True Potential

To Be More (1)

T/W: Profanity, Violence, Bullying, and Strong Language.

“You’re bugging, man. Marshall is way cooler.” Ralph casually says.

“Yeah, right, Eli no-diffs him.” Markus responds.

“I’m not talking about in a fight, dumbass”

Ralph and Markus were a couple of 17-year olds relaxing on their break. They were interning for a position in a guild. If they couldnt be Striders, this was the next best thing they thought.

They’ve had four cups of coffee and they’re still in the break room, the way they’re lazying about they might go for a fifth. Despite their lack of an affinity for work, no one could deny their passion for the Strider business.

“Dude, how long have we been here?” Markus questions.

“I don’t know, like 15 minutes? We should get another cup of coffee.” Ralph says. He gets up to get another one for himself and Markus. A bad feeling rears up inside Markus, and the longer he ignores it the more it grows. He checks his watch. “DUDE. IT’S 10:15. WE’VE BEEN ON BREAK FOR 50 MINUTES!” Markus shouts.

“WAIT HUH, I COULD’VE SWORN WE HAD 15 MINUTES LEFT.”

“UGH THIS IS THE LAST TIME I LET YOU HANDLE THE TIME.” Markus complained. They trashed their cups and blitzed for the door. Before they could come with an excuse, a man enters.

He was one of the Striders for the guild, but something was off. Strider’s usually give off a certain aura. Confidence. Sureness. Arrogance. It was usually one of those three if not all three, but this man did not give off anything like that. In fact, he was the opposite.

You could walk past this man and never tell he fights monsters and collect treasures for a living. He didnt even have the things conventional needs either. He wasnt tall, not attractive, or had that charisma that attracts others. He was just there. A sad excuse for a Strider is what everyone would say.

There was nothing to fear about this man. Realizing this, Ralph acted fast.

“O-oh hey, Dante–I mean Mr. Grayson. Can we ask a favor?”

What was he thinking? Markus thought. Asking a favor from your superior? This is a Strider we’re talking about. A member of this guild. He could report them and get them fired. The best option was to beg and plead, but this was too risky.

“If you run into Mr. Johnson, can you just tell him we were helping you? We’ll totally owe you.”

Dante didn’t think much of it. He didn’t really care, but he saw them in himself and his brother, so he would let them off the hook.

“Sure thing, just don’t do it again, ok? I can’t cover for you again.”

“T-thank you so much Mr. Grayson. We’ll get going now.” Ralph said. The two bolted off and got back to their desks, acting as if nothing happened. “I can’t believe we got away with it... but dude who was that? I didn’t know he had clout like that.” Ralph snickers almost blowing their cover. “Clout? Yeah, right. Don’t you know who that is? That’s Dante Grayson. “The Worst”

“Woah... really? He looks smaller in real life.”

“Yeah, I heard about it from Aaron and the others when I was on break yesterday. They talked about other stuff too but I dont think I should mention it.”

“Instead of doing work?” “Hey, man. There’s more to life than just working. You gotta network too.” Ralph replies. Despite talking just to talk, he didn’t lie there.

“That bozo tried to fight a C-rank boss by himself. He needs to humble himself.” Ralph says.

“True. Pretty damn reckless too, could’ve gotten his party members hurt.”

“Right? Guys like that are an embarrassment to Striders. Go be a family man or something” Ralph rambled.

Dante heard everything. He knows he shouldn’t have, but he couldn’t help it, and before he knew it he followed them to where they couldn’t see. He knows everyone looks down on him, but the interns too?

Everyone in the Strider community knows about “The Worst” incident. He wasn’t taken seriously by anyone. He clenched his hands. All the negatives kept piling on. He was alone.

“Yo, Dante. Whatcha doing here?”

Well. Almost alone.

“G-Gwen. Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“Don’t be sorry for that, you weirdo. I was just asking a question.” She teased. Dante chuckled nervously. Gwen was the definition of the girl next door visually. She sports long straight black hair with brown eyes. With fair skin and a slender figure, she was by far the most popular girl in the guild. Some people even apply just to see her.

A rising rookie, she became popular for her looks and fighting ability. Many guilds tried to sign her, but only the God Bull guild succeeded. She even received offers from the Five Major Guilds. Besides her relationship status, people wonder why she joined God Bull instead.

“I do have to say though, Mr. Johnson wants to see you in his office. Said it was super important.”

“Alright, thanks.” Before he could go, she stops him party way.

