A Summoner Awakens, Chapter 1 [The Clock Strikes Zero]

Chapter 1 [The Clock Strikes Zero]

[02:17:36]

The luminous red numbers drifting above the great Origin City were as conspicuous as ever, the flash of the seconds ticking down hard to miss for anyone who didn't frequent the Origin Floor. It would usually elicit feelings of awe and inspiration, yet tonight… Every time my gaze crossed over it, my stomach would churn. I wasn't sure why.

People stepped out of the way while I ambled down the street, my cane tapping lightly against the cobblestone as I observed my surroundings. The city continued to burst with life as more and more people flocked to the streets, a mix of fear and excitement evident on their faces. Music was playing, and decorations were being strung about the antique streetlights. The raucous laughter of drunken men and playing children filled the air.

It was the Tower's anniversary, and not just any anniversary. The clock was about to strike zero. Every year, a festival would be held, but I hadn't seen one this unruly since the turn of the century when I was but a young lad. I grimaced, clutching my cane tightly as I recalled those days.

I was healthy then... before I'd taken the first step and cleared the First Floor. Before I realised what I was doing, I connected with my soul and forced my Origin Card to materialise. As always, it was blank aside from the string of numbers that ran across it, constantly ticking upward. The blank face was lined with grey trim, and the back was black, with an ornate, silver 'O' imprinted in the centre. Of course, when I used my Discerning Eye, an Enhancement I was given by my employer, more details appeared in my vision.

[Card Name: Origin]

[Class: Origin]

[Rank: Origin]

[Level: X]

[Description: Steals the life energy of the Wielder. This Card Levels based on the Wielder's Life Score and does not accept Essence. Life Score is rewarded passively, trading the Wielder's longevity for points toward the Life Score. All acts that benefit humanity reward additional points. With every Level, this Card gains a new Effect. The Wielder will be unaware of this Card's Effects until specific conditions are met]

[Life Score: 121,200,083,317,282]

[Effect 1: The Wielder has lived for a century, gaining vast wisdom and experience. The Wielder gains a flawless memory, allowing them to access this wealth of knowledge on command]

It was true that the Effect was exceptional. It impressed my superiors enough that they allowed me access to more guarded information. This led to me spending my free time memorising and logging details into information Relics for extra pay. I'd even made great strides in recognising the patterns of the Beasts on the higher Floors with the information provided. My services afforded me ample wealth… but it wasn't worth it.

My eyes shifted to a nearby business. I was on the outskirts of Origin City, so it wasn't anything impressive. The windows were poorly crafted, and the door was nothing more than a thin strip of wood. The glowing purple formations meant to protect the place flickered from time to time, indicating that there wasn't much Essence within.

I wasn't eyeing the storefront, however. No. I was observing the small family that sat out front. A young boy and girl, both in dire need of a wash, laughed together as they painted figures on some slab of wood they'd found. Behind them, their father mounted lights above the door while his wife chided him on the placement. The little girl caught my gaze and waved toward me, the paint on her hand splattering onto her brother.

Chuckling, I tipped my hat and cast a Cleanse toward the pair. I grimaced internally from the pain as more life force was sapped by my Origin Card. The girl gasped and looked down at her dress, where the paint and grime were dissolving rapidly. Hearing the commotion, the woman turned to find both of her children in pristine condition. Before I turned the corner, I saw the boy pointing in my direction and the mother looking around hopefully. Despite the pain, I smiled.

I'd trade it all for what they have…

It wasn't that I hadn't tried to build a family. My body just wouldn't let me. Casting a baleful glare at my Origin Card, I recovered it and watched it disperse into motes of light that flowed into my chest. My cane continued to tap against the walk as I made my way from the busy street, turned down an alley, and walked toward a nearby pub. I wasn't one for drinking. With my health, it would probably mean the death of me. Still, after spending so many months on the Tenth Floor without a break, I wanted to see a familiar face.

