"What is it that makes us what we are?. A question that even philosophers failed to answer, simply because they don't know and one can only guess. What if I were to tell you it's way more simple than you think. How would I know?, well I am a God after all"
The skies were torn. The sun, no longer the shining star it used to be, dimmed by the energy it released in its final moments. Beams of multiple colors across the electromagnetic spectrum spanned across continents, vaporizing everything that stood between it and the destination. Millions died across the planet, ships of gigantic proportions scaling the sky, exuding foreign energy that sucked away the solar energy of the sun.
It seemed to all be over, an invasion of interdimensional creatures seemingly successful in overwhelming the planet. A celebration soon to be prepared until a lone man stepped forward amongst the lifeless, mangled bodies of his fallen comrades. A vengeful gaze in his eyes, filled with fury that held no bounds.
"This is where you meet your end. A moment in history that will carve humanity into cosmic history. The ones to prevail."
His voice strong yet soft spoken, his tone calm, each word carefully thought out upon making his introduction. His hair, white like snow, a framed jawline and two side bangs hung to his cheeks. His eyes were sky blue, reflecting the sky on a cloudy day but what stood out the most was the distinctive white star shaped pupil, centered in the middle of his unnatural luring eyes.
He adorned a black jacket, gold lining stitched into the sleeves of the jacket, running up vertically in two parallel lines with 2 cm of thickness. Underneath, a pristine simple black shirt. With this he also wore black jogging pants, fitted for mobility and black combat boots.
The Creatures stared in confusion and most in awe at the beauty of the human that stood before them. Unbothered by the human declaration, most of them held their hands out, 20 circles of layered magic inscriptions spanned out, crimson in color which defined it as something that defied the rules of nature. Spheres of fierce flames were launched at a rapid rate.
The speed, the voiceless incantation, their potent mana. This man knew these creatures weren't ordinary interdimensional creatures, though skilled in the craft of sorcery, they lacked discipline. The man simply stood with no intent of dodging. His eyes shifting between each ball of flames as if he was counting them, then he began the counterattack.
A wave of his hand across the empty space aimed towards the incoming spheres of flames, a multilayered hexagonal barrier spanning out in a 10 meter radius, structured by certain magical circle inscriptions that enclosed the space around the human man. Then he witnessed the shower of flames crash against the barrier, thick smoke engulfing the barrier and obscuring the man's vision.
A smirk slowly crept on the human man's face, the bombardment of flames now coming to an end. He knew that his advisor expected him to release the barrier, a basic tactic that mostly relied on speed. Instead, the man snapped his finger, the barrier unraveling itself and constructing into a tendril that hovered above the smoke.
The Creature moved in. It was swift beyond measure, no audible indication that it was moving besides the subtle blur of the peripheral vision. Then it struck. A metallic claw, sharpened to the point of cutting through the wind itself, aimed right at the man's stomach. Unfortunately it made a fatal mistake, it did not account for the elite mastery of this man's sorcery. It realized that nothing was in front of it, the man had seemingly vanished before its very eyes.
"I've spared too many. It's time that I make you all the first example."
The man spoke once again, his eyes narrowing towards the creature that attempted to end him in one attack. The smoke cleared away to reveal the distance between him and the creature. Suddenly the creature began to turn tail and run, an annoyed expression gracing the man's angelic face. His right arm extended forward, his hand pointing towards the creature's that fled.
A blue magic circled manifested in a blink of an eye in front of the creature, forcing it to come to a halt, turning hastily to try and avoid whatever was coming next. Unfortunately it was too late, a violent stream of water shot forth from the magic circle. The dense waves crashed into the creatures and everything in around it, sweeping it all into a strong current that began to curve towards the sky.
The man's right arm curled in a 90 degree angle, indicating that he was the one controlling the dense waves of water. Then he closed his fist, bringing his left hand up to slam his right hand down on his left palm like a hammer. A subtle shift in the wind, the strange tingling sensation of a temporal dilation filling everyone's frame of reference.
The man was now in front of the first creature that confronted him, his knuckles resting firmly on the technologically advanced chestplate, watching as it glowed in the color of amethyst.
'Kinetic absorption. Neat trick.'
