Chapter 2 Ill Write My Own Destiny
The king's voice was heavy with finality as he concluded the tale-of the Demon Lord once sealed by ancient heroes, and the cult now working to revive him. A silence settled over the chamber like a thick fog.
Then-warmth.
It began as a soft heat in the air, almost comforting, like sunlight through stained glass. But it quickly intensified.
A strange golden shimmer flared on the back of my right hand. I stared, frozen, as intricate lines traced themselves into my skin-glowing like molten light, pulsing in rhythm with something ancient and alive.
Around me, gasps rang out.
Kana stumbled back, clutching her hand. "Wh-What is this?"
"It just... appeared," Hiro whispered, his voice tight with awe and fear.
Each of us bore the same symbol. A mark etched in light, dancing with divine energy.
The priestess stepped forward, her white robes whispering against the stone floor. Her presence was calm, radiant, as if untouched by the tension rippling through the room.
"That mark," she said gently, "is the Blessing of the Goddess."
She moved past us, hands folded in prayer, her eyes closed as she spoke.
"It is a divine seal granted to you, Chosen Ones. Your souls, summoned from another world, are not attuned to the mana that flows through Eldoria. Without the blessing, your bodies would reject the very air you breathe, unable to wield magic... unable to survive."
The marks glowed brighter. A low hum began to rise, barely audible, vibrating in the walls, in our bones.
"But the Goddess has chosen to reshape you. To make you worthy."
I felt something shift deep within me-like the air had thickened, pressing inward.
"Through this mark," she continued, "your forms will realign. You will adapt, evolve. Your strength, senses, even your perception of reality... will change. You may no longer recognize the person you once were."
Mr. Kobayashi's brows drew together. "Transform...? What do you mean?"
The priestess's expression turned solemn. "Body and soul alike. This is no ordinary blessing. It is divine transfiguration."
That's when it began.
A sudden burning in my chest-sharp, unforgiving. My legs buckled. I dropped to one knee, gasping.
All around me, my classmates clutched their bodies, faces twisted in agony as the light from the marks erupted into brilliance.
Some screamed. Others collapsed. The air rippled with mana, thick and turbulent like a storm ready to break.
"The process has begun," the priestess whispered. "You must endure."
I tried to scream but no sound came out. It was as if fire had replaced my blood, lightning surging through every nerve. My limbs convulsed. My thoughts scattered.
I heard Hiro cry out. Kana sobbed. Even Mr. Kobayashi-strong, unshakable-was groaning, his voice cracked from pain.
The king, his tone now ironclad, gave a sharp command. "Guards! Take them to the sacred living quarters-gently. Do not interfere further."
One by one, our trembling bodies were lifted and carried away. Some unconscious. Others writhing. The glow of the divine marks burned like small suns beneath our skin.
I was the last.
Clinging to a thread of consciousness, I thought: This is the price to live in this world...
Then-nothing.
Only darkness.
---
Silence.
A chamber, vast and still. Carved stone walls, bathed in moonlight. Soft linens cradled the chosen heroes as they lay in individual beds, motionless, their bodies subtly shifting-bones lengthening, muscles knitting tighter, nerves rewired by divine precision.
Outside, guards stood vigilant, but none dared enter. The priestess's warning had been clear: any interruption could unravel the transformation and kill the subject.
Time passed.
Eight long hours.
And then-dawn.
Golden light streamed through the high-arched windows, spilling across marble floors like the first breath of hope.
A figure stirred.
I gasped, lungs drinking air like it was the first time. My eyes snapped open.
The world looked... different.
I sat up slowly, unsure if I was dreaming. Everything felt sharper-brighter. My heartbeat was steady but strong, the rhythm of a hunter rather than a student.
I flexed my fingers. The divine mark still shimmered faintly on my hand, no longer a burning brand but a memory, etched in gold.
I wasn't the same boy who had stood in that throne room yesterday.
I was something more now. Something forged.
I slid quietly from the bed, avoiding the soft clinks of armor outside the door. My classmates still lay unconscious, glowing faintly, caught in the last stages of their own awakenings.
Drawn by instinct, I moved to the window.
A kingdom stretched before me-rolling green hills, distant mountains, rooftops of stone and tile. The sky was endless.
A grin crept across my face.
