Bab 2: Kabbalah
Kazuma's brow furrowed in frustration; he was quite certain he had entered the access code correctly. So, why did he find himself in a completely unrelated group chat, seemingly disconnected from the school he was about to transfer to?
Doubt gnawed at him as he revisited the code and quickly realized his error. It turned out that the number zero and the letter 'O' had swapped places the moment he punched in the code. Additionally, the letters 'I' and the lowercase 'L' had cunningly disguised themselves as well. These slip-ups led to Kazuma inadvertently stumbling into a group chat filled with unfamiliar faces.
Taking a breath to calm his racing heart, he carefully entered the correct code this time. As the virtual doors swung open to his designated group chat, he was greeted warmly by his soon-to-be classmates.
However, his misadventure left him pondering the other chat group he had unintentionally joined. Regrettably, he couldn't simply exit. There was a binding rule in Harmony: new members had to remain in the group chat for a week before being allowed to depart. Kazuma found himself trapped in a place he never intended to be.
Intrigued by the Kabbalah chat server, he decided to take a look. He was aware of the peculiar conversations happening in the Harmony chat app, and there was a chance that this group chat was linked to some sort of cult. So, it wouldn't surprise him if it turned out to be one.
Upon entering the group chat, he noticed a variety of channels within the Kabbalah server, most of which were inaccessible due to different ranks. He assumed this was some sort of leveling system, granting access to new channels as one progressed in rank. For the time being, he could only participate in the general chat, Malkuth chat, and the channels listed under the Asiyah label. It seemed that the first level was the Malkuth level.
The terminology used in the group was unfamiliar to him, but the names had a certain appeal. However, their meaning and the reason they sounded ancient or religious remained a mystery.
As he explored the Asiyah channels, he came across four tabs: Eradication Requests, Basics, Low Tier Store, and Giveaways. While the Low Tier Store, Basics, and Giveaways tabs seemed somewhat self-explanatory, the Eradication Requests tab puzzled him. It gave off a rather unsettling vibe, almost as if it were related to something sinister, like assassination requests.
Yet, despite his growing curiosity, he was more interested in understanding the fundamentals of this server and why it was named in such a way. He couldn't help but worry that he had inadvertently entered a chat with cult-like associations and that it was a private group for such individuals.
Anxious, Kazuma glanced at the tab, and with trembling fingers, he tapped "Basics" on his phone.
Suddenly, his screen transformed, displaying an unexpected holographic image. This was puzzling, considering his phone was far from being advanced enough for such technology – just a regular smartphone.
"What the heck?!" he exclaimed in surprise, unintentionally dropping his phone. Fortunately, it was protected by a sturdy case that absorbed the impact, preventing any damage. Still bewildered, he picked it up.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a holographic representation of a human figure. As he touched it, a mechanical female voice began speaking from his phone. It wasn't the usual AI voice he'd heard in videos or on his device – it belonged to someone unfamiliar who sounded like a real person more than an AI. Intrigued, he decided to listen in, fearing he might miss something important.
"The human body, as we know it, is simply a physical form with no special attributes or extraordinary qualities, other than its ability to perform standard functions. However, even within the framework of the human body's natural capabilities, there exists a way to enhance it and reach new heights."
Kazuma wasn't quite sure what he was hearing, but he decided to continue listening, as it piqued his interest.
The visuals shifted to Earth, and the explanation continued.
"The world is situated in the foundational plane of existence, the very essence of creation. Would you believe that this world is divided into four distinct realms? It may seem unlikely, but these realms do indeed exist. Normal humans cannot access them, and even those who have transcended beyond human limitations have no access either. Yet, the world as we know it wouldn't be the same without these hidden dimensions I'm talking about."
However, the conversation then returned to the earlier discussion about the human model.
"But for now, I'll provide you with some basic information. You might be a novice, knowing very little about this world, and that's perfectly okay. Every journey starts with a first step. You're currently at the Malkuth level, the lowest rank. You might have been brought here due to your potential or someone's choice. If that's the case, keep on listening."
"What if I told you there are beings out there threatening the balance of the world? Yes, you heard me correctly. These entities are often considered supernatural by ordinary people, but there's no such thing as the supernatural. It's the result of malevolent forces at work. These entities are beyond human comprehension and defy simple explanations. We call them 'The Qlipoth,' and they're the malevolent influence behind the incidents that currently jeopardize our world."
Something strange appeared on the screen, leaving Kazuma baffled. It was grotesque and utterly inexplicable. As he stared at it, an intense headache struck him, accompanied by a series of flashing images. He winced in pain as the explanation continued.
"They want to destroy the world and take over all existing realms. They're a growing threat that needs to be stopped. So, you might be wondering, 'What can we do about it?' That's where we step in. You might still be learning the basics, but that's where it all starts. In ancient times, we were known as Mystics, wielding powers beyond those of regular humans. Nowadays, we go by a different name: Magicians."
"Human beings have the power to prevent the Qlipoth from taking over and stealing our world. That power is what we call magic. It's always been within us, but it was never meant to be used casually. It was reserved for emergencies and self-defense. However, with the Qlipoth Anomaly spreading, we have no choice but to tap into that hidden potential. That's what magic is all about."
Kazuma couldn't bear the intense headache any longer, so he turned off his phone, cutting short the explanation he was receiving. He headed to the bathroom, where he vomited as a rush of unfamiliar yet strangely familiar images overwhelmed him.
Desperately, he splashed water on his face, hoping it was all just a dream, that what he had witnessed and experienced was a bizarre illusion. However, when he opened his eyes, he was still standing there, staring at his reflection in the mirror, trying to catch his breath.
One thing became clear as he tried to make sense of the explanation - it seemed to trigger some buried memories, resurfacing them. Yet, the strain was taking a toll on his body. Deciding he needed to rest, he resolved to return to the explanation later. Answers were necessary.
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????: I never heard of someone recruiting a new Malkuth to our group chat. Did anyone tell you about this, chief?"
???: No. This Malkuth is new. Based on his activities, it seems he managed to activate the tutorial which means he has the potential. However, that is not the case here especially since this new Malkuth seems to be a new account.
????: Do you want me to investigate?
???: Yes. Determine whether we needed to eliminate the person himself or keep him. Removing the person in question is not possible due to the Harmony policy so I will assign you to make surveillance on this new Malkuth and determine whether we need him to be eliminated in this chat group or keep him with us. We can't risk danger in the Kabbalah due to some mistake.
???: Understood.
??? has logged out.
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