My joints were killing me by the time I travelled up the alley and opened the pub door. As I walked in, I tried to straighten myself and look a bit less frail. There were a few curious glances, but for the most part, no one would bother with an old man like me.

In a few short strides, I reached the bar and found a seat at the far end. A young woman I didn't wholly recognise walked up to me with a radiant smile. She was lovely, and I felt a sense of familiarity.

"What can I do for you today, Sir? Whiskey? You look like a whiskey man," she smiled brighter and leaned her elbows on the counter while she spoke.

"What's that?" I wheezed, leaning forward and squinting as if my eyesight was failing. The young woman bent closer to repeat herself, and I tapped her on the nose. She was startled for a moment, but her eyes widened in recognition as I dropped the facade and began to laugh.

"Uncle? Is that you?" Lyla gasped. Her smile turned genuine, but there was worry in her eyes. She gripped my free hand lightly. "It's so good to see you! But... are you okay? You've…"

"Aged?" I asked with a chuckle. "Don't you go concerning yourself about my well-being. How's about going to fetch your papa?"

"I'll do that," Lyla squeezed my hand softly and jogged toward the back, much to the annoyance of the other patrons who had been waiting patiently for refills. A few cast annoyed glances toward me but held their tongues. Unfortunately, there were two young men who didn't share that same respect for their elders. The other patrons watched but didn't try to block their approach.

Discreetly, I focused on the two, allowing a sliver of my life force to drain so I could use Discerning Eye. It revealed that they'd only cleared the Second Floor. Neither were sporting complete Decks, and their Foundations were weak. I pretended not to notice them, hoping they'd return to their seats… no such luck.

They're still young. If someone set them straight, perhaps they could do the front line some good one day. This… is going to cost me.

"Oi! Pops!" One of the men called out when he got closer. "What'd you say to the young miss to run her off like that? You need someone to put you in your place?"

Chuckling audibly at the accusation, I turned and gave the young man a once-over. He was lean, clean-shaven, and didn't have a single scar marring his skin. Judging by his gallantry, it seemed that last bit needed correcting.

"Did you hear me, old man?" He reached out forcefully but suddenly found himself unable to move. A thin, steel blade was pressed lightly against his throat, and my Paralysing Gaze kept him from stepping forward. Had it not, he would have been impaled.

"Normally, I'd charge for this kind of lecture, but I'm feeling generous today," I said tiredly, already feeling the drain on my health. I scratched my chin with my free hand deciding how best to immortalise this meeting so the lesson would stay with him for years to come. Coming to a decision, my blade moved from his neck to his exposed bicep. With a flick, I carved a thin line into his skin. "Strapping lads such as yourselves could become powerful Wielders. It would be a shame for your lives to end before they even began."

The young man gasped when I released my Spell. He stuttered as he spoke, "I- I'm sorry, S-Sir. It won't happen again. I swear."

"Good, good," I laughed and patted the boy's shoulder. My blade glinted in the tavern's light as I returned it to its sheath. Once again, the object in my hand looked like nothing but a worn, ornate cane, its designs having faded over time. "No hard feelings, gentlemen. If you fellows make it up to the Tenth Floor, I'll be happy to give you another lesson. Preferably on better terms."

The young men nodded and walked back to their seats, no longer interested in impressing their lady friends. A chuckle sounded from behind the bar, and I turned to see my friend Crole holding his belly. Lyla was standing beside him with an amused smile.

"It really is you!" Crole walked around the counter and clasped my shoulders. "It's been a long time, my friend. How's life on the Tenth Floor treating you, eh? Hmm… From the looks of you, that position must be more trouble than it's worth."

"I'm doing well," I smiled brightly. "The youngsters I help out are learning incredibly fast these days. The last Party that made it to the Tenth Floor managed to take out that Fiend with very little guidance. Before long, I'll be hunting for a different occupation."

"Oh? I suppose the Network is doing its job, then?" Crole questioned.

