Fate of the Mystical Realm : Steampunk

[Nerdycrow]

Shinji Matou jolted awake, his body wracked with searing pain. A cry escaped his lips as he struggled to catch his breath, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His entire being screamed in agony as he clutched his chest, feeling as if his very bones were aflame. Every breath was a struggle, each movement a stab of pain. His body, once full of vitality, now felt fragile and worn.

His body screamed in protest as he mustered the strength to sit up from the comfort of the sofa bed. Every movement was an arduous task, his muscles aching and rebelling against his commands. Beads of perspiration dotted his forehead, evidence of the intense effort required for even the simplest motion.

His back pressed against the plush cushions, resisting his attempts to rise. Each attempt felt like a herculean feat, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. With a strained grimace etched upon his face, Shinji clenched his teeth and summoned every ounce of willpower within him.

In a slow, painstaking process, he shifted his weight, his muscles quivering under the strain. It was as if invisible chains bound him to the bed, pulling him back with an unforgiving force. The pain coursing through his body threatened to overpower his resolve, but he refused to yield.

With an agonizing exertion, Shinji managed to hoist himself into a sitting position. His whole body trembled with fatigue, his posture hunched and unsteady. Beads of sweat rolled down his temples, tracing a path along his strained features. His muscles quivered as if they were fragile threads on the verge of unraveling.

Breathing heavily, Shinji took a moment to steady himself, his hands pressed against the mattress for support. Looking around shinji was supprised to find himself in a unknown room.

The room around him was bathed in a soft, warm glow, emanating from the multitude of gas lamps hanging from the walls. His eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the sight of towering bookshelves that reached towards the high ceiling. Without any books in it.

The walls were embellished with gears, cogs, and pipes, while flickering gas lamps provided the sole source of illumination. The air carried a distinct scent of metal and aged leather.

With a final surge of strength, Shinji pushed through the barrier of agony and managed to rise from the bed.

A sofa bed sat against one wall, its cushions inviting, while a sturdy wooden desk, adorned with scattered parchments and an inkwell, stood proudly next to a comfortable chair.

But Shinji paid little attention to the room's opulent furnishings. His entire being screamed in agony as he clutched his chest, feeling as if his very bones were aflame. Every breath was a struggle, each movement a stab of pain.

As Shinji's gaze shifted, he observed that the room itself seemed abandoned, with dust settling on the forgotten artifacts of a bygone era. The walls bore faded wallpaper peeling at the edges, and aged wooden shelves stood with an air of solemn neglect. However, what captivated his attention the most were the twenty-two alters positioned in a circle in front of him. Each altar held a unique symbol etched into its surface, though their true meaning eluded him for now.

Confusion etched across his face as he tried to comprehend his surroundings. But what caught his attention next sent a shiver down his spine. Shinji looked down to find himself in a unknown clothing. The clothes, tailored with precision, exuded an air of both sophistication and danger. His ensemble comprised a dark, tailored frock coat with high collars. The fabric was adorned with intricate stitching and brass buttons, reflecting the unmistakable influence of steampunk aesthetics. Accompanying the coat were black trousers, polished leather boots, and a wide-brimmed hat that concealed his eyes in shadow.

There was also a door that was locked on the other side of the room.

And so, Shinji stood amidst the stillness of the room, his mind racing with questions, his hand poised to reach out towards one of the alters. The symbols whispered promises of revelation and adventure, their secrets waiting to be unlocked. With a deep breath, Shinji contemplated his next move.
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Vote
[ ] investigate the alters
[ ] Try and open the door
[ ] Check the desk

A.N : Sorry for the short start just wanted to get this part underway and didn't know what else I could add.

 

[Nerdycrow]

Shinji Matou's gaze settled on the desk before him, scattered parchments beckoning with hidden knowledge. Despite the pain coursing through his body, his curiosity outweighed his discomfort. With a determined resolve, he mustered the strength to approach the desk and examine its intriguing contents.

Leaning heavily on the sturdy chair, Shinji lowered himself onto its seat, wincing as his weary muscles protested the movement. The desk's surface was cluttered with an array of aged books, some neatly stacked while others lay askew, as if disturbed by a forgotten hand.

His eyes fixated on the desk, drawn to the scattered parchments and intriguing volumes of knowledge. With a mix of anticipation and caution, he extended a trembling hand towards the books, seeking to immerse himself in their secrets. To his bewilderment, his fingers passed through the pages, as if they were nothing more than ephemeral illusions.

