Chapter One

The War

Chara

"Legends spoke of an ancient civilization locked beneath Ebott for millenia. Our ancestors fought tooth and nail against their magical ways, and sealed them up for good. Ironically, we were only able to defeat them using their own magic. Though it did change our lives in the long run. We learned about something incredible."

Determination.

"Through this power we were able to harness the monster magic and use it ourselves. It allowed us to use Barrier to cast a permanent wall across the entrance to the Ebott Caverns, trapping them all within. However, it is incredibly difficult to acquire this correctly and organically. With time, patience, and understanding, Determination will come."

Determination Studies. I've researched this topic extensively, in fact, it was one of the only reasons I ever even bothered to go to school. This will be my 4th trimester in a row I've taken this class, and there's such incredible power behind Determination. Though, even within our curriculum, research is incredibly biased. Determination stems from one of humanity's most profound events, and yet, these events are barely glossed over within these studies. Not only that, but it is never even mentioned within regular classes. Is there something to hide with this event?

"Though this is not the only way Determination can rise within someone. Determination also comes from incredible hardship, and trauma. Due to this, it occurs especially within marginalized groups, as they have often experienced such unfortunate circumstances."

This professor is a lot better than others I've had. Though, I'm curious as to whether he has any answers for me.

"Professor Balmer?", I spoke up, "How exactly do we have this power through something that we're not even sure happened?"

He pauses, I can't tell if he's contemplating the real answer or genuinely thinking about it.

"We aren't… necessarily sure. Though, a lot of myths come from scientific phenomena, look at ancient gods for example."

I shrug, it's good enough of an answer I suppose. Sounds genuine, unlike other professors. Maybe he just doesn't know, he is with the newer generation of teachers. It's possible they may have stopped teaching it altogether.

After Determination Studies concluded, I made my way across campus to collect the materials required for my General Education classes. Sitting in large lecture halls with countless others felt unnecessarily uncomfortable, considering my familiarity with much of the subject matter. So, I swiftly gathered what I needed and headed straight for the Town Librarby—an oasis of knowledge that surpassed the college library in terms of its collection on supposed monster history. Within a couple of hours, I completed my general coursework, leaving the rest of my time to immerse myself in the pages, piecing together the elusive connections.

Researching these topics has been incredibly fascinating, like unearthing long-lost history meant to remain hidden. Most books on monster history abruptly end before the Barrier, leaving no trace beyond that point. Some even conclude with a dismissive "It's likely a myth!" despite the inaccessible area around Mt Ebott and the puzzling gaps in our own recorded past. Contemporary history books conveniently omit monsters altogether. It's evident that something is amiss.

"Hi, Chara!" Amy, the Librarbian, greets me with a warm smile. "Saved your seat in section D, just like always."

I wave and nod gratefully. I practically live in this librarby, delving into its depths since high school. Amy had become a second mother figure to me, a guiding light in the sea of knowledge. With her graying hair tied back in a neat bun, and glasses perched atop her kind eyes, she exuded an aura of wisdom and compassion. She possessed a wealth of knowledge that surpassed the dusty tomes lining the shelves. Through countless conversations and shared discoveries, she had ignited a spark within me, nurturing my thirst for understanding. Unlike others who used the media center for mindless gaming, I engaged in genuine conversations with her, discovering hidden gems within the forgotten pages. We would discuss topics and books that I had come across or that she had recommended to me. Her guidance had shaped my perspective, imbuing me with the courage to challenge the injustices that plagued our world. She had become the driving force behind my determination to bring about change.

As I finish my work, the questions become more challenging. I retrieve Monster History 1, written by Gerson, a supposed monster. Unlike other monster history books that portray them as all-powerful adversaries, MH1 describes them as peaceful creatures who powered industries and aimed for the greater good. The book reads like a diary, unfolding the events in a captivating manner. It feels more like a drama novel than anything else, knowing how it ends.

Resuming where I left off, I learned about a crucial difference between humans and monsters. When humans died, their bodies remained intact, but their souls became hollow, devoid of life. In contrast, when monsters died, their bodies rapidly turned to dust, and their souls disintegrated. Even powerful monsters might experience a brief coma-like state, but their ultimate fate was the same. This inconsistency regarding the soul highlighted a vulnerability of monsters against humans, even in their most formidable state.

From extensive research, they found something that showed to be rather interesting… Since the human soul is left hollow, if another creature were able to absorb said soul, they would gain incredible power. Monsters would have the ability to do this, but the consequences of the action was unknown. After learning about this, the humans-

The book just ends there. No conclusion, no details, nothing. It doesn't even bother to finish the last sentence, almost as if there was more to it that was removed? Getting up from my armchair, I decide to bring this up to Amy.

