《Dark Apostle: The Coward》 Ch01- The Weight Of Regrets It was the middle of summer, but the storm came in like an unwelcome intruder. Thick, black clouds loomed heavy above the earth, pressing down upon the landscape as if the sky itself was mourning. The once-vibrant green mountain, normally a peaceful backdrop to the town, stood ominously in the distance, cloaked in shadow. The rain pounded down relentlessly, soaking the earth and turning the world into a blur of gray. Near the base of the mountain sat an old house, built of oak wood and red bricks. Time had gnawed at its edges¡ªthe roof sagged, the paint had long since peeled away, and ivy clung stubbornly to the walls. Yet it stood defiantly, a relic of another era. Outside, a small pond sat undisturbed by the chaotic weather, save for the ripples caused by the rain. A group of carps swam beneath the surface, their crimson and gold scales flickering like dying embers. With every drop that pierced the water, they scattered momentarily, only to settle back into their slow, disoriented circles, waiting for the storm to pass. Inside the house, the atmosphere was heavy with the scent of aged wood and damp linen. In one of the rooms, Zain Miller lay in a narrow bed, his body frail and withered. His white hair, thin as spider silk, clung to his scalp, and his face was a map of deep, weary wrinkles. A jagged scar two inches long marked his right forehead, a permanent reminder of the day the townsfolk had branded him a coward. He had not looked in a mirror in decades; the sight of that scar, raised and angry, filled him with a shame that never dulled. The bed was positioned against the wall, a small window on the opposite side allowing slivers of stormlight to seep into the room. Rain leaked through a crack in the pane, splashing onto the brown, worn bedsheet near his legs. The dampness spread slowly, but Zain barely noticed. His clouded eyes remained fixed on the window, as though searching for something beyond the downpour. Around him stood five figures¡ªthree women in their forties, their faces streaked with tears, and two younger men, their jaws clenched against grief. They were not his blood, but they were his legacy. Decades earlier, Zain had promised his comrade Veer, a man who''d saved his life countless times, that he would protect his family if the war took him. When Veer and the others fell in battle, Zain had crept back to the village, only to find Veer''s wife dead from illness and his three daughters and two sons left orphaned. He took them in, enduring the town''s scorn to raise them as his own. Now, they clung to him, their sobs harmonizing with the drumming rain. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Zain''s breathing was shallow, each inhale a battle. Memories flickered behind his eyelids¡ªhis parents'' laughter as they bought him candied apples at the city fair, their faces glowing in the lantern light. They had refused to let him join the colonial government''s army, fearing the war would consume him. For their defiance, they were dragged into the square and executed. Zain, then Nineteen, hid in the cellar, trembling as their screams echoed above. He''d fled that night, joining the rebellion out of guilt, only to fail again. The war had been a nightmare. He''d fought alongside Veer and others, their camaraderie a fleeting comfort. But when the colonial soldiers ambushed their camp, slaughtering his friends, Zain''s courage shattered. He dropped his rifle and ran, stumbling through forests and rivers until he collapsed in a neighboring village. A month later, he returned, starving and hollow-eyed, to learn the battle had been lost. Veer''s body was never recovered, but his children survived. The townsfolk, grieving their own dead, discovered Zain''s desertion. They cornered him in the market, hurling stones and curses. One rock struck his forehead, carving the scar that would haunt him. "Am I going to die as a coward?" Zain whispered now, the words barely audible. The question hung in the air, sharp as the lightning outside. The youngest man, Max, knelt by the bed. "No, Father," he said, voice trembling. "You raised us. Fed us, taught us¡­ You gave up everything. You''re no coward. You''re the kindest and bravest man we know." Zain''s lips twitched into a fragile smile. For a moment, the weight on his chest eased. "They see me as a father", he thought. "Perhaps that''s enough". But it wasn''t. The past clawed at him. He saw the battlefield again¡ªsmoke choking the air, Veer shouting for him to "run, live for my children", before a bullet silenced him. Zain had fled, yes, but he''d kept his promise. He''d built a life for Veer''s orphans, working dawn till dusk as a blacksmith, ignoring the cheers of "coward" from passersby. The children never knew the truth; he couldn''t bear to tell them. A sudden pain lanced through Zain''s chest, sharp and cold. He gasped, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes. The room blurred, the faces of his children smearing into shadows. Through the window, the storm raged¡ªand then, a figure materialized in the downpour. A tall man stood there, his long black hair plastered to his face by rain. His eyes glowed dark red, not with malice, but an eerie calm. "It''s time to undo your regret, my friend," the stranger said, his voice cutting through the storm. "This is the beginning of the legend¡­ The coward who becomes the bravest warrior in all the realms." Zain did not hear him. His vision darkened, the pain swallowing him, he thought. "I''m a failure. A man who ran from his responsibility". The figure smiled faintly, then turned and vanished into the rain. In the room, Zain''s breath stuttered. Arjun, the eldest son pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the last flutter of his heartbeat. The women wept openly now, their hands clasped over Zain''s frail fingers. Outside, the carps still circled, the mountain still loomed, and the storm still roared indifferent to the passing of a soul. Zain Miller died as he had lived: haunted by regret. Yet in his final moments, he had glimpsed a strange, impossible hope. The red-eyed stranger''s words lingered, unheeded but undeniable, like a seed planted in barren soil. Two days later, under the sprawling boughs of an ancient oak¡ªthe very tree where Zain had once taught the children to climb the family gathered to lay him to rest. As they lowered the simple wooden coffin into the earth, the eldest son whispered through his tears, "Our father lived his life thinking he was a coward, always running from the responsibility that weighed on him. And yet, he gave us everything¡ªraising us, protecting us, and even in his final moments, showing us that love can outshine even the darkest regrets." Max added, "Though we bury him today alongside Veer our true biological father, our hearts still hope that somewhere, somehow, he finally found the courage he so long sought." As the storm began to wane and the rain softened to a gentle patter on the fresh mound of earth, the legacy of Zain Miller endured. His scar was hidden beneath a humble hat; his face, now peaceful, bore no trace of the battles he''d fought within. In the eyes of those he had nurtured, he was not the coward of whispered curses but the kindest and bravest father one could ever know a man whose life, marked by regret and sacrifice, had sown the seeds of a hope that might one day bloom into legend. Ch02- Mr. Oberoy It hurts so much! It was all I knew. It wasn''t the kind of pain that dulled over time, that a man could grit his teeth and endure. No, this was torment in its purest form, unrelenting, ceaseless, and infinite. His skull felt as if it were being split apart by a rusted blade, jagged and merciless. His skin...if he still had any, was being flayed by invisible hands, layer by layer, until only raw, exposed agony remained. Zain wanted to scream. But he had no voice. Zain wanted to fight. But he had no body. Zain wanted to exist. But in this void, even that was being stripped away. Falling endlessly. He had been falling for so long that time had lost all meaning. He no longer knew where he was, nor did he know where he was going. Was this the end? Was this death? Was this his punishment? What did he ever do to someone? At first, there had been a faint light above him. Hope. But it had dimmed, swallowed by the abyss, leaving him alone in the dark. Where am I? Am I not dead yet? Why am I still conscious? Where are my children? Questions formed, but the void had no answers... only silence, only suffering. Was this all that awaited a man after death? No peace, no final rest, just¡­ emptiness? Perhaps that was fair. He had spent his life enduring hardship, pushing forward with broken hands and a shattered soul. He had thought, foolishly, that death would be his release. That he had earned peace. But no. Even in death, Zain was denied rest. Then... A sound. A whisper, faint and distant, like a breeze in the stillness. A glow, purple and gentle, spreading through the darkness like ink in water. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the pain lessened. The knives digging into his mind withdrew, the fire in his skull simmered, and the weight of nothingness lifted just enough for him to remember who he was. "Relax, my friend." The voice was calm, smooth almost amused. Before ,Zain could resist, he found himself drifting toward the light, helpless against its pull. "Come, friend. I''ve been waiting for you¡­ for a long time. So, how was your life on Earth? Pretty shitty, right?" Zain stilled. Of all the things he had expected from the afterlife, sarcasm was not one of them. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. His eyes twitched. Who the hell is this guy? Zain tried to speak, but his throat still refused to obey. "Oh, don''t strain yourself. You won''t be talking anytime soon, little friend," the voice chuckled. Little friend? "Does it look like a little kid?" Zain thought. The flicker of irritation helped ground him. Who in their right mind calls a grown man ''little friend''? However, in the eyes of the mysterious man, sixty years were nothing more than a speck of dust lying at the bottom of the river, waiting for the current to end its life. "Well, well, you can call me Mr. Oberoy. I''m one of the fragments of¡­ let''s just say, a bigshot who oversees the upper worlds." A god. Or something close. Zain clenched his fists...only to remember he had no fists. What remained of him was barely a flicker of a soul, mist-like and fragile. "Alright, where are my children?" His voice, when it finally returned, was hoarse and brittle. "Ah, don''t look so miserable," Oberoy sighed. "Your children are safe." Relief and suspicion warred within him. "You better not be lying." "What would I gain by lying to a dead man?" Oberoy mused. "Now, let''s focus on why you''re here." "I should be dead," Zain muttered. "And yet, here you are." "Then end it." Silence. He met his glowing violet eyes, his soul burning with the one desire he had left. "I don''t want a next life." Oberoy tilted his head. "Oh?" How did he know? that he is going to give him another chance? "You sure are an intelligent guy," he laughed. Before he could say something, Zain interrupted him, "I want to disappear. Completely. I don''t want reincarnation, I don''t want another chance...I just want some peace." "Erase me." Oberoy sighed, almost disappointed. "Ah, I see." He rubbed his chin. "You''re clinging to your past. That''s why you''re suffering. Just let go, my friend. Forget about it. Forget everything, your pain, your struggles, your regrets. Let it all fade away, so you can embrace the next life properly." Zain chest tightened. "Forget?" he grasped. "Yes. It''ll be easier that way." "How the hell am I supposed to forget?" Zain hissed. "How do I forget my life? My parents, my friends, my love, my children? How do I forget the suffering, the pain?" Oberoy hummed, his gaze unreadable. Then, with a small, knowing smile, he spoke:"Pain and suffering are inevitable, my friend. And that is what makes life worth living." Zain breath caught. "What?" he exclaimed. "Do you know what happens to those who escape suffering completely?" Oberoy asked, voice softer now. They become empty. Hollow.... To be living is to endure, to struggle, to ache. The joy of a reunion, the warmth of love, the fire of ambition, all these things exist only because pain exists. If you erase your suffering, you erase yourself." Zain fingers curled. "Then let me be erased." Oberoy sighed again, shaking his head. "Ah, boy. So stubborn." The next thing Zain knew, Mr. Oberoy''s fist slammed into his chest. Pain erupted through him... sharp, electric, and overwhelming. His very soul shook. His body, his body... was pulled toward something. The next moment, he was no longer a formless mist. He had limbs. A heartbeat. A breath. Zain gasped, the sensation of lungs filling with air almost too much to handle. His hands clutched his chest, feeling the solid weight of his ribs beneath them. He was alive. Oberoy loomed over him, watching with a bemused expression. "There. Now, no more talk of erasing yourself. You have work to do." Zain gritted his teeth. "I never agreed---" "Oh, but you will." His voice was warm, persuasive, like honey laced with venom. "You will, because deep down, you want to exist. You need to. You''ve fought too long, too hard, to simply let go now. And if you truly wanted oblivion, you wouldn''t be standing here." "Don''t you want to erase all of your mistakes?" he asked. Zain trembled, fists clenching. Damn him. Damn this world. Back then, he just wanted to die each and every day. But he can''t, he has to raise his children. But now he is free from his shackles that used to bind him. Why can''t the world leave me alone? Why? He just wanted to die. "Why am I so weak?" Zain growled, his powerless fists clenched tightly. Mr. Oberoy remained silent, unaffected by his pitiful state. I, i... I just wanted to live a happy life. What did i ever do to deserve this? He wanted to see his parents grow old, watch them play with their grandchildren...but they were killed! He wanted to be loved, to build a home with his love...but he lost her. He wanted to enjoy old age with his friend...but he was killed because of him. What did i ever do to anyone? "Why?" Tears started to fall down from Zain cheeks as he remembered his parents, his love, and his friend. What did they do to deserve it? After crying for so long, his eyes burned red as he struggled to suppress his emotions. Mr. Oberoy watched him, his expression shifting, his lips parting as if to speak...but he heard nothing. What would i gain if i agreed to be reborn in another world? Zain asked, his eyes staring at the two purple glows. "I can help you change your past and save your parents, your love, and your friends," he said, pausing for a moment before continuing. "But there is a huge price to pay for it." His gaze held a mix of emotions as he asked, "Are you willing to pay... even if it means erasing your very existence?" Zain stumbled at his words. His whole body started to shake violently. He can save my parents? He can save my love? "He can save my friend?" Zain murmured. Zain looked at him, his soul torn between desire and fear. It was the offer of a lifetime, an impossible choice made real. And yet, he couldn''t deny it. There was hope. And hope, after all, was the most dangerous thing of all. Ch03- Echoes Of The Past Zain shook with the weight of his emotions, making it impossible for him to stand still. But the man before him Mr. Oberoy, watched him with a gaze full of conflicting emotions. Finally, with a sigh, Oberoy spoke. "I can change the past," he admitted, "but doing so may lead to greater problems in the future." His words carried an ominous warning, yet they did nothing to shake Zain''s resolve. His expression remained firm, unwavering. He had already made his decision. Seeing this, Oberoy let out another sigh, his voice turning heavy with something Zain couldn''t quite place pity, perhaps? "You will regret it once you learn the truth about your life," Oberoy murmured. A flicker of suspicion crossed Zain''s mind as he narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? Why would I regret it? If I can change the past, if I can erase all my mistakes, then what is there to regret?" Oberoy shook his head, his gaze holding an unfathomable depth. "It''s not as simple as you think, my little friend." Irritation flared in Zain''s chest. "Don''t call me that," he snapped. "My name is Zain. And tell me, what could possibly make me regret saving my parents, my friends¡­ the people I loved?" Oberoy simply sighed. "Then don''t blame me for what comes next. You might end up feeling more guilty than you ever have. You might even begin to hate your own existence." His words sent a shiver down Zain''s spine. But he had come too far to turn back now. He clenched his