Chapter 5: Enigma
"I broke the cycle?
Isn't that giving me too much credit?
After all, the only thing I did was die miserably...
Seriously...
How could an old man who had only 'lived' in this alternate world for a few seconds... change ANYTHING?" With a look of disbelief, my arms trembled violently in the air. It weirded me out.
Even after accepting the fact that I was summoned twice at the same time, my mind was still wary.
There's no way an old man like me could have done anything significant... Nothing. Nada. Impossible.
Especially not enough to make a difference!
"You may not be able to believe it, but I'm telling is the truth! Alright? Hey, listen... The fact that you existed was something which changed the entirety of Gaia and its residents as they knew it.
To the point that both Druids and Fiends stopped their endless war and formed a peace treaty in reconciliation." The faceless man seemed amused by my reaction. Was this really that funny?
He answered my question in a sincere tone of voice, but I felt the urge to punch that face of his.
"Just get to the point." My fingers felt itchy. I'm sure my diseases were fully suppressed, so why...?
Maybe it was just habit. They say that stress could cause the sudden itchiness to be stronger at times.
I hate it when other people beat around the bush.
It usually meant they're hiding important details!
"The summoning ceremony normally picked someone from your world as a wielder randomly.
If you were to have just been summoned by the side the Druid Race, it wouldn't have mattered if you were old or not. Age has nothing to do with the initial strength of a wielded of such a weapon.
The Divine Sword of Light would have empowered you with enough strength as is.
At least it'd be enough to fight the wielder of the Divine Sword of Darkness on your own.
With that power given by the Divine Sword, you would have been able to live until the next summoning ceremony with no problems, but the incident that happened at that time were out of the entire world's expectations.
You were caught in the 'Totem Summoning' and 'Hero Summoning' ceremonies at the same time.
Your entire being was split into two bodies after you had been summoned, and a weakened version of you appeared in the lands of both races as a result. Does that ring any bells to you?
You were already weakened due to age, but after having your life force split due to the summoning ceremony, both clones of your existence that appeared in Gaia died straight after the ceremonies had been completed. Quickly turning into dust.
However, your story doesn't end there.
You wouldn't know this, but there were a lot of things that happened to your strong soul following after your sudden departure." The faceless man stopped for a moment.
He pridefully glanced at my shocked expression before he continued his long explanation.
"The Divine Sword of Light decreed the protection of the Druid Race and eradication of the Fiend Race, while the Divine Sword of Darkness decreed just the opposite of its most despised archenemy.
Even after your death, the powerful empowerments these two Divine Swords you possessed still continued to affect your soul.
However, the contradiction in the decrees that restricted your actions caused the Divine Swords to attack one another. It was just like the sacred and revered Gods that created them.
Quite an ironic situation, if I do say so myself...
They both fought and destroyed each other, yet they didn't fade into nothingness.
Instead, the magical energy sealed within the two Divine Swords merged together to create a being between both Light and Darkness, something akin to a God but also closer to the existence of a Devil.
If you haven't already guessed: That 'something' created by the miracle of your summoning as a Hero and Totem... was me!
You can call me 'Enigma', the one who will now be known as the Eclipse God!" The faceless man exclaimed and respectfully bowed. His straight and elegant posture even caused me to feel admiration.
He finally introduced himself using his true identity.
The shock I felt from knowing what he is was stronger than what I would have felt if he was just a foreign 'God'. One with no backstory. For some odd reason, he reminded me of my older brother.
That jerk was also good with words...
Although I don't understand anything about 'magic' in this world, that doesn't mean I wasn't able to understand what he implied.
There's also no reason for him to lie about his origins. Just look at my current weak position.
I have nothing of value to a God.
If he wanted my soul, then he's already got it (this was judging from the fact I'm already here).
There's no need to feel suspicious about this guy that was so straightforward about informing me about what had transpired. I shouldn't feel so suspicious of him, but it was just a habit...
There's no such thing as being too safe.
