《Unforgotten Night》


 A Step

    The night was deep. Dim streetlights cast long shadows on the empty pavement. Every now and then, the sound of passing cars echoed before fading back into the city¡¯s silence.


    I, Iyars, walked alone. A plastic bag of food in my right hand, my left hand buried in the pocket of my blue jacket.


    I was used to this loneliness. A life without parents, without a lover, without friends. Every day followed the same routine¡ªwork, eat, sleep¡ªa never-ending cycle that grew emptier with time. I often talked to myself, maybe because there was no one else to talk to.


    Then, I felt it.


    A stare.


    I lifted my gaze and saw a man standing in the distance. He stood tall, dressed in an elegant butler¡¯s outfit with a neatly tied black tie. His face was shadowed by the darkness, but there was something¡­ off about him.


    Slowly, he started walking toward me.


    My heartbeat quickened. Every instinct told me to run. I tried to move, but before I could, he was already standing right in front of me.


    He smiled.


    The air around me turned cold.


    Without a word, he handed me a card. It was deep red and black, with a crescent moon split into two colors¡ªred on the right, blue on the left. The card looked luxurious, almost antique.


    I stared at it, hesitating.


    "Hey! Who are you? Why the hell are you handing me this out of nowhere?" I asked, trying to mask the unease in my voice.


    His smile stretched wider. And wider. Until the corners of his lips almost reached half his face.


    Then, in a soft yet chilling voice, he whispered:


    "You seek the past, don¡¯t you? Then come."


    And just like that, he vanished into the night.


    I stood frozen, staring blankly at where he had been.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡ª


    Back in my small apartment, I gripped the card tightly. The dim light cast long shadows on the walls as I sat on my old wooden chair, placing the card on the table. My fingers tapped against it anxiously.


    "What the hell is this?"


    With a deep breath, I flipped it open.


    "Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen! If you¡¯re holding this card¡ªcongratulations! You¡¯ve been invited to the greatest party on Earth!


    A party that only happens once every 1,000 years, on the night of the Full Moon.


    Only those who seek something are chosen¡ªwhether it be wealth, power, women¡­


    ¡­or the past."


    The letters on the card shimmered, like a distorted glitch.


    My throat went dry.


    "So, what are you waiting for? Sign your name below to confirm your attendance...


    WITH FULL ACCEPTANCE OF ALL RISKS THAT MAY OCCUR."


    The last sentence was written in a deep red color¡ªso dark it looked like dried blood.


    I took a long breath.


    "This is insane..." I muttered.


    But¡­ I had no reason to refuse.


    I¡¯d always felt like something was missing in my memory. My childhood¡­ my family¡­ everything was a blur. Like a black hole in my mind that never stopped expanding.


    Maybe, if I went to this party¡­ I¡¯d find answers.


    With hesitation, my fingers trembled as I picked up the small pen attached to the card. It was ice-cold against my skin, as if it wasn¡¯t an ordinary object.


    I signed my name.


    IYARS.


    The moment the ink touched the paper, the card lifted itself into the air.


    And then¡­


    The world around me began to crack.


    The floor beneath me turned black, spreading outwards like ink seeping through paper. Within seconds, half the room had turned into pure darkness¡ªan endless void.


    From within that darkness, another man emerged.


    He looked younger than the butler. Pale blond hair, violet eyes that shimmered in the dim light, and he look beutifull and sweet for a man.


    His smile was gentle and sweet.


    But his eyes¡­ they held something I couldn¡¯t describe.


    With a slow, fluid motion, he waved his hand through the air, creating a doorway that flickered like an illusion.


    I took a step back.


    "What¡­ is happening?" My voice came out hoarse.


    The man chuckled softly.


    "Relax. No one can see us right now. And even if they did..."¡ªhis gaze sharpened¡ª"they would die. Hahahahaha."


    His laughter echoed, sending chills down my spine.


    I wanted to step away¡­ but it was too late.


    He reached out his hand toward me, his smile never fading.


    I swallowed hard.


    Then, with only a moment of hesitation¡­ I took his hand.


    And the world collapsed.


    ¡ª


    The sensation was indescribable.


    My body twisted. My eyes felt like they were being ripped out. My skin burned, my bones shattered and reassembled over and over again. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out.


    Until suddenly¡ª


    It stopped.


    I woke up in a room.


    The place was small, yet filled with luxurious items¡ªclothes, perfumes, jewelry. My stomach still churned from whatever had just happened.


    The blond-haired man stood before me, smiling gently.


    "Welcome, Young Master. I am An, your guide for this evening¡¯s party."


    I held my head, trying to steady myself.


    "An... what the hell is going on? Where am I?"


    He simply smiled and stepped closer, lightly touching my cheek.


    "You¡¯re at the most exquisite party in this world. And your only job is to enjoy the night¡­ looking your absolute best."


    I still had a million questions, but I could tell An wouldn¡¯t give me a straight answer.


    So, I let it slide.


    An carefully styled my hair, dressed me in a sophisticated suit, then stepped back to admire his work.


    "Young Master¡­ you look stunning. Now, you are ready for the night."


    He examined me from head to toe, satisfied.


    I turned toward the large mirror in the room.


    The outfit felt foreign, yet oddly comfortable.


    A long black coat, sleek and fitted, with silver embroidery along the collar and cuffs. Underneath, a crisp white shirt with a high collar and dark buttons. A deep blue vest hugged my torso, subtle yet refined. Black leather gloves, fingerless, added a touch of elegance without being excessive.


    Black slacks. Polished shoes. Nothing flashy¡ªjust the perfect fit, like it was meant for me.


    For the final touch, An handed me a simple black half-mask.


    "Now, Young Master¡­" he whispered, slicing through the air once more.


    A shimmering doorway appeared.


    "Let¡¯s step into the party."


    I took a deep breath¡ª


    And walked through.

 Fancy Party

    Stepping into the grand hall felt surreal¡ªalmost like walking into a dream. A massive crystal chandelier hung from a ceiling laced with gold, casting shimmering light across the marble floor so polished that my own reflection stared back at me. The walls, sturdy yet elegant, were adorned with sparkling diamonds, and every table was lined with the finest cuisine I¡¯d ever seen. Goblets of wine glowed under the lights, plates carved from pure diamond gleamed, and even the cutlery looked like something out of an ancient royal treasury.