“Hey, Dante”

She hesitates what she wants to say. She has an idea what he’s feeling, but would kind words help? But she wants to, her friend needs help even if he doesnt admit or say it. If it was up to her, she’d jam into his head how cool he was. Yet, even still, she clenched her fist.

“Just... good luck in there.” she says before walking away. She walks away with heavy footsteps. Staying any longer would result in her saying what she wants.

Thanks, Gwen.Dante thought.I know you’re worried... but I’ll be ok.

Dante arrives in Mr. Johnson’s office. Behind him was Aaron Walker, the God Bulls guild most valuable asset. The two looked as if they were break terrible news to Dante, but Mr. Johnson alone was enough for that. Aaron’s appearance was unnecessary.

“Mr. Grayson. I’m glad you could make it. Please take a seat.”

“Is there something you need, Mr. Johnson?” Mr. Johnson does some typing, looking at his monitors as he tries to pull something and talk at the same time.

“As you know, guilds hire striders. But only high-ranking Striders or popular ones like Marshall Rothtaylor are sought after.”

As he continued, he turned over his computer monitor for Dante to see. They were analytics of business rising. “You fall to neither category, yet your mishap two weeks ago has gone viral. If we can repeat that same formula, we will both make lots of money.”

Dante froze. Every part of his body was still, even his blood and his very cells stopped in their tracks. What was he about to say what he was thinking? “Yes, we here at the God Bull guild like to offer you a permanent contract to become the guilds official mascot.”

His heartbeat started beating like a drum. His palms, moist as sweat and his jaw dropped. No matter how hard he tried, he couldnt close it. He couldnt believe what he heard. Hardly able to make contact too, he stood there in complete silence. Johnson preyed on this.

“And please... think before you make a decision. After all, your dear mother needs the money does she not?” A sinking feeling dropped like a brick inside Dante. How could Johnson know about that? The only one who knows about that is... Aaron.

The man standing behind Mr. Johnson. It was a moment of weakness. The day after “The Worst” incident happened, Aaron asked why he continues to be a Strider. In a moment of wanting an accomplice and with Gwen not being around at the time. Dante confided in him even if he didnt want to. He just needed somebody.

And this desire, was exactly the weakness Aaron was waiting for. A disgusting grin stretched his face.

“How about this? Before you sign the contract again, let’s do another performance to prove to you it wasn’t a fluke. Once it does well, we can discuss further details. Trust me, Mr. Grayson. This is your best chance to join a guild. No other guild will take you. We’re the only ones who can take your negative into a positive. Think it over.”

Dante left the office. He his head bowed from his deflated neck. There was no pride to lift it up anymore. His chest was a a sandbag of emotions. Anger? Sadness? Disappointment? They were all one, fighting for superiority. Whoever would win, would cause the bag to explode. He didn’t know how to feel.

Like a zombie he almost limps away from the building. Everyone could see the blank expression on his face. Some pitied him, some didnt care. Gwen who wasn’t far, didn’t look at him. She heard everything, unable to help herself. Once he left the room, she refused to look at him. Because if she did, she would kill Aaron.

Dante got home. His studio apartment was as empty as it was when he left it. There was one of everything. One tv, one couch, one chair, one bed, one everything for one person. There was no reason to get more. Who would be there to share it with? Torn clothes from past raids were everywhere, they were the only thing that kept him company.

Dante slammed face first onto the bed like he had a tiring day of school. His bruises and cuts told so many stories. The cut on his back was when he let a goblin get the jump on him.

The bruise on his arm was when an orc swung at him with its club. If it wasn’t for awakened beings tougher than the average person, he would’ve lost his arm. These origins were not the only story it told, but if it would be all worth it.

At this point, no. Not even close.

“I’m sorry, mom.” He said as his voice choked up. Tears streamed down his face, there wasn’t much he could do but lay his face into the softness of the mattress. It was the only thing that made sense. Before he could think about anything else, he fell fast asleep.

***

Dante fell fast asleep. At least, he thought he did. He opens his eyes to realize he isn’t in his bed. His clothes were gone too, only the shadows covered his private areas. He touched himself to see if he was dreaming. He could feel the friction on his fingertips, like someone would do removing dirt. It was real. He was here, somehow, but what is here?

This place he was in... it was like a room. But it didn’t have the compactness of a room. A beginning and end. No, this place had a beginning and beginning. An endless journey with no end in sight.

There was nothing in sight but a desk, a couch, and a man. A man dressed in a gray suit, dressed as if he wanted to impress his guest.

