People can't choose what to do with there lives anymore because there goals and dreams can be ended by one monster. They are left with one option; to kill monsters themselves until they die. The blessing of a god helps with that, but many only live with the purpose given to them. We are left with an empty man whose only purpose is to kill and survive. They don't even believe in heroes or greatness anymore. Just living in such a hopeless world.
"Why do we just fight monsters constantly?"
"Because what else do we do? We can't have a purpose knowing it could be ended in an instant."
"But if you truly do desire it and want it, wouldn't you not care at all for that?"
If you have a strong will and strong determination to do something, you shouldn't care about the dangers out there. You need to simply accept this fact and push onward. You can either become your own hero or join a legendary hero who will grant your selfish dreams.
We stand at the ruins of the Twilight Manor. Bell, Ais, and Bete had went on a search for anything left standing. They had a conversation about heroes and the purpose of existing in such a dark world. Bell was simply wanting to change the depressed moods of the Familia.
"You guys ever question the point of life here?" asked Bell, picking up an old weapon from the ground.
"No shit, I question whether or not existing should matter anymore knowing we could die any minute now." answered Bete.
"I only want to become stronger." Ais answered as well.
"Do you guys ever just think about others for once?" further questioned Bell. "Like, let's say one of your Familia members is about to die, will you save them or just leave them behind?"
"Leave them for dead. They were weak anyways." Bete responded almost instantly.
"That's exactly why nobody has become a hero yet." replied Bell.
"Why do you care so much about becoming a hero dumbass? You do know that the world is about to end right?" argued Bete, sounding a bit more aggressive.
"That's the point of becoming one. You don't care about the world ending, but rather saving it."
"Sure, but how the hell will you break the limit in a world where monsters are many levels above us? It's just hopeless for everyone." further argues Bete.
"You still don't get it? If you desire the title of a hero or want to live a happy life again, you must not question the limit anymore. You have to do anything and everything to get that life again."
Heroes had dealt with such beliefs for ages. How am I meant to break the limit if it's unimaginably high? Well, if you truly did want to become a hero, than break it with sheer will and determination to do so. The past isn't now, and the world isn't your master. You are free, and if you want to have more, go and get more. Bell learned this after reading countless stories of heroes. He also studied philosophy beforehand and became more mature rather than having a foolish personality. He wanted to spread hope and purpose to those without it.
"You got me there, but if your such a believer of heroes, than why haven't you become one youself?"
"Because the people I'm around are hopeless as fuck and can't see me through. I can't become a hero if I can't even save my own friends from losing hope."
"Do you think we could become heroes even after all this?" Asked Ais, joining in on the conversation.
"We sure as hell can. You can decide on whether or not you want to join me in becoming heroes."
The three soon looked at each other and knew one thing. As much as their past with monsters and people troubled them, they could still save the world. They could give the world peace even if they themselves were stolen of it. One selfless act to finally end there story as heroes rather than powerful children who were blessed by the gods.
"I'll join you if it means saving these weaklings." said Bete, clicking his tongue.
"I'll do the same if I can save my mother and everyone else with it." added Ais.
"Than let's show it to the world when the time arrives."
Moros had finally begun his journey of doom. The god had gotten tired of waiting for the Black Dragon to do something, so he tamed an army of monsters. He was the only god capable of using arcanum through a loophole and the only god who could cut down a blessed child with his sword. He was the epitome of the souls that only wanted chaos and suffering to enjoy their lives. He even lead several of their souls to that conclusion and showed them there eventual deaths as a means of suffering.
"Moros, Altena is currently sending a level 9 adventurer towards the battlefield according to Percy." alerted Eligos.
"Really? I'll go deal with them, set up the chamber." responded Moros.
The god of doom would do the same thing he did last time. Become a monster and only turn back to normal when killed. Now that he wielded the Ascalon sword, nothing would stop him.
"Damn it, why are there so many." said Atlas, fighting through the continous waves of monsters.