    But what really caught my attention wasn¡¯t the luxury¡ªit was the guests.


    Everyone wore masks, their true identities hidden behind intricate designs. Just from their outfits alone, I could tell¡ªthis wasn¡¯t some ordinary party. These people were important. Conversations in multiple languages filled the air¡ªsome familiar, others completely alien, as if whispered from another universe.


    Before I could take another step, An handed me something¡ªa small device resembling an earphone.


    ¡°Master, before you go in, please use this. It will allow you to understand any language spoken here.¡±


    I took it and placed it in my ear.


    Big mistake.


    A sharp, searing pain shot straight into my skull, like someone was rewriting my brain on the spot. My whole body stiffened as if my mind was being hacked, twisted, adjusted¡ªuntil suddenly, everything became¡­ clear. Every voice around me suddenly made perfect sense, like I had known their languages my whole life.


    ¡°Now, Master may fully enjoy the party. If you need me, use this.¡±


    An handed me a small black card, one edge slightly open like a switch.


    ¡°But remember¡ªyou can only call me three times.¡±


    I barely had time to react before An vanished into thin air.


    I let out a slow breath, trying to compose myself.


    What kind of world is this¡­?


    Ding! Ding! Ding!


    A loud chime echoed through the hall, silencing every conversation in an instant. The guests all turned their attention to the grand stage at the front of the room, where a man with fiery red hair stood. His blue mask glowed faintly under the lights, and with a single raise of his hand, he commanded the room¡¯s full attention.


    ¡°LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! WELCOME TO THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT PARTY ON EARTH!¡±


    His voice boomed across the hall¡ªnot through a mic, but as if the very air carried his words.


    ¡°Distinguished guests, this celebration will last for one night¡­ in Earth¡¯s time. However, within this space, it will feel like an entire week! Enjoy yourselves, for this party has multiple phases. The first two days are for pure enjoyment¡ªan open playground of ten times the size of a football field! But after that¡­ a game shall begin! A game where the winner shall be granted one wish¡ªanything their heart desires!¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, laughter, and excitement. But me? I just stood there, stiff.


    Something about this felt off.


    Why was this party being held?


    I wasn¡¯t anyone special. I wasn¡¯t rich. I wasn¡¯t famous. Yet, as I scanned the crowd, I recognized some faces¡ªhotel tycoons, billionaire politicians, CEOs of global tech companies¡­


    I shook my head. Focus. If I wanted answers, I needed to blend in and gather information first.


    As I turned to move, a butler approached me, his grin unnervingly wide.


    ¡°Sir, may I assist you with anything?¡±


    Something about him sent shivers down my spine, but I kept my cool.


    ¡°Uh¡­ yeah. Are there any guest rooms? I¡¯m kinda exhausted from the trip.¡±


    The butler nodded politely.


    ¡°Of course, sir. Simply use your invitation card to check your assigned room.¡±


    I reached into my pocket and pulled out the invitation card An had given me earlier.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Room 000022/900000?¡±


    The butler¡¯s grin stretched even wider.


    ¡°¡­Oh my, sir. That is quite an interesting number.¡±


    I frowned.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    The butler chuckled, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°Ah, nothing of concern, sir. It is simply rare to see such a number. Please, proceed with the command when you are ready.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him, but decided not to push further. Instead, I sighed and muttered,


    ¡°Room 000022/900000¡­ Elevate.¡±


    In a blink, I was no longer in the ballroom.


    The transition was seamless. No nausea, no sense of being moved¡ªit was like I was just somewhere else in an instant.


    My new surroundings were¡­ cozy. The bed looked ridiculously soft, the air smelled faintly of fresh lavender, and a warm glow from the fireplace gave the room an oddly calming atmosphere.


    But then¡ª


    Sharp pain.


    A blinding headache tore through my skull.


    Visions flashed through my mind¡ªimages of me, battered and broken, drenched in blood. In front of me stood a shadowy figure, their expression twisted in something between hatred and¡­ sorrow?


    What¡­ the hell was that?


    I gasped, my hands clutching my head. When the pain faded, I was left with only a lingering unease.


    I had never seen that scene before.


    Or had I¡­?


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    The sudden knocking at my door snapped me back to reality. My pulse quickened as I approached and slowly opened it.


    Standing there was An, his usual composed smile still intact.


    Now that I got a closer look¡­ damn, this guy was short. Barely 150 cm tall.


    ¡°An? What are you doing here? We literally just split up.¡±


    ¡°Master, I came to offer you a little advice¡­ because my life depends on yours.¡±


    My brows furrowed.


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°The game starts on the third day. And it¡¯s not a normal game. Every session is a life-or-death match. Three games. Five days. If you want to survive, never reveal your real identity, your origin, or the fact that you¡¯re an ordinary human. You may recognize some of the faces here, but know this¡­ they are from different Earths. They are not ¡®normal¡¯ humans. They are far beyond that.¡±


    My blood ran cold.


    An lowered his head, his voice almost pleading.


    ¡°I beg you¡ªtrust me on this.¡±


    I stood in silence, processing his words.


    I wasn¡¯t sure what to believe yet, but if this guy was desperate enough to bow his head just to earn my trust¡­


    ¡°¡­Fine. I¡¯ll trust you for now. But I need more answers.¡±


    An let out a small, relieved smile.


    ¡°This party is actually a ritual. A ritual to welcome back the Great Lord. And there will be no real winner¡­ because the winner shall become the sacrifice.¡±


    I shock..... but i feel relive aboout this? i don''t know but, let''s ask An first.


    ¡°Then¡­ what do you mean your life depends on mine?¡±


    ¡°Each guest has a Guide. If the guest dies, their Guide dies as well. The other Guides won¡¯t help, because they are half-immortal beings who are merely waiting for death... But I¡¯m different. I¡¯m human. At least¡­ I was, a thousand years ago.¡±


    My breath hitched.


    Before I could ask anything else, An¡¯s body suddenly stiffened.


    ¡°¡­No¡­!¡±


    In an instant, he vanished.


    I stood there, frozen in shock.


    ¡°¡­What the hell just happened?¡±

 Ordinary Human

    Disappearance in a Blink


    An vanished in an instant. I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the spot where he had just been. That fast? That strange? As if his existence was nothing more than a mirage, fading without a trace.


    I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts, which had been in turmoil since I arrived here. It felt like being thrown into a vortex of information, spinning endlessly, pulling me deeper into confusion.