"Then what will happen to my soul now?" The creases on my forehead became became bolder.
My brows were furrowed...
What would this 'God' he have me do?
"That is for you to decide.
After I was 'born' due to the destruction of the Divine Swords, your soul had stayed here in this dimension to accompany me.
The restriction created by those magicians came into affect a hundred years afterwards.
You have now awoken exactly a hundred years after being summoned, meaning the bond formed from the contract that connected us had already dissipated by now. Both of us are free.
My existence is now completely independent from your soul and body, but my gratitude towards you for 'creating' me had never faded. I've held onto these feelings for so long it almost killed me.
I want to repay you for... umm... for... for..." He seemed a bit embarrassed while rubbing his cheek.
Until he finally finished with: "...existing?"
The last sentence the celestial being spoke seemed to be filled with utter confusion.
It started off as a reply, but slowly ended up as a question.
However, the message he was trying to convey was something I understood. It would be abnormal if he could be clear-minded when talking about these bizarre events concerning his 'birth'.
"If you want, I can create a new race from scratch and turn you into the strongest being in existence.
Unparalleled under the sky." He tried to make it sound way more epic than it was, continuing with:
"You could even occupy the position of an Apostle as well. What do you think? It is your choice what you want to do from this day forth. I will help you accomplish anything your heart may desire." The faceless man shook his head and sighed.
It seemed that he really wanted to repay me in any way he could for giving him life. This awkward and strange relationship we now had wasn't something that would ever formed if we were on Earth.
I couldn't be called his 'father'.
However, I also can't deny that I was definitely considered the reason he came into existence.
I guess I should just shrug it off and say that he respected me as someone with higher seniority...?
No wait.. Argghhh! This was a bit too confusing...
I mean, was formed from two godly beings. Wasn't he technically older than me in terms of age?
Now for my decision: What should I do?
If this faceless man named Enigma DID have the power to create an entirely new magical race from scratch, then wouldn't becoming a powerful life-form who could rule over others be great?
I could be born stronger... without illnesses.
Suddenly, I started to think of my past life. Being born with a weak body caused a lot of suffering.
I still remembered what they used to call me...
Inside my head was a blurry image of a young boy pointing at me, then calling me by 'that name':
"Disease." The word that encapsulated how those around me in Primary School saw my existence.
Flaky skin, dandruff, consistent diarrhoea, smelling like blood and farts, and constantly coughing.
There was no one who looked more pathetic than the me before reaching twelve years old in age.
My parents weren't exactly good at keeping up with my medication schedule, and my condition just kept on spiking. Asthma attacks were common for me, so I saw the hospital more than school.
Perhaps that was more fortunate for me...
No one would bully me in hospital...
It made me more determined. I'd rather die than be born with such a frail and diseased body again.
...Then again, age also messed up the body to the point that I had the same problem in my youth.
The only difference being that there was no one left to judge me on my appearance and health.
But oddly, it didn't feel any better being alone.
A part of me never wanted to be rejected again regardless of the end. I just... wanted acceptance.
I didn't want to be rejected like that... Not ever...
Hmm... Wait... Even if was to become a totally different race that could be considered the strongest in Enigma's opinion, will becoming 'the strongest living being' really make me happy?
Wouldn't such a high and mighty status make me become just as lonely as I was in my previous life?
I don't want that to happen again...!
Since he's a God that's on my side, he probably won't do a cruel joke like that... Right? Right?
I had no choice but to trust him...
"Forget it. I don't want to become an outsider to humanity. Otherwise, I can never make friends.
As long as I'm not sick or physically weak, I'm fine with wherever place on you put me in. Gaia or not.
But still...
Let me think a bit before answering." I spoke in an uncertain tone. Only after properly taking in his heavy words did my expression change, I felt like I remembered an important issue from my past life!
Then I realised that I took the divine 'favour' of this so-called Eclipse God a little too lightly...
I pondered deeply and looked back at the regretful life I lived, a life filled with hopelessness and agony.
