When you wake up from a coma and find yourself surrounded by a bunch of strange creatures breathing on you, what's your first reaction?
"[Sarkaz profanity!]"
Vera instinctively swore, and just as she was about to stop time and retaliate, she found herself unable to control her body.
After a brief hunting session following the perspective in front of her, Vera realized that she had once again fallen into a strange state as if she were entering Ifrit's memories.
But there seems to be a difference, since I wasn't involved from a first-person perspective back then.
So whose memories are these? Dead Souls's?
No, now is not the time to think about that.
Vera tried to sense her surroundings. She was sure she had hugged Wis'adel when she fell into the furnace, but now he was nowhere to be seen.
And Scout—was this a betrayal or a necessary step to enter the Crucible?
[Vera: Vane, are you receiving messages?]
[...]
Bad news, the group network is down.
"Go home."
Another piece of bad news: the Vitality Hall is offline.
Is it because it's within a memory...? No, ultimately, is it really a memory?
If it really is a memory, how did Theresa escape this state in the first place?
The time-stop field, which should have stopped time, was clearly triggered, so why didn't it succeed?
Or is it that the time-stopping field and Sarkaz sorcery produced a strange reaction?
While considering countermeasures, Vera began to observe the current situation from her own perspective.
As expected of Dead Souls, it truly is an old thing.
As far as the eye could see, it was all wilderness, much better than Kazdel now, at least Vera could see a lot of green on the Daichi.
There are just a lot of oddballs.
A demon with skin of stone and huge wings on its back.
The skull Spine are exposed; the Wendigo is enormous.
Giant with a blue face and fangs, whose face was filled with eyeballs.
There were even more bizarre species that Vera couldn't describe, which broadened her horizons while also making her feel quite physically uncomfortable.
If these are the memories of Dead Souls, then these guys are probably the Sarkaz in their ancient form.
I'm sorry, I misunderstood you, fourth brother.
Vera silently apologized to Vane in her heart.
The Originium cosmetic pack is really useful; the native inhabitants here are just too unattractive.
As Vera observed, the person in the camera resumed their hunt, targeting a giant, blood-red maggot.
The user of the perspective quickly succeeded in hunting, but instead of eating, they led their prey in one direction.
After an unknown amount of time, Vera's spirits lifted.
She saw the beginnings of civilization, a tribe?
It should be considered a tribe...
There was no campfire, no campsite; a group of similar-looking demons huddled together, but they didn't seem to get along.
[Sarkaz profanity!] Why are you eating the corpses of your own kind?!
The person watching the demon feeding on its own kind had been observing it for a long time, long enough for the demon to notice and breathe in their direction.
With just a brief observation, Vera was certain that the person taking this viewpoint was definitely not popular.
He was driven away whenever he tried to approach his companions, but the creature seemed to enjoy it and would even feed his prey to some of his weaker brethren.
This guy is incredible...
Vera had a feeling that the owner of this memory must be an extraordinary person.
But Vera was quickly proven wrong.
It seems that the demon's long-term actions moved its fellow human beings, and one of the people who regularly fed it returned some of their food.
But the demon refused; Vera could tell the gift was the corpse of one of her own kind.
[A hesitant, murmured sound?]
[A calm hiss]
[A horrified hiss!]
Vera didn't know what the demon had said, but the entire tribe looked over as if they were looking at something terrifying.
Before long, all the demons of the tribe swarmed forward and completely suppressed the person in the viewpoint.
You cooled off way too quickly, didn't you?
Vera paused for a moment to mourn these pioneers who possessed a civilized spirit in a primitive era, waiting for this memory to end.
But the demons did not kill him. After a heated discussion, they brought him to some ruins.
Good heavens, where did this kind of architecture come from in this era!?
From Vera's perspective, there is a vast, silvery-white complex of buildings, filled with a futuristic, sci-fi style that seems out of place in this era.
The demons halted, and amidst their shouts, the narrator descended the plains and entered the silvery mountains.
Exiled?
Vera belatedly realized what was going on.
No, is it such a terrible crime not to eat one's own kind? What's wrong with the Ancient Teekaz?
The demon clearly wouldn't answer Vera's questions; in the mirror of the silver-white wall, Vera saw her host's true appearance.
So thin...
One would expect a hunter who could hunt so easily to be quite strong, but compared to his kind, this hunter appeared rather thin.
