He was standing on the platform's edge of Nexus Spire. A tall cylindrical tower was standing amongst the various buildings literred across this small island. If there was one world Vlad would describe it, it'd be "overwhelming" in its stature.
The black haired man could hear the electrical whirring beside him in this Isle bereft of humanity. His only companion silently hovers beside him, the projection of a purple-tinted screen glistening with what resembles LED lights. Vide.
It was only him and Vide in this small island.
"Solastal." Yes, that's what he'll dubbed this island as. It's not like he could understand the writing inscribed in this forgotten area. Today marks the day of Solastal's new history, one that Vlad will personally write himself.
[ User Vlad... (╯︵╰,) ] The hovering screen flickered as words began to write themselves on its surface. [ Don't forget your objective assigned by the higher admins.. ]
"I would if it actually started to begin with!" Vlad banged his arm against the tower's metalic railing with a large bang. "You're telling me to accomplish such a task when the main part of the mission isn't here yet." He soothe his head with his palm with growing distress. He was tired of waiting in this island, of waiting for people–survivors or whatever who'll never come at this point.
It's been a month since he got deserted in this island. Lost with no memories, with only a leather bound journal engraved with his name. Plus... Vlad glances at Vide's projection floating in the air. A being that calls itself a system, an observer from afar, was attached to him guiding him to complete assigned tasks in order to earn "points" he could spend.
Vide told him that losing his memories during the process was inevitable. What process? Well it seems they couldn't disclosed it either. Vide attempted to do so but he almost lost his only other companion while trying. It wasn't worth it in the long run.
And the journal, the only thing that could have a clue on his identity was a bust as well. He couldn't recognize nor decipher the writing written in its pages. Unfamiliar symbols were etched into its corners, appearing more alien when it comes to its lettering. The contents allude him to no avail.
Vlad sighed pushing his medium-length black hair into a short ponytail. He didn't know what clothes he used to wear before all this, but why does Vide insists on making him wear such pretentious clothing? He looks like he walked out of a steampunk comic book – Well this entire city certainly fits the aesthetic.
Yes, city. A steampunk city situated in a nowhere island. According to Vide, he was sent here to personally guide a group of survivors who'll eventually reach this island. Survivors of an apocalypse... It seems this island was the only place free from the strife happening in other lands. Vide's projections of what had occurred there were.. not pretty to say the least.
He guesses you can compare his role as the helpful tour guide or representative of this city– or Penjelem as he had been referring to it lately. Vlad was tasked in providing survivors with a safe space for them to base in, so that they can slowly reclaim the corrupted lands sworn with calamity. The Admins, known locally as the Gods here, sent him to facilitate such a task.
But during the process, he lost his memories and the knowledge of his abilities so he had slowly been taught by Vide on how to actually perform such a feat.
"You know... I'm getting bored of just there being the two of us here." He gestured animatedly towards Vide's projection, "Like what do I even say at this stage? The only thing we've been doing is organizing the barn, farm, storage area whatever, then coming here to see if they're gonna be approaching the harbor."
"This routine is kind of getting old. Not to mention, I think I'm starting to lose it by talking to the insects and animals. It's like I'm in a singleplayer sandbox game, you know?"
[ I'm sorry, User Vlad (ᗒᗩᗕ)! I don't know why it's taking this long either. I already reported to management that you completed the tutorial aspect of the system... ] Vide's robotic voice that could only be discerned by him, in theory, aired out with exasperation. Vlad can't even be mad at them, they're in the same boat as him plainly speaking.
"Maybe another round of chess? " Vlad placed his palm on his chin with a thoughtful gaze. With a snap of his fingers, purple glitches manifested and transformed into the shape of a classic chess board alongside its pieces. He situated it on the floor of the tower's platform.
[... User Vlad, you dont know how to play Chess ಠ︵ಠ ]
"Hey! Don't look at me like that, I'm learning.. It's not my fault that my brain didn't leave my previous..chess skills ..maybe.." He pouted. Vlad could remember how to speak the common language, basic common sense, and recognize certain concepts and objects.. but it certainly didn't leave him with knowledge on how to play chess apparently.
"Tch, how selective."
"Actually, you know what!" Vlad pointed his hand towards Vide with added animation to his movements. "My dear companion in spirit, please recite my mission in this world once more for my humble ears!"