The man proclaimed within his mind, a crack spreading across its armor. The creature was unable to move, it was as if it was slowed down and becoming sluggish. Its energy rapidly dwindled the longer that the fist remained on it.
"Ah. There you go, you've figured it out. I am the 12th crowned star. Muryou Hoji. The Crowned Star Of Freedom."
The now proclaimed Muryou Hoji proclaimed with a grin that shook the creatures to their core in terrified realization. An entity that existence defied fate itself stood before them and the only thing the creatures could do was mutter.
"T-The final crowned star of calamity…i guess we failed."
Those haunting words would be the last as the creature turned to dust, the grace of the wind blowing it away into the sky as if his soul was left to be free. Then Muryou eyes locked with the remaining invaders, a visible frown displayed on his face as he slowly stalked forward.
Now behind him were twelve people, many with various weapons and different heights. Though what was common between them were the smirks that confidently graced their faces.
The Sun fell and the moon raced across the sky, the hazy day turned into night. The millions of billions of stars hanging around in the sky, a dazzling display amongst the chaos. Then an audible click of a boot against the concrete echoed the silent night wind.
"Now. Let the unraveling begin"
Muryou proclaimed with a dark and sinister smile, an eerie whistle of the wind, enhancing the imminent doom of the universe.
The Beginnings
January 1, 3450. The planet known as 'Earth A-1' is the mid-point of all realities. The Universe itself exists in a constant state of uncertainty, resulting in branching timelines, dimensions and even realities. It functions from two principal concepts known as the many-worlds interpretation and the multiverse theory. It is uncertain if these worlds can collide but it can certainly be accessed by a technique known as dimension hopping, only known to high government officials.
Earth A-1 is a society ruled by a one world government. Strict laws and regulations have been applied, curfews have been established and people were given no privacy. Any attempts of a rebellion were snuffed out in public executions to instill fear into the world, money and technology ruled supreme.
This was until a child born from a human and an interdimensional entity came into existence. His birth defied the laws of nature, twisting reality and manifesting dreams into the physical plane. His sole existence became unbounded by fate, unwavering against destiny, and causality became obsolete in his presence. The scale of power tipped the balance of the world, birthing newfound abilities manifested from raw emotions to external manipulations of forces.
This child was named Muryou Hoji, unknowing that this child will be either the peace of reality or its destroyer. Though what remained apparent was the assassination attempts on his life, forcing his parents to flee and never remain in one spot for too long, eventually never having been found until Muryou was 16. The Present Day.
Muryou was taught by his parents that even though his birth was never meant to happen by conventional laws, he was still a blessing that could do anything he wanted. They taught him various things they knew and by stealing various books and things of that nature. This ranged from martial arts to biology, mathematics, etc.
Muryou grew to be quite a tall teen, standing at a stature of 6'1, skin as pale as snow and jet black hair with red tints positioned neatly across each strand of hair, as if it was natural. His eyes were a pale gold with a tint of purple. His gaze was sharp and calculating as if dissecting every piece of information he visibly could register.
"It's time I go out and find my purpose in this world. I love you both and if anything happens. Call Me"
Muryou exclaimed to his parents, receiving two gentle kisses on his forehead and a firm hug from his father. They stayed like this for a few minutes, knowing that it could be the last time they see each other. Then Muryou left with a wave of his hand, a smile on his face, and a flame of determination in his eyes.
Muryou was set out to do his own thing, even if it meant defying the destiny laid out before him. Then his thoughts were interrupted when he arrived at the surface, exiting the small entrance of the cave that housed them for years.
The sunlight crept through the lushed forest, casting its rays onto Muryou who for once in his many years of living, shed a tear for the fact that his parents could not enjoy this beautiful world with him. Then his sadness turned into fury. A quest of vengeance bubbling from his soul.
"I'll crumble this world government. I will set everyone free. Most importantly, I will set my parents free"
Muryou proclaimed in a hushed whisper, walking forward through the dense forest with seemingly no destination in mind. He was lost in thought, wondering why life had to be like this simply because he was different. A small sigh escaped his lips, a droplet of sweat rolled down his forehead from the heat made by the beaming sun.
