Gradus X

In the quiet embrace of the night, Fiona trailed behind her daughter, a guardian shadow lingering in the darkness. Camilla, occasionally glancing back, caught glimpses of her mother walking humbly, a silent protector navigating the nocturnal journey. As they reached home, Fiona lingered outside, her wave and forced smile concealing the weariness etched into her every feature.

Camilla, peering through the doorway, observed her mother standing alone by a lamppost. The worn shoes, the dirt-kissed jeans, and even in the moonlit darkness, the visible signs of labor on Fiona's hands—all telling of the sacrifices made for her daughter's sake. Fiona, unaware of the inquisitive gaze, descended the stairs under the moon's watchful eye, a single mother's silhouette painted against the night.

Yet, behind the facade of strength and resilience, a tempest of emotions raged within Fiona. The blisters on her hands mirrored the trials she faced, her hair, dry and weary, whispered tales of untold struggles. Despite the fatigue and the invisible weight she carried, Fiona pressed on.

Behind the serene mask she wore, a tempest brewed—a storm of sorrow, relentless and unforgiving. Her tears, held captive behind a dam of composure, threatened to breach the walls and cascade down her cheeks. The reservoir of grief welled behind her eyes, hidden from the world—a silent testament to the weight she bore. Her voice, once a melody of warmth and wit, now whispered, a fragile thread carrying the burden of her unspoken sorrow. The radiant smile that once graced her face had transformed into a fleeting shadow, a mere echo of its former brilliance. She moved like a vessel of unexpressed tears, a symphony of grief playing out beneath the facade of resilience.

With each step down the staircase, her heart echoed the rhythm of solitude—a stark reminder of her isolated existence. The magical realm, a sanctuary that embraced her with open arms, intensified the poignancy of her loneliness. Luminescent fireflies danced playfully, a sharp contrast to the silent symphony of sorrow within her soul. The vibrant hues of the enchanted world seemed to mock her inner desolation. In this oasis of enchantment, she was both a solitary figure and a part of something extraordinary—a paradox that only deepened her isolation.

The air grew heavy with the anticipation of an agonizing fate, and darkness closed in, suffocating her with its oppressive embrace. The magical realm, once a beacon of hope, now appeared as a grotesque parody of paradise, a mockery of the happiness she could never truly attain. The flora, once a symphony of colors, now resembled a hellish inferno, flames dancing in a macabre parody of joy. The crystalline waterfalls, once a cascade of tranquility, sounded like the mocking laughter of demons, echoes reverberating through the hollow chambers of her heart.

A strange duality consumed her—a yearning for the magic of this place and a profound fear of her inescapable destiny. She was a prisoner of paradox, a soul trapped between the allure of paradise and the dread of damnation. The magical realm, though inviting, mirrored her loneliness—a reflection of the hell she carried within.

In the coming days, Fiona's mask deepened, her lunches reduced to a tiny apple each day. Yet, she endured, sleeping in the magical place and having a humble bath behind it. As the end of the month approached, she received the news from the owner—her salary was now in her account, a tiny and seemingly insignificant victory. For the first time in her life, she earned a minimum wage from a real job, not struggling in the unforgiving streets. Finally, she could afford to pay for the apples she had consumed and settle the debt for Camilla's education.

Rushing to the bank, she withdrew the exact sum from the ATM and headed to the market, where the stand owner shared in her little happiness. She fulfilled her promise to pay at the end of the month, waving goodbye as she made her way directly to Camilla's school. Despite the blisters on her feet demanding rest, her focus was on paying for her daughter's continued education. The secretary shared news about the upcoming prom night and graduation event, both of which carried costs. Without hesitation, Fiona paid the one million pesos required for Camilla's right to graduate and attend the prom night.

Returning to the market, she walked among the stores for a tiny and humble backpack. In it, she stored her new work t-shirt, a pair of socks, and underwear, careful not to spend too much on these luxuries. Memories flooded her mind of the last time she shopped for herself, accompanied by her grandma and father, two decades ago, long before Camilla was born. Today, she did it alone, standing among the people of the lower class—struggling but hopeful.

