Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

....

August 16th, 2121,

He seethed as an ever blazing fire burned deep within his hazel eyes. He watched with extreme scorn as he continued to be consumed by a roiling fury engraved deep in his bones; screaming frantically at monitors which were previously operating at uncanny speeds. The middle-aged man Kaiden Smith was currently going through what one would classify as a midlife crisis. Perhaps, for him, it was more fit to call it an end of his present life crisis.

"F.u.c.k...F.u.c.k!...F.U.C.K!! I can't take any more of this stupidity! All I asked for was those brilliant top of the line diagnostic supercomputers to be installed, but no. These brilliant idiots disregard that idea. Instead, they nominate me to handle this issue manually. Those cheap bastards! Who deemed them fit to run a business? Frugal? Impossible to utter with a straight face. They just love to keep every single sliver of profit possible. Ugh!" g.r.o.a.n.e.d Kaiden, massaging his pulsating temples.

After numerous years toiling for a media group, Kaiden finally received his opportunity. He drudged his way up the corporate ladder, one gruesome step at a time. Ultimately, reaching his current position; the Vice-Head of the 'Sonic Star Media Group' Logistics Department. However, at this moment, many taxing, nerve-wracking years later—15 to be exact—he finally understood just how much resentment he held for corporate society.

Continuing his weekly rant as per usual, Kaiden grunted; except, this rant was not just his typical one. It held a significantly larger amount of emotion, resulting in even more hair gouging; clawing at his scalp while a disturbingly large vein pulsated on his left temple. Through this simple action, you could infer he was one of the prime causes of the prem.a.t.u.r.e balding he experienced.

"They don't listen, they NEVER listen. Are they incompetent? Has someone robbed them of their thinking capabilities? They are obsessed with witnessing a quarterly report outfitted with an increased EPS (earnings per share) and a refined P/E number (price-earnings). It must cause them to just o.r.g.a.s.m from visual euphoria! Sick f.u.c.ks."

Continuing his ghastly rant, "And, every monthly meeting, I propose all my ideas; listing the benefits that the supercomputer's operating power possesses. Its pure precision can handle a workload countless times larger as opposed to my current predicament. Not to mention, the self-correction feature; but NO! All I receive as a response is some 'I'm not qualified to offer opinions situating this matter.' Bah... Your mom's not qualified!"

No longer in a suitable state of mind, Kaiden picked up his office chair launching it across the room; huffing and puffing with red eyes reminiscent of a raging bull. In fact, his rage tunneled so deep his staggered breaths condensed into white steam, ejecting from his mouth and nose.

The result of the throw was obvious, a loud crashing noise resounded from his office space. Unsurprisingly, this situation was all instigated by what was currently presented on the computer monitors; screens filled with code. Consequently, looking back at the monitors immediately caused another bout of violent ranting.

"Y-you! Argh! I have a Master's in Financial Analytics and Business Strategies as well as Dynamic Coding, dammit. Just because I received a job in the coding department, doesn't mean my input on other matters should be completely disregarded! Matter fact, if we would happen to compare ideas for the betterment of the company, I bet not even the Head's would compare to my innovative foresight."

Not too long after, a knock was heard on Kaiden's office door followed by a honey-dipped voice, absolutely pleasing to the ear, "Mr. Smith?"

"What?", tidying the chair trying to display a calm facade, Kaiden sat in his office chair. However, his eyes still looked as if they were dipped in blood, then replaced with the original. 'Wow, now that I think about it, why isn't this office soundproofed? My assistant has definitely knocked over 300 times this month due to my rants alone...but this works out perfectly, I was just experiencing a taste for more coffee.'

Carrying a worried tone, Chanel spewed what was on her mind, "That previous loud, crashing noise. I came to check on you, are you perhaps ranting again sir? I feel that they're becoming more frequent. Honestly, I don't think it's particularly good for your health."

Finding it hard to accept what Chanel was saying, Kaiden's eye twitched indistinctly followed by a few scratches of his head, "Come in Chanel, don't just stand out there talking. I don't bite although...perhaps I do bark slightly."

Chanel's facial features dripped with potent disdain at the mention of Kaiden's slight joke as she opened and walked through the office door. Hence, resulting in Kaiden s.u.c.k.i.n.g his teeth, leaning his cheek on this hand.

"Chanel, I need an express order on an extra-large coffee please, and thank you. Oh, and while you're at it, triple up on the expresso. I don't think my caffeine consumption is up to par today, I'm dying out here."

Turning towards Kaiden, Chanel was rendered speechless, filled with pure and utter shock barely mumbling audibly after a slight pause, "W-what?"