"Unfortunately," I nodded. "Anyway, I just wanted to catch up before these old bones gave out on me. If I can help it, I'd like to be on the train home before the real festivities begin."

Crole frowned, "You're… not worried?"

I glanced around the bar. A few of the younger folks were celebrating, getting drinks to go, and heading out to the streets. The rest of the patrons looked nervous or fearful.

"Whatever happens, happens, Crole. My gut says that we should be wary," I spoke quietly. "I've kept my ear to the ground, but none of the officials has commented. It's like they're purposely avoiding the subject..."

"Eh, those pompous asshats wouldn't know anything, anyway," Crole scowled.

I laughed. It was true that the outer branches of the Government didn't know much, but my channels went a ways deeper. Through the years, I'd helped many men and women with their first Fiend, earned a higher clearance, and gained some connections. My condition may have left me weak, but my mind was strong, and I used it to my advantage.

For some time, the two of us chattered while watching the comings and goings of the crowd. As time passed, the bar slowly emptied out, and we said our goodbyes for the night. The alley was almost deserted, and rather than going toward the station, I decided to make my way back toward the streets. I knew it would get too rowdy for me after a while, but I didn't want to be alone.

Fireworks crackled loudly, colouring the sky red and lighting the faces of all those present. Men and women smiled and danced in the street while the children ran and played around them. As for me, I just leaned on the wall at the alley's edge, watching the festivities and catching my breath. The joy of the crowd was infectious, and I found myself enjoying the sight of the families celebrating together.

My health had rapidly declined since I'd finished the First Floor. One of my old mentors from my days in the Academy linked it to my Origin Card, but I didn't discover the reason behind it until a colleague with a higher standing lent me a copy of Discerning Eye. She pulled some strings to make it a permanent gift once I told her what I found.

It had been tough, but I managed to climb to the Tenth Floor and kill the Fiend before my health took a turn for the worse. I'd been impressive. Even with the burden of my Origin Card, I cleared the lower Floors at a rapid pace. Even so, my Card kept working against me.

My pace slowed drastically by the Seventh Floor. And, years later, once I finally reached the end of the Tenth and slew that Fiend on my own... Well, it was like the achievement accelerated my body's deterioration. My Cards turned on me and started to cause pain. After some experimenting, I found the counter on my Origin Card would increase drastically every time I cast a Spell or used an Ability.

I knew my body wouldn't be able to take much more, so I stayed on that Floor and helped others as they came along. It was easy Essence. My wealth grew steadily over time. As soon as I had the means, I made an exorbitant donation to the local Church, and they helped me remove my Cards without facing the repercussions. I slotted my Deck with Level 3s, which was the highest Level I could use with impunity. They caused me pain, but not so much that I couldn't function.

"Thirty seconds left!"

Someone nearby yelled, pulling me from my reverie. The crowd cheered and started chanting as the clock ticked down. My gut twisted... a feeling that usually came just before something terrible happened. The last time I'd felt it, the attack patterns of the Fiend changed, something that hadn't happened in all my years as an instructor... A group of young men and women lost their lives that day.

"Twenty-five... twenty... fifteen... ten..."

The crowd continued to count down, oblivious to my laboured breaths and drumming heartbeats. I clutched my stomach and forced myself to breathe deeply while keeping my eyes open. Something was coming.

The clock hit zero, and thousands of fireworks exploded above Origin City. For ten thousand years, that clock had counted down. No one knew what it was for, but there was speculation.

Some older folk in the crowd began to tear up, staring at the now-empty sky. For some, the clock still had several hundred years to go when they were children. Most were taught from a young age that the Tower would open to the world when it struck zero, revealing either heaven or hell. Many shared these sentiments, and Churches that were thousands of years old continued to preach of the salvation or destruction that awaited them... depending on which of them one followed.