Confusion gnawed at Shinji's mind as he attempted again and again, each time met with the same ethereal resistance. The books remained intangible, their contents tantalizingly out of reach.

Undeterred, Shinji redirected his attention to the desk itself, scouring its surface for any other clues that could aid him on his enigmatic journey. Amongst the scattered parchments and inkwell, his eyes landed upon an object that stood out amidst the antique artifacts—a Victorian era revolver.

The revolver gleamed with a polished elegance, its intricate engravings a testament to its craftsmanship. Shinji's gaze shifted to the chamber, where gleaming bullets awaited their purpose.

Intrigued by the firearm's presence on the desk, Shinji's hands, unable to grasp the ethereal books, moved effortlessly towards the revolver. He cautiously picked it up, feeling the weight of its weapon settle into his palm. The cool touch of the metal sent a shiver down his spine, stirring a mix of trepidation within him.

Shinji's gaze shifted from the desk to the room around him, his mind buzzing with possibilities. While denied access to the books, he had found an alternative means to arm himself for the challenges ahead.

As Shinji prepared to rise from the chair, his gaze swept across the desk one last time. That's when his eyes caught sight of a peculiar book resting precariously on the edge. Unlike the other illusory volumes that evaded his touch, this book seemed to possess a tangible presence, beckoning him with an air of authenticity.

Intrigued and cautiously hopeful, Shinji's hand reached out, hesitatingly approaching the enigmatic book. His fingers grazed the aged leather cover, and a jolt coursed through him. The texture beneath his touch felt solid.

He gingerly pulled the book towards him, cradling it in his hands. Its weight added a sense of gravitas to his discovery, as if the book held the answers he had been searching for all along. Its pages were weathered, marked by the passage of time and countless readers before him.

As Shinji cautiously opened the book, anticipation danced in his eyes, hoping to glean further insights from its pages. However, to his surprise and slight annoyance, he discovered the book to be empty—devoid of any written or illustrated content. A furrow formed on his brow.

Just as he was about to close the book in mild frustration, his eyes widened in astonishment. Words materialized on the previously blank pages, swirling into existence with an ethereal glow. The message was clear and concise, as if it had been crafted solely for him: "Touch one of the altars."

Confusion and curiosity mingled within Shinji's mind. The mention of altars intrigued him, raising more questions than answers. What were these altars, and what significance did they hold within this arcane realm? Yet, the words on the pages carried an air of authority, compelling him to heed their call.

With a mixture of trepidation and intrigue, Shinji closed the book gently, tucking it safely beneath his arm. The empty pages, though initially disappointing, now confused him. Was this some sort of grimoire and was he in a workshop of some magus?

His gaze shifted towards the row of altars, the symbols emblazoned upon them captivating his attention. Each altar seemed to pulsate with a unique aura, their presence imbued with latent power.

As Shinji's eyes scanned the array of altars, he was greeted by a captivating assortment of symbols, each holding its own enigmatic allure. The first altar bore the symbol of a Pupil-less Eye and Contorted Lines, evoking a sense of mystery and ancient wisdom. Its presence beckoned him to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the convergence.

Next, his attention was drawn to an altar adorned with Numerous Illusory Doors covered in layers upon layers. It spoke of infinite possibilities and concealed truths, teasing Shinji with the notion of countless paths to be explored.

A Snow White Platinum altar stood tall, emanating an aura of purity and ethereal beauty. It hinted at something related to time, error and parasite.

The sight of a Heart on a Cross, its blood-red color stark against the backdrop, stirred a mix of emotions within Shinji. It symbolized sacrifice, passion, and the intertwining of light and darkness.

His gaze then fell upon an altar bearing the visage of a Giant Dragon, its majestic form representing power, wisdom, and the formidable challenges that lurked ahead.

A White Tower stood tall, exuding an air of grandeur and authority. It symbolized knowledge, fortitude, and the promise of ascension.

A Blue Windstorm, depicted on another altar, invoked a sense of swift change, chaos, and the potential for both destruction and rebirth.

A radiant Sun symbolized vitality, strength, and the illumination of truth—a guiding light amidst the shadows.

The sight of a Giant Sword, its color waning orange, spoke of conflict, determination and the coming of the eventual twighlight.

A Skull, a harbinger of mortality and the transient nature of existence, offered a stark reminder of the risks that lay ahead.

The altar adorned with a Night Sky evoked a sense of mystery, the allure of the unknown, and the boundless expanse of the cosmos.

A Man in Priest Robes riding a Chariot represented authority, war and fire.

A Woman Hiding in the Shadows symbolized secrets, manipulation, and the hidden forces at play within this realm of convergence.