[ Sigh.. ]
"Don't sigh at me." He gasped with fake incredulity, earning the faceless screen to display a tired looking emoticon. Even without its symbolic cues, Vlad has learned how to read his system with rising accuracy.
[ User Vlad's is tasked with guiding and sheltering the survivors of Lumeria. You will be in charge of monitoring their progress, and assigning them their own personal missions to complete in order to further their growth + potential. ]
[ Level up your chosen heroes, conquer corrupted lands and help them defeat the source of the apocalypse: the calamity itself. ]
"Okay so what am I doing right now?" Vlad pretended to blink innocently before placing his palms over his face to soothe his nerves. "I'm only constructing houses for no one!"
[ Please stop pulling a tantrum.. it is unbecoming of you.. ]
"I'm so tired of waiting, how more do I have to wait. Years?! I can't help heroes when I'm in my old age."
[ You do not technically possess the capability to age physically if that soothes you—]
"The horror!"
[ Stop whining... (─.─||）]
"It's been a month! Where are those blasted survivors at?!"
"Are you sure we're heading the right direction, Vernon?" Cassius poked his head outside his private quarters to watch their navigator at work. Sailing the forbidden seas would've been a death sentence without such an experienced navigator. He knew many who tried before, but none ever made their way back into their homeland.
The short man with light blue hair grumpily muttered under his breathe as he steered the helm of the ship with practiced ease. Both of them visibly paid no attention to the sweeping fog enshrouding the entire vessel. Somehow Vernon was still able to steer the ship away from their doom, which is lovely really!
"Your highness, are you really asking me if we're about to reach the island of miracle as ordained by the prophecy." His monotone voice became higher pitched at the mentioned of the miracle island. The land untouched by calamity— "Yes we get it, Cass. And no, this stupid fog is preventing me from seeing it."
"It has been half a month since we ventured from Lumeria. I'm afraid we might run out of supplies soon." His shoulders slumped at the mention of decreasing resources they have in stock. "And I fear our comrades have not been faring well since we've set sail on the Dahlia."
Currently, there were twelve survivors aboard the Dahlia – the ship they're boarded at. They originally had more at the beginning on Lumeria's soil, but the rising calamity spared no such niceties. The prince was tired of not being able to let his people at least rest from conflict nor death itself — Instead they are reborn anew as monsters continuing to spread the calamity once more.
Cassius's somber expression must've shown on his face to cause Vernon, the ever so spiteful lad, to become more focused on their objective at hand. "The island's our only hope right now." He heard the shorter man claim. "Your highness, have I given you a reason to doubt before? We'll make our way there, I promise."
"Cease your worries." The two men were suddenly interrupted by the approaching figure of a blindfolded woman with long braided ivory hair. "Solal! You surprised us." Cassis turned his attention to her with ease, "Is there a matter?"
"We've arrived." Surprised, Cassius and Vernon locked eyes before trying to see what Solal was pointing towards.
There it was, the silhouette of an island from beyond the fog. "I can't believe the blind lady pointed it out first." Vernon sighed under his breathe, his eyes wide at the sight. It was the island, they finally made it.
"I'll call for the others." Cassis quickly leapt to his feet, eager to tell the other the good news. The island of miracle, they'll finally be able to take the first step in stopping the calamity once and for all.
"THEY'RE HERE?!" Vlad manifested a telescope, just as he did the chess board previously, after hearing Vide's loud proclamation.
[ User Vlad, the survivors have finally arrived! (≧▽≦) The first quest is now in progress. ] The system chimed happily in spite of its monotone sounding voice. "Oh gods Vide, there are gonna be other humans in the island—"
"OH MY GOD, THERE ARE GONNA BE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE ISLAND!" He peered closer to the lens of the telescope, pointing dramatically to the incoming ship headed towards the harbor.
[ why do you sound so panicked all of a sudden..?" (• ▽ •;) ]
"I've never thought of the idea on how I'll be introducing myself —VIDE, THIS IS A DISASTER!"
[ Quest Unlocked: Greet the survivors aboard the Isle of Solastal! You'll earn 20P once you succeed, User Vlad! ]
"Quick Vide, how do I look?!" Vlad checked over his pretentious outfit quickly. A brown vest decorated with rustic golden buttons over a simple white collared blouse. A long brown coat, black pants, fancy leather boots, and his leather bound journal could be found strapped to the side of his belt.