There were some folks, like Crole, who didn't believe this rubbish. Still, the Churches were just as influential as the Government, and bad things happened to people who spoke ill of their beliefs. Because of this, it was common to meet in back rooms late at night to discuss the goings on in the Tower.

"Cheers!" A burly man with a greatsword on his back rolled a large keg into the centre of the street and broke the lid, filling his cup. "Free rounds for all my fellow Wielders! May the Tower's light shine upon you!"

I rolled my eyes at the scene and continued watching the children run about, keeping my eyes peeled for the threat that my heart felt. Then, something told me to look up. Where the clock had vanished, something was changing in the air. A soft ripple marked the sky but was gone so swiftly that I felt I'd imagined it.

What was that..?

It was hard to hear over the festivities, but I could swear that I heard a heavy thump with that change, like someone striking a tree. Nearby, another seemed to have heard it as well. A mother to be, from the looks of her. She was a young-looking woman with long, red hair and a rounded belly, probably already eight months along. I could tell she was a powerful Wielder, probably older than myself, and was likely only on the Origin Floor to wait out her pregnancy.

"Did you hear that?" She asked, slapping the back of the drunkard who'd rolled out the booze. The man, who I assumed was familiar with the woman, turned to her with a drunken frown.

"Hear what?" He asked, chugging down another pint of the red liquid.

She shook her head and looked around, "Hmm. Maybe it was nothing."

The woman caught my stare and met my eyes with a solemn gaze. I may not have been a powerful Wielder, but I'd lived a long life, and the woman seemed to be able to tell that I'd heard the noise too. She started to walk toward me but was interrupted by an ear-splitting sound echoing throughout the whole of the Origin Floor.

I felt the ground shaking beneath my boots, and the sky began to shatter like broken glass. The children were the first to notice, and after a moment, their drunken parents looked to the heavens as well. Then, instead of heading toward me, the pregnant woman started yelling for everyone to get in the buildings. Her powerful voice echoed across the street.

I stayed out of the way while I examined the walls that had covered the Origin Floor all these years. The ceiling continued to shatter, and in the distance, I could see the outer walls begin to crumble. The Tower was collapsing.

Panic spread as others took notice of this phenomenon, but thanks to the woman's shout, there was some semblance of order. Wielders were respected, and the people felt safe knowing one was in the vicinity. That was... until the wails began.

A single, vicious howl resounded throughout the Floor, followed by another, and then another. The once orderly evacuation turned to chaos as women and children began to scream, and men tried to pull their loved ones toward the town's centre. The mighty walls of the Tower crumbled further, and distorted faces could be seen through the gaps.

"Wh-What the hell is that?!" A woman screamed, scrambling back as she stared at the wall far in the distance. For the first time in ten thousand years, the citizens of the Tower discovered what awaited them on the outside.

Death.

I witnessed hundreds, maybe thousands of immense creatures tear at the wall, howling and shrieking as they tried to break through. There were all manner of monsters. I saw beasts, humanoids, and boundless other creatures I'd never seen recorded. Just how massive were these beasts that I could see them from this distance?

Why aren't they entering?

My stomach churned as I stared outward. Gaping cracks and tears littered the wall, yet none of the monsters entered. That's when I heard them. Footsteps. Being so near the city's edge, there wasn't much between myself and the surrounding lands, and the responsible party soon came into view.

Enormous humanoids of varying sprinted toward us. Some were easily as tall as many of the loftier buildings further in the city. Decayed flesh fell from their blackened bodies as they ran. With every step, the ground would shake, and their cries burst the eardrums of every Dweller on the Origin Floor. Even some of the weaker Wielders clutched at their heads.

These humanoid giants traversed the land in record time, leaving little time for reinforcements to arrive. They seemed to teleport dozens of miles with every bound, eating up the 1500 or so between the wall and Origin City. Their rotten smiles reached their ears when they reached the first of the dwellings.

Screams of women filled the air as they grabbed their children and fled further into the city. Chunks of stone and other debris fell from the shattering sky, only adding to the chaos as one person after another was crushed by the rubble.

