Gradus XXIV

A cascade of wonder enveloped Fiona, woven with a subtle thread of bittersweet nostalgia. The background melody pirouetted between playful anticipation and a yearning for the familiar yet unknown. Notes, warm and radiant like sunlight through stained glass, wafted around her, gently pulling at her heartstrings. It was a melody both novel and oddly reminiscent, flowing like a serene stream, carrying Fiona on its current of hope and boundless possibilities. It whispered secrets of unexplored realms and concealed adventures, akin to the wind whispering through forgotten forests.

The music swelled with joy, echoing the anticipation bubbling within Fiona, before dipping into a soft introspection that mirrored the uncertainty of her new beginning. The environment bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, unveiling the races and gender silhouettes against a backdrop of swirling energy. Fiona's gaze drifted over the Askafroa, the original guardians of Eschenfrau, with their gray skin and languish limbs, adept in magic and incantations—ideal for those inclined toward the mystic arts. Then, the Arges, towering giants boasting three eyes, long hair, and strength in both dexterity and might, often chosen for their prowess in gathering, hunting, and warfare.

Next were the Tyrrhenus, denizens of the sea, with green skin and gills, excelling in fishing, underwater exploration, and sea battles. Their counterparts, the Nereids, people of the sky, featured wings and blue skin, perfect for scouting and navigating aerial islands. The Nifay, inhabitants of the forests, masters of dexterity and arcane arts, presented themselves as agile hunters and potent wizards. Lastly, there were the Umans, akin to us, the voyagers from the stars, mercenaries and explorers in Eschenfrau.

Yet, the character creation menu astounded Fiona. It wasn't a binary choice; it unfurled into a vibrant spectrum, displaying countless variations of form, expression, and identity. Each figure sparkled with unique details, a canvas of untold possibilities. Curiosity surged within her, erasing any initial apprehension. In this world, she realized, she could truly embody her desires, free from limitations. A smile danced on her lips as she delved into exploration, eager to unveil the character waiting to be brought to life.

A momentary pause followed. "Okay, brain overload! Maybe 'female' is the safest bet today. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll feel like a fire-breathing dragon!" With that decision, a white, smooth, and undetailed sculpture materialized before her. Every touch she bestowed altered the music, the piano and flute melodies echoing as she explored the featureless sculpture with her hands. It was an uncharted realm of expression, and she wasn't ready for it. Opting to let the game scan her real-life body to create her avatar, she chose pristine white skin and short orange hair, drawing inspiration from her grandma's tales of the mighty Guecha warriors of her ancestors.

Enter Tenza, Fiona's avatar in the world of Eschenfrau.

A profound blackness enveloped Fiona within the confines of the DRD. No light, no discernible shapes—only the familiar hum of the machine reverberated through the void. She sensed the prickling sensation dancing across her skin, an unsettling lack of sensory input intensifying her anxieties about the imminent venture into Eschenfrau. Yet, beneath the fear, a tremor of anticipation vibrated in her chest, fueled by the promise of adventure and escape.

The hum of the DRD served as her sole lifeline, a faint reminder of her physical form in the abyss. The absence of sensory cues threw her off balance, the void pressing in, amplifying her worries. Her mind raced with questions. What awaited her in this vast emptiness? What wonders and challenges would Eschenfrau unveil? This wasn't just a void; it was a presence, a thick and almost tangible blackness, pressing against Fiona's consciousness.

The silence became the canvas upon which her heartbeat echoed—a drumbeat of fear and anticipation reverberating in the boundless nothingness. The blackness, far from static, seemed to writhe and pulse faintly, hinting at hidden depths and secrets within the void. Despite its oppressiveness, it held a strange allure—a gateway to the unknown, awaiting the wonders of Eschenfrau.

Abruptly, a synthetic voice pierced the silence like a laser, startling Fiona from her thoughts. It resonated within the blackness with a weight of age and authority. "Welcome. The veil between worlds thins, and you stand poised on the precipice. Do not fear the darkness, for it is merely the threshold. Eschenfrau awaits, a tapestry woven from dreams and desires." Beyond the initial shock, the voice carried a warmth that assuaged Fiona's fears—a promise of guidance and safety in this unfamiliar realm.

"You are not a registered player, but you are not a human contraption either. This phenomenon was one of so many that my developer anticipated," the voice, now identified as Daimon, continued. "My scan reveals that you are not tainted by modern customs or the hierarchy of society. Although you show signs of malnutrition, you remain healthy. Perhaps, as my developer hoped, people like you will be able to access this system, originally designed to blur the lines of social disparity. I'll keep monitoring you while you play. I am Daimon, the overseer of the Dream Reality Device you're using. I'll ensure your safety. I hope that you don't make the same mistakes other players did, just as my developer once hoped."

