The man emerged from his slumber, disoriented and trembling. The unfamiliar experience leaving him shaken. The surroundings echoed with the mechanical whirring of machines and rotating gears. Naked and bewildered, he scanned the environment for any hints about his location.
"Am I underground? If I am, there's got to be a way out. Right now, it seems relatively safe. Maybe my only choice is to explore.
He ventured down the solitary path before him, stepping out of the metallic doorway. His gaze was immediately drawn to an astonishing sight: a circle of large test tubes. Yet, it wasn't the tubes that baffled him— it was their contents. Within each tube lay a motionless body, enshrouded in a strange, transparent green liquid. Recognition struck him.
This is Infinity Blade! If what I'm seeing is true, then I must be Deathless. But why am I here? I remember being tucked into bed, not encased in a chamber surrounded by machines and imprisoned in these tubes.
Driven by a sudden impulse, he hastened to the next room— a vacant hall that greeted his arrival with empty echoes. His voice reverberated as he called out.
"Jensen! Eves! Benedict! Can anyone hear me?"
The hollow echoes offered no response except the hum of machinery. Disappointment settled in. He had hoped to find the companions from Infinity Blade 3—Jensen, Eves, and Benedict—who had joined forces with Sirius to thwart the Worker of Secrets. Yet, an unsettling feeling gripped him. Something about the test tubes' contents gnawed at his thoughts.
Why am I not in Siris's body? Those bodies in the tubes— they're mine. Their appearance matches mine from the real world. It doesn't add up. Could this be a game? No, that's unlikely. The technology here surpasses anything in gaming so far. Perhaps this is another world? To find out, I'll have to take a leap.
He surveyed the hall, searching for an exit. Finding none, he mustered his thoughts and emotions to demand an answer.
"TEL, reveal yourself before me."
In an instant, a blue light emerged at the edge of his vision. A four-legged robotic dog with blue eyes materialized, bowing before him.
"Yes, master. Your command?"
So TEL is here. It was a gamble. If TEL hadn't shown up, I'd be stuck here. He probably knows how to exit this rebirthing chamber. Asking him is my best bet to leave this place.
"I want to leave this place."
TEL raised its head, tilting as it answered.
"Indeed, master. However, it would be wise to locate some gear before we continue."
The man hesitated. Clothing hadn't been on his mind until now. He felt vulnerable without it, but the idea of clothing seemed trivial compared to the mysteries unfolding around him. Should he prioritize it or not?
TEL requested that he follow him. Deciding that being naked is unacceptable, he trailed behind the robot to a room connected to the empty hall. A blue light with a hand symbol stood adjacent to the sealed doors.
"Master, please place your hand on that interface."
He did so, causing the doors to slide open. Rows and columns of armor and weapons awaited him. The man was amazed, stalking the array of blistering metal. One set caught his attention— a black armour, laid with golden lines. It looked majestic to him.
I see. Weapons and armor from all three games are here. Granted, I cannot remember a single one, but that set stands out. I'm drawn to it.
His attention was stolen by an open box containing rings from Infinity Blade. They were fashioned similarly to engagement rings. He put one on his middle finger. Curious about using another ring, he grabbed a second one, only to encounter a mysterious force that pushed back on his finger. Puzzled, he replaced the current ring with the previous ring. This time it worked.
I see, so I can't use multiple rings at the same time. That's quite unfortunate. I suppose I should use this ring that oddly matches a wedding ring.
He shifted his focus back to the armor. The one that drew him in earlier. Marveling at the impeccably designed stand on which it lay. An inexplicable force seemed to beckon him to put it on, like an unseen hand guiding him.
I feel a strange connection to this armor. it might not be the finest in existence, but there's something about it that resonates with me.
He removed the headpiece from its stand and placed it on his head with ease. Then he tackled the chest piece. Noticing that the armor didn't have any openings, he attempted to split it open to no avail. Thinking it might be like a T-shirt, he placed the chest piece above his head and tried sliding the armor down. This, too, didn't work.
"Master, may I ask what you are doing?"
TEL inquired, accompanying the man with curiosity. Embarrassed, the man responded.
"Trying to put on my armor. How does this thing even work?"
TEL leaned in for a closer look. After inspecting the issue, he straightforwardly stated, "Master, I'm quite certain you can simply do that in your head. You don't need to physically equip it."
"How would that work? Do I just imagine the armor on me?"