fists, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him. "I don''t care," he declared. "I''ll do anything to save them. Just tell me what I have to do." Oberoy studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Give me your hand." The moment Zain''s fingers brushed against Oberoy''s palm, a sudden burst of purple light surged forward, wrapping around his body like a living entity. His breath hitched as the luminous energy melded into his skin, forming an armor, an eerie, glowing shell that pulsed with power. Then, he heard Oberoy''s voice, except this time, it was inside his head. Don''t be afraid. This is necessary. You need this armor to prevent detection¡­ and to keep yourself from being killed by ****. Oberoy''s words blurred into an unintelligible murmur, a static noise that sent sharp pains shooting through Zain''s skull. A splitting headache overtook him as he instinctively tried to decipher what he had said. His body convulsed, the pain worse than anything he had ever experienced, even worse than when he had fallen into the void after his death. "Don''t be impulsive, Zain," Oberoy''s voice warned, now laced with urgency. "If you try to remember my words, you might die. Just remember, this world is not as simple as it seems." Zain struggled to breathe, his mind a chaotic mess. "So¡­ can we go now?" he asked, his voice hoarse but resolute. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. This time, Oberoy smiled. A real, genuine smile. And then, with a strange glint in his eyes, he chuckled. "It''s been a long time since I broke any rules," he said, an almost childlike excitement creeping into his tone. Then, he burst into laughter...a deep, wild laugh that sent a chill through the already cold void surrounding them. His eyes darkened as he looked up into the abyss above. "Do you know how you ended up in this pit of darkness?" he asked suddenly. Zain hesitated, shaking his head. "No. I have no idea why I''m even alive. Let alone why I''m here." Oberoy smiled again, but this time, there was something unsettling in it. "You will know soon enough," he said cryptically. "Try to stay sane when you learn the truth." Before Zain could process his words, his armor erupted in a dazzling display of energy. White-hot pain lanced through his entire being as a rush of unknown force surged through him. "Relax, Zain," Oberoy''s voice echoed in his mind. "You need to stay calm. If you panic, you might lose your loved ones again. I can only do this once." Zain forced himself to nod, swallowing the fear creeping up his throat. Oberoy grinned. "Then let''s go back to the past." His laughter reverberated in Zain''s skull, his voice now fully merged with his thoughts. The purple armor cocooned him completely as he felt himself accelerating, moving at an impossible speed. The void blurred around him as he was hurled forward, the force pressing against his body like an unseen weight. The next thing he saw was a blinding white light. He barely had time to react before it swallowed him whole. The instant the light clashed against his armor, he felt it an unbearable heat, as if his entire being was being seared away, erased from existence. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he noticed something horrifying, his armor was cracking. "You see," Oberoy''s voice drifted into his mind, "if you had attempted to enter the material world without this armor, you would have been nothing more than scattered gas by now." Zain gritted his teeth, pushing forward despite the resistance. The light was eating away at his armor, stripping it away layer by layer. He wasn''t sure how long he endured it. Seconds? Minutes? Hours? But finally, the resistance lessened. His speed decreased, and then, He crashed into an invisible entity. The impact sent a violent shock through his body, as if every cell had been momentarily shattered and reconstructed all over again. Cracks formed on his skin, his very existence teetering on the edge of collapse. Before he could dissolve into nothingness, Oberoy''s voice cut through the haze. "Material bodies are crucial in the lower worlds," he stated firmly, his tone devoid of its usual humor. "Even a little strength can change fate. Remember that." A thought slipped through Zain''s weary mind. "He''s¡­ kind of cool." Oberoy chuckled. "I heard that, you know." Zain groaned. "Stop laughing like a maniac then." They both burst into laughter, the absurdity of their situation momentarily forgotten. "You remind me of ****," Oberoy began, but his words were cut short. Because the scene before them had changed. They were inside a house. Not just any house, Zain''s house. His body stiffened, his hands trembling. The walls were made of mud and straw, the scent of damp earth filling his nostrils. He recognized the old neem-wood bed in the corner, the same bed he used to lie on with his parents, listening to their stories before falling asleep. Every detail was as he remembered. The memories hit him like a tidal wave, their warmth almost unbearable. Then, a familiar voice drifted from the next room, a voice he had not heard in what felt like an eternity. Gentle. Sweet. Comforting. His mother''s voice. Tears pricked his eyes before he could stop them. "Who''s there?" The soft, feminine voice called out again as the door creaked open. His breath hitched. And then, she stepped into view. She was young, no older than twenty. Long black hair cascaded down her back, thick and shining with youth. Her face was radiant, her skin glowing like moonlight. A small nose, soft pink lips¡­ She was exactly as he remembered her. A lifetime''s worth of emotions surged within him, threatening to break free. But before he could take a step forward, Oberoy''s voice whispered sharply in his mind. "Stay quiet. Do not interfere. Do not disturb the timeline." Zain clenched his fists. His body trembled. He had traveled through time. He had defied the laws of existence. And yet... He could do nothing. He could only stand there and watch his mother, so close yet so far away, unable to tell her the words he had wanted to say for so long. "I missed you, Mom!" Ch04- Into The Past Zain stood frozen, his body trembling as he stared at his mother...the woman he had longed to see for what felt like an eternity. The sight of her, so young and full of life, shattered whatever composure he had left. Tears welled up in his eyes before spilling over, running down his face in silent sobs. He cried like a lost child, just as he used to when he couldn''t find her back when he was little. But no matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he screamed inside his head, his voice couldn''t reach her. The violet cocoon around him, pulsing softly, muffled his every sound, isolating him from the world he so desperately wanted to return to. "Please, just one minute just let me talk to her," he begged, turning to Mr. Oberoy, his voice thick with desperation. "Just a minute¡­ That''s all I need." Oberoy, standing beside him with his arms crossed, sighed. "Zain, you know I can''t do that. It''s dangerous not just for you, but for her too." Zain clenched his fists. "I don''t care about danger! I just want to see her¡­ just once more." But Oberoy remained unmoved. "If you interfere, it could change everything, and not necessarily for the better." Zain gritted his teeth, his emotions spiraling out of control. How was he supposed to just stand here and watch, powerless, when the very person he lost was right in front of him? How was he supposed to ignore the pain clawing at his chest? But before he could protest further, the sound of approaching footsteps pulled his attention away. The wooden door creaked open, and a towering figure stepped inside. A man wearing a white shirt and black pants that appeared slightly old and worn out, suggesting they were either quite old or made from low-quality fabric. Broad shoulders, thick muscles stretching against a simple linen shirt, and brown hair reaching his shoulders. He was so tall, at least 6''2" that he had to duck slightly to enter through the 6-foot doorway. His hands, rough and strong, bore the marks of a blacksmith, a craftsman who had spent his life forging weapons and armor for the colonial government. Zain''s breath caught in his throat. He knew exactly who this was. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Zian Miller. His father. A younger, livelier version of the man he had once known. "Sarah, what are you looking for?" Zian asked, smiling as he shut the door behind him. His voice was deep, warm, carrying a natural authority. And yet, despite his intimidating build, there was a gentleness in his eyes a kindness that most wouldn''t expect from a man his size. "Nothing, honey," Sarah replied, glancing at the open window. "I just thought someone was here¡­ Maybe it was just a cat." Zian chuckled. "Oh dear, you''re always so sensitive." He stepped forward and, before Zain could even react, wrapped his strong arms around Sarah''s waist from behind. Zain''s face burned. Oberoy, of course, chose this exact moment to burst into laughter. "Oh ho! Your father was quite the romantic!" Oberoy teased, nudging Zain with his elbow. Zain groaned, looking anywhere but at his overly affectionate parents. "Can we not do this right now?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. Oberoy only laughed harder. But before Zain could recover from his embarrassment, his father spoke again. "So, Sarah," Zian said, voice dropping to a flirtatious whisper, "it''s been six months since our wedding¡­" Zain''s stomach twisted. No. No, no, no... "Do you think it''s time we had a baby?" Zain nearly choked on his own spit. What. WHAT?! Zian, completely oblivious to the crisis his words had just caused in his time-traveling son, leaned down, whispering sweetly into Sarah''s ear. "How many do you think we should have? Three? Five? What do you say, my love?" Zain blanched. Oberoy howled in laughter. "Your father is quite hardworking, huh?" he teased, wiping fake tears from his eyes. Zain, now redder than a ripe tomato. "Shut Up!" He shouted. But Oberoy was relentless. "I mean, really, this man is planning a whole football team." Zain wanted to disappear. Or die. Either option seemed preferable to this. Meanwhile, Sarah, equally flustered, ducked her head shyly. "N-no, we''ll have just two, a boy and a girl." Her voice was so soft it was barely above a whisper, but in the silence of the night, both men heard her clearly. Zian grinned. "Only two? So, should we start making one now?" Before Sarah could react, Zian swept her off her feet, carrying her in bridal-style towards the bedroom. Zain''s soul left his body. He wasn''t just witnessing his parents being affectionate...he was witnessing the potential beginning of his own existence. This was officially the worst moment of his entire life. "THIS IS ILLEGAL!" Zain whisper-yelled, clutching his head in horror. Oberoy, now practically rolling on the floor, wheezed between laughs. "At least try to give them some privacy, you pervert! Spying on your own conception? Tsk, tsk, Zain!" "I AM NOT WATCHING THIS!" Zain scrambled to turn around, but his father''s next words stopped him dead. "Sarah, I''ll make sure our child is strong and capable. He will be the best thing I''ve ever created." "We will raise our child into a great person." Zain looked into his wife''s eyes, which sparkled like stars, before walking toward the other room. Zain froze. He wasn''t sure why, but something about those words¡­ felt warm. A lump formed in his throat. For all the embarrassment, for all the awkwardness of this situation, there was one undeniable truth, His father had loved him. Even before he existed. A smile tugged at Zain''s lips. Maybe this wasn''t entirely the worst moment of his life. As he sees his father carrying his mother in other room, But, Before Zian could close the bedroom door, something outrageous happened that Zain has never expected... Ch05- Changing The Past As Zian reached for the door, preparing to shut it behind him, something unexpected happened, something that sent a shiver down Zain''s spine. A voice, low and commanding, echoed in his mind. "This is the time, Zain." It was Mr. Oberoy. Before Zain could react, his body moved on its own. The purple armor encasing him pulsed with an eerie glow, and suddenly, he was propelled forward like a spear thrown by fate itself. His father stood just three meters ahead, reaching for the door handle, unaware of the force about to strike him. Zain''s palm covered with purple armour crashed into Zian''s lower abdomen, sending the towering man flying backward. The impact was brutal, knocking the air from his lungs as he hit the ground with a loud thud. A brilliant purple light erupted from his body, flickering like dying embers. But to Sarah''s mortal eyes, all she saw was her husband collapsing before her. She gasped, rushing to him in a panic, unable to perceive the ethereal glow surrounding his fallen form. Zain, trapped inside the armor, was powerless. He hadn''t moved of his own will. His body had been stolen from him. He had been forced to attack his father. His rage boiled over, a scream forming in his throat. But before he could release it, the voice spoke again, calm yet urgent. "We have to leave. Now." Zain''s breath hitched as he noticed something terrifying. The purple glow surrounding his father was fading. Flickering once, then vanishing completely. Before he could ask what had just happened, his armor shattered into a thousand shards of violet energy. The world dissolved. Darkness swallowed him whole. Then, as if responding to the silent shift in the air, a figure emerged, just after they leave the room. A man clad in pristine white armor with a golden crest on the chest, materialized before the space where Zain had been just moments prior. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room, his gaze settling on Zian and Sarah, who remained unaware of his presence. He stood motionless, the flickering remnants of the purple energy glowing weakly at his feet. "Interesting, "he murmured, his voice tinged with amusement. "Did I just miss something?" And then, just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone. --- Zain stood in the void once more. The abyss stretched infinitely in every direction, consuming all light, all sound. Yet, hovering before him, was the faint glow of violet energy. Mr. Oberoy''s presence. Zain''s fists clenched, breath ragged. Rage burned inside him, deeper than anything he had ever felt. "What did you do to my father?" If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. His voice roared through the darkness as he lunged forward, aiming to punch the glowing figure before him, as if striking it would make Oberoy feel the fury boiling within him. But the old man remained eerily calm. "Your father is safe. I didn''t harm him. I was trying to save him." Zain stopped, panting, glare sharper than a blade. "Save him?" he spat. "You made me attack him. You threw him to the ground. And now, you''ve ripped me away before I could understand what happened. Explain yourself!" Oberoy let out a slow sigh, the light surrounding him flickering slightly. "Look for yourself." Before Zain could respond, the void shifted. A blue screen materialized in front of him, glowing with an unnatural radiance. Four separate visions flickered into existence, like windows into a reality he had never lived. Zain''s heart pounded as he stared at the first screen. ~~~ [ First Screen ] His father lay unconscious for an hour before finally stirring. Sarah sat beside him, eyes red and swollen from crying, clutching his hand as if she feared he would disappear. He whispered soft words, calming her, pulling her into his arms. Zain exhaled sharply. His father was fine. More than that...he was alive. As time in the vision moved forward, Zain watched as his parents postponed their plans for a week. They didn''t act on their decision immediately. They waited. And then, nine months later... a baby was born. A girl. Zain''s breath hitched. She was tiny, delicate, wrapped in warmth. She laughed, she cried, she lived. "Her name is Ria," Oberoy murmured. Zain could hardly breathe. He saw her growing up, running through fields, joining school, bringing joy into a home that once felt distant. And then, something that shattered him. His parents, his once strong, fierce, untouchable parents, grew old. But they weren''t taken by war, by cruelty, by the hands of a merciless government. They passed peacefully. Surrounded by love. Zain''s vision blurred. He hadn''t even realized he was crying. He saw Ria, now a grown woman, marrying, starting a family of her own. His parents, now grandparents, laughed with their grandchildren, telling them stories, holding them close. And when their time came, they left the world gently. No suffering. No agony. Just peace! But something gnawed at him. A question. "Why isn''t there any sign of the colonial government?" Oberoy