《Orpheus》


 Chapter 1: Apotheogenesis

    In the sterile glow of a laboratory where miracles and hubris intertwined, humanity¡¯s greatest gamble unfolded: the rebirth of a child. The doctors, both medical and technological, rushed from station to station to achieve that which humanity considered impossible - and deeply immoral. They had harnessed the utmost potential of robotics, bioengineering, and biomedicine. Their goal was not the first-ever brain transplant, but the most ambitious one in humanity''s brief history


    These were people at the top of their respective fields. Professionals beyond any reproach - not just names and reputations, true exemplaries of skill, the load of their combined knowledge and experience so great it might well shatter the foundations of the grounds they stood on.


    If those were all the skills required to perform this particular procedure, we would consider it mundane. However, one man stood among them as an ¡°another¡±: an arcanist, someone who had spent their entire life devoted to the study of that which we call Aether and its functions. Indeed, magic had been harnessed by his like for millenia, however in secret.


    The event referred to by experts as ¡°The Ascension Collapse¡± - a name which accurately depicted both the ecstasy and ruin brought upon humanity by it - had shattered the accumulated breadth of human experience. It upended the lives of most common people, suddenly promising them power to overthrow their oppressors and change their lives. The wealthy, in their mighty palaces of gold and chrome, came upon a new means of enhancing their control over society. Riots and widespread dissent brought havoc upon the mega-cities, while those who called more remote places home felt the sting of all-out chaos and lawlessness perhaps the hardest of all.


    Thus, with a new energy source, as well as the causality-shattering effects of ¡®magic¡¯, humanity reached a new breakthrough in its ability to create, in essence, the perfected human body.


    One that married the staggering utility and power of technology, already proven by the widespread usage of implants and body hardware modifications, with the reality-bending capacity of magic.


    A body so self-sufficient, so powerful, so fluid, that a ¡®real¡¯ person fitted inside such a vessel would become, essentially, the ultimate specimen of mankind.


    While widespread, the sheer magnitude of bodily augmentation some devoted few achieved was often considered madness, or heresy.


    This next step would trump that notion a thousandfold. It was, as defined by members of that project, the next step of human evolution. A brand-new species that far superseded the potential of humanity in every conceivable way.


    Beyond unethical, it carried untold dangers even in the minds of those who orchestrated its conception. ¡°What if the child turns on us?¡±, they often pondered. They found a way to remedy this, though uncertain. ¡°Could some unforeseen catastrophe happen?¡± This, they could not anticipate, by the very nature of the question. The conversations on the validity of their effort usually ended with someone bringing up the concept of this being a ¡°bet with no losses¡±, as they called it. ¡°Either we succeed, and create a being that will lead us into a new age of prosperity and growth, or we fail catastrophically and an already-doomed humanity doesn¡¯t have to suffer through the twilight years of the planet it so cruelly mismanaged and destroyed every step along the way.¡± These words were first uttered by Doctor Elias Rane, who many considered the head of the operation, so vigorous was his defense of the project. At the most pivotal times, he maintained order and kept their minds held together, such was his charisma and conviction.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    These weren¡¯t the only concerns voiced, of course. If the nature of their project came to light in the public eye, there wouldn¡¯t be a place on Earth or beyond that could hide them from the retribution of their fellow men. A few along the way quit the project entirely, vigorously cautioning their peers of the dangers involved in such a monumental task. Those who remained knew all too well. It plagued their minds day and night, one such Doctor Solomon Vane being very vocal about apocalyptic nightmares that held sway far beyond the edge of sleep. There wasn¡¯t a soul inside that facility that could well ignore such persistent terrible visions troubling a man who seemed to many like a voice of kindness and reason.