“Forgive me, for summoning you to this place. I wanted to see you... but It would appear I cannot just yet. You have yet to enter into a contract.”

His voice was strong yet comforting. Stoic yet sensitive. It was deep enough to be know it’s masculine, but it didn’t come with its masculine presence. It is soothing like honey. He wanted to show he meant no harm to his guest.

“Yet... this is a place where only those who enter into a contract may enter. So such a fate may await you. May we meet again.”

***

Dante jerks up out of his bed breathing heavily. Was it all a dream? But it felt so real. He remembers the touch on his skin, the feeling shame of being naked, he felt that too. Was it all real? Was this real?

BZZT

Of course it was. He had responsibilities to handle. He still wasn’t sure if he would take the offer or not.

Don’t forget the proposal. - Mr. Johnson.

Dante wasn’t looking forward to this. He sighed and left, expecting the same and expecting it to get worse than it already is.

Everyone was at the raid site. The rift was big, it was said to be C-rank. Nothing the up and coming rookie Aaron Walker couldnt handle. Being the biggest asset of the God Bull guild, he was their best strider and also the strongest.

The party consisted of about 20 people, and almost all of them were clamoring to Aaron. Some trying to bask in his glory and some sticking close to him to ride on his coattails. He knew what they were doing, and he didn’t care. They looked up to him, that’s all that mattered.

Everyone, except Gwen, who had kept her distance from the group. She stuck out like a sore thumb so much that even the other party members recognized this. Aaron couldn’t bear another second and walked over to her.

“Hey, what’s a pretty girl like yourself doing all alone? C’mon, we gotta discuss the group tactics.”

She didn’t answer back, she didn’t even look at him in his eyes pretending he wasn’t there. A vein formed in his neck and forehead, but he took a deep breath.

“Listen... if you’re still upset about Dante, don’t. It’s his own fault, y’know. Being a pretende Strider, thinking he belongs with people like us. He’s got no talent, no skill, and his reputation speaks for himself. And he keeps trying. You wanna make it in this world? Don’t let the garbage hold you down.”

“Aaron... I didn’t take you for being so stupid. I mean, I did. But not this stupid.”

“What’d you say?”

“For a Strider who thinks he has so much skill, you’d think you’d be smart enough to detect when someone wants to kill him.”

“You little b*tch... all this over some nobody?”

“You don’t get the hint so I’ll say it flat out. Leave me alone. Or I’ll kill you, m*therf*cker.”

“Heh... I’d like to see you try.”

The two clashed and stood off. Their mana was strong, some of the weaker members were shaking and sweating. Their concern was no longer the raid, but the end result of two high ranking Striders fighting.

“Sorry I’m late. I had to book it because the train stopped partway.” Dante said out of breath. He recognized the mana in the air. His first thought was if it was a boss, but it was Gwen and Aaron. He knew what happened.

“Hey, Gwen. Aaron. Let’s do a good job today.” he said.

The two backed off each other. Aaron scoffed. “Yeah... you too man. Just remember to watch your back. All sorts of things can happen in a dungeon.” he said.

***

When one enters into a rift they enter a dungeon. A realm connected to another world. But monsters spawn, and will continue to do so until the Treasure is collected. The dungeon is connected to this treasure and powers the rift to stay open.

When collected, the rift closes but it is always defended by a boss. This dungeon in particular was C-rank. Challenging, but nothing a dozen-plus Striders can’t handle. Especially with two three C-rank Strider’s leading them. Gwen, Neil, and Aaron.

Dante stayed in the background. He didn’t do anything but carry everyone’s luggage and wait for his call to be filmed. To increase popularity and revenue, Guilds will often record their expeditions into rifts. These are popular, even a 30 second clip of a Strider fighting monsters gains a million views within a day.

He couldnt help but feel dread when the fighting was over.If I say yes... I’ll be a laughingstock for the rest of my life. But if I say no they let go of me, and I’ll go back to struggling to association raids. It’s not like I’m not struggling now... but the pay is better in a guild. And I can pay for my moms treatment and send Jaime to college. Everything is on me...

It was a bitter choice to make, but one he had to make. He had sacrificed enough, it was time to give back. He made his choice. He was going to be the Gods Bulls guild’s mascot.

Gwen looked over. She could see the look on his face. Pensive but tenacious. His body hunched over giving up, but could see a light in his eyes that he didnt want to. There has to be a way, but that light simmered as the reality of it settled.

“Here, Dante. Take this.” she says as she hands him a magic crystal.