The giants swiftly spread through the streets, the unpowered protections of the slums useless against this horde. Massive clubs swung toward the buildings blocking their path. Most structures couldn't withstand more than a few swings.

I studied the giants. From this distance, I could see that their decaying skin had grown around their strange weapons. It was as if they were part of the monsters. The blood falling from their rotting skin tore through the pavement like acid. It was a ghastly sight.

A sea of people ran past my small alley, pushing and shoving others back to get further ahead. I watched on sadly, holding my chest. The feeling in my gut was gone, and my heart was thumping so hard that I could feel it in my bones.

All the while, the giants closed the distance. The people in the back were already being torn apart and eaten alive. Blood splattered across the sides of buildings and showered the crowd below.

"Mummy! Where are you?"

A voice caught my attention, and I turned to the crowd. A young girl had stumbled and was seconds away from being crushed by the stampede of screaming citizens.

Without thinking, I used Dash to close the distance, barreling through the crowd and standing over the young girl. I grimaced and almost collapsed, the Origin Card pulling harder at my life force for pushing myself. Then, even knowing the consequences, I cast a Barrier, forcing the crowd to run around us.

"Are you alright, little one?" Her leg was bleeding, and it looked like it had been broken by the number of people running by. I reached out to the girl, casting a weak Heal when she accepted my hand. My legs gave out from the strain, and I fell to my knees beside her.

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at me, and I almost laughed at the sight. This child held pity for an old man like me at a time like this. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I struggled to stand with her in my arm, leaning on my cane for support while looking for the girl's family.

"Melinda! Melinda!" A woman's distraught voice called out from the crowd. The girl turned her head, and I shuffled toward the call, struggling from the weight of us both.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" The woman cried as she took the child from me. Around us, the screaming grew louder, and the steps of the giants grew closer. The young girl held onto my hand as her mother tried to leave.

Tears streamed down her cheeks when I released her hand, and the mother took off into the crowd. Her eyes never left mine until they disappeared into the distance. I stared after them for some time before turning to face the incoming threat, the tremors of its steps almost knocking me off my feet. It wouldn't be much... but maybe I could buy them some time.

A giant with vast jaws ran up the main street, snatching one person after another and throwing them into its open maw. It stopped and looked down my narrow road, blocking the citizens who fled in that direction. A slight sense of relief washed over me that the mother and child had run toward the back streets with another group.

The frontrunners fell into this giant's waiting maw, while those lucky enough ran between its legs or turned tail and fled. It was useless. The creature saw them running and forced its way into the street, crashing through the surrounding buildings like they were clay.

It was hindered slightly by the buildings, but not enough to keep it from advancing. Blood stained its rotting teeth, and the smell of death filled the air with its every breath. Waves of putrid stench filled the street, causing those with weaker stomachs to collapse, heaving on the gravel.

I stood still, staring at the creature. There was no sense in running. In my current state, I'd be lucky if I made it back to the alley. Saving that girl had taken a toll on me. I smiled wryly.

I'm a fool. Is there even anywhere for them to run? At least they'll be together.

The giant raised one blood-stained claw, looking for its next victim. I watched calmly, feeling my blood rush throughout my body as my heartbeat quickened. A man to my left fell to his knees, begging the Tower for forgiveness, pleading desperately for his life.

I glanced at the man and scowled.

Weak.

"Everyone, get back!" A booming voice echoed in the area as a shadow passed overhead. A massive, green eagle flew by, clawing at the monster while a man leapt heroically to the street. Colours flashed as he prepared numerous Spells.

"That's Galen! Leader of the Argonauts Guild!" the man beside me cried through the snot and tears covering his face. "We're saved!"

"Be wiped from this plane!" Galen shouted, releasing the built-up magic of his most potent Spells. A torrent of flames filled the street, encasing the beast in a wall of deadly fire. Cries of agony could be heard as the monster thrashed back and forth, tearing apart the buildings on either side.