    Through concerted efforts from those involved in the technological aspects of such an unprecedented feat, the arcanist wove a spell that bound it all together. Their minds, working in tandem, brought to a supernatural crescendo the likes of which was essentially impossible under the natural constraints of humanity. Magic, doing the work not even a thousand men could come close to performing, much less in concert with one another. Such magic was held together by experience alone, for the arcanist¡¯s nerves were on the verge of collapse. Hands trembling, sweat staining every article of clothing. Still, he dared not waver, as the room itself bent and warbled in response to his magnificent arcane act.


    Every tremble of his hands served a purpose, each motion sustaining a spell of staggering complexity - one so audacious that his wizardly peers would scarcely believe it possible. The very air hummed with power, wisps and strands of aether of very possible color - and some unseen to the eyes of man - darted across and connected every mind, every heart in that room. Around the boy, arcane energies cascaded with such fury that could only be felt, not heard or seen. It made him sick.


    To steel his mind, he recounted all his myriad reasons for allowing his son to undergo such a dangerous process. His own lived experience, along with the warnings from professionals in the media - as well as his extremely adept colleagues - told him there soon wouldn¡¯t be a place for his son to call home. That was perhaps chief among his concerns: to live, and live well, his son needed a place to call home that couldn¡¯t be called a wasteland, even at a glance.


    Hence, their new ¡®god¡¯ was born. From the dedication of a mad and talented few, a new age had dawned on humanity, though the shadow on the horizon foreshadowed something far darker. An instantaneous consequence for the hubris of man.


    When the boy took his first breath inside that new vessel, the elements raged in opposition. All over the world, winds rose to a climax and rampaged through countrysides. As he felt the warmth of his skin, dormant volcanoes, silent for centuries, spewed molten lava across the landscape. The first tear shed upon the realization of success - such relief that he had survived the procedure - also mirrored tidal waves washing away so many shores and lives. Every single aspect of nature was somehow distraught, as if to accommodate for the birth of a new order. The countless lives lost in this catastrophic event would be engraved in the history as one of the most violent natural events to plague the Earth, nearly on par with the extinction-level events of eras past, though not quite enough to erase humanity¡¯s stubborn foothold on existence.


    Across the world, images of death and destruction streamed through the screens for all to see. The utter ravaging of the land destroyed homes and infrastructure without distinction. Smoke clouded the sky in such a wide pattern that many wondered if there had ever been a shade of blue to the sky at all.


    The arcanist brought his face close to the boy¡¯s and touched their foreheads together, laughs and excitement commanding the bodies of every person in the room. The man¡¯s efforts had not resulted in pointless sacrifice of his own kin, his own son. Rather, he had given his boy the ultimate gift. And proud he was to have done so, despite having nearly given up on the entire idea. The weight of this process had nearly cracked him, and he couldn¡¯t say even now if he would consider himself whole. Removing the boy from the cradle in a tender embrace, the relief of that moment would only last so long.


    When they emerged from their underground facility and learned of the havoc spreading around the world, the realization crushed their spirits. Unforeseen consequences, painting each of their skilled hands in hot, sticky blood. Blood that would never wash away. The only fitting reaction was abject horror.


    Some sighed in acceptance. Some raged against that which they had created, foolishly hoping erasing their creation would somehow undo the damage done. Most were absorbed in their prayers and anxieties, hoping their actions could be vindicated in some way.


    The boy was reborn. To a world somehow far more distraught and fractured than when he had been sedated so that his rebirth could begin.


    To restore this shattered world he would require allies.

 Chapter 2: Transition

    Pleasant soundwaves echoed in the small chamber, filling Lumino¡¯s floating body with pure tranquility. This particular song came from a planet he¡¯d known little about, however close he might be to it - at least, compared to his own home sphere. He briefly opened his eyes, looking through the hatch in that particular compartment of the space station he had called home for the last dozen years. That beautiful frozen moon, Europa, stared back at him, beckoning him for another visit. His many voyages below had taken up months, if not years, of his time in this particular vicinity.