Is it because they refuse to eat their own kind?
The demon huddled in the corner, clutching his body, and Vera felt a pang of pity for this farsighted hunter.
It's not your fault; it's this era that's limiting you.
As night fell, Vera noticed that the hunter was becoming uneasy, frequently glancing around as if afraid of something.
Vera soon discovered the root of his fear.
What are those weapons that look like they'd appear in a science fiction movie? And this [ruins] even has a security system?
The hunter began to run, but was still hit.
Fortunately, apparently due to years of disrepair, the security system's weapons damaged the building beneath the hunter as they struck him.
The hunter was plunged into darkness, and Vera could see nothing.
After an unknown amount of time, Vera heard static again, and the scene in front of her began to flicker.
Is He going to die?
Vera felt sorry.
But then something unexpected happened: Vera saw something familiar in this barbaric era.
A black Crown?
Vera began to realize that something was wrong.
Sure enough, just like the protagonist in the script who fell into a cliff and obtained a peerless secret manual.
The hunter obtained a unique cheat in the Silver Mountains.
However, it is clear that this kind of cheat requires time to master.
Amidst repetitive and boring scenes, Vera goes from despair to acceptance, and finally gives up and tries to fall asleep.
Fortunately, she succeeded.
When Vera opened her eyes again, the hunter was finally walking in the light.
She also saw the oldest wish-fulfillment novel on Terra.
A black crown adorned the forehead of an exiled sinner, who appeared on the plain.
He was emaciated, and hunger and thirst made him unsteady on his feet. Vera knew what kind of transformation he had undergone.
The hunter walked through the hunter-gatherer tribes who preyed on each other, showing them how he survived the night unscathed and conquered the Silver Mountains alongside those who had once banished him.
They no longer let out piercing screams, but learned to use a true language to soothe the raging soul of the mountains.
A new word, a new name, spread with the birth of a new language.
"Teekaz" means "one who owns a home".
The crowned hunter became the King of Teekaz, and together they began to build a home for all Teekaz.
Kazdel, the first city in history to be named "the place where home is located".
To be honest, Vera quite enjoyed it as a story.
But why personal experience?
Unable to break free, Vera couldn't help but feel pessimistic, wondering if she would have to exist like this for the rest of her life.
No, I can leave once this guy dies.
Vera believed this and looked forward to the death of the Farstrider.
The sun rises and sets again and again.
The tiny city-state grew taller and taller, bigger and bigger.
Why?! You're incredibly resilient!
Vera felt a sense of despair; she seemed to have misjudged the lifespan of the Teekaz race.
Helpless, she found joy in her suffering, observing the daily lives of the Farstrider while beginning to learn.
Vera learned the language of Teekaz.
Vera learned how to deliver babies.
Vera learns Teekaz magic...
The more Vera learned, the more she adapted to this repetitive and mundane daily life, and began to look forward to the changes in the city.
How's the little one who was born yesterday? Shouldn't we go see him today?
Is it alright to leave the official business on the desk unattended? The court monk is hiding in the corner! Didn't you see him?
The city's population has increased again? The Flame Demon Clan? They really do resemble the boss...
Kazdel prospered, and more and more different clans emerged within Teekaz. Vera gradually stopped cursing.
Oh well, so much time has passed, it doesn't matter anymore. Let him die peacefully in his sleep if he wants to.
Vera offered her such blessings.
But fate seemed determined to work against her.
Gradually, strange reports began to appear on the hunter's desk.
Huge prey, dangerous Behemoths, terrifying enemies.
From initial indifference to eventual unstoppable force, a power entirely different from Teekaz, yet equally formidable, is rising.
The grown-up child died in battle.
A border clan was wiped out.
The suppressed anger grew stronger and stronger.
When did the hatred begin? Perhaps it was a chance hunting incident, or a minor, unintentional altercation?
Vera couldn't remember anymore...
When she came to her senses, she was surrounded by an army of Behemoth that blotted out the sky.
The war was incredibly brutal; the world truly lost its color, and blood flowed for miles.
The high city walls are getting lower and lower, and the houses that were once full are becoming emptier and emptier.
The once invincible Teekaz... seems destined to lose this time?
Is it over?
Vera felt no joy even though the freedom she longed for was right in front of her.
Together with the hunter, she witnessed the nation she had built being ruthlessly crushed by history.