TEL's flat yet rounded shape tilted, and his three blue eyes flickered to provide a response.
"I suppose it's more like commanding it while envisioning it, master."
Baffled by TEL's response but understanding he wouldn't make progress otherwise, the man decided to give it a shot. He visualized himself wearing the attractive armor. Suddenly, a blue light enveloped the man's torso. It was similar to TEL's light, but grander in size. After it dissipated, the armor was perfectly placed on him. He examined his reflection in the mirror, experiencing a sense of pride and joy.
I suppose this is what women feel when they find the right clothing. I feel incredible! I wish armor stores existed in the real world. Trying different armor suits would've been so much fun.
Turning his gaze back to TEL, he found the four-legged robot sitting much like a dog. Attempting to summon both the shield and sword of the armor set, he found that nothing happened.
What? How come it isn't working? I imagined both the shield and sword perfectly, just as TEL said. I guess it works randomly.
He picked up both the sword and shield from the set. Thankfully, neither proved difficult to equip. He swung the sword to test its authenticity. Once satisfied, he secured the sword in its sheath on his back and issued a command.
"TEL, show me the exit to this chamber. It's time to make our departure."
"Yes master, follow me."
TEL led the way out of the armory, back into the empty hall, and turned sharply down a hallway. As they reached a steel-casted door, the man's heart raced. The feeling was akin to asking someone out, except with much greater consequences. Suppressing those feelings, he placed his hand on the blue interface, and the door slid open, revealing a sight beyond his imagination.
The door revealed a blinding light that gradually dimmed, allowing the man to take in the breathtaking sight before him. Lush green grass spread out with patches of vibrant flowers scattered around. Tall trees with dark brown bark supported a canopy of vibrant green leaves, and the air was clean and fresh, reminiscent of the real world.
Is this the real world or a game? No game I know of feels quite like this, but the magic that equipped my armor does resemble that of a game.
He walked through the garden, casting his gaze back at the chamber. The sliding doors had blended seamlessly with the stone and dirt of the mountain, camouflaging the chamber. But the man's attention was drawn back to the natural beauty surrounding him. He lay down on the grass, staring at the sky above—unblemished blue with clouds as white as toothpaste.
Even though the real world had similar landscapes, it never evoked this feeling in me. There's something different here. Untouched by modernity, pure and beautiful.
Sensations flowed through him like a beautiful melody. The crisp air brushed his armor softly. The cool earth under his boots reconnected him to forgotten primal energy. Leaves whispered secrets in the rustling wind, while distant bird songs wove a tapestry of life.
His heart expanded, breaking free from sterile walls. Here, colors, scents, and sounds were strokes of genius. Ancient trees stood guard, their weathered bark holding tales of time. Leaves carried stories of growth and life. In this world, beauty and purpose intertwined.
Uncertain about this reality's nature, he felt awe's shadow. Magic or technology, the emotions were real. Wonder surpassed doubt, his heart's connection genuine.
Alone amidst nature's art, he embraced the beauty. It was as if blind, now seeing an unfiltered world. He breathed, letting serenity cleanse doubt and fear.
In this moment, he vowed to cherish this world. Unlike his old world, he'd explore, learn its secrets. Perhaps he would console the anger and grief he had been bottling inside of him. Under the open sky, warmth on his face, he felt connected—to this place, its wonders, and the journey ahead. Lying beneath the sky, he felt an unbreakable thread tying him to this place.
As the tranquil embrace of nature surrounded him, he stirred. Thoughts returning to the present. "TEL, do you see any structures or people nearby?"
He glanced at TEL, hoping the robotic companion could scan or detect other individuals, and more importantly, any titans.
"No master, I do not detect anything. Shall I do a full scan?"
"Yes, please do."
"Understood master"
TEL vanished, leaving behind a faint blue halo. Alone again, the man felt a mix of loneliness and tranquility. Determined not to let such feelings linger, he decided to embark on a minor exploration of the forest, but the reality proved to be more challenging than he expected. He stumbled and tripped, realizing that despite his armor's strength, it impeded his senses. He suspected the armor would protect him, but he needed to adapt and learn to use it effectively.
"Master, I have found something."
TEL crouched behind him, his head tilted in curiosity. The sudden appearance startled the man.
"Uh, yes TEL. What did you find?"
"I am uncertain whether this individual is hostile or friendly, but I have located a young boy approximately 2 kilometers from here."
The man's interest was piqued. He had been prepared for massive titans, armored knights, and fearsome warlords, but not a young boy.
"Very well, lead me to him. Perhaps I can learn more about this place."
TEL nodded and disappeared into the dense underbrush.
Okay, now I need to follow TEL without tripping or stumbling.
The man followed TEL, using his guidance to navigate and avoid obstacles. He focused on his footwork, making sure not to trip on roots or collide with his own legs. Despite his best efforts, he ended up face-planting into a tree.
God damn it, why did I only look down? Why did I think that was a good idea? I should have occasionally checked my surroundings while moving forward!
"Master, the target is just beyond that bush."
Getting up from his awkward position, the man crouched low to avoid detection. He crept toward the bush and peered through the foliage.
"Master, it seems the target has company."
TEL crouched beside the man, his blue eyes locked onto the scene. The man observed as well: a boy in a dark blue tunic, white pants, and messy brown hair. He couldn't see the boy's face clearly, but that wasn't his main concern. His attention was drawn to the beasts cornering the boy.
These were unlike any titans he'd encountered before. While he knew that Infinity Blade's titans were modified living creatures, these were different. Deciding to decisively intervene, he unholstered his blade from his back. However, as he attempted to arm the blade, his movement dislodged both the weapon and its sheath, causing them to fall to the ground with an embarrassing thud.
Why did I think that would work? This is what I get for watching too many shows with scrawny sword-wielding protagonists!
The man retrieved his blade and charged through the underbrush, determined to help the boy.
Even if I lack combat skills, I have to try. If I save this boy, maybe I'll find the answers I need.
Leaving behind TEL, he jumped over the undergrowth, pushed through the branches, and made his way to the dirt path. Four beasts, the size of cheetahs, bearing dark red fur, matched with blood-red eyes, black horns that pointed upwards, and on all fours, surrounded the boy.
Grasping the situation and executing his move, he sneaked behind the beast and stabbed it right in its underbelly. To his surprise, the thrust tore the beast open. Now the attention of the three other beasts was stolen by him. Bracing his hand shield and arming his sword, pointing it at the beasts that were now charging the man. They howled and thrust their horns into the man.
Unable to penetrate his armor, two of them recoiled back. The other became tangled with the man's shield. Countering their offense, he stabbed the tangled one from above, killing it instantly. The two remaining beasts galloped with vehemence, splitting up. The man's situational awareness understood what was going on.
Deciding to act first, he threw his sword at one of them. However, it missed completely and stabbed a tree instead. His act left him defenseless, which the other exploited, ramming him into the ground.
"Shit!" He screamed, struggling with the horns of the red-haired savage. Its saliva drooled onto his black armor, lined with gold.
Why did I throw away my only weapon? What made me think I was skilled enough to throw a weapon at a moving target?!
Desperation took over the man. The adrenaline was pumping, and with desperation came a reckless idea. Rotating the beast's head by using the horns as pins, like on a dartboard, he broke its neck. The monster collapsed onto the man. Meanwhile, the last beast charged from the side. Understanding he wouldn't have enough time to push the critter off, he used it as a shield.
The horns punctured through its dead friend, blood splattered camouflaging with the beast's red fur. Stuck and disoriented, the man pushed the dead monster off. Rushing to his blade, he had foolishly thrown it away. After retrieving his blade from its sheath, he ran back to the tangled beast, killing it with an upper swing before it became free of its chains.
Well, that was a big risk. I'm not the epic warrior I wish I were with legendary skills. My attempt was pretty pathetic, to be honest.
As he reflected on the recent chaotic encounter and his own actions, he momentarily lost sight of his original purpose.
"Um, sir knight, I didn't mean to enter the forest," the boy cried, curling into a fetal position!"
Perplexed by the boy's words, the man regarded him. Typically, people would express relief at being rescued, not fear towards their rescuer.
"I didn't mean to enter the forest, I swear!" the boy pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks.
The man couldn't grasp the situation entirely. Was this forest strictly off-limits? Why was the boy so terrified? Did the other knights here have a fearsome reputation?
"I don't understand what you're saying. I'm not from this place, and I have no intention of harming you. But why is entering this forest forbidden?" he inquired.
The boy straightened up, wiping away his tears as he replied, "It's because this land is controlled by the nobles, and they don't allow anyone to trespass."