    While his efforts to bring the planet closer to a habitable environment had been met with increasing success, it was far from perfect. He, and perhaps a few others he knew, would be the only ones able to stay on its surface for an extended period. Although the atmosphere itself was considerably denser, that also came with the downside of powerful snowstorms that could freeze and destroy almost any structure in its path. His magic protected him from those effects, but only he alone. He and his employers knew that, with widespread habitation, there would be unforeseen new rules added to the weave of magic in the planetoid, which would shift - or even negate - Lumino¡¯s ability to maintain the relative safety he created with his wards and barriers.


    While he never took the planet¡¯s beauty for granted, this time, he sighed. His efforts didn¡¯t seem futile to him - he could see a bright future ahead for this particular chunk of ice and iron. What caused him a small measure of frustration was the feelings. Feelings he was an expert at staving off, using his philosophies and untold years of experience to stay well and glad. From time to time, however, the loneliness ate at him. For what good was that part of himself if not for its ability to affect others positively? Alone, he could perform none of it.


    The enjoyable tune keeping him company, with its electronic sounds and piano-based harmonies, faded. What came next on that playlist was something similar, holding some of the same vibe. The music kept him energized from moment to moment. While he had left the influence of his sphere, where such creativity would further vitalize his innate power, his own body still played by the same basic rules. Somewhat dampened, but still.


    He heard a beeping sound coming from the adjacent compartment. Eyes still closed, he propelled himself gently out of the listening room, intricately designed to amplify the music that coursed through it to an almost-perfect degree, and into the communications room.


    His small frame covered in a simple black form-fitting jumpsuit spun gracefully in zero-gravity, easily clearing the much larger sized bulkhead which separated both compartments.


    While it would have been simpler to reach and press the requisite switch with basic telekinetic magic, he found it much more satisfying to feel that satisfying click with his fingertip - so he did.


    An invisible-framed screen materialized in front of him - a hologram. The collection of colors that permeated the thin air in front of him never ceased to amaze him, even after this long. This technology was so far ahead of his home realm¡¯s that it might well be considered a form of magic there. It was anything but - rather, pure ¡®human¡¯ ingenuity.


    What came up on that screen was somewhat truncated. All the information might be relayed instantly, without delay, and yet it came about in a most roundabout fashion. The letters and words materialized as if being written - or typed - at that very moment. Perhaps this is to give the reader a chance to catch up on the reading no matter the size of the text without feeling overwhelmed.


    And read it assiduously, he did. Out loud, no less, and talking to himself as usual while he did so.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s cool! I love these. ORT-7773. Subject: IAS-1838 ¡®Patterns of Belief¡¯, Local Designation: ¡®Earth¡¯. Oh, okay, that¡¯s why they sent it to me. Let¡¯s see¡­


    Sphere¡¯s veil-type system is shattered. Results vary upon each location¡¯s ward-type coefficient..


    Locations with a low ward-type coefficient (threshold measurements still pending) experience episodes of instantaneous combustion of one in ten members of native intelligent species. (See: ¡®human¡¯ appendix for information on species) No consensus has been reached on the cause of this effect. Oh, boy. How much do you wanna bet they want me to figure it out?


    Okay. Next up. Additionally, the same locations suffer from inter-dimensional incursions from adjacent shard-based realities, resulting in approximately [REDACTED] deaths. Of course, the number is redacted. Don¡¯t wanna frighten the reader, do you? Except it just has the opposite effect.


    Alright, moving on. Event causes massive disruption in culture, societal structures and power dynamics within sphere. To be expected, of course. Leads to developments in aetheroconductivity research assisted by sphere¡¯s own highly elevated technological state.


    Last recorded event involves the minting of¡­ Oh. Well then. Rather not even think about that one yet.¡±


    Lumino tilted his head back, allowing his body to begin to rotate in that direction, assisted by the slightest impulse of Force. Allowing his mind to drift off, he spoke out loud: ¡°How much do you wanna bet they¡¯re putting me right in the thick of it?¡±


    A gentle voice replied: ¡°You know it wouldn¡¯t be right for me to bet. I already know the answer.¡±


    He giggled at that. ¡°Yeah, you always do. Even when it¡¯s not written anywhere, which this time it definitely is. I¡¯m not against it, you know, I¡¯m just concerned.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Seeing people again, I suppose.¡±


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not people?¡± the voice from the speakers said in jest.


