Adam : From a man to a God

Tilda felt her stomach drop, the weight of dread wrapping around her. “What is it?” she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

Kim took a breath, glancing at the floor as if deciding how to frame his words. “Every year, or every two years, the power holders in DMR undergo a… process. Their powers are absorbed and given to the founders of this world.”

A chill ran through Tilda, and she took a step back. “What do you mean absorbed?” The word felt heavy in her mouth, loaded with implications she was terrified to uncover.

“If a power holder’s abilities are absorbed, so is their life,” Kim said softly, meeting her eyes with a kind of earnestness that made her pulse quicken. “They die, Tilda.”

“Are you serious?” Tilda’s voice trembled as the reality of his words struck her hard. “You brought me here to die?”

“No! I didn’t want to lie to you,” Kim apologized, desperation etched into his features. “I had no choice. I sensed a power holder near where I found you, and I was ordered to bring any power holder I encountered there. I thought I could protect you, but I didn’t foresee the dangers.”

“Protect me?” Tilda scoffed, her heart racing with a mix of anger and fear. “How is this protection? This isn’t the safety I was promised! You said I would learn to control my powers, not become a sacrifice!”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” he pleaded, stepping closer, urgency radiating from him. “But I spoke to the founders. I convinced them to make you special—someone they won’t harm or absorb. They need you. You could help us find other power holders.”

“I don’t want to help people just to see them absorbed,” she finally replied, her voice almost a whisper, filled with unsteady resolve.

“I understand,” Kim acknowledged, his gaze unwavering. “But you must understand the stakes." If you your not going to help them then you'll simply be absorbed like the others. And i won't be able to do anything to protect you" Kim said.

Tilda felt the weight of her emotions surging within her—grief, anger, and a flicker of resentment towards the very powers that had thrust her into this situation.

“What am I getting myself into?"Tilda thought. This was a new beginning, an escape from the darkness, but it came with a price she had never wanted to pay.

“Okay,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll do it. I’ll go to the academy and learn, but… I don’t want to be a part of this world where life is taken away.” The weight of her agreement pressed down on her, but it felt like the only path forward.

The resolve in her heart battled against the fears that clawed at her consciousness, leaving her feeling torn between a fiery determination to control her destiny and the lingering echoes of the lives she had inadvertently shattered. Knowing that she had a choice, even if it was a devastating one.

“Thank you, Tilda,” Kim said softly, relief washing over his features.“ This isnt giong to be easy but you'll pull through after it's done you'll be free to live your life however you want it.” Kim said exiting the door.

*Two years later*

Two years had passed since Tilda stepped through the rift into DMR, two years filled with a mix of training and heartache. The academy had become her new home, yet with every passing day, the specter of power holders being absorbed loomed over her like a dark cloud. Each time she witnessed another power holder's fate, her guilt sat heavy in the pit of her stomach, tightening its grip until it felt unbearable.

Tilda sat in her small room, the faint echoes of laughter and camaraderie filtered through the walls. But these sounds had become hollow; they filled her with an ache each time. She had never allowed herself to forge bonds with her classmates, knowing all too well that they will be taken from her. The weight of anticipation felt like a noose around her neck as she recalled the friends she had lost to the absorption process—individuals who had once sparked joy and laughter in her world.

The memory of her cousin haunted her most of all. She could still see him, a bright spirit filled with hopes and dreams, as he had stood in the training yard last year, unaware that his time was limited. With a deep breath, she pushed herself to her feet, determination setting her shoulders back as she made her way to find Kim.

When she found him, his office was dimly lit, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. He looked up as she entered, concern etched into his features.

“Tilda, is everything alright?” he asked, setting aside his notes.

No longer able to contain it, she burst into tears, feelings spilling uncontrollably as the weight of her decisions cascaded down around her. “I can’t do this anymore, Kim. I want to leave. I need to go,” she said, her voice shaking as she attempted to steady her emotions.

“Leave?” Kim echoed, surprise coloring his words. “That’s sudden. You know I can’t just let you go.”

“Why not?” Tilda cried out, frustration mingling with grief. “I’ve watched so many of them die, and I didn’t even try to befriend anyone! Last year, one of those absorbed was my cousin, Kim! He didn’t even remember me when it happened. I stood there, helpless, and watched his life be sucked away as if it meant nothing! I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep witnessing it!”

The floodgates opened, and she sobbed, each tear falling like a reminder of the anguish she had endured.

Kim’s demeanor shifted as he took a small step towards her, his expression filled with empathy. “Tilda, I understand that it’s painful. I can’t imagine what you felt watching your cousin. But DMR is complicated. You know how the founders view power holders.”

A silence fell over the room, punctuated by her ragged breaths. Kim studied her, a mixture of sadness and determination in his eyes. “I hate to see you in pain, Tilda. I promise you that I will talk to the founders. I’ll advocate for your release. They may listen to me.”

Tilda looked up, hope mingling with her fear. “You promise? You won’t return the memories of those who knew me?”

“I promise,” he said firmly. “You will have a chance for a fresh start outside of DMR. You deserve to make new memories and live without the shadow of this place hanging over you.”

A shiver of relief coursed through Tilda, mingling with the ache in her heart. “Thank you,” she whispered, choking back more tears.

“I’ll do everything I can to make this happen,” Kim assured her, his voice steady.

******

As Tilda emerged from the swirling vortex, the vibrant lights of the new world enveloped her. The air was fresh and filled with the scent of possibility, a sharp contrast to the shadows of her past. She blinked against the brightness, her heart racing with a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. This was her chance—a fresh start far from the darkness of DMR.

Kim stood nearby, a reassuring presence amidst the uncertainty. “Welcome to your new life, Tilda,” he said, a warm smile breaking the tension. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope, handing it to her. “This is for you. Seven thousand dollars. It should be more than enough to get you started.”

Tilda’s eyes widened as she accepted the envelope, feeling the weight of it in her hands. “Thank you, Kim. I don’t know how to repay you for everything.”

“You don’t have to repay me,” he replied sincerely. “Just promise me you’ll use this opportunity to create something amazing. Remember, you can create gold whenever you want. That skill will serve you well.”

She nodded, gratitude washing over her as she felt a surge of hope. “I will,” she promised, touching the envelope gently against her chest. “This means everything to me.”

After exchanging final goodbyes, Tilda headed toward a nearby hotel, the glow of the sign beckoning her like a lighthouse amidst an ocean of uncertainty. As she walked, trepidation clawed at her stomach, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was venturing into the unknown.

Once inside the hotel, she checked in, allowing herself a moment to breathe deeply. The lobby exuded warmth and comfort, a stark contrast to the chaotic emotions swirling within her. She would have to think about her next steps, evaluate her options, and adjust to this new life where she could finally be free.

But as she settled into her room that night, doubts crept in. “What if I’m too young to start over?” she thought, staring at the ceiling. Fear gnawed at her—what if she was unprepared for the realities of life outside DMR? She wouldn’t be able to talk to her family after everything that had happened, the haunting memories of her actions weighing heavily on her heart.

After a restless night, filled with anxious dreams that left her waking in a cold sweat, Tilda ventured out for a morning walk, needing to clear her head. The streets of the city were alive, bustling with people as towering skyscrapers reached toward the sky. It felt invigorating, yet intimidating.

As she walked, Tilda held the envelope tightly, grateful for Kim’s generosity. But her thoughts drifted to the shadows of her past, and a pang of loneliness washed over her. Unbeknownst to her, danger loomed just around the corner.

In a flash, she felt an unseen force grab her from behind, pulling her into the shadows of a nearby alley. Panic surged through her, and she struggled against her captor’s grip, but it was no use—there were too many of them. Suddenly, a cloth was pressed over her mouth, and despite her instinct to fight, darkness enveloped her as she succumbed to unconsciousness.

When Tilda awoke, she found herself in a dimly lit room, the cold stone walls surrounding her. The air was thick with despair, and the metallic scent of blood hung in the atmosphere. Confusion set in as she looked around, realizing she was not alone. Shadowy figures moved in the corners, whispers echoing in hushed tones.

Tilda tried to stand but found her wrists shackled to a cold iron bar. Panic seized her as she struggled against the bindings, fear rushing back in torrents. “Help! Someone help me!” she cried, her voice hoarse and desperate.

“Shh!” hissed one of the figures, a rough-looking woman in the shadows. “Keep your voice down, or they’ll hear you.”

“Who are you? What do you want?” Tilda trembled, the reality of her situation hitting her like a freight train. “Kidnapped? Here?”

“They sell us,” another voice growled from the darkness, a young woman seated nearby, her eyes haunted but fierce. “This place is a dungeon where they keep power holders like you, ready to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.”

Tilda felt the blood drain from her face as she absorbed the chilling reality. “No! I can’t—” she whimpered, her heart racing. She was a weak power holder, vulnerable in a way she hadn’t fully grasped until now. The very powers she had sought to master felt like a curse.

In that moment, she realized: She had traded one form of captivity for another. She lay in the cold darkness, fear coursing through her veins, desperately trying to remember how to conjure gold, how to escape, how to survive in a world that seemed intent on swallowing her whole.

The days in the dim dungeon dragged on, each blending into the next. Tilda’s heart ached with hopelessness as she sat in her cage, the weight of despair pressing down on her. Food from Daniel, delivered irregularly, did little to sustain her spirit. As she watched him come and go, she noted his hardened demeanor, mixed with a disinterest that made her uneasy. He wasn’t cruel, but he was definitely not kind—just detached, speaking with a flatness that masked any semblance of compassion.

She had to focus, to find a way to escape.

Over the days that Daniel delivered food, Tilda began to formulate a plan. She had been quietly practicing, tapping into her powers. If she could recreate the key from Daniel’s absent mind, maybe she could finally break free.

Today, as Daniel left the corridor and the echoes of his footsteps faded, Tilda seized her chance. She glanced at the other woman in the cell beside her, whose eyes were filled with a blend of hope and fear. “Stay quiet,” Tilda whispered fiercely. “If we’re going to get out, we have to be swift.”

“Do you really think we can?” the woman replied, her voice trembling. Tilda nodded, her determination fueling her conviction.

She focused intently, conjuring a small lump of gold from the air before her, shaping it into the form of the key they needed. She envisioned each contour, every ridge, as surely as she had watched Daniel fit his metal key into the lock. With a deep breath, the golden glow pulsated brightly as she shaped it, summoning her powers.

It wasn’t long before the gleaming replica lay between her hands, radiating warmth. Tilda’s heart raced with excitement and fear. “This has to work,"she thought as she approached the lock.

“Are you ready?” she asked the woman, who nodded quietly, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Tilda carefully inserted the golden key into the lock, holding her breath as she turned it. The mechanism clicked softly, and she felt a rush of triumph surging through her. She looked at the woman beside her.

They had to be careful; Daniel’s footsteps might return at any moment. They had to work quickly. “Once I get it open, we need to move fast. No noise,”Tilda said, her heart pounding in rhythm with the ticking clock of their potential discovery.

With a final twist, the lock released, and she pushed the cage door open, the rusted hinge creaking softly. Tilda’s heart raced as the weight of fear lifted ever so slightly. “Come on,” she urged, motioning for the woman to follow her out into the narrow corridor.

As they stepped into the shadows, Tilda felt a surge of exhilaration—freedom was tantalizingly close. But just as they began to move, she heard footsteps approaching from the other end of the corridor.

“Daniel! We have to hurry!” she whispered urgently, panic seeping into her voice. He wasn’t as casual as he seemed; she had learned that he was fiercely protective of the dungeons, and if he caught them, he wouldn’t hesitate to put them back in chains.

“Daniel isn’t going to let us just walk out.” The woman’s voice shook with fear.

Tilda’s mind raced. “We have to hide!” She spotted a small niche between two crates tucked against a wall and ushered the woman into it just as Daniel’s figure strode into view, grumbling to himself as he approached.

“Damn it, why can’t they just behave?” he muttered, the frustration lacing his tone. Tilda held her breath, her heart hammering as his silhouette passed mere feet from their hiding spot.

After a moment of uncertainty, Daniel’s footsteps faded away as he moved on, but Tilda knew he would be back.

“I can’t stay here,” Tilda whispered to the other woman, her resolve firming as she glanced at the now-open cell door. “We need to get out while we still can, before he comes back.”

The woman nodded, determination sparking in her eyes. “Let’s go!”

Together, they slipped quietly into the exit, moving with urgency and stealth.

Tilda and the other woman darted through the exit, the heavy door swinging open to reveal a dimly lit corridor lined with more cages. The sight sent a jolt of horror through Tilda. Inside the cages, other women huddled together, their appearances disheveled and worn. Some wore ragged clothing that hung on their frail frames, while others bore visible marks of abuse, bruises and faded scars etched upon their skin.

“This… this can’t be happening,” Tilda breathed, her heart sinking as the reality of their situation washed over her like a cold wave. “We have to help them.”

The woman beside her hesitated, fear flickering in her eyes. “But we can’t risk being caught. If Daniel comes back—”

“I don’t care!” Tilda snapped, desperation clawing at her throat. “We can’t leave them here. They need help, and I can’t just turn my back!”

As she approached one of the cages, she called out softly, “Hey! Are you okay?” But the women inside recoiled, fear washing over their faces as they cowered away from her.

“No! Stay away!” one of them cried, her voice trembling with terror. “She’ll hurt us! Just like the others!”

Tilda's heart raced at their reaction, confusion flooding her. “No! I’m not here to hurt you! I was trapped here too!”

But before she could say more, her emotions surged as memories flooded back—her parents, her cousin, the violence in the shadows. The darkness inside her, the part of her that had nearly taken control against her will, stirred fiercely.

And then, an unexpected surge of power exploded within her, followed by a blinding flash of gold that wrapped around her, pulling her deeper into the depths of despair she had tried so hard to suppress.

“Stop! Please, I don’t want to—!” Tilda screamed, clutching her head as the darkness clawed its way to the surface, a primal force that felt beyond her control.

In a moment of sheer chaos, one of the women in the cage grasped the bars, eyes wide with terror. “You’re just like them! You’re a monster!”

Before Tilda could process what was happening, the energy inside her twisted, becoming a wild, uncontrollable storm. With jerking movements, her hand shot out, and to her horror, she felt the warmth of the power surge through her fingers as a golden sword manifested—an extension of the darkness within.

The woman stumbled back as the golden blade swung out, slicing through the air. Tilda gasped, but the act of self-preservation quickly twisted into something horrific. The sword met flesh with a sickening thud, and a horrified scream echoed through the dungeon.

“No! I didn’t mean to!” Tilda wept, staring in disbelief at what she had just done. Blood pooled around the dead woman, her lifeless body crumpling to the ground as Tilda fell back, a wave of nausea crashing over her. “I didn’t want to! I—”

The other women panicked, recoiling in fear. “What have you done?!”

Just then, the commotion reverberated through the dungeon, and Tilda heard heavy footsteps approaching. “What’s going on in here?” Daniel’s voice echoed as he stormed toward them, his expression shifting from confusion to shock as he took in the scene.

“What the hell happened?” he hissed, stepping closer as his eyes fell on the body. “You! What did you do?”

Tilda shrank back against the bars of the cage, terror flooding her system. “I didn’t mean to! I just—” Her voice cracked under the weight of her despair. “I lost control!”

“Control?” Daniel spat, anger flaring in his eyes. “You think this is a game? You’re a power holder! You’re supposed to follow orders! Now you’ve made a mess for me to clean up!”

As other men joined him, the atmosphere grew tense—hostile—surrounding them like a black cloud of inevitability. “You’ll be punished for this,” one of the men sneered, stepping closer to Tilda, intimidating with the threat of violence.

“No! Please!” she pleaded, feeling the tides of despair pulling her further into the abyss. “I didn’t mean it!

But her words fell on deaf ears. The men exchanged glances, the anticipation of punishment palpable. And as they dragged her to her cage, Tilda felt a profound sense of hopelessness choke her breath.

Days passed as she remained inside the cold, unforgiving walls of confinement, haunted by the memory of her actions and the weight of her guilt. The echo of the woman's screams lingered in her mind as the realization of what she had lost sank in deeper.

“Next week, you’ll be sold,” Daniel had informed her one day, an almost casual indifference in his tone. “You’ll be gone before you can even think about running.”

The weight of that finality held Tilda in a vice grip, the knowledge that she would be destined for another buyer, perhaps another horrifying fate, tightening her chest.

*THE PRESENT*

Tilda pulled away slightly, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks as she looked into Adam’s eyes. But instead of finding a reflection of compassion, all she felt was shame. “You must hate me now,” she murmured, her voice cracking under the weight of her words.

“What? Tilda, I don’t—” Adam started, but Tilda shook her head, cutting him off. The fear and guilt that had swirled within her erupted in a surge she could no longer contain.

“No, you don’t understand!” she cried, her voice rising. “I’m not a person deserving of kindness. You know what I did inPeople died because of my me…

Tilda’s chest tightened as memories surged back, a torment she thought she had begun to escape. “There was Daniel, who warned me that if I didn’t make myself pretty, he would hurt the others… the other women. I was forced to serve the buyers, to be what they wanted me to be, and in the end, it didn’t matter! They still died.”

Her breath hitched, heavy with the grief of losses she had witnessed and the weight of her own actions. “I almost killed my parents! I couldn’t control the darkness inside me. And then… and then I killed that man who tried to violate me, even though I didn’t want to. In the alley, it was all so fast—one moment, I was afraid, and the next, I was a monster.”

Shaking her head, she pressed her hands against her mouth, stifling the sobs that broke free again. “And the worst part? I killed that girl because I thought I could save her. I thought I could help her escape, but the darkness… it took over, and I lost control again! I can’t be redeemed!”

Tilda’s body shook as she cried, the overwhelming wave of despair crashing over her like an unrelenting tide. “You should hate me. I wouldn’t blame you if you never forgave me for what I’ve done.”

But despite her heartache, Tilda found herself gripping Adam’s stightly, pulling him close, needing the comfort of his presence. “I don’t want you to see me like this. I don’t want you to remember the monster I became.”

“Tilda, listen to me,” he said softly, his voice steady through her cries. “I don’t hate you. You’re not a monster. You’ve endured so much, and you were forced into situations that no one should have to face."

Tilda could feel the warmth radiating from him, his unwavering support grounding her amidst the storm of guilt and sorrow. She clung to him, desperately seeking solace in the midst of her inner chaos. “But I hurt so many people, Adam,” she whispered, the jagged pieces of her heart laid bare. “How can you possibly forgive me?”

“You don’t have to earn my forgiveness. Just being here, sharing this with me… that’s a step forward. You’re not defined by your past, Tilda. They tried to break you, but you’re still standing, still fighting.”

As she surrendered to the comfort of his embrace, Tilda felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. if only she could find a way to forgive herself.... The road ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but with Adam by her side, she felt ready to confront her past—one tear,one step at a time.