The entire hill shook vigorously. The entire town felt the shockwave. The trees lost all of their leaves. They got caught up in the whirlwind that followed the intense punch.
The clouds have parted ways, revealing the sun rays that coyly shine over the town, and the one who caused this. What remains is a hole in the sky.
"Did I do that…?"
I'm in disbelief. I knew that exponentiation would be a brutal combination with Set Theory but, I-
>>
By the time I wake up, the sun has moved maybe an inch from its initial position. I got knocked into the next day..
Set Theory isn't something I can use all the time. What shocks me more is, the symbols are still there on my arm. Is this a permanent change…?
I try imbuding the symbols with Domain, it slowly starts charging up. The sound scares me.It sounds as if there's metallic gears grinding. I stop immediately. My entire right arm is red and bloodied up. Aunt Oris has given me a golden egg in the form of knowledge. I should use this sparingly, Set Theory.
I walk myself home, jumping into the nearby river to wash myself off. Brings back memories…
"Where have you been?"
"Uncle, I'm sorry. I pushed myself too hard."
"Clearly." As he grabs my right arm. He observes the scars running across my wrist to my elbow. His eyes widen, as it dawns upon him what I've done.
"This…What's your function December?"
I completely forgot to tell Uncle Oris.
What an idiot I am.
"My power is exp(x). It gives me an affinity towards addition and multiplication, just like Aunt Oris."
He looks at me, and grabs my shoulder.
"Lord knows how that woman came back home after relentlessly practicing singularity. How did you even figure out how to use it?"
"I didn't. You know how she used go on ranting about how she does everything."
He laughs. It gives me so much relief, finally seeing my uncle smile after weeks.
"Of course she does. Even when we're in bed, she talks about how thrilling it is to kill. Kind of a mood killer if you you ask me but it made me love her even more."
I look down. He really does miss her huh? Then again it's his wife and high school crush.
"Hey, it's fine. Atlas and I, the both of us accepted the fact that she would die long back. It hurts, yes, but we have to move on.
Chin up Decey. It's going to be alright. Besides the headmaster is going to come today, surprise!"
I look at him in shock.
"YOU SENT THE LETTERS????
I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF HEET OR I ARE READY.."
"I decided y'all are most definitely ready. So go and tell her about this and come over here around lunch time."
Uncle Oris comes close to my ear.
"Try not to take too long. You're going to need energy for the showcase too."
I scoff and wave goodbye to him. I would've preferred to have him tell Heet beforehand. It's going to be very awkward, especially after that day.
I walk towards her house in the distance. She lives near the same river I bathed in, but from the other side of town.
How do I even approach her?
You did it really well before right?
No that's different, she baited me.
Dinner was certainly not what I expected.
I wave all the thoughts in my head away. I try and adjust my hair to somewhat hide the hickey and knock on the door.
She opens the door, she looks very tired.
"Oh.. hey Deceyy!! Come on innn *yawn*..
Yeah just come on in"
Her house looks really empty. She's a minimalist who usually lives alone. Her mom goes all over the country for work and her brother, I don't know much about him. Oh yeah, she's home alone. This is very problematic. She hands me a glass of water and the sweets.
" How did you actually get these sweets?"
"Oh I just went down to Niels and stole some from a famous shop!!", as she munches on them. She sits right next to me and places her legs on me.
Interesting...
Wait did she say Niels?
"You went to Niels?"
"Yeah dummy, it's not that difficult. Besides you're not the only one who's grinding their asses for the showcase."
"Yeah about that...
Uncle Oris already sent the letters."
Heet facepalms herself.
"To be honest, I expected that. That's why I've been training even after midnight."
She extends her arms and as soon as I was about to pop in one of the rocky goodness, it suddenly dissapears from my fingers.
"I could've sworn I was holding it-"
"Hehe. I can make other things dissapear too. This helps a lot. The only reason fatigue hasn't caught up to me is because I simply erased it."
I'm in shock. This is why being loosly defined is such a wild card. Each and every one of the Defined have clear ranges, i.e their potential is defined with known limits.
Of course they can change depending on other stuff but that's not
the point. Anyone loosly defined could do things that others cannot. I've never heard of erasing abstract feelings like that.. Also she must be so tired, and she doesn't even know about it.
"Heet, lie on my lap for a second."
"Holy, you've called the shots for the first time. I'm proud. Better than that night."
I get flustered immediately.
"Oh just do it."
She lies on my lap and I begin to stroke her hair.
"You're such a dumbass. Your body must be exhausted. We're free for a while. I'll wake you up till it's time."
I can feel her warmth, certainly in less stressful and blood-pumping circumstances.
Shit.
Speaking of blood pumping circumstances.
Do you have to be awake right now?
Yes, yes I do. Such a waste of a good opportunity...
Man, you're somewhat right, but she needs rest.
Lost, it doesn't look like it, but trust me, it'll help me be stronger.
"Decey."
"Yeah?"
"I really like you."
"I can see that."
She pinches my arm.
"Ouch. I really like you too Heet. Ever since I met you, I had a crush on you."
"Actually?"
I nod. This is the first time our feelings were put out like that. It feels nice . God talk about an unhealthy way to solicilate.
