Mikael looked up after hearing Jamar's words. What he saw made him tense immediately. An enormous eye—no, even enormous didn't quite describe it—immeasurable was more accurate. It hung in the sky, far too massive for comprehension, and was composed solely of a cyan iris. No pupil, no sclera. Just that cold, empty color staring down at the Earth. The sight alone sent a chill running through Mikael's spine.
His heart began pounding rapidly, and a gnawing sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. Still, Mikael knew he couldn't afford to show fear. While forcing himself to remain composed, he muttered, uneasy, "Fuck, if that thing punched the Earth, we'd be completely fucked."
Only a couple of seconds later, a blue screen appeared in front of his eyes, perfectly aligned to his gaze. At the same time, an emotionless female voice echoed directly in his mind.
[Humans of Origin World 'Earth', you have been linked to the Akashic Records and granted the opportunity to evolve.]
[By accessing the Records, you may travel to a near-infinite number of different worlds. Your power can grow as you move from one to another. Gaining magic or even achieving immortality is not impossible while connected to the Akashic Records.]
[To obtain access, you must pay a monthly subscription of one year of lifespan.]
[Do you want to pay?]
[Yes/No]
Right after finishing the message, Mikael heard a loud, echoing sound that made the ground vibrate faintly beneath him. He looked back at the sky and saw the massive eye beginning to withdraw, slowly drifting away from the Earth's vicinity.
Then the ground began to tremble violently. Mikael struggled to remain standing. 'Fuck, why is the ground shaking this much? Is this an earthquake? Don't tell me that eye actually brushed against the Earth or something!'
After a few seconds of confusion, he tried to make sense of it. 'No… that wouldn't make any sense. If that eye really is a manifestation of the Akashic Records—a being probably near-omniscient considering her/its promise—then there's no way she'd lose control of her own projection, body, or whatever the hell that thing was.'
He steadied his stance and narrowed his eyes. 'The only thing that makes sense is that she wants to intimidate us. Scare the humans of Earth into joining the Records, to push us into evolving out of fear. It's probably meant as a catalyst, but it could backfire too. If people start associating the Records with death and overwhelming danger, they might hesitate or outright refuse to join. Reminding everyone how fragile we are might not inspire bravery and temptation—but panic.'
"Jamar, did you see and hear that message?" asked Mikael rapidly.
"Yes, it was a female voice speaking directly in my head," replied Jamar, still visibly shaken. "She said something about joining the Records and that if I did, I could get stronger and even travel to different worlds."
"Alright... and you, Leia? What exactly did you hear?" Mikael continued, directing his gaze toward her.
Leia looked deeply unsettled. Her eyes flicked toward the sky and then back to Mikael. It took her a few seconds before she finally replied, her voice shaky. "Eh... it was the same thing he said. I also heard her talking about the Records."
'I don't understand this handsome guy. Just five minutes ago, he was threatening to kill me—or anyone else who got in his way—if I didn't stop my investigation. And now he's calmly asking me questions like none of that ever happened. Is he bipolar or something?' thought Leia, bewildered by the sudden shift in Mikael's behavior.
"Boss Mikael, what should we do now?" asked Jamar, his voice tinged with genuine fear.
"Let me think about it," Mikael replied, his tone distant as his mind raced.
'Now that the Akashic Records have revealed themselves, there's no going back. The world is going to change—it's inevitable. Some people will accept the offer. They'll gain powers far beyond anything previously imaginable, surpassing what we thought was humanly possible. And once that happens, some of them are going to rebel. They'll challenge governments, institutions, and order itself. Everything we know could gradually collapse into chaos and anarchy.'
'But there's another possibility too. Maybe society won't fall completely. Maybe it'll transform instead—shift toward a strength-based hierarchy while still preserving fragments of the current social system. Either way, one thing remains absolutely certain: if I want to survive in this new world, if I want to keep my place—then I need power.'