I glanced at the young-looking man. Through the Network, I learned that he'd managed to climb to the Thirtieth Floor. Based on the provided information, he was a bit weak for such an accomplishment, but I knew he'd recruited some powerful Guilders. If his entire Guild was here for the celebration... maybe we could stave off the attack for a short time.

Many citizens cheered, and Galen smiled brightly, "Fear not! The Climbers from the upper Floors are on th-"

He never had the chance to finish. A large, bone mace slammed down on him. His body burst into blood and bits of flesh from the impact. My eyes widened, surprised by the ferocity and power behind the blow.

I looked back at the still-smouldering giant. It was heavily damaged but still far from dead. The creature breathed in deeply and released a defiant roar.

Screams could be heard around the city, telling us that it wouldn't be safe no matter where we ran. A young couple was sobbing next to me, and the man who'd begged for mercy was scrambling backwards. I looked around, eying the many children among the terrified faces. Not caring for our suffering, the giant once again lumbered toward us. Then, I steeled my resolve.

"On your feet! Get these youngsters to the alleys!" I said as loudly as I could. My Strength wasn't at a high enough Level to empower my voice like Galen or the woman, but it was loud enough for those around me to hear. Many looked at me in surprise, "Get moving!"

I could only manage a few seconds, but hopefully, it was enough. The creature couldn't pursue them so brazenly through the narrow back roads. Satisfied that the cowards readily moved to guide the children away, I opened the seal I'd placed on my life force and Summoned my most powerful asset. Green light streamed from my body, and a small orb appeared behind me. A tiny, winged, humanoid creature materialised, her cheeks already streaked with tears.

I could feel my chest burning as more and more life force was pulled away. My hands began to shake, and I struggled to stand. The petite pixie flew to my shoulder and kissed my cheek, and I could feel its healing magic coursing through my veins.

"Thank you, Rosie," I smiled sadly and pulled a leather-wrapped box from a place on my belt. It was a weak Deck, but it was all that I could offer. I tossed it to a boy who was bravely helping with the evacuation. He looked at me with wide eyes, and I shooed him away, "Get going. That box will open for you soon enough."

I cast the Barrier again, spreading it across the street just in time to intercept the giant's mace. Rosie continued to heal and empower me, green energy pouring into me from her tiny hands, but it wasn't enough to offset the life I was losing.

The Barrier shattered after the second swing, and the giant grinned widely and pulled back its mace to deliver another blow. I unleashed everything I had. My soul reached out to the rarely used skills as I released every Spell and Ability in one instant. My skin shrivelled, and I could feel my bones collapsing inside of me.

I looked behind me, smiling broadly. My ploy had worked. There wasn't a single person left in the alley.

Alone at the end, eh? That seems fitting.

I laughed through the pain as the monster swung down with a shrill cry, furious that its prey had escaped. The weapon drew near. I closed my eyes and welcomed the sweet release of death...

After several moments of waiting, the blow never arrived. I peeked through one eye, the dried-up lid opening without any pain. The weapon was there, frozen not even an inch from my brow. The giant wasn't moving, and the screams around me had stopped. In fact, I couldn't hear anything. Just... silence.

"What the bloody hell is this?" The crippling pain that I'd experienced for many decades was gone. I couldn't hear my heartbeat... or even feel it thumping in my chest.

A harsh, burning sensation pulled me from my thoughts. My Origin Card. Light burst from my chest and the metal Card materialised before me. This useless Card, which had caused all my pain and suffering, now looked unfamiliar.

The grey around the border had been replaced by beautiful, golden trim. An odd golden cross adorned the front. Each of its curved spokes was the same length, creating perfect symmetry. Even without my Discerning Eye, I could plainly see the dark golden text that hovered before it. A lifeless but thundering voice resounded in my mind, shaking my very being to its core.

"Condition met. Effect 10."

