her mother raised.
[???] Hello, esteemed person. A very good evening to you.
It felt like a long wait. Her pulse beat in her ears. Then, at last, another line of gentle glowing script formed:
[???] Oh? A newcomer, finally. A very lovely good evening to you.
His tone or whatever passed for a tone in text was warm, almost amused. Grace let out a shaky sigh, a bit of tension easing from her shoulders.
She went on carefully.
[???] Sir, may I ask what exactly is going on? Who are you? Why am I here?
The reply came after a thoughtful pause, almost amused.
[???] I know you must have many questions. Don't worry, I'm just like you. A mortal blessed by... 'Him'.
'Him'? and who is this 'Him' in golden letters while the rest is in white. She thought with her brows furrowed, and then she saw new letters being conveyed.
As for who 'He' is… that, I cannot say, for i don't know. 'He' is the one who made this chat group, and why exactly 'He' chose us… who can understand the will of such beings? We mortals can only accept our fate and offer respect, hoping for a good life in return.
Grace's eyes darted back and forth across the script. Her breath quickened as the next words unfurled.
'He' just simply told me that, 'He' has just awakened from a long slumber, and seeks to influence this world through us, to help 'Him' weaken the rules of this world.
If we serve well, 'He' would grant us our deepest wishes. Even… to replace the very fools who dares to hinder 'His' advancement. And i think you very well know who those 'Fools' are.
Grace felt cold, her knees weakened. She sank down on a low garden bench, her mind instantly leapt to the high temples, the powerful lineages, the very 'Gods' worshipped across the world of Veridion. Was this.. was this some dark scheme against them? Her legs felt weak. She sat down abruptly on the edge of a fountain.
Am I being drawn into something Evil?
But then a small, defiant spark lit inside her. This world was hardly perfect. Even under the bright banners of high temples and noble houses, there was greed, cruelty, meaningless wars and bloodshed. If she could gain the power to protect her family, to make the world better, even if the one offering it was a mystery, could she truly refuse?
And this was exactly what Aurelian planned, he choose her due to her character and her background, her influence will be better than just some commoner who could be easily fooled.
Still he knew, she was no fool. She would watch carefully. The day this group demanded she commit dark rituals or slaughter innocents she'd sooner take her own life than become some monster who destroyed all she loved.
She steadied her voice, drawing a slow breath.
[???] What may I call you, esteemed person? And… How do we mention 'Him'?
The reply came with a soft, almost playful patience.
[???] I asked the same once why my name only appears as ???. And what 'He' replied was just the word "Secrecy". So i concluded we must choose our codenames ourselves, I waited for the first person to join to discuss, so do you have any suggestions?
Grace managed a small smile. Somehow, talking of names made this all feel a touch more human. She thought, her mind turning over possibilities.
[???] Since this... Group is called 'Circus' perhaps we could pick names of animals? It's simple, and everybody mainly likes them and they can choose their favourites and there are many to choose from.
A warm line of light appeared.
[Snake] A very fine idea. Then you may call me… Snake.
Grace blinked. Truly? He accepted so readily? And of all creatures… he chose the very image curled around her wrist, though he of course couldn't know it.
She thought then of her parents, who often called her "Our little swan" for how she glided across garden ponds as a child.
Grace dipped her head and wrote:
[Swan] Very well, Snake. Then from now on, I shall be Swan.
The moment she pressed the thought into the strange interface, the chat group itself responded.
The moment she settled the name, a ripple went through her. A warm, not unpleasant sensation. It felt like something brushed against the deepest part of her, her very soul.
Then, in the silver reflection of the fountain's water, she saw it. In both her eyes, faint shimmering swans unfurled, so delicate they seemed ready to vanish. Their ghostly shapes pulsed once, then settled into the depths of her gaze. Somehow, she knew she could hide or reveal them at will and whenever she used Group chat it will appear.
Her heart raced. Her hands touched her cheeks, eyes wide.
[Swan] Snake… did you receive such a mark as well?
The reply came almost lazily, yet she imagined a faint grin.
[Snake] Indeed. A phantom of a snake curl in my eyes. Most likely these are for recognition, a symbol of our hidden kinship."
Then the chat group itself sent another gentle pulse.
[Member criteria met. Opening personal inventory function. Each member granted 10 cubic meters of secure storage.]
Grace's jaw dropped. A private space to store anything, free of theft or decay, although she knew such treasure were there in forms of artifact, there were costs for their use and they could be stolen but this. She laughed, a little breathless, caught between awe and delight.
[Snake] Then, Swan, it was a pleasure meeting you. Should you ever wish to speak, simply tag me. Until then… farewell.
Grace smiled faintly, replying.
[Swan] Farewell, Snake. May fate be gentle.
The presence faded. The glowing screen dimmed, then winked out entirely. The gentle phantom of the swan in her eyes vanished, leaving only her normal reflection.
She sat there for a long while, cool evening air brushing against her warm cheeks. Then, with a small, uncertain laugh, she pinched her arm.
It hurt.
So it was real. All of it.
Grace closed her eyes. Her heart tumbled with fear, curiosity, and a strange bright excitement. Whatever this path was she had already taken the first step.