Magic crystals are items that monsters drop after they’re killed. Sort of like a RPG. They vary in color, with the lightest being the most valuable and the darkest being almost worthless, barely netting $100 USD.

Even orange fragments can net up to $5000 USD. Gwen hands him a red fragment.

“I don’t know why you continue to be a Strider after all this time... I won’t ask unless you tell me. One thing I do know is the job is super dangerous, and now you’re gonna be a mascot. So at the very least, you should get paid like the best mascot around.”

Dante wanted to be upset that whatever left of his pride was dashed, but he couldn’t help but smile. Even if this was his fate, at least he has someone he can rely on.

The group makes it to the boss’s lair. Finally, it was time. “Yo, Colby. Get the camera ready. Dante Mr. Johnson wants you to bum rush the boss Leroy Jenkins style and I save the day. Pearl will heal your wounds. Get ready.” It was time. They opened the gates and Dante rushed in.

“AHHHHHH” he shouted, he swings his sword like a drunkard with a knife, running to anything he bumps into first. His terrible acting stopped, tripping over something.

The hell? He thought. It was a body, a body torn to pieces. Filled with holes, jabbed and stabbed everywhere. Its blood leaked everywhere making a tiny puddy. It wasn’t that body, but many others and most shocking of all.

The boss’s body too.

“What the hell happened here? The boss is already dead? This doesn’t make sense.” Aaron said.

Everyone began tensing up, was there something else here? A thought crossed their minds, a thought they pushed out as soon it came back.

“C-could it be a rift connection?” someone in the group said, breaking the ice.

“A rift connection?” Gwen asked.

“Oh, right. You’ve been doing for a year. Rifts open portals to other dimensions, but what if it connects to another rift? The two worlds are connected, and so are the monsters.”

He continued to explain..

“I’ve only heard about it in rumors. There was a E-rank rift in Russia that connected to a S-rank one all the way in South Korea. It was big news at the time... and caused a lot of deaths.” Everyone froze. The boss was already C-rank, and it’s body was hardly recognizable. Meaning only a stronger boss, B-rank or higher, was lying in wait. They were not equipped for that nor did they have any B-ranks in their group.

“W-what if it’s connected to another C-rank rift?” Neil asked, trying to cope with the situation.

“Don’t be stupid. Those are even rarer instances than rift connects.” Aaron said.

“We gotta get out of here and report this to the association then” Gwen says. As she tries to utter the words out, the gates behind them shut behind them. The work of two Nagas. They were tall and muscular, they stood up strong despite having a tail.

They were so strong that the group couldn’t sense them. Before they even had a thought of fighting back, an army of nagas came from the cave across from them. All equipped with weapons and starving for human flesh.

“S-shit we’re surrounded”

That they were. But they did not attack. One of the nagas in front signaled for the group to follow them. Was this a trap? What were they planning? The group agreed there wasn’t a choice. Maybe they could escape if they got more time. All lies they told themselves as they followed the naga army.

They’ve finally arrived. They shocked themselves, betrayed by the lies they told themselves. There was no escape. No escape as the nagas surrounded them. They were all in stands, screaming and bellowing waiting for a show. Among them was the naga king, sitting on his throne, he too was waiting for a show.

He waved his hand to his subordinates. One of them stepped up. It was different from the others, with armor on its shoulder and a torn skirt around its waist.

“W-what the hell? They want us to fight for our freedom?”

This wouldn’t be an easy fight. Still, it was a chance to escape. Aaron knew this, but there was no way he could beat that thing. He could tell it was leagues above him.

“Neil, you should fight him.” “The hell, why?!?” “Because that thing is weak. No doubt we’ll continue fighting until we beat their representatives one by one. We need you to start off strong.”

“Then make Dante to fight!” he protested.

“We need a win to raise our morale, you can do this.” He managed to convince him, as Neil stepped up to fight.

He told himself he could do it. He has a better strength threshold than Aaron. Just one powerful swing from his sword should be enough. He got in his stance. The king allowed the fight to start.

Neil rushed in with nothing but adrenaline, without it the fear would halt him completely. He swung with an up down motion, but his swing bounced off the naga’s spear. Wasting no time, the Naga warrior impaled him.

Neil’s body became cold. The naga warrior raised his spear with the impaled Neil, hanging him like dirty laundry. After letting the blood rain from his body, the naga warrior opened his jaw wide and devoured his head.

Everyone in the party screamed. Those who couldn’t were paralyzed with fear. Dante threw up. He had always been part of successful raids, being a weak Strider he couldn’t go to higher rifts. So seeing blood not his own and a lifeless body stunned him in place.