I'd heard that voice once before... Nearly twenty years ago, when my Origin Card first showed that it was more than a burden. My eyes darted back and forth, quickly reading the floating text.

[Card Name: Origin]

[Class: Origin]

[Rank: Origin]

[Level: X]

[Description: Steals the life energy of the Wielder. This Card Levels based on the Wielder's Life Score and does not accept Essence. Life Score is rewarded passively, trading the Wielder's longevity for points toward the Life Score. All acts that benefit humanity reward additional points. With every Level, this Card gains a new Effect. The Wielder will be unaware of this Card's Effects until specific conditions are met]

[Life Score: 121,200,083,654,999]

[Effect 1: The Wielder has lived for a century, gaining vast wisdom and experience. The Wielder gains a flawless memory, allowing them to access this wealth of knowledge on command]

[Effect 2: ???]

[Effect 3: ???]

[Effect 4: ???]

[Effect 5: ???]

[Effect 6: ???]

[Effect 7: ???]

[Effect 8: ???]

[Effect 9: ???]

[Effect 10: The Wielder has perished. The Wielder shall be returned to a time before receiving this Card with all memories intact. This is a one-time Effect. This Origin Card can not be re-obtained, though its Effects shall persist and can still be unsealed, providing conditions are met]

[Effect 11: ???]

Once I finished reading, the Card before me vanished. My body rose high into the air, and I could see the destruction and mayhem across the land. The sky had utterly shattered, and many pieces of the Floor above had crashed into the Origin City. Flames and smoke rose from the buildings.

From this height, I could see that most of the twelve outer cities were in a similar state. To the north and south, massive domes of light surrounded the cities of Damnation and Liberation but cracks spread out from the bottom. The railways leading out of Origin City were destroyed. There was nowhere for the people to escape... except maybe up.

Creatures poured in through the openings in the Tower walls, much larger than the wave of giants that had entered first. My body kept rising steadily while I took all of this in, absorbing every detail of the land and devastation.

Just as I reached the ceiling of the Origin Floor, something started to change. The fire and smoke dwindled, and the chunks of stone rose into the sky. It was slow at first, but the displaced rubble moved faster with every second, each piece eventually reconnecting with the Tower. I watched the giants move backwards across the earth until they were back beyond the outer wall.

My mind reeled as I watched the wall restore itself, and magnificent coloured lights once again lit up the night sky. Suddenly, my gaze drew toward the centre of the Floor, where the clock was once again suspended in the night sky. Not only had it returned, but the numbers were moving... it was counting up. In an instant, the fireworks jolted toward the ground, and the moon was dragged toward the east.

[00:01]

One second...

[01:00]

One minute...

[01:00:00]

One hour...

Faster and faster the numbers climbed as days and nights flashed before my eyes. I saw the city shrinking and buildings that had been erected decades ago return to construction material and then to dust. This spectacle kept on, and when it finally stopped...

[100:10:13:33:06]

I gasped, but the phenomenon didn't allow me time to think. My body was yanked upward, passing through the sky that separated the Origin Floor from the First. My body moved on its own until it was high above the subsequent Floor. From my vantage, I could see the mountains clearly in every direction and an ornate building below me. Spires and parapets surrounded the place like some medieval castle.

The Academy.

Without warning, my body was flung downward. Faster and faster I went until I'd passed through the stone ceiling and into a large room. Forty or so young men and women were sitting at their desks, looking toward a woman standing by a board near the front. I continued moving forward involuntarily until I slammed into a particular student who had his head down on his desk.

I knew this student well.

For he... was me.

...

"Urgh..." I groaned slightly, my head throbbing. Disorganised thoughts flooded my mind, and my vision swam. I thought I heard someone calling, but I couldn't quite make it out. The puzzled mess tried piecing itself together, but the pounding in my head wouldn't let me focus. The fog began to settle, and I could finally hear the voice attempting to pierce the veil.

"Mister Wilder. Am I boring you?"