18:00 IST, Seventh day, First Month, 3079 PV | Castera / Clak battleship / Ko's Bedroom
My entire body hurts again. It feels as though every fiber of my being has been broken. I may have overdid it with the inae usage… But it was worth it. Ray, Initae and I had so much fun, and our grand plan succeeded.
I lay in my bed, contemplating what has gotten us to this point.
First, Earth was contacted by an alien coalition, spearheaded by a Vaux by the name of Gamekeeper.
Next, Eight humans were selected to participate in a trial of ascension, Ray and I were two of them. One declined the offer.
Next, I was taken out of the solar system to a megastation, where I was fitted with an augmentation kit and exosuit that gave me physical abilities that make me a god among men.
Next, I attended a grand ceremony, to formally announce our ascension as contestants. It was here that I reunited with my childhood friend, Rayleigh Inan that I may have (I definitely did) ghosted for three years.
We then proceeded to set the dance floor at the celebration gala on fire.
Next, we made contact with several sponsors gained at sed gala and acquired a battleship and crew. And proceeded to set out upon a voyage to meet with another sponsor in person. Itokin.
Now, this is probably the craziest part. I was invited by Itokin to take part in a trial of convergence. I was introduced to the concept of inae (which apparently I have extreme affinity for), and brought into the sanctum, which is an entire klacking plane separate from the universe!
It was during my trial that I met, and was appointed apprentice, to Initae. Also known as Transcendent, regarded as a god and the most powerful being in the universe. She taught me many things about the nature of the universe and how to wield Inae properly.
Next, we reunited with Ray, who was not allowed to come with me to the trial. Then we performed a vowing ceremony so that we could tell her confidential information. I was thoroughly drained of information and scolded for disappearing. Ray and I then proceeded to go barhopping in the Bastion City of Risia.
And that brings us near to the present. We just made an absolute statement at the New Year's Celebration Gala. In a three-pronged plan that has certainly cemented the two of us in the entire universe's minds.
So, why is there a girl with platinum blonde hair passed out at the foot of my bed? I've got no clue. But given Ray's nature, she might've been worried about my exhaustion and tried to tend to me, but fell asleep in the process.
I did expend a tremendous amount of energy manipulating inae in order to pull off our demonstration. I have since learned that similar situations are the direct result of such actions.
Initae says this is fairly normal for powerful wielders that just learned to wield. As the body and mind have not built up a tolerance to the effects of wielding large amounts of inae. Though, I sure hope my body gets used to it faster.
Ray starts to stir, maybe she sensed the fact that I was now awake. Such a shame, her face is quite cute when she is asleep.
As soon as she comes to awareness and notices that I am looking at her. She pounces. She grabs me into a large hug, seemingly worried for some reason.
"Ko! You're alright, right? You've been completely unconscious for almost two entire days!"
"I seem to be fine, my body is still in much pain though. Has it really been two whole days? I guess I must've pushed myself a bit too hard."
"Jerk. You could at least apologize for pushing yourself too far. People worry about you ya know! That last stunt was past your limit, and you knew it!"
"Well, it was cool. And that's all that matters"
This earns me a nice slap to the face. Which somehow hurts more than all the pain in my body.
"Anyways, I'll give you one thing. It was cool. Twistatikdotgrambook has been blowing up! Videos of our dance and message have gone viral. The universe-wide net is also blowing up. I think it's safe to assume every being in the universe that isn't under a rock knows who we are now!
They are calling us the 'Moonlight Duo', isn't that a fantastic name? Also, my follower count has exploded, I now have seven billion followers! More than that klacker Luna."
"That's great news! Our plan worked, and now we have support from everywhere. This should make future operations much easier."
"Geez, you can't spend more than three words of celebration. You're right back to your planning. You really are a worthless piece of junk NEET."
"Cant argue with you there. I am a worthless piece of junk NEET. Although, I feel like this contestant thing counts as a job right? So does that mean I'm no longer a NEET?"
"Your specific brand of NEET does not go away once you have a job. It'll stick with you until you stop constantly degrading yourself and do something useful for once."
"Ouch, that really hurts, almost as much as the inae exhaustion."
Ray finally lets me go, instead opting to sit on the side of my bed and looks at me with a funny glare.
"You, being harmed by insults? Who are you and what have you done with my Ko?"
"Hmm, you know what would be great? Waffles."
"Is that your clever way of trying to get me to make you waffles? Fine, but don't expect them to be poison free."
Ray walks out of the room, contrary to her words, she seems to be quite happy.
A few minutes later, Initae walks in. It's kinda strange to see her walking places instead of teleporting.
Ko:"Hows the tethered-to-reality experience going for ya?"
"Far better than I'd expected. At first I thought it'd be annoying walking everywhere, but it's actually kinda fun to see corridors and hallways!
On another note, I've done some research into inae exhaustion. It is a very common problem amongst new powerful wielders. Apparently the best way to improve your body's tolerance is to be using inae constantly.
I read a book from a few eras ago that recommended that you constantly radiate a small aura and put out some raw inae. It should help your body grow more accustomed to drawing out inae, which means you can use more of your power without going unconscious!"
