In a blink I found myself back in the forest. The same forest where I was before but it's different now. The area around me was a scene of devastation. Flames linger at the trees, casting a hellish glow around. Smoke filled the air, making it difficult to breathe.
"What happened here?"
In the center there was a crater that had been created. "It seems like a massive meteorite falls down here."
Heart started pounding as I took in the scene. There are bodies of soldiers scattered lifeless and charred. Among them, I spotted the general twisted form, his cruel smile forever frozen in death. But there was a sight beyond the crater that makes my blood run cold.
There, lying motionless on the ground was my mother. Her body was still, eyes open, and I couldn't breathe caught in my throat. "No... Mom!" walking towards her.
I dropped to my knees beside her, gently lifting her head onto my lap. Here face was pale and she bore no wounds, but I knew-somehow, I knew-it was my power that had done this.
"Why?" I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Why did this happen? How could I...?"
Grief and guilt crashed over me like a truck. I rocked back and fourth holding my moms close. "I'm so sorry Mom. I didn't mean to... I couldn't control it... I just wanted to save you..."
My anguish echoed through the burning forest. "Why did this happen to me!? Why did you choose me!?" I screamed at the sky, "Damn you, gods! I swear, I will hunt you all for this! I'll make you pay for what you've done!"
The ground started trembling beneath. My glowing eyes flickered, and a sudden fatigue overcame me. The power that Seiya's gave me was probably got taken back leaving me weak and powerless.
I clenched my fists, tears mixing with the soot and ash on my cheeks. "You can take the powers you gave me, but you can't stop me hunting you all down. I will find a way to become a god also, and put you all down."
With a final look at my mother, I stood, my body trembling but I stood up straight. The gods had taken everything away from me, I have no where to lose I must give my all. "In this game I will be the true champion even when the gods had nerf me!"
I got awaken by a rhythmic clatter of wheels and gently sway of a carriage. The last thing I remembered was the devastation in the forest, the sight of my mother and the overwhelming grief that had consumed me. I now find myself lying on a wooden bench inside a moving carriage, the canvas cover flapping gently in the breeze.
As I sat up, wincing at the stiffness in my muscles, I notice a man riding a horse beside the carriage. The man was tall and rugged, with a weathered face that spoke of many years on the road. He glanced over at me, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding.
For a moment, I felt lost and hopeless, the memories of my mother and the burning forest flooding back. I buried my face in my hands, feeling the weight of the grief pressing down on my body.
The man on the horse cleared his throat drawing my attention. "Young man," he said, "it's never too late to get going. I know you will find your way."
I looked up, my eyes red and puffy. "How can you say that? I've lost everything, everything, everything! My family, my home... everything."
The man gave a small knowing smile "Sometimes, when it seems like we've lost everything, we will find something even more important. A purpose, a new beginning."
I felt a flicker of something inside of me-a spark of hope. I wipe my eyes and took a deep breath. "Who are you?"
The Man tipped his hat. "Name's Gregark. Found you passed out near the edge of the forest. Figured you could use a lift. Where are you headed?"
I shooked my head. " I don't know. I don't have anywhere to go. everything is gone."
Gregark nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I'm heading to Riverland. It's a small town, but it's got good people. Maybe you can start there."
I stared at the passing scenery, the landscape a blur of green and gold. "Why are you helping me?"
Gregark shrugged. "Everyone needs a little help bow and then. Besides, I see something in you, something different. A fire that hasn't quite gone out. You just need to find your way to let it burn bright again."
I felt a small, hesitant smile tug at the corners of my mouth. "Thank you, Gregark."
Gregark nodded and urged his horse forward, leading the way. "Hang in there kid. The road ahead might be tough but you're tougher"
As the carriage rolled on, I felt a little relief that slowly replacing my grief. I didn't know what will lay ahead, but Gregark’s words gave me hope. I would find a way. I had to. For my mother, for my father, and for himself.
[Update every Wednesday] "Even in my second life, the gods will still trip me up!? " Let's look at Gloom's life, even in his reincarnation, the gods are still playing with him.
Author's note: I'm cross publishing this novel on royal road by with the same username as this account.
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