Chapter 23: Unveiling the Truth
The forest was still, an eerie silence enveloping the night. The MC stood motionless, gripping the relic tightly as the shadows of the mysterious figure faded away. The lingering chill of their aura remained, sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't shake the sense of dread that had crept into his heart.
"Bearer of Tebu…" The figure's words echoed in his mind, their weight pressing on his chest like a stone. Who were they? And how did they know about his system?
He slumped against a tree, his body finally giving in to exhaustion. Shadow Fang, his loyal creature, circled him protectively, its glowing eyes scanning the dark forest for any remaining threats.
"Good job, buddy," the MC muttered, patting the creature's sleek fur. Shadow Fang nuzzled his hand in response, its warmth a small comfort in the cold night.
The Tebu system's voice broke the silence.
Host's energy reserves critically low. Recommend rest and recovery.
"No kidding," the MC muttered. He rubbed his temple, his thoughts racing. The relic's presence in his hands felt heavier than ever, its power humming faintly but insistently.
"System, what do you know about the Eye of Origin?"
Relic analysis incomplete. Synchronization at 23%. Full functionality requires further combat experience or exposure to high-energy environments.
The MC groaned. "Typical. Nothing ever comes easy, does it?"
---
The Relic's Whisper
As he leaned back against the tree, the relic seemed to pulse in his hands. He frowned, lifting it to eye level. The intricate carvings on its surface shimmered faintly, as if alive.
Then, without warning, a voice—not the system's—whispered in his mind.
"The path ahead is treacherous, but you have chosen it. Embrace the chaos, and the truth will reveal itself."
The MC jolted, nearly dropping the relic. He stared at it, his heart pounding. "What the hell was that?"
The Tebu system's voice chimed in immediately.
Warning: Host is experiencing psychic interference. Relic appears to possess sentient properties.
"You could've told me that earlier," the MC snapped, his voice laced with frustration.
Sentience detection was previously unavailable due to incomplete synchronization.
The relic pulsed again, but this time, it was gentler, almost reassuring. The MC's grip tightened as he felt a strange connection forming between him and the object. It wasn't just a tool; it was something far more significant.
---
A Fateful Decision
The MC exhaled deeply, his breath visible in the cold air. He knew he couldn't linger here for long. The figure's warning was clear: more danger was coming.
"System, where's the nearest safe zone?"
Analyzing… Safe zone located approximately 12 kilometers northeast. Path is clear of immediate threats.
The MC nodded. He stood, his legs trembling beneath him. Shadow Fang growled softly, sensing his unease.
"Come on, Fang. Let's move before they catch up."
The two began their trek through the forest, the moonlight casting long shadows around them. Each step felt heavier than the last, but the MC pushed forward, driven by a mix of fear and determination.
---
The Safe Zone
Hours later, they arrived at the edge of a secluded clearing. A small, abandoned cabin sat in the center, its wooden exterior weathered by time. The Tebu system confirmed it was free of threats, and the MC wasted no time stepping inside.
The interior was sparse but functional—an old table, a few chairs, and a makeshift bed in the corner. Dust covered every surface, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling.
"Not exactly luxurious, but it'll do," he muttered.
He set the relic down on the table and collapsed onto the bed, his body sinking into the worn mattress. Shadow Fang curled up at his feet, its steady breathing a comforting presence.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the MC allowed himself to relax.
---
Visions of the Past
But sleep didn't come easily. As soon as his eyes closed, the relic's energy surged, pulling him into a vivid vision.
He found himself standing in a vast, desolate wasteland. The sky was an unnatural shade of red, and the ground beneath him was cracked and scorched.
In the distance, he saw figures locked in a brutal battle. They wielded powers unlike anything he had ever seen—flames that consumed the heavens, shadows that devoured light, and weapons that seemed to hum with life.
At the center of it all was a figure cloaked in golden light, holding the Eye of Origin. Their presence was overwhelming, their power shaking the very ground.
The MC tried to move closer, but the vision began to blur. The Tebu system's voice echoed faintly in the background, trying to pull him back.
"Remember this," a voice—different from the system—whispered. "Your choices will shape the future. Do not falter."
---
A New Resolve
The MC woke with a start, his chest heaving. Sweat dripped down his face as he sat up, his heart racing. Shadow Fang stirred, its eyes glowing softly in the dim light.
"Another vision," he murmured, running a hand through his hair. He glanced at the relic on the table, its carvings glowing faintly. "What are you trying to show me?"
The Tebu system chimed.
Host's mental state: Stable. Recommend further synchronization with the relic to uncover additional information.
The MC stood, his resolve hardening. The visions, the whispers, the warnings—they all pointed to one thing: the Eye of Origin was more than just a relic. It was a key, and he needed to understand its purpose.
But first, he needed to prepare. The figure in the forest had been a warning of what was to come. More enemies would come for him, and he couldn't face them in his current state.
"Shadow Fang, it's time to train. We've got work to do."
The creature growled in agreement, its eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The MC stepped out of the cabin, the first rays of dawn breaking through the trees. The world was vast and full of danger, but he was ready to face it head-on.
For his sister. For the truth. For the future.