This was it. This was the end. No one could be the Naga warrior. Even if they could, they’d have to beat the king too. Despair was in the air, it was over there was nothing they could do.

Is this how it ends? They thought.

***

Miracles are often defined by something inexplicable. An improbable event that brings very welcoming consequences. Many people consider the awakening of Striders to be miracles.

Strider’s are humanity’s last line of defense. When they are defeated, who will protect the Striders? There were only two answers people could agree on. A stronger Strider, or a miracle.

Something was off. Something different. An aura of death filled the room, but it wasn’t the nagas. No, they could feel it too. It was someone else. Something else.

Step by step as if on a casual stroll, a knight entered the fray. Not caring about the situation or the numbers. It’s goal was going to fuflilled. Not like anyone can like could do anything about it. Not even the naga king dared to move. Why was it here? Another rift connect? No one knew, but one thing was certain. One sudden move meant death.

No one dared to move. Not in his presence. It took its time walking to its destination, and its destination was an average looking young man in early twenties. His destination was Dante Grayson.

The knight did nothing at first. He simply looked at Dante. It did nothing but look him in the eye with no eyes. For a knight who spelled death around him, in this moment, it did not feel this way. More serene and calm. With potential to become completely benevolent.

Dante calmed down a bit catching his breathing and heart. He had no idea why he decided to put on faux confidence to a foe who could kill him. Maybe cause the knights death aura disappared, but everyone else around him look petrified still. He didnt understand, but if this how it was going on, then fine.

The knight responded taking Dantes hand and giving him something. He covered his cupped hand, looking at Dante one final time, and walked to the naga warrior.

The naga warrior tried to steel itself, it let out a might roar on the intruder. A roar only the naga king could best. The knight stood unfazed for a moment. After letting the cheers of the audience past, he swung his arm at the warriors head, killing it.

The naga warrior, a general who commanded his soldiers. A B-rank magic beast even other B-ranks would have trouble with, was unrecognizable. Its top off was gone, it’s tail was the only that remained. You’d think it was a mermaid if it wasnt for his top off off.

The knights inhaled and exhaled a commanding, shaking, controlling scream. Every being in the arena felt it. Goosebumps formed, no one would dare move, or more like they couldnt move. The naga forces were stuck in place, parazlyed in place.

Skill activated [Shout of Provocation]

Once he was done, he points to the exit and like a shadow with no sun, disappeared.

Was this another trap everyone thought? It didn’t matter. Gwen grabbed Neil’s body and Dante’s hand. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE? DOING THIS IS OUR CHANCE!”

Everyone snapped out of their trance and ran. Some nagas struggled to move, the knights shout stunning them in place. Those who could followed the orders of their king to chase after his prey.

The group took a quick rest. What was left of them. Some of the nagas caught up killed some. A group of 20 turned into 6, not including Neil’s corpse.

“W-what are we going to do? We escaped them for now, but our navigator was killed. How are we going to find a way out? Aaron ran off too, we have no one to defend us. Pearl said, trembling in fear.

“I managed to hit a few of them, maybe even kill one, but their scales are too tough, not even my magic can stop them. Not to mention I’m lunging around a dead body, I’m running out of mana, and fast.”

“What if we sneak past them?” Colby said.

“There’s too many to sneak past especially as a group.” Dante said. No one wanted to seperate. Being in a group was the only safety from despair they had.

“We have to do something! I have a family to get back to.” Colby exclaimed.

No one was sure what to do. Options were limited and the monster’s forces were not.

“What if Dante distracts them?” he uttered. Everyone froze. No one could believe the words Colby said. They were disgusted with his words, yet a second later, they woudlve said the same.

“What the f*ck is wrong with you?” Gwen snaps, her voice slicing through the silence. “What gives you the right to tell Dante to throw his life away like that?”

“I’-Im sorry... I just need to get back to my family.” he said. He balled up, his head deep into his lap. His guilt ran deep. Not because he said it, but because he doesnt feel guilty for saying. A paradoxical guilt choked him from saying anything else. Dante was indifferent about it all, oddly enough. His life was offered up without his consent or thought, yet he wasnt upset. No, instead it made him think.

“I’ll do it.” he said. Ok, maybe he didnt think.

Gwen’s eyes lit up.

“Are you kidding?!? No way!!! We’ll figure something out!.”

“There’s no need for everyone to die here. We’re all thinking about it. If one of us sacrifices ourselves the others can escape” Before Gwen could protest, Colby cuts her off.

