After the Red Scorpions finished off the goblins, something strange happened. They didn’t just leave the corpses behind—instead, they knelt beside the lifeless bodies and cracked open the goblins’ skulls. My stomach churned as I watched them retrieve small, triangular crystals from inside. The crystals varied in size and color, glinting faintly in the dim light.
[Alucard] *[Held one up, examining it with disdain.]* "Just white and grey evil crystals. What a piece of trash!"
[Paul] *[Chuckled, pocketing a few crystals.]* "But at least they’re sellable. How can we expect high-level crystals from goblins anyway?"
[Alucard] *[Sighed, glancing at the darkening sky.]* "You’re right. It’s getting late. How much longer do we have to walk to reach our base?"
[Paul] *[Squinted into the distance.]* "This forest isn’t far. By my calculations, we can arrive in less than thirty minutes before nightfall."
[Alucard] *[Nodded sharply.]* "Good. We need to sort the slaves into different cells. The buyers arrive tomorrow. Let’s hurry."
The group moved quickly, their pace brisk as we marched through the forest. I kept my head down, my mind racing. *Crystals from goblins? Buyers? Cells?* This world was becoming more bizarre—and more dangerous—by the minute.
---
### **Scene: The Fortress**
When we arrived at their base, I was stunned. This wasn’t just a makeshift camp—it was a full-blown **fortress**, designed for both attack and defense. Tall stone walls loomed above us, topped with watchtowers where guards patrolled, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The entire area was bathed in a bright, almost unnatural light, thanks to luminous stones embedded throughout the structure.
*Who are these people?* I wondered. *And what kind of operation are they running here?*
The moment the guards spotted Alucard, they snapped into a salute and opened the imposing metal gate. Inside, the fortress was a hive of activity—nearly a thousand gang members milled about, while rows of wooden cages held slaves in cramped confinement. The elderly were forced into grueling labor, their frail bodies straining under the weight of their tasks. Those who faltered were met with the cruel crack of a whip.
[Alucard] *[Barked orders, his voice echoing.]* "Get the slaves into their cells! We don’t have time to waste—the buyers arrive tomorrow!"
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I was dragged toward a solitary cell near the entrance. Beside me, a prisoner around my age caught my gaze.
[Simon] "Hey, you new here?"
[Kael] "Maybe. I guess I’m the latest addition to this place."
[Simon] "Name’s Simon. What’s yours?"
I hesitated. Using my Earth name was too risky—it was too out of place here.
[Kael] "I don’t have one. How about you give me one?"
[Simon] "How about **Aldenis**? It was my younger brother’s name... before he passed."
[Kael] "That’s a great idea. But ‘Aldenis’ alone feels plain. What if I add **Kael** to it? **Kael Aldenis**."
---
### **Awakening Abilities**
[Kael] "Call me Kael! Simon, I’ve got questions. What’s the deal with **Chrono**, evil creatures, and where exactly are we?"
[Simon] "There are 10 ranks for both evil creatures and Chrono users. Here’s how they’re classified:"
#### **Evil Ranking System**
1. Evil Minion
2. Evil Creature
3. Evil Apprentice
4. Evil Servant
5. Evil Enforcer
6. Evil Lieutenant
7. Evil Overlord
8. Evil Archfiend
9. Evil Deity
10. The Ultimate Evil
#### **Chrono Ranking System**
1. Chrono Apprentice
2. Chrono Initiate
3. Chrono Adept
4. Chrono Disciple
5. Chrono Expert
6. Chrono Master
7. Chrono Grandmaster
8. Chrono Paragon
9. Chrono Sovereign
10. Chrono Titan
[Simon] "Each stage is divided into **low, mid, high, and pinnacle** tiers. And this place? It’s on the outskirts of the **Countagon Empire**—no name, just a recently founded hideout for Alucard’s gang."
[Kael] "How do people gain their abilities?"
[Simon] "Between ages 15 and 30, you can awaken them by touching a **yellow crystal artifact**. But they’re **rare**—only empires, guilds, or wealthy nations own them. You’d need to pay **a thousand gold** or swear loyalty to the Countagon Empire. They’ll imprint a **soul seal** on you... and a **curse** to prevent betrayal."
---
### **The Buyers Arrive**
At dawn, customers flooded in. I **played the fool**—messing up my hair, contorting my face, and acting repulsive to avoid being sold.
[Kael] *[Shouting in a raspy voice.]* "Madam, pick me! I’m **obedient** and **handsome**!"
The buyers recoiled, one after another—until **Count Pera**, a corrupt noble, arrived.
[Count Pera] *[Whispered to Alucard.]* "I need a **smart** servant. My last accountant betrayed me."
[Kael] *[Immediately straightened, voice smooth.]* "Your Grace, I overheard your needs. I’m **Kael Aldenis**—loyal, sharp, and eager to serve a man of your **wisdom** and **generosity**."
[Count Pera] *[Laughing.]* "I like you. Alucard, I’ll take him."
Before leaving, I was forced to drink **Insect Doll**—a poison that would **crush my heart** if I disobeyed.
---
### **The Journey & Awakening**
In Count Pera’s carriage, he revealed a **Chrono crystal**.
[Count Pera] "Touch it. You’ll awaken an ability—but you’ll also bear the Empire’s **soul seal**."
The crystal glowed faintly as my **true power** unlocked:
1. **Save and Load** – Like a game, I could **rewind time** (10 saves max).
2. **Complete Control** – I could **manipulate every cell in my body**, from healing to emotion suppression.
But there was a **catch**: My body **rejected Chrono energy**. I couldn’t use it—yet.
[Kael] *[Lying.]* "My ability just... improves memory."
[Count Pera] *[Scoffed.]* "Trash. But it’ll do for **accounting**."
As the carriage rolled on, I **saved my progress**—and plotted my next move.
---