That line of thought triggered a surge of anger in Mikael's chest. 'The most infuriating, rage-inducing part in all of this... is that everything I've built over these past few years, all the blood and sweat I poured into creating and growing the Crow into what it is today... might suddenly become worthless. Once my men realize they can gain real power through the Akashic Records, what's stopping them from abandoning everything and going their own way? Why would they still listen to me?'
His fists had clenched unconsciously, his breathing heavy with frustration. 'Calm down... I need to calm down,' he reminded himself, taking a deep breath as he struggled to steady his emotions. 'It's not all bad. This isn't just a threat—it's an opportunity. I can enter the Records too. I can become stronger myself. I can adapt… and I will.'
His fingers slowly uncurled, the tightness in his jaw easing slightly as a new resolve began to take shape.
"Jamar," called out Mikael in a now composed tone.
The sound of his voice snapped both Jamar and Leia out of their daze. They had remained frozen in place, each lost in their own spiraling thoughts about what had just happened.
"I've decided. I'm going to join the Records," Mikael declared, his voice unwavering. "This incident isn't just some random occurrence—it's the trigger for a global transformation. The world as we know it will shift, and society will turn into one ruled by strength. Think of it as the return of the law of the jungle."
Leia's expression tensed with unease. Clearly disturbed by that possibility, she spoke up. "This isn't some fantasy novel where people start murdering each other just because they've gotten their hands on a little power."
"You may not," Mikael replied evenly, "since you strike me as someone decent. But not everyone shares your sense of restraint. A lot of people are going to feel liberated by this sudden power. They'll start ignoring laws they once feared, acting on their impulses without consequence. Think about it—would you feel the need to obey a cop you could kill with a single punch?"
'With her mindset, she probably won't last long in the kind of world that's coming,' Mikael thought.
"Sigh"
"Maybe you're right," Leia murmured, sounding conflicted. "I can definitely imagine some people—like you, for example—doing exactly what you said."
"Oh? So you're not completely naive, after all," Mikael said with a faint smirk. "This little talk was amusing, but I've got more pressing matters to handle."
He turned back to Jamar. "Jamar, I want you to speak with the others—our guys. Tell them to accept the Records' offer, and make sure you explain everything I've just told you."
'It's the only real move I have left if I want to maintain some influence over the Crow without wasting too much time. If Jamar can help them understand how the Akashic Records are going to reshape society—and guide them through that shift—then maybe, just maybe, they'll feel some gratitude toward me... or at least toward him. That might be enough to preserve part of my authority. But honestly... I'm not holding my breath.'
"What? You're not going to explain it to them yourself?" Jamar asked, clearly caught off guard.
"No," Mikael replied. "I'm joining the Records right now."
The moment he finished speaking, his gaze moved to the glowing blue screen hovering before him.
[To gain access to the Akashic Records, you must first pay a subscription fee equal to 1 year of your lifespan, renewable monthly.]
[Do you wish to proceed with the payment?]
[Yes/No]
'Let's see if I can communicate directly with the Records through thought,' Mikael mused.
"Akashic Records, I want to pay the subscription fee for just one month," he said silently, directing the command straight from within his mind.
[Payment accepted. Your lifespan has diminished by 1 year. Your next payment is due on 1 July 2025, Earth time. The payment is automated. If you wish to cancel your subscription, make sure to do so before the 1st, or another month will be charged.]
[Transport to the Records is now available. Do you wish to enter the Records?]
[Yes/No]
"Accept the transfer," Mikael said to the Records.
[Transfer initiated in 10, 9, 8…]
As soon as Mikael accepted the transfer, his body began to glow with an increasingly intense blue light that expanded with each passing second.
[…3, 2, 1, 0.]
The very instant the countdown reached zero, his form vanished within a radiant burst of light so bright it rendered him completely unrecognizable. Gradually, the brilliance began to fade, and where Mikael had once stood, there was now nothing—only emptiness.
During the teleportation, a strange and inexplicable sensation washed over him. It felt as though he was being torn apart and reassembled simultaneously, yet there was no pain—only disorientation. His sense of time fractured. Part of him was convinced that barely a second had passed since the process began, while another part felt as though he had been trapped in that state for an eternity. When he finally felt the solid ground beneath his feet again, his balance gave out from the sheer strangeness of the experience, and he collapsed onto his knees.