As she navigated the crowded streets, the weight of her loneliness pressed upon her. Yet, the echo of Sky's words lingered in her mind—that perhaps, amidst all this darkness, she was the light. Simple words that held the power to uplift even the deepest sadness, inspiring a glimmer of hope in the midst of her solitude.

Amidst the hustle of the city streets, Fiona found herself standing before the captivating allure of the 'Yazmin Boutique.' Nestled among ordinary shops, this haven of elegance and affordability beckoned like a shimmering mirage. The glass-fronted storefront unveiled a collection of dresses that exuded timeless grace and sophistication. Fiona, her gaze a reflection of wistful longing, stood entranced, her fingers delicately brushing against the cold glass.

The dress that held her captive was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a symphony of shimmering white fabric adorned with delicate feathers that danced in every hue of the rainbow. Zirconia, like captured stars, twinkled amidst the feathers, their crystalline brilliance catching the light and reflecting it like a thousand miniature mirrors. In the intricate details of the gown, Fiona envisioned a transformation—her daughter gliding through a grand ballroom, the dress swirling like a cloud of iridescent mist, her laughter echoing through the halls.

Reality, however, shattered her dreams. The harsh truth of her modest means lingered, and her whispered thoughts echoed, "It's just a dream, a fantasy meant for princesses." Yet, determination flickered in her eyes. Videogames had taught her the power of dreams to inspire and guide. Although the dress remained beyond her reach, behind the glass that separated her from it, she saw not her own reflection but that of her daughter. If destiny dictated her place, she would make her daughter a princess.

With newfound resolve, Fiona turned away from the window, her heart echoing the impossible dream. Stepping into the store, she dared to dream, even when the world sought to keep those dreams at bay. Inquiring about the price, she faced the disdain of the attendant, who, despite her skepticism, entertained Fiona's request.

"The dress costs 4 million pesos. You don't have that amount, so please step out," the attendant declared, her disdain evident. Fiona, undeterred, replied, "I can give you five hundred thousand now and 2 million by the end of the month, but I want that dress for my daughter's prom."

As the attendant locked eyes with Fiona, she saw more than a desperate plea. She witnessed the gaze of a promise, a commitment to defy destiny itself. Challenging the world, Fiona stood tall, undaunted. The attendant, moved by the intensity in Fiona's eyes, stood up and made her own promise, "If you can bring me 2 million by the end of the month, which I doubt, you can take it."

Fiona handed over her plastic card. The attendant charged the promised 500k, sealing the purchase promise with Fiona's signature.

Arriving at the cyber cafe, Fiona greeted Sergio, the owner, before heading to her cubicle. After weeks of deprivation, she touched the poster that had served as a relic from a past that had helped her navigate a world of technology. Archon greeted her, and a happy exchange ensued as he delved into teaching Fiona about the fundamentals of basic algebra and trigonometry.

Guided by Archon's silicon hand, Fiona delved into the world of complex math. With each passing moment, she grasped concepts and formulas that had eluded her in the past. An hour of dedicated learning concluded with congratulations from Archon. Fiona, wearing a smile of accomplishment, stored her notebook and pencil back in her backpack, eager to delve into the gaming world once more.

The game resumed where she had left off—beside her new friend Lumen Solis, ready to aid her along her journey. Turning away from him, a closed door stood to her right, and a long bridge stretched out in front, guarded by undead warriors. They protected the entrance of a castle in the distance. Breaking the silence, Archon advised, "I suggest you run, Fiona."

Wondering why, she sprinted across the bridge, raising her wooden shield while the undead warriors pursued her. A ferocious roar thundered behind her, prompting her to notice stairs leading down to her right between the warriors and the creature bellowing behind her. As the undead warriors were engulfed in flames, she descended the stairs, breathing heavily, grateful for Archon's timely advice. Reflecting on the consequences had she engaged the warriors normally, she pressed forward, thanking Archon for his guidance.

Continuing her journey, Fiona faced undead foes, knights, and a formidable metallic boar defeated with the power of fire. Climbing a set of stairs, she arrived in a place of worship now succumbed to evil. Its once-sacred halls echoed with the whispers of darkness, the air heavy with decay. Shadows danced menacingly, and eerie torchlight cast shadows that seemed to come alive.

