1 The Start of Zero

Pride can turn even the most gentle person into an irredeemable monster. Though, Pride is not a bad thing. In fact it is necessary to be considered human, but when it is taken beyond the limit...it only brings misfortune. That accounts to every sin in general. Humans are and always will be filled with sin. Pride makes you fall, Wrath leads you to destruction, Envy takes peace away from you, Gluttony burdens you, Greed only makes you chase your shadow, Sloth locks you in a cell to rot away and Lust makes you drunk on your own illusion. Humans cannot proudly say with confidence that they have not committed a single sin in their lifetime. 

Clang. Clang.

These chains bind me. This unbearable hatred burns within me as I stare at them.

Luckily the chain is not short and is only bound to one hand. Suddenly I feel a slight tug on my shirt.

"S-skotadi...i'm scared..."

I turn to look at the young black haired girl beside me as she holds me tightly. Tears run down her face as she has a sorrowed expression.

Blam. The Iron bars ring as it is hit.

"Hey, shut your mouths!"

I quickly turn to face the bars as the ones who hold us down here pass by, shouting for us to be quiet.

The cell isn't really spacious and it's really cramped, especially since it's not just the two of us in here. The floor is wet, incredibly hot with all of us together and most of all it is so damn uncomfortable. It's unfortunate for children such as us to be here.

I used to think that the world was a much happier place. That the vast world had so many great opportunities. Well, if people such as us even had the chance to do them. Human life is not limitless, that is the problem that we face.

I was getting real sick of this. I had been stuck in this cell for almost a year. It seems generic humans are not wanted as slaves. The ones that would be taken the most would be demi-humans. For example, such as some elves that were here as well. The only human child was me. Lilith, the girl who's weeping beside me is a Kitsune. She kind of sees me as her older brother and clings onto me for protection and reassurance. 

Though of course I don't want to cruelly tell her that there isn't much hope so I let her be. I have pretty much given up and came to a conclusion that I'd be dying here a worthless death. 

Thinking back...it's really been a year since that dreadful day. The day my town was burned to the ground as my parents were killed by the ones holding us here. Just to grab us as merchandise. Absolutely sick if you ask me. Though, I'm more happy that I finally got away from that abusive family nonetheless. After that day I was left broken. Nothing really matters anymore. Wishes don't come true but if I really had to say, my last one would be to finally be free from this place.

There was a small opened window above our cell which moonlight shone through. From here I began to hear the wind howl. Soon it turned into a high pitched sound, like a whistle that meant that something was approaching. The building shook and dust began to appear. 

"What's going on?!"

The men that were here wondered what had happened when suddenly someone came down the stairs.

"The hero, he's here!"

"W-what? Dammit we can't let him get here, try and stop him!"

Their air was filled with panic. For us, we were hopeful that perhaps finally someone would come. 

More and more ground shaking explosions could be heard as well as screams of agony and others of anger. Without a moment's waste the roof on the other side of the cell broke down as a bright red haired man came in with sword in hand. It's as if an angel flew in to bring us salvation. Taking down the men that were near.

Swiftly and precise.

The only thing I could feel as I stared at him was of pure Envy. 

I hate him. I absolutely despise him. Hero? You've got to be joking. He has everything he could ever want. He didn't and doesn't have to suffer like we do. It's not that I'm complaining that I wasn't given everything on a silver platter. It's more so just clearly unfair that someone like him exists. All he could ever be is a hero, nothing else. This is the renowned summoned hero from another world? 

I wish I was like him.

This is what this is. It's Envy. I want to be strong enough like him. This is what true anger feels like. I have now truly realized my goal.

The door to the cell opens. With the redhead hero standing at it's opening. Looking down on us with a gentle smile.

"Worry not everyone, you're safe now."

He doesn't notice me as from afar with everyone cramped up I glare at him. Burning with rage. 

I vow, starting from here, that I will change this cursed riddled world and get rid of this world's Hero.

_________________

Eventually everyone that was being kept as slaves from the traders were freed. It had already been a full blown week. The Hero had taken us to the capital's orphanage where all of us would be taken care of. Though, something really nagged at me. I thought to myself how it could've been so easy? But I didn't dwell on it much. It just means that we were all given a second chance at this thing we called life.