"Fuck, that was weirder than any LSD-induced trip could ever hope to be," muttered Mikael, still kneeling and visibly shaken.
After a few deep breaths, Mikael slowly stood and took in his surroundings. He quickly realized he was alone in what he could only describe as a cosmic library—the phrase emerged unbidden in his mind, and no other seemed appropriate. Bookshelves stretched out endlessly in every direction, each one crafted in a unique design, yet their differences only enhanced the breathtaking beauty of the place.
Books were everywhere. Some rested on shelves, others floated gently through the air, while a few even drifted as if animated by their own will.
At a certain distance, Mikael spotted an ornate, spiraling staircase made of polished wood. It was wide enough for four people to ascend comfortably side by side, yet what struck him the most was that it seemed to stretch endlessly upward, with no visible end in sight—as if it connected to infinity itself.
And then, there was the ceiling—or rather, the sky.
Oh, the sky… it was stunning beyond words. The closest comparison Mikael could conjure was the view of the night sky on Earth, but devoid of pollution and magnified a thousandfold. The stars glistened like precious jewels scattered across a velvet canvas. The most prominent object in this vast expanse was a massive blue planet adorned with scattered green patches resembling continents.
'If that planet is Earth… how does this work for people from other worlds? Or… are we the only planet connected to the Akashic Records?' wondered Mikael.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a translucent blue screen appeared before him—the unmistakable sign of a message from the Akashic Records.
[You are now officially within the Records. You have gained access to the following System features: [Status], [System Store], [Tutorial], and [Request]. To unlock additional functionalities, you may purchase 'System Upgrades' via the 'System Store'. I wish you a pleasant ascension, player.]
The voice that followed was female, devoid of emotion, synthetic in tone. Clearly, it belonged to the interface of the Akashic Records.
'Alright… let's start with the "Status" tab.'
[Status Information]
Name: Mikael Angelini
Military Rank: Recruit — 0/10 MP
Life Points (LP): 1000]
'That's barely informative… doesn't help at all. Maybe I can get more details if I ask.'
"Records, show me detailed information on the status window."
[Name:
It's the name used to identify you. What else do you want to know?]
[Military Rank:
A Military Rank is a title unique to the Akashic Records. It does not influence your position in the various worlds you'll explore. However, within the Records, it serves as a measure of your social standing. A higher rank unlocks additional features and provides discounts on purchases.
The only way to increase your Military Rank is by completing special missions issued by the Records. These missions will often pit you against other natives from your world. The better your performance, the more Military Points (MP) you'll earn.
Your current rank is Recruit, which offers no benefits.]
[Life Points:
Life Points (LP) are the main currency within the Records. You begin with 1000 LP, equivalent to the value of the single year of lifespan you sacrificed.
The primary way to earn LP is by completing quests in the worlds you explore. LP can be spent on 'System Upgrades', used to make 'Requests' to the Records, and applied to various other functions yet to be discovered.]
'So for now, focusing on Life Points seems like the smartest move. They're likely to be the most useful in the short term. Military Rank looks valuable too… but that's something I should prioritize once I've gotten stronger,' Mikael thought, a faint thrill of anticipation building within him.
'Now, let's check what the System Store is offering.'
[System Store
Basic System Upgrades]
'Let's see what's listed under Basic first.'
[Basic:
Sandwiches — 2 LP
Water Bottle — 2 LP
Toilet Paper — 1 LP
Toothbrush — 1 LP
Toothpaste — 1 LP
5x Men's Shirts — 2 LP
5x Men's Shorts — 2 LP
8x Men's Underwear — 2 LP
4x Pairs of Socks — 1 LP
Small Backpack — 5 LP
Large Backpack — 12 LP
Tent — 8 LP
Sleeping Gear — 5 LP
Flashlight — 1 LP
Large Military Knife — 30 LP
...]