Throughout the labyrinthine corridors, grotesque creatures, twisted and deformed, roamed. Hollows, remnants of humanity, and Lictors, humanoid guardians, lurked, their grotesque masks hiding their warped forms. The cathedral, a monument to desolation, stood as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of evil. Amidst the macabre spectacle, a beacon of hope flickered—a tale of the Abyss Guardian, a knight who had dared to confront the darkness.

Archon whispered the legend through the cathedral's hallowed halls—a knight whose luminescent armor had ventured into the heart of the darkness. His unwavering spirit served as both a source of hope and a chilling reminder of the darkness's relentless pursuit. As Fiona ventured into the labyrinthine depths, both Archon and Fiona could feel the presence of the Abyss Guardian—a spectral echo of courage lingering in the shadows. His legend became a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest depths, the flame of courage could never be extinguished.

As Fiona approaches the narrow, winding tower at the end of the labyrinthic corridors, a sense of foreboding creeps in. The dimly lit corridors and the eerie silence amplify the anticipation of the impending boss battle. She can almost feel the presence of something lurking within the tower's depths, much like the time when she confronted the real owners of the city. The air crackles with electricity, and the shadows seem to shift and writhe with menace. Faint echoes of distant clanging serve as a chilling reminder of the formidable foes she is about to face.

Just before entering the tower's main chamber, Fiona pauses to catch her breath and steel herself for the coming clash. She knows that whatever awaits behind the mist door will not be an easy opponent. It will be strong, aggressive, and its attacks can be devastating. Taking a deep breath, she steps into the tower's main chamber, and the battle begins.

A Gargoyle swoops down from the rafters, wings beating like thunder, its fiery breath engulfing the room in a blinding blaze. Fiona deftly dodges its attacks, using the narrow confines of the tower to her advantage. However, when a second gargoyle joins the fight, her attempts at dodging and parrying become futile, and she is defeated once again.

Undeterred, Fiona tries again, each attempt ending in defeat whenever the second gargoyle joins in. Despite the setbacks, she persists with humility and creative thinking, learning from each encounter. The struggle is real, but so is her determination. Unable to defeat the boss of the cathedral at the moment, she puts down the controller on the desk. Taking a deep breath, she bids farewell to Archon and Sergio, promising to return tomorrow for work. Although her two hours of gaming have concluded, her desire to push forward in the game, to reach the Abyss Guardian, remains intact.

As Fiona rode the bus along the city streets, the rhythmic sway of the vehicle pulled her into a state of half-conscious reverie. Her gaze drifted out the window, tracing the contours of buildings and the blur of passing cars. Suddenly, a sleek, black luxury car caught her eye, its windows tinted a shade of impenetrable darkness, traversing the streets alongside the bus. Inside, a group of men engaged in hushed conversation, their faces obscured by shadows. Yet, one pair of eyes stood out, sharp and piercing, seemingly penetrating the veil of anonymity. Locked on her, those eyes burned with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine.

Fiona felt a prickle of fear rise within her—a sense of being watched, scrutinized, exposed. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared back at the enigmatic figure, trying to decipher the meaning behind his gaze. Was it recognition? Hostility? Curiosity? She couldn't tell. The car slowed down, drawing closer to the bus. The man's eyes never wavered, their intensity unwavering. A wave of vertigo washed over her, the world spinning as if she were trapped in a vortex of his gaze. Just as the bus pulled away, the car accelerated, disappearing into the affluent neighborhoods of the city. The man's eyes vanished from her sight, leaving her with a lingering sense of unease.

As the car traced its way to the most exclusive restaurants in the city, Fiona couldn't shake off the feeling that she had unwittingly stumbled upon something beyond her understanding. Curiosity sparked within her, and tomorrow, after work, she resolved to investigate. The man's gaze lingered in her thoughts as she went away with the bus.

As Fiona embarked on another day at the cyber cafe, juggling work responsibilities alongside her commitment to studying math, she found herself engrossed in the intricacies of parametric equations. Balancing the demands of her various tasks, Fiona delved into the purpose and formulation of parametric equations, utilizing every available moment to grasp the mathematical concepts. Despite her humble belongings stored in a tiny backpack, her determination to conquer both math and her virtual challenges remained unwavering.