Man, he's wearing a lot of leather now that he realized it. Paired all that with his trusty golden purple tinted goggles to match the color of his eyes and voila—
"I look so pretentious.. maybe I should lean on that vibe...? A mysterious guide who wish to help out.."
[ User, remember to be friendly lest they become suspicious of your motives.. ] The light of their monitor appeared next to him in a flash, grounding him from his frivolous worries.
"This is technically my first time communicating with a fellow human! I can't help but be nervous." Vlad pouted as he tried to fix any ruffled fabric he may find on his person.
"I know first introductions are important. Maybe if I use my floating ability to descend from the obelisk in the plaza.. which is walking distance from the harbor.. then oohh i appear and..."
Vide sighed as they watch their user continuous mumble and procure a corkboard with his ability.
[... User...? ]
"Should I lean in on the mystique or be overly friendly? But what if I became too bubbly they might start to distrust me?"
[ Sigh.. User it this really what you should be focusing on...? ]
"It's for the mission, Vide. Quick show my stats. Is there a stat for socialization...? Charisma maybe?"
[ (ー_ー゛).. . ]
[ Generating < User 1 > 's bio: ]
********************************
[ Name: Vlad ]
[ Race: Human? ]
[ Ability: Manifestation ]
[ Level: 20 ]
[ Skills: ]
[ Farming: LVL 10 ]
[ Fishing: LVL 10 ]
[ Crafting: LVL 10 ]
[ Baking: LVL 8 ]
[ Cooking: LVL 9 ]
[ Gardening: LVL 6 ]
[ Swordsmanship: LVL 3 ]
[ Archery: LVL 7 ]
[ Construction: LVL 10 ]
.....
[ ... One of these things are not like the other, User..]
"..... So what about my stats..?"
They landed on the island. No traces nor remnants of corruption were measured by Ophelia's specialized device. The trusty thing saved their lives more times that he could count. It was a helpful tool that can detect monsters spurned from the calamity. It allowed them to evade potential locations swarming with those beasts.
Cassius looked over the entirety of the survivors, satisfied that everyone's already been accounted for. Solal, Ophelia, and Vernon could be seen conversing at the front of the group. He slowly made his way over to them in brisk haste.
As he approached closer to the group, he could hear Ophelia's distinct sharp voice more clearly. "This island had no cataclysmic energy to speak off... but we should still be wary. We don't know if the people are welcoming here.." The girl with honey brown hair could be seen fiddling with the small portable device on her hand.
Vernon stood beside her, scouting beyond the pier with his spyglass. "The area looks well furnished.. but I don't see any people around." His voice ended with a confused tilt, "Weird, these type of places are still busy during the evening."
Ophelia tried to see what Vernon was peering towards, "Huh, you're right. Aren't there usually knights patrolling the harbor.. you don't think something happened to them...?" Cassius looked around to confirm their suspicions. There were indeed no people found in the harbor.
The area showed signs of life though. The stalls near the pier point were filled with leftover trinkets and ripe fruits. Various wares were displayed across the area, even the buildings – as foreign they may appear – showed no signs of wear nor dust. The harbor looked too properly lit and well-maintained to suggest that no one resides here.
Yet so far, not one single person has come to see their sudden entry to the island. "The silence is quite eerie." Solal stretched her hand out to the moth flying near her vicinity, gently allowing it to rest on her finger with a thoughtful gaze. "This island isn't what it seems to be."
"The prophecy never mentioned if anyone lived at the island of miracle." Cassius interjected their conversation, "Let's just proceed with caution. Maybe the people here are occupied elsewhere."
Ophelia's eyes lit up, "Ohhh Cass, maybe they're preparing a banquet for us. The heroes of Lumeria, oh how long we waited for your arrival blah blah blah!"
Vernon groaned. "I hated those noble parties.. I hope not, the last thing we need is a spectacle. After the entire journey, all I want is a nice comfortable bed and some food."
"A nice bed sounds so luxurious right now... I hated sleeping on the ground.. but what can you do then? the world was ending as we know it." The sorceress piped back.
"Which is why we should be thankful for the opportunity." Cassius chuckled half-heartedly at the two. "It's already a miracle that we're seeing traces of civilization untouched by the cataclysm. Fresh air.. and no incoming danger.. it's been a while since we had such a moment like this."