    Maybe I should write everything down.


    I got up from the bed and paced around the room, which felt too spacious to be just a bedroom¡ªmore like a high-class suite or even a miniature mansion. But for now, I chose to ignore it. There was something more urgent.


    In one corner of the room, I found a storage area filled with shelves of books. I reached out, grabbed a blank notebook, and without wasting time, I started writing down all the information I had gathered so far.


    ![iYARS NOTE](https://i.imgur.com/42TyXEq.jpeg</a>)


    After making sure my notes were organized, I slipped the small book into my pocket.


    Then, I let out a slow breath.


    Time in this place felt strange. I couldn''t tell whether it was night, day, or something in between. No windows, no clocks, no signs of change.


    I opened the wardrobe and found bear-patterned pajamas.


    Seriously? In the midst of all this tension, they still provided pajamas this soft? I sighed, then changed without much thought. Finally, I lay down on the bed, which was far too comfortable for a place shrouded in mystery.


    And before I knew it, I fell asleep.


    Day Two: The Game Announcement


    12 hours later.


    I was awakened by a voice echoing throughout the room.


    "GOOD MORNING, HONORED GUESTS!!"


    The tone¡ªcheerful, enthusiastic, yet carrying something deeper. As if the host had been eagerly waiting for this moment.


    I quickly got up, changed clothes, and hurried to the main hall as instructed.


    Upon arrival, I scanned the grand banquet hall. A massive stage stood in the center, surrounded by uneasy guests. Some whispered anxiously, while others simply stood there, lost in confusion and fear.


    Then, the loud voice returned.


    "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Today marks the second day of this grand party! And as the most handsome, elegant, and talented host, allow me to announce something VERY important for the third day¡­*


    "¡­where the game will begin!"


    The room instantly erupted.


    "A game?!"


    "What do you mean by a game?"


    "Isn''t this just a party?!"


    Panic spread like wildfire.


    "First, bring along the items you deem important."


    "Second, don¡¯t forget to have fun!"


    "And third¡­"


    The host''s voice deepened, filled with wicked excitement that sent chills down my spine.


    "Your lives are at stake."


    Silence fell over the room.


    Some guests stood frozen, others began to sweat, and a few nearly lost their balance.


    "What the hell?! They never said anything about risking our lives!"


    "I thought this was just a normal party!"


    "Don''t tell me we can''t escape from here?!"


    Panic. Chaos. Fear.


    But amidst the sea of terrified guests, I noticed three individuals who remained calm. No panic on their faces, no confusion.


    ¡­Interesting.


    They must know something.


    Before I could think further, the host¡¯s voice boomed again¡ªlouder, deeper, shaking the entire hall.


    "EVERYONE, CALM DOWN!!"


    The voice was too strong. So powerful that several guests collapsed to their knees as if their energy had been drained.


    "Don¡¯t worry! If you lose, you won¡¯t die¡­"


    Some people held their breath, a glimmer of hope appearing on their faces.


    "¡­You¡¯ll simply become a feast for the ¡®Great Lord.¡¯"


    The room froze.


    What did that mean¡­ become a feast?!


    I wanted to shout, to demand an explanation, but before I could do anything¡ª


    Red gas began filling the room.


    My vision blurred. My head spun. The world around me faded.


    "Damn it¡ª"


    Darkness.


    Waking Up in the Room, Choosing Items to Survive


    I woke up back in my room.


    This time, An was already waiting.


    I looked straight at him. "An, the game is about to start, isn¡¯t it?"


    An nodded, his expression calm, but I could sense the serious atmosphere surrounding him.


    "In 12 hours, you must choose three items to bring into the first game."


    Three items?


    I walked to the storage room, scanning the variety of objects available. I had to choose carefully.


    Finally, I selected:


    A voice recorder Medicine Food pills


    An looked at my choices with a subtle, intrigued expression.


    "Master, why choose these? Why not take weapons or defensive tools?"


    I smirked slightly. "Simple."


    While observing the banquet earlier, I noticed several hidden hints:


    The food and drinks never diminished.


    I observed that the dishes on the table remained intact, even after many guests took portions. This suggested a high possibility that the food and drinks contained something unnatural.


    An unnatural scent lingering in the air.


    I caught a faint smell that didn¡¯t match an ordinary banquet. It reminded me of chemicals often used in anesthetic gas or sleep-inducing substances.


    Because of that:


    Voice recorder ¡ú Could document anything that might be erased from my memory. Medicine ¡ú In case there were side effects from the gas or food. Food pills ¡ú If the banquet food was poisoned, I¡¯d still have a safe source of nutrition.


    An remained silent for a moment, then gave a faint smile.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "You noticed all that just from small details?"


    I let out a breath, smirking slightly.


    "I¡¯m just an ordinary human."


    12 hours passed.


    An sliced through the air with a single motion of his hand.


    "Time remaining: ten minutes. Master, be prepared."


    I stepped into the dimensional rift.


    The first game had begun.


    First Game: "Room, Key, and Wager"


    ¡ªWelcome to the first game¡ª


    A voice echoed through the vast chamber, resonating like an unseen god speaking from above. I scanned my surroundings. About twenty participants stood in small groups, observing the environment with serious expressions.


    The room resembled a large hall with plain gray walls, no windows, and was illuminated by sterile white lights. In the center, there was a long table with 20 chairs. However, what caught my attention the most was a glass case filled with keys, each labeled with a different number.


    "FIRST GAME: ''ROOM, KEY, AND WAGER''."


    "Before you lies 20 keys and 20 doors scattered around the room. Each participant must obtain a key to unlock the correct door."


    "BUT¡­ there¡¯s a special rule that makes this game more interesting."


    The tension in the room rose. I could see some participants subtly activating their abilities¡ªa tattooed man whose shadow moved on its own, and a white-haired woman whose aura flickered faintly.


    Me? I had no special powers.


    I record everything happen in this games, with my recorder,


    "IMPORTANT RULES:"


    1. Each participant may only take ONE key.


    2. Each door can only be opened by one specific key.


    3. If your key doesn¡¯t match your door¡­ you must wager something to obtain a new one.


    Something felt off about this rule.


    If there were 20 keys and 20 doors, shouldn¡¯t everyone have a key that fits? Why was a wagering system necessary?


