Chapter Two:
Secrets of the Ancient ScrollScene One:
Reading the ProphecyAfter finishing the ancient scroll—because apparently, ancient prophecies come with their own built-in dramatic reading music—Rin felt the weight of the words it carried, like a bad plot twist in a low-budget fantasy novel. The prophecy spoke of the "Devourer," someone capable of stealing the powers of others and monsters, but at a great cost. The stronger he became, the more he would lose his humanity. Oh, and it also mentioned that the "Devourer" would be the key to either balancing or destroying the three worlds: the human world, the monster world, and the world that connects them. Because why settle for one world when you can mess up three?Rin (to himself, rolling his eyes): "Am I really that person? Am I just a pawn in a bigger game? Or is this some cosmic writer's way of saying 'congrats, you're the chosen one—good luck not screwing it up'?"But Rin didn't have time to dwell on it. He had to decide what to do with this knowledge. Would he use it for his own benefit, like getting unlimited pizza deliveries across dimensions, or would it lead him to his inevitable fate? "Fate's overrated anyway," he muttered. "I'd rather fate me a nap."Scene Two: Exiting the GateWith the battle over and the rest of the team dead—because side characters never get a sequel—Rin needed to find a way out of the gate. He knew that gates closed after a certain period, and if he didn't leave in time, he'd be trapped in this world forever. "Great, eternal vacation in Monsterland. Sign me up for the brochure."Rin began searching for the exit, using his enhanced speed and new abilities to overcome obstacles—like jumping over roots that looked suspiciously like plot holes. Along the way, he encountered another group of Shadow Wolves, but this time he was more prepared. He killed them effortlessly, growing stronger with each monster he defeated. "Level up! Ding! If only real life had XP bars."Finally, he found the exit—a glowing portal in the middle of the forest. Before stepping through, he glanced back, feeling as though something was watching him. Probably just the author deciding his next plot twist.Rin (to himself): "This world... it's not just monsters. There's something bigger here. Like, maybe a coffee shop? Or a way out of this cliché?"Scene Three: Return to the Human WorldWhen Rin stepped out of the gate, he found himself back at the Association's headquarters. Chaos ensued as no other team members returned—shocker, right? The gate supervisors looked at him in shock, their faces a mix of "holy crap, he's alive" and "where's the paperwork for the dead guys?"Supervisor (blinking rapidly): "Where are the others? What happened inside the gate?"Rin (coldly, with a hint of sarcasm): "They're all dead. The gate was stronger than you anticipated. Shocking, I know—next time, send more than cannon fodder."Rin didn't mention his ability or the prophecy. He knew the Association would exploit him if they found out the truth. "Yeah, because nothing says 'hero' like being a lab rat for bureaucratic overlords." He began to feel alone in this world, unable to trust anyone. "Story of my life—literally."Scene Four: A Mysterious EncounterAfter leaving the Association—dodging the inevitable "debriefing" session—Rin headed home. But on the way, a mysterious man in a black coat intercepted him, looking like he'd stepped out of a noir detective novel crossed with a fantasy cliché. The man seemed to know a lot, probably too much for someone wearing such a dramatic outfit.Mysterious Man (dramatically): "Rin, isn't it? I've heard about what happened inside the gate. You're the one the prophecy speaks of."Rin (cautiously, raising an eyebrow): "Who are you? And how do you know my name? Did the Association leak my player profile?"Mysterious Man: "My name doesn't matter. What matters is that you need to know more. The prophecy isn't just words... it's a warning. If you don't control your power, you'll destroy everything."Rin: "And why should I trust you? You look like the guy who sells plot devices in a shady alley."Mysterious Man: "Because I'm the only one who can help you understand what's happening. There are others looking for you, Rin. Not just monsters... but humans too."Rin sighed inwardly. "Great, now I've got a mentor NPC. Where's my tutorial quest?"Scene Five: The DecisionAfter the mysterious man left—vanishing into the shadows like a bad special effect—Rin found himself at a crossroads. He had to decide whether to follow the prophecy and seek the truth or run from his fate and try to live as an ordinary person. But he knew running wasn't an option. The power within him was growing, pulling him toward something greater. "Or maybe it's just indigestion from all that stolen wolf energy."Rin (to himself): "If I have to lose my humanity to become strong... so be it. This world has no mercy for the weak. But seriously, who writes these prophecies? They need an editor."Scene Six: The Journey BeginsRin decided to follow the mysterious man and learn more about the prophecy. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was ready to pay the price. "As long as the price isn't more cryptic speeches." With each step, he felt closer to the truth, and he realized his destiny was tied to the fate of all three worlds. "Fantastic. World-saving duty calls. Where's my sidekick and a montage song?"(To be continued...)Chapter Three: The World of SecretsScene One: Meeting the Mysterious ManRin followed the mysterious man to a place far from the eyes of the Association—because nothing says "secret" like a creepy hideout in the city outskirts. The location was hidden, where no one could find them, unless they followed the trail of dramatic fog. Inside the old building, Rin found himself in a room filled with ancient books and strange maps that looked like they'd been doodled by a bored wizard.Mysterious Man (leaning in dramatically): "I know you have many questions. But before I answer, you need to understand one thing: the prophecy about you is not just a myth. It's real, and you're at the center of it."Rin: "Why me? What makes me special? Is it my charming personality or the fact that I didn't die in the first chapter?"Mysterious Man: "Because you're the only one with the ability to steal powers. This ability isn't random. You were chosen a long time ago. Probably in some ancient lottery."Scene Two: The History of the ProphecyThe mysterious man began explaining the history of the prophecy, pulling out dusty tomes like a professor who'd forgotten his PowerPoint. It spoke of an ancient conflict between the three worlds: the human world, the monster world, and the intermediary world. Centuries ago, forces from each world tried to dominate the others, leading to a war that nearly destroyed everything. "Sounds like a bad family reunion," Rin thought.Mysterious Man: "The prophecy speaks of someone who will come to be the key. They will either unite the worlds or destroy them. And you, Rin, are that person."Rin: "How do I know what I'm supposed to do? Do I get a manual, or is this trial-and-error?"Mysterious Man: "That's something you'll have to figure out on your own. But be careful—there are those who want to stop you and others who want to use you as a tool. Classic villain dilemma."Scene Three: Hidden ForcesThe mysterious man told Rin about secret groups operating in the shadows—because shadows are apparently the go-to for plot convenience. Some wanted to protect the prophecy, while others wanted to destroy it. There were also powerful monsters who knew about the prophecy and were watching his every move. "Great, I'm on everyone's watchlist now."Mysterious Man: "You're not the only one searching for the truth. There are others hunting you, whether they're humans or monsters."Rin: "Then how do I protect myself? Do I get a secret handshake or a invisibility cloak?"Mysterious Man: "You need to grow stronger. The stronger you become, the better you'll be able to face what's coming. Power levels, my friend—it's all about the grind."Scene Four: Training and PreparationRin decided to start training to improve his abilities. He knew he had to learn how to control the powers he stole and use them more strategically. The mysterious man provided him with tools and books containing information about different types of monsters and their powers. "Finally, a skill tree. This is starting to feel like a proper RPG."Rin (to himself): "I can't rely on strength alone. I need to learn how to plan and outsmart my enemies. Or at least pretend to, while hoping for plot armor."Scene Five: The Enemies EmergeWhile Rin was training—sweating through what felt like a montage scene—he began to feel like he was being watched. One night, he was attacked by a group of hunters working for the Association. They knew about his ability and wanted to capture him to exploit it. "Because nothing says 'welcome back' like a surprise ambush."Hunter 1 (dramatically): "Rin, surrender! You can't escape us."Rin: "I won't be anyone's tool. Especially not for you guys—your outfits scream 'budget villains'."Using his speed and newfound strength, Rin managed to defeat them. But he realized it wouldn't always be this easy. "Next time, they'll probably bring the sequel villains with better gear."Scene Six: The Decision of FateAfter the attack, Rin realized he couldn't stay in one place. He had to move and learn more about the prophecy and the other worlds. He decided to embark on a journey to uncover the truth, no matter the risks. "Journey? More like a walking tutorial level."Rin (to himself): "If I have to lose everything to find the truth, so be it. I won't stop until I know who I am and why I'm here. Or until I find a decent Wi-Fi spot."Scene Seven: The True Journey BeginsAs the sun rose—because sunrises always signal "epic start"—Rin left the place where he had been training, heading into the unknown. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face every challenge. In his possession, he carried the ancient scroll and the hope of discovering the truth. "And maybe a snack bar. Priorities."(To be continued...)