Then a subtle tune caught Muryou's attention, it was as if an angel had been singing in harmony even from great distances away. This led to Muryou following the direction of the sound in a hypnotic nature, his body moving on its own and locating the source of the tune that now settled in finalization.
"Woah.."
Muryou could only utter as he simply stared at the women that stood before him. Her hair was red like the flames of inferno, silky and long, reaching to the middle section of her back. Her eyes were yellow like gold yet cold like the metallic material it was. Her body slender and shaped like an hourglass, a black skintight suit that fit her figure snugly and a red short jacket.
"I didn't expect someone to be this deep in the forest…who might you be?"
She asked, her voice a mix of stern and playful like a very wild tomboy. In moments she stood in front of Muryou, her body leaned over to get a better look at him. Both now stood very close to each other with just mere inches of space, a raised eyebrow creeping on Muryou's face.
"Well, let's just say I'm a traveler. Though, I'd reckon that I am lost."
Muryou proclaimed as he finally took the initiative to take a small step back, regaining his personal space that the women clearly did not care about. This reply urged the girl to sigh in response, her head resting on her fingers as she pondered her next course of action.
"We'll if it's too much trouble I could simply just figure out how to leave this place, no need to stress about it-"
Muryou replied with a gentle tone of gratitude but was cut off when he suddenly lifted his arms up to block a roundhouse kick. The impact forced his feet to skid against the ground, his teeth gritting from the strength.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mina Kotoski. The third crowned star of chaos."
The now named Mina exclaimed as she once again moved forward, her slim body allowing her faster agility, effectively slipping past the many kicks that Muryou attempted to connect with.
A straight fist parried by Mina. An elbow parried by Muryou. A knee clashed with Mina's knee. Mina's backfist narrowly missed. A clash of forearms, then a struggle of dominance over another. This was the small performance of close quarter combat between the two, a practice run to feel out each other's ability.
"Muryou Hoji. You can refer to me as the free one. Not bound by any laws you or any god enforce."
Muryou proclaimed, which earned him a mischievous grin from Mina who said nothing in return. Then Mina's mana came to life, her right hand extended out to her side, a dazzling display of crimson flames enshrouding her hand.
Muryou wasted no time and sped forward in the blink of an eye. His body passively steadying his breathing as he rushed towards the obstacle that stood between him and his path to freedom.
Suddenly 10 chains burst forth from the ground, each one positioned around Maryou until he was forced to a halt, watching as the chains of chaos bent and twisted chaotically until it connected back into itself.
'An Imprisonment Barrier!.'
Maryou exclaimed in surprise within his mind, until both their eyes widened in shock. The chains constructed from the chaotic forces of mana were severed, pieces falling harmlessly onto the ground and dematerializing back into the chaotic force it is.
'Is my power more to it?. Ahh, not right now. I need to focus on getting past her.'
Muryou proclaimed, his eyes narrowing at the women who stood in front of him with an amused smirk. A subtle 'tch' escaped his lips and for the first time in 16 years, he unleashed his suppressed mana.
Mina suddenly dropped to her knees in confusion mixed with fear, her body trembling as she could not break eye contact with the source of her fear. To her, the only thing she felt was the suffocating effect of Muryou's dense mana. It was neither demonic or holy, simply vast and compared to herself, it was like a drop of water to an ocean.
"I am not here to fight."
Mina's Past
"You are a soldier. A Pawn that is expendable if deemed necessary. Do not forget your place."
Those words were like the screeches of chalk to a chalkboard. Words that were uttered to dissect individuality and instill obedience. Words that echoed like a haunting tune through her head.
"Yes…sir"
The only words she could utter back, her tears held back by the will of her spirit not to embarrass herself even more. She once again picked up the blade that laid next to her feet, her arms stinging in pain from repeated movements, yet she continued. Each swing held hidden emotions within, it was as if the sword and her were one.
"She's growing too powerful. We need to send her on that forbidden mission. We'll just say she became M.I.A in a mission of her status."
A raspy voice uttered in a low whisper behind closed doors, an affirmative grunt came back in a reply. Outside the door, Mina held her ears close to the doors, her eyes glossy in sadness as she pondered what to do next. Now she knew that this next mission she took would be her last.