The list continued, filled with mundane necessities—firearms, ammunition, books, even kitchen utensils. Yet, as the label Basic had implied, there was nothing even remotely magical in the catalog. Just ordinary objects one could easily find on Earth… if not for the fact that now, they had to be purchased with lifespan.
'What a scam…' Mikael thought dryly. 'Trade away part of your life for a bottle of water or a roll of toilet paper? It's efficient extortion dressed up as convenience.'
He shook his head. 'Anyway, delving on it is useless so let's check the System Upgrades Store.'
[System Upgrades]
[Basic Stats System. Requirement: None
Unlocks the user's foundational attributes: strength, agility, and endurance. Price: 100 LP]
[Level System. Requirement: Basic Stats System
Grants access to the Level System, enabling the accumulation of experience points (XP). These points allow you to level up both your global level and your class level. Each level-up grants attribute increases. Price: 200 LP]
[Multi-Class System. Requirement: Basic Stats System, Level System
Unlocks the potential to gain and develop a class. However, the user must still obtain the class by performing relevant actions. Each class level provides additional stats. Once a class is maxed out, it can be switched for another—retaining all stat gains, but forfeiting all percentile-based and multiplier-based effects. Price: 200 LP]
[Quest System. Requirement: None
Adds a Quest tab to the interface, allowing the user to track missions even across alternate worlds and monitor their completion status. Price: 100 LP]
[Notification System. Requirement: None
Notifies the user whenever a system change occurs. Notifications are fully customizable to suit the user's preferences. Price: 100 LP]
[Skill System. Requirement: None
Grants the ability to acquire skills by performing repeated actions. Each skill comes with a description detailing its effect. Price: 200 LP]
[Race System. Requirement: Basic Stats System
Enables the activation of the user's base race, unlocking both its benefits and drawbacks. Price: 500 LP]
[Universal Language System. Requirement: None
In the vast multiverse, countless languages exist. This system allows the user to understand, speak, read, and write a language after hearing it once—excluding some magical or runic tongues. Price: 100 LP]
There were, of course, many other upgrades listed, but for now, Mikael focused only on those most relevant to his current situation. Curious, he took some time to explore the 'Tutorial' and 'Request' tabs as well, though neither offered anything particularly useful at the moment. The only noteworthy detail he came across was the classification of worlds—apparently, there were three distinct types.
1: The first and rarest category is known as an Origin World. These worlds are absolutely unique across the entire multiverse. What makes them truly exceptional is that the beings born within them are also one of a kind—completely unique and won't be found in any other world.
2: The second type is called a Unique World. As the name might suggest, these worlds are also singular and without duplicates in the multiverse, just like Origin Worlds. However, the key difference lies in the limitations of their inhabitants. Unlike natives of Origin Worlds, the people born in Unique Worlds are completely incapable of transcending their reality unless they receive external help.
3: The third and by far most common category is the Alternative World. These worlds are the direct product of imagination—specifically, the imagination of Origin World natives. They include fictional universes like anime worlds such as One Piece or Dragon Ball, and even movie settings like Terminator or Pirates of the Caribbean. The inhabitants of these worlds are entirely bound to their own reality, utterly unable to escape—even with outside intervention.
The number of Alternative Worlds is truly staggering—practically infinite. For each fictional franchise, whether anime, novel, or film, there exist at least a trillion distinct versions. Another detail Mikael came across was the process required to exit a world: one simply needed to say, "Records, I want to leave this world," then remain completely still and avoid any kind of damage for five uninterrupted minutes. If done correctly, the Records would eject the person from that world and return them to the Hub.
'Honestly, I doubt I'll ever bother entering an Alternative World like One Piece. It just doesn't seem all that appealing to me. The idea of stepping into a world that's already been explored by who knows how many people doesn't excite me at all. Sure, maybe in one version you become the Pirate King… but in another, someone else takes that title. And in yet another, all your companions might be dead. It's just too random and feels meaningless, at least to me.'
Without dwelling on it too much, Mikael made up his mind and proceeded to purchase a set of essential system upgrades: [Basic Stats System], [Level System], [Multi Class System], [Skill System], [Notification System], and [Quest System]. The moment he finalized the purchases, his LP dropped dramatically, leaving him with only 100 remaining.