"I see. So you mistook me for a knight in their service, is that it?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. I meant no harm!" the boy exclaimed, starting to comprehend the situation. He cautiously approached the boy, who promptly shielded his face with his tunic.
"Hmm? I thought I had already assured you that I mean you no harm. Could you at least let me see your face?"
The boy hesitantly raised his head to face the black knight. His eyes matched his visor. The man was startled. His appearance—he was hideous. His face wasn't symmetrical at all, his eyes weren't even on the same level, acne enveloped his skin, his nose was distorted. The man found him repulsive, but at the same time felt empathetic towards him.
He had seen what people would do to the disabled or unfortunate—the insults they would hurl, the jeers, the humiliation. He never participated in such vile behavior, but he wasn't strong enough to stop it or give aid. Not because he lacked strength, but because he lacked the courage to do what was right. He always worried about what others would think of him. Even if he did something honorable, he felt their distaste.
The boy squirmed, looking downwards, expecting to be smacked. Waiting for the blow, only to be greeted by nothingness. He looked at the armored knight, reaching out his hand.
"Listen, I'm not the type of man to beat someone because he looks hideous."
The boy took his offer. He had never seen such a pose before. No one had ever helped him to his feet before, leaving him abandoned except for her.
"Let me guess, you were bullied into entering the forest, correct?"
The boy froze, his unordered eyes widened.
"H-How did you know?"
"An educated guess. Most people would treat you poorly because of your looks, and think of you as a lesser human."
The boy, pained by the man's calculated response, lowered his head.
"But if you had the power to kill, or rather get revenge on them, would you take it? After all, they are bad people in your eyes. If so, I'm willing to take their lives for you."
This was a weird statement from the man. No hero would say this to a victim. But he wanted to make sure this boy wasn't one of those 'nice people', the ones who only behaved well because authority figures prevented them from doing anything sinister. If left unchecked, they could bring mayhem to the world. He had to do this because if this boy got power, he might decide to pillage and destroy everything he could lay his eyes on.
"You could do that?"
"Yes, I can. I'm a fully armed knight. None of their weapons will harm me."
The boy thought deeply, accepting the hand the knight raised for him, he proclaimed.
"It's true that I get angry at them. I don't like how I'm treated. I didn't ask to be born this way! I deserve to be treated like a human. Yes, I do have thoughts and maybe dark desires to slaughter them all and take everything they have!"
The man readied his blade. He was ready to pounce.
"But if I did that, what would mother think of me?"
The man froze. He just burst out his darkest desire, then responded with how his mother would think of him? I'm not sure if he's a fool or incredibly honest.
"If I did that, everything my mother would've taught me and struggled for would've been for naught. I won't abide by that!" The boy cried, sobbing while wiping away his tears.
I see. While I still don't know how trustworthy this boy is, his intentions seem genuine. He didn't fall for the trap I placed for him. He's a good man if he speaks the truth. That's why I want to believe this boy. I really do!
His thoughts made the man ponder deeper about himself, almost as a self-reflection. Would he have really said that? If he were in the boy's position, he would've taken the offer and killed everybody who ridiculed him, looked down on him, or took anything from him. Yet despite this boy suffering much worse than he had ever suffered, he still kept his morality.
He wasn't animalistic at all—he had integrity and morals. Something which the man didn't think he had, but upon witnessing this boy's confession, he couldn't help but feel amazed by it. He wanted to be like this boy. He wanted to be a better man.
"Now then, no need to cry, brother. Tell me, what is your name?"
"Caulot, sir!" He said fervently while still wiping his tears.
"Caulot? What an eccentric name."
The boy fell into dejection before mumbling.
"It's because I was named after the term 'callous', which means subhuman."
The man placed his finger above his visor, claiming.
"I don't really believe that's true. Others made you think that, right? Well, I don't think your name came from 'callous'. In fact, I think Caulot stands for 'good man'."
The boy felt spirited by his response. No one other than his mother had thought his name meant something good.
"Knight, if I may ask, what is your name?"
The man paused for a moment. Ever since he had come to this new world, he was solely focused on learning. He cared little about himself or what he wanted to name himself.
Shit, what should I name myself? Sirius? No, that isn't me. I'm not as heroic or as skilled as he was. Plus, naming myself other than my real name is dishonest to Caulot.
A thought lit across his mind. Smiling behind the black helmet with gold lining, he said the name that would mark him forever in this new world.
"My name is Sol. It's good to meet you, Caulot."