    "And finally¡­"


    "Some of these keys¡­ are traps. If you use the wrong key, you will receive a ¡®punishment.¡¯"


    Silence.


    One wrong move¡­ could mean death.


    First Game: "Rooms, Keys, and Wagers"


    The rules were simple at a glance, but the last rule stood out the most.


    "If the key you choose doesn¡¯t match your door¡­ you must wager something to get a new key."


    A wager.


    That could mean money, personal belongings, memories¡­ or even something much worse.


    The other participants shifted uncomfortably. Some whispered among themselves, while others analyzed the situation in complete silence.


    A large screen appeared above the stage, displaying the countdown.


    [TIME REMAINING: 10 MINUTES TO CHOOSE A KEY]


    Then, a mechanical voice spoke once more.


    "Begin."


    Everyone hesitated for a moment, then a tall man with an eyepatch moved first.


    He walked toward the glass box in the center of the hall. Without hesitation, he picked up Key #7.


    A few others followed suit, some rushing forward to grab a key, while others waited cautiously.


    I didn¡¯t move immediately.


    Instead, I observed.


    Each key was marked with a number from 1 to 20. The doors were located along the walls, also numbered from 1 to 20. There were exactly 20 participants.


    At first glance, it seemed like a simple matching game¡ªeach participant takes a key and finds the corresponding door.


    But it¡¯s never that easy.


    I narrowed my eyes, scanning the fine details. There were subtle inconsistencies.


    Some numbers on the keys were worn out, as if they had been used multiple times. A few doors had scratches near the locks, suggesting previous failed attempts. And most importantly¡­ there were only 19 doors.


    Wait.


    19 doors, but 20 participants?


    That meant¡­ one person would be left without a door.


    Choosing My Key


    The others quickly grabbed their keys, leaving fewer options by the second.


    I took slow, deliberate steps toward the glass box.


    Only three keys remained.


    Key #4 Key #11 Key #19


    I glanced at the doors once more.


    Door #4 had no scratches. Meaning? Either no one had failed to open it before¡­ or it wasn¡¯t used in previous rounds.


    Door #11 had faint traces of dust near the handle. It looked untouched, as if no one had chosen it before.


    Door #19¡­


    ¡­Had no corresponding door at all.


    So that was it. Key #19 is a trap.


    If I chose it, I¡¯d be forced into a wager immediately.


    A cruel trick. One unlucky participant would pick the wrong key and be forced to gamble without even reaching their door.


    I reached into the box and took Key #4.


    The moment my fingers closed around the metal, the mechanical voice spoke again.


    "All participants have chosen their keys. The selection phase is over."


    [TIME REMAINING: 5 MINUTES TO REACH YOUR DOOR]


    Everyone rushed toward their corresponding numbers.


    I walked calmly toward Door #4 and inserted the key.


    Click.


    The door unlocked instantly.


    So far, so good.


    But before stepping inside, I turned slightly to observe the others.


    The First Wager Begins


    A sharp, chilling voice suddenly echoed through the room.


    "Wait¡­ what the hell?!"


    The source? A red-haired woman standing in front of Door #19.


    I wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed¡ªseveral others turned their heads, watching.


    She jammed Key #19 into the lock, twisting it over and over.


    Nothing happened.


    Her face turned pale.


    "This isn¡¯t opening! Hey, is this broken or¡ª"


    The mechanical voice interrupted.


    "ERROR DETECTED. PARTICIPANT #19 HAS CHOSEN AN INVALID KEY."


    "INITIATING WAGER MODE."


    Her body stiffened. "What?"


    The screen above flickered, then displayed a roulette wheel.


    [PLEASE SPIN TO DECIDE YOUR WAGER.]


    She clenched her fists but had no choice. With a trembling hand, she touched the glowing button on the panel beside her.


    The roulette spun.


    Tick. Tick. Tick.


    Every participant held their breath.


    [WAGER RESULT: MEMORY REDUCTION ¨C LOSE 23 YEARS OF MEMORY]


    A metallic arm descended from the ceiling, placing two cold metal plates against the sides of her head.


    "WHAT¡ªNO, WAIT¡ª!!"


    Her scream barely had time to leave her lips before the machine activated.


    A bright flash.


    Then, silence.


    The moment the device retracted, she staggered back, a blank look in her eyes.


    Something was¡­ missing.


    "Who i''am¡­?"


    She looked around, confused. Her memories from the last twenty three,no, her memory were gone.


    One mistake. One wrong key.


    And just like that, she lost part of herself.


    The room remained dead silent.


    "GAME CONTINUES. PLEASE ENTER YOUR ROOMS."


    I stepped through Door #4, and it closed behind me.


    Inside the Room


    The door locked itself the moment I entered.


    Inside, a simple white-walled chamber awaited me. A single chair and a glass screen displayed the next instructions.


    [WELCOME TO ROOM #4.]


    [YOUR NEXT TASK: SOLVE THE RIDDLE.]


    A riddle?


    Text appeared on the screen.


    "I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"


    I exhaled slowly.


    A classic riddle. The answer was simple.


    "An echo."


    The screen flickered.


    [CORRECT.]


    [NEXT TASK: CHOOSE A DOOR TO PROCEED.]


    Two additional doors appeared before me, marked with different symbols.


    Door ? (Sun Symbol) Door ? (Moon Symbol)


    I had to make a choice.


    I stared at the two doors in front of me.


    Door ? (Sun Symbol) Door ? (Moon Symbol)


    My choice would determine my next step.


    I took a slow breath. If this was a logic-based game, then there had to be a hidden pattern.


    My eyes scanned the room. It looked plain, but I knew... nothing in this game was ever truly plain.


    I closed my eyes for a moment. Analyzing.


    The Sun symbol represented light, decisiveness, and truth. The Moon symbol represented darkness, tranquility, and illusion.


    If I chose the Sun, would that mean I¡¯d face a direct and open challenge?


    If I chose the Moon, would that mean I¡¯d face something more... subtle?


    Unlike the others, I wasn¡¯t a superhuman. I couldn¡¯t rely on strength, speed, or supernatural abilities.


    I chose the Moon Door.


    [Door ? selected. The game will proceed.]


    The door slowly creaked open, and I stepped inside.


    Second Room: The Decision Trial


    This room was larger than the previous one. The dim lighting came only from candles floating mid-air.


    In the center of the room were two people.


    One man, one woman.


    They were tied to chairs, black cloth covering their heads.