"That's great info, thank you o kind and glorious master. I shall take this practice to heart so that one day I might mold the stars.
I also have a question of my own. When you showed up at the Gala, it seemed like many people there were terrified of you? Whatever did you do to make them fear you?"
"Uhh, about that. You know how the Zekan's homeworld was destroyed some years ago in a war with Itokin?"
"Uh yeah, it's kinda a big part of history."
"Well… that was me."
"You destroyed an entire planet?"
"Yes, I vaporized it down to its very atoms. It went poof, almost as if it was never there in the first place."
"And that's why they fear you so much, because you are casually a planetkiller?"
"Well, I've been assisting Itokin for a long time. I may have vaporized a few fleets and such before as well."
"Ah, so that must be where your nickname of devil comes from. Remind me never to make you mad."
"Oh, dear Ko, you couldn't possibly make me mad. You are simply too cute! Any attempt at angering me would just make me want to squish your cheeks a little."
"You mean, squish my cheeks into a powder so fine it dissipates into the wind?"
"Dont be silly, there isn't any wind in the cold abyss of deep space."
With this new knowledge gained about Initae, I now understand why she is so widely feared. This could prove very advantageous in our plans, I shall keep this knowledge in my pocket for use later.
Like, I knew she was supremely powerful and well known. But to be known as the being that casually destroys planets in an instant? That is a major bargaining chip to have on our side.
Initae leaves the room. Seemingly satisfied with casually spreading tales of her terrifying power.
About an hour later, Ray returns. I am still basically immobile. She is carrying a large plate of… waffles? They look kind of strange though, very misshapen. How can you possibly misshape waffles?
"Ko, I have done as your Admiralship has requested. Waffles. Now here, eat them, and you better not complain."
"Hmm, dear Ray, it seems I am still having difficulty moving. On account of the inae exhaustion. Perhaps you could feed it to me?"
"Jerk, fine *heavy sigh*" Once again, despite her speech, she has a large smile on her face.
She then proceeds to feed me the waffles. Which, all things considered, aren't bad. But they aren't good either. Also, while she is feeding me she even makes cute airplane noises.
Once she is done, she hands the plate off to Duck (by the way, our MPADs do exist, but I haven't been mentioning them since they are just helping us in the background). Then she silently initiates an evil plan that she has been cooking up.
She quickly grabs me and moves me onto the nearby couch. Without my consent. However, I don't try to stop her, as I can guess her intention. She then proceeds to sit down next to me, and places my head onto her lap.
Naturally, she starts to comb my hair with her hand. I start to get quite sleepy, all this inae exhaustion is really wearing upon me. As I drift off to sleep, I think I hear her singing.
07:00 IST, Eighth day, First month, 3079 PV | Castera / Clak Battleship / Ko's Bedroom / Heaven
I once again awaken to the sensation of a heavenly cloud. With a beautiful angel singing a song to welcome me. Ah yes, Ray's lap.
Unfortunately, my heavenly experience is interrupted by a message from Cal, our ship AI. Thankfully, it seems that the worst of the inae exhaustion has passed.
"Attention Admiral Ducker and Captain Inan. We are currently receiving a priority 0 message from the IEC. Your immediate presence is required on the bridge."
At this message, Ray and I quickly stand up. We head directly to the bridge. Inside, we find an interesting scene.
The walls are covered in IEC security drones. Initae is standing at her console that we recently had installed, wielding a pair of strange blades that ooze raw inae from themselves. Beck Flap and the other bridge crew stand behind her, looking somewhat terrified.
Ko:"What the klack is going on here?"
Initae:"Ive got about as much clue as you do. Once we received the request for communication these drones suddenly entered the room, without being detected. They then proceeded to link into the system and initiate lockdown procedures."
"Hmm, interesting. Well then, let's see what the IEC has to say. Cal, accept communication."
Instantly, a hologram of none other than The Gamekeeper appears.
"Greetings Contestant Kovon Ducker and Contestant Rayleigh Inan. I apologize for the somewhat forceful entry, it is merely protocol.
Now, on to business. It is with great pleasure that I announce that as a part of Humanity's Trial of Ascension, the first trial has now commenced.
Your ship is now to begin automatically piloting itself to the Alpha Centauri IEC Megastation, where we will hold a ceremony to explain further details and begin the grand event. The ceremony will be held at 18:00 IST on the ninth day of the first month.
So do be prepared, the universe expects great things from you, Moonlight Duo."
Well, I suppose it is finally time. The first of seven trials that will decide the future administrator of humanity. It is about to begin. I can't wait, next to me, Ray also seems to be similarly excited.
I guess it is time to show our true strength. So, bring it on.
End of Chapter 26
A/N: Greetings dear reader. Yet again, it is the author. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I am deeply sorry for the large cliffhanger (okay, it's a clever tactic to keep you hooked, I'm not actually sorry), but do be looking forward to the next chapter.
As always, if you are enjoying the story, be sure to follow/comment/rate/share with a friend, it is always appreciated. See ya next time, dear reader.
Cathrix