After her shift concluded, Fiona faced the formidable Gargoyles once more, determined to toll the bell in the tower. The weight of previous defeats threatened to crush her spirit, but amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope surfaced. A faint golden marking etched into the ground caught her attention—the emblem of Lumen Solis, the valiant warrior who had extended friendship and support on the balcony before the bridge. Recognizing the symbol, warmth spread through Fiona's veins. Lumen, the sun-worshipping knight, was willing to aid her after all her setbacks. His presence promised not only physical support but also the unwavering camaraderie of a fellow traveler.

The golden mark of Lumen Solis became a lifeline in Fiona's depths of despair, a reminder that she was not alone in this perilous journey. With Lumen by her side, a renewed sense of purpose replaced the encroaching darkness. The memory of their previous encounter flooded her mind—Lumen's optimism, selfless camaraderie, and unshakeable belief in her potential. The golden mark of Lumen Solis symbolized hope and support, a testament to the power of companionship and shared purpose.

As Fiona faced the Gargoyles with Lumen's presence at her back, courage surged through her veins. The once-insurmountable task now seemed more manageable, transformed by the power of companionship. The golden mark of Lumen Solis was not just an emblem of hope; it was a symbol of the light that pierces even the darkest trials, a testament to the strength found in shared belief and the unwavering support of others.

Despite her countless attempts and moments of dejection, Fiona pressed on, fueled by Lumen's mark and the belief in her abilities. The Gargoyles' relentless attacks and fiery breath could not extinguish the light of hope kindled by Lumen's emblem. As she faced defeat once more, the mark remained, glowing with an intensity that defied discouragement. It represented Lumen's unwavering faith in her, a beacon of belief that illuminated her path.

As her time at the cyber cafe drew to a close, Fiona, defeated but not broken, promised to return. The golden mark of Lumen Solis lingered, promising to wait for her, to try once more.

As Fiona silently retreated from the cyber cafe, she found herself wandering into the rich neighborhoods of the city, disguised among other recyclers trying to remain inconspicuous. Tracing her way to the exotic restaurants, she located the same car she had observed the day before. Beneath the opulent balcony, she witnessed the most powerful politicians and business magnates sharing dinner in an open restaurant, adorned in luxurious attire and indulging in expensive delicacies.

Positioning herself inconspicuously below the balcony, Fiona eavesdropped on their conversation. The man with a ring featuring the symbol she had seen engraved on a handkerchief fluently conveyed the idea of gross profits from developing her neighborhood. Despite her modest education, Fiona keenly sensed the manipulation at play—the smooth articulation, the convincing rhetoric, the effortless persuasion. The stark difference in education between Fiona and the influential figures was glaring, and she grasped the extent of their control over the destiny of her community.

As she stood in the shadows, a wave of sadness engulfed her. The casual discussion about her neighborhood's future unfolded before her, devoid of empathy or understanding. Her initial hope and determination now yielded to resignation, her once-sparkling eyes dulled with despair. The corners of her lips, once curved into confidence, now drooped with a sorrowful expression. Her silence resonated with helplessness and impotence, a spectator in a grand game of power where her voice held no sway.

The callous handshake sealing the fate of her beloved neighborhood pierced Fiona's heart. It symbolized their disregard for the plight of the marginalized, their belief in absolute authority, and their indifference to the voices of those they controlled. Cloaked in the anonymity of shadows, Fiona stood beneath the watchful gaze of the man from the car and the landslide, the orchestrators of her neighborhood's downfall. His piercing gaze seemed to pierce through the darkness, mocking her from the realm of opulence.

Fiona, ensnared in the shadows, dared to raise her eyes, only to be met with the man's mocking smile—a chilling affirmation of their absolute control. Oblivious to Fiona's silent protest, the laughter of the powerful figures echoed through the grand hall, a symphony of victory that intensified her sense of powerlessness. Anger surged within her, burning like a searing brand, fueling a desire to claim her voice in a world that sought her silence.

The injustice of it all bore down on her, an insurmountable weight. How could she challenge these powerful figures? How could she shatter their invincibility? In the real world, where Lumen Solis' mark doesn't exist, Fiona faced a daunting question, the answer to which remained elusive for her.