Is it over...?
"Nice to meet you, King of Teekaz."
The armies of the overlords blotted out the sky, and a wise man came alone before the king, demanding in the language of Teekaz that the demon king hand over the city.
In exchange, the overlords are willing to guarantee Teekaz's safe departure.
The king had a long conversation with the wise man, and finally, the wise man led his people and army eastward.
The king did not hand over what they wanted; some of the overlords left, while others remained lingering in the area.
It's simple, isn't it? Just give that to them, and those poor children will all survive.
If only...
"King!!"
The hunter looked at his city; the clans that could not withstand the war had long since left, and he knew all the people who remained in the city.
"Take us hunting again!"
The king looked at his subjects and slowly rose.
Only now did the people realize once again the truth that had been with them for many years.
So thin...
You are clearly the king of all Teekaz, so why are you so thin?
Just like before, the Teekaz once again surrounded the frail king.
But this time, things are different. They will step into the [Silver Mountains], a symbol of death, together.
Suddenly, the king turned and looked back at the city-state, saying something Vera couldn't understand.
She's crying...
The Daichi trembled in the echoes of the slaughter, but this trembling was quickly overshadowed by the disappearance of the sun.
The dispatched tribes have arrived at the forbidden land, liberating the suffering that slumbered in its cradle.
How long did this disaster last?
Living beings trudge through the eternal night until their toes and nails are worn smooth and newborn infants learn to walk, only then do they see the sunlight again.
The hunter is dead.
He perished along with his subjects and the besieging overlords.
Is it over?
No...
It was as if a curse of suffering had been unleashed upon the Teekaz; those Teekaz fought alongside the King had lost their physical bodies and could not die.
The king's soul was imprisoned in the heavens, where he witnessed the deaths of his beloved people.
The former overlord lost his homeland, and the stonemasons who built the city erected high walls.
The traitorous ruler, engulfed in flames, was bathed in sunlight; the blue flames of fury slew the king.
War and turmoil, suffering and sorrow.
The Sarkaz faced a succession of demon lords, and finally, after a thousand destructions, they built a city-state.
That's enough, isn't it...?
Vera watched with the hunter, seething with resentment.
You have accompanied them for ten thousand years, your soul is almost extinguished, only remnants remain, why will you not rest in peace?
That's enough!
No...
I unleashed the curse, I created the lament, I am... I am...
[Sinner]
You actually think that way! Then why didn't you agree to the demands of the overlords in the first place? Why did you refuse to surrender even at the cost of your life?
Why...
From barbarism to civilization, from wilderness to city-states.
It has taken a thousand years to help our compatriots stand up; at least... let them stop bending their backs.
"Just stand up."
There was no response; the hunter had long since vanished, leaving only Vera standing in the center of the All Souls.
At that moment, she finally understood what the babbling was.
Hatred, anger, confusion, sorrow...
The departed souls, unable to return to death, are forced to witness the deaths of their compatriots from the stands.
"It must be very painful..."
Just like the hunter before her, Vera sat on the ground and communicated with the All Souls.
[A frenzied scream!]
Like the hunter before her, Vera was also rejected by the All Souls.
"Let's talk. What kind of country do you hope to build?"
Countless All Souls danced in the air, none responding. Vera waited calmly, like a hunter meditating underground for a thousand days.
Finally, an All Souls came to her side.
"Is he satisfied after eating and drinking his fill? What an easily satisfied fellow..."
The second strand--
Want to find true love? You have to work hard for it; shortcuts won't work.
Third--
"A beautiful house? You must be Children of Earth and Stone, only you people would like these things."
Vera patiently chatted with the All Souls, and more and more All Souls gathered around her, making the fantasy world clearer and more beautiful.
When did it begin? When did those frantic screams disappear?
"So... would you like to come along?"
Vera stood up and extended an invitation to the All Souls.
Oh, how can anyone refuse that?
History repeats itself: the Children of Earth and Stone build city-states, the Flame Demon ignites the light, the Lich plots his scheme, and the Banshee sings her heart out...
In this desolate Hall of All Souls, a city-state similar to, yet entirely different from, Kazdel is being built.
But that's not enough; they alone cannot recreate the city-state.
Demon King! We need a Demon King!
The towering Gargoyle wielded its giant hammer, and the [city builder] returned to his old profession.