[System Upgrade purchased. Check your system to see the modifications.]
Almost immediately after the notification from the Records appeared, an uncomfortable sensation crept over Mikael's body. His skin began to itch, and a strange coldness seeped into his bones. At first, it was tolerable, but within a minute, both the itching and the cold grew steadily worse.
"Fuck… this sensation is really getting on my nerves. If it keeps escalating like this, it's definitely going to turn painful—fast."
—5 minutes later—
By now, Mikael was starting to truly suffer. His jaw was clenched tight, teeth grinding together as waves of pain coursed through his body.
'The pain right now feels like getting repeatedly hit by weak punches. Taken individually, they wouldn't hurt that much—but when your entire body is getting pummeled all at once, it becomes painful as hell. If this keeps up, I seriously don't know whether I'll be able to endure it…'
Fortunately, just as he reached his limit, the pain began to subside. Gradually, it faded from an unbearable ache to a dull sting, until eventually, ten minutes after it had first started, the sensation vanished entirely. The only thing left was Mikael himself—soaked in sweat, breathing heavily, and looking like he'd just gone through hell.
"Damn… that was definitely not a pleasant experience," he muttered under his breath, exhaling slowly. "It hasn't even been an hour since I accepted the Akashic Records' offer, and I'm already going through this kind of crap. I don't even want to imagine what the hell is waiting for me in a week… or worse, a month."
'There was that notification earlier about some kind of modification to my system… I really hope it was worth it. If I just went through all that suffering for nothing, I might lose my mind.'
"Status."
[Status Information
Name: Mikael Angelini
Military Rank: Recruit 0/10 MP
Global LVL: 0 XP: 0/500
Class: None LVL: 0/0 XP: 0/0
Stats:
Strength: 12
Agility: 14
Endurance: 13
Active Skills: None
Passive Skills: None
Life Points (LP): (–900) 100]
[Average stats of a human male from the Origin World, Earth, are 10.]
'Alright, this looks promising. Now I've got the possibility to gain levels, increase my stats, and learn skills. The only thing missing is a class… doesn't look like I have one for now.'
[Selectable Class: None]
'I remember reading in the description that a class isn't given automatically—you have to take action to unlock one. Like, to get the Assassin class, you probably need to kill someone from the shadows. Or to unlock the Painter class, you might have to complete a painting.'
Without hesitation, Mikael suddenly began punching and kicking the air in front of him, throwing out strikes for several minutes in an attempt to mimic martial arts movements—despite not having any formal training.
[Selectable Class: Tier 0 Class: Martial Artist]
As soon as he focused on the new class, additional information appeared before his eyes.
[Martial Artist 0/25
Tier 0 Class
Description: A fighter who relies solely on the strength of their own body. You believe that using weapons is for the weak. Your body is your weapon.
Stat Gains per Level: +1 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Endurance.
Passive Effects:
– 20% increased learning speed for unarmed martial arts.
– 10% bonus damage when using your body in combat.]
'This class looks solid. I'll gain three stat points per level, and the learning boost for unarmed martial arts will definitely help. Seems like a good foundation. I think I'll complete a simple world first and get some basic unarmed training done afterward.'
[Martial Artist Class selected]
'The last thing I'll need is a weapon. Once I have that, I should be good to enter an alternative world.'
[System Store]
[Large Military Knife
A solid, military-grade knife forged from steel, with a blade length of twelve inches.
Price: 30 LP]
[Purchase completed]
The moment Mikael finalized the purchase, a black military knife enclosed in a military-style sheath materialized out of thin air and clattered to the floor with a loud thud. He hadn't expected it to drop so suddenly.
'Oh, right… I forgot I don't have an inventory yet. Makes sense it would be teleported directly in front of me.' thought Mikael, a faint smirk touching his lips.
He crouched down and picked up the knife, inspecting it briefly before sliding it into the outer pocket of his jacket—just next to his Glock.
'I think I'm finally ready to enter my first world.'