#novel_01

A codex that was left by the Cathars, a group regarded as heretics in medieval times. Its pages are filled with texts written in a language that didn’t belong to any known country. So far there have been many brilliant scholars who have tried and failed to translate it. Legend has it that those who succeed in deciphering the codex, will be granted godly powers able to defeat the forces of darkness. The Cathars referred to individuals capable of wielding these powers as ‘Perfect Beings’. A title that was granted and only allowed to be carried by twelve Masters, who were able to display formidable powers in their battle against the beings of darkness. 

There have been various alchemists, mathematicians and mystics from all over the world among those who have tried to take up the challenge of deciphering the codex and lost. Many scholars believed that the supercomputers and mathematics of recent years would be able to crack its code, but once again it was to no avail and all attempts were met with failure.

But, there was one man, who was able to expertly solve this century old conundrum. A man only known by the name of Ray Platière, the founder of a certain organization called FORT. Other than his name, his age, origin and family structure are a complete mystery.

On the inside a dome filled with cool air, there would usually be a great number of people busily moving about. The temperature seemed to be for the sake of the various types of equipment lined across the walls, rather than the people working there. These walls were made of smooth, shining black alloy that shone dimly by the indirect light coming in. With so many people overlooking countless monitors, engrossed in whatever information that was shown on the terminals, the interior looked almost like that of a spaceship. However, currently everyone’s attention was directed towards one man.

“The Lux-Pain. It seems the codex contained instructions on how to create these accessories referred to as ‘The Sacred Pain’.” 

The owner of this voice was a breathtakingly beautiful young man. His hair was a light blond that looked almost like silver and his eyes a deep blue that almost seemed to draw you in. So beautiful was he that instead of being attracted to him, any woman would feel envious instead. One could almost believe that he was a divine spirit that had snuck away from the world of myths. This young man was the head of FORT, Ray Platière.

“However, there is one problem. It also says that if one who bears sin were to wear a Lux-Pain, the Hammer of God will be brought upon them immediately.” At the words ‘Hammer of God’, all the personnel present shifted their gaze towards the ring contained within the sealing device. 

“To think that of all people, it would be our very own Director Ray who would spout such superficial nonsense…” A man in his late twenties, a tall stature, strong-willed blue eyes and short trimmed blond hair with a large forehead that gave off an air of high intelligence spoke up. “If I may, let me inverse that question. Where on earth would we be able to find someone who DOESN’T bear any sin?” He said to the people around him with a smile akin to one of mockery. “Without even being able to clearly define the word ‘sin’, aren’t your words just those of a priest of old? Also, I find it pure nonsense to put our hopes on the words that were written in a smelly old book.”

As a young Deputy Director and an authority figure on physics and biology, the man had always regarded the way Director Ray did with cold eyes. “Well, you will understand in a few minutes anyway. Let us begin the experiment.” “Deputy Director, I would like to state again that in my opinion, it would be better to start the experiment AFTER we’ve established the requirements that need to be fulfilled for a person to qualify.” Said Director Ray in a quiet voice, without showing a single sign of emotion. “Qualify?!” The man shot a challenging glare towards Director Ray. “Such a thing is but a product of superstition and fiction. Just a way for those so-called “Perfect Beings” to show off their authority. Let us prove that fact right here right now.”

“I understand. Please begin the experiment.” With that the ring was retrieved from inside the sealing device by a robot arm, as per the man’s instructions. Everyone from the rest of the staff watched anxiously as the man took the ring from the robot arm’s finger.

Nothing happened.

The man took a look at those around him, shrugged slightly and slowly put the ring on the ring-finger of his own left hand. As soon as he had done so... he felt a sudden pain in his finger and frowned.  The tragedy that followed was over in but a moment. Countless black, metallic tentacles emerged from the ring before everyone’s eyes. It was like watching ivy grow at lightning speed, as the tentacles moved up his arm via the palm of his hand. The man’s screams reverberated through the building as innumerable black tentacles assimilated with his skin and continued to invade the rest of his body. Then, in a matter of seconds, it was over.

The man slowly fell to his knees and the black tentacles disappeared back into the ring like a movie in reverse. A heavy silence fell over FORT. Only the low humming of machinery could be heard in the background. Among the staff that had frozen in place from the tragic event, only Director Ray gazed at the scene before him without even lifting an eyebrow. He leaned down and removed ‘Gawain’s Ring’ from the man’s finger. 

“Where’s the medical team?” 

The Director’s words brought all personnel back to their senses and everybody quickly started moving. The medical team came in and hurriedly carried the motionless man out on a stretcher. All of them wore grim expressions on their faces. They would be spending the entire night trying to revive the man and investigate the cause behind what happened. Although the medical team was composed of brilliant individuals, all hired with large sums of money, the matters FORT dealt with were unlike any other: One mistake could cost them their own lives. In a room filled with such a tense atmosphere, only Nora Döbereiner felt something different from the rest of those present. Fear. Because she had seen very clearly. How Director Ray, amidst the staff that was running about, had put the ring he had taken around his own finger. Though it was only for a fraction of a second, his expression clouded over, and immediately returned to normal. Then removed the ring as if nothing had happened. Aside from Nora there was no one else who had noticed. Feeling the girl’s gaze, Director Ray turned to her and said: “It appears the legend was true. Now then, I suppose we should start with the analysis of this ring.” With that he walked towards her, handed her the ring and walked out of the room.

The research that followed revealed the ring’s powers. It’s made of an unknown metal and reacts to negative inclinations of its wielder, using it as nourishment to grow. The black tentacles it generates enter the brain via the spine and assimilates into the nervous system. Aside from drastically increasing their physical resilience and all of their senses, those who are able to withstand the tentacles’ assault become able to intervene with other’s Shinen. Turns out this ability is very effective against the beings consisting of negative Shinen known as Silent.

However the surival rate of this process is only a few percent. So far the ones chosen as candidates have been those who have exceptional vitality and a strong desire to life. However, even among these individuals, the ones who have been able to restore their bodies to its original state after mutation is almost close to zero. Most of them either go mad, or their body experiences rejection during the mutating process and they die. It would seem that even death is not enough in exchange for these powers and one must offer up even their soul on the altar of sacrifice.

It is for this reason that this accessory, this Sacred Pain, is called a Lux-Pain.