Chapter 11: Choices in the Mist

After sealing the "Source," the city of Arcanum experienced a moment of calm. The Oblivion Array continued to emit a faint glow, while the mysterious man stood silently nearby, his gaze fixed on the crystal. His expression held a mix of relief and deep exhaustion.

"What now?" Qin Yao, supporting a weakened Lin Yao, asked warily. "The 'Source' is sealed, but is it truly safe?"

The mysterious man replied in a low voice, "The seal is only temporary. The essence of the 'Source' won't change. One day, it will be awakened again by power and greed."

"Then how do we resolve it for good?" Lin Yao asked, her voice weak but resolute.

The mysterious man shook his head. "Unless you find Arcanum's creator, Alcano—or what remains of his legacy."

1. Alcano's Puzzle

Lin Yao frowned. "Didn't Alcano already…?"

The mysterious man sneered. "Do you really think Alcano is dead? He may no longer have a body, but his consciousness still lingers in this city. You've already seen it—that crystal on the altar contains a fragment of his soul."

"His soul?" Qin Yao recalled the vision from the altar. "You're saying he deliberately bound himself to the 'Source' to force someone to solve this?"

"Exactly." The mysterious man nodded. "Alcano wasn't entirely evil. He simply gambled wrong. Now, the deepest truth of the 'Source' lies within his fragmented soul."

2. Soul Trial

"How do we find him?" Lin Yao asked anxiously. "This city is so vast, and where could his soul be hiding?"

The mysterious man pointed towards the city's depths. "In the Tower of Mist, Alcano's laboratory in life and the place where he hid his secrets. But anyone who dares to enter must undergo his soul trial."

"Trial?" Qin Yao and Lin Yao both frowned.

"The trial will strip away your defenses and expose your deepest fears and secrets. Be prepared—failure means not only the destruction of your soul but also the possibility of becoming part of the 'Source.'"

3. Journey to the Tower of Mist

Despite the danger, Qin Yao and Lin Yao exchanged a determined glance, their eyes burning with resolve.

"No matter the cost, we'll uncover Alcano's truth!" Qin Yao declared firmly.

The mysterious man gave a faint, complex smile. "You two are insane. Perhaps only people like you can break this endless cycle."

After a brief rest, the trio set off for the Tower of Mist.

4. Enshrouded by Fog

The Tower of Mist loomed into the sky, surrounded by a thick haze. With every step, the fog seemed to erode their minds, accompanied by whispers that murmured temptations in their ears.

"Yao Yao, stay close. Don't let the voices trick you!" Qin Yao tightened his grip on Lin Yao's hand, struggling to stay alert.

"Don't worry, I won't leave you." Lin Yao smiled faintly, though her palms were damp with sweat.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the mist, gradually becoming clear—it was Lin Yao's mother!

"Yao Yao, do you really think he can protect you? Following him will only lead to your destruction!" Lin Yao's mother said coldly.

Lin Yao's face turned pale. "Mom? That's impossible… You're already…"

Qin Yao tightened his grip on her hand, his voice steady and firm. "Yao Yao, this isn't real! It's testing your heart—don't believe it!"

Lin Yao closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before shaking off the illusion. "No! He's my choice, and I won't give him up!"

The illusion shattered, and the fog thinned slightly.