    In front of them, there were two knives.


    Above, a screen flickered to life, displaying the next set of instructions.


    [Your task: Choose one to live.]


    [If you fail to choose within 3 minutes, both will die.]


    I held my breath.


    Damn. A test.


    I studied the two figures. No movement, no sound. Were they just props? Or... real people?


    I couldn¡¯t take that risk. I had to observe their reactions.


    I stepped closer, deliberately making noise as if I were in a hurry.


    First test: Instinctive response.


    No reaction.


    I crouched in front of the man, bringing my hand close as if I were about to touch him.


    Second test: Bodily reaction.


    Then I saw it¡ªhis breathing slightly wavered.


    They were alive.


    Shit.


    I had to choose... or find a way to bypass the game''s rules.


    I looked up at the screen. The wording... "Choose one to live."


    Not "Choose one to kill."


    Which meant... I only needed to ensure that one of them stayed alive.


    And that meant I could save both.


    I grabbed one of the knives and cut the rope binding the man.


    The screen flickered.


    [One has been chosen to live.]


    I waited.


    A few seconds passed.


    Then¡ª


    [Decision accepted. Both are now free.]


    I had relived sigh. As long as I didn¡¯t directly break the rules, I could twist their wording to my advantage.


    The man and woman slowly stood up, still confused. I didn¡¯t care who they were. What mattered was that I survived without losing anything.


    The next door opened.


    I stepped inside.


    Third Room: The Survivors


    This room looked like a large hall. Several other participants were already inside, including a few I recognized from earlier.


    But... there were fewer people than before.


    Some had already been eliminated.


    I spotted a white-haired man leaning against the wall, arms crossed. His sharp eyes were scanning every remaining participant.


    I couldn¡¯t afford to stand out.


    I took a deep breath, relaxed my shoulders, and walked casually, as if I didn¡¯t care.


    Don¡¯t look too smart, don¡¯t look too weak.


    Stay neutral.


    That¡¯s the best way to survive.


    The large screen at the front flickered again.


    [CONGRATULATIONS.  FIRST GAME COMPLETE.]


    [PREPARE FOR THE NEXT GAME.]


    Finnally, i complete the first game, so this meaning...


    One game down.


    Now¡­ I just had to make sure I walked out of here without anyone realizing I just ordinary human.


    The game wasn¡¯t over yet. But¡­ I wasn¡¯t out of the running either.

 Closer Truth

    Second Game : The Influence


    The room was heating up¡ªnot from temperature, but from the thick tension in the air. Just minutes ago, everyone here was part of the same group, all determined to survive. But now, the new rule had shattered that unity.


    Only those with enough "influence" would make it through.


    Iyars remained calm amidst the chaos.


    He knew some were panicking, trying to figure out how to make themselves useful to the group. Others were already strategizing, realizing this game wasn¡¯t just about power¡ªit was about who could convince the rest they were worth keeping around.


    Iyars adjusted his expression¡ªnot too confident, but not uncertain either. If he wanted to survive, he had to be someone they couldn¡¯t ignore.


    He took a step forward, claiming the space like he belonged there. His gaze swept across the room before locking onto a particular man.


    "You," he said, eyes narrowing at a sharp-looking guy with jet-black hair. "You have Void Manipulation."


    The guy stiffened. "How do you know that?"


    Iyars took a slow breath, setting his face into an unreadable mask, like he was seeing something beyond the physical world. "I can see people¡¯s potential¡­ and how much they¡¯re wasting it."


    Silence.


    Some turned their heads, intrigued. Others remained skeptical, but Iyars didn¡¯t give them time to dwell on it. He kept going.


    "Void Manipulation isn¡¯t just about controlling emptiness. You can erase gravitational fields around you, create a vacuum zone. That means you could immobilize an enemy without ever touching them. But you¡¯ve never thought of that, have you?"


    The guy clenched his fists, his expression a mix of frustration and realization. "I... never really considered it."


    Iyars gave a small, knowing smirk. "And you¡ª"


    He turned to a woman, her posture guarded, her eyes wary.


    "Chrono Rewind."


    Her face paled, her pupils shrinking. She didn¡¯t speak, but Iyars could feel the way her mind was racing. He had her hooked.


    "Your ability lets you rewind time within a limited range," Iyars continued, voice steady. "But I know your weakness. You¡¯re scared of taking big risks, so you only use it for minor corrections¡ªto fix small mistakes, dodge attacks at the last second. But if you really want to maximize your potential, you need to think bigger. Stop just rewinding. Start strategizing based on every moment you¡¯ve relived."


    The woman swallowed hard. "How... how do you know all that?"


    Iyars met her gaze head-on.


    "Like I said, I can see potential."


    Now, Iyars wasn¡¯t just another player in the game. He had become something more. A mystery. An anomaly.


    He wasn¡¯t the strongest. He wasn¡¯t the flashiest.


    But now, they all believed they needed him.


    He didn¡¯t give them power¡ªhe gave them hope. And hope... was far more dangerous than raw strength.


    But just as he was soaking in his success, something nagged at him.


    His eyes met those of a silver-haired man in the corner of the room¡ªone of the few participants who hadn¡¯t spoken since the game started.


    His gaze wasn¡¯t one of awe or curiosity.


    It was the gaze of someone who had figured something out.


    Iyars quickly shifted his attention back to the game. He couldn¡¯t afford to slip now.


    A holographic screen flickered to life in the center of the room, displaying the list of those who had secured their spots.


    One by one, names filled the screen.


    Until only four names remained.


    Four people who failed to convince the group they were worth keeping.


    One of them was a brown-haired woman who had previously looked so confident. Now, her face had gone pale. Her hands trembled as she stared at her name on the elimination list.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Wait!" she shouted, panic rising in her voice. "I¡ªI can be useful! I can¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the floor beneath her began to vibrate.


    A dark portal expanded beneath the four eliminated players.


    They screamed.


    They thrashed.


    They scrambled to escape.


    But there was no way out.


    One by one, their bodies were sucked into the abyss, their figures vanishing without a trace.


    Iyars stood motionless, his heartbeat pounding in his ears.


    He had won this round. He had survived.


    But their screams still echoed in his mind.


    He could still see their faces in those final moments. Panic. Desperation. Betrayal.


    They never expected to be eliminated.


    They believed they still had a chance.


    And some of them... believed Iyars would save them.