"Um...sir perhaps we should postpone that idea, holding back on the coffee. I mean, not to pester you, but that is going to be your 6th large cup. And for god's sake, triple up on the expresso?! You MUST be on a mission to lead yourself to an early death; you would literally be dying here. No, you don't need it sir.", scolded Chanel as her toned turned adamant.

Exasperated by the audacity Chanel had just exhibited, Kaiden turned towards her with a funny expression showing discontent, waving her off.

"Bah, no need for a useless squabble. I can feel my heart pumping in my neck; I am still alive. However, I feel that an inadequate amount of caffeine is in my system, thereupon limiting my processing ability. Hence, the need for caffeine, so, bring on the caffeine! Hahaha."

With a dumbfounded expression, displaying eyes comparable to the size of the 2 moons, Chanel simply stared at him.

"Haah...? That is even more reason not to consume even more caffeine! Are you mad? How can't you comprehend this? In fact, what is so important that it would compel you to drink this liquid embodiment of a heart attack, by all means, please share!"

Astounded, Kaiden rubbed his chin staring at Chanel. Engaging in deep thought, he motioned for her to come over and observe. 'Hmm, wouldn't hurt to show her, and perhaps in return, I can also get her off my back.'

"Look, it's the coding that belongs to an advertis.e.m.e.nt involving «World's Destiny: Redemption», you know, that extremely popular VRMMO. I would even dare say that almost everyone in current society has tried it at least once. Well, supposedly the developers have hinted at a new expansion for it and I have been tasked with the completion of the error corrections in the framework; due within 29 hours now. And! I just so happen to have no help, F.U.C.K!"

Speaking of «World's Destiny: Redemption» highly agitated Kaiden, disgruntling him which caused a bitter smile to creep upon his darkening countenance. 'God, how I regret my past mistake ending my journey with World's Destiny early...haah.'

"Oh! Firstly, calm down Mr. Smith. Secondly, I have played that game before, it is the one where your character flows like water, feeling just like your actual body right? It's definitely so much fun." Chanel's expression brightened, completely missing Kaiden's darkening one.

'F.u.c.k! I know already!" Kaiden mentally roared, gritting his teeth.

"Eh, even though you're clearly worked up, I guess I can get you one last cup; provided that you calm down with all that outlandish yelling, it's not very good for your health," insisted Chanel.

Nodding, "I understand Chanel. I'll tone it down and definitely conquer this damn code. I must find the correction to this corrupted sequence."

Amid Chanel's exit, Kaiden leaned back in his office chair, trapped in his thoughts. He began to reminisce about his old passion; «World's Destiny: Redemption», reveling in self-pity.

'Ah, that inconsiderate Divine Quest «Desolate History of the Ancients», it was surely abominable. However, it was also my fault for trying that quest so early, solo for that matter. Tch, what a wise decision. If I could, I would give up everything to go back. In accordance, I'd also personally compel myself to seek a better way; find allies and adventure properly.'

Our main character, Kaiden, was not always a working corporate employee. Over 9 years, that is the length of time he spent developing a Berserker in-game. It was a class that resonated with him due to his innate temper, easily grasping the essence of the class and ultimately propelling his way to be a solo Lv550 Tier 8 Berserk Saint. Unfortunately, due to his quest of the so-called highest level; "Divine", being accompanied with dire consequences, his account was left in a word, destroyed.

Why did he quit and begin a sulking period, instead of creating a new character? Well, the level of regret that consumed him was colossal, resulting in a depression that downright shattered his spirit. However, the true reason was instead the consequences of said mission.

'WARNING: Due to your quest being deemed a failure, the system will now enforce the consequences of failure. Your character items will now be deleted and commencing the character deletion sequence. Registered brain wave signatures now classified as BANNED! Now ejecting your presence from the game, Godspeed user,' that was Kaiden's last notification from the game.

As for the other consequence, HA...let us just say that Kaiden was not the only one affected by his fault, albeit, meager compared to his. However, on the bright side, the system protected his personal information, remaining anonymous.

As his thoughts weighed heavily on his mind, Kaiden released a sigh soaked in so much grief it became palpable enough to drown a grown elephant. At that same moment, Chanel's figure appeared through the office door carrying a large cup exuding steam.

Chanel inquired as she passed the cup to Kaiden, "Are you ok, Mr. Smith? Your expression doesn't look so well."

"I'm alright Chanel, just reminiscing about some things," replied Kaiden dismally.

"Okay. If you need me, I'll be right outside at my desk," consoled Chanel.

Kaiden nodded as he proceeded to pick up the cup of coffee, lightly sipping. As a result, an even deeper frown formed upon Kaiden's face almost immediately. Glaring at Chanel's departing silhouette through the slowly closing door, he sneered.

"Oh, ho ho…I can just taste the absence of caffeine in this thing. I am no fool. Don't get me wrong, it's lovely that she cares for my health and I appreciate it but... CAFFEINE!"

