Benevolent5

What is existence? What is power? Why do those who glimpse the truth of the universe often descend into madness?

In a world where strength defines destiny, heroes, monsters, and enigmatic forces clash in an endless struggle for dominance. Society reveres those who wield power—whether through sheer physical might, technological marvels, or the enigmatic energy that shapes reality itself. But beneath the surface of order and chaos lies a deeper truth, one that only a few dare to seek.

One day, an ordinary thinker begins questioning everything—life, creation, and the very fabric of existence. What starts as idle curiosity spirals into an unforeseen journey, pulling him into an unseen war between beings beyond human comprehension. As he uncovers the hidden laws of power, evolution, and the nature of reality, he finds himself standing at the precipice of enlightenment… or insanity.

When faced with the truth of the universe, will he rise as a sovereign force or break under the weight of infinite knowledge?

Threads of Oblivion

Kaelen's body felt weightless, suspended in a void where time held no meaning. Then, with a sudden jolt, sensation returned. Cold stone pressed against his back. The scent of damp earth filled his lungs. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

A skyless cavern stretched before him, its jagged walls glistening with an eerie, bioluminescent glow. The air was thick, heavy with something unseen. He pushed himself up, scanning his surroundings.

The voice rang in his head again, impassive and absolute.

[Trial Objective: Survive for 72 hours.]

Kaelen's eyes narrowed. That's it?

He expected something more… direct. A task to complete, an enemy to kill. But survival? That was an open-ended death sentence.

A shuffling noise echoed in the distance. Instantly, he crouched low, ears straining. He wasn't alone.

He turned his gaze forward. In the dim glow, he spotted movement—figures, hunched and slow, emerging from the cavern's depths. Their eyes flickered with an unnatural light.

Their skin was cracked, their limbs moving with an unnatural stiffness. Faint wisps of black mist curled around them, pulsing as though alive.

Kaelen exhaled quietly, already running calculations in his mind. 72 hours. Limited visibility. Hostile entities. Unknown terrain.

The first thought of a normal person would be to fight or run. Kaelen did neither. Instead, he observed. There must be more to this than simple survival.

His head snapped toward the sound. Further down the cavern, another trial participant—young, desperate—was being dragged down by the creatures. His struggle was short-lived. A gurgling choke, a wet crunch, and then silence.

Kaelen's fingers twitched. Lesson one: hesitation means death.

From the corner of his eye, he caught more movement. A small group of survivors, perhaps five or six, huddled together, their expressions twisted in panic. They hadn't noticed him yet.

He remained still, watching. They're already making a mistake. They're too loud, too exposed. If they stay like that, they won't last long.

A flicker of thought passed through his mind. I could use them.

For now, he needed information. This trial was a game of endurance, and endurance required resources—shelter, food, and most importantly, a way to control the situation.

Kaelen stepped forward, making sure his movements were deliberate, non-threatening. When the group noticed him, their reactions were predictable—suspicion, fear, a hint of desperate hope.

"Who are you?" one of them—a broad-shouldered boy with a wary gaze—demanded.

Kaelen gave a slight, unreadable smile. "Someone who wants to survive. Just like you."

He watched as they exchanged uncertain glances. In situations like these, people clung to anything that resembled order.

Kaelen had no intention of being a follower.

He would let them believe they had control… until they didn't.

Chapter 2: The Trial Begins