    Iyars clenched his fists.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time someone had been erased in this twisted game. But this time... something felt different.


    He stared at his own hands, as if seeing something invisible.


    Silence.


    Taking a deep breath, he forced down any lingering guilt. This was a survival game. If he wavered now, then he¡¯d be the next one to disappear.


    Straightening his posture, he walked toward the next room.


    His eyes sharpened.


    the final games.... are waiting.


    Third Game : The Past


    I stepped into the next room.


    Just like before, a sharp, piercing pain spread through my body the moment I crossed the threshold of the fractured space. The agony coursed through my nerves, like thousands of tiny thorns slicing me from within.


    Pain.


    But¡­ I was used to it.


    Crazy? Maybe. But I didn¡¯t care on it anymore.


    Room Three: Isolation


    This room was different from the previous ones. There were no other participants around me. I was completely alone.


    A large table sat in the center, accompanied by a chair and a half-body mirror standing upright before me. The air in the room felt strange, as if it concealed something unseen, something watching from the shadows.


    Then, that voice rang out.


    "HELLO EVERYONE, WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!"


    I winced. The announcer¡¯s voice was louder than usual, reverberating as if it were drilling straight into my skull.


    "This time¡­ we present the final game: The Hidden Past!"


    The Hidden Past?


    "In this game, each participant will witness their past. The mirror of the past will show you two lies and one truth. Your task is to answer correctly. Which will you trust¡ªthe mirror¡­ or the memories in your head? HAHAHAHA! And don¡¯t forget, this game will last for four days¡­ LET''S BEGIN!!!"


    Silence returned.


    I took a deep breath. Four days? That meant I had to endure without food or water for that long. A normal human like me would struggle.


    But moments later, a tray appeared before me.


    On it was a steaming hot steak and a glass of fresh orange juice.


    I eyed it with suspicion.


    From the beginning of this game, I had noticed something was off. The other participants were also given food, but theirs had a strange aura¡ªsomething that didn¡¯t belong to this world.


    I stabbed the steak with my fork, cutting off a small piece, and lightly touched it to the tip of my tongue.


    For a brief moment, a rich, savory taste filled my mouth¡­


    Then suddenly, a scorching pain spread through my throat.


    I immediately pushed the plate away. Radioactive. Just as I suspected, this food wasn¡¯t meant for normal humans.


    Luckily, I was prepared. I took a pill from my stash and swallowed it, neutralizing the poison that had begun to seep through my system.


    I could only rely on the nutrient pills I had brought with me. There was no other choice.


    As I chewed, my mind kept racing.


    Their food supply is unlimited¡­ because something is providing it.


    From the first game, everything had revolved around thoughts and information.


    As if¡­ this was all planned.


    I let out a slow breath.


    Now, I needed to focus on this game.


    Memories of the past¡­


    I turned to the mirror.


    And at that moment, my mind went blank.


    A Vision That Shouldn¡¯t Exist


    I wasn¡¯t aware of when I moved, but before I knew it, I was already seated in front of the mirror.


    The mirror¡­ was alive.


    My reflection shifted. The person staring back at me wasn¡¯t my present self.


    It was me from the past.


    Then, the vision emerged.


    ¡ª


    They betrayed me.


    They sold me to Deith in exchange for their own safety.


    I had fought for them, risked my life time and time again, facing threats that should have destroyed them. But in the end¡­ they handed me over.


    They sealed my power.


    Stabbed me in the back.


    Used a seal meant for Deith¡ªtreating me like a monster.


    Why?


    Why did they use me?


    Why¡­ did they throw me away?


    I fought for them. I protected them. I¡­ believed in them.


    WHY?!


    I was cast into eternal darkness.


    Trapped within the Forgotten Night.


    I did not die¡­ but I did not live either.


    Day after day, I battled within the abyss, fighting off anomalous entities that hunted me relentlessly.


    Until finally¡­


    I became¡ª


    ¡ª


    Cracks in Reality


    "ARGH!!"


    I gasped, snapping back to reality.


    My breath was ragged. My heart pounded violently in my chest.


    My hands were trembling.


    What was that?!


    That memory¡­ That wasn¡¯t me. It couldn¡¯t be me!


    I was just a normal human. I grew up with my parents. My father¡­ my mother¡­ my little sister¡­


    I tried to recall their names.


    But¡­


    Nothing.


    Their faces. Their voices. The life I remembered up until now¡­ suddenly felt like dust blowing away in the wind.


    No.


    No, this can¡¯t be real!


    "Ridiculous¡­" I muttered, my voice barely steady.


    I glared at the mirror, my reflection now feeling utterly foreign.


    And without realizing it¡ª


    BANG!


    My right fist slammed into the mirror with full force.


    Cracks spread like a spider¡¯s web, shattering my reflection into countless distorted fragments.


    Blood dripped from my knuckles. But I didn¡¯t care.


    For the first time¡­ I felt something I had never experienced before.


    Fear.


    Not fear of this game.


    But fear that¡­ I might not be who I thought I was.


    I shut my eyes, forcing my breath to steady.


    Calm down.


    I couldn¡¯t let this break me.


    I had to stay focused.


    There was still a game to win.


    Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened my eyes once more.


    The mirror was still cracked.


    But my reflection within it¡­


    Was smiling.

 The Return

    Third Game: The Hidden Past


    Day One


    I take deep breath, staring at the broken mirror. My blood dripped onto the table, but my mind was focused.


    Two lies. One truth.


    That was the rule.


    I had to choose the real one.


    As I watched, the mirror¡¯s cracks slowly faded, rewinding as if time itself was turning backward. My reflection shifted once more. This time, three sentences appeared above it:


    "You are just an ordinary human, born and raised in a normal family." "They betrayed you and sold you to Deith to save themselves." "You have always been alone, with no family or anyone who ever knew you."


    I felt my heartbeat quicken.


    Two lies. One truth.


    I tried to think logically.


    The first sentence¡­ I wanted to believe it. But if it were true, why were my childhood memories fading?


    The second¡­ that was what I saw in the vision. But was it real? Or just another trick?


    The third¡­ impossible. I remembered having a family. I remembered my past.


    Didn¡¯t I?


    I clenched my injured hand.


    Which one was real?


    [1] "You are just an ordinary human, born and raised in a normal family."


    [2] "They betrayed you and sold you to Deith to save themselves."