"Hey Amy, I noticed that this book... it appears to have some missing pages," I mention, handing her the opened book.

"That's strange. This book shouldn't..." She flips it over, her eyes widening in shock, and the book slips from her grasp.

"What's the matter?"

"These... these were...," she stammers, fear creeping into her voice, "This should not exist..."

"Why not-"

"Chara, you need to leave immediately," she interrupts, genuine concern etched on her face.

Understanding the situation, I don't question it and leave the Librarby immediately. This revelation is incredible! So few words convey so much, proving a great deal! Back in my dorm room, I eagerly document as much information as possible. I plan to present it to my professor when the opportunity arises. Still, I can't help but feel uneasy. Seeing that book makes me doubt if I was meant to find it, and I'm uncertain about the consequences that may follow. Regardless, I can handle it. I've faced worse challenges before. I write tirelessly until I eventually fall asleep at my desk, feeling a sense of fulfillment.

3pm. Perfect time to wake up.

For about 8 hours yesterday, I wrote an extensive document detailing my current theories on the monster "myth". I'm confident that I have gathered ample evidence to present to my professor for an academic discussion. I get up from my sleeping chair, hastily throw on some clothes, a simple white t-shirt and slightly oversized jeans. I glance out of my window onto the town, and I see the lights.

Flashes of red and blue danced along the campus gates, with cars scattered around the perimeter. Something is very, very off here. I would have put it off to a frat party, but, seeing down into the city center. The Libarby is in the same situation.

Suddenly it hits me. I was not supposed to see that book. They're here for me.

A soft knock comes to my door. With a sense of intrigue and caution, I opened the door, revealing Amy, the librarbian, standing in the hallway. Her eyes portrayed her worry and her fidgeting hands revealed her inner distress.

"Amy?! What are you doing here?" I ask in a hushed tone, already aware of the reason but reluctant to confront it.

"Shh, listen Chara. You're in danger." Amy's voice comes as a hushed whisper, and I notice her slinking through the doorway, her body language portraying a sense of urgency.

"I could tell. Is this about-", I begin, my voice filled with concern.

"The book, yes, this is about that. You were not supposed to see it, the cameras weren't supposed to see it." she continues, her tone laced with panic.

"Why was it there? Were there more?!", I inquire, my mind racing with questions.

"Chara, the Librarby was originally a monster library. Ebott was originally a monster town! I've been here long enough to see it change." Her voice quivers with a mix of fear and urgency. As she speaks, she edges closer, her movements cautious and deliberate.

"Wait… so…", I struggle to find the right words, my thoughts swirling.

"Yes, the war happened." she interjects, her voice filled with a mix of gravity and urgency, "Not only did it happen, but it only happened 67 years ago. I'm telling you this because I've known about your Determination Studies and knowledge in Monster History. We are some of the only ones that truly know about this."

"This is a lot… Why couldn't you tell me earlier? When I came to you for my senior essay?" I ask. It would have been a lot of help for that essay…

"Because of what you're experiencing right now. You needed to discover it on your own, to internalize the knowledge fully. Moreover, sharing that information with you would have put both of us at risk. The remaining humans in this town were manipulated, brainwashed, and controlled by those who imprisoned the monsters. I was foolish... and I succumbed to their pressure. But now, you're here. A young, determined, and curious soul. And now, you have a purpose."

"A purpose? Are you serious?" I question, incredulous at the weight of her words.

"Do you want to rectify the injustices of the past? Or will you continue living, aware that things won't change and burdened with this knowledge for the rest of your life?!" Her voice carries a tone of exhaustion, a lifetime of frustrations, "Don't repeat my mistake. I no longer possess the same Determination. I'm old now! Ever since those people erected the Barrier, I've longed to take action. It was unjust and cruel. I witnessed the suffering, the devastation, and the dust storms that ravaged our land. Those memories remain etched in my mind."

I sit on my bed, contemplating. I didn't ask to be thrusted into this. I had a future, a dream of becoming a Determination Studies teacher, sharing knowledge and enlightening others about what had happened. I never imagined it would spiral into this. But now, armed with the information I had, I began to question if I ever had a future at all. The path ahead seems obscured, overshadowed by those in power who have worked tirelessly to conceal the truth from the public. If I don't address their mistakes, my future will be a relentless pursuit by the government, constantly shutting me down whenever an opportunity arises. Finally, my mind reaches a resolute conclusion, and I voice my determination.

"What do I need to do?"