Omni-Priest

The sun sank in the west, shedding its golden radiance like a discarded garment, staining the clouds at the horizon with a crimson hue. The dim twilight spilled downward, casting a dreamlike, almost illusory ambiance over the land. The ancient autumn forest stood empty, desolate, and bleak, devoid of any warmth. The bare branches, stripped of their lush green splendor, resembled skeletal frames, lifeless and grim. A deathly silence enveloped the woods, broken only by the slowly shifting remnants of the setting sun’s glow, which offered a faint warmth in the tranquil space. Yet, this place seemed to belong to the realm of shadows, rendering even the sunset’s consolation tinged with sorrow. Perhaps it was a sanctuary for lonely souls. In the heart of the forest, a boy who appeared no older than eleven or twelve sat on a rock, his gaze hollow, lost in thought as he pondered his future. The boy’s name was Ed. He was one of the many who had crossed over from the 21st century, a fortunate soul who had transmigrated into the body of another Ed in this world, endowed with a unique reward. In his previous life, Ed had been an ordinary man, living at the bottom of the social pyramid. He often consoled himself with a sense of ironic optimism, finding fleeting happiness within his small circle. But in the quiet of the night, his heart swelled with discontent. As a man, who wouldn’t want to live a glorious life? Ed had tried to change his fate, but life seldom bends to one’s will easily. Now, Ed had crossed over, possessing unique magical abilities unheard of by others. The wealth, beauty, status, and power he could never attain in his past life—he was determined to seize them all in this one. The thought of his future filled Ed with both deep fear and boundless hope. This was a world where democracy and freedom were nonexistent, a place where the strong reigned supreme, and the weak could perish at any moment. On the other side of the forest where the boy resided… Whoosh… The autumn wind swept through, causing the dried branches to moan like mournful whispers. Rustle, rustle…The sound of hurried footsteps grew closer. A slender figure darted swiftly through the bleak autumn woods, pursued closely by two others of similar build. Suddenly, a red shadow flashed from the side, a cold glint of a sword aimed directly at the pursued girl’s delicate neck. Clang! A crisp sound of clashing blades rang out as the girl deftly parried the ambush with her own weapon. This was a place the locals called "Villain’s Island." The girl, Jessica, was a student of the Academy of Villainy. Today was the academy’s regular trial day, yet she found herself inexplicably hunted by three other girls, her life hanging by a thread. Jessica’s once finely crafted attire was now tattered, her smooth skin marred by shocking wounds. Though they were all children, her attackers showed no mercy, their cruelty more befitting seasoned soldiers than youths. Blocking one sword strike with her own blade, Jessica sidestepped just in time to evade another aimed at her throat. But facing three opponents, she could not avoid the third assailant’s attack. A sharp blade sliced through the air, drawing a line of crimson across Jessica’s waist, adding another deep gash to her injuries. Jessica knew that if this continued, death was inevitable. The concept of death may be simple to write, but when faced with its reality, few can remain composed. Panic and confusion were natural reactions; not wetting oneself in fear was already an achievement. Yet Jessica, a mere twelve-year-old girl, maintained a sliver of calm. The children of Villain’s Island possessed a maturity far beyond outsiders’ imaginations. The three girls were confident they could kill Jessica, but they had underestimated her—and her master. Jessica’s master was a powerhouse who could stride unchallenged even on an island teeming with strong individuals. Naturally, he had taught his prized disciple a few life-saving techniques. Overwhelmed by the trio’s relentless assault, Jessica suddenly leaped backward, her slender wrist twisting swiftly as she executed a beautiful sword-blossom technique. One blossom followed another, then a third, a fourth—in an instant, Jessica unleashed almost all her remaining energy. The sword-blossoms burst forth, converging into a larger, more dazzling floral pattern—no, it was no longer just a sword-blossom. It resembled a blooming flower, enchanting yet deadly. In that critical moment, Jessica produced fourteen sword-blossoms, a feat born of desperation, surpassing her usual limit by two. Her master, by comparison, could effortlessly conjure 108. But against these three, fourteen was enough. As the dazzling sword-blossoms erupted, the three girls simultaneously chose to retreat, leaping backward with all their strength. They could feel the intense sword energy; to stay meant certain death. In the brief moment they retreated, Jessica did not flee. Instead, she swiftly pulled a scroll from her robes and hurled it to the ground before leaping high into a nearby tree. If her master had taught her life-saving techniques, it stood to reason that her grandfather would have equipped her with treasures as well. The scroll was a magical one. Though her clothes were in tatters, the scroll, hidden securely in her waistband, had remained intact and now proved its worth. The mixed magic "Swamp Confinement" was the spell contained within the scroll. As the three girls retreated from the sword-blossoms and prepared to resume their attack, they were shocked to find the ground beneath them softening, transforming into a swamp that trapped them in place. Unable to move, the trio dared not struggle; their strength was insufficient to break free. Similarly, Jessica, now perched safely in the tree, refrained from attacking. The magic was indiscriminate—stepping onto the swamp would trap her as well. Casting a hateful glance at her trapped pursuers, Jessica turned decisively and leaped to another tree. The "Swamp Confinement" spell had a time limit. She had to escape before it expired. Watching Jessica disappear into the forest, the trapped girls exchanged glances and shouted in unison, "Jessica, this is our fight! If you don’t want us to look down on you, settle this yourself!"