If I was to start over one more time, then there's no way I'd have lived the same way I did in my youth.
"Can you give me another chance at life?" I asked in a trembling voice. It had been the first time in many, many years my heart was so moved. The look I give the faceless man is one filled with hope.
"No problem. I can reincarnate you with your memories intact, but is that really all you want?
Oh! I got an idea!
Why don't I impart you with my own personal, unique, terrifyingly deadly Mana Attribute?
It will definitely help you protect yourself in this world that's mostly dictated by strength." The faceless man's mood seems to have improved. He started to get excited about helping me more.
Even though there was no uncertainty anymore, I still felt like he was going to lie to me at some point.
Why was I like this...?
"What's a Mana Attribute?" This new term was unfamiliar to me. Was it about fantasy-like 'magic'?
The faceless man started monologuing again:
"It's a little complex, so I'll explain the details regarding it step by step, while simplifying a bit.
Within the 'Soul' of every living being of the Mystic Realm is a power most call 'Mana'. Internal Energy.
Even Beasts had this power...
It was born from life. And bolstered by the power of dreams and delusions. The creativity of man,
This power originally had no use to the living, but each God is able to give their divine protection to the Races they'd created in order to empower them.. They use the world's life force as a medium.
The Druids originally had very strong Mana of the Sun Attribute buried within them, allowing them to touch upon the concepts of time, 'fundamental forces', 'radiance', and even the power of healing.
However, after they lost their God, the purity of their 'Sun Attribute' dwindled. Becoming 'Light'.
The exact same thing could be said for Fiends as well. Their 'Moon' being simplified as 'Darkness'.
It's not like they lost their Mana, it's just that their inherent Attribute became less pure over time.
This made it impossible for them to touch upon the same kind of great power their ancestors did.
The world has changed in the time that we have slept. In that short timeframe, more True Gods of different powers had entered this world in our absence. Kingdoms were raised and fallen in time.
The Druids became known as 'Humans' after degenerating. Ironically, the species most beloved by magic now stuck to having less Mana than most races. Though still retaining their innate wisdom.
The Fiends, on the other hand, had been cursed as mere 'Beasts'. Naturally, since only thing they had left was their immeasurable physical prowess and reproductive capabilities. You know their deal.
Anyway..." Even though he was quite talkative, I found myself not enjoying him getting to the point.
I wanted to hear more random trivia from this guy who clearly had the passion of a documentarian.
Silently listening to him without interrupting at all.
At least, that would've been my actions in a perfect world... but I guess he wanted me out at this point.
Was my presence too annoying.
Whatever, he simply marched on:
"Since you want to reincarnate, I'll give you a vessel that is 'loved' and accepted in the world.
You will be healthy. Human. And have a family that loves and respects you just the way you are.
Well... That's unless you want to choose a powerful Beast as your spirit's new vessel instead!
Please be careful though. I'll be unable to help you out after you've left this dimension of mine.
The only things I can give you for protection right now is the Sun and Moon Attributes, along with the one I'd created by combining both of them..." The faceless ma- I mean, Enigma, said with concern.
I felt grateful for how he worried about me, but I didn't let it show on my face whatsoever.
Now that I think about it, weren't all my brothers-in-arms similar to him? Not just my blood brother...
"Thank you, Enigma, for taking care of me while I was asleep." I laughed before thanking him without any reservations.
As a mature adult, it was best to be straightforward regarding stuff like this... unless the one I'm talking to an enemy that I'll fight one day.
"Don't thank me when you have no idea what exactly 'Attributes' are. Well, you'll learn in tune.
It doesn't matter if you don't fully understand how Attributes will significantly affect your growth.
I'll give you something to speed up your learning.
You, as the former wielder of both Divine Swords of legends, are the only person who even qualifies to receive the personal Attribute I formed... but be sure to understand that this is only your base.
A lot has to be done before you can mature again.