'Maybe this is what happens to those who are cursed. If only in some other life I wasn't like this'
Mina proclaimed within her mind as she left from the door, the patter of her feet echoing the halls that led to the chambers, though instead she was nearing another room. Soon, she swung the doors open with a mighty push. A wide smile on her face, her eyes landing on another individual within the room.
"Sis. Please knock next time."
The voice of a tenor proclaimed, a calm tone that exuded a sense of balance and warmth. Hair that matched the color of the snow , reaching to the middle section of his back and red eyes that shone like uncut rubies. A small but gentle smile graced his face when speaking to the women that entered his room.
"Yeah sure. Anyway, I have something important to tell you. The higher ups plan on sending me on a suicide mission."
Mina proclaimed, earning a gasp from her brother who now became invested in what she was saying.
"When did you find out?"
The boy asked in a tone of curiosity, his head tilting to the side just a bit to express his confusion. His slim fingers resting on top of his lap, sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Just a few minutes ago. I'll be taking the mission but then…I'm leaving. I'll pretend like I died during the mission. I just came to say that I love you brother…this will be the last time we see each other."
Mina spoke with tears welled up in her eyes, her face struck with a saddened expression, head tilted down towards the ground.
Flashback Over
"Then why are you here?. I made sure nobody in a 20 mile radius could even get close to me."
Mina exclaimed in a wary tone, her stance firm and disciplined. Her crimson jacket swaying gently against the small breeze that passed through, ruffling her hair slightly yet her gaze remained fixed on Muryou.
"Well, I guess it doesn't work on me. I don't know what to tell you really. Anyways. I'm trying to leave the forest but I've never been here before."
Muryou explained as best he could, scratching the back of his head in a sheepish tone. His excitement became too much and now he finally realized he had no clue what the outside world was like now. His eyebrows furrowed a bit as he thought of this, earning the attention of the women who witnessed him lost in thought.
"I see. Well, I could guide you but you'll be entering the domain of the first crowned star. He governs the forces that exist in the physical world."
Mina proclaimed as she turned and began walking, soon Muryou caught up and began walking at the same pace beside her. He admired her beauty quietly, her soft skin untouched by even her own sweat, the smooth complexion of her lighter shade that exposed the rough scars etched onto her cheeks.
The way she carried herself, the pride exuding from her form of walking. The hypnotic sway of her hips catching his eyes for a quick second, his cheeks subtly flushing in a crimson hue. His eyes flickering down to the ground to avoid his lustful thoughts.
"We're here. Now I can't-"
Mina began speaking, her head turning to face Muryou but she was cut off by a sudden impact a few meters away from them. The sharp gust of wind followed with a dust cloud being uplifted, obscuring their vision for a moment
"I haven't seen you anywhere. A dweller from underground perhaps?. Though before that. I need to make sure of something."
A baritone voice rang out through the dust cloud that slowly settled. His voice raspy and dried as if many years of smoking had finally caught up to him. Then Mina found herself doubled over, her teeth clenched in pain as her body folded over the outstretched foot.
Then she was propelled backwards, into the forest and through many thick trees. The foot was revealed to belong to the man that just spoke. His hair a sheet white and spiked, a gloved hand gripping a sword carved from a type of steel, the guard being replaced by the welding of two other steel materials to construct a cross with sharp ends.
Muryou eyes widened in shock at the display of speed, though he couldn't linger on that due to being hit with the back of the man's fist, dazing Muryou and forcing the boy to stumble whilst holding his injured jaw.
Fortunately, Muryou was quick to recover, his left arm raising up horizontally to deflect a straight punch. This left the first crowned star body open to Muryou's next attack sequence.
A quick palm to the sternum.
A follow up tornado kick.
This was the swift two sequence attack that Muryou performed in quick succession, forcing the first crowned star to take a few steps back with the palm strike. Unfortunately, his tornado kick was met with a condensed flat surface of light, held together by potent electric forces evident by the charged particles discharging from the surface of the light to his legs.
