Trials of the Soulsworn
As this is my first work on syosetu, I expect I'll revise/edit these pretty frequently at first - sorry!
Solomon shifted uncomfortably on their throne as they saw another dimension collapse into the twisting shadows in the void between worlds. It was an unfortunate fate that was becoming increasingly common since they removed the celestial gods that used to toy with mortal lives. The source of the issue was problematic, to say the least.
Evil, crystallized into fragments, lay in wait within the void realms, gathering strength to breach another dimension. Once there, they sought a vessel to corrupt, like a malignant seed taking root. They were the embodiment of malevolence, a threat that could not be ignored.
These fragments threaten to destroy the tapestry of time, unravelling it into nothingness. Unless something is done to prevent the erosion, all creation may be consumed by the destructive void.
“Who could have foreseen that the gods’ demise would lead to this cataclysm?” Solomon’s voice quivered with a mix of anger and regret. “When I ascended to the goddess’s mantle, I was blind to the fact that it would hasten the annihilation of all. I sealed Giltine, hoping to stem the tide of destruction engulfing the realms, but it seems my efforts were in vain.”
“I have returned – the artificial intelligence oversight neural (AION) system has been deployed to Eden, and Kruonai seems to be content with the outcome,” Zaria announced, her voice carrying a weight of responsibility as the door boomed open and unceremoniously interrupted Solomons’ grumbling. “All indications show the system as having an overwhelmingly positive impact on the citizens.”
Solomon looked around the room. It was a large room with six chairs below the throne on the dais. Each chair was simplistic in appearance yet adorned with a different symbol. Seated in the chairs were the archcelestial soulsworn who served them. Before the throne was Ouroboros, sealed carefully in a block of void stone. Off to the side was one of the chroniclers, a werefox recording every detail of history. Solomon made eye contact with Cortana, assuming that her shared history with Zaria would make for a friendlier interaction.
“Zaria, your presence is always welcome in Avalon,” Cortana said. Given your recent successful mission, are you here to request another trial attempt?”
“No,” Zaria said quickly. “Even I can recognize my limitations after three failed attempts. I must train further to see if I can push myself to greater heights.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Cortana grimaced. “More worlds fall to corruption even as we delay. Even the rollout of the new management platform merely slows the decay rate.”
“I have to concur, Cortana, Archcelestial of Fire,” Solomon said. “I can no longer do nothing but wait for results. There is too much work for the current archcelestials to handle effectively.”
All seven stood up as one. Ouroboros materialized at Solomon’s waist as they walked quickly from the room through a small doorway. The Valkyrie of Greed, Zaria, followed Solomon closely as they entered an inner sanctum. Zaria gasped nervously when she realized she stood in the chamber from which all creation originated.
“Mixing a drop of my blood with the ingredients for primordial slime,” Solomon grumbled. “Never thought I would use the Forge of Creation to give birth to a child of my own.”
“Should I offer a drop of mine? Then it would be our child.” Zaria asked, grinning as the archcelestials in the room reacted with irritation.
“No, the fewer variables I need to resolve, the better our situation is,” Solomon said quietly, ignoring the reactions of the archcelestials – particularly Isabella, who looked ready to hurl some shadow magic. “Perhaps in the future? We could always use more individuals for the infinite dragonflight, especially those who can become soulsworn.”
The forge surged with power, forcing a golden orb to form above it. The orb absorbed large amounts of magical energy, twisting in upon itself, shaping into a human-shaped doll.
“Appraisal,” Solomon said, looking at the artificial lifeform.
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Name: [None]
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Race: Artificial Doll
Sex: [None]
Gender: [None]
Age: 0 [Immortal]
Class: [None]
Job: [None]
Status:
Level: 0/100
HP: 1/1
MP: 1/1
SP: 1/1
Condition: Stasis
Attributes:
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Intellect: 1
Equipment: [None]
General Skills: [None]
Crafting Skills: [None]
Combat Skills: [None]
Magic Skills: [None]
Resistances: [None]
Titles: Created by Solomon
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“Hmm. It passes as a living doll, I suppose… The mortal races need a guiding light to show them the correct path. Whatever it may become, this entity will need a name that reflects its purpose. And it will need to amass the power it requires for its mission.” Solomon pondered. “Instead of simply boosting its status and attributes, I will grant it the capacity to grow, evolve, and resist the corruption from the fragments.”
Solomon drew deeply on the powerful magic contained within their sword. The first task was to camouflage their creation as a human member of the infinite dragonflight by modifying the artificial dolls’ baseline information. They granted it a name, race, and sex, then unlocked the maximum level the doll could achieve. As “Lucy,” she would experience limitless, uncapped power growth. To aid Lucy in her future pursuit of strength, Solomon gave her the ability to check her status, use magical storage, and appraise what she encounters. Finally, Solomon infused their creation with baseline knowledge of standard weapons and magical elements.
“And, of course, she will need a basic outfit to start with,” Solomon muttered, generating a simplistic outfit of white silk draped across her shoulders to hide the details of her form. “Now, Appraisal.”
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Name: Lucy [Lucia Eleanor Ausrine Dragonstar]
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Race: Human [Artificial]
Sex: Female
Gender: Non-Binary
Age: 0 [Immortal]
Class: [None]
Job: [None]
Status:
Level: 0/∞
HP: 1/1
MP: 1/1
SP: 1/1
Condition: Stasis
Attributes:
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Intellect: 1
Equipment: Simple Silk Robe [1]
General Skills: Appraisal [7/10], Item Box [MAX], Status [MAX]
Crafting Skills: [None]
Combat Skills: Unarmed Combat [1/10], Throwing Weapon Mastery [1/10], Sword Mastery [1/10], Dagger Mastery [1/10], Spear Mastery [1/10], Bow Mastery [1/10], Staff Mastery [1/10]
Magic Skills: Magic Detection [1/10], Magic Control [1/10], Magic Recovery [1/10], Fire Magic Mastery [1/10], Water Magic Mastery [1/10], Wind Magic Mastery [1/10], Earth Magic Mastery [1/10], Light Magic Mastery [1/10], Shadow Magic Mastery [1/10], Restoration Magic Mastery [1/10], Enchantment Magic Mastery [1/10], Alchemy Magic Mastery [1/10]
Resistances: [None]
Titles: Child of Solomon, Ruin of the Progenitors
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“Well, little Lucy here seems to have ended up with decent aptitudes and capacity for combat at least… But how did she end up with a title like that?” Solomon said, disgust disfiguring their expression. “It does not particularly matter as long as she accomplishes the objectives set for her, but how will my soon-to-awaken daughter ruin the progenitors? It must be something she is fated to do…”
“Or perhaps it is something you are fated to correct?” Zaria asked. “You did kill the gods, right? The AION system might take their place in most circumstances, but, as the goddess of time, you are required to fix breakages in the Akashic Records… Maybe Lucy is required for a correction?”
This episode mainly featured characters from my previous works (The Forgotten Prince series). Up next is the debut of our protagonist, Lucy!