Don't you want to test it out a little?" He followed that up with his own laugh. Making me feel lighter:
Were we getting along now?
This didn't feel too bad...
Although Enigma didn't have a face, I could tell that he was smiling ear-to-ear right now.
"No worries, it will all be fine!" My recklessness from having no aged mind made me shout out:
"I'll find out about it after reincarnating. I can't wait any longer!" Both my hands waved at him hurriedly.
The fact that I was about to be reincarnated had already sank into my heart~
I no longer cared about the trivial stuff and wanted to reincarnate as soon as possible!
Freedom!
Health!!
I want it now!!!
GIVE IT TO ME!!!
"It was the least I could do to help. Whelp, it's your choice to have. Now, get going through that door over there. After all, I might change my mind and force you to stay here if you don't..." Although his words sounded harsh, his voice was gentle.
Even though I saw no expressions, it felt like my heart could see through that featureless face.
Perhaps even making me see illusions of it too.
A dimensional door appeared behind me just as we finished our goodbyes. I first turned my body around to walk towards the portal... before I looked back at my 'friend' while waving my arm up high.
That's right!
I could definitely consider him a friend of mine now.
No way I can call Enigma an acquaintance after all he did to help me 'restart' with a new life.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity... I'll see ya later!" I yelled one more time before saying the last of my goodbyes. Then I turned around and entered the mystical door without hesitation.
The world around me distorted once more, but this time I felt that all my senses had been cut off.
This unexpected occurrence caused me to be surrounded by a deathly silent world of darkness.
A light sparked before me. I'd finally regained my sense of sight and hearing after some time.
Something had felt weird..,
My brain felt like it couldn't process the information of my soul on a conscious level. Only under the layer.
My body acted out on its own... Almost like there was already a consciousness within the body already.
What in the world...?
Didn't he say I would be reborn? Why the fuck wasn't I experiencing the world in untainted eyes?
And just like it couldn't get worse, a flood of memories of the conscience level flooded into me.
I started to realise exactly who I was.
And exactly what my situation was...
"Hhhm~ Honey, did you have a bad dream?" My wife, yes... WIFE, snuggled against me intimately.
This kind of situation was hell for an antisocial guy who'd never trusted nobody outside the military.
Even my first time was taken by a military girl I considered my comrade. Not some random lady.
I wanted to push her hand off my chest. The sense of unfamiliarity towards the situation didn't help at all.
But just as I grabbed her soft fingers, my body spoke before my soul could even tell it what to do.
"My wife... Why do you look scared?" An evil smile unintentionally curved onto my face at that moment.
I realised where I awoke and what my identity was.
And wanted to curse out Enigma in my heart for the sheer pettiness. Damn it, this was that damn novel!
And I wasn't some side villain or cannon fodder, the bastard actually reincarnated me as the main villain.
The bastard who would destroy the world.
And not only that, but his personality was intact.
I didn't remember this scene I was in, but this was the man 'Steelwell' will later cut down ruthlessly.
The main villain of Steelwell Chronicles.
A demon king born from the womb of a human rather than a true demon, but still absolutely crazy.
The most spiteful man I'd ever read...
'Gar Velud von Arcadia'. A young man in his twenties who lavishly enjoyed all of life's pleasures.
One of them being keeping the heroine's sister captive for a while before executing her outright.
The man piloting this body, Gar, which was also me but on the conscious level, stroked the girl's face.
Then grabbed Ruby Swordwick by the throat tightly.
"Urgh..." Her fake smiles were gone, and the only thing left in her eyes was the look of pure terror.
Fuck, what is my body doing right now?
"Did you think I could be killed so easily?" Words came out of my mouth without wanting to say it.
The 'Gar' in me acted as if I didn't exist...
His emotions. Pride. Hubris. Most of all his 'ego', all conspired to take me down a really dark path.
One where I'd eventually die a horrible death at the hands of the heroine and protagonist's joint efforts.
Fuck, I'm really done for...
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone