In every game, there comes a point where you feel stuck for eternity.
The event of the Celestial Repository was one such place. I couldn’t even count how many times I lost my sanity, hit my head against the wall, or nearly broke down crying.
Because I didn’t know what the f*** to do.
Once you step in, you can’t leave unless you finish the event. Originally, it was a mid-stage event. At first, you come here as a seeker to read books, learn the arts you want, and leave. But then, there’s a hint to claim ownership of this place. Acting on it, you finally move the piece.
That’s when the dreary cutscene begins—of the Goddess looking down on you. And I never expected it to be so frantic.
Then comes the chess game. And here’s the twist.
The Observer isn’t just a normal opponent, and the chess game isn’t simple. He played like a pro having the IQ of a high elo player.
It was frustrating that pushed me to the end of the ropes.
After losing so many times, I went back to study chess openings. After countless tries, I finally won.
I f***ing won the chess game. But was it over?
No...
It wasn’t.
Winning didn’t grant me ownership of this place. For the first time, I despaired.
I felt completely lost, not knowing what to do.
I restarted the game several times, hoping for answers. At the end of the mid-stage, you’re forced to face this event because this place holds great significance. The grand challenge had suddenly turned into a repetitive chess match that went nowhere.
But then, I noticed something—a small hint during each gameplay. Something that seemed different every time.
I also studied the biography of Moroni here and finally understood the truth.
It was never about winning. It was about how many pieces you managed to save and upgrade.
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Moroni wasn’t just any Arcanist. He was a pioneer for mages, someone who brought light to the world’s vast darkness and shared his knowledge.
After failing in his lifetime, he left this legacy for seekers who came here seeking wisdom. Not to exploit it, but to use it for the betterment of others and fulfill his vision.
By claiming I wanted revenge for Moroni, I bypassed several unnecessary procedures.
When I faced the Observer—who had only a king, bishop, and knight—I managed to save five pawns without sacrificing them.
And even upgraded them.
Looking at the Observer’s eyes, I smiled coldly. "This game was never about winning, was it?"
The Observer froze, his expression faltering for the first time. His head tilted slightly, almost as if he couldn’t believe what he had heard.
"Who said that?"
"I can guess that much," I replied, my voice steady, devoid of any hesitation. "I’ve studied a lot about Marcus Moroni. If this place was something he left behind, he wouldn’t let it fall into the hands of someone willing to sacrifice others for their own gains."
The Observer’s brows furrowed as I continued.
"If I had sacrificed and traded pieces just to reach checkmate, I would’ve lost the right to claim this place," I said with a faint grin. "That’s something I figured out from the life history.A person who can use and sacrifice everything on the board would do the same in real life, wouldn’t they? That’s not what Moroni would have wanted."
For a moment, the Observer looked at me, his expression unreadable. Then, a slow smile crept onto his face.
"In real life," I said, my voice turning colder, "the game doesn’t end with the death of the king. Kings can rise again, and the remnants of an army can still rise from the ashes. The war ends only when there’s nothing left of the other side."
The Observer’s grin widened. "Ohhh! What a great speech! I like it!"
Clap! Clap!
He began clapping, his applause echoing across the endless void. Slowly, the chess pieces vanished, dissolving into nothingness. The world around us began to blur and fade.
"Young seeker… no, young master," the Observer said, his tone turning reverent, "the heir to my place."
Hearing that word heir—I stiffened, my expression remaining neutral, but inside, I felt a ripple of happiness and joy. Then I saw something I hadn’t expected, something that wasn’t in the game.
The Observer’s figure blurred, and in his place stood an old man with a long white beard. His eyes held a deep sadness, but also a faint glimmer of pride.
I instantly recognized him. "Marcus Moroni," I whispered.
"You can call me that," the old man said with a nostalgic smile, "but that isn’t even my real name. My real name has been forbidden, tabooed."
"Taboo?" I repeated, rising from my seat, trying to piece together what he meant.
Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t worry. Even I don’t know my real name anymore. The truth is, this entire place was created by a disciple of mine—the one I named as Marcus Moroni."
He paused, his voice softening as his gaze grew distant. "My most brilliant disciple. Even after everything happened, he managed to sever a part of my soul and use it to craft this place, leaving behind a legacy for the young ones."
He spread his arms, as if presenting the entire space to me.
"The real legacy is this place. A sanctuary that exists and yet does not exist. Something that resides within the imaginary axis—a realm beyond the reach of gods or any celestial beings, no matter their power. I created it so those hunted by the divine could find refuge until they discover their own path."
I stood silently, processing his words. There was no outward reaction on my face, only the cold realization of what this meant.
Finally, I looked at him and said, my voice steady, "I don’t know your real name, sir. But I swear, I will fulfill the promise you left behind. I will bring them down, for you and for the world."
Marcus stared at me for a long moment, his hand stroking his beard. Then, a faint smile graced his face, though his eyes were heavy with sadness.
"I don’t have much hope," he said softly. "But still… I leave everything to you. Use it well, my child." He hesitated, then continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I wish I could stay longer, but the moment I transfer ownership to you, my time will run out."
He stepped back, his figure glowing faintly like a dying star. "Adieu, my dear child. May the blessings of the stars guide you."
And just like that, his form disintegrated into shimmering starlight, scattering into the void. I stood there, unmoving, my gaze fixed on where he had stood moments ago.
Then I noticed something strange. My clothes had changed. I was now dressed in a pristine white tuxedo, with a cane in one hand and a hat resting on my head.
I glanced down at myself, nudging the brim of the hat. My lips curled into a faint smirk. "Looks like taking the unconventional route gave me an unconventional ending."
I let out a sigh and tapped the cane lightly against the floor. "I’ll come back later. Maintaining this place feels like too much effort for now."
With that, I snapped my fingers. The void shattered like glass, and the next moment, I was back in the room where it all began.