"Well now, I have some duties to attend to but from now on you will all be living here in this orphanage. One day you will be taken into a nice family, I'll visit from time to time. For now it's goodbye."

Is what the Hero said the day he departed. It's to be expected. But I had let it go for now.

I suddenly heard laughter and took notice that it was Lilith and a few other kids as they were playing in the hallway. 

Lilith noticed me and came up to me.

"Hey Skotadi! Come play with us haha."

I put my hand on her head and give a smile that would satisfy her.

"Sorry Lilith but not today. Maybe next time, okay?"

"Kay…"

She looked sad but accepted it. I may be still a 9 year old but I do not take actions such as 'playing'. She continues to go with her friends down the hallway. I go my own way as I look out the windows as I walk. Seeing the variety of people of this Kingdom pass by. We were near the central part so it had a lot of commercial areas so it was always quite lively. I headed down to the library which was quite spacious. Surprisingly the orphanage was arranged on three floors, as it needed to hold a ton of children as well as the other areas it had to have to please the young ones. My safe haven was the Library. As it was always quiet and had enough books to make you feel there was a lifetime supply of them.

I open the wooden door and head inside and I meet with an older woman. One of the caretakers of the orphanage, Natasha. 

"Aw if it isn't my sweet little boy, Skotadi!"

She rushed to my side and gave me a big affectionate hug. It felt like she was gonna suffocate me and slightly pushed her away even if she was only doting.

"Geez don't be so loud, it's the Library remember."

She smiled and crouched a bit to look at me directly.

"But I come here knowing you come here almost every day, silly."

I turn to look away. Ever since I came to the orphanage she has always been like this. It's not that I dislike it but even so it's too much.

"Aw, are you embarrassed? Fuu fuu fuuuu"

"A-anyway leave me be I want to read."

I go past her.

"Okayyy, just let me know if you need anything."

I already know what I'm going to read. Ever since I got here I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the world. Since I never really got an education, I did it myself on my own time here. Today I'll be going to try reading some folklore. Right now we reside in the Theolia Kingdom, there are other neighboring countries but I don't really pay heed to them right now. Theolia Kingdom has been around for more than a thousand years. This era's King is known as Savar. He has four children who are all eager to take the throne once its time. 

I walk my way through the book shelves looking for the book. That's when I spot it. I pulled it out, it looked quite old and was fairly dusty. So I blew on it to take some of it out. I walk my way to the nearby table and set the book down. Its moldy green cover looked really intriguing as it only had the title in golden that read out 'The World's History'

I passed by it last time but held out on reading it until now. It was quite big and I was looking forward to reading it right away. I open it but...it's blank. I was confused and scrolled through more pages but they were all blank. Or so I thought, I got near the middle and some text was there. It's as if it naturally captivated me because once I set a look onto the words I was dragged into its mysterious aura.

'Long ago there existed two mythical creatures that shaped the world into what it is today. They were so dangerous that when they roamed the lands everything in their path was brought to nothing. The people of that time had to live deep in the underground to avoid their fury. The sky was filled with smoke and the earth was scorched.'

Right after came an image depicting the two creatures. One looked like a salamander with a multitude of eyes on its face and large circles at its sides. The other had a long snake-like body with fins at its middle and bottom and other tentacle-like features near its head. The tips seemed to have a shining light.

'They called them...Nolim and Asitil. These two would fight over the land and their bouts would always break the Earth even more and more. Soon...a third appeared. The two of them did not stand a chance and chose to flee instead, never to be seen again. If the third were to appear again...the world would surely end.'

Without a moment's notice the book suddenly shook and shut itself. When I opened it again everything was blank. I did not understand at all. But the third creature...I wonder what that was about. It didn't even give a description. It's like they didn't want to talk about it. A new feeling awoke inside of me and that's of anticipation. I stood up and put the book back where it was. I was lost in thought that I didn't notice someone calling out to me.

'"Skotdai."