"I can just use my magic you know." spoke another voice besides him.
"Shut up Eliphas." rudely responded Atlas.
Eliphas was a level 8, but he could rival Atlas in power. He was from Altena, but Zeus took him in when Athena gave the old god his wishes. Zeus, of course, asked to sleep with one of her Familia members, but Athena immediately declined such a reward and suggested taking her strongest member. Zeus agreed, and so Eliphas has joined the bunch on there journey to conquer the world's greatest monsters.
The two powerful adventurers were requested to stop the monster army that Moros sent at Altena. They clearly accepted for the same reason they have nothing else to do. Atlas has been known as the "Rapier of Zeus" for the same reason he always accepts his gods wishes. He's garnered quite the attention in the world, but people still believe that the monsters are more powerful than Atlas, a level 9.
From where the monster army is from, there is a large mountain that stands alone. It is around 100 kilometers away from Altena, but the monster's traveled that distance quite fast. That mountain is where Moros and his Familia reside. They've settled here as a means to cause trouble to Altena. A loud rumbling could be heard as Atlas and Eliphas approached the mountain at incredible speeds.
"Somethings up, and according to Zeus, Moros is probably using arcanum." stated Eliphas, figuring out the events occurring.
"A god using arcanum? At least we have a chance of fighting something big." replied Atlas.
Atlas was quite the guy to fight against powerful enemies. It always excited him and pushed him beyond his limit. Eliphas on the other hand, is just too powerful. His magic can obliterate entire cities and regions, but this only seems to sadden the great mage. He hasn't been defeated by a monster once, but Atlas sure as hell did.
"Hey, Atlas, I think the god is around here somewhere. I can feel his presence." alerted Eliphas, being the great mage he is.
"Than let's get ready for a fight with a god. Not like he'll do much to us in the first place."
Rumbling could be heard once again as a large scorpion monster jumped onto them from the side of the mountain. They were about to enter the mountain base, but Moros reached them before they could infiltrate it.
"You guys are such fools if you expected to kill a god. I'll kill you both so that my plans go in place without even more complications." spoke Scorpius, now right in there faces.
"Your one ugly god for being one of doom and suffering." replied Atlas.
The presence of Arcanum was within the monster, and Atlas, with his actual smart self, concluded it was the god who resided in the scorpion monster. It was overwhelmingly powerful in terms of magic, but Atlas had reason to believe Scorpius wasn't doing well in the physical department. Eliphas simply analyzed the monster before also coming to that conclusion.
"I'm hoping you'll give me the the satisfaction of suffering, foolish child." snickered Scorpius.
"You too, Moros."
As the insides of Scorpius rattled, an army of more monsters were summoned. This time, they were way more powerful than those that attacked the Loki Familia. Thunderous snakes and Valgang dragons were the most common in this summoning. They were level 8 now due to the arcanum of Moros being used to create them.
"Eliphas, use magic to kill most of them, I'll try and kill the magical scorpion with my sword." ordered Atlas, as his level 9 agility broke the sound barrier in mere seconds.
"Damn it, at least let me give you a buff." uttered Eliphas, while beginning his chant.
"Rages Of War"
Magic that gives allies a boost in there agility and strength. It will have a greater effect when yearning for victory or having immense rage for victory. Atlas was especially appreciative of the magic because of it's usefulness in a battle. He was about to fight a god anyways, it's needed in a time like this.
"Man, I guess I'll just use my weak magic for now."
"Divine Lights"
Rays/beams of light that explode into many others. The amount depends on the user's mind. It can obliterate armies, but it's really weak against enemies that are a higher level than him.
In order to update you guys on the current state of the world, a new alliance called the 'Eastern Stand' was formed after Altena, the Far East, and Telskyura agreed to become allies. Many other cities of the east soon joined as the western continent was basically removed off the map. People united under this alliance and slayed countless monsters that attempted to invade said countries and cities. The Freya Familia and Ganesha Familia were especially useful in defending these attempted invasions. The Astraea Familia was formed in the Far East soon after Astraea and Ryuu met.