A Triangle Filled with Gears hinted at the intricacies of fate, the interplay of mechanics.

An Eye, ever-watchful and all-seeing, reminded Shinji of the omniscient forces that observed his every move.

A Circle, within which a Snake Devoured Its Own Tail, represented the eternal cycle of fate.

A Mushroom, its whimsical presence standing out amidst the symbols, spoke of transformation, hallucination, and the influence of altered states of consciousness.

A Red Moon, haunting and captivating, hinted at the influence of lunar forces, magic, and the mysteries that unfold under its eerie glow.


The sight of a Man Sitting on a Throne embodied authority, power, and the pursuit of dominion over one's destiny.

A Scale, its equilibrium delicately poised, symbolized justice, balance, and order.

A Person Bound in Chains, their struggle evident, represented captivity, entrapment, and the quest for liberation.

Lastly, a Devil, its sinister allure impossible to ignore, reminded Shinji of temptation, dark desires, and the shadowed paths that could lead astray.

With each symbol ingrained in his mind, Shinji knew that the choice before him carried immense significance. Each altar held the promise of a unique path, fraught with challenges and opportunities

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[ ] Vote for which alter shinji touches

 

[Marlin]

[X] A Snow White Platinum altar stood tall, emanating an aura of purity and ethereal beauty. It hinted at something related to time, error and parasite.

Honestly, don't really know what does what. I like time stuff, I choose this.

 

[Nerdycrow]

Voting endded. This quest is on both Spacebattles and here. The winner was White tower.

 

[Nerdycrow]

As Shinji's fingertips grazed the symbol of the White Tower on the chosen altar, a surge of energy coursed through the room, resonating with a profound sense of purpose. In that instant, the other altars vanished, leaving behind only the one before him. And atop that altar, he discovered a small vial containing a mysterious potion.

A chilling sensation crawled over his skin, as if an invisible force was taking control of his very being. Confusion mingled with his pain, his thoughts spinning into disarray.

It felt as though someone else's hands were guiding his actions, their puppeteer-like control intertwining with his own existence. An overwhelming surge of helplessness washed over him, fueling his confusion and stirring a potent mixture of frustration and anger within his core.

Without a second thought, he uncorked the vial and raised it to his lips, his heart pounding with anticipation. However, as the elixir touched his tongue, a searing pain erupted within him, coursing through his entire being.

His vision transformed into a swirling kaleidoscope of colors, his senses heightened to an overwhelming degree. It felt as if the world around him had intensified, each sound amplified, each scent vividly present, and every touch electrifying. The pain, though intense, seemed to merge with a strange euphoria, a symphony of sensations that he couldn't fully comprehend.

In the midst of this transformative ordeal, Shinji's mind was flooded with a deluge of knowledge. It rushed into his consciousness, like a torrential downpour, overwhelming and unstoppable. Concepts, theories, and insights poured into his thoughts, expanding his understanding of the arcane arts, rituals.

As the elixir coursed through Shinji's veins, granting him enhanced faculties and knowledge, a plethora of abilities unfolded within his consciousness.

First and foremost, his reasoning underwent a remarkable transformation. His once-clouded mind now possessed a heightened capacity for logic and deduction. His thoughts became laser-focused, able to dissect complex problems and unravel intricate mysteries with unparalleled precision.

Alongside his enhanced reasoning, Shinji's learning capabilities expanded exponentially. He found himself capable of absorbing knowledge at an extraordinary pace, effortlessly assimilating vast amounts of information within moments.

But it was his memory that underwent the most profound change. The elixir had bestowed upon him a memory capable of retaining every minute detail, ensuring that no experience, no matter how fleeting, would escape his recollection.

As the effects of the potion subsided, Shinji's senses returned to a semblance of normalcy, although forever heightened by the elixir's transformative touch. He stood there, the residue of pain still lingering, yet emboldened by the knowledge and abilities bestowed upon him.

As shinji concentrated on the abilities he was given by the potion the room he stood in changed where once he stood in a old room, he now stood in a towering white structure that looms above him, an emblem of power and mystery. Its grandeur matched the ambitions that burned within him, a desire to uncover ancient secrets and claim them for his own.

Where there were pealing wallpaper once now lined illusory bookshelves that line the walls, their ethereal presence captivating his gaze. Each shelf held an equally illusory books that promised knowledge. This was the place he could surpass his limits and finally achieve the power and status he was born for, that had eluded him far to long.