The enraged Flame Demon reluctantly took flight, illuminating the blazing sun high in the sky.
A cyan-clad knight roams the city, protecting the people's safety and well-being.
Everything was the same, yet everything became different.
The Blood Prince no longer sings mournful songs, but instead joins the Banshee in chanting dirges.
The Great Decayer restrained his appetite to save food for the woodcutter.
The Prophet spreads her wisdom, and the Knocker veils the sun from the night.
Homes are being built, Teekaz are singing.
Your Majesty, we still need a wise and virtuous king!
The All Souls gathered joyfully in the square, with the demon kings of past generations standing on either side.
The Cyclops stood tall.
Choose me, and the future and the past will be in your hands.
The Banshee sang softly.
Choose me, and the tranquility of the valley will flow for you.
The Flame Demon swung its arms in fury.
Choose me! I'll give you the supreme power to burn everything!
The demon kings clashed, Vera looked towards the stonemason at the far end.
The All Souls cheered, "The city wall builder! It's the city wall builder!"
Gargoyle handed over the stone hammer and applauded the new king.
I have built the highest walls; what kind of city-state do you wish to build?
"Oh, excuse me, could you please move aside?"
Vera walked past the stunned demon king and headed towards the dark alley.
"Ah, found it, found it. You're still the same as always, always hiding in places like this."
Help...
"Yes, yes, yes, it's been said for thousands of years, we're sick of it."
The skinny demon king huddled in the corner, and Vera bent down and patted him on the shoulder.
"Open your eyes and look at this world, First King."
The hunter opened his eyes, and the world before him was no longer filled with the wails of his fellow countrymen, but with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers.
"As compensation for trapping me for so long, this city-state is now in your hands. Remember to do your best."
Vera stood up and looked at the pink figure at the end of the flower corridor.
"Many people are waiting for me; it's time for me to leave."
[Ancient Teekaz language]
"What? Isn't it too unfair to ask these people for help at a time like this?"
[Ancient Teekaz language]
"Pay back to the Dead Souls? I haven't even settled the score with them for bringing me here yet."
[Ancient Teekaz language...]
"Tsk! Alright, alright! I won't cause them any trouble. They're all working for me anyway."
Vera scratched her head and realized that she could hear sounds coming from her ears again.
"I'm really leaving now. Is there anything you'd like to say to your former subordinates before you go?"
[Ancient Teekaz language...]
"That cheesy guy... is gone!"
Upon arriving at the plaza once more, the All Souls gazed upon Vera, upon this new queen who was not chosen by the Crown, but rather elected by the All Souls.
Vera's waist trembled violently, and the Demon King's Oath spontaneously flew to the center of the square.
Under the light, Vera could finally see the translucent crimson chains on the sword.
No, that won't work...
The All Souls began to stir.
How can our king be bound?
One by one, demon kings stepped forward, and colorful streams of light surged from their bodies, covering the chains.
A crisp cracking sound, and the invisible chains snapped.
"The Demon King's Oath... it's quite fitting, isn't it?"
As Vera retrieved her weapon, the voice in her ear became clearer.
[Second brother... answer me!]
[The boss... is inside...]
[Vera... wake up...]
Ah, it's time to wake up.
With a wave of farewell to the All Souls, Vera her sword, cleaving open the rift that would allow them to return.
The sounds around me grew clearer, accompanied by the continuous roar of devastation caused by Catastrophe.
But amidst the noise, Vera heard a familiar voice.
When was that?
That's right! I heard it when the hunter turned around!
"Wow--"
A child is crying! We need to hurry!
The moment she returned, the scene of reality was transmitted to Vera through the Dead Souls.
Corpses lying motionless on the ground, city-states destroyed into ruins.
Ugh, this world is always so infuriating...
Are you going to destroy this dilapidated city, these insignificant people?
No, they won't die.
I... won't allow it!
Rumble--!
The deafening roar of the Catastrophe grew ever louder, and beneath the dark clouds, the furnace radiating intense light drew everyone's attention.
The Dead Souls shrieked excitedly, and amidst the swirling black lightning, a figure emerged from the furnace.
It's time to wake up, King of All Souls.
"Yo..."
Faced with these shocked, surprised, furious, and bewildered gazes, Vera slung her sword over her shoulder and revealed a sinister smile.
"I'm back from hell!"