Ophelia nodded with a strained smile, "It's nice, isn't it? Which is why we should be merry!" She patted the blue haired prince's back with a cheery tune, "The island of miracle! We finally have a safe place to take a break, now that's a real miracle!"
"It seems the Gods didn't abandon us just yet. I don't know about you, but I'm eager to find an inn right now. I'm not kidding about wanting to sleep in a nice bed." Vernon signalled everyone to group together. They need to find a temporary place to rest, exhaustion was evident in all of their stances.
"Let's get going, everyone. Follow my lead."
But the closer they ventured to the heart of the city, the more suspicious they became of the island's state. "There's no one here." The burly built knight, Malachi, swiftly marched back with a frown in his face. He had just investigated the inn they've passed by, the building with the hanging sign resembling the symbol of a bed.
"Nobody was in the other buildings as well. Not in the restaurant— not even the houses, it's like everyone just up and vanished in the middle of what they were doing." Ophelia chimed as well.
"Same with the buildings near the docks." Lorelei, the middle-aged ex-mercenary, came back alongside the others. "There's nothing to suggest that the people fled in a struggle either."
"Not even a speck of dust.." Cassius watched as the survivors slowly huddled together, their voices clashing with one another in tandem. "I mean this place couldn't be empty, i saw a bunch of photo frames of random people in one of the houses."
"Perhaps Ophelia is right, maybe they're all concentrated somewhere else? The Gods must've oracled another prophecy here just as they did in ours.. Our arrival must've been known beforehand. This city is on par with Lumeria's capital from what we've seen.. so it's possible—"
"It's still a bit unnatural, isn't it? There should at least be a few people left to watch over the harbor. Leaving it completely defenseless is out of the question! Malachi, don't you agree?"
"It's impossible for there to be no people in the city. The harbor, and each building we investigated all had signs of people living in them. But.. did none of you find it strange that no one bothered to lock their houses in the event that they are somewhere else...?"
"Now that you mention it.. It was way too easy for us to enter their homes.. Maybe there's no such thing as locks here.. hehe?"
"Phe... There's no way a civilization as advanced as this hasn't created the idea of a lock yet." Vernon raised his brow at the arcane user's suggestion.
"Okay.. maybe not."
"What do you think, Solal?" Cassius gestured to the silent woman besides him. "I'm afraid.. we're quite stumped.. your insight will prove valuable in strange situations like this.." He sighed. Perhaps he should refer to the island of miracle as the island of mystery instead with how puzzling everything appeared to be.
Solal usually has an answer in moments like this. The silent yet enigmatic witch has never steered them wrong, if it weren't for her...
At the sound of her name, Solal turned to Cassius. "Only one lives here." The moth which he had seen by her side throughout their excursion remained gently seated on her shoulder. "They await at the plaza." She pointed towards the stone obelisk stationed at the center of the park. At her words behest – Vernon quickly used his spyglass to see where she was pointing at in haste. The others glanced towards it immediately noting something– specifically someone.
"Someone's there."
"So cool." Ophelia was again at awe at Solal's ability. "I wish I can also talk with insects... What a useful skill." She muttered in amazement. "Do you think they're friendly?"
Cassius held tightly to the handle of his trusted sword sheathed in his scabbard. "Let's hope so. It seems they might hold the answers to our mystery."
The central park of the city was housed in a rectangular shape. The obsidian obelisk stand in its center, it was a sight he hasn't seen before. This place was truly different from Lumeria's romanesque architecture he came to know as home. The metal structures here are reminiscent of the machines he'd usually find hidden away in the arcane tower.
Cassius couldn't help but marvel at it. Moreso, his eyes lingered towards the androgynous figure hovering above the obelisk. A person with what appears to be black-coloured hair styled into a half-bun. Their purple eyes were scanning his group, not out of hostility. He could sense that the person bears no ill-will, only doing so out of some semblance of curiosity.
"Cass?" Vernon snapped the prince out of his thoughts. How embarrassing, he shook those thoughts away.
"Greetings." He slowly approached the obelisk, signalling the others to stand back with a wave of his hand. His voice remained firm, "We bear no hostility, our group merely wishes to seek asylum in this island. Our land has been razed, corrupted with strife and madness."
"Us survivors of the end merely wish to find a new home to reside in. At least a temporary shelter until we find our bearings to return our home back to its golden days." During his speech, the figure hovered closer towards the group. Their purple eyes lit up with mirth as Cassius pleaded with them.
