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Chapter 2 - Intermission

Gasp Aaah! I did it! I finally did it! I've visited this void-filled dimension so many times that I was beginning to give up on it, but finally I've found someone! So this is the extent of my power, huh? I wonder if I can break through to the fifth as well. Ah, what am I saying? Calm yourself, Toui; let's not diminish this accomplishment by burning a newly crossed bridge for the sake of progress. Relish the bridge. Appreciate the bridge. Wield the bridge! And maybe, just maybe, one day you will find the creator. 

After all, I've now completed the first requirement, which is stepping outside of one's own reality. Rule number one of being a god: A god cannot exist within their own creation. Therefore, they must remain outside of their creations' reality as a simple choreographer and/or spectator of said reality. Of course, you can't be a god if you're forced to abide by the laws of reality; that would be absurd. If a god entered into their creation's reality, they'd become no more than a mere mortal—vulnerable and powerless. Limited to possibility! Void of infinity! That would mean… 

Ahem My apologies; it seems I got carried away again. How rude of me to not have introduced myself! Hello mortal, my name is Toui—the all-seeing Ego. You're probably wondering what an Ego is at this point. But worry not—it will all be made known. For now, take solace in the fact that I'll be watching this exciting tale alongside you as your very own guide. 

Usually, a contract would need to be made to borrow my power, but for you, I'll call it a matter of interest. All you need to do is accept. Lucky you, huh? You should hear some of the other Egos' terms and conditions. Contracts between Egos and Users vary so widely that some can be considered a bit extreme, but rightfully so since their lives are in the Users' hands. Some contracts endure mere days, while others span seasons, years, or even generations, passed down from parent to child upon the parent's demise.

All in all, I care very little for my comfort and accommodations; I just ask that you keep the pages of this vessel clean and dry. After all, if my vessel is destroyed, so am I, and I'd very much loathe such an anticlimactic permadeath. But it's not like the destruction of this vessel specifically would be enough to do me in. Compared to other Egos, I'm a bit more… free. Fortunate, if you will.

Well, now that we've got introductions out of the way, let's get into the intricacies. With my power, you can sense my presence during and between chapters, gaining a little more insight—like whenever you see translations, for example, or at this very moment. But not in between each chapter. Aha, that'd be overkill, am I right?

Anyway, let's take a quick dive back into the past. I can't believe it's already been ten years since the incident in Delphine Parish with the Bordeauxs. It was truly an epic battle of good vs. evil. The unwavering resolve of a mother protecting her son! sniff sniff Indescribably beautiful. The things she's done for her child's protection. Not to mention the healing Ego, Géri, allotting her his full power. Who knew a Ce ki manke san could draw out so much power from an Ego? An impressive feat, even if the Ego in question is of the second level of Enho. It must have put considerable strain on both her body and soul to do so, which she was already lacking in.

Ahh, sorry. In the tongue of the Ego, "Ce ki manke san" translates to "Those lacking blood" in your language. It's a term Ego Users use for those not born of a bloodline relative to the founders of the art and religion. 

Speaking of founders, the Bordeaux bloodline traces so far back that they actually head their Ego Paren: Moun Dou. "Moun Dou" translates to "Gentle People," a name that rightfully associates their traits. From then to now, there isn't an Ego User who doesn't know of the Bordeauxs and their ties to the Egos.

Oh, and "Paren" means family, in case you were wondering. Their "Ego Family" is the "Gentle People." The individuals in this family tend to lean towards the gentle type. And yet, some of the Egos that back this family, which are wickedly strong upper-level egos, contrast this common nature greatly.

Their direct family and Ego Paren: Moun Dou play a paramount role in defending the mortal realm from certain otherworldly evils. Well, at least they did. In their glory days, the Bordeaux's held prestigious standings in the Pantheon of Egos, their Paren boasting some of the strongest and most influential users. However, the tides of fate eventually changed course, and that's all I'll say about that for now.

The Bordeaux bloodline has much redeeming to do before returning to their good graces—not just within the Pantheon of Egos but within their Ego Paren as well. Let us watch closely now that an entire decade has passed. I have a feeling that things are about to get even more interesting now that the threads of destiny have begun weaving once again.

… Before I go, I'll provide you with one last nugget of information. Divians, renowned for their mystical talents in fortune-telling, possess an ancient art that is either inherited or passed down and taught through generations. Yet, among them, Cyllene stands as a complete anomaly, transcending the conventional boundaries of fortune-telling. Unlike her kin, who delve into futures, she wields a rare gift—mastery over memories. Calling her a memory programmer rather than a fortune-teller would be more appropriate. Her ability isn't just seeing someone's life; it's the power to alter the very recollections that define one's past and future. She stands in a league of her own, manipulating the threads of perceived time and memory like a conductor of fate. 

The Bordeauxs aren't the only ones I've been watching; there's more than one destiny at play here in Meteor Kingdom.

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