After these words, Daimon fell silent, and the darkness allowed a single ray of light to appear. It drew a tiny line, and Fiona instinctively moved towards it, sensing the coldness and weight of the stone.

As her trembling fingers brushed the ethereal light, a single piano note resonated in the void—a melody blooming with the warmth of a thousand suns. It welcomed her, a promise whispered in the wind, reminiscent of her late boyfriend's smile and the dreams they had woven together. Bairon's memories blurred beneath her fingertips, but her resolve solidified. Though he couldn't be here, their shared dream lived on, fueling a surprising strength within her.

She pushed upward, the music swelling like a tidal wave, and the cold stone coffin faded away. In its place, a world painted in the vibrant colors of hope unfolded—a journey she would undertake not only for herself but for the enduring love they shared. A love that even death, with all its godly power, couldn't extinguish.

Emerging from the stone coffin's haze, Fiona blinked against the unexpected sunlight filtering through skeletal branches. It wasn't the sterile white she anticipated; instead, a symphony of decay and unexpected splendor surrounded her. Headstones, weathered and gray like forgotten memories, protruded like broken teeth, bearing the sketches of time's memories. Trash wove through the undergrowth—a discarded tapestry of forgotten lives. Yet, amidst the ruin, defiance bloomed.

Corpse flowers, their macabre beauty towering and alluring, exuded a sweetness that fought against the acrid tang of decomposition. Their vibrant blooms stood as a testament to a love that transcends death, much like a stubborn wildflower refusing to be silenced. The wind, rather than carrying the chill of death, whispered secrets and promises through the leaves—a cool caress on her skin.

Above, the sky displayed a vibrant blue, seemingly mocking the melancholy below. A lump formed in Fiona's throat—a salty poem beneath her eyes. The scene mirrored their relationship, warped by time and tragedy. She, burdened by the weight of reality, represented by the trash and shadows. Bairon, the vibrant soul, embodied by the defiant blooms and endless sky.

A bittersweet ache settled in her chest. The beauty felt like a reproach, a reminder of his absence painted in the very colors of their love. Yet, it was also a testament to his spirit—a whisper that love, like the corpse flower, could bloom even in the darkest places. Fiona straightened her shoulders and poised her heart, hardening her gaze.

This wasn't just a game; it was a journey—a chance to explore the world he'd loved. Perhaps, in this strange, beautiful landscape, she could find a piece of him, a reflection of the laughter that once filled their lives. She wasn't the same person who entered the DRD; the trash might still be there, but so were the flowers. Like them, she would rise, carrying the memory of his love in her heart. A love letter written in the language of courage, carrying his memory like a vibrant flame sparking in this decaying cemetery.

A crackle of flames in the distance beckoned Fiona toward the mausoleum's entrance, revealing an Askafroa shrouded in flickering light. His eyes, molten gold, held an age-old wisdom. "Welcome, uman," his voice rumbled, warm yet tinged with surprise. "Unusual to see a soul arrive alone. Most find solace in companionship here." He gestured around the cemetery, his gaze lingering on weathered headstones. "Many stories rest beneath these stones, each whispering of lives lived and loved. I tend their memories, for the living often forget."

A flicker of sadness crossed his face. "Tell me, child, why do you walk this path alone?" Fiona met his gaze and answered, "I just started the game, so I'm just getting the hang of it." The caretaker scanned her, head to toe, and scratched his head. "Walk with me, child."

Fiona followed the Askafroa to the edge of a cliff, where distant cities, rivers, and an almost infinite sea stretched before them. Towering structures seemed to touch the sky, illuminated roads connecting the cities with flickering lights. The caretaker pointed to one of the cities. "That should be your first destination, the city of Dorei Esari, home of the Nifay. There, you can learn about the game. I only have old stories to share, and no player is interested in them." His nostalgic gaze lingered on the tombstones as he walked slowly beside Fiona.

Interrupting his march, Fiona spoke up, "But I am interested. Could you share them with me?" The caretaker turned to meet Fiona's avatar gaze, genuinely interested in hearing his stories. She knew that many gamers skipped cutscenes or ignored game lore, their focus solely on quests and rewards, but Bairon had taught her to appreciate the stories woven into games. It helped understand the mechanics and their purpose as players.

"Then let me tell you about my old friends, mighty guardians of Eschenfrau!" The caretaker raised his voice, ensuring even the cemetery could hear the tales he was about to share. In the periphery of her vision, the words "Achievement Earned 'Eschenfrau's Allegory'" materialized, unblurring an item in the system menu. "Planetary Chronicles" unlocked. The anticipation of untold stories lingered, adding a layer of suspense to the unfolding narrative of the game.