Reaching down into the top left drawer of his office desk, he quickly pulled out a packet labeled 'Caffeine Xpress/600mg per pack', ripping off the seal. Pouring the contents into his cup, Kaiden lightly stirred with his index finger, tasting it.

"Crap, I'm running low on these but…mmm, now that is perfect!" quipped Kaiden.

Within but a short 3 hours later, after waging war with his opponent; the code, Kaiden eventually succ.u.mbed to his rage. Continuous bellows containing such pure fury that standing in proximity would result in a ruptured eardrum reverberated throughout the office, and in fact the whole floor.

"Aghhh! What? WHAT THE HELL! I can't stand this crap. Not long ago, it was 1 corrupted sequence of code. How in the f.u.c.k did it multiply to 3?! I can't even begin to locate the errors. Dammit! Bastard Heads, you lot are idiots. Damn FOOLS! I am done with this crap; they'll just have to end u-..."

Suddenly, during his rant Kaiden came to an abrupt pause, causing an eerie silence to encroach upon the office. Falling back into his chair, Kaiden's right hand clutched his shirt tightly on top of the left area of his c.h.e.s.t. His heart began palpitating even further, turning increasingly erratic and arrhythmic. Grasping his c.h.e.s.t, struggling to even grasp the slightest bit of oxygen; Kaiden's eyes darkened to an even deeper, ravishing crimson color filled with an unwilling glint.

'No! I don't yield, I'll never yield!' Kaiden's subconscious inherently possessed defiance towards death even though he dreaded staying in this current life, making a conflicting struggle.

Unfortunately, for Kaiden, his attempts were fruitless. In the next few moments, the only action that took place was the twitching of Kaiden's eyes as they rolled back, body turning limp, conscience waning into a fleeting ember heading towards a permanent extinguishing. His pulsed ceased, flatlining.

....

In the insurmountable distance at that moment, a presence was alerted. "Hmm? Seems my watch comes to an end; that unwilling soul filled with regret is about to enter the tethers of Samsara. Possessing such a huge amount of regret, I shall grant them the opportunity to indulge in my presence; therefore, receiving my guidance and witnessing my undeniable presence. [Young soul, awaken from your stupor.]"

Feeling something resonating with him, Kaiden's conscience faintly hears a voice saturated in arrogant confidence, responding to the stimulus. "W-...Who is that?"

"I am not that, I am I, and you are now privileged to call me THEE young soul." retorted the ethereal voice.

"Young soul...? What soul? I am Kaiden, not a young soul. And, what do you mean THEE? What type of name is that? questioned Kaiden's conscience.

"Correct, you are just but a soul at this point. Also, names are meaningless and irrelevant; therefore, dismiss these empty notions. Secondly, THEE is no mere name, but a haughty status; 'The Higher Entity, Eon' but that is enough, forgo the questioning. That is an action in which only I shall be blessed to partake in. In accordance, following your happenstance, would you like another chance?"

Without even taking the time to think of possible consequences, Kaiden immediately replied. "Yes, a thousand times, YES!"

"Granted, you may experience me sending you through the reincarnation of thy self, impatient one, but before you go..."

Deep in another celestial plane, a being gently flicked their index finger sending an intangible wave billowing forward.

"...As I see that your regret stems from this thing you called «World's Destiny: Redemption», all experiences pertaining to it before and after your circ.u.mstance of regret shall be erased. Except for one of your choosing. Now, choose." continued Eon.

"My memories then, I'll keep them," muttered Kaiden's soul.

"That isn't allowed. Your memories are your complete experiences. Let me make this clearer for you; you can only choose ONE of your memories. Choose one of these choices: combat instincts, a quest of your choosing, or skill from this thing you call «World's Destiny: Redemption»."

'A quest? I don't remember much of the old ones...my mind isn't what it used to be. A skill? I mean that's not really what I want. If I keep my combat instincts then I can simply create those. Well, I have my answer then.'

" I choose uh...err, my combat instincts. I'll keep my combat instincts," replied Kaiden despite thinking to himself. 'Although I have not used them in forever somewhat dulling them, they are ingrained in my persons. I can always reshape them!'

"Fulfilled, they will be forever engrained in your conscience, now go forth and embark on your journey. I will now be sending you back in time through the continuum, injecting your conscience at some point in time where everything would seem the same; except you. Keep the struggles of this a.d.u.l.t life as a mold that tempers your parallel character..."

"Forever keep this message." Eon's voice trailed off into the difference as Kaiden's conscience experienced a titanic pulling sensation.

Realizing something, Eon murmured to himself. "Oh, I forgot to mention to him that his current self will cease to exist. Well, it is done already."