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Jujutsu Kaisen: Rolling the Dices

作者: OneWound

章節 1: Chapter 1: The Beginning

In a higher place, two old people, strangely similar to a certain constellation, were chatting under a grand, ancient tree while playing chess. Each move they made seemed to ripple through the cosmos. As one of them moved his king, the world itself appeared to shift in response. He looked at his opponent, his eyes piercing with wisdom accumulated over eons, and with a hoarse yet authoritative voice, he asked, "What do you think a human needs to reach the top?"

Intrigued by the question, the other replied, "Hard work and persistence. That's how I reached the top." His voice was rusty and weathered, carrying the weight of countless struggles and triumphs.

"Well, my answer is quite the opposite. It's all about chance and the power to change it." He moved his king with deliberate precision, and the heavens seemed to hold their breath, focusing their attention on him.

"Let's test that theory, shall we?" The first man's eyes gleamed with a competitive spark. "See who's right. So, how much are you willing to bet?"

"You were always like this. I am willing to bet five."

"Only five? Isn't that a bit too little?"

"No, five million."

"Pfft, you're going to empty my assets. But since you're so adamant, I'll bet the same."

The atmosphere grew tense, and suddenly the wind fell silent as the game restarted. Both men focused intently on the chessboard, moving their pawns simultaneously. Their eyes shone brightly as if peering through space and time, seeing the myriad possibilities and outcomes of their moves.

As they played, the chessboard became a battlefield where their philosophies clashed. Each piece moved with purpose, representing a calculated risk or a twist of fate. The king, queen, knights, and pawns danced under their command, embodying the eternal struggle between effort and luck.

With each passing moment, the stakes seemed to rise, and the cosmos itself felt the weight of their game. Stars flickered, constellations shifted, and the universe watched in silent anticipation. The tree under which they sat rustled with an ancient wisdom, bearing witness to this cosmic duel.

Suddenly, a pawn moved to the other side of the board, transforming into a queen. The transformation rippled through the cosmos, sending a shockwave of energy that resonated with every being in existence. The two old men exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the significance of this pivotal moment.

As the game progressed, their strategies unfolded, revealing the depths of their understanding and the strength of their convictions. The board was a microcosm of their beliefs, a stage upon which they played out the eternal conflict between destiny and determination.

Finally, with a decisive move, one of them captured the opposing king, ending the game. The victor leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "It seems, my friend, that luck can be guided, but only through skill and insight."

The defeated man chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Perhaps. But never underestimate the power of sheer will and hard work. In the end, it's a combination of both that shapes our fates."

With that, they stood up, their figures dissolving into stardust, leaving the chessboard behind as evidence to their timeless debate. The ancient tree swayed gently, its leaves whispering the secrets of the universe, and the stars above resumed their eternal dance, forever marked by the game that had just transpired.

In another part of the universe, inside a grand, dimly lit house adorned with ancient relics and family heirlooms, a tense conversation was unfolding. The air was thick with a mix of anger and desperation.

"Are you sure you want to leave?" The voice of the father echoed through the hall, carrying an authoritative tone with a certain ringing that commanded attention. His eyes bore into his son, searching for any sign of hesitation.

"Father, I hate this place, and my wife hates it even more. Our son... he's just so annoying. I know we're a clan and we're supposed to stay together, but I'm tired of this forsaken bullshit. I just want to be normal. It's just too much responsibility," the son retorted, his voice trembling with a mix of frustration and defiance.

The father's expression hardened, his gaze becoming steely. "Fine. Get out and never come back. And maybe give me that since it might be too much responsibility for you." He pointed to a pendant hanging around his son's neck, a symbol of their lineage and power.

The son's face twisted in a mix of rage and sorrow. Clenching his jaw, he yanked the pendant off and threw it on the floor. "Take it," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. Fear and resentment battled within him, but he dared not defy his father any further. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving behind a legacy and a burden he could no longer bear.

As he walked away from the house, his steps echoed with the finality of his decision. He knew he was abandoning more than just a home; he was leaving behind his heritage, his family, and the weight of expectations that had suffocated him for so long. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in his life, he felt a glimmer of freedom.

Inside the house, the father picked up the discarded pendant, his expression unreadable. The tarnished silver chain dangled from his fingers, catching the dim light. He sighed deeply, a mix of disappointment and sadness filling his heart. The pendant was more than just a piece of jewellery, it was a symbol of power and responsibility, a record of achievements.

Turning to face the shadows that clung to the corners of the room, he called out, his voice heavy with resignation, "Feed him. Seems like I'll need to raise another boy. What do you think his name should be?"

A figure emerged from the darkness, barely more than a silhouette. Its voice was low and uncertain. "I don't think I am fit for the job. However, I can suggest Apple. I think it would fit him perfectly."

The father snorted, a mixture of amusement and irritation crossing his face. "Never mind. I knew I shouldn't have asked you." He paused, the atmosphere thick with tension, and then suddenly his face contorted. A strange, almost maniacal smile spread across his lips as he declared, "His name will be Crux Imai."

The room fell silent, the name hanging in the air like a curse. The figure in the shadows hesitated before stepping back, melting into the darkness once more. The father stood alone, clutching the pendant tightly in his hand, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. Crux Imai. A name that carried weight, a name that signified a new beginning, and perhaps, a chance for redemption.

Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windows and doors. The father glanced around the room, his eyes settling on the empty crib in the corner. It was time to start over, to nurture and guide another young life. The name Crux Imai would be his beacon, his reminder of the path he must tread.

As he walked towards the crib, he couldn't shake the feeling that this time, things would be different. This time, he would succeed where he had previously failed. And with that thought, he gently placed the pendant on the edge of the crib, a silent vow to the boy who would soon bear the name Crux Imai.