Though a numbness washed over Muryou's leg, he simply continued by landing on his feet, his leg a little wobbly but Muryou's focus remained diligent. His palms blocking and redirecting another two swift strikes delivered by the first crowned star.
Then as if distance was a mere concept, the gap between the two had been closed within a blink of an eye. Time seemed unaffected and space remained functional, his body gave no indication that he moved forward. He was simply now in front of the first crowned star.
The horrid smell of tobacco filled Muryou's nose, a subtle scrunch of his nose in displeasure. That's when Muryou found himself amongst the clouds in remembrance of the crowned star utilizing the gravitational force to launch him away.
'Yeah. This guy is on another level. But he seems to be holding back. Maybe he's trying to see how strong I am or why I'm in his territory. Either way I need to give it all I got.'
Muryou proclaimed as he allowed himself to be swallowed by the cloud's thick structure, water droplets from condensation splashing across his face, cooling his body but also soaking his clothes. A slight frown of displeasure adorning his face.
"I see now. Your Muryou Hoji. It's very much a surprise that my power does not affect you, but it seems the rumors from those years ago were true. Since you seem like an intelligent person, I'll hear you out and decide if I should kill you or not."
Muryou found himself sitting in a chair, an enclosed space with walls dirtied from years of unclean treatment. Rat scurried across the floor for rotten cheese, cobwebs scattered practically everywhere. A table and two chairs dwere the only things truly visible under the hanging lamp, dimmed enough to induce an eerie feeling.
In those two chairs sat Maryou and Nuriyu. Nuriyu's fingers were interlocked and flat, allowing his chin to rest on top of his hands while his arms rested on the table as support. Meanwhile, Maryou simple stared in awe at the sudden change in environment, clearing his throat with a slight cough and looking at Nuriyu.
"Listen man. I'll tell you like I told that girl you kicked. I don't know where I am or where to go but I did live underground so that's one reason."
Maryou explained, earning a nod from Nariyu who picked up another cigarette, lighting it. The smoke illuminated from the light, the stillness of the air revealing that the smoke was simply stuck to dissipate while also leaving a strong tobacco order.
The silence was loud and the tension seemed thick, another puff of his cigarette, then a small sigh.
"Look kid. I get you just got attacked and all so you don't trust us, but you have potential. Though you still lack very much control of your power, I can help you develop other abilities."
Nariyu stated in a request which Muryou pondered on. Then he finally settled it, a confirmed nod which made Nariyu grin. Then they shook hands, a firm grasp that sealed the deal that was made.
"Afterwards, I want a rematch."
Muryou stated in a tone of amusement though serious. A nod from Nariyu which made Muryou grin back in return. That's when they found themselves back outside the forest. Muryou glanced around, still in awe at how they were transported almost instantaneously.
"Well since you have nothing to do. Your first mission is to defeat a simple dragon lord. It is quite strong so good luck…Free Star"
Nariyu stated in a tone of authority but a subtle whisper near the end, a lazy flick of his wrist and Maryou found himself falling towards a blue scaled dragon. Its size dwarfed the many mountains that laid beneath it upon its slumber. Unfortunately it was disturbed by a foreign being landing on its back, a low growl escaping its sharp teethed mouth.
Then it was gone in a heartbeat. Maryou remained stationary in the air as reality began to register what just happened. A sudden crash echoing from a distance, followed by a large dust cloud with falling debris.
'So I can control the direction of other things by injecting my mana into the target and flowing it the way I want it to go. Though stationary targets are ideal for this, a moving target is a bit more complicated.'
Maryou proclaimed within his mind as a mental note to practice on moving objects, during and after the fight. Maryou felt confident he would survive, already honing his ability albeit slowly.
RAAAUUUUR!
The dragon cried out in a vicious scream that sent visible sonic shockwaves across the plainfield. Muryou covered his ears with a slight groan, his vision distorting and his ears ringing in numbness. Then he slightly shook his head with his eyes closed to regain his vision, opening them just in time to see the dragon holding its mouth wide open, a gathering sphere of raw mana soon to be released.
Muryou then ran forward in a sprint, his body blurring through the open plainfield just as the dragon released its attack. A devastating beam of mana ripped through the field, tearing the ground like a hot knife to butter. Muryou held his hand out, planting his feet down in a sudden halt that made him skid a few meters forward.