answered without hesitation. "They never found your continent." Zain''s eyes widened. "What?" "The ships that set sail never returned. A hurricane swallowed them whole." Silence. And then, Zain let out a sharp breath. "Serves them right," he muttered, a cruel smile twisting his lips. --- [ On the second screen ] He saw her. The only woman he had ever loved. She had been twelve when he first met her at a fair. He was thirteen. He still remembered the moment he saw her smile. They had planned to marry when he turned nineteen. But then...war. He had lost her. He thought she had perished. Yet here, on the screen, she lived. Zain watched as she met someone else. A man he recognized. The son of a landlord from a neighboring village. In his past life, this man had been betrayed by his own family, his wealth stolen. But in this world, he lived. She married him. They had a family. They grew old together. Zain exhaled, his heart heavy. He didn''t know whether to be relieved or heartbroken. ~~~ [ Third screen ] Veer. His brother-in-arms. A man who had bled beside him, suffered beside him. In Zain''s past life, Veer had fought in the rebellion. He had lost his wife to illness, died while saving his life. But here¡­ Here, he never picked up any weapon. There was no war to fight. Zain watched as Veer worked the fields, married the woman he loved, raised three daughters and two sons. She never suffered from illness. Their children never had to grow up motherless. Veer became a good father, a loving husband. And in the end, he too passed peacefully. Buried beneath the same oak tree. Tears dripped down Zain''s face. He had never known such a life could exist. --- The screens faded. Zain stood motionless, staring into the void. "Did you see?" Oberoy asked softly. "They all lived. They all left with smiles on their faces." Zain nodded slowly. He wanted to thank Oberoy. To bow. But as he lowered himself, Oberoy stopped him. "Don''t thank me," he said. "Just remember this favor. One day, you may have to return it." Zain swallowed, but something still gnawed at him. "How did you change everything just by making me attack my father?" Oberoy smiled faintly. "I removed something inside him." A chill ran down Zain''s spine. "What did you remove?" Oberoy sighed. "The seed that would have created you." Zain''s world collapsed. "You mean" "Yes," Oberoy said. "You were an anomaly, Zain. You were never supposed to exist." Zain''s breath caught in his throat. And because he didn''t... Everyone else had lived. Ch06- The Cursed One Zain''s eyes darkened as he stared at Oberoy, trying to make sense of the words that had just been spoken. "What do you mean¡­ I am an anomaly?" he asked, his voice hoarse. His fingers curled into trembling fists. "Are you saying that all the suffering my family and friends went through¡­ was because of me?" The weight of those words crushed down on him, suffocating him like an iron grip around his throat. His head ached, not from any external force this time, but from the storm raging within. Guilt. Doubt. Questions that clawed at the edges of his sanity. His mind went completely blank, replaced by an eerie, hollow ringing. His breath came in ragged gasps. His fingers dug into his scalp, nails piercing flesh as warm blood trickled down his forehead. He felt nothing... only emptiness, only the sinking realization that his very existence may have been a curse. Oberoy took a step forward, his voice calm but firm. "Zain, listen to me." But Zain barely heard him. His thoughts spiraled into chaos, dragging him into memories he wished he could forget. Every regret, every moment of weakness, every failure. All his life, he had thought himself a coward, a man too weak to save anyone he loved. Now, as he stood here, after finally finding peace, a sinister truth gnawed at his soul. If their suffering was because of me¡­ Isn''t that the same as causing the problem in the first place, then solving it and calling myself a hero? A bitter laugh choked in his throat. Was his life truly worth living? If his existence was the root of all suffering, then wouldn''t he only bring more pain in the future? Did he even deserve to be here? To be alive? The world is telling me to die. "Calm down, Zain!" Oberoy''s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp as a blade. He stepped closer, gripping Zain''s shoulders as the younger man trembled violently. "This is not the time to lose yourself." Zain''s wide, unfocused eyes flickered toward him. "Don''t you want to know why your existence caused all these problems? Why I saved you? Why the world hates you?" Oberoy''s voice carried something deeper than just an explanation... it was a challenge. "Answer me first. Who suffered the most? Who died the most pathetic death?" Silence. Then, Oberoy leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It''s you, Zain. It''s always been you." Zain''s breath hitched. "Think about it." Oberoy''s fingers tightened on his shoulders, shaking him as if trying to force his words into Zain''s mind. "Your life was nothing but a cruel joke. You had loving parents, the happiest nineteen years of your life. And then? One night, they were murdered. The next day, the woman you loved vanished. And after that? Your best friend, your brother in all but blood, died in a way that made you blame yourself for his death." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Zain''s chest rose and fell in rapid, shallow breaths. The emptiness in his eyes flickered... anger, grief, denial. "You wanted to die after that, didn''t you?" Oberoy continued, his voice growing harsher. "But you couldn''t. Because fate wouldn''t let you. It kept you alive, watching, suffering, drowning in guilt. You had to raise his child. You had to lie to those kids, look into their innocent eyes while they asked for their dead father, and pretend you could be enough." Zain''s hands clenched so hard his nails threatened to break skin. "And yet, none of those children suffered the way you did. Why? Because if they had¡­ you would''ve finally broken. And that wouldn''t have been fun for them, would it?" Oberoy sneered. "The world hates you, Zain. The world despises you!" Something inside Zain snapped. His lips curled in a snarl, a shadow passing over his face. His rage burned like wildfire, but it was nothing compared to the despair that swallowed him whole. "The world¡­ hates me," he muttered, his voice eerily hollow. A second later, Oberoy''s hand shot out, striking Zain across the face. The sharp sound echoed in the darkness. "Enough," Oberoy commanded. Zain staggered, his vision blurring. The last thing he saw was Oberoy''s worried face before his world faded to black. --- When Zain awoke, his mind felt¡­ lighter. Clearer. But the moment he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat. Before him stood a man with blue skin, his body lined with purple lightning runes that pulsed with energy. His hair was a deep violet, his armor dark gold, and at the center of his chest was a violet core that radiated an eerie glow. "You''re awake," the man said, his voice carrying an unmistakable sense of relief. Zain stared at him, confused. The man''s presence was overwhelming, like a force of nature condensed into a single being. "Are you feeling better now?" he asked. Zain blinked, realizing something was wrong. His surroundings, green fields, deer grazing peacefully, birds soaring overhead... were nothing like the darkness he remembered. A cool breeze brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers. This place¡­ it''s beautiful. "Isn''t it beautiful?" the man amused, watching Zain''s reaction. Zain''s eyes narrowed. That voice¡­ "Mr. Oberoy?" he asked cautiously. The man smirked. "Hah. You''ve finally regained some rationality." Zain felt his breath catch. Oberoy looked nothing like he had seen before. His past appearance had been a mere facade. Still, Zain didn''t question it. He had too many things weighing on his mind. "How long was I asleep?" he asked. Oberoy crossed his arms. "If we''re talking in terms of your previous world''s time, about a thousand years." Zain''s body stiffened, but he forced his expression to remain unreadable. "Don''t worry," Oberoy continued. "We''re in the spirit dimension, so time here doesn''t affect the external world." Zain exhaled slowly. He wanted to feel relieved, but his mind was already drifting elsewhere. One thousand years¡­ His chest tightened, but he buried the emotions deep. Now wasn''t the time. He stood, but as he moved, he felt a strange pull at the back of his head. Reaching back, his fingers met something... a thick wooden root connected to his skull. His blood ran cold. Oberoy, noticing his reaction, explained, "It''s the vine of the Divine War Tree. It heals those suffering from mental and spiritual affliction." Zain clenched his jaw, his fingers trembling as he gripped the root. A sudden, searing pain shot through his head, like something crawling outside of his skull. He gasped, hands gripping his temples as agony burned through his veins. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the pain faded. Zain staggered, his breaths heavy. He lifted his head. "Where¡­ are we?" Oberoy smiled. "We''re in my lord''s spirit realm. This is from where, you''ll be reincarnated into another world." Zain stiffened. "Reincarnated?" "You have questions, don''t you?" Oberoy said, his grin widening. "Go ahead and ask. But be prepared, Zain. The truth of this world¡­ isn''t as simple as you think." He studied Zain''s face, noting the hardened gaze and clenched fists. "Is he really the same man I met before?" Oberoy mused to himself. But then, as he watched Zain''s darkened expression, his smirk grew. "Interesting. This is getting fun." And deep inside, Oberoy knew. The Zain he knew..... died long ago. Ch07- The Question Hour Zain stood in silence, looking out at the vast landscape before him. The air was thick with a strange energy, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Mr. Oberoy, seated casually against a massive tree, broke the silence. "Zain," Oberoy''s voice was calm, almost knowing, "I ask you now do you have any questions? For after today, we may never meet again. It is important for you to understand the truth." His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. "Why were you cursed? Why must you live in such misery?" Zain turned his gaze back toward the horizon, where a gray cave loomed in the distance, its entrance flanked by a sprawling graveyard. As far as he could see, the ground was dotted with countless graves, an endless sea of stone markers. His eyes then lifted to the sky, where the towering stem of a divine war tree stood. The trunk was golden, as wide as a mountain, its massive roots spreading across the land. Leaves of vibrant green rustled in the wind, their sound echoing in the stillness. The tree cast a shadow that stretched for miles, yet there were no clouds in the sky, no sign of the sun just an endless, magical expanse above him. Zain''s thoughts drifted. This place, this realm belonged to someone far more powerful than he had initially imagined. Mr. Oberoy, a being of great strength, was clearly serving under someone else. Someone who could travel through time. How powerful must that person be, to command someone like Mr. Oberoy? The realization weighed heavily on him. This world was far more complex than it appeared. Zain turned his attention back to Mr. Oberoy, who sat against the tree, a vine connected to his purple core, emanating a strange dark purple and golden light. The sight was unsettling yet mesmerizing. When Oberoy noticed Zain''s gaze, he laughed softly. "Sit, Zain. There is little time left. Ask what you must, before I enter my dormant state. I''ve spent much energy already." Zain hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside him, noticing that Mr. Oberoy didn''t call him a "little kid" this time. "I''m fine," Oberoy said, as if reading Zain''s concern. "It''s just a small price to pay for defying the rules." Zain couldn''t help but smirk. The man looked like a child pretending to be tough, the way one might act after falling while running. But now wasn''t the time for idle chatter. Zain took a deep breath and asked the question that had been plaguing his mind. "What do you mean when you say I''m an ''Anomaly''?" Oberoy''s expression faltered for a brief moment before he spoke again. "We are all creations of the universe, Zain. Our bodies, our very essence, are made from the components of this world. But there are times when a creation can destroy its creator. To prevent such destruction and maintain balance between all living beings, a force was put in place... a superexistence-level force we call ''''RULES". Zain listened intently as Mr. Oberoy continued. "Rules dictate the path of all things, living and non-living. Everything has an end, and there are no exceptions. But sometimes, an error occurs. A being is born who is not bound by the rules. Zain furrowed his brow. "ANOMALY?" "Yes," Oberoy confirmed. "A being who is free from the constraints of Rules. A being who cannot be controlled or predicted. You are one such being, Zain. One in a billion, perhaps. And you are both lucky and unlucky. Without the shackles of Fate, you can become a threat to the world itself." Zain''s stomach twisted at the words. "So... I''m dangerous?" This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Oberoy nodded gravely. "Yes. Chaos often follows the presence of an Anomaly. The randomness, the lack of order... it can lead to the destruction of everything." Zain''s mind reeled. "So, what does that mean for me? For the world?" "There are those who hunt beings like you," Oberoy explained. "THE GUARDIANS". They are a group of beings who exist to protect the balance. They wear radiant white armor, with a golden shield crest, to symbolize their duty. Their purpose is to eliminate Anomalies like you, to prevent people like you from upsetting the world." Zain''s eyes widened as he absorbed this information. "Guardians? What are they?" "They divide all beings into two categories: ''PRODUCTS'' and ''ANOMALIES.'' Products are those bound by Rules. They cannot break the rules. Their lives are predetermined. They will die as their fate dictates. Anomalies, however... They are free from rule''s grasp.They are unpredictable. They can do anything, even destroy everything." Zain''s breath caught in his throat. "And the Guardians can''t kill us directly?" "No," Oberoy answered. "The Guardians are bound by their own rules. They cannot kill a Product or an Anomaly unless they are made to do so by others bound by rules. That''s why they use other people like your family and friends, people who are bound by rules to torment those they wish to eliminate. The Guardians'' role is to maintain order, to ensure that the balance is not disturbed." Zain sat in stunned silence, trying to process everything. His mind was spinning. He was an Anomaly, a being without Rules. The world saw him as a threat, and the Guardians would stop at nothing to destroy him. Oberoy sighed. "You''re beginning to understand now. The world doesn''t like you because you don''t fit within its rules. You are a wild card in a world that thrives on order." Zain''s expression twisted into something dark. "So, I''m an error, a threat... a freak." Oberoy glanced at him with a look of understanding. "It''s not all bad, Zain. There''s power in being free from Fate. But there''s also a burden. You''re a being without an end, and that scares people. You are unpredictable. It''s why they''ll try to destroy you. But you can also choose to shape your own path." Zain''s eyes narrowed. "So, what now? What do I do with all this power, all this freedom?" "I''m here to help you," Mr. Oberoy said. "My task is to make you stronger. To help you overcome the limits of your body, to unlock your true potential. But to do that, you need to leave this world. The first step is reincarnation, Zain. You''ll enter a higher world where you can shed your weaknesses and grow stronger." Zain clenched his fists. "And why are you helping me?" Oberoy paused, his face softening. "Because I was told to. By my lord." Zain''s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Your lord? Who is he? And why does he want to save me?" Oberoy smiled, a hint of reverence in his eyes. "He is not just mine but, also your lord. And soon, Zain, you will be his disciple. You will become the Apostle of the Darkness. The one who can devour anything in this world. He prophesized your arrival, Zain. He said that you would change everything." Zain froze. "What... what did you just say?" Oberoy''s smile deepened. "You will be the one *** *** *** ***". Looks like Lord doesn''t want you to know everything for now, as he sees a faint smile on Mr. Oberoy. Zain''s heart pounded in his chest. "Who is he? This lord of yours?" Mr. Oberoy stood, his eyes distant, as he gazed toward the graveyard. "He