"Ryuu! There's a level 6 monster in the water! It's about to get on land!" exclaimed a pallum girl.
"I'll be right there! We just need to kill these other monsters!" responded Ryuu.
The elf woman had changed when meeting Astraea again. She found her sense of justice again and never wanted to make her goddess worry again. She never wanted to ruin the goddess that once gave her close friends. She had concluded that revenge isn't worth it anymore. Giving hope to the world and making it better in times like this was far better than revenge. She would protect her new Familia with everything, even if it means dying herself just like her old friends.
"Alright, Luna and Ella, join me, were going to kill that level 6 monster!" yelled out Ryuu, ordering her top executives to join her.
"Yes captain!" the two replied in unison.
Luna and Ella were both level 5. Ryuu was the only level 6 in the country and is therefore seen as the most powerful adventurer there. She and her Familia had kept law and order just as in the past. They were currently dealing with a monster invasion from the waters surrounding the Far East, it was an island nation after all.
"I'll distract it, use that concurrent chanting I taught you!" said Ryuu to the duo.
It was a snake monster that looked similar to the Levithan. It was way smaller and way weaker, but it's still a force to be reckoned with. It attempted to destroy the nearby town, but Ryuu intercepted it with her incredible agility and graceful attacks. Her wooden sword, Alf's Lumina, allowed her to damage the monster greatly. She really only wanted to take this opportunity for her top executives to gain Excelia.
Speaking of them, they were currently slashing at the monster with there own swords. Luna used 2 short swords while Ella used a katana. There attacks proved to be damaging against the large sea snake that thrashed around in pain. Suddenly, it splashed water at all of them with insane amounts of pressure. It came from it's many fins which surprised the three attempting to kill it.
"Augh! We need to damage it's fins in order to kill it!" spoke out Ryuu, getting sent flying as the pressure overpowered her sword.
"Zeva Agni!"
Ella finished her chant which covered her katana in fire. It was similar to a magic sword as it released the magic onto the large sea snake. It did considerable damage as the snake burned all over it's body. It thrashed once again, but released water only on Ella, who was also sent flying at incredible speeds.
"Ella!" yelled out Ryuu. "Damn it. Luna! Keep distracting it! I'm going to heal Ella!"
Luna was quick which annoyed the sea snake. I should really just call it Mizuchi for the sake of it. Anyways, the monster, Mizuchi, couldn't harm the small girl who moved way faster than it could attack her. Suddenly, the Mizuchi made some strange noise which brought in several other monsters. They looked like turtles, but far more aggressive. They were walking tanks produced by the waters.
"Ella, you alright now?" asked Ryuu, having used Noah heal on her.
"Yeah, thank you Ryuu. We need to help out Luna before those new monsters get her." responded Ella, getting back up.
Ryuu was especially careful of her Familia. When one person went down, she would immediately help them out. Her past forced her to. She never wanted to lose another close friend again.
"Aurora Lucius!"
This magic from Luna spawned in orbs of light. It would purify allies but damage enemies with multiple rays of light when hit. This magic made the Mizuchi blind for a bit and lose several of it's fins. Still not enough to kill it though. It's way smaller than the Leviathan, but it doesn't mean it's actually small. It could reach up to 50 meters and dwarfed any monster close to it. The only reason why it's alive but weak is because of it's size. If It wasn't so big, it would probably drop to level 2 or 3. It existed in the Water City, but was one of the weaker monsters down there. It only went to level 6 because the dungeon gave it more size and more fins.
The rest of the Astraea Familia soon arrived after killing the humanoid fish monsters that went on land. They were all level 3 or 4 due to their weakness when it comes to close combat. They used water magic to kill their opponents, but this proved to be ineffective against the Familia who on average had a level 3 as there weakest member.
