In an endless Void , stretching from every direction , filled with nothing yet everything , bound by time yet timeless , bound by space yet endless… two entities were clashing , causing tears in reality itself.
As the entities clashed again , facing one another , their weapons holding eachother in a stalemate , one of the entities spoke in a soft yet cold tone.
"Brother. What have you become. You dare to betray the very essence of this world?"
The other entity responds in a mad , deep and ancient tone.
"Sister. You dare to protect that vile thing? You dare to defy orders of the absolute?"
After a stretched out silence , the two entities collide again…
***
Years ago on earth , fifteen years to be exact , the first 'Rift' appeared in Florida , USA. It was a tear in reality itself , that acted as a 'Gate' , creatures of all kinds flooded the city , it was later known as a 'Celestial Rift' , the highest recorded rank for a 'Rift'. Shortly after , 'Rifts' took over North America completely , obliterating the entire continent.
At the same time the 'Rifts' started , so did the 'System' , providing humans with the necessary information to challenge these 'Rifts' , turning them into 'Trials'…
The more 'Trials' you conquer , the faster you proceed down the path of divinity.
After completing your First 'Trial' , you receive a unique 'Concept' as well as a 'Curse'. Every time you Ascend into a higher rank , you receive a new 'Concept Ability' , and it gets stronger after every time.
***
One morning , in a small cozy appartment , the sound of an alarm can be heard. As a young man sleeping in the bedroom stirs awake , slightly opening his eyes , groaning as he disables the ringing of his alarm.
As he stares into his ceiling , lost in thoughts , he finally gets up and starts preparing for his day , as he did every single time.
The young man starts heading down the stairs , he had fluffy silver hair , piercing grey eyes and pale skin. He was around quite tall… Barely above average perhaps. he's got an average athletic build , not too muscular nor lean.
A few elderly greet him on his way down from the top floor of the apartment complex , but he mostly gave them the cold shoulder… as always.
The young man was more focused than usual. Today , he was going to finally be included in a raid. His first time ever since becoming an Ascendent.
As the young man arrives in front of the Rift that leads to the Trial , which was supposedly of the 'Ascendent' rank. In this world , there are five ranks to the Trials and its inhabitants.
Ascendent , Transcendent , Celestial , Apotheosis and Divine.
The same applies to humans. Every human has the ability to 'Ascend and Transcend'. The potential to become a God. Although it has never been achieved in the history of this world. The highest recorded rank of a human is Transcendent.
'Anyway…' As the young man thought , realising he's been too focused on his recollection of information about the ranks.
Three people approach the young man , it was a Swordsman , a Mage and a Tank.
The Swordsman speaks first in a calm even tone.
"Akio! Long time no see. Finally an Ascendent, Huh?" He says with a smirk.
The Mage speaks up next in a slightly playful tone.
"Oh cut it out, Kieran. You know how hard he's been working to finally become an Ascendent. By the way , Ember decided to join us today." She says pointing at the Tank standing behind her.
Akio states in his cold usual demeanour.
"Get ready to clear the rift. It's of the Ascendent Rank."
The Mage Luna , responds calmly.
"Let's clear this as quickly as possible." She says while ordering the other two to quickly get prepared.
As they're minutes from challenging the Rift's Trial , they start talking about a 'game plan'. Luna speaks up first.
"Here is the plan then , we will clear the creatures inside the trial , beat the Terror of the Ascendent Rift and then we'll split the rewards accordingly."
Ember finally speaks for the first time ever since he's arrived.
"We must not get greedy. Do not endanger your life for the rewards from killing a few creatures."
Kieran laughs sarcastically as he adds in his usual arrogant and carefree tone.
"Oh come on , Ember. Who cares about precaution , where is the fun in that?"
Akio stays silent , remaining utterly focused and not willing to get distracted.
After what felt like a few hours , but truly was around twenty minutes , they finally step into the rift , as everything becomes pitch black , all four Ascendent hear the same usual whisper of the System.
[You have entered an Ascendent Rift.]
As a sudden notification showed up , apparently only visible and heard to Akio… the System spoke.
[Calculating Error…]
[Fixing Error…]
[New Rift Rank.]
[You have entered a Divine Rift.]