is one of the strongest beings in existence. He is free from the rules of the universe, just like you. He is known as Dark Lord." Zain''s mind raced. "The Dark Lord?" "Yes," Oberoy replied. "He sees something in you, Zain. Something that calls to him. Perhaps, in your tragic death, he saw something of himself." Zain shook his head, trying to make sense of it all. "I don''t understand. Why me? Why no" Oberoy turned back to him, a strange glimmer in his eyes. "I don''t know all the answers, Zain. But I do know that you and my lord have much in common. And he has chosen you to be his apostle." Zain''s thoughts swirled, and just as he was about to ask another question, Oberoy raised his hand. "Your time is up, Zain," he said softly. "It''s time to begin." Zain stood, his heart racing, as Mr. Oberoy''s words echoed in his mind. What had he just agreed to? What kind of future awaited him? And as Zain stood at the edge of the unknown, the weight of reincarnation into an unknown world pressing down on him, he couldn''t help but wonder... What had he just signed up for? Mr. Oberoy, sensing Zain''s inner turmoil, smiled softly, though there was a weariness to it. "Before you reincarnate into the world," he began, his voice low and solemn, "I will grant you two gifts." Zain''s gaze shifted to the man, his curiosity piqued. Two gifts? What kind of gifts could someone like Mr. Oberoy someone who was bound by such incredible power bestow upon him? "One is from our lord," Mr. Oberoy continued, his eyes glimmering with something unreadable, "and the other, well, is from me... as a parting gift." Zain''s chest tightened as the words hung in the air. From his lord? The thought sent a chill down his spine. The mysterious figure who had taken an interest in him, who had seen something in him. And then, Mr. Oberoy... What could he possibly give me? Ch08- The Two Gifts And Three Choices Zain stood there, processing the weight of what Mr. Oberoy had just revealed to him. Two gifts. One from the so-called teacher who had saved his life, and another from Mr. Oberoy himself, who seemed unexpectedly moved by Zain''s well-being. He couldn''t help but wonder. Does this man really see me as someone worth saving? He thought back to the vague memories of his past, struggling to recall the long years that had passed. Was I really unconscious for over a thousand years? The realization struck him with a jolt¡ªhis savior had protected him, kept him alive through that long stretch of time. Zain''s mind raced, torn between gratitude and disbelief. The man standing before him didn''t seem like someone who would go to such lengths. Mr. Oberoy didn''t fit the mold of a compassionate soul, yet his actions told a different story. "I... I really don''t know how to thank you," Zain said, his voice rough with emotion. "You saved me, and you''ve given me the truth. Even if this is your lord''s command, I can''t repay what you''ve done." He bowed his head, sincere but also overwhelmed by the flood of conflicting emotions. "I am truly thankful, Mr. Oberoy... and to your Dark Lord." His words were dipped in reverence, but there was a layer of fear and confusion that he couldn''t entirely conceal. Mr. Oberoy smiled softly, shaking his head. "You don''t have to thank me, Zain. As for the lord... I don''t know why he chose to save you. But let me warn you, he is not a kind man." Zain caught the shift in Mr. Oberoy''s expression, a flicker of something dark passing through his eyes. For the briefest moment, the older man seemed to retreat into a place of fear, and Zain couldn''t help but feel a pang of discomfort. "I... I will not disappoint you," Zain replied, his voice steady, though his thoughts swirled with questions. "And I will not disappoint your lord." There was a sincerity in his words now, tempered by the faintest tremor of fear. Beneath it all, however, a new feeling was beginning to emerge within Zain. It was a smoldering anger¡ªrage that burned deep inside him. He wanted to live. He wanted to find the truth, to uncover the identity of the one who had saved him. But more than anything, he wanted revenge. The darkness of his emotions began to awaken, a part of him eager to unleash it. Mr. Oberoy studied him closely, noting the change. A slight smile curled at the corner of his lips. "I think you''ve finally found a reason to live," he thought to himself, a silent approval in his gaze. "Now, you will survive no matter what." Then, without another word, Mr. Oberoy extended his hand. Two crystals materialized in the air, swirling as they took form. Zain''s eyes widened in awe. The first was a pitch-black crystal, crackling with dark energy, its aura so potent it seemed to distort the air around it. A small vortex of black mist spiraled around it, threatening to consume everything in its path. The second crystal was light purple, a fraction of the size of the black one. It shimmered, its surface like polished glass, with faint, star-like glimmers flickering inside it. The contrast between the two crystals was stark, and Zain felt a strange pull toward them. "This black crystal," Mr. Oberoy said, his voice somber, "is a gift from the lord. It''s an innate ability that will help you grow stronger. This is one of the most powerful techniques in existence, created by our lord himself." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Zain felt the weight of the words, but his attention was drawn to the second crystal as Mr. Oberoy continued. "And this one," he said, holding up the purple crystal, "is from me. The lord gave it to me as a reward, but it has little use for someone like me now. It might be more useful to you. It has its drawbacks, but nothing comes without a price. Use it wisely, Zain." Mr. Oberoy tossed the two crystals toward him. Zain instinctively reached out, and as his fingers brushed the surfaces of the crystals, they began to spin around him at a rapid pace. The black crystal emitted a bluish, dark aura that swirled around him, while the purple one pulsed with soft light. As the two crystals revolved faster, Zain watched in awe as they began to merge, forming a single larger crystal. It grew and expanded until it was a dark purple orb, much larger than either crystal had been. The fusion continued until the crystal hovered in front of his face, right between his eyebrows. A sharp pain shot through his skull, and he staggered, clutching his head. Mr. Oberoy stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Clench your teeth, kid," he warned, his voice grim. "It''s going to hurt like hell." Zain barely had time to react before Mr. Oberoy''s fist collided with the crystal, forcing it into his forehead with brutal force. The impact sent a jolt through his body, and he felt his mind and body break under the pressure. The world around him spun as pain overwhelmed his senses. For a brief moment, everything went black. Then, as if from nowhere, a sharp pain surged through his body, and he found himself back in his spirit form. His body was now a mist-like vapor, but there was something different this time. A dark purple light glowed between his eyebrows, a solid presence that was unmistakably real, even in this intangible state. Zain reached out with his spirit hand, touching the spot between his brows. To his surprise, he could feel something cold and solid there. It was like a physical presence, a power that resonated deep within him. This is it, Zain realized. This is the power. A voice echoed in his mind, low and comforting. "Yes, Zain. This crystal is part of your soul now. It is your power." "What... what can it do?" Zain asked, his curiosity tinged with frustration. "You''ll find out after reincarnation," Mr. Oberoy''s voice answered, distant yet clear. "Make sure to use it wisely." Zain''s brow furrowed in frustration. He wanted more answers, but there was no time for that. With a heavy sigh, he nodded. "I''ll use it well." "Now," Mr. Oberoy said, his tone shifting. "It''s time for your reincarnation. I''m going to give you three choices. Choose wisely, because each one will shape your future in this new world differently." Zain''s heart raced, his mind whirling. Three choices. Three paths. Each path would determine different things. "The first," Mr. Oberoy began, "is to reincarnate as a werewolf. A prodigy of a powerful wolf clan. However, his cousins and uncle killed him, trying to seize power for themselves." Zain felt the weight of the first option settle heavily on his