"Finally! Everyone, kill those turtle monsters! If your level 4 and above, try and help us with the sea monster!" ordered Ryuu, soon jumping towards the Mizuchi once again.
If your wondering what the Familia looked like, it was mostly Far Eastern people. Some were pallums, but most were either beast people or humans. Ryuu was the only elf there surprisingly. They all wielded katana's or different versions of it. Some had crossbows and others had staffs which were used by the beast people more. Anyways, the battle for the shore of the Far East had begun. The turtles, which I will name the Gameras, were estimated to be level 3. There shells were easily more durable than Adamantite, but when put on there belly, they are very vulnerable.
"Cut it's fins up! We need to destroy it's entire body in order to kill it!" yelled out Ryuu, to the many other adventurers that had joined her.
"Yes Captain!"
It was a 20 vs 1 now. The level 4s cut up the monster as several others used magic on it. It's remaining fins were used to splash anyone unfortunate enough, but they never hit there target. The monster was attempting to escape at this point, but there was too many people on it.
"Luminous Wind!"
Ryuu ran towards it and finished it off with a wide area explosion on it's face. It turned to dust as only a fin was left behind. It's magic stone soon dropped from it's head.
"You did it Captain! You truly are worthy of being named the strongest!" celebrated Luna, having made it to Ryuu.
"Thank you." Ryuu responded calmly. "Let's get back to our goddess before she starts worrying again."
This was an average day for the Astraea Familia. Constant monster invasions happened, but they weren't that much to deal with. They leveled up a lot through these missions which is why there the most powerful Familia in the Far East. The Familia had grown very large after Ryuu became level 6 and helped to protect the nation in the name of her goddess. Astraea had been very happy to see Ryuu happy again, but one thought still bothered her.
'Will a hero finally rise with all this hope?' thought Ryuu, as she went back to her home with the others.
"Don't you get it fool? Arcanum can reinforce anything and become immune to any of your childish magic. You are outmatched beyond belief, and your great mage can't do anything now." announced Moros, staring at the child whose attempts to kill him were ineffective.
"I don't give up idiot god." retaliated Atlas. "Not after what I've went through."
A man with one mission: to conquer the world with greatness. He was born in the Empire, the nation full of evil and pure chaos. His family was killed without mercy and he was forced to watch his own mother be raped. He broke at that exact moment and knew one thing; I need to become stronger. Just as how Bell wanted to become a hero, he trained to become stronger. He didn't care about saving people or giving peace, he wanted to give the world a strength to depend on. He could never become a hero after this.
With sheer determination and will to become stronger, the young man was able to defeat blessed children with self-taught training. He was free from the Empire, and so he's journey to Orario begun. There, he met the Thor Familia which took him in after seeing his incredible knowledge in swordsmanship. He had insane growth the first couple of years, but after the Zeus and Thor had a conflict, a war game between the two Familias happened. They never stood a chance. They had a level 7, but the Zeus Familia had nearly 5 of them at the time. Atlas was only level 5 at this point.
With the banishment of the Familia, Atlas decided to enter back into Orario, but as a different person entirely. He took the blessings of many gods before achieving level 6. The Great Feud happened and ended up with the death of his current god and the banishment of the Zeus and Hera Familias. Atlas was right in the place where Zeus was leaving with a baby, and he took the opportunity to talk to the old god.
"Zeus, I'm Atlas, I wish to join you." spoke Atlas, taking Zeus by surprise.
"So sudden aye? Well, I might as well have someone to join me while I travel the world." replied Zeus, while being forced out.
The guards that forcefully banished Zeus didn't hear a thing and simply thought it was some stranger telling the legendary god something. They didn't really care though, so Atlas wasn't questioned. When Zeus left Orario, Atlas had gained his blessing and traveled with his new god. Bell was in Zeus's hand at the time, but Atlas was scouting out the area for the two of them. He never showed up in Bell's life because Zeus always asked him to find some cool stuff around the world. Atlas accepted the missions since he didn't have anything else to do.