    [3] "You have always been alone, with no family or anyone who ever knew you."


    I knew the rules. If I answered wrong¡­ the consequences would be worse than just losing a memory.


    I swallowed. Took a breath. Opened my mouth to answer¡ª


    And before I could speak, a mechanical voice echoed through the room.


    "TIME EXCEEDED. PENALTY ACTIVATED."


    Pain exploded inside my skull.


    ARGH!!!


    A force ripped through my mind, as if invisible hands were clawing at my brain, squeezing, crushing, erasing.


    I collapsed to my knees, gasping.


    Damn it¡ªI hesitated!


    When I finally opened my eyes, my reflection was still smiling.


    And then I realized¡ª


    I could no longer remember where I was born.


    I couldn¡¯t remember my mother¡¯s face, father voice''s, and...... where i live before?


    I couldn¡¯t even remember¡­


    my full name.


    A twisted memory make my mind full of thought.


    If I wasn¡¯t careful¡­ I could lose everything¡ªmy identity, my existence¡ªbefore this game even ended.


    I lifted my head with difficulty.


    Day Two


    I woke up to an unbearable heaviness in my skull. It felt like I had been dragged through a nightmare, only to awaken in one even worse.


    Instinctively, my fingers clutched my head as I struggled to recall something¡ªanything. My mother¡¯s name. My father¡¯s face. My childhood¡­


    Nothing.


    A silence settled over me.


    This was bad.


    I had already lost pieces of my memory after failing just one question. If I continued making mistakes, I might reach a point where I wouldn¡¯t even remember who I was.


    I took a deep breath, forcing myself to scan my surroundings. The room remained unchanged¡ªsterile, unfeeling. The mirror before me still stood tall, as if waiting. Waiting for me to peer into the fragments of a past I no longer understood.


    Then, the mechanical voice echoed again.


    "GOOD MORNING, CONTESTANTS! WELCOME TO DAY TWO! THE GAME CONTINUES, AND NOW¡­ YOUR NEXT QUESTION IS READY!"


    I steadied myself. I couldn¡¯t hesitate anymore.


    The mirror flickered, distorting my reflection before presenting me with three statements:


    "You possess a sealed power and are aware of it." "You are just an ordinary human without any special abilities." "You have died once but returned through unknown means."


    I clenched my fists.


    Two lies. One truth.


    I studied the words carefully.


    The first statement¡ªsounded insane. But if I connected it to the fragmented memories I glimpsed yesterday¡­ could be...?


    The second¡ªseemed reasonable. But after everything I had seen, could I still believe I was just a normal person?


    The third¡­ I died once? That¡¯s ridiculous. I¡¯m alive now, aren¡¯t I?


    Yet¡­ i not see i''m returned from dead from the memory i see in the mirror...


    A cold sweat formed on my back. I lacked enough information to be certain. I needed more time to think. But if I stalled for too long¡ª


    "TIME ALMOST UP. PLEASE ANSWER WITHIN 10 SECONDS."


    Damn it! I had to choose!


    I shut my eyes, casting aside all doubts.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    My answer is¡ª1


    [1] "You possess a sealed power and are aware of it."


    [2] "You are just an ordinary human without any special abilities."


    [3] "You have died once but returned through unknown means."


    I exhaled sharply and spoke.


    "ANSWER ACCEPTED."


    I held my breath. Was I right?


    For a moment, nothing happened.


    Then¡ª


    The mirror shattered into countless shards.


    I flinched, but what lay beyond the broken glass stole my breath.


    My own reflection.


    But¡­ not me as I was now.


    The figure before me was older, his gaze filled with an unreadable weight.


    I opened my mouth to speak, but the voice that came out wasn¡¯t mine.


    "Iyars¡­ it¡¯s time to remember."


    The words echoed in my mind.


    And then¡ªdarkness consumed me.


    Day Three


    I was running.


    They were chasing me.


    With a shattered sword in my grip, a mangled arm barely hanging from my shoulder, and a leg that refused to move properly, I ran.


    I had done this before. Over and over.


    And in the end¡ª


    I reached a death unlike any other.


    A death where I did not truly die.


    I became one with that place.


    And I was reborn.


    As Iyars.


    For a purpose I no longer remembered.


    The memory tore apart before I could grasp more.


    I gasped as my consciousness returned, my mind caught in an endless spiral of doubt.


    Who was I?


    What had truly happened?


    And why¡ªwhy did the image of a silver-haired man suddenly surface in my thoughts?


    He felt¡­ familiar.


    Like someone I had known for a long time.


    A shiver ran through me.


    I looked at the broken mirror, the answer to yesterday¡¯s question still lingering in my mind.


    I died once. But I returned.


    Which meant¡­ I was not just a normal human.


    I had abilities I didn¡¯t yet understand.


    Or perhaps¡­ I had forgotten them.


    My hands trembled slightly, but I ignored them. I refused to eat any food pills i bought.


    I simply sat there, waiting for the third day to end.


    Day Four: The Final Truth


    I woke up empty.


    No hunger. No thirst.


    Just silence.


    The pills remained untouched on the table, but I wasn¡¯t sure I even needed them anymore.


    I died once. But I lived again.


    The truth of it still echoed in my thoughts.


    If I had died, then how was I here?


    What brought me back?


    And more importantly¡ªwho was that white-haired man?


    Before I could dig deeper, the familiar voice returned.


    "GOOD MORNING, CONTESTANTS! TODAY MARKS THE FINAL ROUND OF THE HIDDEN PAST! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH! AS ALWAYS, YOU WILL BE GIVEN THREE STATEMENTS¡ªBUT THIS TIME, TWO ARE TRUE. ONE IS A LIE. TO FINISH THE GAME, YOU MUST IDENTIFY THE LIE."


    I stared at the mirror. This time, I wouldn¡¯t run.


    [1] "You were once part of the entities now hunting you."


    [2] "The people who betrayed you are still alive, and you seek revenge."


    [3] "You are an ordinary human who was accidentally trapped in this game."


    I read them over.


    The first statement¡ªwas I really once one of them? The entities chasing me?


    The second¡ªbetrayal. There were people out there who knew the truth about me? Who had abandoned me?


    The third¡ªan ordinary human caught in this game by accident.


    That¡¯s the lie.


    It had to be.