This world... is mine to explore.
Then-ding.
A soft chime echoed through the chamber. I turned sharply.
Before me, floating midair, was a translucent blue screen. Just like in a video game. Text glowed faintly across it, pulsing with energy.
[Welcome to Eldoria, Chosen Hero]
A gift has been granted to you by the Goddess.
Tap the gift icon to begin.
My jaw dropped. This was... surreal.
But also familiar.
With a breathless chuckle, I raised my hand and tapped the small golden gift icon at the bottom of the display.
The screen shifted.
[You have been given the right to choose ONE Unique Skill]
Please read the Divine Regulations before proceeding.
I didn't rush. This was no ordinary moment. My heart was racing, but I took the time to read the fine print-twice.
One thing stood out: If the skill does not violate the laws of the world, it will be accepted.
And nowhere... nowhere did it say I couldn't create a skill that created other skills.
I smiled.
This was my chance. The dream of every gamer, every daydreaming student. A blank slate.
I typed my choice:
[Unique Skill: Weaving]
Description: Allows the user to create up to 3 unique personal skills per week. Created skills are subject to cooldowns and usage limits after the first three. The first three have no restrictions. Skill creation resets every 7 days.
A moment passed.
Then-Accepted.
Another window appeared immediately.
You may now create your first 3 unique skills.
Without hesitation, I began.
---
Skill 1: Advanced Search
Sense all life and objects nearby.
View names, information, and threat levels.
Heightens perception and physical senses.
Increases agility and danger awareness.
Skill 2: Online Shop
Access to an interdimensional marketplace connected to Earth.
Purchase real-world items using converted Eldoria currency.
Instant delivery via spatial transfer.
Skill 3: Enhance Modeling
Create, reshape, or repair objects using raw materials.
Craft weapons, gear, tools, or armor by visualization.
Supports instantaneous design and transformation.
---
As the final skill locked in, something surged through me. A rush of clarity and power. My sight sharpened. I could feel the air currents shift. I could hear voices behind the thick stone walls-guards pacing, a mouse scurrying near the fireplace.
I activated Advanced Search.
Instantly, the world lit up in data. Names hovered over every object and person.
"Guard Captain Ragnor."
"Iron Torch - Lit."
"Healing Potion - Minor."
"Window Latch - Rusted."
I could see everything.
My lips parted in awe. This wasn't a dream.
This was real.
And school? College? That life I never asked for?
It was over.
This wasn't a burden.
It was freedom.
---
I moved to the balcony, scanning the castle grounds.
I need a weapon.
With Advanced Search, I pinpointed the armory two levels below. Guards rotated every five minutes. Blind spots in their vision flickered across my display like tactical overlays.
I crouched, tightened my grip on the railing-and jumped.
My body responded like it had done this for years. I landed silently on a ledge, slipped along the outer wall, vaulted down using ivy-covered arches. Faster. Lighter. My balance perfect.
I slid into the armory through an open window and landed behind a stack of crates.
No one saw me.
The swords glinted in their racks. I picked a light, steel-forged blade. Balanced. Sharp.
I gave it a few test swings. It was good. I didn't need legendary gear. Just something real.
But swords wouldn't buy food.
I need money.
I scanned again.
The royal treasury: beneath the east wing. Heavy security... but one section showed a wall weakened by age, hidden behind foliage.
Perfect.
I reached the spot without alerting a soul. Quietly, I slipped between bricks, just enough to feel the cool touch of gold.
I took only 23 coins-enough to survive, to travel.
Then, using Enhance Modeling, I reconstructed the bricks exactly as they were. No trace left behind.
---
The capital still slept as I passed through its alleyways like a shadow.
I could smell the bakeries just beginning to stir. Hear the flutter of early birdsong. Feel the weight of this new life settle around me like a cloak.
When I finally reached the edge of the city, I turned back.
The castle stood tall in the morning light. The place where it all began.
I wondered if my friends would understand when they woke and found me gone. If they'd follow orders. If they'd even survive what was coming.
But I didn't say goodbye.
Because this wasn't their destiny.
It was mine.
I turned toward the open road, a sword at my hip, 23 gold coins in my pouch, and three god-forged skills at my fingertips.
The world ahead was wide.
And at last, I was free to shape it..