But amidst the allure of the books, his attention was drawn to the pools of shadowy liquid. The black depths called out to him. They seemed to understand his thirst for power, knowledge and control. He was almost compelled to approach, to immerse himself in the swirling darkness that danced before him.

As he inched closer, the shadows respond, swirling and undulating, as if acknowledging his presence. The whispers that emanated from within sent shivers down his spine, a thrilling sensation that fueled his determination. I am Shinji Matou, and this is my chance to rise above my fate, to claim my destiny.

As shinji extended his hand, ready to immerse it in the beguiling darkness of the shadowy liquid, a firm grip suddenly seized his shoulder, jolting him out of his trance. Startled, Shinji turned around to behold a figure who bore an uncanny resemblance to himself, only aged by a decade. His eyes held a depth of wisdom and his presence exuded an air of authority.

Shinji blinked, struggling to comprehend the situation unfolding before him. "Who are you?" Shinji managed to stammer, his voice betraying both surprise and curiosity.

"Shinji Matou," he spoke with a voice that resonated through the chamber, "I am the Avatar of this place, a spirit who exists beyond the realms of mortal constraints."

The older version of himself offered a knowing smile. "I have much to tell you." he revealed. "The most important bit is that you are a beyonder, a sequence 9 called Reader from the White tower pathway. Remember this information as this very important."

Confusion mixed with a surge of excitement coursed through shinji's veins. Questions surged forth, demanding answers. But the spirit's words quickly extinguished his hopes of an extended conversation.

"Time is fleeting, Shinji," he cautioned, his voice carrying an urgency that spurred me into action. "We have but a limited span to exchange questions and seek understanding before you awaken from this trance, back to the realm you know."

The weight of his words settled heavily upon shinji and he realized the gravity of the situation. He needed to choose his inquiries wisely, for he may never have another opportunity to glean the wisdom he sought.
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[ ] Vote for which three questions you want to ask about.

 

[Nerdycrow]

"How did I end up here?" Shinji asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The spirit of the place regarded him with a profound gaze before speaking.

"Shinji matou, there is no easy was to tell you this but you have died and your current form is no more then a soul. I just picked you before your soul could get to the place called as the Root." The spirit replied his voice carrying no hint of emotion. "The path has led you here is just a coincidence so it is best that you don't decive yourself to believe that this is your grand destiny."

The spirits response unsettled Shinji. The notion that he had died was something that he wasn't ready for. It suprised him so much that he couldn't even form a response for the information he gave after.

"And how can I become stronger?" He asked a fierce hunger for power gleeming in Shinji's eyes. He didn't want to be a pawn to anyone anymore. He wanted to be strong to show the worm and the Bitch that he wasn't worthless and he would show them.

The spirit's eyes seemed to twinkle with a mix of empathy and caution. "An open ended question. But I suppose I can answer in detail this once." He answered. "As I said before you're a beyonder sequence 9 Reader. You are currently the lowest sequence with these sequences going up to sequence 0 being the Strongest. The pathway you are currently following is called the White tower pathway. To advance the sequence you will have to find the potion of the sequence 8 of the same pathway but before that you would have to fully digest the potion and that would require the acting method."

Finally, with a deep breath, Shinji posed his last question: "What dangers are waiting for me ahead?"

For the first time since arriving here Shinji saw the Spirit laugh. "Heheheheh, ah is suppose there are many dangers to you depending on what you do. Shadowy organisations, The seven orthodox churchs, The Gods themselves, even other beyonders but the greatest Danger will be your self. This is a side effect to becoming a beyonder. paranoia, hallucinations, etc that ensue upon consuming a potion. There is a chance you will succumb to the side-effects and lose control - becoming monsters Yourself." He said as more emotion came into his Voice. "A Sequence pathway might very well be a path destined to be crazy and filled with despair. And this is the only path for humans to obtain extraordinary strength. How laughable and ironic it is. You strive to save yourselves, only to better destroy yourself."

Shinji absorbed the spirit's words, understanding the risks that lay ahead. The path he had chosen would not be easy, but the allure of becoming stronger and proving his worth drove him forward.

"And before you go leave I have to tell you the world you will find yourself will not be the one your are familiar with. The body will also will be the one you are unfamiliar with." The spirit continued "and you can return here anytime you like just close your eyes and focus."

"What should I call you?" Shinji asked for the final question. Because he wasn't going to call him the spirit all the time.

"You can call me whatever you like. I have no name." The spirit replied. Returning to the state where he
was emotionless.

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[ ] Vote for what shinji calls the place and the spirit.
[ ] Vote for how shinji looks like in his new body.