His palm inches away from the beam of magical essence. Then in mere moments, the beam changed trajectory, bending upwards into the sky and eviscerating a cloud. In front of Muryou stood Mina. Her slender hourglass figure shrouded by the light of the sun, her long flowing crimson hair fluttering from the sharp gust of wind done after deflecting the beam attack.
"Oh Mina, I'm surprised you're here. Thanks for the help but i've got it from here"
Muryou proclaimed with a gentle smile, a subtle flush of a crimson hue flashing across Mina's face upon Muryou's acknowledgement. Then she cleared her throat to regather herself, only left to watch as Muryou walked past her. The pattering of each foot against the soil beneath his feet leaving her audible range, finally making her turn to witness the events about to unfold with Muryou and one of the dragon lords.
"Y-yeah sure no problem. I did it 'cuz I wanted to, that's it"
Mina exclaimed in a slightly embarrassed tone, his two fingers pressing against each other shyly, watching Muryou move towards the dragon without a care in the world. Then something unexplainable happened. Something that even the crowned star of chaos couldn't comprehend.
A red string, straightened out with tension as if both ends were pulled out to an infinite degree, appeared in an empty void. In reality, Muryou had leapt forward and upward with great propulsion. A slow drip of drool crawled down the corner of his lips, his unique multicolored pale eyes losing their sparkling gloss, the raw emotions held within his spirit locked behind his eyes had faded.
The cluttering thoughts of his mind now remained silent. Memories were obsolete and emotions were unprovoked, his mind worked without a goal while his body reacted to the impending threat. This was a state of absolute clarity where emotions, thoughts, memories, simply become a distant thing in the past. His senses had started working without blockage and his intuition had sharpened.
The red thread within the void had snapped, the dragon and Mina gasping in shock, then Muryou tore straight through the dragon scaled throat, the blue hardened scales that were stronger than steel itself had been rendered brittle against the body & soul of Muryou. The sickening audible of tearing flesh and snapped bones,
'His string of fate was destined to become so much that it snapped under its own tension. H-He has become free of this all. Who is this kid?'
Mina proclaimed in her mind, remembering her first time as a crowned star and how she along with everyone else were granted the ability to only see the fate of someone as a long line of thread, stretched and pulled out enough to read its predetermined path.
A small sigh escaped her lips upon realizing that the man that called himself the 'free one', was saying he was unbounded by fate and controlled his own destiny. This also gave Mina the realization that Muryou could control his own soul and see the fate of his own life.
Eventually, Muryou had finished slaying the dragon lord. His hand wiping away the drool as his mind regained its normal functioning, his eyes regaining their lost sparkle & gloss. He noticed that his body was covered in a blue substance which he realized was the dragon's blood.
"I need to take a shower."
Muryou proclaimed as he now stood in front of Mina once more, his hands gently to his sides while he focused on what she was about to say. Her thin lips yet soft lips captured his eyes.
"You seem to have more power than meets the eye. How about joining us as the twelfth crowned star?. We need someone like you."
Mina exclaimed as Muryou pondered, his long slender finger tapping against his chin in thought. Then he came to a conclusion.
"Nah. I know even if i do join by your means, the others won't accept me that easily. I also want to do more than just join. I want to be in command, so I will become the strongest."
Muryou proclaimed, much to Mina's shock. Her eyes visibly widened at the bold proclamation then she suddenly burst out in a hysterical laugh, tears forming at the edge of her eyes as she found the proclamation very humorous.
Then she nodded, a subtle rosy hue across her cheeks before walking a few steps forward.
"Hey Muryou. Be careful of Jiku when you meet him. He's the toughest one of us all. He probably already knows of your idea and is waiting."
Mina proclaimed in a cryptic tone. Turning her head back a bit to see Muryou's reaction from the corner of her eyes. To her surprise, he seemed unphased by the statement and continued walking at his own pace.
"It's a possibility. Though, he has to be confident in which one I'm choosing"
Muryou proclaimed in a teasing tone, his calm demeanor cushioning the tension that threatened to consume them from her statement.