abtho

Arthur was a weak and cowardly boy who lacked the power to protect anyone—a truth brutally demonstrated when his parents were massacred while defending him during a Gate outbreak. As the sole survivor, Arthur spent weeks believing his life was over. When intense chest pains began, he assumed he'd been infected with corruption by the void creature that killed his parents and was merely waiting for death.
What Arthur didn't expect was that these sensations actually signaled his Realm Core forming. In two months' time, he would be forcefully transported to the next realm and awaken new powers, becoming one of the world-renowned "Chosen" who protect humanity from Gate outbreaks. Now Arthur must rise through the heights of power, climbing each of the seven realms in hopes of saving his world... or does he?

Realm Lord

Aziel looked at Arthur with an unamused expression, his usual smile fading into a confused frown. The morning light caught in his silver hair as he tilted his head slightly.

"...what?" The single word hung in the air between them, filled with genuine bewilderment.

Arthur sighed deeply and steeled himself again. The roses swayed gently around them, their sweet and dangerous scent wafting through the air as he gathered his courage. His fingers dug into the soft earth beneath him, grounding himself for what he needed to say.

"Because of you, I decided to live..." he began, his voice gaining strength with each word. "To live for the sake of strength and power. But a small problem is that, as I'm sure you have noticed..." He paused, the admission difficult to voice aloud. "I'm weak. Besides my rather useful ability that has allowed me to stay alive until now, I have no skill with my sword or any fighting techniques."

A Big Ask