Lord of The Mysteries:Rebirth of The Absolute Being

Liam Hart staggered through the rain-soaked alley, his vision blurring with every step. Blood dripped from the gash on his side, pooling at his feet as he leaned against a cold brick wall for support. Behind him, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed like a death knell.

"Damn it," he muttered, clutching his side. His breath came in ragged gasps, the metallic taste of blood on his tongue.

The gang had caught up to him faster than he'd expected. He'd always known that stepping in to save a stranger would have consequences, but he hadn't hesitated. A young woman—barely in her twenties—had been cornered by thugs, and Liam had acted on instinct. His intervention had given her a chance to escape, but now he was paying the price.

"You can't run forever!" one of the men called out, his voice dripping with sadistic glee.

Liam's legs gave out, and he slumped against the wall. The cold seeped into his bones, mixing with the pain and exhaustion. He knew this was the end.

As the thugs rounded the corner, their weapons glinting in the dim light, Liam closed his eyes. At least she got away.

The first blow never came. Instead, there was a deafening roar, followed by silence.

Liam's eyes snapped open, and he found himself floating in a vast expanse of grey fog. There was no sound, no sensation—only an oppressive stillness that seemed to press down on his very soul.

"Where… am I?" he whispered, his voice echoing into the void.

A figure emerged from the fog, its form shifting and indistinct. It was neither man nor woman, human nor beast. Its voice, however, was clear and resonant.

"You stand at the crossroads of existence, Liam Hart," the figure said. "Your mortal life has ended, but your soul remains unclaimed. A rare occurrence, indeed."

Liam frowned, trying to process the entity's words. "Unclaimed? What does that mean?"

The figure chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down his spine. "It means you are free to choose your destiny. I offer you a chance to live again—in a world unlike any you have known."

A mixture of curiosity and skepticism filled him. "What's the catch?"

"There is always a price," the figure admitted. "You will be reborn in a world of gods, monsters, and secrets. A world where power comes at the cost of your humanity. But do not fear for I shall bestow upon you a power—a gift that surpasses all others."

Liam's gaze sharpened. "What kind of power are we talking about?"

The figure extended a hand, and a black tome materialized in the air. Its cover was adorned with shifting symbols, each one radiating a sense of dread and awe.

"This is the Codex of the Absolute Being," the figure explained. "It is a pathway beyond the comprehension of mortals or gods. With it, you will wield the power of shadows, dragons, and creation itself. But be warned: such power will make you a target."

Liam hesitated. The idea of living again—of having a second chance—was tempting. But the entity's words carried a weight that made him wary.

"What happens if I refuse?"

"Then your soul will drift into the void, forgotten and formless."

The choice was clear. Taking a deep breath, Liam reached out and touched the Codex.

The moment his fingers brushed its surface, a surge of energy coursed through him. Pain and ecstasy intertwined as his body dissolved into pure energy. The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was the entity's enigmatic smile.

---

Tingen City, Year 1349 of the Fifth Epoch

Liam awoke to the sound of horse-drawn carriages and the chatter of a bustling marketplace. His body felt strange—lighter, yet more solid than ever before. As he sat up, he realized he was lying on a wooden bench in a small park.

The city around him was unlike anything he had ever seen. Victorian-style buildings lined cobblestone streets, their windows glowing with warm yellow light. Gas lamps illuminated the foggy evening, casting long shadows that danced with an unnatural grace.

Liam's heart raced as fragments of the Codex filled his mind. He could sense the first step of his pathway—the power of shadows—lurking just beneath the surface.

"Excuse me, sir, are you alright?"

The voice was soft and melodic, breaking through his reverie. Liam turned to see a young woman standing nearby, her blonde hair shimmering like spun gold in the lamplight. She was dressed in an elegant gown, her blue eyes filled with genuine concern.

"I… I think so," Liam replied, struggling to find his footing.

The woman offered him a hand, which he hesitantly took. "You don't look like you're from around here," she observed. "Are you lost?"

Liam nodded, unsure of how to explain his situation. "You could say that. This place is… new to me."

The woman smiled gently. "Well, welcome to Tingen City. My name is Audrey Hall.Though I am also not from here"

Liam froze. The name struck a chord in his memory, and his mind raced. Audrey Hall… Miss Justice. A Sequence 9 Spectator…

He quickly masked his shock, offering her a polite smile. "Liam Hart. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hall."

Audrey tilted her head, studying him with a curious expression. "You have an air of mystery about you, Mr. Hart. Perhaps we'll cross paths again."

As she walked away, Liam felt a surge of determination. He had been reborn in a world of gods and mysteries, with a pathway that defied all logic. His encounter with Audrey only solidified his resolve.

This was his second chance, and he would seize it with both hands. But first, he needed to understand the rules of this world—and his own power.

The shadows around him seemed to pulse in response, as if acknowledging his thoughts. With a deep breath, Liam stepped into the foggy streets of Tingen City, ready to carve his destiny.