She laughs.
"You're meant to put me to sleep. You have us both confessing about crushing on each other."
"My bad. Wait.. Both?"
"Yeah. It's the same with me."
"But you said you thought Atlas was cute one day."
"It's called making one jealous. Don't tell me it worked, did it?
My guilty look and the silence gave her the confirmation.
"So adorable, you are!"
"Uh huh. Now sleep.", patting her on her cheek.
"Yes Sir."
She adjusts herself which makes it so much better and worse.
"You're doing it on purpose Heet."
"Yes I am, but you don't want me to stop, right?"
"Never."
>>>
It's been maybe two months. I'm beginning to think Master Crey has forgot about me. Either that or he forgot how to pull me out of here. I've killed thousands upon thousands of Snairs, to the point where I'm worried I made them go extinct.
It was exhausting at first, almost made me want to give up, especially with my crushed left arm. Then the true reason as to why I'm here. My close combat skills have improved tremendously. There is no fancy technique I learnt. It was just, dodge the attack, throw a punch to slow the enemy down, and strike it as hard as I can. I can now boost my physical capabilities with my Domain, which makes the scales of these monsters almost like punching through wet paper.
The best thing I've learnt is by far, using Natüliche Welle unconciously. While I boost myself, the enemy constantly gets hit with my Function and my punches too. The time delay between Steilhang, my shield and Natüliche Welle has decreased to 0.1 Seconds.
As of right now, I have the perfect Sword and Shield, and to tie it all up, my CQB.
The Alpha Snair, also called as the Anaconda, should be in this area. I've travelled approximately 1,700 Kilometers, and witnessed about four to five turnings. My senses have been naturally heightened, able to smell the entirety of the Snair species. It's suspicious that there are only snairs here.
A huge figure drops on the ground right in front of me. That's the Anaconda, I presume?
It looks maybe twice my size, with multiple layers in the exoskeleton. Mom used to scare me with this guy, whenever I didn't take the evening nap. The legs look more skinnier but I have read that they can break the Sound Barrier.
So can I.
It leaps at me with full force, and its hand stops right before my eyes.
I activate NW simultaneously, taking advantage of it being stuck in my Steilhang.
It's as if an insect is stuck, baring witness to a tornado. Its scales have been violently ripped off in the first millisecond. In the second millisecond, I noticed its hand accelerating even through suspended animation, so I punched its stomach and stepped aside.
The blood stays suspended infront of me. In the third millisecond, it attempts to escape.
0.01 milliseconds
The Anaconda is completely immobilized, writhing in pain. I can sense its fear. I can hear its bones turning into dust.
Why does this pleasure me?
This is how my mom's victims feel. Amen to them, for having faced a fate worse than death. I kneel ontop of it, increasing the intensity. The ground eats Anaconda up til there is only moist mush. Due to the pressure, steam clouds my eyes as I feel a pang of emotions.
I've become strong.
Is it enough?
Against these monsters, definitely.
But humans is a different tale. Anyone with enough conviction could kill anyone.
The hell with conviction, I have reason enough to commit murder. These hands, this Function of mine, will decimate that thing who killed Mom.
"Atlas, you're alive. Good job."
I blink once and I find myself in the courtyard of…
"CREY YOU SICK FUCK, I APPRICIATE THE OPPORTUNITY BUT TWO MONTHS… TWO FREAKING MONTHS OF ONLY KILLING SNAIRS. YOU BEST HOPE YOU FORGOT HOW TO GET ME BACK HERE OR YOU'VE-"
The tired and wreary Atlas has collapsed infront of a proud teacher.
"See? No need for theory."
>
"Good morning Atlas."
I find myself in Master Crey's bed. He's placed my left arm in a cast. The pain is finally settling in. All of my muscles are screaming in pain. It makes sense since snairs aren't usually packed with Omega 3.
"I'm sorry. You could've atleast given me a heads up before sending me there."
"Adaptability is the most important trait one can have. No one cares about if someone has a specific thing they are good at. Whenever the tables are turned, they are worse than pests. Remember this Atlas,
The worst will always happen. So, fight as if nothing can help you. Desperation gives you tunnel vision, you can harness it if you take control."
He's right.
I've adapted to the situations I've faced there, and now I've come out defeating Anaconda with a swipe of my hands.
"What exactly did you do Master?"
"I owned a particular instant dungeon, you could say. It's called a Question. Anyone who aspires to join the Complex Set had their fairshare of Questions. This one in particular-
Is meant for people who are already on the level of the Set.
Atlas, you've grown immensely stronger, and I'm really proud of you."
"Thank you Master."
I space out, looking at the sky.
I wonder how December is doing.
My mom is his mom too.
"You can visit your family later. Now it's time to actually train your CQB."
"I'm ready."
>>>
"Headmaster! I'm so glad you could make it."
"Oh no worries. I owe Kela more than I could care to admit. Speaking of, I'm sorry for your loss, Pit."
"We're all taking it well. How's my son doing?"
"He's doing fantastic. I told him to take a break, so he's currently in his dormroom."
"That's a relief. That boy is tough.."
"𝐏𝐢𝐭…
𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐬"