Entry point 1
NPCA moment of ringing silence — and then, a thousand shards pierce your mind. A familiar voice coils around your thoughts, drowning them out: "Are you leaving without even conversing with me, Child? Without even asking yourself how such a vivid soul managed to remain intact after wandering in the darkness's embrace and donning another's guise? Such rare luck for a mortal."
NPCIn the icy silence, you are struck with a series of incredibly lifelike recollections. You are not alone, and you never were. It was always there, in your shadow, in your blood, inside you. "...Yes, [Name]. This luck is named the Edge of Daybreak. Had it not been for my sleepless gaze, your mind would have long since joined the mournful host of those who are no more. It was I who kept it whole and unharmed, for I could not allow such a radiant destiny to fall to some absurdity. But at times, I do wonder: is it worthy of my protection?"
YOU"You are nothing but a worm in the shadow of the Golden Throne! Reveal yourself to me, and let us fight! Or is hiding like a coward in the back of a person's thoughts all you are capable of doing?"
NPC"There it is: the ingratitude and obliviousness of the insects that call themselves Humanity. I am no corporeal body that can be slain, Child. All of time belongs to me, as does every thread in the tapestry of destinies. I need but touch one of them..." You feel a sharp pain, and a trickle of blood runs down your temple. A taste of grim solemnity permeates the silence of your unseen interlocutor. "But I am generous: I give my chosen Children time to understand..."
NPC"And their time is so fleeting..." The echo of the entity's voice lingers for a while, like the sound of distant thunder.end of branch
YOU"I need no protection, daemon. People are stronger than you think."
NPC"Naivety is a bold luxury... Is it not time to face the truth, Child? The threads of fate will not obey your desire alone. But I can help you to grasp them, once you are ready. Thankfully, I am generous: I give my chosen Children time to understand. After all, human souls are so fragile..." You feel a sharp pain, and a trickle of blood runs down your temple.
NPC"And their time is so fleeting..." The echo of the entity's voice lingers for a while, like the sound of distant thunder.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"My gratitude will not be long in coming, Master."
NPC"Soon. Very soon now, Child." Ravenous sparks of foreign visions illuminate your mind. "You are not yet able to fathom the grand design of the Weaver of Destinies, but you may already relish this taste of power, of triumph, of true freedom, Child!"
NPCYou feel a sharp pain, and a trickle of blood runs down your chin — absorbed in the sudden cascade of images, you did not notice yourself biting your lip. Your patron has departed your mind.end of branch