“L-look kid, you dont have to. I’m sorry I was just scared.”

“No... it’s ok.”

“Absolutely not!!! I wont let you. I let a lot of things slide, but this is the final straw. There’s no way you’re doing this.”

“Gwen... since I’ve become a Strider I’ve done nothing but screw up. I can barely kill magic beasts, I’m not strong, and I’m not popular in the ways that matter. Because of how I was born... I’ve never done anything right in my life. So please, let me do this. The one thing I know I can do right.”

Gwen started crying. She tried so much to be patience with his stubbornness, but this was too much. A martyr? There’s no way. She was stronger than Dante, being a C-rank Strider she could knock him and stop him and stop from talking nonsense, but in her moment of desperation, all she could do was plead.

“P-please, Dante. You can quit being a Strider, I can pull some strings and get you another job at the guild. You dont have to do this, just please let me help.... please.” Tears came from her eyes. Dante was right he wasnt good at anything, but if there was one thing he was good at was screwing up and lying.

“I promise I’ll make it back. I don’t plan on dying. Remember? I gotta be the greatest mascot of all time.” He stood up and picked up his sword.

“We’re running out of time. Let’s do this. When I give the signal make a run for it.” Gwen knew further arguing was just going to lead to stalling and cause them to be caught. Something she didnt mind, but she couldnt bring the others to suffer at her selfish decision.

Dante ran and screamed like a madman. He threw out all his items and to cause mini distractions, that was the signal. Everyone ran the opposite direction. Dante, using his experiences of life and death situations, dodges as many attacks as he could. He does well and gets the focus of a good amount of the army.

Dante did his part and distracted the Nagas. They were given the signal and escaped. Dante, using his experiences of life and death situations, dodges as many attacks as he could. He does well and gets the focus of a good amount of the army.

He runs and runs and runs, until he can’t. His right leg sliced off by a water blade. The naga king appeared. It’s bellowed a roar of irritation. Everything had not gone to plan, he was tired of the games, but he promised his followers a show, and a show he would show.

He thrusts his trident into a defenseless Dante. He only stabs him through the side, leaving him alive just enough to continue his game. He did it again, making both stabbings matching. A part of his abdomen was missing.

Finally, the naga king raises his trident for the final blow. He aims at his head promising perfect accuracy.

Sh*t... I thought I could lie to myself... but I’m not ready. I’m not ready to die.Dante thought. Slowly he started losing feeling in body and his vision started blackening.

I just wanted to be seen... to be something more. Mom... Jaime... Gwen... I’m sorry.

This was it. His story was ending. A sad ending for a sad story for a boy who wanted something bigger than he was.

At least, it was supposed to be.

***

Dante wakes up in another world. No, more like a room. The room he was in his dream. It was formless as it was before, but the desk became much clearer. As well as its attendant.

“Ah... it would appear we will meet again, my dear young man. Welcome to the Isolation room... My name is Alenish. I am delighted to make your acquaintance.” he said. He was back, this time at Dante’s most needed moment. But it couldn’t be. Two miracles on the same day? “Be not afraid. You are safe here. But, our time is finite, and we must get to the important details at once.”

Alenish snapped his fingers and a contract appeared in front of Dante. “As I’ve said before, you would come into a contract of sorts. This is that very contract. Should you sign it, you will from cruel fate and enter a great destiny.”

He continued with his speech. “Should you agree, my duty will be to provide assistance to ensure you become the champion of this destiny.” Alenish concluded.

This all sounded too good to true, what if it’s some curse. Yet, Dante was still saved. There has to some meaning to this.

“If I do... What do you want from me?” Dante asks. Alenish smiles at his perception.

“I only ask one thing in return: That you abide by the contract, and assume responsibility for the choices you make.”

So many things are happening at once, that it’s hard to say where and what is going on. A rift connect, a mysterious knight, and now a man offering him a deal. Nothing made sense, how could he make sense of it? “My dear young man... you must make haste. Time is running out and your heart will stop beating any second.” Alenish warns.

Screw it he thought. It can’t get worse or weirder than this. Maybe this was a test he thought, an Angel sent by heaven to see if he’s worthy of Heaven. With no more doubt, he states his answer.

“I accept.” With the item he was given by the knight earlier, he signs the contract with his name. It was sealed. His new fate starts now. Alenish chuckled.

“Most excellent... you will not regret this decision. Till we meet again.”

Alenish disappeared, so did the room. So did Dante. In an instant, a flash light spread and covered everything, leaving nothing in its wake.

Chapter end.