Chapter 4 Echoes of a new world.

Chapter 4: Echoes of a New World

After 2 straight days of continuing on the same path, the forest began to thin around them until it eventually gave way to a dirt road that cut through some rolling hills and patches of farmland.

[Initiating Solar recharge]

[Nano Systems Energy levels at 99.9%]

Gift and Sera followed the path in silence, the weight of their journey pressing down on them like an unseen hand. As the first rays of dawn shinned, Pixel passively initiated the nano tech systems solar charging function.

During these two days of constant trekking, Gift's energy levels had never once fallen below 99.9999999%, With his several recharge sources such as Solar energy, Lunar energy, Atmospheric energy, Wind energy and several others, He was able to keep his energy levels at peak levels all the time.

" Let's hurry, I don't want us to encounter another problem considering that's it's already morning..., If someone were to see me then" Sera said, her voice trailing off at the end.

Gift simply nodded in understanding which made Sera feel a little bit better.

She speed up her pace and Gift closely followed behind.

With Sera's agile speed, it wasn't long before they saw a few soft glows of lanterns appearing in the distance, marking the outskirts of a small village. With the arrival of the first rays of dawn, The lanterns bright sheens were slowly being outmatched and by the looks of it, it wouldn't be long before the villagers came out to take them down.

Gift turned to Sera who's serpentine half was coiled at a spot by his side, His golden eyes reflected a warm glow.

"We'll need to be careful. After listening to what you had to say about the humans in this kingdom, i'm definitely sure that they won't be so welcoming if you threaded into their village. Moreover, I really need to see if I can at least gather some information from them, Anything that might be helpful concerning my current situation" Gift gestured towards the village in the distance.

Sera nodded, her serpentine lower half coiling slightly in apprehension. "I can't go with you. It’s too dangerous for both of us. So how about we meet somewhere else later on instead.

" Splendid idea, judging by the areas geographical features, am sure there's bound to be a cave or something similar nearby where you could can wait." Gift nodded.

Gifts eyes glowed a technological hue as he scanned the landscape, his enhanced vision surveying every single detail in the fading light, from the thermal energy of the earth, vegetation and hidden wildlife to the burrows and holes underground.

Not far from the village, He spotted a rocky outcrop that might provide some shelter. "There," he said, pointing. " I've already scanned the area and am sure it’s safe. You could hide there in the meantime till I arrive." Gift said with a smile.

Sera nodded in return, They both moved quickly, the days refreshing breeze brushing against them.

As they approached the outcrop, Gift found a small cave tucked into the hillside. It was shallow but dry, the perfect temporary shelter.

" It's a bit dirty though...." Gift used his finger to skim across the caves surface, raising his dust coloured finger to his eyes, his brows furrowing in displeasure.

The cave was damp and dark, the air heavy with the scent of earth and moss. The walls were jagged, and the ground uneven, scattered with debris from the forest outside.

" It's ok, I can at least manage this much, cough~" Sera tried reassuring him only to cough after inhaling some dust which were stuck on the walls.

" Could you please step outside for a moment?" Gift suddenly said, sparking her interest.

" Huh?, What for?" Sera asked.

Gift remained silent, instead scanning the interior once more, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.

The cave was small but deep enough to provide shelter and a degree of safety. But it was far from comfortable, far from what Sera deserved after all she had endured. He turned to her, his resolve hardening.

" I just need to make a few adjustments, I promise it won't take long" Gift replied back while scanning the interior of the cave with his now glowing eyes. The look of concentration on his face suggested that he had something in mind.

Sera looked at him, skepticism flickering in her golden eyes. "How?, With what?, There's nothing here but rock and dirt."

" You shouldn’t have to live like this" he said, his voice steady. " Just step outside for a moment and let me take care of it "

" Fine..., suit yourself " Sera said, still confused as to what he was planning on doing. She calmly slithered out of the cave.

_What could he be up to this time?_ She wondered, now outside the cave.

*******

Meanwhile, Within the cave.

" It has been a long time since I decorated a room but I think I still got it " Gift mumbled to himself, now alone in the cave.

_Pixel, increase speed limits to 10%_ He said calmly.

[Command Acknowledged: increasing speed limits to 10%]

The instant pixel replied, Gifts body began emitting a light amount of steam as his body began heating up, However, it wasn't long before the steam subsided and a cool wave surged throughout his whole body.

_Now let's get started_

He took a step back, centering himself as he activated the nanotechnology fused within him. His suit responded instantly, the nano-bots that were a part of his body coming to life, humming with energy as they spread within his body like blood cells. In an instant, he felt the familiar rush of enhanced strength and speed, his senses sharpening, his muscles coiling with power.

Moving with a precision and speed that seemed almost impossible, Gift began to work. He darted around the cave, his hands a blur as he began to reshape the space. The nano-bots responded to his every thought, transforming the raw materials around him into something new.