Chapter 122 : Promise

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Sora appeared in the void above what seemed to be a planet. Before he could even wonder what was happening, a panel appeared in front of him.

[Alternate Dimension Configuration Panel]

[Environment Settings]

[Climate Control]

[Gravity Settings]

[Mana Settings]

[Monster Density]

As Sora explored each category, he realized how far he could push customization for his alternate dimension.

Under [Environment Settings], he discovered options to create vast landscapes: he could choose anything from dense forests and plains to icy tundras and towering mountains, and even add things like lakes, caves, and waterfalls to complete the scene.

If he wanted, he could even customize the entire globe in front of him, with specific environments in each area.

In [Climate Control], he could fine-tune the temperature and humidity, even decide on the kind of weather patterns he’d experience—whether he wanted clear skies, storms, or even affect seasons to meet his preference.

When he opened [Gravity Settings], Sora found he could alter gravity , either increasing it to create a more intense environment or reducing it for different types of training, giving him control over how much physical strain he’d face.

Exploring [Mana Settings], he realized he could adjust the density and behavior of mana in the air, from calm to wild. He wasn't certain of how it would affect his training to change Mana's behavior, but he had a few guesses. More importantly, he could even affect elemental density in the corresponding environment.

Finally, in [Monster Density], he had the power to control how populated the land would be, from the total absence of monster to a world filled to the brim with creatures that matched various environments. He could even choose the type of monsters he wanted to confront and their levels. Such option however had a cost, and he would need to pay with his [Ascension Points]

Sora felt a wave of laziness wash over him as he faced the detailed configuration panel, tempted to hit “randomize” and skip the setup. But using all his willpower, he ignored his urge, carefully selecting the environment for each area of the little planet. He increased the elemental density in certain regions and even maxed out the settings in a few, preparing a variety of challenging training grounds for the future.

Ignoring [Climate Control], Sora focused on pushing the gravity to a level he thought he could handle. He lowered the [Monster Density] to the minimum, deciding he wasn’t planning to fight or train against monsters for the time being.

Satisfied with his choices, he hit the [Confirm] button.

As soon as he pressed it, the world in front of him began to change, each area evolving according to his settings. A moment later, he felt his body dissolve, and he soon found himself standing on the planet’s surface.

Jumping up for a better view, Sora took in the landscape. Below him was a vast forest stretching in every direction, while in the distance, he could see tall, snow-capped mountains and, to one side, the blue surface of a lake.

Surprised he couldn't jump higher than a hundred meter, he felt the weight of the strong gravity pressing on him.

'This level of gravity is just perfect' he thought, already feeling challenged by the environment he’d set up. It wasn't so high that he struggled when moving, but it was enough to force him to feel some resistance when moving.

He looked around, breathing in the mana-rich air. 'This mana density is just what I need for my first experiments' he told himself, starting to [Condense] and [Crystallize] mana around him.

Feeling his phoenix’s call, Sora summoned Netsu, only to frown as he saw his familiar crushed by the intense gravity. He was about to cancel the summoning when Netsu sent a determined mental message.

“Master, I want to stay by your side.” Netsu’s eyes shone with resolve as he pushed himself up, struggling to balance on his talons.

“You want to train in these conditions? Just wait for a month—I’ll summon you and Hiyoko in an easier environment,” Sora replied, worried that the immense pressure might crush his familiar to death.

“Master, I will be fine. I need this pressure.”

Sora looked at Netsu, pride and respect filling his gaze. Nodding, he said out loud, “Follow me, then.”

They made their way toward the lake, a journey that took nearly half an hour. Sora knew he could have reached it in less than a minute, but he slowed his pace, watching as Netsu fought to keep up, every step needing a strong willpower.

Once they arrived, Sora instructed Netsu to rest by the water, then started to work. He began cutting down nearby trees, crafting a house on the lake’s shore. Though he could have built it instantly with elemental control, there was something deeply satisfying about building it slowly, relying only on his hands.

By the time he finished, he had created a cozy home, spacious enough for himself and his familiars. Stepping back, he admired his work with a big smile.

Feeling Hiyoko’s constant summons through their link, he glanced at Netsu and asked, “Do you think she’d survive here?”

“Maybe for a few seconds…” Netsu replied. “She’s only level 138. I doubt anyone at that level could handle this gravity.”

Realizing Hiyoko’s limitations, Sora mentally added her evolution to his to-do list. Netsu, too, was ready for a third evolution, but Sora had been holding off, wanting to maximize his familiar’s growth potential.

Sora spent his first week by the lake simply enjoying a quiet, relaxed life, letting his mind wander back to his days on Earth before everything had changed.

He recalled the years spent with his family, how his older brother, Nathan, had always shielded him from bullies who targeted him for being adopted. Growing up under Nathan’s protection, Sora had become a quiet young man, more at ease around the people he loved than with large groups.

Often a spectator when his family had heated debates about sports, politics, or even religion, he had enjoyed every moment with them, especially in the years before Nathan moved out to start a life with Rachel, his childhood friend.

He had been Nathan’s best man at his wedding and had admired his brother’s happiness as he began a life with her.

Sora himself had graduated and settled into a job as a Human Resources Assistant, but office life was less satisfying than he had imagined. His boredom with routine vanished, however, when the world began to change, and Nathan told the family he intended to hunt monsters secretly, following rumors about a mysterious way to unlock the “Player” system that granted powers.

Unable to keep the news hidden for too long, governments watched as reports on TV documented people defying orders to stay home, venturing out to unlock the “Status” that transformed them into what the media referred to as 'Players'.

Adventuring in the wilds was risky—dungeons left uncleared were spilling monsters into the world without level boundaries or safe zones. The military held most of the threats at bay with overwhelming power, but no one could assume the wilds were safe.

During those days, Sora watched in admiration as his brother grew stronger learning to manipulate mana. Then came the portals, welcoming strange visitors from beyond Earth, and soon after, the World Update.

 As cities became safer havens and the threat of invasion shifted to distant regions, people like Sora, Rachel, and Nathan stayed near Ales to take on easy quests, and fighting low-level monsters to earn the new currency the world suggested.

It was a simple, happy life, full of camaraderie and fappiness—until Nathan’s death shattered everything.

In his absence, Sora felt the need to protect Rachel, his brother’s widow, never imagining that she was the one responsible. As he took on new responsibilities, he transformed from a quiet young man into a leader who guided his friends through quests and dungeons, his personality hardened by life.

Trying to ignore what lead to his death, he thought back to his first Prestige resets, and smiled at how quickly he’d evolved from a weakling to a figure who could impact a whole war.

'So much has happened in just a few months… I’ve never really taken the time to relax and reflect,' he thought.

His years of training in Kara’s [Time Space] had been intense, but he’d always kept moving forward. Now, for the first time, he allowed himself to look back. 'What a life I’ve been living…'

Sipping a juice he’d stashed in his inventory, he sighed, grateful for his habit of stocking up on food and drink. Although he didn’t need to eat and drink to survive, he still loved the simple pleasure of snacks and good drinks.

Looking over at Netsu, who was flying a few meters above the ground, Sora stood up, ready to begin the first phase of his training.

Leading Netsu in a different environment, he left him in a place suited for his training, and headed to a different area he had designed for his first training, his mind focusing on one thought.

'Rachel, my friend, wait for me. I've seen you fight, and even if I don't understand how you've become so strong in such a short time, I'm already stronger than what you've shown so far. I'll find a way to make you suffer a fate worse than death. This is my promise to you'

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Sorry if this feels like a filler, but I thought it was important for Sora to breathe and relax before diving into action again. What do you think of such chapters ?

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