I get a tap on my shoulder and it gets my attention back. I turned to look at the person and it was Ena. Her hair was almost blueish white. It felt like I was looking at the snow. She was an elf so her ears always seemed to intrigue me but I didn't really talk to her while being here as she gave off an unapproachable vibe.

"U-um did you need something?"

She was expressionless, mono tone in her way of speech and acting.

"Natasha called for you, she wanted me to let you know dinner is ready. It's time for all of us to eat."

"Ah, ok. Thank you for letting me know."

I thought that would be it but she still stood there looking at me. Before long she uttered something and the silence was broken.

"Why are you always alone?"

It was an unexpected question, especially coming from her.

"Is it because you choose to be by your own violation, or is it because you don't get along with anyone here?"

A slight sweat droplet goes down the side of my cheek. I was hesitant to answer. I don't truly understand why but I felt pressure.

"I-"

I was cut off before I could answer.

"Forget it, let's go eat."

I don't get why she asked but in the end she chose to ignore it. Soon she was already out of the library as I still stood in the same spot.

I would say she was a strange person. I didn't try dwelling on it much and I headed down as well. As I left the library I could already see a multitude of other kids heading to the cafeteria. It was located in the middle of the encircled building. It was massive as it needed to be for all of the kids to eat.

Though it was possible to eat somewhere else if you really wanted to. Being in the cafeteria wasn't really my forte. But I guess I've got to go for the food. It wasn't far from the library and I wasn't really in a rush so I walked slowly. Surely enough I was already there. It was like a dome as it was encircled. There weren't any windows as they would only give way to view the inside of the school and not inside. It would have been nice if there were some on the ceiling. The chandeliers hung from there as it gave light upon the area. There were tons of tablets aligned perfectly. 

The back was where the food was served. It changed depending on the day but today it was mashed potatoes along with chicken and a piece of bread. It was a perfect meal for us and would be called a balanced diet. Mostly everyone else had already got their plate and sat down to talk with their friends. Well friends is pretty much an understatement as here I guess everyone would be considered family. I had my plate in hand but before I could head back to the library I was stopped by Natasha. 

"Why not try eating here today, Skotadi? I wanted to talk to you about something."

I looked at her for a bit but she looked like she was a bit serious this time.

"Fine."

I follow her into an nearly empty table and we sit at the end. I set my plate down and grab my spoon. I glance at the food and then at her and notice she's looking at me with a smile.

"Well? What is it?"

"Do you like it here Skotadi? The orphanage I mean."

I dio the spoon into the mashed potatoes and eat.

"Thinking about it, it's a nice place. But it's not like I'm really longing for a family. I would rather stay here and I'm sure that not every kid gets adopted. For me, so far this place is a safe haven."

"Hmm...I see."

"Why the question?"

"Well, Skotdai. How do I say this...tonight, you're being adopted."

My movements suddenly come to a halt. I look at her with bafflement.

"Aren't you happy Skotadi? I'm so happy for you, though at the same time I'm sad because I won't be able to see you again.."

I lay my spoon down and don't touch the food.

"Who are they?"

"They are this esteemed couple who are really wanting a child. They're really good people and we've looked into them already. They'll be here to pick you up tonight. We've already done the paper-"

I cut her off.

"And without talking to me beforehand about it? You do realize not everyone wants a new family right? Well whatever it's fine, I don't really care. I'll go to sleep early. Just wake me up when they're here."

I stand up and leave.

"W-wait Skotadi…"

I leave without looking back.

I began heading to my room which was around the second floor. Well it isn't just my room but three other people share a room together. Since there are so many of us that is. It was already sun down. I didn't want to think about it but I guess my life would be taken away from this place. I arrive at my room and see the bunk beds. I slept on the bottom right one. I take my shoes off and jump into bed. Preparing myself for what's to come later tonight. It doesn't take long for me to drift off to sleep.

____________________

I begin to hear light footsteps approaching.

"Skotadi. Hey, Skotadi, wake up, it's time."

I turn around and look at the dark room that was barely illuminated from the moonlight shining through the window. It's nightfall already. I guess it's time.

"Alright...just let me put on my shoes."

It was Natasha. She was waiting for me as I put my shoes on. I walk towards her but before we could leave the room I felt pain coming from the back of my neck. I was hit.

"I'm sorry Skotadi. I truly am."

Soon my consciousness faded.

____________________

I gasp for air. I woke up with a cold sweat. I could not move, a bright light blinded me coming from above. My arms and legs were bound. 

"W-what the hell?!"

I moved my head for how little I could, to see people in lab coats surrounding me. In the back there was glass separating us from other people watching. I could see that beside me was another kid like me bound as well. I was shocked to notice who it was. Lilith.

"What are you doing?? Who are you people?"

No answer. They ignored me.

From what seemed like an intercom the voice rang loudly in the room.

"Begin test on subject 979.'

Test subject 979…? Is that the amount of people they've tested on? What the hell. 

I took notice that they moved to where Lilith was.

"Wait...no, DON'T TOUCH HER!"

I struggle to get myself free but to no avail. What are they going to do to her? I wondered, worrying. I couldn't see as they were all surrounding her but soon enough painful screams of agony could be heard. They were terrifying and you could truly feel the emotion coming from her.

"...stop it...STOP IT! NO!"

A bright white light came from the area and soon the yelling ended.

The intercom came again.

"Test subject 979...failure. Proceed to test subject 980."

In the next few moments they proceeded to come this way. Whatever befell Lilith was about to happen to me.

"Who are you people...why are you doing this?"

Still no answer.

"DAMMIT ANSWER ME!"

One had grabbed a type of knife to begin carving into my chest. 

"W-wha…?"

It happened so quickly it took me a moment to begin feeling the amount of pain.

It was unbearable. My vision was getting blurry because of the tears coming out. I could faintly see someone holding a type of black stone as they proceeded to stab it into my chest. Piercing my heart. This...was death. I could feel my life begin to fade. Surely it was the end. For my life to end so soon, it was beyond sad. I never got to do anything. Soon everything turned black.

Or so I thought.

A few moments later I opened my eyes.

Everyone had their eyes wide in shock. It's like they couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Near the wall there was a small mirror where I was able to see myself. My hair had turned white. My left eye was blue like it always was but my right eye was shining golden, a type of amber color. 

Everyone in the room cheered and lifted their arms out in happiness.

"It was a success!"

"Finally, we've been on this project for years!"

"We won't have to sacrifice any more children anymore!"

I could only lay there. Still bound.

The voice on the intercom came again.

"It seems the experiment was a success. Congratulations everybody! Immortality has now been achieved!"

...immortality. You've got to be joking. No...no, no, no, NO. Don't tell me I've been granted immortality? I never wanted this, why would they do this. Dammit, I'm so pissed! I wish I could get these binders off of me.

Soon enough the binders that had me railed down to the table were gone. It's as if they just disappeared. 

"W...what just happened?"

I stood up and everyone took notice. Confused as to how I moved. Soon realized the binders were no longer there. They were now being cautious.

"How did you do that?"

They asked. Oh. So now they want answers. Suddenly I got a sharp pain in my head. I could hear my inner consciousness repeating the word 'Null'. Giving me an understanding as to what I did.

"It seems I received the ability known as 'Null'."

The power of 'Null'

Is my ability to nullify? Did I receive it after this experiment along with immortality?

This power...to be able to nullify.

In that moment I understood.

"Ha...haha..hahahahahaaaa. You idiots. With this ability that I received I could do anything. Cancel out anything I so wished with a snap of my fingers. Nullify someone's life, my own death, any attack thrown at me, someone's eyesight, their own existence, their own ability would be erased. So many things I could go on and on about."

The look on their faces was filled with fear as they came to realize that everything I just said...was true.

"H-he's a danger to not just the Kingdom but the entire world! Meer towns would be wiped out in an instant! We have to-"

The woman was cut off as she suddenly vanished. It's as if she was never there. They all turned to look at me as my arm was extended in the direction the woman was in. A wicked smile rose upon my face. It didn't take long for me to get rid of all the scum in the room. I now realized that I was at the top of the world. With this power, my goal would finally be achievable. 

"A King has been born...no, a God."

If my theory was correct I had to test it out. I went to where Lilith was. What a poor sight. I covered her body with a few rags that were nearby. I extend my arm over her head and think about making it seem like her death never happened. It's a strange way to put it. But...nothing happened. There was nothing I could do so I moved on.

"Cough cough"

I immediately turned around to notice her moving. 

"Lilith! You're alive!"

I hug her tightly. It seems there really are somethings I do care about.

"Wha-? Who are you?"

"Ah that's right...you may not recognize me. It's me, Skotadi."

"Skotadi! But...what's going on? I thought I…"

"It's ok, try not to think about it anymore. Here we've gotta get out of this place."

I headed out the iron doors but everything was new to me. I had no idea where I was. Wait a minute...now that I thought about it, wasn't I at the orphanage? No...it can't be...if my idea is on the right track then...the orphanage is only a place where us, the kids, or for them the test subjects are being kept. Is this place below the orphanage? That's the most logical explanation. Especially after what Natasha did to me. That must mean all the caretakers are playing along. There's no choice but to get rid of them all once I get up there.

I will set everyone free.

Suddenly in front of us I spot a young man in a lab coat. I dash towards him.

Within a second his leg is gone and he falls over.

"Hey you, tell me where the exit is to head back to the orphanage before you head is gone."

"MY LEG!"

"Tell me, now."

"O-okay! From here continue heading straight...at the end there'll be an elevator that takes you up! You'll need a code for the buttons, its 1965!"

"It was a pleasure."

I still killed him nonetheless. I won't forgive anyone. They did the worst thing they could possibly do to me and I won't forget it.

It wasn't long before we reached the elevator. I put Lilith down as I was carrying her on my back. We enter and I put in the code as it begins to move.

"Did...you have to kill him?"

"Yes, without a doubt. They did terrible things to us, Lilith. They deserved it."

"..."

Only silence. It felt like she wanted to cry. It was understandable. The elevator stopped and the doors opened. I grab Lilith's hand as we head out. There was hardly any light but I could already tell where we were. I could see the huge red robes hanging. We were behind where they served food in the cafeteria. No one was ever allowed back here but seeing those robes made it clear where we were. I headed out and it was surprising that the cafeteria lights were still on. It was empty though and our footsteps echoed as we walked through. 

"Lilith, listen carefully to me. I need you to go back to your room quietly. Do not let any of the caretakers see you. I need you to alert every other kid about the situation. I will be the one to take care of the caretakers. Could you do that for me?"

"I'll do my best." 

It's like she suddenly changed. The cry baby expression was no longer there but of pure determination. Without a moment's waste she headed out the door and went her way. As for me, I know exactly where those buffoons are. Luckily they all sleep together in one room. It's here on the same floor. Though some always end up patrolling the orphanage at night. I always wondered why they did that and now I know why. But the majority of them were in that room.

It was time to end this once and for all.

The moonlight gave way for light in the hallways. I was anxious yet ready to end this dilemma. On my way there I was confronted by Natasha.

"Natasha."

She looked surprised that I was still alive. Or was it that she did not recognize me.

"...Skotadi. I'm sorry little one. It's my duty, so I had no choice."

"How could you? Everything was a lie it seems. That's fine. It'll just make it easier to kill you."

"W-what?"

Her arm was no longer there. Nullified out of existence. Blood spilled on the floor as it poured down from her open wound.

"Next is your leg."

She fell down as she yelled in pain.

"Shut it before I get rid of that mouth of yours. Better yet, your voice."

She looked at me with fear and regret in her eyes.

It was sickening.

"I-i'm…sorry Sk-skotadi…"

She was bawling her eyes out. What a pity if I must say. Not. 

"Are you done? You cannot atone, just know that."

With a single move of my arm she was gone. Good riddance I must say. I continue moving forward heading to my destination. Suddenly I was hit by an explosion from behind. Was I caught off guard? It hurt. It hurts it hurts it hurts. That's right...I'm immortal but I can still feel pain. When I land on the ground I roll as the impact was strong enough. The explosion was loud enough to wake everyone in the orphanage along with alerting everyone near it from the outside.

"Dammit!"

Who is it I wondered. It was Umi. An Oni that I didn't get along with. I hated her as a caretaker and never wanted her anywhere near me. Without hesitation she dashed forward and was already in close quarters. She sent me flying with a kick. And soon took out her club that she swung with precision. Landing each and every hit. I didn't have time to do anything. Nothing at all!

"Arghhh!"

She blasted me into the upper floors with a blast. Why was she doing this much damage to the orphanage? Was she just being reckless? I wondered as I was being thrown around. It was uncalled for not knowing why she was doing this much as it would get more attention than it should. 

"Damn you!"

I immediately regained my composure. By this time I assume all the kids were awake. I then see that some are already out in the hallways here on the third floor staring in fear and confusion as to what's going on. Before I could tell them to run away Umi blasts the kids away, killing them without hesitation.

"What the hell is wrong with you!"

"You fail to understand, Skotadi. As soon as the test was successful we were all alerted. We no longer have a need for the lives of the children as our goal was achieved. You. The sole bearer of immortality. Though, you cannot be left alone roaming the world as we will put an end to the creature we so brought forth. We only needed the recipe yet in the process you survived. Now, it's time to end this-"

I didn't let her finish. The only thing that was left of her was her head. 

"Let me correct you. YOU fail to understand, it's not for you to decide. In the end who are you to think you have a chance to take down the monster you have unleashed? You have to remember. You cannot kill what can't be killed."

The life in her eyes faded away. The orphanage was shaking. Explosions and fire from the fight were still at play. The after effects from the battle still continued. This building would soon collapse. I ran as I told the kids to head out of the orphanage and run away. That it was no longer safe. I wondered where Lilith was. Out of the blue my eyes met with Ena. She looked panicked and came up to me. It was surprising that she knew who I was.

"Skotadi?! What happened to you? What's going on?"

We both continued running as we talked.

"Listen Ena, this orphanage isn't what it seems. It was a secret experiment facility and it was going to use us as test subjects. Tonight I was one of them. We have to get out of here before this place falls apart more than it already is."

"Are you serious?"

"More than I could ever be."

She didn't say anything anymore and followed along as we were almost near the entrance of the building. I took notice that there were already a few caretakers there and from afar I got rid of them before they could do anything. 

"They just disappeared! Was that you?"

"Yes, the caretakers aren't what you'd expect. I had to get rid of them before they could go in and start killing everyone else."

We were finally out as the orphanage was set ablaze. I assume there were still some caretakers left but it seems the fire would take care of them.

I turn to face the children as well as Ena. I was glad to see that Lilith was in the crowd as well.

"Listen everybody. This orphanage was not what you'd expect. It seems that for a couple of years it has been a housing for experiments and had been using the orphans as test subjects in their journey to find the key to immortality. I am proof of that as it seems I am now immortal. It seems that we are all that's left now. I do not know what to do from here. What I do know is i'll be heading my own way. As well as everyone else should. I know it hasn't been long since our salvation from the slave traders and now we are confronted with something like this. I wouldn't know what to say but that life is indeed cruel. I'll be heading my own way now and hope that it all goes well for you all."

Without a moment's waste I turn around as I try not to think about the children that I'm about to leave behind. By now I am sure the local people are going to notice the fire and come to the aid of the children so it's my best bet. I do not want anything to do with them and would like to go my own path. But before I could go any further Lilith and Ena stop me.

"Wait! Skotadi let me go with you!"

"Me too, I don't want you to leave me behind. Please Skotadi…"

I shake my head in response.

"I cannot take you with me. My path is full of death and agony. You don't want any part of that. You'll end up corrupted by my actions. Especially you Lilith."

"If that's the path you choose then so will we!"

It shocked me as they both said it in unison. On this wonderful yet ominous night they both stood there with determined looks. The fire burned bright behind them.

"We'll follow you till the end of time."

It seems they were really set on me taking them with me. I had no choice. It was like fate wanted them with me for a reason. 

"Fine. Then let's not dwell here before anyone else gets here. I'm not sure where we'll go yet. But let's move, now."

"Right!"

All three of us ran away from the scene. As if we were running towards the distant horizon. It seems tonight would be the last time we could stare at the beautiful night so peacefully. Thus, our adventure began in this cruel and dark world.

___________