Yet one thought always remained for the legendary adventurer:
"If I can't become a hero, can't I simply create one?"
This question brought him a better purpose. To be so damn strong that a hero will rise in order to either best him or gain hope. He would fight and fight until a hero rose and surpassed him. He would protect the world in the absence of a hero. That became his purpose when traveling with Zeus.
'Killing a god is one step into my dreams. A hero will rise no matter what happens to me.'
The Loki Familia were currently at the village they took refuge in. They really just made it a new Familia base. They were far from any god and civilization. They were at the west after all, it's been covered by powerful monsters that will soon invade the east. Anyways, we bring ourselves to the ever questioning philosophy of Bell.
"Hey Bell, what are you thinking about? You haven't spoken much since we've arrived here." asked Tiona, watching the young hero look at the Black Dragon from afar.
"Hm? Oh, hello Tiona." replied Bell, getting brought away from his thoughts. "Don't you think we're just escaping the truth of the situation? I mean, we went here to level up, but isn't that because Finn and Loki are scared of us dying?"
"I guess, I'm really only here for the ride. As long as I have Tione and the rest I'm happy as is." answered the cheerful Tiona.
"Your always cheery which Is what I like about you." noted Bell. "Anyways, do you ever think about becoming a hero?"
Tiona was slightly taken aback by the comment, but she answered his question.
"I really like Argonaut, but I really only want to follow his philosophy of smiling no matter what. I don't ever think about actually becoming a hero."
"That's nice. I used to also do that by acting a fool." added Bell, remembering his old personality. "Do you ever think about how making everyone smile could be possible?"
That's a tricky question for most. Tiona always smiled and had a carefree personality because she always wanted to spread happiness, just as how Argonaut did for her. She never thought of actually giving smiles on everyone. She's had a bumpy past, but the smiles that heroes gave always made her want to do the same. Could becoming a hero really give that to others?
"Are you saying that I could become a hero or something?" asked Tiona, attempting to figure out the whole point of this conversation.
"I guess you could say that. Your always smiling even when this world is hopeless. You have more of a chance of becoming a hero than just waltzing around with your Familia." explained Bell.
"But how am I meant to become one if I can't bring smiles to my own friends?" asked Tiona.
"Your oddly in the same position as me, Tiona." answered Bell. "I always wanted to protect you guys, but something about the monsters being strong and trauma from the past keeps us apart."
Half of the Familia has hope while the other half just wanna die already. Bell had spoken with many others about heroism, but some either argued that it's impossible or that they'll die even quicker. Tiona is one of the only people that seem to be onboard with Bell's journey to becoming a hero.
"Why don't we just show them than? We want to protect them and give them smiles, but we need to show them that we do." suddenly said Tiona, taking Bell aback for a bit.
"There too stubborn Tiona. I always try and put some sense into them, but they always reject my advances. We can really only wait for the time to come where we show them our motives."
The Familia has genuinely fallen apart. Finn was lost in his own mind as Loki didn't know what to do anymore. She was just like Tiona, there for the ride. Many members were really just there for the ride in all honesty. The top executives were really the only ones with contradicting ideas. They were lost on whether or not it's worth it living in such a dark time or if it's worth following there dreams. Bell is there to give some hope as an aspiring hero. He's trying to make everyone see the benefit of becoming a hero and finally accomplishing there dreams at the same time.
"Finn, the Familia is falling apart. Some are choosing to leave at this point and others are still trying to reform the moral. What on earth happened to you?" reported Riveria, watching as Finn is completely worn out.
Finn, the captain of the Loki Familia. An "Artificial Hero" who wishes to be like Fianna, the practical goddess of the pallums. He's a great man with great morals and ideals, but the truth is, he does anything to keep his image. He saw Bell's desire to be a true hero and thought, why do I care about my ego more than saving people? Why do I constantly avoid the things that can affect my image? Why haven't I become a hero of the pallums?