    I wasn¡¯t just some bystander who stumbled into this nightmare. Every answer so far pointed to something more. I wasn¡¯t normal. I had a past I didn¡¯t remember.


    And I had died once.


    There was no way I was just an ordinary human.


    I took a deep breath.


    2....


    "ANSWER ACCEPTED."


    The mirror flickered again, and this time, my reflection wasn¡¯t just me.


    It was watching me.


    And then¡ª


    It spoke.


    "Iyars, are you ready?"


    I swallowed.


    "Ready for what?" I found myself asking.


    My reflection gave a faint, knowing smile.


    "for closer truth await us."


    The world around me collapsed.


    I was falling¡ª


    Falling into the depths of my lost past.


    And within the void, I saw him again.


    The silver-haired man.


    He stood alone in the emptiness, his gaze heavy with something unreadable.


    "¡­ it¡¯s time for you to return."


    And in that moment¡ª


    The locked doors of my memory began to creak open.


    A fragmented vision.


    A man with white hair.


    He had followed someone¡ªloyal, unwavering, bound by something far deeper than duty. They had walked side by side for years, their connection more than just master and servant. More than just companions.


    And then¡ª


    A sword, black and red, plunged into flesh.


    The white-haired man¡¯s eyes widened, stunned by his own actions.


    Yet, as he watched the life fade from the one he had followed for so long¡ª


    There was no regret.


    Only¡­ a quiet, lingering hope.


    I jolted awake.


    My breath came shallow, my pulse pounding.


    That vision¡ª


    That wasn¡¯t my memory.


    ¡­Right?


    I glanced at the mirror.


    Another question had appeared.


    The game wasn¡¯t over yet.


    But somehow¡ªsomehow, I knew¡ª


    Something about this party?


    Now, the mirror not show question, more


    This time, the mirror did not lean toward asking a question but rather toward making a statement:


    You are a higher entity. You have an ''important'' reason to die and be reborn. You are the one who ---- (The mirror shatters¡ªthe statement left incomplete, as if intentional?)


    Once again, the dimensional door opened. I stepped inside, but this time, the sensation was different¡ªa wave of nostalgia, a deep longing...


    I awoke in an immense chamber. There were no other guests¡ªonly An, the white-haired man, and the three individuals who had remained eerily calm since the beginning of this game. I had even forgotten about them. They slowly walked toward me. An snapped his fingers, and a table appeared¡ªthis time, with an old television. The screen flickered to life, playing a recording that would change everything.


    ...


    .....


    .......


    "Master! Why...? Why did you do this? Why did you sacrifice yourself for the forsaken souls of this forgotten world?"


    The speaker bore an uncanny resemblance to Iyars, but he was aged¡ªan old man now.


    (Gently running his hand through his silver hair)


    "My faithful follower, Reon... Yes, I sacrificed myself. But I have already made preparations. Every thousand years, on the night of a full moon, there will be a small chance for my incarnation to be reborn into the world. Though the odds are slim, though I may die and be reborn countless times, I will leave behind clues for you. If you wish to find me in the future, follow these steps:


    I will relinquish my human personality. Once, I was a beacon of hope for a boundless world, but no one will know where I will descend. Hold a grand festival consisting of three trials to restore my memories or confirm my incarnation. First, test their conscience with a psychological dilemma of ¡®salvation.¡¯ Second, assess their speech and ability to gather information. Third, present them with my past memories and observe their reaction. And remember, when explaining the rules of the third trial, make it clear that the visions in the mirror may be truth or deception¡ªto further test clarity. When presented with something, if they encounter the number 22 in any form, they could very well be my incarnation. The number 22 is something that will always be bound to me. My incarnation will live as an ordinary human, unaware of their power, yet free of any shackles.


    "Master... I understand. I will protect An and everyone else. I will fulfill this duty, even if it takes millions upon millions of years."


    The old man gripped his sword and tore through space itself, defying the laws of the Forgotten Night.


    "ALL MY FOLLOWERS WHO SEEK FREEDOM! WE HAVE BEEN IMPRISONED IN THIS ENDLESS SUFFERING AND NOTHINGNESS FOR FAR TOO LONG! NOW, GO! ESCAPE AND CLAIM YOUR FREEDOM! I WILL STAND AGAINST THEM¡ªSO GO, NOW!"


    Tears streamed down their faces as they witnessed the sacrifice of the one they had placed their faith in. They left, one by one, until only An, Reon, and the three siblings¡ªAren, Irun, and Cyren¡ªremained.


    An stepped forward.


    "Master... I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes."


    Reon wept, longing to fight by his master''s side until the very end, but he knew he could not let the sacrifice be in vain. At last, he too departed with the others.


    The rift sealed shut. The enemies surged forward, surrounding the old man.


    "Once again, I sacrifice myself... Yet, for the first time, I feel at peace. I am truly content, for they did not betray me¡ªthey believed in me until the very end."


    The recording stopped. An took slow, deliberate steps toward (Iyars?).


    "Master, from the very beginning, everything that has happened was merely a test. Those who were eliminated did not die, they were simply returned to their original worlds, stripped of any memory of this party. This cycle has repeated countless times, and we have always failed to find your incarnation. But at last, we have succeeded... Master, welcome back."


    An knelt, bowing in reverence as though before a king.


    Reon approached. "Master..."


    (Gently placing his hand on Reon''s head)


    "It has been a long time, Reon, my loyal follower."


    Reon bowed, followed by Aren, Irun, and Cyren. The gathered attendants lowered their heads in unison.


    He stepped forward, passing through the bowing attendants. A black and crimson mist swirled around him, and his garments transformed into the armor he once wore. He ascended the throne that had been prepared for him. Before taking his seat, he turned back. With a single sweep of his hand, he restored everything. The guests were returned to their original worlds¡ªnone had perished. To them, it was merely a long and distant dream. And thus, the cycle came to an end, for their king, the ''Great Lord'' had returned.


    "My name is Iyar¡ªno... Dyren. This is the beginning of everything. After an endless cycle spanning 100,000 years... I have finally returned."


    The End.

 Special Note

    Special Note from the Author


    Hey everyone! This is just the beginning.


    This novel is a prequel, a piece of world-building for something much bigger. It¡¯s part of my preparation for a future story that will explore this universe even further.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    So I decided to share it with you. I hope you enjoy this short journey, and I can¡¯t wait to introduce more stories and expand this world in the future. Stay tuned!


    - RuRend