"My people are good people. I plead you, whoever you are. To welcome us to this island of miracle for the lives of my friends.."
Vlad stared at the blue-haired swordsman with an appraising glance. Though he looks tattered due to the grime sticking towards his clothing, it doesn't diminish his appearance. More importantly, his golden pupils are reminiscent of the blazing sun.
[ You are currently looking at Lumeria's sole surviving prince! ]
He can imagine. With his impassioned speech and tone, he wouldn't be surprised that the man before him was a prince. He sure has the aura of one. His comrades at his back were also interesting to note. Inside, he's still incredibly giddy at the sight of other people here!
But he doesn't let it show in his expression. He hovered near the group, floating above them with a hand perched upon his chin. "What an interesting menagerie we have here."
[ User.. you sound ridiculous. ]
Shut.
The people stare at him, some of them appeared to look on guard – especially the well built man behind the prince. A tall man with battle scars engraved on his skin, Malachi was it?
"What the hell?" He could hear someone grumbled beneath their breathe. Wordlessly he raised his arms up as a universal sign of peace. "The Prince of Lumeria." He glanced at the blue haired man once again, noting that his stature remained as defensive as ever. Slowly he went over the group, speaking their titles one by one.
"Witch of the Woods." Solal.
"The Arcane Sorceress." Ophelia.
"The Expert Navigator" Vernon.
"Nameless Bard, Shrewd Strategist, Royal Captain, Ex-Mercenary, Huntsman, Maidservant, Apothecary, and the Rancher."
Pietro, Briar, Malachi, Lorelei, Kiana, Alfie, Wilhelm, Ives. Upon the mention of each of their names, the survivors flinched – even some of their more reclusive members at the back took him more seriously upon the reveal of his knowledge.
Vlad pointed to himself next and began his own introduction, "My name is Vlad. And you, dear survivors. Welcome to the Island of Miracle, you've kept me waiting for quite a while."
"Welcome to your new base, Solastal. At your service."
[ Congratulations on completing your first proper quest! You have earned 20P. ]
Vlad ignored Vide's announcement. As expected, the rest of the survivors couldn't hear or see Vide's existence. Merely staring wide-eyed at his words instead.
"You.. know of us?" Cassius regained his bearings, his expression becoming focused again. "Then you know what our goal is.. correct, Sir Vlad..?"
How polite as ever. "You can just call me Vlad. No need for that sir nonsense." He waved him off, finally letting his feet touch the ground. Now, they were all standing face to face from each other. "The Gods made your arrival known, I knew that a group of survivors were on their way here. I've waited for what.. a month I think?"
"If I may ask," Malachi coughed turning everyone's attention on him. "Where is everyone else in the island?"
"It's just me here." That answer garnered him more confused glances headed his way. "You're the only one living here..?" Cassius repeated, surprised by Vlad's admission. How could that be...? "You're the only one maintaining this entire city?"
"With the help of magic, and divine interference probably." He mumbled that last part silently to himself.
[ It's all due to the user's power! ( ꈍᴗꈍ) ]
[ User Vlad, your next quest is here: Welcome the survivors and let them rest! They had a long day. Look at how exhausted they are. Also 15P ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ ]
Vlad agrees, the state of their clothes, weaponry, and... entire being honestly all look haggard in a way. He can guess it's due to being in the open ocean for quite a long time.
He snaps his fingers earning their attention again, "You had a long day. Why don't you all freshen up at the Lotus Inn. We can continue the exposition for tomorrow." Vlad pointedly glanced at the state of their beings.
"Perhaps.. that is amendable."
The tense atmosphere slowly ebbed away as the group began to bicker amongst themselves. Though Vlad can see a few individuals among the crowd still analyzing his movements. Vlad waved at them with a cheery smile.
[ Looks like today is the day you'll write Solastal's new page into history, user! I'm glad.. I thought we'd be waiting for longer.. (*・～・*) ]
Indeed. Vlad caught Cassius conversing with his excitable crew. Vernon's eye lighting up at the mention of rest and a nice bath. Ophelia smiling earnestly at Solal's side.
Finally, some color into this gray and lonesome existence.
'Vide, I'm counting on you.'
[ Let's do this! ←(>▽<)ﾉ ]