    He gazed towards a monitor off to the side, witnessing the voice¡¯s true form. One very similar to his, minus the white hair, and with far more feminine features - at least for Nepenthe standards. ¡°In some ways, yes. In others, you¡¯re just better. You¡¯re unlikely to treat me in any way I might find disrespectful, for one.¡±


    ¡°People are also far more diverse, Lu. Which is what makes them so enjoyable to be around. You, yourself have stated this countless times, need I remind you?¡±


    He closed his eyes and smiled. ¡°No, not at all. I still very much believe that. But I¡¯m also not perfect, so some trepidation is to be expected, right?¡±


    ¡°Naturally, my dear.¡±


    He opened his eyes again, gazing at that familiar form inside the screen, feeling his smile grow larger. ¡°I¡¯m also not fond of the idea of leaving you here all by yourself, you know.¡±


    The form inside the monitor approached the ¡®camera¡¯, her frame becoming larger and more pronounced, making that smile on her face all the more evident. ¡°I know. But I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    Lumino could feel moisture forming around his eyes. They stared at each other in silence for a few good seconds, smiling.


    After wiping away the tears, Lumino spun himself around towards the briefing once more. Arms and legs crossed, he finished reading the Oracular Recounting Transcription, rather displeased at the natural conclusions his mind was reaching about the words on screen. At last, he reached the next section of the transmission. His mission briefing. He read this section at a quickened pace while not missing a single word or nuance.


    He could feel his heart pounding as he realized his next steps. An even larger smile took over his face. ¡°Really? They¡¯re letting me do that?¡± Clara replied with a giggle: ¡°Yes, yes they are. Are you excited now?¡±


    Lumino could feel his skin tingle with anticipation. He spread his arms and legs wide in a star pattern, beginning to spin rapidly in the air. ¡°Like the day I was wed! More so!¡± His digits expelled purple sparkles of aether, filling the room with glow and joy. The AI giggled at his response.


    He stopped spinning, pointing himself at the compartment at the other end of the space station - he had a clear shot from here, as every door remained open. ¡°No time to lose!¡± he exclaimed as he shot himself towards that other end in just a short few seconds, propelled by a green vortex of aether surrounding his body. Upon reaching his dressing room, he began to pull different doors open, undressing himself and almost simultaneously coming to don a different outfit altogether. Stylish black mage robes with beautifully intricate purple inlays at the sleeves and all along the stitching covered a more simple black and white set of tunic and pants. His leathery boots still fit his feet perfectly.


    Fully dressed, he began to perform intricate gestures with his hands that began to summon a set of magical runes in mid-air in front of him. While doing so, he hummed a very particular tune with practiced precision. With a final gesture, the runes formed a purple tear in the fabric of space right in front of them. That same tear began to attract the remainder of his clothing and belongings, causing them to vanish. In a few seconds, the lockers were empty. All those clothes, materials and artifacts simply vanished.


    He seemed rather content with himself all the while. Done with this particular task, he propelled himself to another room, then after switching trajectories, another. This last room contained a very particular, special object. A beautifully crafted staff, made of a lightweight metal fitted with a purple crystalline tip.


    He reached for the staff with a certain gentle, affectionate manner. It had been his partner and trusty tool for countless missions and personal pilgrimages. Today, it would bear him forward in spectacular fashion.


