Chapter 40: Lyra and Eiren — Story Beginning, Part 1
Perspective: Velkaris
Velkaris stood alone in the mirror sanctum, the silver glass beneath him reflecting not just his face—but the fractured weight of his desires.
He stared into the depths, not searching for gods or enemies or secrets.
But for the past.
"System," he said quietly. "Is there no way to bring them back?"
"Lyra… Eiren…"
The names left his lips like a prayer.
The only people he remembered—his found family from before divinity had swallowed him. They were the anchor he no longer had. The warmth he could no longer feel.
System Response:
"Host may create a mirror world or false replica using existing divine functions. Simulated entities resembling Lyra and Eiren can be constructed."
Velkaris's eyes narrowed.
"I don't want them to be fake."
"I want the world to remember them… not just me."
"I want them to exist."
The system went silent for a breath.
Then—
System:
"Host does not currently have the power to fulfill this request. Nor does the system, in its present version."
Velkaris paused.
A chill brushed his spine.
"…What do you mean currently?"
A low DING answered him.
System Notification:
"Beginner Upgrade Pack: Available."
"Limited-Time Offer: 50% Discount."
"System Function Expansion and Evolution Possible."
"Would you like to purchase?"
He didn't hesitate.
"What will this achieve?"
System Response:
"Expanded system update may unlock access to higher-dimensional soul functions."
"There exists a theoretical method…"
"By splitting the soul into three pieces, and embedding one shard in each target entity… a genuine connection may be forged."
"Each would be real. Independent. Living."
"However, such a method will weaken the host immensely."
"High risk of loss of control. Divine cognition collapse. Permanent identity fracture."
Velkaris didn't flinch.
"But they'll be real?"
"Not fragments, not echoes. Not reflections."
System:
"Yes. But the cost is immense."
He looked down at his trembling fingers—so perfect, so inhuman. And for the first time in ages, they felt alive.
"Then take it all."
"Everything. All the points, all the power. Use the 50% coupon. Go into debt. I don't care."
"Update."
The mirror flared with pulsing light.
The Divine Card on the altar cracked, its edges glowing with a dozen reality-bending equations.
His mind throbbed as invisible chains snapped deep within his soul. Something ancient and buried twisted loose.
The cost hit him instantly.
Faith Points: -870
Fake Divine Points: -49,400
System Points: -8,000
Negative values.
Velkaris staggered, clutching the altar to keep from collapsing.
Pain. Heat. Memory. Power ripping backward through time and into the empty hollows of his being.
And in the mirror—flickers.
A voice like laughter.
A soft hum.
Two shadows—one tall, one small—dancing in the light of a long-lost sun.
He smiled through the pain.
"Wait for me," he whispered. "I'm bringing you back."
End of Chapter 40: Lyra and Eiren — Story Beginning, Part 1