Chapter 1: Soliloquy of The Past

What?

What is this?

I...

I can't feel anything right now.

This is weird. I am pretty sure that I was lying on the hard ground of the Ancient Temple right now. But, I don't feel any sensation on me. Wait. I also don't feel any pain right now as well.

What even is going on right now.

I can't even move.

Did one of those Soul Eaters have an ability to paralyze every part of their opponent, even their sense of touch?

Oh well. Maybe I should just keep still and wait for something to actually happen.

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Oooohhhhhhmmmmmm...

You might be asking, what am I even doing?

Well, you see, I am meditating. I remember Sigma saying that meditation was a beneficial exercise. She said that it helps you calm yourselves down in a stressful situation and that it increases self-awareness.

I've been meditating for the last... who knows how long, because I really don't know what is supposed to happen.

Every once in a while, I would worry about everyone else.

Like, was Beta able to get back up and help Delta or did he die first?

Was Delta able to reverse the Soul Eaters into not existing? Or was he overrun first?

Really, I should be worrying more about my situation.

I also started thinking about where I could be.

I have concluded that I am in a state of stasis. Check.

Possibly, right now, I am just my soul. If so, that would explain why I can't feel anything. But, if I am, how am I still able to think? Or maybe, I really am still alive but, just not aware of the surroundings anymore.

So many questions are swirling around in my head right now. If only I had someone else to converse with. We would be able to exchange what happened in our lives and our current condition.

Oh yeah, the past.

Since I've got nothing better to do, let's go on a trip down memory lane. After that, I can try to understand my personality and what I did wrong.

Okay. What was my first memory?

Yes. I remember gaining consciousness for the first time. When I opened my eyes, the first person I saw was a middle-aged man. If memory serves me right, I think he was around his early 30's. Then the man spoke to me in a kind voice.

"Hello. Are you alright? Ah, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the 1st Hero, Luke Alexander Zetranos. From this moment forward, you will be the 6th Army Commander, Zeta."

That was when I first met the Hero.

I also remember that, according to one of the magicians who talked to me, I was supposedly a magical creation called a homunculus. The informal name of me and my siblings would be 'artificial human'.

At the time, I really didn't understand anything though and just nodded. Then, the magician told me that I should inform him or any other magician if I suddenly get a peculiar power.

And so, I lived in the underground bunker where the Hero stayed for a few more years. During those years, I witnessed the birth of my younger siblings. They were Eta, Theta, Iota, and Kappa. It was pretty nice seeing the miracle of life.

I also tried forming friendly relations with my 5 older siblings. I quickly became close with all of them after some time, particularly with Epsilon. He was a pretty nice guy who is almost the same as me in terms of personality.

Then, the fateful day came.

I finally got my ability.

It happened when I was reaching out to get a book about the 4 Divine Beasts in the library. The book suddenly sunk down into its shadow and appeared in mine. When I noticed this, I remembered what the magician said and, abiding by his instructions, I went to find the nearest person.

I ended up running into the Hero. I then explained to him about what happened in the library.

"Woah, what's the matter Zeta?"

"Sir, I believe the peculiar power that the magician told me about has manifested inside of me."

"Really, what does it do?"

"Sir, when I used it, the book I was trying to grab sunk into its shadow and appeared in mine."

"Wow, that's amazing, Zeta. Okay, lets hurry up and go to the head magician and tell him about your power. By the way, don't call me Sir. You can just call me Luke."

"Ok...Luke."

"That's the spirit!"

We then hurried to the head magician, whose name was Russel, and informed him of what happened.

After that, when they saw my ability, I clearly saw some of the magicians had disappointed faces. At the time, I didn't know why. Now, however, I know it is because my ability isn't useful in direct combat at all. Compared to Alpha and Gamma, whose ability is high swordsmanship talent; Beta and Delta, whose ability is high magic talent; and Epsilon, who is able to turn into gas, my ability was a bit lackluster.

That is why, even though I was technically a general, it was only in name after that. I was then demoted to a housekeeper, or should I say, butler.

After that, the only thing I could do was clean the house, watch the others practice, and hang around the Hero, I mean, Luke.

During my time as a butler, I learned manners and the ability to read other people. I also observed everything Luke and my siblings did in their training so that I could one day use it.

Also, during that time, all 24 of the generals were able to be created successfully. Meaning, I got a bunch of younger siblings. My favorite younger sibling was Psi. She was a cute little sister. She used to give me the cold shoulder, but through time and understanding, I learned that she was just shy.

Speaking of Psi, her ability was to implant false visions into a persons brain just by touching them. I was so proud of her at the time she awakened her ability. I was just a bit sad that she won't be relying on me anymore though.

Ahhh.

Looks like I ran out of memories. Ok. Lets start thinking about-

Rip!

What the. I can vaguely sense a presence right in front of me.

"Ah. Sorry it took so long to get here. I had to interview and reincarnate a bunch of people before I could get the chance to talk with you. At least this conversation should be a bit interesting."

What?

"Who are you?"

"Me? Oh, I am the God of Death. Nice to meet you."

God of Death? Ok, I think I am getting a bit confused. I was about to ask the God why I am here but he started talking about something. Since it is rude to interrupt, I'll listen to him.

"I'm sure you already know the present circumstances, so I am going to ask you for a small favor. Can you save this world? In exchange, I will give you a tiny bit of my power to make your job easier."

...What?