    Making his way back to the central room of the space station - and its largest, by far -he brought his face close to a monitor that showed that feminine figure, holding its sides, letting his staff hover beside him. She approached, her face taking over much of the screen¡¯s real estate. They both smiled at each other with deeply affectionate expressions, eyes swelling with tears. A few seconds of silence later, Lumino spoke up. ¡°You know I¡¯m coming back to pick you up soon, right?¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯ll still miss you, though. Your company is very enjoyable. Don¡¯t let yourself forget that, no matter what happens.¡±


    He looked down slightly, embarrassed, feeling his cheeks burn. His next words lingered more than usual, his speech slurring. ¡°Yes, and you worked so hard to make sure I have all the tools I need. I swear I won¡¯t forget them.¡± He looked up at her face again, once again impressed at the level of detail her visage held. It roused his heart, regardless of the knowledge of how artificial it all was.


    She approached her forehead, and he did the same. If they were in the same plane of existence, he¡¯d be feeling the warmth of her skin, along with the smoothness of her hair. His imagination brought his senses there, and he could swear he felt it all, clear as day. ¡°Show them a new dawn, Morningstar,¡± she spoke up, drawing away from him. He did the same, that tender expression never leaving his face. ¡°Do you still remember how to cross the Woods, dear?¡± she asked.


    He deftly spun the staff in his hand. ¡°But of course. I¡¯ve been keeping the chants in mind. And I think I might know of a way to cross it even faster than usual.¡±


    ¡°Good idea to experiment with it now?¡±


    ¡°You only live once, darling. Well, twice, in my case, but who¡¯s keeping count?¡± He giggled, pleased with himself. He waved goodbye to her one last time. She waved back, and upon seeing this, he propelled himself to the furthest chamber in the space station. One that connected itself to another, furthest point in the structure. The longest possible straight line. He would need it to summon an entrance corridor to the The Woods Between.


    He steadied himself, staring down the long path before him. Some of the bulkheads had a small clearance but still enough for him to fit through in length. Were he as tall as a Hume, this would not be possible. Alas, one more of the benefits of Nepenthekind.


    Holding his staff at his side, he assumed a standing posture, as opposed to the usual, hovering with curled feet. He pointed his free hand¡¯s palm towards the intended path, and a force immediately pulled his feet to a yet invisible floor. He let the lower tip of his staff touch that invisible surface, and a sound similar to a crystal bell rang through the space station, silencing even the humming of all that machinery. The lights darkened all across his path as if losing strength. He knew the real meaning behind it and kept its details well in mind, making sure all the expected outcomes aligned with reality.


    He closed his eyes, focusing on the task to come. The act of singing with his whole body.


    He parted his lips slightly, and a deep, thrumming noise began to echo not just from his mouth but his whole body. That deep rhythm somehow contained words - an intricate line of poetry from a long-forgotten tongue that spoke directly to the heart of a particular realm and summoned forth a passageway into it.


    Before him, the space station began to morph and overlap with another reality. An impenetrably dark forest, its leaves and roots sprouting from the spaces between. The further along his intended path, the darker it would become.


    The summoning complete, he swung the staff behind him. ¡°Bless the path before me, that its horrors shall not look my way.¡±


    He broke into a frenzied sprint towards that blackened path. He ought be quick, lest the whims of the Woods shut him off. The invisible path that pulled at him and enabled him to run swiftly became a road of dirt and gravel, and as he felt those pebbles rumble beneath his feet, he knew to increase his pace. Enhanced, his sprint became faster than what most ground vehicles could achieve. In an instant, he was almost at the edge of total darkness.


    At this point, he pushed his feet hard against the floor and its massive pull, performing his crazy gamble of a stunt. Leaping into the air and aiming the soles of both of his feet towards the darkness, he used Foundation to change the flow of the gravitic energies that surrounded him - which had at this point been bolstered to a crushing weight by the darkness - instead pointing that kinetic potential forward. And so it was, with a leap, he was flung forward into the darkness feet-first, riding an impossible wave into the nether and disappearing from the space station altogether.


    As he was swallowed by the darkness, it receded, leaving no trace of its influence behind.


    Having witnessed this phenomenal feat of off-the-cuff pure magical prowess, the female form in the monitor smiled widely once more. ¡°Reckless or spirited? I sometimes struggle to tell.¡±