"Get Bell in here, I need to talk with him." requested Finn.
"Alright?"
He had lost everything to the dungeon. Sure, they still had the title of the strongest Familia unknowingly, but his image was thrown out the window. He worked so hard to keep the image as the pallum's light, and now the world needs a light. Bell was the closest thing to that, but what is his purpose now? The world is being destroyed and he can't decide on what to do anymore. He's lost.
"You asked for me, Captain?" queried Bell.
"Yes." responded Finn. "What is your view on a hero."
"Straight to the point?" remarked Bell. "A man whose purpose is to save the world even if its hopeless. A man who defies the odds and keeps pushing forward. A man who unites everyone against a common enemy."
"Do you know the point of my existence? It was to become the light of the pallums and bring forth there glorious rise." told Finn, speaking of his story.
"Of course I know that."
"Than explain to me how I will get that dream back. The entire world needs a light, but I'm not that. I always wanted to be the light of the pallums, not the entire world. I just don't know what to do anymore knowing the whole world needs a hero, but not a hero for the pallums."
"Are you an idiot captain?" coldly responded Bell. "Just because your dream was ruined, it doesn't mean you need to lose your mind over it. If you truly did want to become the light of the pallums, than you would've saved the world in order to achieve such a dream."
Finn had seen a true hero, a man with so much hope that people simply have to get influenced by it. Bell used to be an absolute idiot, but he has grown wise when studying philosophy. The young hero knew that in order to give hope, you need to have hope yourself. Bell wanted Finn to see that achieving his dream is possible by becoming a true hero or joining one.
"Your right. I just don't understand how I'll do that. I never wanted to save the world, I wanted to save the pallums from the world. I can only think about joining a true hero in order to accomplish my dreams." responded Finn, finally trying to see his purpose again.
"Join me than. I wanted to become a hero since I was born and If you want to follow a true hero, join the man who aspires to be one." answered Bell, putting his hand out.
Finn saw the young hero and knew one thing in that moment. He was the epitome of a hero. He knew the philosophy one and had the determination and will of one. He was the true hero that the world needed, and he wanted to join that hero for his selfish dreams.
"Your foolish dreams to becoming a hero aren't foolish after all." smiled Finn, looking back at Bell in his ruby eyes.
Finn grabbed his hand as Bell simply looked at him with a smile. As much as he thinks there's no point to his existence anymore, Bell sure as hell did. He gave him a light, a light where he'll be able to give the pallums a hero while also saving the world. It was a dream so ambitious, but Finn wanted to do it with the man who aspired to become a legendary hero.
With hopeless thoughts and a lost mind comes a hero who shows there souls a light towards hope and purpose. If you want to achieve your dreams, look at the man who aspired to become a hero. His foolish dreams shall influence yours as the world is given hope.
A legendary hero shall lead the world into an age of hope and peace.
Author's Note
Now that I somewhat figured out what to do with the plot, I'll start to expand the character's emotions on the current universe. According to one of the reviews, it was fast paced and like a diary. I'll try and change that because I do wanna improve my writing (I type a lot in a short amount of time and it sometimes ruins the story I'm aiming for). Also, spirits aren't something I'll use, but it depends on how the story goes. I'm going to take longer to produce chapters in order to improve my writing and deliver a better story. Around 3-7 days rather than one day lmao.
The original cast of characters in the main story will pop up, but I don't know if I'll make them join Bell. Ryuu is one of the many characters I want to show in this current universe. It's an interesting concept, and I want to juice it to oblivion.
I might show the status of every character I'm using, but right now I'm trying to figure that out.
OC's are only there to make the story less boring. Atlas and Eliphas will have a part to take in the story, but right now I'm using them as a sort of fun writing for me. I don't want to get bored into oblivion ok.
As a fellow gym bro, the summer cut is insane (I've become a masochist).
Thanks for Reading!