chest. A werewolf, a prodigy... yet betrayed by his own kin. The life of power, and the pain of family treachery, reminds him of the landlord''s son in his previous life. "The second choice," Mr. Oberoy continued, "is to be a noble vampire. Born into a powerful vampire family, but with a weak bloodline. His life was filled with mockery and bullying. Through a forbidden book, he tried to make a contract with a demon, but failed and died in the process. There is a risk the demon could kill you again, but... it''s a chance." Zain''s mind raced. A vampire, mocked, rejected... but with the chance to make a pact with a demon? The temptation was great, but so were the dangers. "The third choice," Mr. Oberoy said, his voice now somber, "is to be a nameless orphan, just 17 years old. He was thrust into a battle against monsters and beasts, only to die at the hands of a monster''s sharp tail." Zain''s heart clenched. An orphan, thrown into a world of death and violence. No family, no allies. Just the fight for survival. Mr. Oberoy''s eyes met Zain''s. "Choose wisely, Zain. Each path will lead you to different factions, different struggles. Your choice will shape your future in ways you can''t even imagine." Zain stood silent, his heart pounding in his chest. This decision would alter the course of his existence. He had to make it count. Ch09- The Burden Of Choice Zain stood in the presence of the enigmatic Mr. Oberoy, his mind spinning with the weight of the three choices laid before him. Each path would lead to a drastically different life, each one filled with uncertainty, danger, and the looming shadow of death. There was no telling what awaited him after reincarnation. He would be on his own, forced to survive with nothing but his wits and whatever gifts these so-called powerful beings had bestowed upon him. But what good were gifts if he died the moment he arrived in his new world? Strength took time to cultivate, and a single day of misfortune could end it all before it even began. His fingers curled into fists as he tried to suppress the rising frustration. Was there no better option? No alternative that wouldn''t throw him into a death trap? Zain turned to Mr. Oberoy, desperation lacing his voice. "Isn''t there anything else? A better option?" Oberoy''s expression remained unreadable. "No," he said, his tone absolute. "This is the best I can do. You should be grateful that you''ve been given a chance at all... to prove yourself, to grow stronger. Most ''Anomalies'' die miserably at the hands of this world and its rules." The cold finality in his voice sent a shiver down Zain''s spine. This was it. There was no room for negotiation. Zain exhaled sharply, forcing himself to think. The vampire''s body is out of the question. There was a very real chance that the demon who had killed him would still be there, waiting. Worse, it might have already taken over that body. If that were the case, stepping into it would be an immediate death sentence. And if there was one thing Zain knew about himself¡­ it was that he had always been unlucky. That left two options, the werewolf and the orphan boy. His mind raced. The werewolf was undoubtedly a strong choice, a prodigy in his own right. If Zain took his body, perhaps that prodigious talent would carry over. But then again, why had he been killed? How powerful were his so-called cousins and uncle? Zain grimaced. He had no desire to reincarnate into a doomed body. Which left the last option... an orphan, a seventeen-year-old weakling who had already been killed in battle against beasts. A pathetic death. He had fallen to a simple tail swipe. Zain ran a hand down his face. None of these choices were good. Each one carried a high probability of death. He didn''t want to gamble his second life away so recklessly. But he had no choice. He took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to Mr. Oberoy, whose form was growing fainter. The transparency of his body signaled that he didn''t have much time left before entering his long slumber. Zain clenched his teeth. What the hell do I choose? The vampire''s body meant facing a demon that had already killed him once. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. The werewolf''s body meant dealing with family betrayal and power struggles he knew nothing about. And the boy? He was already in the middle of a battlefield, outmatched, outgunned, and slaughtered like an insect. If Zain took that body, he would be thrown straight into hell. He exhaled sharply, his eyes darting toward the sky. No one here is even trying to help me. Everyone was avoiding his questions, acting as if throwing him into a pit of suffering was a perfectly acceptable thing to do. "If I had the power," he muttered under his breath, "I''d beat the crap out of the bastard who came up with this idea." It was becoming painfully clear. He couldn''t trust anyone. Zain''s gaze flickered to Mr. Oberoy, who was sitting peacefully under the shade of the divine war tree, completely unbothered by his turmoil. "Motherf---" He stopped himself, exhaling through gritted teeth. He had no more time to hesitate. After weighing all the pros and cons, Zain made his choice. "The third option," he finally said, his voice steady. "I''ll reincarnate as the orphan." Oberoy raised a brow, clearly amused. Zain continued, forcing the words out. "There are no family feuds, no royal politics, no hidden schemes¡­ Just me against the beasts. If I can survive long enough, I might be able to pull something off. If not¡­" He shrugged. "At least I won''t be shackled by anyone else''s mess." Oberoy sighed, shaking his head. "If you think you can survive, then do so. But remember, this world will not wait for you to grow stronger. It will chew you up and spit you out the moment you let your guard down." Zain scoffed. "I''m not that stupid." Oberoy didn''t respond. Instead, he looked up at the sky, his expression unreadable. Bastards. Zain cursed under his breath, glaring at the sky as if he could set it on fire through sheer will alone. Somewhere in the distance, laughter echoed. Oberoy sighed again. "You''ve finally lost it." Zain ignored him. He had every right to complain. This entire situation was insane. Then, the air shifted. A deep voice, ancient and commanding, resonated through the space. "Thunder, prepare my student. He is ready to enter his trial world. We have done enough for him. Now, everything depends on him. He will survive¡­ or he will die. It is up to him." Zain''s breath hitched. He knew that voice. His fingers twitched as his mind raced, pulling forth a memory buried deep in his consciousness. The black-haired, red-eyed man¡­ The one who had spoken to him as he was dying on Earth. Zain swallowed hard, his eyes darting to Oberoy. "Who is Thunder?" Oberoy smirked. "Me," he answered simply. "My original name is Thunder." Zain frowned. "Why the hell didn''t you say so earlier?" Oberoy chuckled, but there was something strange in his expression... something almost¡­ fatherly. "Oh, I couldn''t tell you, Zain. But next time, I promise." Zain tensed. Next time. For some reason, that phrase left a sour taste in his mouth. Then, another voice echoed across the realm, smooth and absolute. "You have done enough, Thunder. Let him go." Zain''s fists clenched. He turned his gaze upward, bowing slightly. "Thank you for everything, Master. I swear, I will not disappoint you. Even though I have never met you, you have saved my life. You gave me the truth of my existence. You gave my friends and family a new life. I will work hard, I will become as strong as possible. I will not disappoint you." Silence. Then, "Good." This time, the voice was softer. "Do you have any questions for me?" Zain hesitated. Then, a fire lit in his chest. He straightened, eyes burning with something new, something fierce. "Can I¡­" He inhaled sharply. "Can I become as powerful as you, Master?" His voice didn''t waver. His heart pounded. Silence stretched between them. His fists clenched tighter. Say something. But no response came. His stomach twisted. Was he asking for too much? Then,"Maybe." Zain''s breath hitched. "Who knows?" A slow smirk crept onto his face. For the first time, confidence surged through his veins... unyielding, unbreakable. The voice never spoke again. Zain took one last breath. This was it. No more cowardice. No more chains. The mark of the cursed. The mark of the coward. He would change everything. He clenched his fists, stepping forward.