Chapter 9: Whispers in the City

Stepping through the stone gate, the blinding light gradually faded, revealing a world entirely foreign to Qin Yao and Lin Yao.

Before them lay a city that fused the ancient with the futuristic. Towering buildings constructed from peculiar metals and ancient stones pierced the sky, massive floating platforms hovered in midair, and the ground was inscribed with intricate rune arrays that pulsed with blue light.

"This… is the 'Hidden Domain'?" Lin Yao murmured in disbelief, taking in the surreal landscape.

The mysterious figure scoffed, his voice cold. "This city is called 'Arcano.' It was the original testing ground for humanity and beasts, and the birthplace of the 'Source' itself."

"A testing ground?" Qin Yao's sharp instincts caught the significance of the term, and his tone turned cautious. "Are you saying this was all… man-made?"

The stranger did not answer directly but instead walked toward a massive altar at the city's center. Pointing to the carvings on the altar, he said, "Here lies the history of the 'Source.' See for yourselves."

The Secrets of the Carvings

Qin Yao and Lin Yao looked up at the carvings, their expressions gradually turning grim.

• First Section: In the distant past, humans discovered a mysterious energy source. This energy not only enhanced human physical capabilities but also granted them control over nature itself.

• Second Section: However, the overuse of the energy awakened the beasts. These creatures, initially ordinary animals, mutated after prolonged exposure to the energy and began waging war against humanity.

• Third Section: To fight back, humans tried to create new lifeforms using the energy, but this led to the eventual loss of control over the "Source."

Lin Yao pointed to a massive creature depicted in the carvings, its form seemingly awakening. Her voice trembled. "Is this… the 'Source'?"

The mysterious figure nodded solemnly. "Yes. The 'Source' is the core of this city and its greatest curse."

A Looming Threat

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed from deep within the city, and the ground began to quake slightly, as though something massive was stirring.

"Dammit! Your arrival has triggered the seals. The 'Source' is beginning to awaken!" The stranger's face darkened.

Qin Yao swiftly drew his weapon and positioned himself in front of Lin Yao. "What do we do now?"

The stranger gritted his teeth. "Head to the city's core. The 'Annihilation Array' there can reseal the 'Source,' but the cost is—"

"What's the cost?" Lin Yao pressed urgently.

The stranger hesitated, then spoke, his voice heavy. "The cost is that someone must offer their life as the anchor."

Before they could react, the tremors intensified. A surge of black energy erupted from the depths of the city, and a colossal beast emerged from the swirling energy. Its eyes burned like twin infernos, and its enormous body seemed to suffocate the very air around it.

"Damn it! Part of the 'Source's' power has already materialized!" The stranger cursed under his breath. "Go! I'll hold it off!"

A Desperate Gamble

"No!" Qin Yao grabbed the stranger's arm. "You can't fight that thing alone. We need to figure this out together!"

The stranger sneered. "Boy, do you think you're some kind of hero? Against the 'Source,' you're no more than an ant!"

Qin Yao's gaze remained firm. "Then let's test it. We'll figure out a way to seal it and survive."

In that moment, the massive beast lunged toward them. Lin Yao, despite her weakened state, formed a seal with her hands. A brilliant white light shot toward the creature's head, forcing it to retreat a few steps.

"Lin Yao!" Qin Yao's heart ached as he saw her collapse, catching her just in time. "Stop pushing yourself so hard!"

Lin Yao smiled faintly through her labored breaths. "I'll be fine… As long as we're together, we can overcome anything."

The stranger observed them, his expression softening ever so slightly. In a low voice, he muttered, "You're surprising, I'll give you that. Fine, I'll help."

Facing the Core

The trio fought their way to the city's core, facing relentless attacks from beasts along the way. Each encounter brought them to the brink, but their synergy and resolve carried them through.

Finally, they reached a massive circular altar. At its center was a giant crystalline structure radiating an intense blue light. Inside, a strange, liquid-like substance swirled—the very essence of the "Source."

The stranger gestured toward six towering stone pillars surrounding the altar. "To activate the Annihilation Array, all of these pillars must be powered. Each requires someone to channel energy into it."

Qin Yao frowned. "But there are only three of us. How can we manage that?"

The stranger replied, "I can use a special rune to divide my energy, but the remaining pillars are up to you two."

Leaning on the altar for support, Lin Yao spoke with unshakable determination. "Don't worry about me. I'll help."

Qin Yao hesitated, but seeing the fire in her eyes, he nodded. "Alright. Together."

They placed their hands on the pillars, and as the runes lit up, the altar began to hum with power. The massive beast, now fully enraged, charged toward them, unleashing an ear-splitting roar.

"Hurry! We're running out of time!" the stranger shouted.

The final battle was about to begin.