“What have I done…”
“I always feared that this day would come, when my love for you is tested.”
“Will I have to live my life without you? Is this my punishment?”
“Raise your head. Just because there are no stars does not mean we must live our life looking down.”
“In the end, I just couldn’t leave you alone. Let’s save the world together.”
“My sword and my heart now belong to you, my liege.”
“I shall entrust everything to you, hero.”
“Bow before me! I am the Emperor!”
This is a world without
or
.
This too is a story of reclaiming the future.
Lostbelt Raising Project
Land of Eternal Night: Yao
Year: 2018
Location: ???, Empire of Yao
“Damn, is it already night time?”
I remark nonchalantly as we arrive in the Lostbelt at last. Stretching off a bit of sickness from the shift, I immediately take the chance to get my first look at the ‘new world’.
Before me, the existence of another dimension seems to magically pop into existence. A sprawling and crowded city jam-packed with buildings made in the style of archaic East Asian architecture, streets brightly lit by paper lanterns and filled with people walking around in pale flowing robes, a myriad of unfamiliar colors, noises and smells barraging my inexperience senses… it’s almost too much to take in.
“So, this is a Lostbelt,” I think to myself. “This is the failed timeline that I have been entrusted to manage…”
Yes, that’s right. I am a Crypter. I was a former Master of Chaldea who was revived and given a second chance to prove myself. At the same time, this world is a failed timeline that was pruned and granted another shot at survival. Thus, it is my mission and duty to watch over its growth and ensure its victory.
As I truly see the Lostbelt for the first time with my own eyes, the weight of that responsibility suddenly feels heavier. I clench my fist and renew my resolve to save this world.
“What’s wrong, Master? Feeling sick?”
A voice calls out to me from behind. I turn to see a pretty woman scantily clad in an all-too revealing china dress. Seeing her shameless attire, I once again can’t help but sigh.
“It’s nothing, Assassin. Just scanning our surroundings.”
This vulgar and winsome fox-woman with bright eyes and white wrists is none other than my personal Servant, Assassin. To be honest, from the moment I summoned her, I have had nothing but complaints about her attitude, manner of dress, and abilities. Frankly, she’s kind of useless; in a straight fight, even I could probably beat her. Of all the Servants that the Crypters summoned, I ended up with the absolutely weakest. But most of all, she has absolutely no sense of shame! I have no idea where I’m supposed to look when we’re talking!
Ah… I heard one of the other Crypters summoned a Demi-God… I know I should be grateful for what I have, but I can’t help but wish for a gacha re-spin.
“Ara? You’re making that face again, Master. Could it be that you’re insulting me, right now?” Assassin notes with an accusatory gaze. Tsk, clever woman.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I am merely contemplating on the objective truth. How you take that is up to you.” I respond robotically. Naturally, she doesn’t seem convinced, but lets the matter go.
Anyways, this isn’t time for pleasantries. I’m a man on a mission so I should get serious and get to work. Let’s see… my job is to manage this Lostbelt. For that, I’ll require authority and knowledge. The first is the strength needed to influence this world. The second is to determine the path I must lead this world to. There’s also the King of the Lostbelt and other Servants that may have been summoned as well to consider. Certainly, there is no time to relax…
“Master, Master.”
My deep thoughts are suddenly cut off by Assassin tapping my shoulder.
“What?”
I try to make my annoyance known when I respond harshly, but she seems to pre-occupied to notice. Though she is tapping my shoulder, she isn’t looking at me; her gaze is instead locked firmly upwards. I follow her gaze curiously and—
“What the…”
I am unable to restrain the shock from my voice. I look up at the sky and see there nothing but a black void. No clouds. No sun. No moon. No stars. It is merely darkness.
Confronted with the emptiness of the heavens, I feel a single drop of cold sweat drip down my back.
“This world may be more doomed than we thought…”
That was my first glimpse of the Land of Eternal Night.
At that moment, for the first time, I asked myself if I could truly save this world...