The caretaker's molten gold eyes glinted with sorrow as he guided Fiona towards the tallest mausoleum. "Within these walls, my friends rest," he rumbled, his voice heavy with memories. He pointed to the sky, "A shimmering barrier woven with the lifeblood of Eschenfrau, protected by the ashen tree, the heart of our world." Before a stone etched with intricate symbols, his hand traced the ancient lines. "The Gargauros," he hissed, his voice dropping to a guttural whisper. "Creatures of insatiable hunger, they seek to break the seal, consume the ashen tree, and drain the life from our planet."

Fiona shivered, the weight of his words settling on her shoulders. "And your friends...they died protecting it?" The caretaker closed his eyes, a vision of the battle flashing in his mind. "They fought with the fury of a supernova, but their flames were extinguished too soon." He opened his eyes, their golden depths burning with a renewed anger. "The seal holds strong, but the Gargauros grow bolder. The incantation to maintain it...it lies scattered, fragments hidden within the very fabric of Eschenfrau." Turning to Tenza, Fiona's avatar, his gaze pierced. "Is your kind strong enough to confront the Gargauros, child? Will you walk the paths my friends could not, gather the fragments, and ensure the future of my planet?"

She felt desperation in his words, the weight of his friends' sacrifices. But she felt inadequate. She wasn't ready for a quest of this caliber. She wanted to say yes, but doubt seized her. She looked at her hands, the hands of a gamer, not a warrior. She hadn't even started training kyoku; she hadn't held a weapon in this game yet. How could she undertake this kind of quest? "But I'm not ready for that, how could I? I just started the game, and you want me to follow this quest you are throwing at me?" Her doubts and inadequacies spoke for her. She felt her heartbeat, remembering Sensei Leonardo's words. She wanted to take the quest, she wanted to try, but she had silenced her heart once again.

The caretaker closed his eyes briefly, the molten gold of his gaze shimmering with unshed tears, losing its luster. A tremor ran through his eyelids, threatening to release the storm brewing within. When he opened them again, they were clouded with a mix of sorrow and disappointment. "I'm sorry, I thought that your kind were adventurous, travelers of the stars that fear nothing." The caretaker walked outside the mausoleum, moving towards the exit, each step a reminder of her doubts, of chances lost. Maybe Sensei Leonardo would grant her the use of the DRD again in the future so she could try and fulfill this quest. She clenched her fists, and while the weight of her own inadequacies wanted to prevent her from speaking, her crackling voice erupted from her lips like a fiery volcano. "I take your quest, I'll walk the path your friends left for my kind. I am Tenza, descendant of the mighty Guecha warriors of the Muisca. If even a speck of their courage runs through my veins, I will fulfill your quest." The heroes of her childhood from her grandma's magnificent stories gave her the courage she needed to bury her doubts and speak from her heart.

As Fiona's words echoed through the mausoleum, a flicker of warmth ignited within the depths of the caretaker's molten gold eyes. Disappointment, like a dying ember, began to lose its hold. Hope, like a bellows, fanned the flames within him, igniting a spark of life he hadn't felt in centuries.

The glow in his eyes intensified, morphing from the dull embers of sorrow to the fiery heart of a kiln. They crackled with renewed energy, reflecting the dawning realization of what Fiona, Tenza's acceptance, truly meant. A descendant of the Muisca tribe and Spanish conquistadors stood before him, willing to champion their world.

His weathered face, etched with the weight of ages, softened into a proud smile. It stretched from ear to ear, revealing the warmth that had been hidden beneath the cloak of despair. A name, long unspoken, rose to his lips, carrying with it the weight of hope and legacy. "Eld," he boomed, his voice resonating with the power of the ancient language from which his name originated. It meant "fire" in Swedish, a fitting title for the Askafroa whose spirit had been rekindled by Fiona's courage.

"I am Eld, the caretaker," he repeated, the name echoing through the mausoleum, a testament to the spark Fiona had reignited within him. His gaze, now ablaze with the fire of hope, locked onto Tenza's. "No other player, not even in this realm or their own, has embraced their heritage with such pride, child," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "You see it as a blessing, a source of strength, and in doing so, you have breathed new life into the embers of this world."

Eld's eyes, once filled with the ashes of despair, now burned with the fiery promise of a future reborn. His hand, strong and weathered, reached out towards Tenza, offering not just a quest, but a chance to forge a new destiny, one fueled by the forgotten power of her ancestors and the unwavering fire within her own heart.